As another largely successful Saratoga meeting comes to an end on Labor Day, there is real change in the air, surrounding not only the historic upstate track but also New York racing in general. In many ways this is the last Saratoga meeting of its kind, and that is meant in a good way.

The Del Mar Debutante lost its sponsorship hook for this year’s running, which is normally something this corner would quickly overlook in a shifting world of corporate fortunes. I still get laugh out of stuff named Enron.

The Debutante, however, had Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley brand along for the ride the past two seasons – specifically the Darley America breeding operation in Kentucky – which gave the race a certain patina of respectability not necessarily transmitted by, say, a purveyor of fast foods, or electronic devices. Yes, Virginia, there was once an Eveready Epsom Derby.

Oklahoma and Alabama.

With the college football season kicking off this week, I’m sure you have heard plenty of people saying that Oklahoma and Alabama are on a collision course to meet in the BCS national title game in the Louisiana Superdome on Jan. 9.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – At the Jockey Club Round Table earlier this month, leaders of the racing industry gathered to discuss the well-known issues facing the sport, such as the decline in its popularity and the steady erosion of betting totals in the United States. However, a principal subject was one that most fans would not even recognize as an issue, because it was resolved so long ago.

Excuse all of us provincials for enjoying the heck out of the Pacific Classic last weekend, featuring two awfully good racehorses performing at the top of their games before a just-right crowd who showed up mainly for the pleasure of watching the show. Okay, there were T-shirts, too.

Ed Martin, the president of Racing Commissioners International, has made some wise moves in the last year.

None was wiser than his hiring Steve May as vice president and business manager of the organization of racing commissioners.

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“I’m getting a little anxious,” said John Sadler. “I wish it was Sunday today. He’s ready.”

A year ago, two of owner Mike Repole’s 2-year-olds scored lengthy maiden victories at Saratoga. Stay Thirsty won by 5 1/2 lengths on Aug. 14, and two weeks later on the Travers undercard, a first-time stater named Uncle Mo won by 14 1/4 lengths.

There is no good reason anyone should think that Acclamation could win the $1 million Pacific Classic on Sunday at Del Mar, except for the fact that he is a proven stayer with speed to spare and he’s in the best form of his life.