While watching the Vosburgh at Belmont on Saturday Phil was left wandering if some horses have clocks in their heads. The pace was fast but not scorching and Rock Fall moved into contention a touch earlier then you’d expect without Castellano appearing to ask.
Watch the replay and tell me if it’s the horse or the rider making the move.
Bloodhorse – Rock Fall Extends Win Streak in Vosburgh
Although this effort was not as visually impressive as many might have expected against this field, and certainly didn’t look as easy as some of his efforts earlier in the year, Castellano said after the race that Rock Fall “just took off for me, very easily. It was perfect though and a good set up for my horse.”
“He’s blessed with a lot of natural talent but to go along with that he’s got a lot of fight, which is great,” Pletcher added. “There are a lot of similarities between him and his sire and the way they train. You wouldn’t necessarily know they’re as good as they are. Watching in the mornings, he can be a little idle, but you just have confidence that come game time he’ll show up. He takes care of himself well.
TwinSpires Blog – Rock Fall finds more late, takes Vosburgh as heavy favorite
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.
Dr. Seuss
Bloodhorse – Oakford – One-Horse Consignments Find Keeneland Success
A person’s a person, no matter how small.
Dr. Seuss
Five further takeaways from the Alberta Fall Classic / CTHS Alberta Thoroughbred sale weekend:
5. 2015 handle on Fall Classic Day remained the same as 2014, but on track handle was up 18%.
4. In an economy battered by low oil prices and many layoffs, the thoroughbred industry in Alberta remained positive with the 2015 CTHS Sales yearling average being up a few hundred dollars from 2014 and the yearling sales median up by 37%.
3. In an economy battered by low oil prices and many layoffs, the thoroughbred industry in Alberta remained positive with the 2015 CTHS yearling Sales topper hitting $95,000.00 for Hip 85. That’s the highest price paid for a yearling in Alberta since before the Flames moved to Cowtown, the highest price paid for a yearling in western Canada in 2015 and the 4th highest price paid for a yearling in all of Canada in 2015.
2. Neither the CCW, the Undertaker nor the QKB came down to the sandbox and bought the boys a beer.
1. HPBA Alberta Past President Don Danard and his wife Sue again sponsored the buffet at Fall Classic Day. Phil sends out a hearty thanks for their continued support of the Alberta thoroughbred industry.
Speaking of Don Danard he and Sue were at the 2015 CTHS Alberta sale in spirit and proxy only as they headed to rainy Lotus land to watch their 2 year old filly C U At Eau Claire record her third win from four starts in last Sunday’s $100,000 Sadie Diamond Futurity at Hastings Park. She covered the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:118.30 on a sloppy track with Richard Hamel in the irons for conditioner Greg Tracy. C U At Eau Claire’s other 2 victories came in the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Handicap and the British Columbia Cup Debutante Stakes also at Hastings Park in Vancouver.
C U At Eau Claire is from first crop of Haynesfield who had a few yearlings entered in the recent Keeneland sale.
Hip 2629 a yearling Haynesfield colt out of the Gold Legend Mare Pure Desire was acquired by one of the many Albertans who were down in Keeneland buying yearlings. In an economy battered by low oil prices and many layoffs, the thoroughbred owners in Alberta remain positive spending their dollars in one of the major US yearling sales.
Bob Gibson is the luckiest pitcher I ever saw. He always pitches when the other team doesn’t score any runs.
Tim McCarver
FiveThirtyEight – Arthur -Yogi Berra Was One Of A Kind
I pulled cotton at 6 years old and worked on the peanut farm and paper route.
Johnny Bench
Phil’s vignette of Canadian History:
Canadian Manufacturing – ConAgra agrees to pay $11.2M in tainted peanut butter case
CBC – Anderson – Barbour’s peanut butter plant pushed by U.S. demand
Man cannot live by bread alone; he must have peanut butter.
James A. Garfield
NY Times – Stop Googling. Let’s Talk.
Carryovers
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Churchill Downs
Pick 6 $33,851.00
Pick 7 Jackpot $7,023.00
Fort Erie
Super High Five $4,186.00
Pick 5 $3,958.00
Golden Gate Fields
Pick 6 Jackpot $1,145.00
Gulfstream Park
Super High Five $6,909.00
Pick 6 Jackpot $84,987.00
Hastings Racecourse
Pick 6 $53,093.00
Laurel Park
Pick 6 $4,083.00
Lone Star Park
Super High Five $4,012.00
Monmouth Park
Pick 6 Jackpot $865.00
Prairie Meadows
Pick 4 $561.00
Presque Isle Downs
Pick 6 $4,033.00
Santa Anita Park
Super High Five $22,535.00
Woodbine
Super High Five Jackpot $8,538.00
Zia Park
Super High Five $209.00
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Indiana Grand Race Course
Pick 6 $204.00
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Northlands Park
Pick 5 $2,803.00
Super High Five Jackpot $1,023.00
Guaranteed Pools
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Northlands Park
Pick 4 – $10,000.00
Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools
Lady and the Track – Smith – Horse Racing News and Replays Sept. 26, 2015
LA Times – Jones – Iconic metal mustangs and their artist are evicted
Bloodhorse – Lewyn – OK-Bred Shotgun Kowboy Takes Oklahoma Derby
Lady and the Track – Ward – Oklahoma Derby Headlines Big Sunday at Remington Park
Lady and the Track – Macatangay – The Truth Or Else to Reveal Ability in Oklahoma Derby
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Competitive field entered for Oklahoma Derby
Included in the field is Witt Six trained by Jerry Gourneau who finished second in the Manitoba Derby at Assiniboia Downs and the Canadian Derby at Northlands Park.
Mario Gutierrez has been named to ride Mark DeDomenico LLC, Jerry Durant and Michael House’s Desert Dynamo for conditioner Jerry Hollendorfer.
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Include Betty guts out Remington Park Oaks score
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Include Betty highlights Remington Park Oaks
When the Oakies left Oklahoma and moved to California, it raised the I.Q. of both states.
Will Rogers
2016 Road to the Kentucky Derby
The 142nd running of the $2 million guaranteed Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) will be run Saturday, May 7, 2016, and for the fourth consecutive year, a tiered point system in select races will determine who qualifies to America’s greatest race.
