NBA Finals are done. NHL finals are done. NFL training camps are weeks off. MLB is sole major sport playing. North of the 49th we have CFL and FIFA women’s world cup.

Yet pick up any sports section or check any sports website and the scribes are paying more attention to who the Chicago Blackhawks will be picking in the 7th round of the NHL draft than they are to the recent Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

Brisnet – American Pharoah to parade between 7TH and 8TH races at Santa Anita

ESPN – Burnside – NHL expansion announcement was momentous moment

Phil has a question:

Would Burnside know a real momentous moment if it came up and bit him on the ass.

Is the NHL going to call the Las Vegas team the Pigeons in honour of all the suckers pulling the slot levers.

Grantland – Baker – Canadian Bacon: Watching the U.S. Women Bring Home a Win in Edmonton

NY Times – Keh – Women’s World Cup 2015: U.S. Keeps Winning as Critics of Its Style Keep Grumbling

NY Times – Schonbrun – 2015 N.B.A. Draft: Karl-Anthony Towns Is No Surprise at No. 1, but Then Comes a Scramble

Grantland – Ryan – NBA Draft Winners and Losers

Phil has a question:

Since Don Cherry’s no longer with the CBC is he giving fashion tips to the NBA draft prospects.

The Globe and Mail – Kelly: On weird NBA draft night, Timberwolves add more talent around Wiggins

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – McLean – Is the Irish Derby becoming a race for the girls?

Brisnet – Qualify the lone filly in 150th running of the Irish Derby

American Pie

NY Times – Higgins – At N.H.L. Draft, the Intrigue Will Begin With Pick No. 3

Bloodhorse – Texas Red Drills for Dwyer in SoCal Heat

A fox should not be on the jury at a goose’s trial.
Thomas Fuller

St. Jean Baptiste Day in Canada

Bloodhorse – ‘Chrome’ to Skip Eclipse and Head Home

Horse Race Insider – Jicha -Business As Usual: Appellate Court Denies Dutrow Appeal

Alberta Downs Canadian Thoroughbred Advertisement

Alberta NDP – Summer Swing Soiree

Summer Swing Soiree

June 27, 2015

7:00 PM

Sheraton Red Deer Hotel

Great local food

Phil has a question:

Will everyone head over to

later than evening.

Upcoming Western Thoroughbred

Race Dates

Saturday , June 27, 2015 7:00 PM CDT

ESPN – Cronley – Analytics for the impossible

Emerald Downs Wrap-up for Friday twilight Program

AUBURN, Wash. (June 26, 2015) – Perfect Night refused to lose Friday night at Emerald Downs.

Wearing blinkers for the first time in his 16-race career, Perfect Night led virtually all the way for a 1 ¼-length victory over Hornfel in the $18,800 Peter Von Reichbauer Purse for 3-year-olds and up. Ridden by Jennifer Whitaker, Perfect Night ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.72 and paid $4.40, $2.80 and $2.20.

Trained by Howard Belvoir and co-owned by Belvoir and Dixie Hitchcock, Perfect Night snapped a 13-race losing streak that dated to June 1, 2013. The 6-year-old gelding has been a steady performer in the higher claiming ranks, however, compiling six seconds and four thirds during the streak.

Hornfel, ridden by Rocco Bowen, rallied from last to finish second and paid $7.80 and $3.20. It was a nose back to Orito, ridden by Julien Couton, and a $2.20 show payoff.

Zoomzoomania and Prince of Silver completed the order of finish; Pray Hard was scratched.

A full brother to Wasserman, the track’s all-time leading earner with $575,024, Perfect Night (Cahill Road-Share the Knight) is 2-6-4 in 16 lifetime starts with earnings of $57,724.

Belvoir, No. 3 all-time with 671 wins at Emerald Downs, and Whitaker, No. 1 among women riders with 451 career wins here, are one of the track’s most successful combinations. Their victory Friday was their 318^th win at Emerald Downs.

