Phil would love to be able to show the reasons or lack thereof for the decision of the stewards in the 6th race at Northlands Park Saturday, June 27, 2015 but Horse Racing Alberta does not require the stewards to post their reasons.
Watch the Replay Northlands Park Replays .
Dyson the tiring leader drifted off the rail into the path of Delta Bravo. Vite Tribal Reign did absolutely nothing wrong, yet the stewards disqualified Vite Tribal Rule and placed it third. Where do you file the objection to the stewards’ rulings.
Where do you file the objection to the performance of the Management current crew at Horse Racing Alberta.
Phil’s Vignette of Canadian History
U of A – Margaret-Ann Armour named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women
Financial Post – WXN’s 2010 Award Winners
Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.
Marie Curie
Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Magnificent Treve Triumphs at Saint-Cloud
The Globe And Mail – Semeniuk – Perimeter Institute’s formula for a calculated physics reboot
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Albert Einstein
TSN – Westhead – Documents show Coyotes, Glendale have fought for months
They’ll all be wrong. Switzerland is a great development option for Matthews the player, a great financial option for Matthews’ bank account and will probably be a great experience for Matthews the person. If he decides to make the jump, it is to be hoped that it causes other top prospects in similar positions to consider doing the same.
Rumour has it that Matthews may not be the only desert kid heading to Europe. Carson Dimoff, the son of former Fort Erie and Northlands Park race announcer, is rumoured to be headed to Frank Stonach’s homeland to play for the Red Bulls in Strazburg Austria.
Great place for Carson to develop without affecting his chances with the Everett Silvertips, Madison Capitols or Sundre US universities. And not a bad place for the family to visit either. Wonder if Frank has a track in Austria that needs an announcer.
NY Times – Branch – N.H.L. Seems Likely to Boldly Expand to Las Vegas Strip
Phil has a question:
How many Calgarians and Edmontonians will fly down for a game because the flight, hotel and game tickets combined are cheaper than tickets for the Flames and Oilers.
Date Race Name Track Division
Jul 4 Belmont Oaks Invitational Belmont Park Filly & Mare Turf
Jul 5 Princess Rooney Handicap Gulfstream Park Filly & Mare Sprint
Jul 5 Smile Sprint Handicap Gulfstream Park Filly & Mare Sprint
Jul 5 United Nations Stakes Monmouth Park Longines Turf
Jul 25 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes sponsored by QIPCO Ascot Longines Turf
Jul 26 Bing Crosby Stakes Del Mar Sprint
Jul 29 Qatar Sussex Stakes Goodwood Mile
August
Aug 1 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Del Mar Longines Distaff
Aug 2 William Hill Haskell Invitational Monmouth Park Classic
Aug 8 The Whitney Saratoga Classic
Aug 15 Beverly D. Stakes Arlington Park Filly & Mare Turf
Aug 15 Arlington Million Arlington Park Longines Turf
Aug 19 Juddmonte International Stakes York Longines Turf
Aug 20 Darley Yorkshire Oaks York Filly & Mare Turf
Aug 21 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes York Turf Sprint
Aug 22 Pat O’Brien Stakes Del Mar Dirt Mile
Aug 22 Del Mar Handicap Del Mar Longines Turf
Aug 22 TVG Pacific Classic Del Mar Classic
Aug 29 Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes Saratoga Longines Turf
Aug 29 Forego Handicap Saratoga Sprint
Aug 29 Ballerina Stakes Saratoga Filly & Mare Sprint
Aug 29 Personal Ensign H. Saratoga Longines Distaff
September
Sep 5 Spinaway Stakes Saratoga Juvenile Fillies
Sep 5 T. Von Zastrow Stutenpreis Baden Baden Filly & Mare Turf
Sep 5 Pocahontas Stakes Churchill Downs Juvenile Fillies
Sep 5 Iroquois Stakes Churchill Downs Sentient Jet Juvenile