Race Track Date Points
Champagne Belmont Park Oct 3, 2015 10-4-2-1
Breeders’ Futurity Keeneland Oct 3, 2015 10-4-2-1
Grey Woodbine Oct 4, 2015 10-4-2-1
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Keeneland Oct 31, 2015 20-8-4-2
Delta Downs Jackpot Delta Downs Nov 21, 2015 10-4-2-1
Remsen Aqueduct Nov 28, 2015 10-4-2-1
Kentucky Jockey Club Churchill Downs Nov 28, 2015 10-4-2-1
Los Alamitos Futurity Los Alamitos Race Course Dec 19, 2015 10-4-2-1
Jerome Aqueduct Jan 9, 2016 10-4-2-1
Sham Santa Anita Park Jan 16, 2016 10-4-2-1
Smarty Jones Oaklawn Park Jan 18, 2016 10-4-2-1
Holy Bull Gulfstream Park Jan 30, 2016 10-4-2-1
Withers Aqueduct Feb 13, 2016 10-4-2-1
Robert B. Lewis Santa Anita Park Feb 13, 2016 10-4-2-1
Southwest Oaklawn Park Feb 15, 2016 10-4-2-1
El Camino Real Derby Golden Gate Fields Feb 20, 2016 10-4-2-1
Fountain of Youth Gulfstream Park Feb 27, 2016 50-20-10-5
Risen Star Fair Grounds Feb 27, 2016 50-20-10-5
Gotham Aqueduct Mar 12, 2016 50-20-10-5
Tampa Bay Derby Tampa Bay Downs Mar 12, 2016 50-20-10-5
San Felipe Santa Anita Park Mar 12, 2016 50-20-10-5
Rebel Oaklawn Park Mar 19, 2016 50-20-10-5
Sunland Derby Sunland Park Mar 20, 2016 50-20-10-5
Spiral Turfway Park Mar 26, 2016 50-20-10-5
UAE Derby Meydan Racecourse Mar 26, 2016 100-40-20-10
Florida Derby Gulfstream Park Apr 2, 2016 100-40-20-10
Louisiana Derby Fair Grounds Apr 2, 2016 100-40-20-10
Wood Memorial Aqueduct Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Blue Grass Keeneland Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Santa Anita Derby Santa Anita Park Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Arkansas Derby Oaklawn Park Apr 16, 2016 100-40-20-10
Lexington Keeneland Apr 16, 2016 10-4-2-1
LA Times – Sondheimer – Sure-bet Beholder wins her third straight Zenyatta Stakes at Santa Anita
Bloodhorse – Balan – Beholder Reigning Queen of Zenyatta Stakes
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Beholder turns Zenyatta into paid workout
Bloodhorse – Oakford – Keeneland September Sale Ends Similar to 2014
Louisville Courier-Journal – Baffert a winner on ESPN’s College Gameday
2016 Road to the Kentucky Oaks
Race Track Date Points
Alcibiades Keeneland Oct 2, 2015 10-4-2-1
Frizette Belmont Park Oct 3, 2015 10-4-2-1
Mazarine Woodbine Oct 4, 2015 10-4-2-1
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Keeneland Oct 31, 2015 20-8-4-2
Delta Downs Princess Delta Downs Nov 21, 2015 10-4-2-1
Demoiselle Aqueduct Nov 28, 2015 10-4-2-1
Golden Rod Churchill Downs Nov 28, 2015 10-4-2-1
Starlet Los Alamitos Race Course Dec 12, 2015 10-4-2-1
Santa Ynez Santa Anita Park Jan 9, 2016 10-4-2-1
Busanda Aqueduct Jan 16, 2016 10-4-2-1
Silverbulletday Fair Grounds Jan 23, 2016 10-4-2-1
Forward Gal Gulfstream Park Jan 30, 2016 10-4-2-1
Martha Washington Oaklawn Park Feb 6, 2016 10-4-2-1
Las Virgenes Santa Anita Park Feb 6, 2016 10-4-2-1
UAE Oaks Meydan Racecourse Feb 25, 2016 50-20-10-5
Busher Aqueduct Feb 27, 2016 50-20-10-5
Davona Dale Gulfstream Park Feb 27, 2016 50-20-10-5
Rachel Alexandra Fair Grounds Feb 27, 2016 50-20-10-5
Santa Ysabel Santa Anita Park Mar 5, 2016 50-20-10-5
Honeybee Oaklawn Park Mar 12, 2016 50-20-10-5
Sunland Park Oaks Sunland Park Mar 20, 2016 50-20-10-5
Bourbonette Oaks Turfway Park Mar 26, 2016 50-20-10-5
Gulfstream Park Oaks Gulfstream Park Apr 2, 2016 100-40-20-10
Fair Grounds Oaks Fair Grounds Apr 2, 2016 100-40-20-10
Santa Anita Oaks Santa Anita Park Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Gazelle Aqueduct Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Ashland Keeneland Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Fantasy Oaklawn Park Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Beaumont Keeneland Apr 17, 2016 10-4-2-1
Bloodhorse – Mitchell – McDonald: Buyers Passing Up On Quality Horses
Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Lady and The Track Store Open for Business!
I remember one time going out to the mound to talk with Bob Gibson. He told me to get back behind the batter; that the only thing I knew about pitching was that it was hard to hit!
Tim McCarver
TwinSpires Blog – Breeders’ Cup reveals logo for 2016 event at Santa Anita
The 2-year-old son of first-crop sire Uncle Mo pressed the pace all the way to hold off Swipe by three-quarters of a length, and also survived a stewards’ inquiry into the stretch run of the 1 1/16-mile test, his first try around two turns for trainer Doug O’Neill. Stewards checked for interference between Nyquist, on the outside, and Swipe, who attempted to close through a tight inside spot under Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux, but ultimately ruled no change.
Bloodhorse – Nyquist Determined in FrontRunner Score
Keith Desormeaux, trainer of runner-up Swipe: “I thought he moved forwardly today. I told Kent to unsaddle him (during the stewards’ inquiry) because it’s hot out here and he ran hard. There wasn’t enough banging or interference to cause a disqualification. He’s danced every dance. We’ll take a good luck at him and make sure he’s all right and we’ll look at the Breeders’ Cup (Juvenile). Why not? This is what we all live for, right?”
TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Nyquist has to dig deep but remains perfect in FrontRunner
Phil’s kept his keyboard buttoned up about the brutal decisions coming from the stewards at Northlands Park, but the disqualification of Lenore Dubois’ Irish Heart with Desmond Bryan aboard in Saturday September 26, 2015’s third race was so utterly ridiculous Phil has to unlock his keyboard
Watch the replay – Northlands Park Replays
The Northlands Park stewards must play dominoes between races as that’s what their DQ appeared to be based on. Unfortunately they failed to notice that by the time the 4 horse moved over and the 3 horse clipped heels Irish Heart was so far ahead that its crossing over was into clear open territory and the domino chain of causation had been broken. They also failed to notice that as the 4 horse moved in the 1 and 2 horse moved out and that’s what caused the incident, not anything that Irish Heart had done.
The break from the gate my not have been perfect and the 3 horse may have clipped heels and gone down, but just because a horse goes down is not a reason for a knee jerk disqualification of a horse who was by and far the best winning by almost 10 widening lengths.
Phil would love to be able to direct the Ennead et al to the Northlands Park stewards written decision so that the Ennead could analyze the stewards’ lack of reasoning, but Horse Racing Alberta hasn’t moved into the 20th century yet where stewards decisions are written and posted on the World Wide Web for the scrutiny of the bettors who fund the game.
If Lenore Dubois and / or Desmond Bryan decide to appeal they’re in for a long wait as right now Horse Racing Alberta does not have a properly manned Appeal Tribunal. Looks like Shirley McClellan was so busy getting Jim Prentice elected that she didn’t have time to look after Horse Racing Alberta business.
Racing Post – Scargill – Secret Gesture team fail in Beverly D appeal
Bloodhorse – Shulman – Beverly D. DQ Of Secret Gesture Upheld
The Beverly D was held at Arlington Park on August 15, 2015. The connections of Secret Gesture appealed the stewards’ decision and although not successful had a decision within 45 days.
The Guardian – Cook – Simple Verse team win St Leger appeal against demotion at Doncaster
The connections of Simple Verse appealed the stewards’ decision and were successful with a decision within 11 days.
11 days for an appeal to be decided in the UK, less than 45 days for an appeal to be decided in Illinois, yet in Alberta you have to wait until Horse Racing Alberta gets around to appointing enough members to constitute an appeal panel.
Isn’t it time that Rick Lelacheur and Shirley McClellan were replaced so that Horse Racing Alberta is no longer the model for how not to operate a racing authority.
Bloodhorse – Mitchell – ‘Pharoah’ Works in Preparation for BC Classic
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – American Pharoah looking sharp in Sunday drill
Bloodhorse – Is NY-Bred Sudden Surprise Headed to BC?
Horse Race Insider – Wigglin’ N’ Jigglin’ Through First Round of Cup Preps
Breeders’ Cup Challenge
October
Date Race Name Track Division
Oct 2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes Keeneland TwinSpires Sprint
Oct 2 Darley Alcibiades Stakes Keeneland Juvenile Fillies
Oct 3 Santa Anita Sprint Championship Santa Anita Park TwinSpires Sprint
Oct 3 Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes Keeneland Mile
Oct 3 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes Keeneland Filly & Mare Sprint
Oct 3 Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes Belmont Park Filly & Mare Turf
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
Lady and the Track – Hammer – Big Blue Kitten Sets Course Record in Joe Hirsch Victory
Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Big Blue Kitten Takes Hirsch in Record Time
Bloodhorse – Novak – Wedding Toast Romps in Beldame
TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Wedding Toast tunes up for Distaff bid with front-running Beldame romp
Thoroughbred Fan Appreciation Weekend
October 23 & 24 is Thoroughbred Fan Appreciation Weekend at Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino!
Celebrate the end of the racing season with free programs for the first 500 visitors each day, plus cash & special prizes on Saturday!
Friday Post Time | 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Post Time | 1 p.m.
Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner — Pletcher tops record $300 million in earnings
Bloodhorse – Mitchell – ‘Stars’ Aligning for Keeneland Opener
Upcoming Western Thoroughbred
Race Dates
Fan Appreciation Day is when we say THANK YOU to our fans for a great 2015 season!
$1 deals on admission, preferred parking, programs, food and drink specials, and more!