NOTES: Jeff Metz had his second straight two-win day and his seventh of the season to extend his lead to 25-14 over Blaine Wright in the trainers’ standings. Metz won with River District ($6.60) in race four and Surprise Sale ($3.40) in the seventh race finale. River District became the meet’s fifth triple winner—three of which are trained by Metz—while Surprise Sale improved to 10-for-23 lifetime. . .Gallyn Mitchell and Joe Steiner rode two winners each. . .Mitchell ranks No. 1 all-time with 1,398 wins at Emerald Downs. . .Nice work by trainer Rosie Simkins to post a first, second and third with her three starters Friday including a win by St Nicholas Becky ($13.40) in the fifth race. . .Happy 64^th birthday to former jockey Bryson Cooper, who reports father-in-law and Washington Hall of Fame trainer Jim Penney is out of the hospital and undergoing physical therapy for the fractured pelvis he sustained two weeks ago. . .Trainer Diane Garrison and Savario Farm broke into the win category as Magestic Cat ($4) rallied to win Friday’s opener. . .And finally, Happy Birthday to lifetime Auburn resident Rits Hamamura, mother of the late equine photographer Duane Hamamura. . .Live racing continues Saturday with a 10-race program at 2 p.m.

Saturday , June 27, 2015
Sunday , June 28, 2015

SATURDAY PREVIEW

A heat wave has hit the Greater Vancouver area making things a little tougher on the horses competing this afternoon. Hastings is offering a seven race card made up of five $4,000 races, a restricted non-two $8,000 and a maiden allowance for two year olds.

I will zero in on the two year old Futurity hopefuls that will be battling in race #2 over the three and a half furlongs. It is a rarity to see that all five starters are owned by their breeders in this dash.

On the rail is Ijustmetmaria who is bred and owned by the Shamrock Racing Stable. The connections raced the mare who was very quick but did not win a race in her abbreviated career. She has prepped well for trainer Jim Brown and if she can overcome the inside draw she has a shot. Antonio Reyes gets the call.

The L D Rado Thoroughbreds bred and own Banque Draught (Bank Draft) who has drawn post two and with a decent race under his belt he is going to be a top threat. He is out of an unnraced mare who is out of stakes winner Devilere so there is a ton of talent in the pedigree. Sylvea Gregory will give a leg up to Sahin Civaci.

Joanne Todd and Brian O’Connell raced the mare Kokeeno who visited the winners circle four times in her racing career on her way to earning $50,000. Sakura is her first foal to the races and judging by her morning trials she has a lot of ability as well. Mark Buchanan gets the riding assignment.

Mel and Fran Snow purchased the mare What R The Odds for $1,000, thats not a typo, out of  a Florida sale and went on to win three stakes races, two as a two year old and over $120,000 in purse money throughout her brief eight race career. Her first foal is the three year old The Odds R Good who is extremely quick and has placed multiple times in maiden allowance company. The two year old racing this afternoon Good as They Get has lit up the track in the a.m. and will likely go postward as the betting choice. The son of Rosberg will team up with Pedro Alvarado in the saddle.

Completing this field of five two year olds is Mark Pakulak’s Colleen’s Diamond who is another that has been very impressive in preparation for todays race. The daughter of Rosberg is out of the winning dam Tribunal Crown who is out of former B.C. champion Elana d’Amour. This filly has the pedigree to be a nice one and judging by the workouts she is ready to fire a top effort. Pat Jarvis has summoned leading rider Richard Hamel to be at the helm.

The racing action gets underway at 1:50 p.m.

THE CHRIS LOSETH TO BE RUN WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015

THE CHRIS LOSETH(BT) $50,000 Guaranteed

A HANDICAP STAKES FOR THREE YEARS OLD By subscription of $100 to accompany the nomination by Saturday, June 20, 2015 with an additional $750 to enter and $1,000 to start. $50,000 guaranteed, of which 55% goes to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third,5% to fourth and 4% to fifth, and 2% sixth through eighth. High Weights preferred. Total earnings in 2014-2015 will be used in determining preference of horses assigned equal weights. Starters to be named through the entry box by closing time of entries. Field limited to 12 starters.

ONE MILE AND ONE SIXTEENTH

TO BE RUN WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HORSE Weight Trainer

BLUEGRASS ANGUS 119 Craig MacPherson

CEDERBERG 118 Troy Taylor

CATZ ON FIRE 116 Barbara Heads

CRIUS 115 Mike Anderson

PARTY POOPER 114 Troy Taylor

MIGHTY FRASER 113 Mike Anderson

EXCLUSIVELY 112 Troy Taylor

LEGION OF BOOM 112 Troy Taylor

MERLOT 112 Dino Condilenios

SEDIN 112 Mark Cloutier

BROTHER DUSTER 110 Taylor Anderson

CRACKDOWN 110 Troy Taylor

EVERY NITES A BLUR 110 Nancy Betts

FORESTRY’S DEVIL 110 Patty Leaney

PRINCE HOTEL 110 Rob VanOverschot

SMART FOCUS 110 James R. Brown

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CLOSED SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015 WITH 16 NOMINATIONS

