Thoroughbreds with Canadian connections won ½ of the late Pick 4 at Saratoga on Saturday.

Albertan Dr. David Reid is one of a number of members of a syndicate that owns Honor Code along with Lane’s End Racing and Dell Ridge Farm LLC.

Vancouver’s Swift Thoroughbreds, Inc. and Bradley Thoroughbreds own the utterly European bred Goldy Espony.

Lady and the Track – Hammer – Honor Code Edges Liam’s Map in Whitney at Saratoga

ESPN – Ehalt – Honor Code wins a Whitney thriller

Twin Spires Blog – Hanson- No sweat! Honor Code does just fine around two turns 

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Honor Code Catches Liam’s Map Late in Whitney

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Goldy Espony lulls rivals to sleep in Waya

All Apologies

Bloodhorse – Pedigree Analysis: Doubling Down On Danzig

Demanjo – Sadler’s Wells dancer killed in crash on way to performance

NY Times – Macur – In Trying to Help Female Fans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Are the Ones Who Need Assistance

I come from pioneer stock, developers of the West, people who went out into the wilderness and set up home with nothing but a pair of oxen.
Joni Mitchell

Phil’s Vignette of Canadian History

Prairie Land Grants and Homesteading – Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta

The way of the pioneer is always rough.
Harvey S. Firestone

Let’s raise a glass.
And $1 Million for Charity.

Join Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark^® in our goal to raise $1 Million over the next three years to support a variety of deserving local and thoroughbred industry charities. Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark^® have collaborated on a limited-edition, five-bottle collection featuring a few of the most legendary champions in Breeders’ Cup history. Each bottle pays tribute with a customized design and signature from each Champion’s connections.

This is an extremely limited offer, as only 500 bottles were made for each Champion. Don’t miss your chance to savor the memories of these past champions while helping the local community.

Through your donation you will be granted access to participate in the exclusive commemorative bottle auction which will take place at Keeneland on Thursday, October 29. This event will be the only opportunity to collect the first three bottles of the series. No reserve will be placed on the bottles up for auction.

Champions for Charity event tickets are required, click here to learn more.

This Is Horse Racing Saratoga Special August 9, 2015

NY Times – Drape – A Troubled Jockey’s Full Legacy Is on Display

Assiniboia Downs Blog – Bob – The Magnificent Seven – Riders at ASD

Racing Post – Riley – Brilliant Bell beats the best as Girls win Cup

TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Cavorting passes Saratoga’s Test with flying colors 

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Top Grade for Stonestreet’s Cavorting in Test

Breeders’ Cup Challenge

Garden and Gun – Mischner – Bourbon Made from a Civil War Battlefield

Phil has a question:

What effect is getting rid of the symbol of the Confederate Flag going to have when you can take the boys out of the South, but you can’t take the South of of the boys.

The only foes that threaten America are the enemies at home, and these are ignorance, superstition and incompetence.
Elbert Hubbard

Sweet Home Alabama

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 7:00 PM CDT
Friday, August 14, 2015 7:00 PM CDT
Saturday, August 15, 2015 7:00 PM CDT

Bloodhorse – Elektrum Makes Grade in Mabee

Prime Engine Prevails in $65,000 Emerald Downs Derby

PRIME ENGINE STRUTS HIS STUFF,
WINS $65,000 EMERALD DOWNS DERBY

AUBURN, Wash. (August 9, 2015) – Prime Engine showed up with his A-Game Sunday at Emerald Downs.

Racing with blinkers for the first time, Prime Engine overtook Betrbegone into the stretch and romped to a six-length victory in the $65,000 Emerald Downs Derby for 3-year-old colts and gelding.

Ridden by Joe Steiner at 122 lbs, Prime Engine ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.54 and paid $3.60, $2.80 and $2.60. Mike Puhich is the winning trainer for owner Dr. Mark Dedomenico of Redmond, Wash.

Prime Engine’s winning time was .57 seconds faster than Belle Hill’s time in Saturday’s Washington Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. He also is only the third betting favorite and the first since Gallon to win the Emerald Downs Derby.

Betrbegone, ridden by Leonel Camacho-Flores at 122 lbs, held second and paid $3.80 and $3.40. Winner of last month’s Seattle Slew Handicap, Betrbegone led through fractions of :23.11, :46.51 and 1:10.22, and led into the last turn before yielding command to Prime Engine.

Percy Fawcett, ridden by Gallyn Mitchell at 122 lbs, rallied from last to finish third and paid $4.40.

Thetrailerguy, Raspberry Road, Fire the Trainer, Senna and Dedicated to You completed the order of finish.

After tough runner-up finishes in the Coca Cola and Seattle Slew Handicaps, Puhich added blinkers and changed jockeys to Steiner. Things worked to perfection as Prime Engine stalked Betrbegone before pouncing.

“I was really looking forward to riding this horse,” Steiner said. “I finally got the opportunity, and he’s wonderful.

“I was playing the race as it came up,” Steiner added. “If I had been on the lead easy myself, I would’ve done that. If he were content sitting off a horse like he did today, that’d was fine too. He has so much talent and class.”

A Kentucky-bred colt by Northern Afleet-Gravy Train’s Song , Prime Engine is 3-2-0 in seven career starts with earnings of $110,961 including $35,750 for Sunday’s victory. Both Emerald Downs stakes wins were the top events in his division—the Emerald Downs Derby and the 2014 Gottstein Futurity for 2-year-olds.

NOTES: Dare Me Devil ($4.40) ran the meet’s fastest six furlongs, 1:08.33, while defeating $10,000 claimers under Steiner in Sunday’s sixth race. Trained by Rigoberto Velasquez and co-owned by Rancho Viejo and Jerry Carmody, Dare Me Devil was Claimer of the Meet in 2014. . .

Trainer Howard Belvoir moved to within one win of 2,000 for his career when Perfect Night ($17) rallied to victory in Sunday’s second race. Belvoir will have three chances for the milestone when racing resumes Friday. . .Trainer Allen Gideon notched his first win of the meet as Silly Streak rallied from last under Jake Barton for a $69.40 upset in Sunday’s 10^th race. . .Steiner was the only jockey with two wins Sunday. . .Jeff Metz led the trainers with two wins and leads Frank Lucarelli and Blaine Wright 41-22 atop the trainers’ standings. . .

Stryker Phd capped his major preparation for next Sunday’s $200,000 Longacres Mile (G3), working five-furlongs (handily) in :58.40 for trainer Larry Ross. Other Mile works Sunday: Del Rio Harbor, four furlongs (handily) in a bullet :46; Noosito, five furlongs (breezing) in :59.40, and Scat Daddybaby, six furlongs (handily) in a bullet 1:12.40. . .Lady Rosberg, probable favorite for the $65,000 Emerald Distaff, worked five furlongs (handily) in :59.80 for trainer Tom Wenzel. . .