$1 Handicapping Contest
$1 Entry Fee, $90 Bankroll
20% off in the Gift Horse, except artwork.
Gates open approx 30 minutes before the first simulcast race, with EmD post time of 2 pm.
Emerald Downs 2015 Season Awards
2015 Emerald Downs Horse of the Meeting Stryker Phd
STRYKER PHD REPEATS!
2015 HORSE OF MEETING
AUBURN, Wash. (Sept. 28) – Jim and Mona Hour’s Stryker Phd was voted Horse of the Meeting, Top Older Horse and Top Washington-bred Sunday as Emerald Downs announced its 2015 season honors on closing day of the track’s 20th season.
A 6-year-old Washington-bred gelding, Stryker Phd was unbeaten in four starts including a second straight victory in the $200,000 Longacres Mile (G3), becoming only the fourth two-time winner of the Northwest’s most historic race and first two-time winner at Emerald Downs. The Larry Ross-trained stretch-runner also led the meet in earnings, $197,430, and tied Stopshoppingdebbie’s track record of eight straight stakes wins.
Stryker Phd has never been out of the money in 16 starts at Emerald Downs, racking up $496,476 in earnings, and joins Noosa Beach (2010-11) as the only horses to win Horse of the Meeting twice.
Trainer Jeff Metz, who tied the single-season record of 66 wins while winning his third straight title, was voted Top Training Accomplishment, and Leslie Mawing, who won his second straight Longacres Mile and had 10 stakes wins, was voted Top Riding Accomplishment.
Belle Hill, a triple stakes winner for Ross and Aithon Stables, was unanimously voted Top 3-Year-Old Filly, and Dr. Mark Dedomenico’s Prime Engine, six-length winner of the Emerald Downs Derby, was chosen Top 3-Year-Old.
Coach Royal, a 6-year-old gelding that began the meet in the $2,500 claiming ranks, was selected Top Claimer after a five-win campaign that included a win for a $25,000 tag.
Trainer Tom Wenzel again swept the older filly and mare series, this time with Lady Rosberg, voted Top Older Filly or Mare after big route wins in the Boeing Handicap and Emerald Distaff, and Kikisoblu, voted Top Sprinter for her victories in the one-turn Hastings Handicap and Washington State Legislators Stakes.
Mach One Rules, a triple stakes winner for trainer Frank Lucarelli, was voted Top 2-Year-Old Male, and Princess Kennedy, 8 ¾-length winner of the Barbara Shinpoch Stakes was selected Top 2-Year-Old Filly.
Emerald Downs 2015 Season Honors
Award. . . .Winner
Horse of the Meeting: Stryker Phd (WA)
Top Washington-bred: Stryker Phd (WA)
Top Older Horse: Stryker Phd (WA)
Top Sprinter: Kikisoblu (KY)
Top Older Filly or Mare: Lady Rosberg (WA)
Top 3-year-old Male: Prime Engine (KY)
Top 3-year-old Filly: Belle Hill (KY)
Top Juvenile Male: Mach One Rules (WA)
Top Juvenile Filly: Princess Kennedy (KY)
Top Claimer: Coach Royal (KY)
Race of the Meeting: Longacres Mile
Leading Jockey: Julien Couton (100)
Leading Jockey Stakes Wins: Leslie Mawing (10)
Leading Apprentice: Osvaldo Gonzalez (8)
Leading Quarter Horse Jockey: Javier Matias (9)
Leading Trainer: Jeff Metz (66)
Leading Trainer Stakes Wins: Larry Ross (7)
Leading Quarter Horse Trainer: Pablo Madrigal (7)
Leading Owner: Saratoga West (24)
Top Riding Achievement: Leslie Mawing (leading stakes & LGA Mile)
Top Training Achievement: Jeff Metz (three straight titles)
Durkan Award: Rosie Simkins, Rigoberto Velasquez
Lindy Award: Leslie MawingEmerald Downs Horse of the Meeting
2015-Stryker Phd (WA)
2014-Stryker Phd (WA)
2013-Herbie D (BC)
2012-Class Included (KY)
2011-Noosa Beach (WA)
2010-Noosa Beach (WA)
2009-Assessment (KY)
2008-Wasserman (WA)
2007-The Great Face (WA)
2006-Flamethrowintexan (FLA)
2005-No Giveaway (WA)
2004-Demon Warlock (WA)
2003-Youcan’ttakeme (WA)
2002-Flying Notes (KY)
2001-Makors Mark (WA)
2000-Edneator (WA)
1999-No Curfew (WA)
1998-Wild Wonder (KY)
1997-Kid Katabatic (BC)
1996-Name for Norm (WA)
EMERALD DOWNS CLOSING DAY WRAP-UP
AUBURN, Wash. (September 27, 2015) – Gold Rush Dancer had his consistency rewarded Sunday at Emerald Downs, scoring a 5 ½-length victory over My Heart Goes On in the $65,000 Gottstein Futurity for 2-year-olds on closing day of the 2015 season.
Ridden by Julien Couton at 120 lbs, Gold Rush Dancer ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.45 on a fast track and paid $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10. Bill Tollett is the winning trainer for owner/breeder John E. Parker of Lake Bay, Wash.
It was the 100 th win of the meeting for Couton, the 2015 riding champion, and the first stakes win for Gold Rush Dancer, who had been stakes-placed three times before Sunday’s dominating breakthrough victory.
Gold Rush Dancer overtook the filly My Heart Goes On into the stretch and, although drifting and veering through the lane, drew off for an easy victory.
“He was a little bit all over the place,” Couton said. “But he has so much talent, and he’s going to bet better as he gets older.”
A Washington-bred by Private Gold-Dances On Water, Gold Rush Dancer earned $35,393 to push his bankroll to $74,093. His overall mark of 2-2-1 in five starts includes seconds in the Emerald Express and Captain Condo Stakes, and a third in the WTBOA Lads Stakes.
My Heart Goes On, ridden by Javier Matias at 118 lbs, held second and paid $4.80 and $3.20. Cape Grace, a filly ridden by Leslie Mawing at 118 lbs, finished third and paid $2.60.
Love the Lion, Wando Cat, Packy’s Out and En Avant completed the order of finish.
MACH ONE RULES CAKEWALKS
IN $50,000 NWSS CAHILL ROAD
In the $50,000 Cahill Road Stakes for 2-year-olds, Mach One Rules remained undefeated with an extremely easy 4 ¾-length victory in 1:10.50 for six furlongs.
The 1-to-20 betting favorite ridden by Mawing at 120 lbs, Mach One Rules is now four-for-four with earnings of $93,826, including $25,736 for Sunday’s victory.
Facing three overmatched foes—Two Pt Conversion was scratched earlier in the day—Mach One Rules led through fractions of :22.58, :45.41 and :57.49 en route to the victory. Mach One Rules led by eight lengths past mid-stretch and pretty much coasted to the wire.
“This was probably the easiest race in my riding career,” said Mawing, the meet’s leading big-money rider with 10 stakes wins. “All I had to do was not fall off.”
Mach One Rules finished the season with three stakes wins and was voted the meet’s Top 2-Year-Old Male.
After Sunday’s win, trainer Frank Lucarelli said Mach One Rules is headed to California and will continue racing in 2015.
“We’ll ship him down south and give him a shot or two before we give him a break,” said Lucarelli, tied for No. 4 all-time with 36 stakes wins at Emerald Downs.
Roy Scahefer, who also campaigned last year’s Top 2-Year-Old Trackattacker, owns Mach One Rules, a Washington-bred by Harbor the Gold-Felice the Cat.
Mach One Rules—with nearly 75 percent of the win pool and over 90 percent of the place pool—paid $2.20 and $2.10.
Ryan Walt, ridden by Rocco Bowen, finished second and paid $2.40 to place. Possible Spider and first-time starter Rally Wave completed the order of finish.
NO. 66! METZ TIES McCANNA’S
SINGLE-SEASON TRAINING RECORD
Surprise Sale ($3.80) won Sunday’s 11 th and final race to give trainer Jeff Metz his 66 th win of the meeting—tying the Emerald Downs’ single-season record previously set by Tim McCanna in 2008.
“It’s amazing. . .words can’t describe it,” Metz said in the winner’s circle. “It’s an awesome feeling. It’s like two weeks of pressure building up, and to get (the record) is great.”
