To badly mutilate Shelley:
If 2 year old stake races come can the Kentucky Derby be far behind.
Frankenstein
National Post – Reuters – Hackers who breached Ashley Madison’s site are threatening to release nude photos and sexual fantasies of more than 37 million cheating spouses
Phil has a question:
Do you think the hackers might be divorce lawyers.
Sex education may be a good idea in the schools, but I don’t believe the kids should be given homework.
Bill Cosby
Careless Whisper
Bloodhorse – Angst – Three Evangeline Downs Jockeys Arrested
Horse Race Insider – Pricci – Saratoga Diary 2015: Uncertainty and Speculation
Even if it were only the third time in 42 years I missed the Saratoga opener on-track, the excitement seems to radiate through the computer screen, right down to the ominous threat of a tornado. Thankfully, Saratoga Race Course and its wide open spaces were spared.
Horse Race Insider – Pricci – Saratoga Simulcast Diary: Opening Day


Running with the Bulls
July 31st – August 3rd 2015
Too Long At the Fair
Lady and the Track – Park – Opening Day at Saratoga Set for Friday, July 24, 2015
The Inside Rail – Casey – Car’s Packed
Horse Race Insider – Broadway Johnny – The Saratoga of the Northwes, Part I
Horse Race Insider – Broadway Johnny – The Saratoga of the Northwest, Part ll
Bloodhorse – 34,783 Attend Opening Day at Saratoga
Bloodhorse – Maker’s Mark Plans Breeders’ Cup Bottles
Date Race Name Track Division
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
NY Times – Drape – American Pharoah Has a Secure Spot in History, but a Tricky Future
Should I Stay Or Should I Go
TwinSpires Blog – Monmouth releases provisional ‘Pharoah’ schedule
Jockey Talk 360 – CBC – Ron Turcotte honoured with statue in Grand Falls

National Hot Dog and Sausage Council – Hot Dog Etiquette
Dirty Harry
ESPN – Cronley – Dog day exercises
Dog Days Are Over
I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.
Mae West
TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Three Opening-Day Value Plays at Saratoga
Every positive value has its price in negative terms… the genius of Einstein leads to Hiroshima.
Pablo Picasso
Upcoming Western Thoroughbred
Race Dates

36th Running Of THE GRADUATION $25,000 Guaranteed
2-YEAR-OLDS FIVE FURLONGS
TO BE RUN SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ACTIONS SPEAK dk b/.g.2 Barry Arnason and True North Don Schnell
ANETO ch.g.2 Cam Ziprick, True North, Charles Fouillard and Barry Arnason Don Schnell
AS SWEET AS SHERRY ch.f.2 Bryan Jordan and Back On Track Stables Jennifer Jordan
BLACKBURN dk b/.g.2 Cam Ziprick, Barry Arnason and True North Don Schnell
COOLIDGE dk b/.g.2 Don Schnell or Barry Arnason Don Schnell
COPPER COINS b.g.2 Ressa Harris Verla Olito
ENGLISH TOWN b.c.2 Belle, Oslen S. and Cristina C. Carl Anderson
FORTY PROOF dk b/.g.2 Sherisse Ziprick, Marcy Wright and Barry Arnason Don Schnell
GOLD N SOCHI b.f.2 Monica Prokipchuk Carl Anderson
HEBER ch.g.2 Don Schnell or Barry Arnason Don Schnell
ITSMYTIMETOOSHINE ch.f.2 Back On Track Stables Jennifer Jordan
JOE DUNK IN ch.g.2 Rollingson Racing Stable and Tremblay, Norman Robertino Diodoro
LANGARA dk b/.g.2 Barry Arnason and True North Don Schnell
LAW MASTER gr/ro.c.2 Charles Garvey Robertino Diodoro
NOLAN THE GREAT (Nelson, D.) b.c.2 Jerry Antoniuk Eurico Martens
OZARK DAREDEVIL (Husbands, C.) dk b/.g.2 Riversedge Racing Stables, Ltd. Tim Rycroft
PECOS (Singh, R.) b.f.2 Terry Propps Charles Edwin Smith
READY INTAGLIO dk b/.c.2 Eurico Martens Eurico Martens
SOUND DESIGN b.g.2 Robert Nokes Shelley Brown
STORMATION b.c.2 Mercedes Stables LLC Robertino Diodoro
THREE POINT CASH dk b/.c.2 Rocky Mountain Turf Club Stable Shelley Brown
WITT’S SO BOSSY ch.f.2 Henry S. Witt, Jr. Jerry Gourneau
WITTS HENNY PENNY ch.g.2 Henry S. Witt, Jr. Jerry Gourneau
ZACK MAN (Morales, A.) b.c.2 Jerry Antoniuk Eurico Martens
Nominations for the 56th Running Of THE MANITOBA MILE $25,000 Guaranteed
56th Running Of THE MANITOBA MILE $25,000 Guaranteed
3-YEAR-OLDS & UPWARD ONE MILE
TO BE RUN SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BEN BOLT b.g.4 Lorna Gray or Don and Gaye Bell or Mary Liggett Lorna M. Gray
CAPORETTO b.h.6 Brent Hrymak Brent Hrymak
INDY AWESOME dk b/.g.5 Lothenbach Stables, Inc. Clay Brinson
JON Q b.g.5 Pat McQueen and David Nelson Tanya Lindsay
MAGIC D’ ORO (Chow, C.) b.h.5 Martin Yeroschak and Barry Arnason Tanya Lindsay
PAPIAMENTO b.g.5 Garry Naherniak Shelley Brown
SCONNIE NATION b.g.4 Henry S. Witt, Jr. Jerry Gourneau
SECRETSATMIDNIGHT gr/ro.r.5 Ted Graling Robertino Diodoro
STORM CHANCE dk b/.g.4 Hy Road Stable Marvin Buffalo
ZDENO dk b/.g.4 Barry Arnason, Al Daley, Darrell Sundsbak and Cam Ziprick Don Schnell
Nominations For the 67th Running Of THE MANITOBA DERBY $75,000 Guaranteed
67th Running Of THE MANITOBA DERBY $75,000 Guaranteed
** ENTRIES CLOSE WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 AT 9:30 A.M. **
3-YEAR-OLDS ONE MILE AND ONE EIGHTH
TO BE RUN MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CAPITALISM ch.g.3 Derby Quest Farms Ltd. and Shot In The Dark Racing Corp. Greg Tracy
CAROUSE dk b/.c.3 Charles Garvey Robertino Diodoro
FLASHY JEWEL (Morales, A.) gr/ro.c.3 Lothenbach Stables, Inc. Clay Brinson
IMPROMPTU ch.g.3 Jason Bullard Bernell B. Rhone
MADD EDITION (Pruitt, J.) b.g.3 Robert Nokes Shelley Brown
QUIET RY b.g.3 Lothenbach Stables, Inc. Clay Brinson
ROMAN HUMOR dk b/.g.3 K 5 Stables Heather Wallerstedt
SAFECRACKER dk b/.g.3 Dennis Mitchell, Don Bell, Gaye Bell and Gold Medal Stable Tanya Lindsay
SLY GOLD b.c.3 Hillside Farm, Warner, B and M Crockett, S and Anderson and Bosma Blair A. Miller
SPIDER’S ALIBI (Singh, R.) b.c.3 Terry Propps Charles Edwin Smith
TACTICAL WARRIOR ch.g.3 K 5 Stables Heather Wallerstedt
WITT SIX dk b/.g.3 Henry S. Witt, Jr. Jerry Gourneau
Nominations For The 28th Running Of THE MANITOBA OAKS $25,000 Guaranteed
28th Running Of THE MANITOBA OAKS $25,000 Guaranteed
FILLIES, 3-YEAR-OLDS ONE MILE
TO BE RUN MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FLOATING RIVER dk b/.f.3 K 5 Stables Heather Wallerstedt
HOLIDAY MAKER (Nelson, D.) b.f.3 Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle Jared Brown
I’M A FLASHY GIRL gr/ro.f.3 T G Stable Blair A. Miller
JUNGLE STORY b.f.3 Barry Arnason, Al Daley, Darrell Sundsbak and Cam Ziprick Don Schnell
QUEENOFTHEFOREST dk b/.f.3 Landry, C., Landry, D., Red Diamond Stable and Highfield Stock Farm Greg Tracy
SOME GAVE ALL (Husbands, C.) b.f.3 Riversedge Racing Stables, Ltd. Tim Rycroft
SUPREME RUSH (Chow, C.) dk b/.f.3 K 5 Stables Heather Wallerstedt
Friday , July 24, 2015 7:00 PM CDT
Saturday , July 25, 2015 7:00 PM CDT
Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Tips on Saratoga Maiden Races from Andy Serling