Entries for The Mile and Emerald Distaff will be drawn Wednesday morning. . .Longacres Mile nominee Atomic Rule ($18.80) won a $50,000 claiming race on the turf Sunday at Del Mar. A 4-year-old California-bred co-owned by Tim McCanna, Gordy Jarnig and Dunn Bar Ranch, Atomic Rule has won three straight and is four-for-six in 2015. . .

Ross has won with seven of his last nine starters, including a victory by Wickedizaswickeduz ($7.80) in Sunday’s $21,500 allowance for 3-year-old fillies. . . Live racing resumes Friday with first post 6:45 p.m.

Emerald Downs Wrap-Friday, August 7

CAMILLE BLITZES FOES IN FRIDAY FEATURE,
DURAN, ORTIZ SWEEP THE LATE DOUBLE

AUBURN, Wash. (August 7, 2015) – Camille sprinted clear in the opening strides and powered home for a two-length victory Friday in the $21,000 Copiers Northwest Purse for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs.

Ridden by Francisco Duran, Camille ran 5 ½ furlongs in 1:02.53 and paid $5.60, $3.40 and $2.40. Manny Ortiz—now 11-for-33 at Emerald Downs—is the winning trainer for owner Ramiro Meraz-Martinez.

Gunned to the lead from the No. 1 post-position, Camille led through fractions of :21.47, :43.93 and :56.07 en route to victory. A 5-year-old Arizona-bred by Rocky Bar, Camille has won two of her last three starts at Emerald Downs and is 6-for-20 lifetime with earnings of $94,894.

Spot On Babe, with Leslie Mawing riding, rallied to finish second and paid $3.80 and $2.40. Belladiva, ridden by Jorge Rosales, was five lengths back in third and paid $2.20.

Hetty, T.J.’s Only and Val de Saire completed the order of finish.

NOTES: Duran and Ortiz swept the late daily double with Camille and Remember Benghazi ($5). Ortiz is 12-for-34 at the meet while Duran is sixth in the jockeys’ standings with 27 wins. . .Three riders combined to win all seven races: Rocco Bowen riding three winners and Duran and Julien Couton riding two winners each. . Couton leads the standings with 70 wins, and is averaging 1.5 wins a day. . .Jorge Rosales went down in race seven when his mount Sneakin Cat clipped heels and fell nearing mid-stretch. The jockey was reported conscious and was being transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for examination. Sneakin Cat, a 3-year-old gelding, was reportedly uninjured in the fall. . .Pippa Bou Peep, winner of last year’s Barbara Shinpoch Stakes, scored her first win of 2015 Friday, rallying to beat $25,000 claimers at six furlongs. A 3-year-old Harbor the Gold filly, Pippa Bou Peep is co-owned by trainer Charles Essex and Dave & The Little Lady Stable. . .Bowen and trainer Joe Toye are one of the track’s hottest combinations, winning with four of their last seven starters including Lord Calezaar ($16.20) in Friday’s second race. . .Trainer Wesley Ward, who will be inducted into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame Saturday, scored a stakes at Del Mar with Shrinking Violet ($5.80), who prevailed in the $80,000 Daisycutter Handicap for fillies and mares on turf. . .Live racing continues Saturday with the $65,000 Washington Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles. Belle Hill is the 7-to-5 morning line favorite.

 

EMERALD DOWNS RECAP FOR SATURDAY

Classy Belle Hill Dominates $65,000 Washingon Oaks 

CLASSY BELLE HILL PREVAILS IN WASHINGTON OAKS

AUBURN, Wash. (August 8, 2015) – Belle Hill capped her 3-year-old filly dominance with a flourish Saturday at Emerald Downs.

The regally bred daughter of Sky Mesa-Sealy Hill romped to a an easy five-length victory in the $65,000 Washington Oaks, running 1 1/8 miles in a fast 1:48.11.

The runaway victory, combined with earlier wins in the Irish Day and Kent Handicaps, clinched honors for Belle Hill as the track’s champion 3-year-old filly of 2015.

Ridden by Leslie Mawing at 120 lbs, Belle Hill paid $3.40, $3 and $2.20. Larry Ross is the winning trainer for Aithon Stables LLC (James and Mary Beth Holt-Perkins of Issaquah, Wash.)

In fourth place early, Belle Hill swept past Suva Harbor on the last turn and poured it on late, turning the race it into a rout and hinting at greater things to come.

“I’m just very happy to be on a horse of this caliber,” Mawing said in a jubilant winner’s circle. “I’ve been high on her from the beginning.”

A $250,000 purchase, Belle Hill has developed quickly for her connections. Unraced as a 2-year-old, she broke her maiden in April at Golden Gate Fields, and is now 4-0-1 in six starts including three straight stakes at Emerald Downs.

The victory, worth $35,750, increased her earnings to $113,220.

Suva Harbor, ridden by Joe Steiner at 120 lbs, took command on the backstretch while leading through six furlongs in 1:11.04, but was no match for the winner through the lane. Suva Harbor, in-the-money in all four starts of the sophomore filly series, paid $4.60 and $3.80.

Rastanora, a maiden ridden by Gallyn Mitchell at 120 lbs, rallied from last to finish third and paid $2.80.

Ambleside Park, Perhaps a Pie, Ethan’s Baby and Cup of Soup completed the order of finish.

Belle Hill is the first triple stakes winner of the meet, and Mawing and Ross have combined for five stakes wins this season—three with Belle Hill and two with Stryker Phd, the 6-year-old Bertrando gelding bidding to become a two-time Longacres Mile winner on Sunday, August 16.

NOTES: Saturday’s $18,800 sub-feature developed into one of the meet’s most exciting races, with the resurgent Coach Royal ($4.60) fending off Emerald Racing Club’s Charlie Thomas by a neck in a suspenseful stretch run. Ridden by Francisco Duran , Coach Royal ran one mile in 1:35.46—second fastest of the meet—and became the meet’s first five-time winner. A 6-year-old Lemon Drop Kid gelding co-owned trainer Howie Gibson and Jeff and Teresa Lynd , Coach Royal has climbed from the $2,500 claiming basement to Saturday’s victory for a $25,000 claiming price. . .

Mawing rode three winners on the 10-race card, his sixth triple of the season. . .

Rocco Bowen rode two winners for his third straight multiple-win day. . .

Vince Gibson was the only trainer with two wins Saturday. . .