Metz has won the last three training titles at Emerald Downs, winning 42 races in 2013, 49 in 2014, and 66 in 2015. His winning margin of 28 races—Frank Lucarelli finished second with 38 wins, also is a track record.
Metz was 0-for-2 Sunday before Surprise Sale and apprentice Osvaldo Gonzalez circled the field on the turn and held off Del Siete Leguas for the victory.
Metz (Saratoga West) also was the meet’s leading owner with 24 wins, second highest total in track history to Swag Stables’ 27 wins in 2009.
Metz finished 66-for-276 (23.9 percent); McCanna was 66-for-333 (19.8 percent) in 2008. Also, the 2008 meet was 91 days compared to 70 days in 2015.
NOTES: Sunday’s fifth race—The Gallyn Mitchell Purse—honored the track’s all-time leading rider, who is retiring after a brilliant 33-year-career that includes 1,419 wins at Emerald Downs. Mitchell, 53, is the only jockey to ride all 20 seasons at Emerald Downs and also is No. 1 with 80 stakes wins at Emerald Downs. Incidentally, the track is planning an official retirement ceremony for Mitchell during the 2016 season. An emotional Mitchell thanked horsemen, fans, and especially his family including wife and agent Denise for his remarkable career. Mitchell said he may have one final mount next month in an out of town stakes race. Overall, Mitchell has 2,742 wins and nearly $22 million in earnings. . .Couton had two wins Sunday for his 30 th multiple-win day of the season. The 34-year-old Frenchman averaged nearly 1.5 wins per day at the 70-day meeting, and led the standings from May 2 to closing day. . . Alert Bay ($10.80), third in the Longacres Mile , rallied for a one-length victory in Sunday’s $200,000 City of Hope Mile (G2) on the turf at Santa Anita. Blaine Wright , who finished third in the Emerald Downs’ trainers’ standings, trains Alert Bay for owner Peter Redekop . A 4-year-old California-bred, Alert Bay now has four graded wins and over $950,000 in earnings. . . Ken and Marlene Alhadeff served as Honorary Stewards for the Gottstein Futurity. Ken Alhadeff, of course, is the grandson of Longacres’ founder Joe Gottstein . . . Bill Tollett has seven stakes wins at Emerald Down but the Gottstein was his first since August 12, 2006, when Judicature won the Knights Choice Stakes. . . Frank Lucarelli had his second three-win day of the week and finished second in the trainers’ standings with 38 wins. Lucarelli, No. 2 all-time with 837 wins at Emerald Downs, has now finished first or second 13 times in the track’s 20-year history. Lucarelli also was No. 1 this season with 10 2-year-old wins including two on Sunday— Mach One Rules and Valid Keiki ($24.60), a first-time starter by Successful Appeal that scored a four-length win a $20,500 maiden special weight for colts and geldings. . .In addition to Gold Rush Dancer in the Gottstein, owner John Parker also won the ninth race with Among the Stars ($3.80), a 4-year-old filly that won four races and over $50,000 after being claimed for $12,500 in May. Parker finished second in the owners’ standings with 15 wins. . .That’s a wrap for 2015. See you next spring!
SCAT DADDYBABY TOO FAST FOR MUCKLESHOOT FOES
AUBURN, Wash. (September 26, 2015) – Scat Daddybaby showed off his sensational speed again Saturday at Emerald Downs.
Ridden by Gallyn Mitchell for owners Mike and Amy Feuerborn and trainer Robbie Baze, the 5-year-old Scat Daddy gelding zipped 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.14 while scoring a three-length victory in the $25,000 Muckleshoot Casino Purse for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs.
The 4-to-5 betting favorite, Scat Daddybaby paid $3.80, $2.60 and $2.20.
Trick Or Retreat, ridden by Leslie Mawing, rallied late for second and paid $3.80 and $2.60. Del Rio Harbor, ridden by Julien Couton, finished third and paid $2.80.
Grinder Sparksaglo, Fleet Eagle, Botch and Spit and Shine completed the order of finish.
After losing a blind shake for the 12th and final slot in last month’s Longacres Mile, Scat Daddybaby instead romped by 4-¾ lengths in the Pete Pedersen Memorial Purse, running one mile in 1:34.17 and earning the same Beyer—98—Stryker Phd received for winning the Longacres Mile.
Scaling back to 6-½ furlongs Saturday, Scat Daddybaby set fractions of :22.26, :44.31 and 1:08.60 en route to his second straight victory and his seventh in 20 lifetime starts. The $13,750 winner’s share increased his career earnings to $113,189.
JAVIER MATIAS RIDES 1,000th CAREER WINNER
Jockey Javier Matias rode the 1,000th winner of his career in Saturday’s 11th race, guiding Dallon’s Gold ($7.60) to a gate-to-wire victory for trainer Howard Belvoir.
Matias rode two winners Saturday, scoring career victory No. 999 aboard True Visionary ($4.20) in the second race and bagging the milestone 1,000th winner on 4-year-old Washington-bred gelding Dallon’s Gold in the nightcap.
Surrounded in the winner’s circle by his wife Elsa and son Aldo, Matias thanked Emerald Downs’ horsemen and his family for continued support in his riding career.
A 43-year-old native of Mexico City, Matias ranks sixth in this year’s Thoroughbred standings, recording 34 wins through Saturday, and he also is the track’s top Quarter Horse jockey with an amazing 9-for-15 record this season.
Matias is No. 12 all-time with 375 wins at Emerald Downs.
NOTES: Trainer Jeff Metz had two wins Saturday—his 64th and 65th of the season—and needs two wins Sunday to break Tim McCanna’s track record of 66 wins set seven years ago. Metz has four horses entered Sunday including two horses in race eight. . .Trainer David Martinez and Coal Creek Farm won back-to-back races Saturday with Dedicated to You ($13.40) taking a $25,000 allowance race and Until You ($36) prevailing in a $25,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds and up. Martinez actually finished first and second in the latter as Mike Man’s Gold held second. . .Trainers Rosie Simkins and Rigoberto “Jesse” Velasquez were honored as co-winners of the 2015 Martin Durkan Award after Saturday’s sixth race. Lisa Baze represented Velasquez, winner of a career-high 26 races this season at Emerald Downs, in the winner’s circle. . .Congratulations to Emerald Downs’ Joe Withee, co-owner of two winners on Saturday’s card—first-time starter Carson’s Fireball ($5.20) in the opener and Seattles Best Copy ($4.20) in race three. Steve Bullock trains both runners. . .Saturday’s $0.50 Pick 5 paid a giant $8,078.25—fifth largest of the season. . .The 70-day meet concludes Sunday with Fan Appreciation Day at 2 p.m. The 11-race card features two stakes for 2-year-olds—$65,000 Gottstein Futurity at 1 1/16 miles and $50,000 Cahill Road Stakes at six furlongs.
Sunday, September 27, 2015 2:00 PM PDT
Louisville Courier-Journal – Rees – HBPA editorial: Guilty Until Proven Innocent’
July 1st, 2nd & 3rd 2016“The Alberta Gospel Revival Music Festival and Trade Show”
A Bumpin the Beats Production
“The Alberta All Make Motorcycle Rally and Classic Rock Festival”
A Wicked Gigz Production
(Alberta Owned and Operated)
Sept 2nd, 3rd & 4th 2016
“The Alberta Classic Country Music Festival”
A Bumpin the Beats Production
Bloodhorse – Novak – California Chrome Back to Sherman Next Month
MIKE HEADS SUNDAY PREVIEW OF THE HASTINGS CARD
SUNDAY HASTINGS PREVIEW
Hastings Racecourse resumes racing this afternoon with another seven race program and the Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 players will be greeting with a $70,000 carryover.
The headliner on the card is likely race number one but since the race is not part of the Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 sequence I will zero in on race two which brings together a group of six three year olds at a mile a sixteenth for a $16,000 price tag.
Gina Wright owns and trains Mister Mecate who will trying this extended distance for the first time. He has learned to relax early in his races of late after being a need-the-lead type throughout the early part of his career. Antonio Reyes will be aboard.
The lone filly in the race is Ray Hanson’s Anasazi Lass. She broke her maiden against fillies two starts back at this trip and wasn’t disgraced three starts ago when she ran long with the boys. She obviously can’t get a race to fill going long with the girls so she will try and cause an upset over her male opponents. Keishan Balgobin will get a leg up from Hall-of-Fame trainer Dave Forster.