HOT CUP OF SOUP FRIDAY NIGHT AT EMERALD DOWNS
AUBURN, Wash. (July 24, 2015) – Cup of Soup drew clear for a 2 ¾-length victory in Friday’s featured $21,400 Copiers Northwest Purse for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs.
Ridden by Juan Gutierrez, Cup of Soup ran one mile in 1:37.97 and paid $26.40, $8.80 and $3.60.
A Kentucky-bred by Einstein, Cup of Soup is developing into the track’s Rodney Dangerfield filly—in three starts, she has victories at odds of 11-1 and 12-1,and a third at 15-1. Friday, she stalked Quibble and Bella Colomba to midway on the last turn, swept to the lead into the lane, and rolled home uncontested for the victory.
Caliente Gold, the even-money favorite ridden by Julien Couton, finished well for second place and paid $3 and $2.40. A maiden racing against winners, Caliente Gold now has two seconds and a third in three career starts.
Bella Colomba, ridden by Jose Zunino, held third and paid $3.40 to show. Suite One, Zippinaroundtown, Ritzy Tags and Quibble completed the order of finish.
Cup of Soup began her career in Texas, but she raced mainly in Arizona before arriving at Emerald Downs this spring. Trainer Manny Ortiz claimed her two races back for $7,500, with Friday’s win yielding a tidy $11,550 payday for owners Thomas Glasgow, Ezra Lee Craig and Ramiro Meraz-Martinez
NOTES: Trainer Manny Ortiz is 10-for-28 in his first season at Emerald Downs, and said he plans to return again next year. .
.Buddy Dave ($9.20) regained the lead as the track’s leading active winner with his 16th victory at Emerald Downs with a come-from-behind triumph in race four. An 8-year-old Kentucky-bred by Five Star Day, Buddy Dave has been owned by Kingsport Syndicate and trained by Vince Gibson throughout the gelding’s 65-race career. . .
Trainer Howard Belvoir clicked a notch closer to 2,000 career wins when Mary Lois ($10.60) rallied to win race three under Jennifer Whitaker. Belvoir now has 1,997 career wins and, with five horses entered Saturday and Sunday, could reach the milestone this weekend. . .
Belvoir is No. 3 all-time with 678 wins at Emerald Downs, and Whitaker has been up for 318 of them. . .
Favorites were 0-for-13 the last two Fridays until Grindster ($3.40) rallied to win the Friday nightcap. . .Even with the favorite prevailing in the nightcap, the $0.50 Pick 5 paid a healthy $9,371, second largest of the meet. . .
Juan Gutierrez was the only rider with two wins and took over sole possession of second place with 47 wins, one more than Leslie Mawing. . .
Julien Couton rode one winner to push his meet-leading total to 58 wins. . .
Live racing continues Saturday with first post 2 p.m.
Friday , July 24, 2015 4:30 PM PDT
Saturday , July 25, 2015 2:00 PM PDT
Sunday , July 26, 2015 2:00 PM PDT
Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Smith – The resurgence of the King George: Golden Horn plays a key role as Ascot’s biggest race regains its lustre
Bloodhorse – Golden Horn Among 11 Possible for King George