Sep 6 Longines Grosser Preis Von Baden Baden Baden Longines Turf
Sep 12 The John Deere Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes Leopardstown Juvenile Turf
Sep 12 The Coolmore Stud Matron Stakes Leopardstown Filly & Mare Turf
Sep 12 QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes Leopardstown Longines Turf
Sep 12 Natalma Stakes Woodbine Juvenile Fillies Turf
Sep 12 Summer Stakes Woodbine Juvenile Turf
Sep 13 Moyglare Stud Stakes The Curragh Juvenile Fillies Turf
Sep 13 Canadian Stakes Woodbine Filly & Mare Turf
Sep 13 Ricoh Woodbine Mile Woodbine Mile
Sep 25 Shadwell Rockfel Newmarket Juvenile Fillies Turf
Sep 26 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes Newmarket Juvenile Turf
Sep 26 Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes Belmont Park Filly & Mare Turf
Sep 26 Vosburgh Invitational Stakes Belmont Park Sprint
Sep 26 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Belmont Park Longines Turf
October
Oct 2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes Keeneland Sprint
Oct 2 Darley Alcibiades Stakes Keeneland Juvenile Fillies
Oct 3 Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes Keeneland Mile
Oct 3 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes Keeneland Filly & Mare Sprint
Oct 3 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity Keeneland Sentient Jet Juvenile
Oct 3 Frizette Stakes Belmont Park Juvenile Fillies
Oct 3 Foxwoods Champagne Stakes Belmont Park Sentient Jet Juvenile
Oct 3 Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational Belmont Park Classic
Oct 4 Total Prix Marcel Boussac Longchamp Juvenile Fillies Turf
Oct 4 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere Longchamp Juvenile Turf
Oct 4 Longines Prix de L’Opera Longchamp Filly & Mare Turf
Oct 4 Dixiana Bourbon Stakes Keeneland Juvenile Turf
Oct 4 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes Keeneland Longines Distaff
Oct 8 J. P. Morgan Chase Jessamine Stakes Keeneland Juvenile Fillies Turf
Alberta Downs Canadian Thoroughbred Advertisement
Demand Letter to HORSE RACING ALBERTA December 5 2014
Horse Racing Alberta 2014 Annual Report
Phil has a question:
Can you find any mention of a contingent liability to Alberta Downs in the 2014 Financial Statements of Horse Racing Alberta.
Phil has a more salient question:
Did either or both of the Chair of Horse Racing Alberta, Rick LeLacheur, or the CEO of Horse Racing Alberta, Shirley McClellan, disclose the existence of the claim by Alberta Downs to the Horse Racing Alberta auditors, KPMG.
Horse Race Insider – Jicha -Business As Usual: Appellate Court Denies Dutrow Appeal
Bloodhorse – Bossert – He’s Comin in Hot Wires Bashford Manor
Brisnet – He’s Comin in Hot stays hot in Bashford Manor
Events start at 12:00 noon
$10 per persons 16 years+
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Golden Lad Popular Winner of Cornhusker
Brisnet – Golden Lad rallies for Cornhusker victory
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 318th 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 64th 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.
REMEMBERTOBREATHE NIPS GRINDER SPARKSAGLO
SATURDAY AT EMERALD DOWNS
AUBURN, Wash. (June 27, 2015) – Canadian invader Remembertobreathe collared Grinder Sparksaglo in the final stride for a head victory Saturday in the $21,500 feature race for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs.
Ridden by Julien Couton, Remembertobreathe ran one mile in 1:36.40 and paid $11.20, $7 and $4.
Grinder Sparksaglo, ridden by Juan Gutierrez, gained the lead past mid-stretch and appeared headed to his second straight victory, but was collared late by Remembertobreathe and finished second. Grinder Sparksaglo paid $5.80 and $4.
Disruption, the leader to past mid-stretch under Jake Barton, finished third and paid $3.40. Prohibition, the 6-to-5 favorite, finished fourth and Gross Misconduct finished fifth.