NOMINATIONS FOR THE SUPERNATUREL(BT) – JULY 1ST

to start. $50,000 guaranteed, of which 55% goes to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth and 4% to fifth, and 2% sixth through eighth. High Weights preferred. Total  earnings in 2014-2015 will be used in determining preference of horses assigned equal weights. Starters to be named through the entry box by closing time of entries. Field limited to 12 starters.  ONE MILE AND ONE SIXTEENTH

TO BE RUN WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HORSE Weight Trainer

MAJESTIC PRESENCE 123 Troy Taylor

QUATRE CAT 121 Sylvea Gregory

MEG GIRY 118 Anita Bolton

AMBLESIDE PARK 117 David Forster

FINALITY’S CHARMER 116 Craig MacPherson

MORNING COFFEE 116 Jeff Mullins

SUSAN’S DAY 114 David Forster

BOLD N LOVELY 111 Carl Lausten

SAFFRON 111 Troy Taylor

BULLET 110 Phil Hall

STORM STALKER 110 Rob VanOverschot

WILD ROSE OF TEXAS 110 Jodie Rawson

AWESOME LOVE 108 Troy Taylor

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

55th Running Of THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS – JULY 1ST

55th Running Of THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS(BT)  $50,000 Guaranteed

A HANDICAP STAKES FOR THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD

By subscription of $100 to accompany the nomination by Saturday, June 20, 2015 with an additional $750 to enter

and $1,000 to start. $50,000 guaranteed, of which 55% goes to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth and 4% to fifth, and 2% sixth through eighth. High Weights preferred. Total earnings in 2014-2015 will be used in determining preference of horses assigned equal weights. Starters to be named through the entry box by Closing time of entries.

Field limited to 12 starters.

ONE MILE AND ONE SIXTEENTH

TO BE RUN WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HORSE Weight Trainer

MODERN 119 Dino Condilenios

MR. BOWLING 119 Troy Taylor

TAYLORS DEAL 116 Troy Taylor

BRASS AND GOLD 114 Barbara Heads

CLASSIC SENSE 114 Dino Condilenios

COMMANDER 114 Troy Taylor

DEVIL IN DISGUISE 112 Troy Taylor

DONTMESSWITHKITTEN 112 Cindy Krasner

TWISTGRIPS 112 John Snow

WILO KAT 112 John Snow

GO FOR GUINNESS 111 David Forster

SHOOTING JACKET 110 Dino Condilenios

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CLOSED SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015 WITH 12 NOMINATIONS*

NOMINATIONS AND WEIGHT FOR MONAHSEE HANDICAP ON JULY 1ST

THE MONASHEE(BT) $50,000 Guaranteed

A HANDICAP STAKES FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD By subscription of $100 to accompany the nomination by Saturday, June 20, 2015 with an additional $750 to enter and $1,000 to start. $50,000 guaranteed, of which 55% goes to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to  fourth and 4% to fifth, and 2% sixth through eighth. High Weights preferred. Total earnings in  2014-2015 will be  Used in determining preference of horses assigned equal weights. Starters to be named through the entry box by closing time of entries. Field limited to 12 starters.

TO BE RUN WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015  ONE MILE AND ONE SIXTEENTH

HORSE                          Weight                Trainer
ARABELLA’S MUSE      119               Mike Anderson
HOLLYWOOD MISS       118             Troy Taylor
RATHER BEAUTIFUL    116              Dino Condilenios
TOUCHING PROMISE   116             Barbara Heads
LOCKET                         114             Frank E. Barroby
OLE’S MISS                   114              Mark Cloutier
DEAR LILLY                   113             Troy Taylor
DAWSELINA                  111             Rosann Anderson
SABRINA                        111             Dino Condilenios
DANCE THE WIND        110             Carl Lausten
SUMMIT CENTRAL       110             Troy Taylor
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CLOSED SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2015 WITH 11 NOMINATIONS*

Saturday , June 27, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Sunday , June 28, 2015 1:50 PM PDT

Bloodhorse – Genaro – Upgrades, New Fees for Seating at Saratoga

Bloodhorse – Record Stakes Purses for Saratoga Meet

Saturday , June 27, 2015

Bloodhorse – Balan – Perez Released From Hospital After Spill

Don’t miss what is sure to be an epic wiener dog race at our annual family day celebration!