SATURDAY PREVIEW
Racing resumes today at Hastings Racecourse with an eight race card that will be held under cloudy skies and cooler conditions which will be favourable for the horses participating and their faithful supporters at the windows.
The main event this afternoon is in race four which has six maiden allowance fillies and mares doing battle over six and a half furlongs.
Starting on the inside is Clive and Linda Lytle’s homebred Race The Wind. She has been threatening to break through with a win in her last two starts. She is up slightly in class today but is still a major player. Amadeo Perez re-rides for trainer Carl Lausten.
The North American Thoroughbred Horse Company’s Collateral was battling with tough maidens in Southern California before shipping east to the easier maidens of Turf Paradise in Phoenix. The trip appeared to be a winning move as the daughter of Colonel John and former NATHC stakes star Heaven On Hold was cruising on the lead preparing for victory when she suddenly ducked in at the head of the lane striking the temporary turf rail unseating jockey Ami Pooli and unfortunately all was lost. She has prepped smartly for her return to the races and looks to be the one to beat. David Lopez gets the call from Hall-of-Fame conditioner Troy Taylor.
Linda Robb, Brian Emlyn, Bruce Unwin, the Dreamtime and Flinstone Stables will be cheering for Taylureveloz who has finished in mid-pack in her last two starts. She will need to see a contested pace duel up front to aid her off-the-pace style. Alex Marti rides for trainer Bruce Unwin.
Reg and Marie Peat’s Greystone Farm’s homebred Teiguan aptly named after a type of stone being by the stallion Grindstone. She was away slowly in his debut and is definitely one that could improve in her second start. Teiguan has worked stylishly in the a.m. for trainer Ian Jewell and it encouraging to see leading rider Richard Hamel jump aboard.
Sharon and Garry Saitz’s Tessanna showed excellent speed from the starting gate and led the field until deep stretch in her latest before yielding late but did manage to secure the runner-up spot. Her speed makes her a strong threat. Gabby Asencio returns to the saddle.
Michal Jilek, Craig Winnick and the Canyon Farms own the first-time starter Stormy Cross. The son of Storm Victory has prepped well for his debut. Jockey Pedro Alvarado and trainer Pat Jarvis connected with a first-time starter last week so this filly could be ‘live’ today.
First post is at 1:50 p.m.
A reminder to all horsemen that nominations for the August 3rd BC Cup races close today Saturday, July 25th.
Another note that the $100,000 Redekop Classic and the $75,000 Pegasus Distaff are both for BC bred or BC Owned horses.
The BC Cup races closing today are the :
$100,000 Redekop Classic – 3+up – 1 1/8 miles
$75,000 Pegasus Distaff – F&M -1 1/8 miles
$50,000 Stellar’s Jay – 3 yo – 1 1/16 miles
$50,000 Dogwood – 3 yo fillies – 1 1/16 miles
$50,000 Nursery – 2 yo – 6 1/2 furlongs
$50,000 Debutante – 2 yo filies – 6 1/2 furlongs
$20,000 Marathon – 3+up – 1 3/8 miles
MIKE’S AND DREW’S PICKS FOR SATURDAY
Race 1 |
4 – Briartic County
1 – Vying for Glory
5 – Halo’s Quest |
4 – Briartic County
3 – Roy’s Dream
5 – Halo’s Quest |
Race 2 |
3 – Rachael Run
2 – Haida Gwaii
1 – Honey Skila |
3 – Rachael Run
2 – Haida Gwaii
1 – Honey Skila |
Race 3 |
6 – Carson City Brown
4 – So Legit
2 – Contact Man |
4 – So Legit
6 – Carson City Brown
5 – Oscar Award |
Race 4 |
2 – Collateral
1 – Race the Wind
5 – Tessanna |
2 – Collateral
1 – Race the Wind
5 – Tessanna |
Race 5 |
4 – Cute Little Vixen
5 – Easter Sunday
7 – Remarkable Lady |
4 – Cute Little Vixen
7 – Remarkable Lady
5 – Easter Sunday |
Race 6 |
1 – Stoneridge Ruler
7 – Every Nites a Blur
4 – Crackdown |
4 – Crackdown
6 – Mighty Fraser
1 – Stoneridge Ruler |
Race 7 |
6 – Saintly Sinner
7 – Shayla’s Rose
5 – Katchin Fire |
6 – Saintly Sinner
7 – Shayla’s Rose
3 – Current Sea Xpress |
Race 8 |
2 – Kiss Em Goodbye
1 – Mario’s Win
3 – Cleared to Victory |
2 – Kiss Em Goodbye
4 – Too Much Johnson
3 – Cleared to Victory |
Saturday, July 25, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Sunday, July 26, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Bloodhorse – Balan – ‘Pharoah’ Upsetter Om Eyes Next Start
The first recipe for happiness is: avoid too lengthy meditation on the past.
Andre Maurois
Bloodhorse – Genaro – Plenty of Questions at Saratoga Meet Preview
Summertime
TwinSpires Blog – Powell – Handicapping Insights – July 23

Entries for the Princess Margaret
36th Running Of The Princess Margaret
$50,000 Estimated
A SPECIAL WEIGHT STAKES FOR TWO YEAR OLD FILLIES
SIX FURLONGS
TO BE RUN FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015
Owners: 1 – Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. ; 2 – Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. ; 3 – Al Pitchko ; 4 – Al Pitchko ; 5 – Derby Quest Farms Ltd. and Shot In The Dark Racing Corp. ; 6 – M & P Equipment Inc., Met Set Consulting Ltd. and Dale L. Saunders ; 7 – Curtis & Darrell Landry, Red Diamond Stable and Highfield Stock Farm
Entries For the 37th Running Of The Edmonton Juvenile
37th Running Of The Edmonton Juvenile
$50,000 Estimated
A SPECIAL WEIGHT STAKES FOR TWO YEAR OLD COLTS AND GELDINGS
SIX FURLONGS
TO BE RUN SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2015
First Start Since Reported as Gelding: Oved,Gio Panelli
Owners: 1 – Doug Blair ; 2 – Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. ; 3 – Mark Gems International Ltd. ; 4 – Derby Quest Farms Ltd. and Shot In The Dark Racing Corp. ; 5 – Jennifer Smith ; 6 – Al Pitchko ; 7 – Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.
Edmonton Sun – FRANK FONTANA’s Northlands Favourites
Matt’s Picks and Free Program – Friday July 24, 2015
Matt’s Picks and Free Program – Saturday July 25, 2015
Friday , July 24, 2015 6:30 PM MDT
Saturday , July 25, 2015 1:00 PM MDT
Dig It
Carryovers
Saturday July 25, 2015
Arlington
$3,530 – Pick 6
Assiniboia Downs
$20,672 — Super High
Del Mar
$35,314 — Super High Five
Ellis Park
$5,089 — Pick 5
$771 — Super High Five
$333 — Pick 6
Gulfstream Park
$38,516 — Pick 6 Jackpot
$20,351 — Pick 5
$3,981 — Super High Five
Hastings Racecourse
$1,595 — Pick 6
Laurel Park
$16,859 — Super High Five
$10,182 — Pick 5
Los Alamitos
$8,931 — Pick 6
Marquis Downs
$496 — Pick 4
Monmouth Park
$28,588 — Pick 5
$1,819 — Pick 6 Jackpot
Prairie Meadows
$670 — Pick 5
Ruidoso Downs
$1,313 — Tri Super
Sacramento
$4,763 — Pick 6
Saratoga
$36,444 — Pick 6
Sunray Park
$825 — Super High Five Jackpot
Sunday July 26, 2015
Presque Isle Downs
$102 — Pick 6
Guaranteed Pools
Friday July 24, 2015
Northlands Park
$10,000 — Pick 4
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Competitive Edge confirmed for Haskell
Bloodhorse – Balan – Big John B Rides Rail to Win Cougar II ‘Cap

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Sky Kingdom hoping third time’s the charm in Cougar II
Bloodhorse – Novak – Sky Kingdom Takes Third Shot at Cougar II
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Stakes pointers in weekday Del Mar turf races
TwinSpires Blog – Prize hopes to regain Winning thread in Wickerr

Mustang Sally
ESPN – Finley – What we need to see more of
Phil has one:
Returning more money to the bettors’ pockets by reducing takeouts.