Robbie Baze trains both Remembertobreathe and Grinder Sparksaglo.
A 4-year-old Florida-bred by D’widcat-Sanctioned, Remembertobreathe is 3-2-1 in 13 career starts with earnings of $88,237 for owner David Gregory. Saturday’s race was the gelding’s first outside of Canada, where his most noteworthy finish was a second in the Canadian Derby (G3-C) at Northlands Park.
NOTES: In the $21,500 co-feature for 3-year-old fillies, Perhaps a Pie ($7.60) unleashed a strong rally for a 4 1/2-length victory over Herculette in 1:10.17 for six furlongs. A Florida-bred by Tale of Ekati-Royal Stimulus, is trained by Chris Stenslie and co-owned by Stenslie, One Horse Will Do Corporation and Brewer Thoroughbreds. . . .Julien Couton swept Saturday’s final three races to boost his lead to 46-36 over Juan Gutierrez atop the jockeys’ standings. . .Couton already has 16 multiple-win days including five triples. . .Javier Matias rode two winners. . .Fine Red Wine ($7.80) prevailed in race five to improve trainer Candi Tollett to 4-0-0 in her last five starts. . . Kiss My Lulu ($7) romped to a six-length victory in the $20,500 maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies, running 4 ½ furlongs in a quick :51.25 under Matias. A bay filly by Coast Guard, Kiss My Lulu is the eighth winning foal out of Runaway Lulu, a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner Runaway Groom. Because she was sold at the WTBOA yearling sale, Kiss My Lulu’s victory includes a $7,300 bonus for owner Pegasus Too and trainer Howard Belvoir. . .Belvoir already has a pair of 2-year-old maiden special winners at the meet. Barkley, a 2-year-old Munnings colt, debuted with a 3 ¼-length victory for Belvoir and Rising Star Stable on June 20. . .Live racing continues Sunday with the $50,000 Irish Day Handicap for 3-year-old fillies racing one mile. First post is 2 p.m…With no winning tickets in Saturday’s $.50 Pick 5, $5,051 will carry over to Sunday’s Pick 5 starting with Race 6.
Bloodhorse – Kiss My Lulu First Winner for Coast Guard
SUNDAY HASTINGS PREVIEW
Hastings Racecourse has delivered us another seven race program with the hard working maiden and lower level claimers taking the spotlight. The marquee event is in race five with nine $16,000 maidens going six and a half furlongs.
Starting from the inside is Terry Clyde, Ken and Sharon Johnson’s Too Much Johnson. He has turned in two no-threat fifths to date but will race in blinkers for the first time this afternoon which may turn things around for him. His last work, likely in blinkers, saw him scoot around the track in 1:00 flat for five-eighths of a mile so improvement could be on the horizon for him. Jeff Burningham and trainer Mike Anderson connected with a nice win yesterday with Haida Gwaii and will look to double up on the weekend.
The likely favourite will be Mark DeDomenico and the North American Thoroughbred Horse Company’s Heartset who suffered from a brutal trip from an outside draw last time out yet still managed to rescue fourth money. He is down slightly in class and is better drawn in gate two so the son of Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver will be very tough to beat today. David Lopez returns to saddle for Troy Taylor.
Barbara Heads sends out the only first time starter in the lineup as Russ and Lois Bennett’s Solar Energy will try and win in his debut. He has turned in some swift morning trials and is out of dam that won her career debut and captured 3 of her 5 lifetime starts which were all in sprints. Antonio Reyes gets the riding assignment.
Praven and Debbie Sorenson’s Yogi Man scratched out of a tougher race last week in favour of this easier spot. He battled gamely on the pace in his 2015 debut before tiring a bit late to finish a close fourth. His early speed makes him a dangerous threat and trainer Phil Hall has secured the services of leading rider Richard Hamel which give him every opportunity to get the job done.