Take the kids to not only see great live racing (of the canine and equine varieties),

but also for face painting, a petting zoo, bouncy castles and other fun activities.

Enter to win an Edmonton Attractions Prize Package for five!

JUNE 27

POST TIME: 1 P.M.

Nominations for

6th Running Of
Three and Four Year Old Sales Stakes
$50,000
A SPECIAL WEIGHT STAKES FOR THREE YEAR AND FOUR OLD COLTS AND GELDINGS FOALED IN CANADA
SIX AND ONE HALF FURLONGS
TO BE RUN WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CAPITALISM ch.g.3 Derby Quest Farms Ltd. and Shot In The Dark Racing Corp. Greg Tracy
CENTREFIRE ch.g.3 Curtis & Darrell Landry, Red Diamond Stable and Highfield Stock Farm Greg Tracy
FEETDONTFAILMENOW dk b/.g.3 Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. Tim Rycroft
HOLLER AT THE MOON ch.g.3 Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. Tim Rycroft
LEGEND FORTYNINE dk b/.g.4 M & P Equipment Inc., Met Set Consulting Ltd. and Dale L. Saunders Dale L. Saunders
NINJA PROSPECTOR dk b/.g.4 David Parie Eurico Martens
R J QUICK dk b/.g.3 Dylan & Rebecca Neergaard Amanda Gregory
SAINT WARLOCK b.g.3 Dale Schaffrick Dale Schaffrick
SPICESELLER dk b/.g.3 Red Ron Farms and Red Diamond Stable Ron K. Smith
XTREME DENIGRAY dk b/.g.3 Ted Graling Twylla Bensmiller

Nominations for

6th Running Of
Three and Four Year Old Fillies Sales Stakes
$50,000
A SPECIAL WEIGHT STAKES FOR THREE AND FOUR YEAR OLD FILLIES FOALED IN CANADA
SIX AND ONE HALF FURLONGS
TO BE RUN WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ALMOST NINETY dk b/.f.3 Mitch Klimove, Judy Frost and Jerri R. Robertson Jerri R. Robertson
BLAMEITONTHEKNIGHT dk b/.f.3 M & P Equipment Inc., Met Set Consulting Ltd. and Dale L. Saunders Dale L. Saunders
BLUE EYED ZEEVA b.f.3 James Bauder and Gordon Heddleston Amanda Bennett
GINGER SMASH ch.f.3 Jim Juris and Linda Smith Ron K. Smith
PICK A PRIZE dk b/.f.4 Red Ron Farms and Stone Ranches Ltd. Ron K. Smith
QUEENOFTHEFOREST dk b/.f.3 Curtis & Darrell Landry, Red Diamond Stable and Highfield Stock Farm Greg Tracy
WILD DEUCES dk b/.f.3 Wilde Racing Ryan McLean

Equibase – Northlands Park – Stake Nominations

Edmonton Sun – FRANK FONTANA’s Northlands Favourites

Matt’s Picks and Free Program – Friday June 26, 2015

Matt’s Picks and Free Program – Saturday June 27, 2015

Saturday , June 27, 2015 1:00 PM MDT

July 10

Trucks open: 5 – 10 p.m.
Post time: 6:30 p.m.

Phil has a question:

Will this truck be in attendance:

July 11
Post time: 1 p.m.  

Mercury Blues

Phil’s always on the lookout for intriguing thoroughbred names and the In Excess colt  Where Was Eddie doesn’t jump off the page until you notice that the breeder was Reddam Racing LLC who’s Square Eddie stands at Vessels Stallion Farm in California.

Carryovers

Saturday June 27, 2015

Arlington
$36,899 — Super High Five Jackpot
$3,061 — Pick 6
Assiniboia Downs
$2,268 — Super High Five Jackpot
Belmont Park
$29,186 — Pick 6
Canterbury Park
$3,085 — Pick 4
Churchill Downs
$1,773  — Pick 7 Jackpot
$663 — Pick 6
Delta Downs  
$790 — Super High Five
Evangeline Downs
$513 — Super High Five
Gulfstream Park
$351,146 — Pick 6 Jackpot
Indiana Grand Race Course
$854– Pick 6
Los Alamitos
$3,324 — Pick 6
Marquis Downs
$1,511 — Superfecta
$484 — Pick 4
Monmouth Park
$13,190  — Pick 6 Jackpot
Northlands Park
$17,915 — Super High Five Jackpot
Oak Tree At Pleasanton
$2,418 Super High Five
Ruidoso Downs
$638 –Tri Super
Woodbine
$19,970  — Super High Five Jackpot