Veteran jockey Connie Doll rode her first Thoroughbred winner of the meet in Saturday’s seventh race, guiding I’m Shootin High to a $38.40 upset for trainer Marcie Riley . Doll also rode the Don’s Corona mare to her maiden victory at 18-to-1 on August 24, 2013. . .

Live racing continues Sunday with the $65,000 Emerald Downs Derby at 1 1/8 miles, with Prime Engine the 9-to-5 morning line favorite in the field of eight 3-year-old colts and geldings.

Sunday, August 9, 2015 2:00 PM PDT

Friday , August 14, 2015 4:30 PM PDT
Saturday, August 15, 2015 2:00 PM PDT
Sunday, August 16, 2015 2:00 PM PDT

---

Bloodhorse – 14 Pre-Entered for Arlington Million

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Arlington Million Day fields starting to take shape 

TwinSpires Blog – Gabriel Charles sidelined by emergency colic surgery

Bloodhorse – Gabriel Charles Set for Arlington Million

Bloodhorse – Balan – Sorrento Runners All Entering Off Victories

Darling Be Home Soon

Horse Race Insider – Pricci – An Inauspicious Beginning at the Spa

TDN – OpEd – Irwin – Lasix Clouding Drug Issue

Phil has a suggestion:

How about requiring every horse using Lasix to provide a pre-Lasix injection blood sample.

Meet Gillian Foote at Park After Dark Friday, August 14, 2015

ESPN – Robenhymer – Auston Matthews, 2016 draft prospect, to play this year for Zurich Lions

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Johnson – Why ‘beast of all beasts’ Xtra Heat so deserves her Hall of Fame accolade

The Outside Rail – Joe Clancy – Xtra Special

Nominations for the 86th Running Of The Canadian Derby(Grade III)
$200,000 FOR THREE YEAR OLDS By subscription of $400.00 each and a further payment of $.
ONE AND THREE EIGHTH MILES
TO BE RUN SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ACADEMIC b.f.3 Bear Stables Ltd. and Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. Tim Rycroft
AFLEET IN TIME dk b/.g.3 Bob Butz, Fouad El Kardy and Rick Running Rabbit Robertino Diodoro
ALABASTER dk b/.c.3 Godolphin Racing LLC Eoin G. Harty
AZTEC KEY (Carignan) dk b/.c.3 Dialed In Racing Stable, IndyRock Racing and True North Stable Craig Smith
BLUE DANCER dk b/.g.3 Derby Quest Farms Ltd. and Shot In The Dark Racing Corp. Greg Tracy
BODHISATTVA ch.c.3 Jose Corrales Wally T.M. Pugh
CAPITALISM ch.g.3 Derby Quest Farms Ltd. and Shot In The Dark Racing Corp. Greg Tracy
CENTREFIRE ch.g.3 Curtis & Darrell Landry, Red Diamond Stable and Highfield Stock Farm Greg Tracy
CONQUEST COBRA b.c.3 Conquest Stables, LLC Mark E. Casse
COWBOYS DON’T CRY b.g.3 Rycroft, Tom and Stark, Dale Tom Rycroft
PURPLE HEAVEN b.g.3 Ted Graling Twylla Bensmiller
QUALITY LANE (Zenteno Jr.) b.f.3 Victor & Sharon Kleparchuk, Eric Dohei and Viking Stables Joan Petrowski
TIMELESS TALES ch.g.3 Wilde Racing Ryan McLean
WITT SIX dk b/.g.3 Henry S. Witt, Jr. Jerry Gourneau
XTREME DENIGRAY dk b/.g.3 Ted Graling Twylla Bensmiller

Canadian Derby Nominees PPs

Edmonton Sun – FRANK FONTANA’s Northlands Favourites

Matt’s Picks and Free Program – Wednesday August 12, 2015

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 6:30 PM MDT
Friday, August 14, 2015 6:30 PM MDT
Saturday, August 15, 2015 1:00 PM MDT

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Call Pat Up in Time to Win Groupie Doll

Carryovers

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Ellis Park
Pick 6    $1,542.00
Super High Five     $1,009.00
Gulfstream Park
Pick 6 Jackpot    $164,969.00
Gulfstream Park
Super High Five     $3,511.00
Hastings Racecourse
Pick 6    $5,206.00
Los Alamitos
Pick 6    $7,536.00
Monmouth Park
Pick 6 Jackpot    $31,146.00
Presque Isle Downs
Pick 6    $864.00
Ruidoso Downs
Tri Super    $13,893.00
Woodbine
Super High Five Jackpot    $8,599.00

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Indiana Grand Race Course
Pick 6    $3,227.00

Wednesday, August 11, 2015

Assiniboia Downs
Super High Five Jackpot    $30,544.00
Evangeline Downs
Super High Five     $472.00
Louisiana Downs
Pick 5 Jackpot    $1,430.00
Northlands Park
Super High Five Jackpot    $13,851.00

Guaranteed Pools

Wednesday, August 11, 2015

Northlands Park
$10,000  — Pick 4

Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools

Bloodhorse – String King Impressive in LA Turf Classic

Bloodhorse – Angst – It’s High Time, Dream of Me Win at Gulfstream

  But experts say an important lure is missing from the games of chance: skill-based tasks allowing players to compete against each other rather than passively playing only against the house. Game manufacturers even envision players tracking their progress and the competition on their phones.

“The products are going to look different, it’s going to be configured differently. You can have more social settings, more interactive games, more social games where people are playing against one another,” MGM’s Murren said.

Toronto Star – Baltimore Sun – Barker – Goodbye, slots: Casinos look to new types of machines to hook younger players

Phil has a question:

Does this not sound like an opportunity for thoroughbred racing.

Bloodhorse – Angst – Takeover Target Claims Hall of Fame Stakes

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Bay of Plenty Wire to Wire in Alydar Stakes

Twin Spires Blog – Caldwell – Bay of Plenty springs for front-running Alydar score

Bloodhorse – Angst – Palace Malice to Return Sunday in Alydar

Bloodhorse – Palace Malice Earns Bullet in Saratoga Breeze

Bloodhorse – Balan – Prospect Park Takes to Turf in La Jolla ‘Cap

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Prospect Park’s a revelation on turf

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Om reverts to turf in La Jolla

Bloodhorse – Balan – Dirt Runners Try Turf in La Jolla Handicap

HASTINGS SUNDAY RECAP BY MIKE HEADS

SUNDAY RECAP

The skies cleared and the racing was held under sunny conditions at Hastings Racecourse.