100 Cigarettes
Racing Post – Russell – Courses are having their cake and eating proceeds
This Weekend’s Stakes
July 24
Ascot
Woodcote Stud EBF Stallions Valiant Stake Listed $62,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8f Turf
Del Mar
Cougar II Handicap GIII $100,000 3&up 12f Dirt
Marquis Downs
Bob Barr Memorial Handicap $6,500 g 3yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Northlands Park
Princess Margaret Stake $50,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Saratoga
Lake George Stake GII $200,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Turf
Schuylerville Stake GIII $150,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
July 25
Arlington Park
Springfield Stake $50,000 3yo State/Prov 8f AW
Arapahoe Park
CTBA Breeders Oaks $40,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8.32f Dirt
Ascot
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stake (Eng-I BC $1,560,000 3&up 12f Turf
Princess Margaret Juddmonte Stake (Eng-III $78,000 2yo Fillies 6f Turf
Titanic Belfast Winkfield Stake $47,000 2yo 7f Turf
Assiniboia Downs
Winnipeg Sun Stake $25,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8f Dirt
Chippewa Downs
NDTA Derby $10,000 3yo State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
Del Mar
Fleet Treat Stake $200,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 7f Dirt
San Diego Handicap GII $200,000 3&up 8.5f Dirt
Evangeline Downs
Opelousas Stake $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8f Turf
Sunset Stake $75,000 3&up 8.5f Turf
Turf Express Stake $75,000 3&up 5f Turf
Marquis Downs
Saskatchewan Lotteries Handicap $6,500 g 3yo 8f Dirt
Monmouth Park
Jersey Shore Stake GIII $100,000 3yo 6f Dirt
Northlands Park
Edmonton Juvenile Stake $50,000 2yo Colts & Geldings 6f Dirt
Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows Handicap Listed $75,000 3&up 8.5f Dirt
Parx
Crowd Pleaser Handicap $75,000 3yo State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Power By Far Handicap $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 5f Turf
Ruidoso Downs
Rio Grande Senorita Futurity $175,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Saratoga
Sanford Stake GIII $150,000 2yo 6f Dirt
TVG Diana Stake GI $500,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 9f Turf
ThistleDown
Miss Ohio Stake $75,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Woodbine
Colin Stake $125,000 2yo 6f AW
Ontario Matron Stake (Can-III $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f AW
July 26
Arapahoe Park
Columbine $40,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Arapahoe Park
Mount Elbert $40,000 3&up Colts & Geldings State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Belterra Park
Norm Barron Queen City Oaks $75,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 9f Dirt
Chippewa Downs
NDTA Futurity $10,000 2yo State/Prov 4.5f Dirt
Del Mar
Bing Crosby Stake GI BC $300,000 3&up 6f Dirt
California Dreamin’ Handicap $150,000 3&up State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Emerald Downs
Angie C. Stake $50,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Chukyo Kinen GIII $685,000 3&up 8f Turf
Hakodate Nisai Stake GIII $542,000 2yo 6f Turf
Monmouth Park
Little Silver Stake $60,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Turf
Ruidoso Downs
Land of Enchantment Handicap $50,000 3&up State/Prov 7.5f Dirt
Lincoln Handicap $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
Rio Grande Senor Futurity $175,000 2yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Road Runner Handicap $50,000 3yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Sierra Blanca Handicap $50,000 3&up State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Sierra Starlet Handicap $50,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Saratoga
Coaching Club American Oaks GI $300,000 3yo Fillies 9f Dirt
Woodbine
Royal North Stake (Can-III $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Turf
Toronto Cup Stake $125,000 3yo 9f Turf
July 27
Saratoga
Lucky Coin Stake $100,000 4&up 5.5f Turf
July 28
Fort Erie
Prince of Wales Stake $500,000 3yo State/Prov 9.5f Dirt
Rainbow Connection Stake $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 5f Turf
July 29
Les Bois Park
Les Bois Park Derby $10,000 3yo 7f Dirt
Les Bois Park Distaff Derby $10,000 3yo Fillies 6.5f Dirt
Saratoga
Honorable Miss Handicap GII $200,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
Woodbine
Eternal Search Stake $125,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8.5f AW
July 30
Saratoga
A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase Handicap GI $125,000 4&up 16.5f Turf
John Morrissey Stake $100,000 3&up State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
July 31
Del Mar
CTBA Stake $100,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Finger Lakes
Arctic Queen Stake $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
Saratoga
Curlin Stake $100,000 3yo R 9f Dirt
August 1
Arlington Park
Addison Cammack Handicap $50,000 3&up State/Prov 6f AW
Isaac Murphy Handicap $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f AW
Arapahoe Park
Silver Cup Futurity $35,000 2yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Silver Cup Futurity $35,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Assiniboia Downs
Graduation Stake $25,000 2yo 5f Dirt
Charles Town
Robert G. Leavitt Stake $50,000 3yo State/Prov 7f Dirt
Del Mar
Clement L. Hirsch Stake GI BC $300,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Mountaineer
Mountaineer Juvenile Fillies Stake $100,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Mountaineer Juvenile Stake Listed $100,000 2yo 6f Dirt
Senator Robert C. Byrd Memorial Stake Listed $100,000 3&up 6f Dirt
West Virginia Derby GII $750,000 3yo 9f Dirt
West Virginia Governor’s Stake Listed $200,000 3&up 8.5f Dirt
West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker’s Cup Listed $100,000 3&up 8.32f Turf
West Virginia Legislature Chairman’s Cup $100,000 3&up 4.5f Dirt
West Virginia Secretary of State Listed $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
West Virginia Senate President’s Cup $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.32f Turf
Monmouth Park
Regret Stake Listed $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
Saratoga
Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap GI $350,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Amsterdam Stake GII $200,000 3yo 6.5f Dirt
Bowling Green Handicap GII $250,000 4&up 11f Turf
Jim Dandy Stake GII $600,000 3yo 9f Dirt
Santa Rosa
Wine Country Stake $50,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Turf
Woodbine
Victoriana Stake $125,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Wyoming Downs
Hank Mills Handicap $8,000 a 3&up Fillies & Mares 5f Dirt
August 2
Assiniboia Downs
Manitoba Mile $25,000 3&up 8f Dirt
Del Mar
Real Good Deal Stake $200,000 3yo State/Prov 7f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Ibis Summer Dash GIII $685,000 3&up 5f Turf
Queen Stake GIII $633,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 9f Turf
Monmouth Park
Lady’s Secret Stake Listed $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.32f Dirt
Metropolitan Jets Oceanport Stake GIII $150,000 3&up 8.5f Turf
Monmouth Cup Stake GII $200,000 3&up 8.5f Dirt
Teddy Drone Stake Listed $100,000 3&up 6f Dirt
William Hill Haskell Invitational GI BC $1,000,000 3yo 9f Dirt
WinStar Matchmaker Stake GIII $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 9f Turf
Saratoga
Shuvee Handicap GIII $200,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 9f Dirt
Smirnoff Sorbet Caress Stake $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 5.5f Turf
Santa Rosa
Luther Burbank Handicap $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Turf
Woodbine
Seagram Cup Stake (Can-III $150,000 3&up 8.5f AW
August 3
Assiniboia Downs
Manitoba Derby $75,000 3yo 9f Dirt
Manitoba Oaks $25,000 3yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Hastings Race Course
British Columbia Cup Classic $50,000 3&up State/Prov 9f Dirt
British Columbia Cup Debutante Stake $50,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
British Columbia Cup Distaff $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 9f Dirt
British Columbia Cup Dogwood $50,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
British Columbia Cup Marathon $20,000 3&up State/Prov 11f Dirt
British Columbia Cup Nursery $50,000 2yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
British Columbia Cup Stellar’s Jay $50,000 3yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Saratoga
Coronation Cup Stake $100,000 3yo Fillies 5.5f Turf
Woodbine
Nandi Stake $125,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f AW
Shepperton Stake $125,000 3&up State/Prov 6.5f AW
August 4
Sunray Park
Budweiser Allowance Stake $30,000 3yo Fillies 6.5f Dirt
August 5
Les Bois Park
Taylor/Davenport Memorial $7,000 a 3&up Fillies & Mares 7f Dirt
Del Mar
Graduation Stake $100,000 2yo State/Prov 5.5f Dirt
Saratoga
Shine Again Stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares R 7f Dirt
August 6
Saratoga
Quick Call Stake Listed $100,000 3yo 5.5f Turf
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – War Emblem to have new home at Old Friends
Bloodhorse – WinStar’s Walden White Horse Keynote Speaker