James Sykes and the Stewart Stables send out Killarney Kid who is dipping down in price after a couple of unsuccessful ventures with tougher opponents. He did have a couple wide trips and may get a better journey this afternoon. Mark Buchanan will ride for trainer Daryl Stewart.
The Telford Farms bred and own Ps Diamond Cutter who had a little trouble leaving the gate in his first start and will look to improve on that effort today. He has a nice work since his last race and will get Sahin Civaci in the irons for trainer Cindy Krasner.
The Dittloff’s homebred Royal Briar was a solid runner-up against similar company in his last race and deserves respect in this spot. The son of Finality was close to the pace and battled on gamely throughout. Alex Marti re-rides for Patty Leaney.
Bill and Susan Stewart are the owners and breeders of If We Knew Then who had an adventurous trip last time and really had no chance from an outside post. He is coming back in 8 days but this is a much easier assignment for him and if the poor post doesn’t bother him again then he is a major threat against this group. Pedro Alvarado gets the call from Anita Bolton.
The Telford Farms and Wendy Kruger bred and own Ps Bettin On You who flashed good speed in his debut from an outside post before tiring late. He scorched five-eighths in 1:00 2/5 since his last race and could be one eligible to move forward off of his first start. Amadeo Perez will pilot for Cindy Krasner.
The racing action will once again get started at 1:50 p.m.
Brisnet – Powell – HANDICAPPING INSIGHTS – JUNE 27, 2015
Brisnet – Departing scrapes the hedge to make noise in Firecracker
Bloodhorse – Angst – Departing Squeezes Through in Firecracker Win
ESPN – West – American Pharoah ranks among the best
ESPN – Finley – American Pharoah’s next step
Brisnet – Pletcher’s Suburban and Dwyer hopefuls post works
Purse $50,000 Six And One Half Furlongs.
PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Pick a Prize (AB) 4/F S Williams 119 R K Smith
2 Almost Ninety (AB) 3/F L R Lara 119 J R Robertson
3 Wild Deuces (AB) 3/F L Q Welch 119 R McLean
4 Blameitontheknight (AB) 3/F L S Beauregard 119 D L Saunders
5 Ginger Smash (AB) 3/F T Maragh 119 R K Smith
6 Queenoftheforest (AB) 3/F L R W Walcott 119 G Tracy
7 Blue Eyed Zeeva (AB) 3/F I E Mosqueira 119 A Bennett
Owners: 1 – Red Ron Farms and Stone Ranches Ltd. ; 2 – Mitch Klimove, Judy Frost and Jerri R. Robertson ; 3 – Wilde Racing ; 4 – M & P Equipment Inc., Met Set Consulting Ltd. and Dale L. Saunders ; 5 – Jim Juris and Linda Smith ; 6 – Curtis & Darrell Landry, Red Diamond Stable and Highfield Stock Farm ; 7 – James Bauder and Gordon Heddleston
Purse $50,000 Six And One Half Furlongs.
PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 R J Quick (AB) 3/G M Velazquez 121 A Gregory
2 Ninja Prospector (AB) 4/G L J Espitia 121 E Martens
3 Saint Warlock (AB) 3/G D Bryan 121 D Schaffrick
4 Holler At the Moon (AB) 3/G L I E Mosqueira 121 T Rycroft
5 Capitalism (ON) 3/G L R W Walcott 121 G Tracy
6 Xtreme Denigray (AB) 3/G L T Maragh 121 T Bensmiller
7 Legend Fortynine (AB) 4/G L S Williams 121 D L Saunders
Owners: 1 – Dylan & Rebecca Neergaard ; 2 – David Parie ; 3 – Dale Schaffrick ; 4 – Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. ; 5 – Derby Quest Farms Ltd. and Shot In The Dark Racing Corp. ; 6 – Ted Graling ; 7 – M & P Equipment Inc., Met Set Consulting Ltd. and Dale L. Saunders
Edmonton Sun – FRANK FONTANA’s Northlands Favourites
Matt’s Picks and Free Program – Wednesday July 1, 2015
Brisnet – Bent on Bourbon captures Iowa Derby
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.