Sunday June 28, 2015

Presque Isle Downs
$3,157  — Pick 6

  Guaranteed Pools

Saturday June 27, 2015

Northlands Park
$10,000 Win Four

Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools

Lady and the Track – The Gold Cup at Santa Anita Tops Off Action Packed Saturday

Bloodhorse – Balan – Finnegans Wake Moves to Dirt for Gold Cup

Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Baffert Wheels Hoppertunity Back Quickly in Gold Cup

Brisnet – Gold Cup highlights weekend stakes action at Santa Anita Park

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Late-Blooming Page McKenney Hits His Stride

Lady and the Track – Laughter – Moreno Seeks First Classic Distance Win in Gold Cup

Peter Miller has 4 entered in the Gold Cup and it’s not just Finnegans Wake who’s moving from turf to dirt.

Phil has a question:

What would James Joyce think about the web where someone trying to wade through Ulysses no longer needs a 5,672 page dictionary, just Google and a keyboard.

Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor.
Ulysses S. Grant

Lady and the Track – Mendoza – Gold Cup and Santa Anita Full Card Saturday Selections 

Bloodhorse – Johnson – Deep Field Lines Up for Gold Cup at Santa Anita

Bloodhorse – Angst – First Start Back After a Triple Crown

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Shields – Gold Cup at Santa Anita: Enduring through the decades

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Lady Jane Cecil to Retire from Training

Lady Jane

 This Weekend’s Stakes

Jun 26
Prairie Meadows
Iowa Distaff (L $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Iowa Sprint Handicap (L $125,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Saylorville Stake (L $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt

June 27
Arapahoe Park
CTBA Derby $40,000 3yo State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Assiniboia Downs
Chantilly Stake $25,000 3yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Belmont Park
Mother Goose Stake GI $300,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Dirt
Churchill Downs
Bashford Manor Stake GIII $100,000 2yo 6f Dirt
Debutante Stake (L $100,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Firecracker Stake GII $200,000 3&up 8f Turf
Kelly’s Landing #$65,000 3&up 7f Dirt
Monmouth Park
Eatontown Stake GIII $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Turf
Oak Tree at Pleasanton
Oak Tree Distaff $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
Prairie Meadows
Iowa Derby GIII $250,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
Iowa Oaks GIII $200,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Dirt
Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap GIII $300,000 3&up 9f Dirt
Parx
Turning for Home Stake $75,000 3&up 8.32f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Royal Heroine Stake GII $200,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8f Turf
Senorita Stake GIII $100,000 3yo Fillies 8f Turf
The Gold Cup at Santa Anita GI BC $500,000 3&up 10f Dirt
Triple Bend Stake GI $300,000 3&up 7f Dirt
ThistleDown
J. William Petro Memorial Handicap $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Dirt

June 28
Arapahoe Park
Front Range $40,000 3&up 7f Dirt
Belmont Park
Dancin Renee Stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
Emerald Downs
Irish Day Handicap $50,000 3yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Takarazuka Kinen GI BC $2,721,000 3&up 11f Turf
Monmouth Park
Mr. Prospector Stake (L $75,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
San Juan Capistrano Stake GIII $150,000 3&up abt 14f Turf
Woodbine
My Dear Stake $125,000 2yo Fillies 5f AW

July 1
Assiniboia Downs
Canada Day Stake $25,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 7f Dirt
Les Bois Park
Chris Christian Futurity $10,000 2yo 5f Dirt
Hastings Race Course
Chris Loseth Handicap $50,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
Lieutenant Governors $50,000 3&up 8.5f Dirt
Monashee $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Supernaturel $50,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Dirt
Northlands Park
Sales Stake $50,000 3&4yo Fillies State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
Sales Stake $50,000 3&4yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
Woodbine
Dominion Day Stake CanGIII $150,000 3&up 10f AW

July 2
Los Alamitos Race Course
Bertrando Stake $75,000 3&up State/Prov 8f Dirt

Horse Race Insider – Jicha – Triple Crown still has issues to address

Brisnet – Sky Flight back in Firecracker

From the Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter

RAILBIRD NOTES

BY GLEN TODD

RACING ASSOCIATIONS MEETING AS OF JUNE 24TH

The three governing racing associations in British Columbia along with Hastings track management met last evening on several issues.

The associations and track management had received some requests for more allowance/opt type races.

In answer to those request its was decided to post as soon as possible a list and date of when those races and will be scheduled shortly and published from now till the end of meet.