HERBIE D HAD A-GAME

George Robbins and Darcia Doman’s Herbie D turned in another flawless performance on Sunday. After stumbling slightly at the start, he quickly regathered himself and cruised to a comfortable lead getting the opening fractions in 22 3/5 and the half in 45 3/5. Richter Red put mild pressure on ‘Herbie’ approaching the quarter-pole but could not sustain his move. The Rob Gilker trainee only needed 1:16 2/5 to complete his easy win over the six and a half furlong trip and ended up three and half lengths clear of his rivals. Anita Bolton’s Richter Red did well but had to settle for second. The Linwood Stables’ Off The Top made an encouraging return return to the races checking in third. He will be heard from when the races get longer.

The day kicked off with the heavy favourite Fourth in Command ($3.60) earning a hard fought victory on the head end for Bob Ross’ Grayross Stable and Craig MacPherson. Richard Hamel was at the helm.

James Redekop’s It’s A Factum broke sharply and was never really challenged up front and cruised to a nice maiden breaking score. Pedro Alvarado was aboard for Anita Bolton.

The “wow” performance of the day was turned in by Bill Randall, L and S Farms, 3480 Equine and John Snow’s homebred Rock Concert. The son of stakes winner Concert Music, who was also trained by John Snow, broke alertly went to the lead and continued to drift away from his competition and finished 9 1/4 lengths in front stopping the teletimer in 1:13 1/5.

The comeback effort of the afternoon goes to Craig MacPherson’s Chief Thundercloud who turned in a game performance outlasting a very stubborn Wise Boss. Chief Thundercloud was making his first start since last November at Woodbine. Richard Hamel was in the tack.

Mark DeDomenico and the NATHC’s Legion of Boom made a successful drop down to the $8,000 level and just held over a fast closing Mario’s Win. The Troy Taylor trainee was fourth winning favourite in the first five races.

Wilson, Peter, Woolrich, Cross and Tod Mountain Thoroughbreds’ Irish Victor was patiently ridden early and closed in the middle of the track for trainer Charlene Miller. Richard Hamel was in the irons for the longest price on the day at $8.80.

Alison Tonner and Tammy and John Snow’s Dee Jay Snow closed out the day with a strong stretch rally for the win. Amadeo Perez had a far more comfortable trip on the son of Snorter, actually any trip would have been better than his last win when he lost his irons on the backstretch but still managed to get the uncomfortable win. If you havenot seen it , watch the replay on the Hastings website. July 18th, race 7.

Trainer Craig MacPherson had two winners moving him to 18 now just three behind Mike Anderson’s leading 21 wins.Troy Taylor saddled a winner and is in third place with 17 visits to the winner’s circle. John Snow also had a training double.

Rcihard Hamel increased his lead in the jock’s standings with a three win day giving him a 46-39 edge over Pedro Alvarado.

There were two claims, Nancy Betts and the JDP Holdings re-claimed Leo’s In The House for $6,250 and Robin and Jack Pozzo haltered Banderillero for $8,000.

Racing resumes at Hastings Racecourse on Friday night at 7:00 p.m.

MIKE HEADS FRIDAY NIGHT WRAP-UP FOR HASTINGS

FRIDAY RECAP

it was a beautiful Friday evening at Hastings Racecourse as the first of four August “Friday Night Live” programs kicked off last night.

The feature race was taken by the North American Thoroughbred Horse Company’s Devil in Disguise who visited the winner’s circle for the first time in three long years. Elvis must have been shaking his hips after this race. The son of 2004 Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones sat a nice trip in behind the dawdling early fractions (24.97, 48.98) that were being set by Bluegrass Pride and Distillery. Replacement rider Alex Marti who was subbing for the injured David Lopez saw an opening on the rail at the three-eighths pole and darted through and had enough left to hold off a fast closing Wilo Kat at stopped the teletimer in 1:45.08 for the mile and a sixteenth. The runner-up Wilo Kat was held up in traffic and made a furious dash for the line but fell a half-length short. The betting choice Senor Rojo was compromised by the slow early fractions and had to settle for an unlucky third.

The Friday night opener saw the Rocking Bar B Outfit’s Clarisse B take full advantage of a three horse speed duel and rally from well off the pace to kick things off at 9-2 (11.60) which would end up being the longest price of the night. Antonio Reyes was at the controls for Frank Barroby.

Angel Arevalo and Jovita Ascon’s Morita did everything right in her debut and after the disappearance of half of her rivals, through scratches, she only needed to out-game two other opponents over the three and a half furlong trip and she successfully took home top honours. Rider Gabby Asencio and trainer Milton Palma teamed up for the win.

The easiest winner on the card was Gail Breckenridge’s Irish Romeo who bided his time at the back of the pack through the early fractions and then made the sizzling move on the final bend engulfing the field and drawing away to win by just under four lengths. Richard Hamel gave another perfect ride for trainer Pat Jarvis.

John and Kim Morrison’s Chic Bird just outlasted Little Blossom in an exciting finish to race four. She settled in behind a contested pace and scooted up the inside under Jeff Burningham to get in contention and then drifted off the rail and was game to the wire earning her first win of the season.

Zanita Rosae (Richard Hamel) powered by The Tenant in the stretch to get her second win of the season for the Sapphire Stables and trainer Sandra Loseth.

The husband and wife combo of Jeff and Lacie Burningham closed out the evening with a popular victory with Instant Cash.

The win gave Burningham a riding double, along with Chic Bird. Richard Hamel added to his lead atop the standings with two victories, Irish Romeo and Zanita Rosae which gives him a 43-39 edge over Pedro Alvarado.

The sires Stephanotis and Cause to Believe both had stallion doubles.

The claim box was active again tonight as four horses changed hands. In the opener, Rachael Run ($6,250) was claimed by Toni Cloutier and Carousel Farms for trainer Mark Cloutier. Mark was busy again in race three re-claiming Rebus ($14,000) for former owners Pat and Tony Hepburn. Fred and Sheldon Kwan also claimed Stoneridge Ruler ($16,000) out of the same race for trainer Harold Barroby. In the second, Bob Rohman snared Forest Bliss for $12,500 out of her two year old debut.

The Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 jackpot was not hit Friday and will have a carryover of over $6,000 heading into our next card which is Sunday. First post is at 1:50 p.m.