Known as ‘The Guv’ in Westcoast racing circles he was best known for being the owner and trainer of one of Canada’s greatest horses, George Royal. Robert Hall was born in Sligo Ireland on April 19, 1930.
He had a love of horses from the first part of his life. He came to Canada in 1954 at age 24, and worked for Dot’s Log Co. at Knight’s Inlet before going to work for Dr. Sargent with his horses in Southlands, a part of Vancouver. There he met Mrs. Gormley who needed a gallop-boy for her race horses.
Once on board with her stable she saw to it that he got his trainers licence (in 1956) and he started to train six head. Including Beau Sierra, winning an allowance race and two stakes races at old Sandown.
Mr. Earl Marks asked Robert to train Never Out and Somerworth. Mr Marks had not won a race in 14 years. Hall won the first race of the year for him. He soon started to make a name for himself with horses like Desert Fire, a $1,100 claim that won the 1959 Premiers. In 1960 he won the Futurity with Ky Look and in 1961 he finished second in the Futurity with Polly Royal.

And then Hall bought and trained a young horse called George Royal, certainly the best route and grass horse ever to come out of Canada.
After George Royal came Timber Music. In 1971 she became the first filly to be voted the Horse of the Year in British Columbia.
Among other notable achievements Hall trained Screaming Sue, the champion filly or mare, and the top B.C. bred older horse, Big Brac and many other stakes horses from his small homebred stable.
Bob and his wife, Ann Hall, have left a legacy of which they were very proud. Along with the horses they raised six children at Emerald Acres “the farm that George Royal built”. Three of them are heavily involved in horse racing: Sandra Loseth as a trainer, breeder and owner, Jennifer Johnson and Phil Hall are also trainers and owners. Granddaughter Christine Loseth started her career as a trainer at Hastings in 2011 with three wins from her first nine starts. Grandson Justin Jensen is a jockey at Mountaineer.
Since his retirement in 1981 The Guv has passed on his wisdom to many young trainers starting out offering advice when asked and even giving them a horse he has bred.

BY GLEN TODD
TUESDAY AS USUAL IS STATS DAY
This past weekend was another scorcher at Hastings Racecourse with both days the temperature rising into the mid 90’s
Sunday, we completed day number 26 of the 2015 live season and its hard to believe that everyday so far has been a fast track.
Our average of number of horses per race dropped under the 7 level for the first time this year as the this past weekend’s field size took a large drop.
The claim box continues to be busy with a total of 53 claims so far this season. The total list of claims is further down in today’s newsletter. The claims updates were passed onto to us by Michael Bye and thank you.
The three racing associations met over the weekend and are just putting the final touches on several of the 2016 incentive funds and there are a few new ones as well.
The associations along with Hastings management have been in touch with Mick Peterson (the racing surface expert) and he is in the midst of setting up Hastings on his computer system and forwarding some equipment to measure the amount of moisture in the track. This program should help the Hastings track management crew maintain the same amount of moisture on a consistent basis.
The Hasting Wintering Incentive Program has now paid out a total of $228,000.00 and its been confirmed by the associations this plan will be offered once again in 2016.
NOMINATIONS CLOSE THIS SATURDAY FOR ALL SEVEN BC CUP RACES
Just a quick reminder to horsemen that nominations close this Saturday for BC Cup Races to be run on Monday, August 3rd.
PURSE PAYOUTS ETC.
Most importantly our purse pool is within budget at this time and we have reached the half way mark this coming Saturday.
Of the $5,400,000.00 allocated to purses for the 2015 season for overnight races we have run 182 of the 363 overnight scheduled.
The total payout for those 182 races is $2,705,595.00 which includes $264,635.00 in BC Bred Bonus funds and $27,960 to 6-12 finishers.
The average payout per race is $14,865.91 and a average day total of $130,984.42.
The stake race payout remains at $700,000.00 but will take a bump of $375,000.00 being offered on BC Cup Day.
RICHARD YATES SUDDENLY
FRONT & CENTRE AT HASTINGS
Since the new Hastings Racing Club was introduced on July 1, 2015, the name Richard Yates has been popping up everywhere. Until Canada Day, he was the quiet, unassuming Secretary Treasurer for the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association of British Columbia (HBPA of BC).
But when the local racing industry’s three associations and management at Hastings Racecourse introduced the Hastings Racing Club, Yates’ life changed.
He took on the added responsibilities of managing the Club, a 200-strong membership involving fans eagerly willing to invest $250 each to become equal ownership partners in two thoroughbreds: a 2-year-old colt by the name of Urban Achiever and a 5-year-old gelding named Square Dancer.
Yates and trainer Steve Henson have been front and centre since the two purchases and together have been champions in teaching the novice owners the intricacies of the sport. An early highlight struck on the afternoon of July 18 when Square Dancer introduced himself by winning his Hastings debut in a $50,000 Allowance Optional Claimer.
The Winner’s Circle wasn’t able to accommodate the celebrants, who poured onto the track for a cherished souvenir photo with Square Dancer and jockey Richard Hamel.
So just who is Richard Yates?
Tall, lean and most comfortable in blue jeans and ball cap, he is a native of North Carolina whose family moved to Los Angeles when he was 14 years old.
“When my parents brought home our first television set we watched horse racing every Saturday,” Yates says. “Native Dancer was a TV star and in 1966 I watched George Royal win his second San Juan Capistrano Handicap in what would be legendary jockey Johnny Longden’s last ride.
“I’d never been to a race track but I was hooked.”
A friend from Berkeley, California had taken a job at Simon Fraser University and invited Yates to visit. “That was in 1973 and I fell in love with Vancouver,” Yates says. “I emigrated in 1983 and 10 years later I was a part-owner of two horses at Hastings, experiencing some early success.”
Eventually his pal – owner, trainer and lawyer David Milburn – encouraged Yates to get his trainer’s licence and for the next 15 years he rolled up his sleeves and went to work in the backstretch at Hastings. Today Yates is still working alongside Milburn, president of the HBPA.
“I love doing what I do,” Yates says. “This latest gig managing the Hastings Racing Club has been a blast because it gives me an opportunity to share the thrill of owning a horse with people new to the game.”
Yates got caught up in the emotion of Square Dancer’s victory in his first outing at Hastings. He had little to say immediately after the race because, some suspect, he was choked. He did his talking hours later at home on his computer for a waiting Derby Bar And Grill website audience that would soak up his every word the next morning.
Bloodhorse – Angst – Bode Miller Hopes to Strike Gold at Fair Hill
Bloodhorse -Jockey Oriana Rossi Undergoes Surgery
Lady and the Track – Park – Fashion and Fillies Dominate Diana Stakes at Saratoga
Lousiville Courier-Journal – Rees – Vogue magazine issue out with American Pharoah

2015 Yearling & Mixed Sale
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Thunderbird Show Park, Langley, BC
#7-5492 Production Blvd,
Surrey, BC V3S 8P5
Phone (604) 534-0145 Fax (604) 574-CTHS (2847)
Email cthsbc@cthsbc.org
Lady and the Track – Mendoza – Del Mar Late Pick 4 Saturday Selections
Bloodhorse – Johnson – Can Bayern Rebound in the San Diego?
Bloodhorse – Balan – Baffert Stablemates Hook Up in San Diego
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Is San Diego the last call for Bayern?