The group also discussed the purses on 2 year old races going 3 1/2 furlongs and it was decided to increase all two year old races over the Nursery Course from $8000.00  claimers up to $25,000.00 claimers retroactive to April 25th.

The associations understanding its of top priority to assist owners and breeders in the purchase of new stock spent hours discussing several incentive programs that would best assist the our owners and breeders and possible new owners and breeders as well.

Several very good incentive programs were discussed and it was decided to meet again this coming Sunday for further discussion and finalization of several programs that would be made available immediately and in the near future.

SHRUG PASSES FROM BOUT OF COLIC

It was very sad to learn that Shrug has passed away due a bout of colic late last week. We have been told he was rushed to the clinic but they were unable to save him.

Shrug was standing his first year at stud after a very successful racing career.

In my eyes he was one of most outstanding looking  horses confirmation wise to race at Hastings in many years.

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

The Championship Series nominations closed on Saturday with excellent list of horses in both the filly & mare division and the open division.

The total number of nominations closed at 53 with 31 in the open division and 22 in the fillies and mares division.

The first race in each division will be run on Canada Day, July 1st.

EIGHTEEN DAYS OF LIVE RACING

EIGHTEEN FAST TRACKS

This past weekend we finished 18 days of live racing at Hastings which is exactly one-third of the 54 day live racing season and we have yet to have run on a off-track.

Someone asked me the other day how far back in history we would have to go to find a stat comparable to that.  Never in my day can I remember such a run of good weather so early in the year and I do know over the past five years we have had at least 5 days of running on a sloppy track by now.

HASTING MUTUEL HANDLE UP BY 20%

The Hasting Live racing handle is now up just slightly over 20% after 18 days. This is a very encouraging number and hopefully this trend will continue all season.

There is not many tracks that could say they are up 20% over the past year if any?

AVERAGE HORSES PER RACE

Not only is the handle continuing to creep up but also the number of horses per race is now at 7.02 per race.  Racing Fans and especially the serious bettor want to wager on large fields where the handle is more and a better return on their money.

Our field sizes have been increasing as we have more horses ready to run. We would expect more two year old races in the near future and they seem to draw full fields.

NOMINATIONS FOR JULY 1ST STAKES RACE

With the July 1st Holiday Racing Card just a little over a week away the nominations for all four races are very encouraging as well for the Championship Series which also starts on the Holiday Wednesday.

The long range weather forecast says sunny and hot.

PURSE PAYOUTS

Hastings daily payout of purses is $131,239.00 per day as a total of $2,362,305.00 have been paid out to date.

NEW INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR 2015-16

The horsemen’s associations meet tomorrow evening to discuss a number of issues but the main thrust of the meeting will new incentive programs for this fall and next season.

Watch for a program to assist owners in the purchase of weanlings and yearlings for the fall sales very shortly.

HASTING TRACK OPENING DAYS FOR JULY 1ST

We just received information from Hastings General Manager, Darren MacDonald that because of the July 1st, Canada  Day Card,  the track will be open for training on Monday, June 29th and will be open all week.

This is very good news for horsemen preparing their horses for the Canada Day Program.

The track will be closed once again on Monday, July 6th.

HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS

MARIO’S MAGICAL RIDES IN 2012

 WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY LOCAL FANS

 It’s a given:  each time Mario Gutierrez returns to his Hastings roots to make a special guest appearance his loyal legion of local racing fans will be standing as one cheering their own version of a bona fide ‘hometown hero’.

The engaging jockey with his ever-present smile stole the hearts of a racing nation with his victories aboard I’ll Have Another in the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.  The incredible run for the Triple Crown ended on the eve of the Belmont Stakes when I’ll Have Another was scratched due to a tendon injury.

Throughout his incredible Triple Crown mission, Mario capitalized on every opportunity to return to Hastings Racecourse to ride for his mentor and ‘father figure’, Glen Todd.

At one of his many news conferences to accommodate the local media while he was still making world-wide headlines, Mario was asked by Global TV’s Squire Barnes to share his thoughts in winning the Preakness, the second jewel of the Triple Crown. It was a stunning victory by a neck over favoured Bodemeister, who was caught by I’ll Have Another at the wire.

“All I remember is watching the replay on the television screen,” Mario said, “and screaming to myself:  Go Mario Go!”

His answer cracked up the normal stone-faced reporters who had traveled to Surrey to attend the news conference at The Derby Bar And Grill.