Bloodhorse – Balan – New Del Mar Surface ‘Coming Together’

Come Together

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Latest from Arlington: defections of The Corsican, Divisidero

TwinSpires Blog – The Jockey Club – Coming to a farm near you – Microchipped foals

HBPA NOMINATION MEETING RESCHEDULED TO AUGUST 12TH

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.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR PAM MCDOUGALL WILL BE HELD IN THE PADDOCK THEATRRE

 NORTHLANDS PARK

SUNDAY AUGUST 16th AT 1:00 PM MDT

The Inside Rail – Sean Clancy – Cup of Coffee: Six Down

Bohemian Rhapsody

Bloodhorse – TRA Wants Current Uniformity Efforts Hastened

Nominations for the 86th running of the Canadian Derby

Canadian Derby Nominees PPs

Bloodhorse – Increase Projected for 2016 Foal Crop

2015 Holybull.ca Canadian Derby Contest

Phil’s reprising

The Ennead¹³ may have noticed that so far there has been no 2015 Canadian Derby Contest posted. Being a wagering type of guy Phil’s gonna use the jiggies CUP (Cruel and Unusual Punishment) Day at Century Downs at Balzac to determine if he will be ponying up the for the prizes out of his own pocket, unlike the CCW and QKB who are the epitome of Double Dippers.

If the total handle at Century Downs  exceeds the total purse money that is paid out on CUP day Phil will have a contest. If it doesn’t Phil will buy himself an exceptional bottle of Bourbon.

The handle for the jiggies at Century Downs on Friday, August 7, 2015 totaled $27,420 for 8 races. Equibase shows that the WPS pool in the 8th race at Northlands park on Friday was $21,813.00. As Equibase uses US$ we have to convert that to Canuck Bucks. $28,623.00.  That’s over 1,000 Canuck bucks more wagered on the WPS pool on the last race of the day at Northlands Park than was wagered on the entire card at Century Downs at Balzac.

Phil has a question:

What’s wrong with the leadership at Horse Racing Alberta when they continue to promote the jiggies to the detriment of the thoroughbred industry while the fans speak loud, clear and often with their Canuck Bucks that they’d rather watch and wager on the thoroughbreds.

The handle for the 10 race card at Century Downs never even cracked the Century mark coming in at a dismal  $95,580 on the Standardbreds biggest race Day of 2015. With over $200k paid out in purses and somewhere between $100k and $200k spent for the Cruel and Unusual Punishment show Shirley McClellan, Rick LeLacheur and the rest of the marionettes over at Horse Racing Alberta again vividly demonstrated how poorly they understand the horse racing industry in the province of Alberta and that they have no concept whatsoever as to how to allocate the scarce resources they have been entrusted with.

Time for Shirley McClellan, Rick LeLacheur and the rest of the marionettes to go and Phil’s starting to wonder when Rachel Notley’s finally going to take the broom to the Tory cronies hidden in the numerous boards and commissions across this province.

This video celebrates the people, the horses and the new track. It will open the CTV telecast of the Ralph Klein Breeders Stake on Aug 8th, 2015. (Reproduced without permission from Horse Racing Alberta’s website.)

That video and the entire CTV Production was a waste of taxpayers’ money. When are the thick skulls at Horse Racing Alberta going to get it threw their thick skulls that you need to entertain the people rather than educate them. If they think this video is going to help with the negotiations for the next slot revenue split agreement, they just don’t get it. Horse Racing Alberta under the auspices of Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur failed to communicate with all opposition members of the Alberta Legislature and now these two think the same tired old rhetoric will suddenly change the mindset of the members of the party that the Tories consistently pissed on.

If you’re going to waste taxpayers’ money with an infomercial on jiggie racing then take a hint from the professionals and open up with a feature on how to set up an HPI account and how to to to a track and OTB to place a wager.

As Kurt said: Here we are now entertain us.

Smells Like Teen Spirit

2015 Holybull.ca Canadian Derby Contest

The Ennead²³ knows that Phil wouldn’t let the incompetence of the minions over at Horse Racing Alberta deny the Ennead²³ a contest opportunity.

The duty of youth is to challenge corruption.
Kurt Cobain

Pick the first 4 finishers and their place of finishing in the 2015 Canadian Derby
Points awarded:
1. 1 – 57
2. 2 – 33 1/3
3 3 – 13
4. 4 –∏
Tie Breaker: $

Difference in the Handle between the 2015 Canadian Derby Day Card (That’s all the races) and the 2015 Brad Gunn Day card at Century Downs (hint their handle was $95,580.00)

Price is Right Rules: Closest without going over.

10 bonus points awarded for best song to describe the horse you pick to win the Derby.
E.G.

Somewhere Around Midnight

Might be a nice tune but if that’s when your horse is coming in you’re in deep.

All entries must be received by Saturday August 15, 2015, 1:59:59 PM MDT.
E-mail your selections to: rumours@holybull.ca
Type – Holybull.ca 2015 Canadian Derby Contest in Subject Line.
Include your stage name, favourite city in Nunavut and mailing address.

First Prize – 1 – 750ml YukonShine Vodka or Gin (Please state your preference) (If Not Available Phil may substitute another western Canadian distilled product ) (or $C cash equivalent), $50 gift certificate to a restaurant within 100 km, A surprise CD and a Sur Prize
Second Prize – $50 gift certificate to a restaurant within 100km, and a Sur Prize
Third Prize – $20 gift certificate to a restaurant within 100km and a Sur Prize

Limit of 3 entries per e-mail address, no restrictions on any employees or family

Contest open to all residents of the provinces of Alberta (even the QKB, the CCW and Undertaker), British Columbia, Burgundy, Free State, Gauteng, Provence, Saskatchewan (even the Shill), Javakheti, Manitoba, Mpumalanga, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, states of Alabama, Amusement, Alaska, Anticipation, Arizona, Arkansas, Elation, California, Contentment, Colorado, Complacency, Connecticut, Despondence, Delaware, Paranoia, Florida, Empowerment, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Euphoria, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Exasperation, Serenity, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Misery, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Tranquility, New Jersey, Bewilderment, New Hampshire, Lethargy, New Mexico, Fear, New York, Emancipation, North Dakota, Ohio, Enlightenment, Oregon, Panic, Pennsylvania, Panic, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Frustration, Texas, Entanglement, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Bewilderment, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Oblivion, Southeastern (Dông Nam Bo) Region, territories of Northwest, Nunavut and Yukon, especially the campus city of Whitehorse, and all of Georgia.
Contestants from other regions may apply for Phil’s greenish card.
The QKB, the CCW, Shill or Undertaker have never entered any of Phil’s contests. Guess that’s cuz they don’t read www.HolyBull.ca.
Void where fun is prohibited by Bull.
Cabin Rules apply.

Thanks go out to Tom Rycroft in absentia, Dave Nicholson, Ryan the track photographer, Jorge Espitia and the sandbox crew for helping to enhance the birthday celebrations of an under 25 female neophyte racing fan and her friends on Friday night. Their efforts were one hell of a lot cheaper than the Cruel and Unusual Punishment show and far more effective.