Fred and Sheldon Kwan’s Stoneridge Ruler will try and successfully stretch out his good early speed. He is in an easier spot today after battling with older horses in his last and stakes runners prior to that effort. His speed makes him a threat, Jeff Burningham rides for Hall-of-Famer Harold Barroby.
Kay and Sue Ohashi will running their recent claim Heartset who was a game fourth in his latest. He looks to have found a good spot for his first start after the claim and has shown a liking for this mile and a sixteenth trip. Richard Hamel gets the call from Patty Leaney.
Mitch Sutherland’s Ps Bettin On You makes his second run after the claim earlier this month. He seems to be better at this longer trip and has the speed to be in good early position. Silvano Morales rides for Jim Brown.
Completing the field is Agnes Jackson, Paul Hunter and Lorne MacDougall’s Rosies Notis who was a no-threat fifth in a stakes race last time out. His form has improved greatly since stretching out in distance. He has a good shot on the class drop and Pedro Alvarado returns to the saddle for trainer Barbara Heads.
A reminder that the Sunday program gets started at 1:50 p.m. and the Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 begins in race two which is schedule to go at 2:20 p.m.
Sunday, September 27, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Saturday, October 3, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Sunday, October 4, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Bloodhorse – Balan – Los Alamitos’ Success Difficult to Gauge
I have discovered in 20 years of moving around a ballpark, that the knowledge of the game is usually in inverse proportion to the price of the seats.
Bill Veeck
Bloodhorse – Juveniles Work Toward Keeneland Stakes
Bloodhorse – Tonalist Fires Bullet for Second Gold Cup Bid
Bloodhorse – Novak – Songbird Soars to Chandelier Victory
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Songbird polishes off Chandelier triumph
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Isotherm posts fitting upset in Pilgrim
Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Isotherm Narrow Victor in Pilgrim
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Northlands Park Leading Jockeys
Rank |
Jockey Name |
Sts |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
Total $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rico W. Walcott | 377 | 121 | 84 | 41 | $1,242,062 |
| 2 | Scott Williams | 335 | 64 | 51 | 51 | $699,201 |
| 3 | Shannon Beauregard | 254 | 41 | 38 | 47 | $493,942 |
| 4 | Tony Maragh | 279 | 43 | 32 | 44 | $475,172 |
| 5 | Ismael Eluid Mosqueira | 254 | 33 | 33 | 44 | $419,563 |
| 6 | Ruben Lara | 263 | 25 | 33 | 40 | $366,712 |
| 7 | Quincy Welch | 182 | 26 | 17 | 26 | $296,165 |
| 8 | Jorge Espitia | 222 | 26 | 29 | 29 | $286,153 |
| 9 | Desmond Bryan | 199 | 21 | 27 | 25 | $214,989 |
| 10 | Damario Bynoe | 209 | 12 | 25 | 22 | $180,846 |
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Northlands Park Leading Trainers
| Rank |
Trainer Name |
Sts |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
Total $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greg Tracy | 234 | 62 | 43 | 30 | $761,067 |
| 2 | Tim Rycroft | 253 | 46 | 37 | 41 | $694,053 |
| 3 | Dale L. Saunders | 135 | 29 | 24 | 10 | $385,760 |
| 4 | Joan Petrowski | 284 | 22 | 35 | 32 | $311,446 |
| 5 | Rodney J. Cone | 232 | 32 | 26 | 25 | $285,004 |
| 6 | Craig Robert Smith | 131 | 31 | 22 | 23 | $248,493 |
| 7 | Jerri R. Robertson | 113 | 12 | 16 | 21 | $209,716 |
| 8 | Dale Greenwood | 93 | 13 | 19 | 13 | $204,314 |
| 9 | Robertino Diodoro | 56 | 17 | 7 | 6 | $191,503 |
| 10 | Ernie J. Keller | 58 | 12 | 12 | 13 | $190,986 |
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Nomination For Northlands Marathon # 3 $20,000
A STARTER’S HANDICAP FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD
TWO MILES
TO BE RUN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BOOK OF FIVE RINGS b.g.3 Rob Chabot and Joshua Schayer Rob Chabot
D’WILDCAT GOLD dk b/.m.5 Brian & Grace Deere Deanna Walper
GOLDEN TRIUMPH dk b/.g.7 M & P Equipment Inc., Met Set Consulting Ltd. and Dale L. Saunders Dale L. Saunders
GRAND REQUEST b.g.6 Hurley Racing Stable Deanna Walper
OCANERA b.g.4 Daniel & Connie Oberholtzer Kevin Oberholtzer
ON ANDY’S ADVICE b.g.4 Wood River Ranches Ltd. Wally T.M. Pugh
RAISE A DANE dk b/.g.7 Lise Kondrat and Ginie Sanderson Eurico Martens
ROYAL GRAND b.g.7 Frank Bodell Dave Nicholson
SKIMMER JIM b.g.5 Barb Side Craig Smith
SMOKE N’ MIRRORS b.g.5 Almac Racing Stable Rick Hedge
WEE BILLIE WILDE gr/ro.g.8 Marcos Malvaez and Maria Ines Malvaez Marcos Malvaez
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Edmonton Sun – FRANK FONTANA’s Northlands Favourites
Matt’s Picks and Free Program – Wednesday September 30, 2015
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 6:30 PM MDT
Friday, October 2, 2015 6:30 PM MDT
Saturday, October 3, 2015 1:00 PM MDT
Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Geothermal Wins Lukas Classic at Churchill
Upcoming Stakes
September 27
Albuquerque
Camino Real Futurity $100,000 2yo State/Prov 6f Dirt
Con Jackson Claiming handicap $20,000 3&up 14.5f Dirt
New Mexico Horse Breeders handicap $60,000 3&up State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Belmont Park
Bertram F. Bongard Stake $150,000 2yo State/Prov 7f Dirt
Joseph A. Gimma Stake $150,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 7f Dirt
Miss Grillo Stake GIII $200,000 2yo Fillies 8.5f Turf
Emerald Downs
Gottstein Futurity $65,000 2yo 8.5f Dirt
NWSS Cahill Road Stake $50,000 2yo 6f Dirt
Gulfstream Park
Mr. Steele Stake $75,000 3&up 8f Turf
Japan Racing Association
All Comers Stake GII $1,173,000 3&up 11f Turf
Kobe Shimbun Hai GII $942,000 3yo 12f Turf
Remington Park
Flashy Lady Stake $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
Kip Deville Stake (L) $75,000 2yo 6f Dirt
Oklahoma Derby GIII $400,000 3yo 9f Dirt
Remington Green Stake (L) $100,000 3&up 9f Turf
Remington Park Oaks (L) $200,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Dirt
Remington Park Sprint Cup (L) $150,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Ricks Memorial Stake $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Turf
Santa Anita Park
City of Hope Mile GII $200,000 3&up 8f Turf
King Pellinore Stake $70,000 3&up 10f Turf
Woodbine
Bull Page Stake $125,000 2yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6f AW
Classy ‘n Smart Stake $125,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f AW
September 30
Indiana Grand Race Course
Brickyard Stake $85,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
City of Anderson Stake $85,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Crown Ambassador Stake $85,000 2yo State/Prov 6f Dirt
Hillsdale Stake $85,000 2yo State/Prov 6f Dirt
Indiana Stallion Fillies $85,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Merrillville Stake $85,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
October 2
Ascot
Londonmetric Noel Murless Stake (L) $58,000 3yo 14f Turf
Finger Lakes
Leon Reed Memorial Stake $50,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Keeneland
Darley Alcibiades Stake GI BC $400,000 2yo Fillies 8.5f Dirt
Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix GIII BC $250,000 3&up 6f Dirt
October 3
Ascot
Albert Bartlett Stake (Rous S) (L) $70,000 3&up 5f Turf
Cumberland Lodge Stake Eng – GIII $94,000 3&up 12f Turf
John Guest Bengough Stake Eng – GIII $109,000 3&up 6f Turf
Totepool EBF Stallions October Stake (L) $62,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 7f Turf
Belmont Park
Champagne Stake GI BC $500,000 2yo 8f Dirt
Flower Bowl GI BC $500,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 10f Turf
Frizette Stake GI BC $400,000 2yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Hill Prince Stake GIII $500,000 3yo 9f Turf
Jockey Club Gold Cup GI BC $1,000,000 3&up 10f Dirt
Kelso Handicap GII $400,000 3&up 8f Dirt
Gulfstream Park
Armed Forces Stake $75,000 2yo 8f Turf
Awesome Belle Stake $75,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Dirt