The HBPA of BC has postponed ed its Nomination Meeting scheduled for July 29 in order to remember Bobby Hall that evening at Emerald Acres.
The meeting will be rescheduled to Wednesday August 12.
Lady and the Track – Park – Bing Crosby Offers 2015 Breeders’ Cup Sprint Entry
Bloodhorse – Balan – Masochistic Eyes Second Grade I in Crosby
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Masochistic looks for fourth straight in Bing Crosby

Bloodhorse – Novak – Tepin Takes on Hard Not to Like in Diana
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Diana field is small, but also competitive
Trot – Horse Owners Giving Back

THE ONE. THE ONLY. THE ORIGINAL.
PIZZA

PASTA

DONAIRS

10 RIDGEMONT WAY
ON WYE ROAD
SHERWOOD PARK
Bloodhorse – Angst – Cocked and Loaded Targets Sanford Stakes
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Sanford features usual bunch of up-and-coming two-year-olds

Alberta
As previously communicated to the membership, 2015 is an election year with respect to members electing seven (7) Owners and four (4)Trainers in good standing to sit on the Board of Directors of the Association for a three (3) year period commencing in August, 2015 and ending August 2018.
No later than July 8, 2015 Election Ballots will be mailed from our Calgary office to HBPA of Alberta member Owners and Trainers in good standing who have a valid 2015 Horse Racing Alberta license. So that all Trainer members receive their Election packets timely, they will be hand delivered at Northlands rather than sending the information through the mail.
Please refer to the information contained in your package with respect to the proper voting procedure. Ballots must be placed in the envelope addressed to Mr. Kenneth McTavish and must arrive postmarked no later than August 7, 2015.
If you prefer, you may vote in person on August 7, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The letter addressed to Kenneth McTavish containing the completed Ballot must be placed in the Ballot box which will be placed at the HBPA office located in the Edmonton Northlands Control Office, on the backstretch.
If you are a licensed Owner or Trainer and do not receive your Election packet by July 27, 2015, kindly call Denise at the Calgary office (403-263-7499) or Theresa Sealy at Northlands (780-474-1724).
The following individuals are running for office. The new Board will take office at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting on August 27, 2015
OWNERS TRAINERS
Rod Cone
Darrell Bauder Ryan McLean
Brian Bygrave Craig Smith
Norm Castiglione Joan Petrowski
Dr. Rod Cundy Tim Rycroft
Don Danard
Victor Kleparchuk
Don Knight
Curtis Landry
Linda Smith
Dr. Steve Smith DVM
per:
Mat Monaco – HBPA of Alberta
Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Haskell Watch | Who’s in to face Pharoah?
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – American Pharoah gives Baffert ‘goosebumps’ with bullet work
Bloodhorse – Balan – American Pharoah Wows in Del Mar Work
For Sale
Bloodhorse – Tapp – MarketWatch: Machmer Hall’s Carrie Brogden
CANADIAN THOROUGHBRED HORSE SOCIETY
(ALBERTA DIVISION)
2015 Alberta Thoroughbred Sale
Sunday, September 20th, 2015
Northlands Park EXPO Centre – Edmonton, Alberta
_______________________________________________________________________
MAIN CATALOGUE
DEADLINE FOR MAIN CATALOGUE: FRIDAY, JUNE 26th, 2015

2015
WTBOA SUMMER YEARLING
and MIXED SALE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015
The Tuesday following the Longacres Mile (G3)
Morris J. Alhadeff Sales Pavilion
Emerald Downs, Auburn, Washington
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Mid-Atlantic Issues Advisory on Two Drugs
Bloodhorse – Curalina, Include Betty Head CCAO Talent
Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Coaching Club American Oaks: Curalina One of Many Stars

CLICK
HERE TO ENJOY . . .
. . . Alberta country recording stars High Valley while you’re reading today’s Insider. (Minimize the screen so you can continue reading The Insider.) High Valley will be staging a free concert at the Downs after Sunday night racing Aug. 2, all part of a giant Festival of Racing weekend that includes Derby Day on holiday Monday. Calorie counting? Tapping your foot to High Valley while you read this column will double your calorie burn. You’re welcome.

FYI . . .
• Saratoga thoroughbred season begins at noon tomorrow
• No live racing next Wednesday or Friday (3-day Festival of Racing begins Saturday)
• Next Insider will publish NEXT FRIDAY.
Bullet briefs . . .
• How much will American Pharoah’s halter fetch for Alyssa?
• Donations to Alyssa Selman simply overwhelms
• Gold N Sochi does everyone proud in debut
• New claiming series gives $5,000 claimers a chance to shine
• Biggest event of the race season–Festival of Racing–10 days away
• Baffert once offered $500,000 for a Manitoba horse! (See Bob’s blog)

HOW MUCH WILL PHAROAH HALTER FETCH? Predict the final bid on eBay for Triple Crown winner
American Pharoah’s halter (donated to
Alyssa Selman’s benefit fund by trainer
Bob Baffert) and win $50 in betting vouchers for yourself and $50 will be donated by the Downs on your behalf to Alyssa Selman’s Trust Fund. (See photo of track historian
Bob Gates with halter below.) Send your prediction to
theinsider@ASDowns.com by midnight Friday. Closest to the successful bid (without going over) will win.
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DO THE DOWNS