I’m sure the winning photo they took home has had more views than the entire audience for the Cruel and Unusual Punishment show.

Something From Nothing

Phil heard a rumour that the Northlands Park Racing Club is in the organizational stages for the 2016 thoroughbred season at Northlands Park and more information will be available soon.

Stay tuned for details.

The Colonel and Floyd M. Arthur both look to achieve milestones during the 2015 Campaign. Floyd M. Arthur notched his 997 training win over the weekend leaving him 3 shy of the 1,000 mark.

Dale L. “The Colonel” Saunders notched his 1,990 training win over the weekend leaving him 10 shy of the 2,000 mark.

OCTOBER 3

$100 EARLY BIRD ENTRY FEE
(until September 19)

$125 ENTRY FEE
(starting September 20)

Sign up at the information desk.

Bloodhorse – Wise Dan on Target for September Return

It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.

Charles Dickens

With the Alberta Tories on the ropes, NDP Leader Brian Mason is preparing to pass on his well-worn boxing mitts.

Mason announced Tuesday that he will step down as leader of the Alberta NDP effective October 19, the same weekend he’s suggesting a party convention be held. He’ll remain at the party’s helm until then.

An emotional Mason said he thinks “the party is ready for prime time. I just think it just needs a different leader to get to the next level.

Edmonton Sun – Maudie – Alberta NDP Leader Brian Mason announces he’s stepping down

Toronto Star – CP – NDP wins stunning majority in Alberta election, Jim Prentice resigns

Brian Mason understood that personal interests must sometimes take a backseat to the interests of the Group. Mason was prescient and his party with a squeaky new leader was rejuvenated and kicked the musty old Tories asses right out of the Legislature.

Unfortunately for the thoroughbred industry in this province neither Rick LeLacheur nor Shirley McClellan has the common decency to put the interests of the horse racing industry ahead of their personal interest in cashing their pay cheques and propping up their pensions.

Soon or later Mason’s party will get around to kicking the Tory cronies out of the many Boards and Commissions they hide in, but Phil fears that day may come far too late to save the thoroughbred industry in the province of Alberta.

That number 22 on the above map is where Northlands Park is located almost dead centre in Brian Mason’s constituency.

Phil has a question:

Why didn’t Horse Racing Alberta and Northlands Park do a better job of keeping the MLA representing the constituency where most of the horse racing in the province has been held the last few years informed and part of the solution for improving the horse racing industry in this province.

Bloodhorse – Balan – Grade I Winner Moreno Retired

  For Sale

Unfortunately, for Mucka Century Casinos has consolidated its revenue reporting and you can’t see the individual results of its various properties.

However, the notes allude to ominous storm clouds on the horizon and I’m southern Albertans have seen enough of those the past couple of weeks to take heed.

Similarly, in Alberta, Canada, a new government was elected in May 2015. A portion of the gross gaming revenue that CDR receives from HRA is subject to conditions of an agreement between the Albertan government and HRA. This agreement expires on March 31, 2016. While HRA, as representative of the horse racing industry, is working diligently to extend this agreement, there can be no assurance that such an extension can be accomplished or can be accomplished at the same terms and conditions as the current agreement. If the agreement between the Albertan government and  HRA is not extended or the terms are changed, our results of operations at CDR may be adversely affected.

Century Casinos SEC Filing Second Quarter 2015

If you’re a shareholder of Century Casinos shouldn’t the first question to the Board and CEO of Century Casinos be: Do you think that Rick LeLacheur and Shirley McClellan are the best persons to be negotiating the new slots revenue sharing agreement with the new government of the province of Alberta.

Horse Racing Alberta is infamous for not having a Plan B because their Plan A is so good, but Phil will assure you that both Century Casinos and Edmonton Northlands are busy working on their alphabet Plans and one of those Plans involves continuing on and expanding their casinos without horse racing.

Phil has a question:

Who is looking after the interests of the Alberta thoroughbred industry in these negotiations.

Thoroughbred Internet – Mogok flying family’s flag in SA

Bloodhorse – Oakford – Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Monday Hips to Watch

Crimson and Clover

 

$27,733 CARRYOVER in tomorrow night’s Jackpot Hi-5

The smiles at the post-Manitoba Derby reception Monday in the Terrace Dining Room said it all.  Clay Brinson (right) joked that his job as the trainer of Derby winner Flashy Jewel had been on the line because he had talked the horse’s Canterbury Park owner into shipping the horse to the Derby.  The owner hadn’t really wanted to; after all, the colt had shown only 6-furlong success.  Then jockey Adolfo Morales (left) did a magnificent job holding the 11/1 long shot together for 1 1/8-miles, outgaming fan favourite Witt Six. That’s Derby Belle Francine Fournier steadying the cake-cutting knife.

“Home run,” Dunn says about festival weekend

The Downs’ first-ever Festival of Racing weekend was a “home run,” CEO Darren Dunn told guests at the post-Derby reception Monday–and the Downs will do it again on the Labour Day weekend in four weeks.  Sunday night racing worked:  More than $270,000 was wagered on the seven races and the tarmac was packed afterward for the Alberta brothers of the High Valley group who put on a pleasing show.  Derby Day wagering was $482,000, down from $547,000 last year but still well above the $302,000 of two years ago.  The stretch-long duel between Flashy Jewel and Witt Six made the Manitoba Derby one of the most exciting in Derby history.

Flashy Jewel (on the rail) holds off Witt Six to win Derby.  Jockey Adolfo Morales hugs trainer Clay Brinson while Manitoba sports minister Ron Lemieux smiles approvingly, happy that he bet the winner.

Minister picked the winner then presents trophy

You would think he almost knew something.  The provincial minister who presented the Derby cup to the winning connections had bet the winner.  So he had reason to be extra-happy in the Winner’s Circle.  So how DID Ron Lemieux, (the minister of tourism, culture, heritage, sport and consumer protection), pick the 11/1 longshot winner?  By the colt’s “calm demeanor” in the paddock, he told The Insider.  Flashy Jewel reminded him, he said, of his daughter Christa’s dressage horse, Holland’s Dream, whose calm manner led to successful performances.  Bang on, Mr. Minister!  I think that entitles you to add “Minister of Paddock Smarts” to your bulky portfolio!