ESPN – West – The faces of horse racing
Brisnet – Hard Aces noses out Hoppertunity in Gold Cup at Santa Anita
Bloodhorse – Balan – Hard Aces Rides Rail to Win Gold Cup
Brisnet – Masochistic impresses in Triple Bend
Bloodhorse – Balan – Masochistic Easy Winner of Triple Bend
Bloodhorse – Include Betty Notches Grade I in Mother Goose
Brisnet – Include Betty draws off in Mother Goose
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
July 3
Belmont Park
Perfect Sting Stake $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8f Turf
Canterbury Park
Blair’s Cove Stake $60,000 3&up Colts & Geldings State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Princess Elaine Stake $60,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Finger Lakes
New York Derby $150,000 3yo State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
New York Oaks $75,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Monmouth Park
Molly Pitcher Stake GIII $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Sunray Park
Inaugural Handicap $35,000 3&up 6.5f Dirt
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Sarah Sis Just Holds On to Take Iowa Oaks
Brisnet – Sarah Sis holds on in Iowa Oaks
BY GLEN TODD
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.
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.
I Know, I Know. But Like Bing Crosby Sang, There Was A Winner In Each Race
Mama said there would be days like this, so why don’t we deal with the obvious right away: this was not one of the year’s great cards. There were some moments. The fifth featured a thundering herd five-horse finish. Jockeys Amadeo Perez and Antonio Reyes both had riding doubles and trainer Mark Cloutier won the second and third consecutively. Once again, the handle ($563,000) was a lot better than the comparative day last year. And if we want to have a weather conversation, the cloud cover that British Columbians require from time to time for our sense of normality, well, it was back to help us stay grounded.
And while Sunday may not have been an artistic high point, Wednesday is going to be. Canada Day is up there in front of us and it will provide one of the year’s great cards. Hastings will be happening.
Occupy Vancouver Occupies The Winner’s Circle
The opener was won by Occupy Vancouver ($17.30) with Marklee Buchanan providing a well-reasoned ride by sitting behind the very fast pace set by Banderrillero and getting past him mid-way down the lane, eventually stretching it to a little over a length at the wire. The final time of 145:67 was pretty decent for conditioned $8K types. Banderillero was disqualified from second to third for a little deke towards the rail going down the backside that momentarily discombobulated Rebus who nevertheless got it back together and pursued all the way home. He was moved up to second after a steward’s enquiry. The errant Banderillero ran a game race after going very fast early, but his brief indiscretion cost him the place.
It was a Maybin family production from start to finish. Owners Rob and Sheena Maybin bred the winner from their stallion Acceptable out of their Smart Strike mare, Crystal Bowl. Rob Maybin trains.
Mr Rosberg Sticks His Neck Out
And that was what Mr Rosberg ($12.30) won by after closing from about as last as you ever close from at Hastings to get past Cognac with jockey Antonio Reyes weaving his way between the leaders near the end of 6 ½ furlongs that went in 1:18.48. Look At Me did well to finish third after running past the pacesetter shortly after a half that went in 44.66, a fraction that will prove taxing to $8,000 three-year-olds such as these about ninety-nine times out of a hundred.
Mr. Rosberg was bred in Grinrod by the Dittloffs and was owned by Canmor Farms and Lola McCarthy and trained by Mark Cloutier. The winner went to a new barn following his win. It was the fourth win in two days for the departed Rosberg, not that any commercial advantage will accrue to him.
Skye Victress Soars
Skye Victress ($7.30) won the third, a $12,500 maiden claimer at 6 ½ furlongs for fillies and mares, three and up. It turned out to be a race for three-year-old fillies as it went with seven of them only. She covered the sprint distance in 1:19.73 to give rider Antonio Reyes his second in a row. Saintly Sinner closed late from well back to take second and Current Sea Express put in a steady effort and finished third.