Foolish Pleasure Stake (Florida Sire S) $150,000 3yo R 8.5f Dirt
Fort Loudon Stake $75,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
In Reality Stake (Florida Sire S) $500,000 2yo R 8.5f Dirt
Meadow Star Stake (Florida Sire S) $150,000 3yo Fillies R 8.5f Dirt
My Dear Girl Stake (Florida Sire S) $500,000 2yo Fillies R 8.5f Dirt
Our Dear Peggy Stake $75,000 2yo Fillies 8f Turf
Japan Racing Association
Sirius Stake GIII $633,000 3&up 10f Dirt
Keeneland
Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity GI BC $500,000 2yo 8.5f Dirt
First Lady Stake GI $400,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8f Turf
Shadwell Turf Mile GI BC $1,000,000 3&up 8f Turf
Thoroughbred Club of America Stake GII BC $250,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
Woodford Presented by Keeneland Select GIII $150,000 3&up 5.5f Turf
Northlands Park
Northlands Marathon #3 $20,000 3&up R 16f Dirt
Parx
Valley Forge Stake (L) $150,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Retama
El Joven Stake $75,000 2yo Colts & Geldings 8f Turf
La Senorita Stake $75,000 2yo Fillies 8f Turf
Santa Anita Park
Eddie D Stake GIII $100,000 3&up abt 6.5f Turf
Santa Anita Sprint Championship GI BC $300,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Swingtime Stake $70,000 3&up Fillies & Mares R 8f Turf
Woodbine
Durham Cup Stake Can – III $150,000 3&up 9f AW
October 4
Japan Racing Association
Sprinters Stake GI $1,718,000 3&up 6f Turf
Keeneland
Dixiana Bourbon Stake GIII BC $250,000 2yo 8.5f Turf
Juddmonte Spinster Stake GI BC $500,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 9f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
California Distaff $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov abt 6.5f Turf
L.A. Woman Stake GIII $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6.5f Dirt
Woodbine
Grey Stake Can – III $150,000 2yo 8.5f AW
Mazarine Stake Can – III $150,000 2yo Fillies 8.5f AW
October 5
Zia Park
Chaves County Stake $55,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8f Dirt
October 6
Presque Isle Downs
Fitz Dixon Jr. Memorial Juvenile Stake (L) $100,000 2yo 6.5f AW
H.B.P.A. Stake s (L) $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.32f AW
October 7
Indiana Grand Race Course
Gus Grissom Stake $85,000 3&up Colts & Geldings State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Fillies $85,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Stake $85,000 3yo State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Richmond Stake $85,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Keeneland
JPMorgan Chase Jessamine Stake GIII BC $150,000 2yo Fillies 8.5f Turf
October 9
Keeneland
Buffalo Trace Franklin County Stake (L) $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 5.5f Turf
October 10
Belmont Park
Knickerbocker GIII $200,000 3&up 9f Turf
Charles Town
West Virginia Breeders’ Classic $500,000 3&up State/Prov 9f Dirt
West Virginia Breeders’ Classic Distaff $70,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 9f Dirt
West Virginia Cavada Breeders’ Classic $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 7f Dirt
West Virginia Dash for Cash Breeders’ Classic $50,000 3&up State/Prov 4.5f Dirt
West Virginia Division of Tourism Breeders’ Classic $60,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 7f Dirt
West Virginia Lottery Breeders’ Classic $60,000 3yo State/Prov 7f Dirt
West Virginia Onion Juice Breeders’ Classic $70,000 3&up State/Prov 7f Dirt
West Virginia Triple Crown Nutrition Breeders’ Classic $60,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
West Virginia Vincent Moscarelli Memorial Breeders’ Classic $60,000 2yo State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
Genesee Valley
Genesee Valley Hunt Cup $30,000 4&up 28f Turf
Japan Racing Association
Saudi Arabia Royal Cup (L) $580,000 2yo 8f Turf
Keeneland
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Lane’s End GI $500,000 3yo Fillies 9f Turf
Middleburg
National Sporting Library Museum Cup $35,000 4&up 26f Turf
Northlands Park
Duchess of York $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Parx
Plum Pretty Stake $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Surfer Girl Stake (L) $100,000 2yo Fillies 8f Turf
Zuma Beach Stake (L) $100,000 2yo 8f Turf
ThistleDown
Best of Ohio Distaff $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 9f Dirt
Best of Ohio Endurance $150,000 3&up State/Prov 10f Dirt
Best of Ohio Sprint $150,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
John W. Galbreath Memorial Stake $150,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Juvenile Stake $150,000 2yo State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Woodbine
Victorian Queen Stake $125,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f AW
October 11
Fresno
Harris Farms Stake $100,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Mainichi Okan GII $1,173,000 3&up 9f Turf
Santa Anita Park
Anoakia Stake $70,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Woodbine
Bunty Lawless Stake $125,000 3&up State/Prov 8f Turf
Cup and Saucer Stake $250,000 2yo R 8.5f Turf
October 12
Belmont Park
Pebbles Stake (L) $200,000 3yo Fillies 8f Turf
Hastings Race Course
Ascot Graduation (L) $75,000 2yo 8.5f Dirt
Ballerina Stake Can – III $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 9f Dirt
British Columbia Premier’s Can – III $100,000 3&up 11f Dirt
Fantasy Stake (L) $75,000 2yo Fillies 8.5f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Kyoto Daishoten GII $1,173,000 3&up 12f Turf
Northlands Park
Harvest Gold Plate $50,000 3&up 8.5f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
California Flag Stake $100,000 3&up State/Prov abt 6.5f Turf
Woodbine
Carotene Stake $150,000 3yo Fillies R 9f Turf
Zia Park
Governor’s Cup $55,000 2yo 6f Dirt
Permian Basin Stake $55,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Bloodhorse – Lamarra – Tin Type Gal Just Up in Miss Grillo Stakes
PETER REDEKOP’S, ALERT BAY WON THE $200,000 GR3. CITY OF MILE AT SANTA ANITA ON SUNDAY
ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2015)–California-bred Alert Bay once again demonstrated his gameness and versatility in taking Sunday’s Grade II, $200,000 City of Mile (turf) at Santa Anita as the 4-year-old City Zip gelding stalked a fast pace under Martin Garcia and flew home to win by one length over longshot Big Cazanova in a rapid 1:33.58.
A close third two start back in the Grade III Longacres Mile near Seattle, Alert Bay was a 2 ¼ length winner of the 1 1/16 turf Rolling Green Stakes at Golden GateFields Sept. 7 and was making his fourth consecutive start at as many tracks Sunday at Santa Anita.
“This horse likes to be up near the running and it set up real good with a fast pace (22.69, 45.74, 1:09.58 and 1:21.67,” said winning trainer Blaine Wright, who is based at Golden Gate Fields. “This was actually Mr. Redekop’s (Peter, owner) decision to run here. I had a different race, but he wanted to keep him stretched out.”
When asked about the prospect of running in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (turf) at Keeneland Oct. 31, Wright said, “I’d certainly have to think about it. We faced a good group of horses today and now we’ll get him back home, evaluate him, talk it over with Mr. Redekop and see what goes on from there.
“…I’ve never had such a versatile, hard knocking horse as him. He can run on any surface. Obviously, he’s best on turf but he can run on dirt and even (synthetic) Tapeta.”
Off at 4-1 in a field of eight three year olds and up, Alert Bay paid $10.80, $6.80 and $3.20. With the win, he notched his fourth win from five starts over the Santa Anita lawn and improved his overall mark to 19-10-4-2. With the winner’s share of $120,000, he hiked his bankroll to $954,495.
“Blaine told me to put him in a good spot where we wouldn’t get into trouble, follow the speed and make your move outside,” said Garcia, who was a close fourth with three furlongs to run and rallied five-deep turning for home. “I was pretty comfortable outside and when I saw Gary (Stevens, aboard favored Avanzare) ask him going into the stretch and Avanzare didn’t respond, I knew it was mine.”
Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Argentine-bred Big Cazanova pressed pacesetter Hot Hot Heat into the far turn and took command at the three furlong pole but couldn’t hold the winner off the final sixteenth.
Off at 18-1, he paid $17.80 and $7.60.
“I can’t believe I got beat,” said Desormeaux. “I was haulin’ ass!! My horse ran a hole in the wind and we still got beat. Congrats to the winner. Who is that horse?”
Fresh off victory in the Grade II Del Mar Mile (turf) Aug. 23, Avanzare was third best, finishing 2 ¼ lengths clear of rival Talco. Off as the 8-5 favorite, Avanzare paid $2.80 to show.
There is a Pick Six carryover into Thursday at Santa Anita of $62,473. With first post time at 1 p.m., the Pick Six will cover races three through eight. The total Pick Six pool on Thursday is expected to exceed $400,000.
Bloodhorse – Alert Bay Rallies to Take City of Hope Mile
TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Avanzare, Talco meet again in City of Hope
Bloodhorse – Balan – Avanzare Takes Hot Streak Into City of Hope
Bloodhorse – Angst – Photo Call Shows Flash in Winning Rodeo Drive
HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS
Hastings Wrap-up For Sunday, September 27—–Richard Yates
The Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 went another day without anyone taking the whole pot down and historic old Hastings Racecourse is now focused to some extent on one question: did it go? The answer is it did not and next weekend will provide another opportunity for the Lone Handicapper to take down a pretty nice score.
Senor Rojo Says Adios
The feature on Sunday was without a doubt the fourth, an open $25,000 claimer for older horses at a mile-and-a-sixteenth, with the emphasis on older as the nine-year-old Senor Rojo ($10.00) ran away and hid from a group that would have been a stakes field a season or so ago. The very hot Jeff Burningham got the call in place of leading rider Richard Hamel and he made the most of his opportunity by guiding the winner to a six-length victory over the place horse El Capone. Title Contender finished third after hitting the lead at the three-quarters mark only to see the winner blast past him with a run that must have occasioned some equine dismay. Senor Rojo needed 1:44.43 to get the job done.
Six horses started and between them they had won 22 stakes and placed in 31 others while winning $1.6 million dollars. Three of them were graded stakes winners. None of them were capable of keeping up with Senor Rojo.
Off the Top was in front by himself through a quick first quarter, but he had been joined by Title Contender on the outside with Laguna Blaze in between them after a half mile in 46.63. The three were locked up in a speed duel as they headed down the backstretch, but they were more targets than frontrunners because Senor Rojo had started to roll and he had dead aim on them.
Senor Rojo ran past the three of them in about a half-dozen strides going into the last turn and, in the immortal words of Stevland Morris, it was signed, sealed and delivered. Once Senor Rojo hit the front it was only a matter of how far, and that turned out to be six lengths at the wire. El Capone came from last by a long way to be second, not quite a length ahead of Title Contender in third.
Senor Rojo has now won 14 races in 61 starts and placed in 30 others. He has earned about $475,000 over a career that began in July of 2008 when he won his first start as a two-year-old in a Maiden Special Weight. He was bred in Kentucky and sold in the 2007 Keeneland September Sale for $32,000. George Gilbert, Tres Hombres and Cameron Hill Mortgages own him. David Forster trains Senor Rojo and he always has. They have won races together in seven different years.
Irish Romeo: Wherefore Art Thou
Long gone is where Irish Romeo ($6.50) was in the opener, a $16,000 claimer for older horses with no conditions attached. He covered the mile-and-a-sixteenth in 1:44.93 under jockey Amadeo Perez, good for a four length margin over runner-up Mark. The 10-year-old crowd favorite Bearrock N Roll finished another three lengths back in third.
Irish Romeo lagged behind in the field of five early while Uncle Willard and Distillery set brisk fractions up front. Bearrock N Roll stalked in third as the half went in 46.87 and three-quarters in 1:11.66 and then moved to the lead as Uncle Willard bore out and Distillery weakened. It is possible that Uncle Willard did not bear out so much as he got out of Irish Romeo’s way because the winner was rolling, having launched a move going down the backstretch that had him making up ground in chunks, taking the lead on the last turn, and drawing away in the run home. It was a convincing win.
Irish Romeo was bred in Grindrod by the Dittloffs. He is by Stephanotis out of Irish Delta and that makes him the older half-brother of Lord Rosberg, Champion Two-Year-Old and BC-bred Horse of the Year in 2014. Irish Romeo is owned by Gail Breckenridge and trained by Pat Jarvis for the first of what was to be three wins on the day.
Also Noteworthy:
Trainer Pat Jarvis took the opener, as reported above, and then she upset the third with The Tenant ($18.60) for owner/breeders Bryan and Carol Anderson. Silvino Morales was aboard for the first of his two wins on the day. She closed out the card with S. L. Express ($6.10) on behalf of Blue Willow Dairy, Ltd. with Keishan Balgobin aboard to wrap up the triple for Jarvis.
Jockey David Lopez won two. He scored in the second with Heartset ($5.20) for Kay and Sue Ohashi and trainer Patty Leaney, and he won the sixth with Four Feathers ($5.80) for North American Thoroughbred Horse Company, Inc. and trainer Troy Taylor.
Silvino Morales completed his double aboard One to Believe ($12.10) who was bred by his owner Barry Lee and is trained by Sylvia Gregory. One to Believe is by Cause to Believe who had a double on the program as well. He also sired The Tenant who won the third. Cause to Believe, who stands at Road’s End farm, had four winners on the weekend.
Richard Hamel continues to lead the riders with 60 wins. Pedro Alvarado is in second with 49, followed by Keishan Balgobin who has 37. Mike Anderson has led the trainer standings since the season opened and he now has 29 wins, seven more than Troy Taylor who has moved into second. Craig MacPherson with 21 wins is in third, one behind Taylor. Russell and Lois Bennett lead the owners with 13 wins.
Hastings Wrap-up For Saturday, September 26—-Richard Yates
It was a splendid fall day at historic old Hastings Racecourse. The sun was out, a fresh little breeze was blowing and there was money to be made. Jockey Pedro Alvarado won the first three races on the card and David Lopez posted a riding double. No one singled the Sea to Sky Pick Six and the jackpot is still there for the taking.
Rebus Cannot Be Solved
The opener, a $16,000 claiming event for non-winners of two races (BC-bred 3), was also the feature if there was one and it went to Rebus ($6.60) who led from start to finish in the mile-and-a-sixteenth route. Wonder World was a solid, but non-threatening, second and Occupy Vancouver hung around to be a distant third after getting discouraged by Rebus on the front end.
Pedro Alvarado immediately put the winner on the lead from along the rail and there he stayed. He easily turned back Occupy Vancouver and the favored Wonder World was never a concern while finishing a remote second, almost five lengths back of the winner.
Rebus was bred in BC by his owners, Pat and Tony Hepburn. Mark Cloutier trains the gelded son of Rosberg whose final time of 1:43.98 was quick for the company, regardless of how fast the track was playing.
Remarkable Lady: Salvaging The Family Name
The second fell to Remarkable Lady ($4.50) who was not the favorite at a buck and a quarter to a loonie, but she should have been as she comfortably wired a field of $4,000 maiden claimers to give Pedro Alvarado his second on his way to three in a row. Rosalie B came from last to be second and the odds-on favorite Saintly Sinner was a neck back in third. The winner negotiated the 6 ½ furlong sprint in 1:19.16.
Remarkable Lady is by Finality out of one of Red Rock Farm’s best producers, Remarkable Gal. That makes her a full sister to the multiple stakes winner Remarkable Miss, and a half to two other stakes winners and three stakes placed horses. She is the eleventh winner from thirteen foals to race for Remarkable Gal. Prior to today’s win, her pedigree had been considerably faster than she was. David Milburn owns and trains.
Windstrong Blows Them Away
Pedro Alvarado won his third in a row in the third with Windstrong ($3.10) who laid waste to a field of $12,500 maiden claimers just the way one-to-two shots are supposed to do. Southern Casanova made a run to get into second while losing ground to the winner. Royal Briar closed willingly to miss second by a neck.
Windstrong’s wire-to-wire score was the third straight front running ride from Alvarado who led at every call in the first three races. The final time of 1:17.10 was a little brisk for the rest of the field. First time starter Atallahthewon tried to keep up early but paid the price and faded to sixth. The place battle between Southern Casanova and Royal Briar was competitive; the win part of the contest, not so much.