Carryovers
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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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Derby Day on holiday Monday, Aug. 3 has been extended to an entire Festival of Racing weekend thanks to sponsorship by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. The weekend includes:
• Saturday, Aug. 1: $25,000 Graduation Stakes for babies at 7 P.M.
• Sunday, Aug. 2: Special race card at 7 P.M.
♦ $25,000 Manitoba Mile
♦ Come for the races, stay for the counry! FREE concert featuring High Valley
• Holiday Monday, Aug. 3 – Manitoba Derby Day at 1:30 P.M.
♦ $75,000 Manitoba Derby
♦ $25,000 Manitoba Oaks
♦ Hat contest – $100 prize for each category, best racing theme, most outrageous, most elegant.
Children’s prizes too!
♦ Free family fun with pony rides, petting farm and bouncy gym
♦ Free derby history collector card to the first 1,000 patrons
Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Northern Dancer exhibtion will be on display all weekend!
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Official stations of horse racing.
Click to listen
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COUNTDOWN TO CLAIMING CROWNS |
Who’s the fastest sprinter? Who’s the top marathoner?
Bottom-level claimers at the Downs now have a chance to claim their rightful place in the sun, too!
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New claiming series gives bottom-level claimers a place in the sun
(Dan Mullan/Pinnacle photo)
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To determine (1) the fastest sprinter at the Downs at 5f and (2) the best marathoner at 1 1/2 miles, horses that have been finishing first, second or third in open claiming races of $5,000 or less have been accumulating points and will continue to do so until Aug. 8. Then the exciting semi-finals begin.
“It’s our hope we can max out the entries at 12 per race in the semi’s and load 12 in the gate for both division finals,” said Wayne King, a director with the HBPA which proposed the claiming series and worked with the Manitoba Jockey Club to implement it. “Those races will be extremely exciting to watch and very competitive, therefore making them great betting races.”
Purses for the semis will be a handsome $11,000, the finals will be $13,000–plus entry fees ($100 and $200 per horse respectively). The leading horse in each division will not be required to pay an entry fee. Excluded from points have been maiden races, restricted claiming races and races exclusively for fillies and mares. Standings (top three):
SPRINT SERIES: |
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MARATHON SERIES |
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Barramoon ….. 100
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Blue Line Cat ….. 60
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Genius Level ….. 55
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Barramoon ….. 50
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Sweeping Change ….. 55
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Pelee Island ….. 45 |
See full standings here. |
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Benefit coordinator Lori Mann and ASD receptionist Samantha Goulet worked tirelessly (above left) to list and package hundreds of donations including American Pharoah’s halter which track historian Bob Gates couldn’t resist posing with. (I hugged the halter for a few seconds, thinking about the fact that it was 37 years in the making.) CLICK TO ENLARGE
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ALYSSA SELMAN BENEFIT SOCIAL |
Simply overwhelming
Unbelievable. From every corner of the continent, merchandise and gifts and historic artifacts flowed into the Assiniboia Downs general office last week for the benefit social Sunday night for jockey Alyssa Selman who, unfortunately, has been told she will likely never walk again after her fall from a horse that clipped heels three weeks ago.
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Part of Secretariat donation
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Stunningly, Bob Baffert took time from his busy career in California to not only send a halter from Triple Crown winning American Pharoah, but included a video, too, of him wishing Alyssa well (watch here). And there were halters, too, from the connections of Zenyatta and Queen’s Plate winner Shaman Ghost.
Hall of fame jockey Gary Stevens and brother Scott sent autographed boots, goggles and photos. Jockeys at Gulfstream
autographed a huge picture showing them flying out of the starting gate on the turf course. Secretariat memorabilia included the signature of his owner, Penny Chenery. Watch for these and others soon on eBay.
At the social itself–which raised more than $30,000–there were 42 silent auction lots and separate items such as Bobby Orr’s signed jersey (from an anonymous source) which went for $1,600 and two West Jet tickets to anywhere that brought $1,800. Stud fees were donated as were a month of free horse training, an Audi for a weekend from St. James Audi, four Janet Jackson concert tickets from True North, a basket of kinky goodies from the Love Nest and so much more.
Then there are the trust funds that are growing at the banks–TD Canada Trust, Assiniboine Credit Union, Access Credit Union–and online at
Go Fund Me (which has raised $12,000 to date). Everyone’s heads at the Downs (including mine) have been spinning at the breadth and extent of the overwhelming generosity. Would that the five per cent chance Alyssa has been given for regaining use of her legs result in her getting the best gift of all.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “You can work on the dirt all you want and until you run on it, you never know.” — Woodbine trainer
Mark Casse explaining in the
Daily Racing Form the reality of moving horses from Woodbine Poly to Fort Erie dirt for the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown next Tuesday. A small field is expected, led by Queen’s Plate winner
Shaman Ghost who has shown dirt talent by having won twice on dirt.
HOTTIES OF THE WEEK
Hottest jock: Chavion Chow (5 wins)
Hottest trainers: Heather Wallerstedt, Tanya Lindsay, Jared Brown, Brent Hrymak & Derwin Farmer (2 wins)
Biggest upset: Troy Weight $18.60 (Sat 5th)
Biggest 20-cent superfecta: $495 (Sat 1st — 1-6-4-5)
BOB’S BLOG TODAY: Bob explains here why Triple Crown trainer Bob Baffert once offered $500,000 U.S. for a Manitoba-bred horse–and the offer was turned down!
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Sochi impresses in second-place finish in Debutante
Like Zenyatta finishing second to Blame in the Breeders’ Cup Classic a few years back, Gold N Sochi will be known, not for winning her first lifetime start in the $25,000 Debutante (although trainer Carl Anderson thought she would), but for pressing the winner, Pecos, a Charlie Smith winner from Canterbury Downs, the whole trip in the 5f event to finish a very respectable second at 5/1 (above, left). Just doing this in her debut should make her breeder (Cam Ziprick), her namer in The Insider’s name-the-filly contest (Leslie Smaha) and Olympic curlers who chose her name (Jennifer Jones and company) happy. You just KNOW she’ll show improvement in her next start. What race will it be?
In stakes action for Manitoba-bred 3-year-olds last Saturday, the Tanya Lindsay-trained Safecracker (#1) held off Madd Edition and Tactical Warrior in the J. W. Sifton for colts and geldings (above, right) and Don Schnell’s Jungle Story won the R. C. Anderson for fillies.
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THE WEEK THAT WAS
MB-BRED FILLY PUTS AWAY KY-BRED–AGAIN: Despite the fact Manitoba-bred filly
Supreme Rush at 18/1 beat 1/5 prohibitive favourite Kentucky-bred
Holiday Maker in the Chantilly Stakes three weeks ago, bettors still made Holiday Maker the favourite in the Jack Hardy Stakes last Wednesday–much to their regret. Supreme Rush came off the
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Derwin John Farmer
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pace again to duel Holiday Maker into submission to win going away, paying her backers $5.60. It was another big win for trainer Heather Wallerstedt who is winning at a vaunted 24 per cent clip (49-12-9-7). Will Supreme Rush follow up by entering and winning the Assiniboia Oaks on Derby Day? Tune in!
NEW TRAINER WINS TWO: Congrats to Derwin John Farmer who won his first two races as a trainer after eight tries. His Larry Zip won race 5 last Wednesday ($10.10) and Speed Bias survived a stiff bump coming out of the gate and a foul claim in Saturday’s seventh ($6.50), giving Farmer a record of 10-2-2-2, a great start to his training career.
BRIDGEJUMPING IN EDMONTON: Bridgejumpers at Northlands Park in Edmonton last Friday apparently decided that Rock and Glory (2/5) with Rico Walcott aboard could not finish worse than third and therefore deserved suitcases of money. When she lost third by half a length, her monster show backers were scouting bridges while other show bettors cashed handsomely:
Smile Again Theta
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$16.50
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7.50
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31.70
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Holiday Babe
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8.90
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36.20
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Solliee Go Nee Nee |
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73.40
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Jerry Antoniuk
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RETURNS TO RACING AFTER PUTTING ACTIVITY ON ICE: Was that a brand new face in the Winner’s Circle following a baby race? Well, not really brand new. After a 12-year absence, when his horse ownership had been put on ice–literally (he had owned Polar Ice across Canada before selling out to Arctic Ice), Jerry Antoniuk was back in the Winner’s Circle last Saturday as two of his four Keeneland-purchased babies, Zack Man and Nolan the Great, finished one-two in the fourth race. (Antoniuk paid $15,000 for Zack and $25,000 for Nolan and had expected Nolan to crush the field but that’s racing!) You may remember Antoniuk as the owner of Nocalero who chased the mighty Body Works in stakes races in the early 1990s. Watch for his next two babies in races soon.
IT NEVER RAINS IN CALIFORNIA–in the summer, at least, until Del Mar opened last week on its first dirt surface after seven years of Polytrack. But the dirt handled the deluge just fine. The last time Del Mar saw an off track was 24 years ago: Sept. 6, 1991. Horses apparently initially tippy-toed in the slop and turned to their riders with looks of confusion on their faces.
PARTING KINDNESS: Ah, gee whiz, thank you!
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Glen Gray (right)
with father, Bert
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Construction worker Glen Gray, an attendee at my Saturday morning “I won big” workshops during the off-season, did one of the kindest things anyone has ever done: He presented me with an oil painting he had commissioned from local painter R. Lace, showing me sitting on a fence railing in a farm scene. (No wonder he kept badgering me to pose for a full-length photo!) A new player to the Downs a couple years ago, he had peppered me with lots of questions which ultimately led to his winning $1,288 for $19.20 in bets on Gulfstream’s Rainbow pick-6.
Glen attended the workshops with his soon-to-be 95-year-old (and just recently re-married) father, Bert, and said he felt a certain connection with me. The painting has found the perfect place above my fireplace mantle. Will it inspire some big wins when the workshops resume in September? Here’s hoping.
Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Tencendur Sidelined With Sesamoid Fracture
Bloodhorse – Familiar Foes Meet in Prince of Wales Stakes
Bloodhorse – Angst – Ageless Aims to Repeat in Royal North Stakes
Bloodhorse – Angst – Uncle Sigh’s Breeze Thrills Trainer Contessa
TwinSpires Blog – Wickerr offers up thrilling three-horse photo
Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Wright – So who’s who in Qatar’s new racing superpowers – and how did it all start?
Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Pitt – How ‘The Tiny Tigress’ romped away with the Filly Triple Crown
National Post – Chris Selley: The best city to be a woman is the one in which everybody is equally poor
The more we study the more we discover our ignorance.
Percy Bysshe Shelley
NY Times – Sandomir – Bill Simmons to Join HBO, Going From Free Agency to Freedom
‘Sex’ is as important as eating or drinking and we ought to allow the one appetite to be satisfied with as little restraint or false modesty as the other.
Marquis de Sade
The Globe And Mail – Reichert – Beet ice cream, red-pepper sorbet: Yes, vegetables are now the stars of your favourite frozen treat
National Post – Tucker – Why is no one eating enough vegetables?
National Post – Look at their garden woe: Ottawa couple told to move wooden vegetable planters from front lawn
When you look at the sun during your walking meditation, the mindfulness of the body helps you to see that the sun is in you; without the sun there is no life at all and suddenly you get in touch with the sun in a different way.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Daily Mail – Malm – Woman who was ‘slut shamed’ after her public threesome at Calgary Stampede went viral says she has no regrets – in video seen by 3.4million
Phil heard a rumour that Alexis is now working the circuit of Alberta strip bars during her Trampede Tour.