Skye Victress was three wide around the final turn but when she moved to the lead at the head of the lane the outcome was no longer in doubt. Saintly Sinner closed some and Current Sea Express fought on some, but it was the day for Skye Victress.
The winner is a daughter of Stephanotis and the Vying Victor mare Answerwithvictory. She was bred in this province by her owners, Tony and Pat Hepburn. Mark Cloutier is the trainer and this was his second win in a row.
Ya Kula: Try To Make Some Smarty-Pants Headline Out Of That
The fourth was a $4,000 maiden claimer for three-and-up fillies and mares that was won by betting favorite Ya Kula ($4.90), a three-year-old as was the place horse, Angel’s Victory. Easter Sunday, one of the two older fillies in the race, ran third. The winner was guided by last year’s leading rider Amadeo Perez who was winning his first of two. They needed 1:20.08 to cover the 6 ½ furlongs.
Mel and Fran Snow own Ya Kula and Mel trains.
Too Much Johnson Is Just Enough
The fifth race was another three-and-up maiden, this time for a $16,000 tag, that became another all three-year-old event. Eight of them started and five of them came to wire in a herd that provided the day’s most compelling finish. Too Much Johnson ($20.80) managed to get home a steadily shortening neck ahead of a charging Heart Set while third-place Solar Energy was a neck and a head in front of Ps Bettin On You and Royal Briar.
Too Much Johnson ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:18.65 while carrying 109 pounds and getting 10 from the runner-up. It was a very competitive race and any of the first four runner-ups could win their next race at this level. Jeff Burninham rode the winner.
Too Much Johnson was bred by Mark and Sharon Johnson and is raced by Sharon Johnson along with Kenneth Johnson and Terry Clyde. Mike Anderson who currently leads the trainer standings conditions the intact son of Storm Victory.
Brother Chuncky Sticks It To Mr. Cactus
Brother Chuncky ($6.30) won the sixth, a $4K event for older non-winners of three, after a first-class quarter of a mile battle with runner-up Mr. Cactus. The final time of 1:17.89 was easily the fastest 6 ½ furlongs of the day and ended with Brother Chuncky a length clear of Mr. Cactus and five ahead of the tardy close produced by Tapicero in third.
Brother Chuncky is certainly entitled to have at least a modicum of ability. The son of Mass Market is out of Grey Tobe Free, who won six stakes and $312,000. His half-brother Sartorialist and full-brother Silly Fella both won the Jack Diamond Futurity. Things did not turn out that well for Brother Chuncky, but he was a winner today for owners Nick and Pauline Felicella and trainer Anita Bolton. Following the race the winner had a new owner.
Renegade Cowboy Rides Quite A Bit Of The Range
Renegade Cowboy ($7.00) closed out the day by posting a convincing three length win over Instant Cash with whom he dueled for a while before proving quite a bit the best in the mile-and-sixteenth route for $4,000 maiden colts and geldings, three or more years old. Acertainreality ran third, almost two lengths out of second. The race went in 1:48 flat.
The winner was full value for the score. He rushed up to be wide on the first turn, was even wider on the second, made a long run at the leaders going down the backside and was not exactly on the rail through the last turn. He still moved away from his pursuers coming home. Amadeo Perez won his second on the card and his third in his two days back.
The winner was bred by Tod Mountain Thoroughbreds and is owned by Rob and Victoria Gilker. Rob Gilker trains.
Also Noteworthy:
Trainer Mike Anderson’s win in the fifth with Too Much Johnson gave him 15 for the season and a 5 win margin over Troy Taylor and Craig MacPherson. Dino Condilenios has 9 and Mark Cloutier’s double moves him into fifth with 8 wins.
Richard Hamel continues to lead the jockey standings with 27 wins, three more than Pedro Alvarado in second. Marklee Buchanan and Antonio Reyes are tied for third with 15, and Alexander Marti is close behind with 14. Keishan Balgobin and Sahin Civaci are the other riders in double figures.