*       *       *

Canterbury horses win three races in pick-4: $3,693

Will Derby Day, 2015, come to be known as “Canterbury invasion day?”  After all, three of the nine races were won by horses who shipped in from Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota, including the Derby winner, of course. And the three horses were part of the pick-4 which paid a handsome $3,693.  So if you liked Canterbury ship-ins, you had a very, very good day, indeed.  Al Ilott, a recent second-place finisher in the monthly horseplayer tournament, was one of only three pick-4 winners. He wasn’t partial to the Canterbury horse in the Derby; he said, he had simply wheeled “all” horses in the race.

The Canterbury ship-in winners were:

  Race 6 — Stand Up Rita ($2,500 claimer ridden by Paul Leacock) $21.60

  Race 8 — Master Master ($5,000 claimer ridden by Ry Eikleberry) 9.60

  Race 9 — Flashy Jewel (Manitoba Derby ridden by Adolfo Morales) 24.00

There was also a Northlands Park ship-in winner:

  Race 5 — Play in the Sun ($5,000 maiden claimer — Dane Nelson) $12.70

*       *       *

Dane Nelson pick-3 pays $263 for $1

Dane Nelson

Derby day will be particularly memorable for jockey Dane Nelson, too. He won four races including:

  Race 1 — Rising Icon — $12.20

  Race 3 — Holiday Maker — $5.80

  Race 4 — Witt’s Party — $32.70

  Race 5 — Play in the Sun — $12.70

The Dane Nelson Pick-3 (races 3 to 5) paid $263 for $1

FYI . . .

• Just 15 days of live racing remain so you’d better hurry to book a race night buffet.  Many nights are sold out.  Phone 204-885-3330.  Schedule.

• City Slewtions, a mare that jockey Adolfo Morales had booked off on July 8 (and Rasheed Hughes rode to his first victory at the Downs), has been retired from racing after pulling up lame in her next race with Hughes aboard.  After healing for three months from a sesamoid fracture, the 6-year-old will be a fine horse for less-arduous activities, said owner Randy Premachuk

Bullet briefs . . .

• Alyssa Selman makes a surprise visit

• Yes, there WAS a full moon last weekend

• High show prices in Zdeno race confuses newbies

• Can you name five of the “Magnificent 7” jockeys (1,000 wins)? 

• Any “Witt” will do, says horse owner Henry Witt

• 18-year-old trainer is on a tear.  What’s his latest feat?

ONE MORE WEEK FOR YOUR PHAROAH PREDICTION:  Predict the final bid on eBay for American Pharoah’s halter donated by Bob Baffert to help injured jockey Alyssa Selman who now is confined to a wheelchair (see below)  The halter will be listed on eBay starting Friday, Aug. 21 and the bidding will last 10 days.  Email your prediction to theinsider@ASDowns.com by Friday midnight, Aug. 14.  The entrant who comes closest without going over wins $50 in wagering vouchers and gets $50 donated to the Selman Trust Fund by the Downs.

SO YOU THINK YOU’RE SO SMART?  Without peeking at Bob’s blog, what seven jockeys in the history of Assiniboia Downs have won more than 1,000 races?  Bob calls them the Magnificent 7.  If you get just five of them without peeking, you can call yourself “magnificent,” too!

STANLEY CUP CONTEST WINNER BETS ON SPIDER’S ALIBI: Rod Zaretsky, the winner of The Insider’s Stanley Cup contest, put his $50 win/place wager on Spider’s Alibi in the Manitoba Derby.  The colt finished third when the two front-runners didn’t tire as might have been expected.

	DO THE DOWNS Carryovers
Click for race schedule		Simple tips for winning (pass it on)
CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE

Henry Witt Jr. (right) with trainer Jerry Gourneau “Any Witt will do, thank you!”

TOMORROW NIGHT: “WITT’S SO BOSSY” Who says?  Actually, that’s just another “Witt” horse among 35 who bear the name of horse owner Henry Witt, Jr. who raises cattle, sells used cars and replaces auto glass in Wako, Texas and who came up to Canada for the first time on the weekend to watch Witt Six in the Manitoba Derby.  Although his colt fell just short to Flashy Jewel after a brilliant, exciting race, the Texan had earlier been able to celebrate a victory by Witt’s Party ($34.70) in the 4th race and he told The Insider he gets just as excited seeing his horse win a bottom-level claimer as he does a classier win.

Besides the 35 horses who bear his name the personable Texan (who once was a champion race car driver) owns 15 others, he said.  He has them in two places: Texas and Manitoba where he counts on Jerry Gourneau to make lots of trips to the Winner’s Circle–which he has.  Tomorrow night, his Texas-bred filly Witt’s So Bossy faces four Manitoba-breds in the first race, a maiden event for 2-year-olds. Then Witt has a Lone Star horse, Esscalator, making his first foray into Manitoba in the second race, a $2,500 claimer, with leading win percentage jockey Dane Nelson handling the reins.

THE FULL MOON FACTOR

Does it explain weekend weirdness?

For those looking for an explanation for weird stuff happening during racing on the weekend–yes, there WAS a full moon.  Things were especially out of whack Sunday.  Horses who weren’t expected to be on the lead, were.  And they set a slow enough pace to win.  In race 3, the American Pharoah of Assiniboia Downs, 1/9 favourite Zdeno, didn’t fire and finished fourth (his owner thinks a virus was responsible) and, in the fourth race, the horse that was everyone’s key in the pick-4, The Forks, stumbled out of the gate, throwing his rider, Renaldo Cumberbatch, to the ground.  Yikes!

And veterans were talking about Monday’s track not being the kind of speed-holding track typical of afternoon racing at the Downs.  But, then again, speed DID hold all the way in the 1 1/8-miles Manitoba Derby. Go figure. Spider’s Alibi was expected to be able to close on speedsters but Spider could only get third as the two speed horses–Flashy Jewel and Witt Six–just kept on going.

So, for those looking for an “other worldly” explanation for the unexplainable, there you have it:  the full moon phase officially started Friday, July 31.

Race of the week HOTTIES OF THE WEEK Hottest jock: Dane Nelson (8 wins) Hottest trainers: Tanya Lindsay (4 wins) Biggest upset: Witt’s Party $32.70 (Mon 4th) Biggest 20-cent superfecta:  $771 (Mon 4th — 6-3-2-7) BOB’S BLOG TODAY:  The Magnificent 7 (ASD jockeys who won more than 1,000 races).  Can you name five — so you can call yourself “magnificent” as well?  (No peeking.)  Go here to see if you’re right.