Phil’s Drink and a Flick
Caught Cheating
The Guide For The Married Man
Lying Eyes
Garden and Gun – Hicks – In Memoriam: Remembering B. B. King
The Thrill Is Gone
The Globe And Mail – Koring – Donald Trump reaches ‘new low in American politics’
National Post – Washington Post – Miller and Barbash – When McCain was having his bones shattered by Vietnamese torturers, Trump was watching models have sex
National Post – AP – ‘I will say what I want to say’: Trump refuses to back down from controversial comments on McCain’s war record
Phil has a question:
Is that hairpiece too tight or is it eating its way through Trumps brain.
Reuters – Mexicans bash Trump pinata, call him imbecile
Phil has a question:
Could QKB Pinata sales help fund thoroughbred racing in Alberta.
LA Times – Lin II, Panza and Serna – Unusual weather events suggest powerful El Niño for Southland
LA Times – Dilbeck – Dodgers’ Fernando Valenzuela becomes a U.S. citizen
Phil has a question:
Will Fernando be heading down to Del Mar on Saturday to bet the natural exactor in the 6th – American League, Nuke Laloosh and in honour of longtime Dodger outfielder Willie Davis, Path of David.
Fernando
You were expecting Fogerty.

It Ain’t Me Babe
Phil M Stockmen
MOLE ALERT/HRA GOLDEN HANDSHAKES/HRA DEAL NDP
CHAIRMAN/CEO termination clause with/without cause give 6 months salary per CUFF REPORT June 2009 pg 39/42 I guess 125k is cheap for the CEO considering she got 600+k for MLA severance package plus a pension. Didn’t Bar None have a horse named that.
HBPA/ASHA will the racing participants/owners/private contractor barns be getting 6 months compensation from the New government, something to ask your board members?
PAMELA ANDERSON seeking meeting with PUTIN over animal rights/environmental issues. What’s the HBPA strategy for NOTLEY
ASHA April minutes state ‘HRA BOARD FOCUS ON PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS” It’s a shame that the early favourite had broken hobbles and found the math too tough. the CEO helped elect DIAMOND JIM who Albertans unceremoniously dumped, another example of part time work for full time pay. Was the undertaker running the show!! Diamond Jim had the decency to resign when he saw the electorates wishes.
BEDROCK FUNDRAISER FOR STOLLERY HOSPITAL this sunday from noon to 4 pm/ with kelly/peter coordinating events Shame its not on the HRA website but in Standardbred Canada and HolyBull!
Will the unknown bearded LEDUC/BEAUMONT MLA SHAYE ANDERSON be invited. At least the race industry can plan their future strategy over a couple of cold ones.
HRA/NDP rumoured deal to reduce methane CO2 greenhouse emissions by 20% by 2017 by having 5 big barns thoroughbred to collect manure from supper/night shaving picking into designated bins. NO straw/garbage PLEASE/for composting in urban gardens at NORTHLANDS.
DOUG GOSS long time Tory supporter after being appointed for a 2nd term RESIGNS as chairman of U of ALBERTA governor board after praising Tories and not voting for NDP, yet HRA CEO/CHANCELLOR
of LETHBRIDGE is immune, and we have her dealing with the NDP for your survival. BULLSHIT!
HRA/CENTURY DOWNS recent coupon mailout to AIRDRIE residents shows a belated attempt to improve the revenue stream/latest betting figures 52 to 18 million north to south and a 7% budgeted drop from last year. or we in trouble or has the rose coloured glasses giveaway been cancelled.
MOLE ALERT/GOLF GATE!$1O MILLION – CALGARY HERALD March 24/2015 shows KAN-ALTA owners, isn’t one running for HBPA ELECTION!