Swift Thoroughbreds still lead the owner standings with 9 wins.
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.
Summertime And We Wish The Handicapping Was Easy
It was warmer than it has been on Saturday, another in a long line of glorious days at the Track of the Water and Mountains (talking about historic old Hastings Racecourse) but there was a breeze coming across Burrard Inlet that made it more comfortable for human and horse without dampening the commerce in cold beverages.
The holders of untried stock by Rosberg would have had their hopes raised even higher than they already were when that deceased stallion’s get won three races on the day, including a Maiden Special Weight. Richard Hamel won two and last year’s leading rider Amadeo Perez got on the board his first day back this year at Hastings. The fans bet what is becoming their customary $400K and change for Saturdays, the track played fair to all running styles and there were few better days to be had anywhere.
Colleen’s Diamond Could Be A Gem
We will call the second race on the card, a Maiden Special Weight for two-year-olds, the featurette instead of the feature, not because it was won by the filly Colleen’s Diamond ($6.90), that would be sexist, but because, at 3 ½ furlongs over the Baby Course, it was short but sweet. Good as They Get set the pace and gave way grudgingly to get beat a half-length, four lengths clear of the third place Banque Draught. The whole thing took 39.80 seconds.
Good as They Get was the speed and he comes from speed. His dam, What R the Odds was a rocket, she won 5 of 8, with three of the wins coming in sprint stakes at Hastings, and her first foal The Odds R Good is very quick, if still a maiden. Good as They Get, her second, is also quick and still a maiden because Colleen’s Diamond had enough speed to stalk him and enough will to win to get by late in the proceedings for rider Richard Hamel. Banque Draught broke with, but could not keep up with, the top two, although he galloped out well, as did they. The odds are good that Good as They Get will not be a maiden long.
Colleen’s Diamond is by the late and seriously lamented Rosberg and is out of Tribunal Crown, she being a daughter of Elana D’Amour who was British Columbia’s Horse of the Year in 2002 as well as Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, and who went on to win a total of seven stakes and $310,000. The winner was bred in British Columbia by Mark Pakulak and is owned by Allison Fournogerakis. Pat Jarvis, who appears to have an affinity for Rosbergs, is the trainer.
Also Noteworthy:
Although absent, Rosberg continues to flourish. He had a stallion triple on the card, having sired the above mentioned Colleen’s Diamond as well as the winner of the fourth, Haida Gwaii ($6.90), and Goes Way Back ($5.70) who took the fifth.
Haida Gwaii was ridden by Jeff Burningham and is trained by Mike Anderson for owners Terry Clyde and Foster Carefoot. Goes Way Back is owned by Frank Inouye, Frank and Lillian Koyanagi and Roy Kobayashi. Carl Lausten trains. Sahin Civaci rode.
Jockey Richard Hamel doubled with back-to-back wins in the second and third. The second has been covered, he won the third aboard Bubbly on Ice ($3.50) for owner/breeders Russell and Lois Bennett and trainer Barb Heads. The race featured a rousing stretch drive between the favored winner and the 15-1 longshot Shayla’s Rose who got caught in the last jump.
Jockey Amadeo Perez got his first win in belated season when he took the sixth with Exclusive Girl ($13.10) for owner Victoria Gilker and owner/trainer Rob Gilker.
Keishan Balgobin opened the card with a win on Jordan’s Quest ($5.10) for owner/breeder Grayross Stable and trainer Craig MacPherson. Pedro Alvarado closed it with Payton’s Best ($3.30) who beat his 18-1 stablemate Wailea’s Command by a length and a half. Harold Barroby and Roy McLellan bred and, along with Mrs. Barroby, own the winner.
Bloodhorse – BHA Creates Horseracing Bettors Forum
Phil has a question:
When will HRA create a Forum for objective input.
Would replacing the CCW and QKB with persons who are familiar with thoroughbred racing in North America be considered constructive input.