Making their mark Wearing his lucky shirt, trainer Charlie Smith, the king of baby stakes, chats with paddock host Rob MacLennan after nabbing another–the Graduation Stakes–with Minnesota-bred Pecos; trainer Jared “I bleed for the Seahawks” Brown (top right) finally sees his California-winning filly, Holiday Maker ($5.80), beat her nemesis, K 5 Stables’ Supreme Rush, in the Manitoba Oaks; trainer Tanya Lindsay celebrates winning the Manitoba Mile with the returning Magic d’ Oro and 18-year-old Cole Bennett marks another milestone as a trainer: finishing one-two in a race with his Sailor de Mer and Notable Magic.  Next move for the young trainer after the Downs meet closes?  The race meet in Lethbridge in September and October.

THE WEEK THAT WAS

Alyssa Selman Overwhelmed by generosity

SELMAN MAKES SURPRISE VISIT:  What a gal! Despite confinement to a wheelchair after injuring her spine in a spill from a horse, Alyssa Selman was smiling broadly and was highly upbeat in a surprise visit to the Downs on Saturday where she mingled with friends on the north side of the main level.  She described being overwhelmed by the outpouring of gifts and donations to the Selman Trust Fund and especially to trainer Bob Baffert who had sent the halter from Triple Crown champion American Pharoah.

She said she will remain in hospital for three months undergoing monitoring and treatment for her injury and spending an hour a day in physiotherapy. Her husband, Rumesh, made a rare appearance in the quarter horse race the night she was there. More than $100,000 has been raised in her trust fund so far.  American Pharoah’s halter will be the lead item among various valuable donations that will hit eBay in two weeks.  Alyssa was paralyzed from the chest down after a spill from a horse and has only a remote chance of walking again.

TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN?  Inexperienced horseplayers who cashed show tickets after the third race Sunday night didn’t know whether to take the money and run or to ask whether a computer was malfunctioning because they were being paid in $10 and $20 bills for a mere $2 show wager.  That’s when they found out about the “bridgejumper” concept.  Almost $50,000 was bet to show on Zdeno by “bridgejumpers” expecting to get a quick, easy five per cent return on their money.  But the 4-year-old didn’t fire and finished fourth (likely suffering from a virus said his owner).  Which resulted in these payoffs on the top three finishers:

C.C. Ride	$16.80	$6.30	$23.00
Kenton		7.90	31.30
Calitor			30.70

Gold N Sochi wins maiden race

GOLD N SOCHI SURGES:  She did it.  In her second start, the 2-year-old filly named for the Olympic success of the Jennifer Jones curling team squeaked out an exciting neck victory over Langara Saturday. Congrats to her breeder, Cam Ziprick of Russell, MB, who knew which filly had the talent to promote the team’s OIympic glory.  As we all know, just getting to the races is an accomplishment but to also have that horse look as impressive as Gold N Sochi is looking is a big plus.  Sochi is trained by Carl Anderson and owned by Monica Prokipchuk who bought her for $9,000 at last August’s Manitoba Yearling Sale.

Parting plea . . .

GOTTA LOVE THIS GUY!  How can The Insider not love this guy?  Taking his cue from The Insider’s encouragement to be a better bettor–and hence be a better citizen–Mario Ducusin, a one-time candidate for the provincial Green Party and a former housekeeping staff member at the Downs, worked his commitment into a Derby hat design. Way to go, Mario.  Let’s hope all readers take your message to heart especially since August is “Be a Better Bettor” month.

TwinSpires Blog – Mrazek’s Graduation win could cause a Del Mar Futurity change-up

Bloodhorse -Balan – Nyquist Draws Off in Best Pal Stakes

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Nyquist lives up to reputation in Best Pal

Tabarnak.

We could have a Square Eddie progeny win the Haskell who isn’t named Eddie.

How long before Square Eddie a son of the superlative sire and sire of sires Smart Strike leaves California for more fertile environs.

Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Marbre Rose Prevails in Tight Seaway Finish

Bloodhorse – Season Ticket Much the Best in Wonder Where

Variety – Frank Gifford, Sportscaster and NFL Hall of Famer, Dies at 84

Clap for the Wolfman

The Bitter Southerner – Estes – The Persistence of Vinyl

Mendecino

NY Times – Rubin – In North Dakota, Boom, Bust and Oil

National Post – Wynne implies transcontinental railway wouldn’t have been built if Harper was PM in 19th century

The Globe And Mail – Dodek – Accountability needed: Why was Justice Russell Brown appointed to the top court?

National Post – Tucker – The Casualties and the trouble with punk rock as a defense

Anarchy in the UK

The Guardian – Harding – North Korea to turn clocks back by 30 minutes to establish own time zone

Somewhere someplace Joey Smallwood is having a good chuckle.

LA Times – Dwyre – Jarring book about rape is must-read for those involved in college football

It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.

WILLIAM BLACKSTONE

NY Times – Higgins – Amid an Inquiry, Patrick Kane Cancels Stanley Cup Events

Lola

It is more important that innocence be protected than it is that guilt be punished, for guilt and crimes are so frequent in this world that they cannot all be punished. But if innocence itself is brought to the bar and condemned, perhaps to die, then the citizen will say, “whether I do good or whether I do evil is immaterial, for innocence itself is no protection,” and if such an idea as that were to take hold in the mind of the citizen that would be the end of security whatsoever.
John Adams

Toronto Sun – Gunther – Critics move to silence Ezra Levant

I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.

Voltaire

LA Times – Serrano – U.S. ‘supermax’ prison: ‘Alcatraz of the Rockies’ is seen as ‘inhuman and degrading’

Garden and Gun – Portman – Meet The Woman Behind Biscuits and Gravy Potato Chips

Fat gives things flavour.

Esquire – What I’ve Learned – Julia Child

Southern Living – Perfect Buttermilk Biscuit

Southern Living – How to Make Sausage Gravy

NY Times – Wanted: A Driver in Brooklyn. Must Use Care in Icy Conditions.

LA Times – Floyd Mayweather tells Ronda Rousey to call him … when she makes $300 million

Grantland – Baker – Say Good Night to the Bad Guys: An Appreciation of Late-Career A-Rod and Tiger Woods

Mr. Rubio’s comments reflect the difficulty some candidates are having with respect to Mr. Trump, who has caused considerable angst among Republican leaders over his increasingly contentious statements, but who polls show is tapping into anti-establishment anger within the party’s base.

NY Times – Marco Rubio: Won’t Comment on Everything Donald Trump Says

Edmonton Journal – CP Panetta – Donald Trump ignites feud with Fox News journalist, saying she had ‘blood coming out of her wherever’

Bullshit

NY Times – Maks – Daughter Honors Seau Onstage at a Celebration Under a Cloud

The Globe And Mail – Torchia – ‘They’re not bloodthirsty killers’: Trophy hunters claim role in conservation

The Lion’s Roar

The Tigers Have Spoken

Phil M Stockmen