It’s a pleasure to have Mario back on Canada Day, 2015.  It’s a pleasure to have him back on any racing day at Hastings.

Brisnet – Eskenformoney returns in competitive Mother Goose

 Lady and the Track – Macatangay –Munasara Takes Undefeated Record to Mother Goose

Bloodhorse – Include Betty Tries Grade I Mother Goose

Bloodhorse – Kieckhefer – IRB Nixes Arlington Request to Trim Programs

Money’s Too Tight to Mention

Bloodhorse – Lamarra – Delaunay Breaks Through in Iowa Sprint ‘Cap

Bloodhorse – Delaunay Aims for Elusive Iowa Sprint Score

Bloodhorse – Balan – First Graded Stakes Up For Grabs in Senorita

Do these feet belong to the happiest guy at the track? See “THEY CALL HIM LUCKY” below.

FYI . . .

	DO THE DOWNS Carryovers
Click for race schedule		Simple tips for winning (pass it on)
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Smart betting makes you a good citizen

Have you ever considered this?  When you bet smartly–and, hence, win–you’re being a better citizen.  That’s because when you win, you force tracks in other provinces or states to send money to the Downs to pay for your wins and that money helps the economy grow.  Governments would actually benefit if they put programs into place to turn their citizens into better horseplayers.

Dave Boehmer From champion curler to smart bettor

Give Dave Boehmer a model citizen award.  The shrewd play of this roofer and former champion curler will likely have Emerald Downs sending a cheque to Assiniboia Downs at the end of the month.  That’s because Boehmer knocked off the pick-5 and pick-4 at that Washington track last Friday.  And he had players (including me) gathered around him at the mutuel window watching enviously as the clerk counted out $5,500 in beautiful red $50 bills.  He had spent $72 and $48 on the two tickets, he said.

Zdeno dominates Sunday’s Free Press Stakes

Barry Arnason Gold Cup whispers?

Assiniboia Downs appears to have a new king.  Gone is Balooga Bull and today’s hero is the “Z” horse, Zdeno.   California had its “Z” gal, Zenyatta, and now Manitoba has its “Z” guy, Zdeno, named for Zdeno Chara, the favourite hockey player of the son of Russell, MB breeder Cam Ziprick.  (Actually, the Zipricks wanted Chara but the naming officials rejected it and gave them their next-best.)

Mark “Lucky” Drabing

Will the guy sporting a pink polo shirt and red shoe laces–the guy nicknamed “Lucky”–ever quit smiling?  I doubt it.  And who can blame him?  Seven years of disappointing fits and starts as a jockey’s agent appear to have come to an end for Mark Drabing with the arrival of Jamaican champion Dane Nelson who created an immediate buzz with a last-to-first finish on a horse, So King, that had a terrible start. Drabing, who has courted Jamaican riders through the years even with financial help, he says (“They know I’m a good person”), watched with glee on Sunday as Nelson topped off a hat-trick day with a Zdeno victory in the $25,000 Free Press.

HOTTIES OF THE WEEK Stretch drive of the week Hottest jock: Adolfo Morales & Dane Nelson (5 wins) Hottest trainers: Tom Gardipy Jr. (5 wins) Biggest upset: Play Book $36 (Fri 6th) Biggest 20-cent superfecta: $1,778 (Fri 6th — 8-9-1-6) HISTORIAN BOB’S BLOG: “In 1983 I won the Minnesota Derby (run at the Downs) and in 1984 I dominated the stakes race scene, winning the Wheat City, Red River, Whittier Park and Speers while running second in the River Park and the Gold Cup. Who Am I?”   Got ir right?  Find out in Bob’s blog today.

Ready to have your picture added?  A $50 entry fee at this Saturday’s tournament could do it.  Play the live races better than about 60 others and you’re on your way to Las Vegas to compete for $600,000 and 49 runner-up cash prizes. Go tiger!

THIS OWNER CERTAINLY HAS HIS “WITTS” ABOUT HIM: Texas cattle rancher Henry S. Witt, Jr. certainly has his “Witts” about him as his stable is filled with namesake horses he bred and owns, the most important of which at Assiniboia Downs is Witt Six who won the $25,000 Golden Boy, a prep race for the Manitoba Derby.  Witt Six, trained by Jerry Gourneau and ridden by Chavion Chow, put away Sly Gold, owned, in part, by Manitoba Jockey Club president Harvey Warner, to establish himself as the leading contender for the Manitoba Derby at this early date. The $75,000 Derby runs on the first Monday of August.