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Horsemen Oppose Reduction in Arlington Races
Bloodhorse – Parx to Add Fall Festival, Cut Total Dates
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Field Size Up, But Don’t Let It Fool You
Bloodhorse – Angst – No Denying Fanticola in Royal Heroine Stakes
Brisnet – Fanticola gets her graded laurel in Royal Heroine
Save the Date!CANADIAN THOROUGHBRED HORSE SOCIETY
(ALBERTA DIVISION)
2015 Alberta Thoroughbred Sale
Sunday, September 20th, 2015
Northlands Park EXPO Centre – Edmonton, Alberta
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MAIN CATALOGUE
DEADLINE FOR MAIN CATALOGUE: FRIDAY, JUNE 26th, 2015
Brisnet – Exhibit goes last to first to garner Senorita Prize
Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Prize Exhibit Last to First in Senorita
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Do these feet belong to the happiest guy at the track? See “THEY CALL HIM LUCKY” below.
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DO THE DOWNS
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Click for race schedule
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Simple tips for winning
(pass it on)
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CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE
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Official stations of horse racing.
Click to listen |
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| SPECIAL FEATURE: PLAYING TO WIN |
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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.
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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.
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Zdeno dominates Sunday’s Free Press Stakes
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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.)
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Mark “Lucky” Drabing
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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
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.
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TOURNAMENT TIGERS
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| 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! |
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Breeder Phil Kives (left) loses ear-challenged Dixie Mission after win
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Brisnet – I’m Already Sexy edges Kenzadargent in Eatontown
Bloodhorse – Carroll In Pursuit of Third Queen’s Plate Win
Bloodhorse – Work All Week, Wildcat Red Breeze Bullets
There is, fortunately, a minority composed of those who recognize early in their lives that the most beautiful and satisfying experiences open to humankind are not derived from the outside, but are bound up with the development of the individual’s own feeling, thinking and acting. The genuine artists, investigators and thinkers have always been persons of this kind. However inconspicuously the life of these individuals runs its course, none the less the fruits of their endeavors are the most valuable contributions which one generation can make to its successors.
Albert Einstein
Math is Difficult.
Jim Prentice
The Globe And Mail – Crisis? What crisis?
LA Times – Decker – ‘White racism,’ NRA are to blame for lax gun rules, Martin O’Malley says
NY Times – Stolberg – Justice Anthony Kennedy’s Tolerance Seen in His Sacramento Roots
The Bitter Southerner – Moore – This Train Is Bound for Glory, This Train …
ESPN – Major shakeup shows Sweeney has long-term plan for Bruins
Phil has a question:
Do making trades your and picking players to spite your old GM help your team in the long run.
Phil M Stockmen
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NDP SUMMER SOIREE REAPS AGREEMENT WITH RACE INDUSTRY?
UPDATES SOON!!
The news that the CEO is pulling political balls of yarns out of her closet to knit a patch for the continuation of the racino agreement past april 1/2016 is being met with aspersions by the racing industry when the number of uploads of the annual/marketing reports 30+ out of 1200 racing participants!!!!
BRIAN MASON as infrastructure minister is looking for new capital expenditures not repairing the crumbling facilities at Northlands and as former city alderman rep in the 1990’s as a board member has his vision in other direction away from horse racing!
GOOD NEWS for the future of racing in BC/ON with FRASER DOWNS rebranding as ELEMENTS CASINO and WOODBINE gaming expansion plans getting positive council feedback.
AGLC CASINO agreement has a one week notice for movement of gaming machines and HALL A beckons with 53,309 sq.ft. versus present 28,000 sq. ft. with the addition of live gaming/poker tables!
ASHA minutes from Dec 14/2014 state that the situation with ALBERTA DOWNS Bobby has taken been taken care of – HOW??? Since neither ASHA/HBPA have posted any minutes from 2015 I believe the lack of stakeholders information is ridiculous but who needs them when you have PHIL STOCKMEN/HOLYBULL to keep you informed!!!