Breeder Phil Kives (left) loses ear-challenged Dixie Mission after win

APPRENTICE SHAVON IMPRESSES IN MAIDEN WIN: New Barbadian apprentice jockey Shavon Belle had players praising his ride last Friday when, after leaving a tad slowly, scored his first lifetime victory aboard 17/1 first-time starter Play Book.  “He waited for room, then popped through,” noted one fan.  “Very impressive.”  He won the race by a nose, setting up the biggest superfecta payoff of the week at $1,778 for 20-cents.  The Going Commando 3-year-old gelding is trained by Shelley Brown who owns him with Brian Weatherill.

YOUNGEST TRAINER CONTINUES TO SHOW PROMISE:  After scoring his very first win as a trainer shortly after his 18th birthday, Cole Bennett returned last weekend to post a second-place finish on the same horse, Super Me, on Friday and his 28/1 first-time starter, Notable Magic, ridden by Alyssa Selman completed a superfecta that paid $1,778 for 20-cents (see above).

NEXT WEEK:  Don’t forget that next Wednesday is Canada Day–which is also Canstar Day at the races. Featuring the $25,000 Canstar Canada Day Stakes for older fillies and mares plus the Great Mascot race with proceeds going to Manitoba Riding for the Disabled. Free pony rides and bouncy gym for the kids! First post is 1:30 p.m.

Sugar’s Sweet Tips

Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Sarah Sis Heads Iowa Oaks

Everything but the handle’s heating up at Century Downs these days.

SCHECK,ORIANNA V                   
ALTA  - INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR TOWARDS ANOTHER LICENSEE
Date Issued : 21-JUN-2015
Total Due :    100.00
Violation Occurred : Race 6 at CENTURY DOWNS RACETRACK AND CASINO on 13-JUN-2015

DAVIES,PAUL B                      
ALTA  - UNCONVENTIONAL USE OF THE WHIP
Date Issued : 20-JUN-2015
Total Due :    100.00
Violation Occurred : Race 8 at CENTURY DOWNS RACETRACK AND CASINO on 14-JUN-2015 horse PADDINGTON MAJOR

CAMPBELL,J BRANDON                 
ALTA  - USING PROFANE OR INDECENT LANGUAGE TOWARDS A RACING OFFICAL
Date Issued : 14-JUN-2015
Total Due :    250.00
Violation Occurred :  at CENTURY DOWNS RACETRACK AND CASINO on 14-JUN-2015

HENNESSY,RODNEY D                  
ALTA  - USING PROFANE AND OR INDECENT LANGUAGE TOWARDS A RACING OFFICIAL
Date Issued : 14-JUN-2015
Total Due :    250.00
Violation Occurred :  at CENTURY DOWNS RACETRACK AND CASINO on 14-JUN-2015

Phil has a question:
What is UNCONVENTIONAL USE OF THE WHIP.

Street Fighting Man

The goose lays the golden egg. Payrolls make consumers.
George M. Humphrey

Bloodhorse – Presque Isle Downs Facing Deer Problem

Bloodhorse – Angst – Hillbilly Royalty Seeks Iowa Derby Crown

Brisnet – Golden Lad the one to beat in Cornhusker

Bloodhorse – Novak – Carve Seeks Cornhusker Handicap Repeat

Grantland – Pierce – Like Chocolate and Tuna Fish: The Uptick in Clumsy Collisions of Politics and Sports

NY Times – Dawidoff – The Obtuse Triangle

Phil’s Drink and a Flick

Hubble’s Law

Down By Law

Tango Til We’re Sore

LA Times – Savage – Obamacare ruling again shows Chief Justice John Roberts’ independent streak

National Post – ‘Words no longer have meaning’: U.S. justice Scalia apoplectic on ‘pure applesauce’ Obamacare ruling

But I’m sure if you asked Justice Scalia could give you a 1,000 or so page dissertation on how selecting the players who’ll have the best weekend in the NFL is a a test of skill while selecting the teams that will win is chance and gambling.

It’s Only Words

The logic of words should yield to the logic of realities.
Louis D. Brandeis

Grantland – Phillips -GRANTLAND EXCLUSIVE: Diego Maradona’s FIFA Campaign Platform

LA Times – Schilken – Oscar De La Hoya contemplates comeback against Mayweather or Golovkin

National Post – Robyn Urback: If Wynne thinks journalists want to make her ‘look bad,’ she should stop making it so easy

You’re So Vain

Phil M Stockmen