The winner is owned by Morris Peter, Warren Wilson, Ashley Krisman and Tod Mtn. Thoroughbreds. Barbara Heads is the trainer.
Teddy the Bear Barely Gets There
The fourth race on the card provided a driving finish with Teddy the Bear ($8.20) prevailing by a head and a nose over Payton’s Best and Cowboy Commander who finished second and third. Final time for the $6,250 claiming sprint was 1:17.27.
Teddy the Bear and Cowboy Commander were locked on each other for most of the trip before Payton’s Best entered the fray late in the lane and nipped Cowboy Commander for second. David Lopez rode the winner.
It was the first win this season for Teddy the Bear and it came in his eighth start at Hastings this season after a winter campaign in Arizona. He was dropping from the $8,000 starter allowances that make up the Champions Starter Series and he was full value for the win in what proved to be a very competitive race, class drop or not.
Teddy the Bear is owned by Last Call Racing Stable and trained by Brent Bremner.
Overtime Pays Off
The fifth was an $8,000 claimer for non-winners of two (BC-bred 3) that was won by Overtime ($15.10) who split horses going down the backstretch, dueled with pace setter Similkameen Luke around the final turn before pulling away in the stretch and moving on to a convincing length and a half win over that one. Lead the Pack finished third. Overtime clocked in at 1:17.76 for the 6 ½ furlongs with Sahin Civaci in the saddle.
The winner is by Cause to Believe and was foaled in British Columbia by Regal Pursuit, she being a half-sister to Sadie Diamond Futurity winner She’s A Bombshell. Overtime is owned by his breeder, David Elder and trained by Mike Chabara.
At the Ritz Continues The Blitz
At the Ritz ($33.20) won his fourth race in his last five starts when he got home a head and another head in front of two fellow longshots, Street Map and Majestic Mark after a mile-and-a-sixteenth that went in a rapid 1:44.04. The three of them generated a triactor that paid $11,514 for two bucks.
The winner benefited from a ground saving ride by jockey Jeff Burningham who angled off the rail in the lane and finished strongly between horses to get up in the last instant at a mere 15-1. Runner-up Street Map and third place finisher were both in the vicinity of 29-1.
At the Ritz is owned by Clint Willson and trained by Robert VanOverschot.
Halo’s Quest Proves Best
The nightcap was won by Halo’s Quest ($8.40) who led the entire mile-and-a-sixteenth to post a victory over the late arriving Minstrel’s Time whose good late close came up a half-length short. Lord Gallovic was a little over a length further back in third. David Lopez got the winner home in 1:45.87 to notch his second riding win on the card.
The winner was bred in British Columbia by his owner, Shamrock Racing Stable Ltd. Jim Brown trains.
Also Noteworthy:
Jockey Pedro Alvarado’s triple closed some ground on leading rider Richard Hamel who was excused for the day after the first, but he is still 11 wins back of Hamel. David Lopez’s double keeps him solidly in fifth in the rider standings.
Cause to Believe had a stallion double when Overtime and At the Ritz took the fifth and sixth races. Cause to Believe stands at Road’s End Farm.
Lady and the Track – Laughter – Smooth Roller Heads to Breeders’ Cup After Easy Awesome Again
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Smooth Roller hits the jackpot in Awesome Again
Bloodhorse – Balan – Smooth Roller Runs Away in Awesome Again
Bloodhorse – Retirement for Bayern ‘Being Evaluated’
Racing Post – Godfrey – Bayern retired after latest flop at Santa Anita
Bloodhorse – Valid Game in Groomstick, Eyes BC Dirt Mile
Bloodhorse – Oakford – Rada Moves the Needle as South American Buyer
Lady and the Track – Laughter – The Numbers Are In: Keeneland September Yearling Sales Week Two
Floyd M Arthur
Countdown to 1,000 Wins
998
2 to go
Consultancy and lobbying firms — accustomed to dealing with successive Tory governments — were in a mad scramble to find new contacts inside the new government. After all, consultants and lobbyists are hired by businesses and organizations precisely for their connections in government hallways and their ability to navigate the back channels of power.
…
The firms quickly moved to scoop up NDP strategists and advisers in order to establish access to the new government.
Less than a month after the election results were in, Alberta-based firm Impact Consulting announced it had hired Brookes Merritt, a former director of communications to the New Democrats when it consisted only of Notley and her current senior-most cabinet minister, Brian Mason. A news release announcing the hire touted Merritt’s “strong relationships with the Alberta NDP caucus.”
Phil has a question:
Which NDP strategist did Horse Racing Alberta hire to lobby on behalf of the thoroughbred industry in the province of Alberta.
Are Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur smarter than all of the lobby and strategy professionals in this province.
Are Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur the best candidates to be representing the interests of the thoroughbred industry in the current slot revenue sharing negotiations with the provincial government.
Phil has opined many times on the loss of Black Type for thoroughbred stakes races in the province of Alberta and the lack of response to his numerous e-mails to the CCW and QKB and lack of a Plan either A or Z from Horse Racing Alberta to work to have Black Type reinstated for thoroughbred Stakes races in the province of Alberta.
Below is a catalogue page from the recent Keeneland Yearling Sale
Sales Catalogue wording is changing to ensure compliance with the North American International Catalogue Standards Committee standards. Black Type Requirements changed January 1, 2014 and Alberta thoroughbred racing has lost Black Type on many of its races.
SITA members from most of the countries represented by this group are appointed to the International Cataloguing Standards Committee, which is responsible for the standards and integrity of information published in an annual “International Cataloguing Standards” book.
While each SITA member runs its business independently and competitively, members maintain similar standards and procedures in their auctions. Thoroughbreds are an international commodity and clients find comfort and security in buying and selling when standards are in general conformity. The information provided in catalogues for sales organized by SITA members complies with the requirements of the International Cataloguing Standards Committee.
International Cataloguing Standards Book
Phil has a question:
Do you think that the first time that The QKB and then later the CCW learn about SITA and the International Cataloguing Standards will be when the Undertaker scurries down to the QKB’s office to rat on Phil again.
Southern Image is now referred to as a Black-Type winner, not a stakes winner. 7 of his progeny are now referred to as Black-Type winners, not stakes winners. The mare Virtuous Lady can be still shown as stakes (Black-Type) placed as the 2 racies at Hasting Park in Vancouver British Columbia Canada were Black-Type when she placed in them.
As sales catalogues are changed to comply with the International Cataloguing Standards the debilitating financial effects of the loss of Black-Type will not only be felt by owners of mares, but also by stallions owners and the entire Alberta Thoroughbred industry.
Phil sent the following e-mail to Rick LeLacheur, Shirley McClellan with a cc to the Minister of Finance’s constituency office.
Rick LeLacheur, Shirley McClellan
Attached is the catalogue page for a thoroughbred yearling recently purchased by an Alberta resident at the Keeneland Yearling Sale.
Description of the progeny of the Sire Lemon Drop Kid has changed form years previous. in previous years the description would have stated 77 Stakes winners, but the sales organizations are now standardizing their catalogues to refer to black-type as defined by The North American International Catalogue Standards Committee. The description now states 77 black-type winners.
The catalogue changes mean that the loss of Black Type in the many thoroughbred races in Alberta that have occurred during your tenure at Horse Racing Alberta not only devalues the mares and their progeny, but now also affects the Stallions whose progeny win races in Alberta that are no longer Black Type.
Despite my many e-mails to the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta I have not received a response outlining the plans of Horse Racing Alberta to improve the quality of thoroughbred racing in the province of Alberta and have the stakes races again qualify for Black Type.
Horse Racing Alberta is supposed to represent all breeds in the province of Alberta, but the actions of the CEO appear to favour the standardbreds to the detriment of the thoroughbred industry notwithstanding that 75% or all money wagered on racing in Alberta is wagered on thoroughbred racing.
Does Horse Racing Alberta have a plan in place to improve the quality of thoroughbred racing in the province of Alberta and have the stakes races again qualify for Black Type.
If not, why not.
Phil has not yet received a response from either Rick LeLacheur or Shirley McClellan and is not waiting with bated breath.
Phil has a question:
Are Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur the best candidates to be representing the interests of the thoroughbred industry in the current slot revenue sharing negotiations with the provincial government.
ESPN – West – In Texas, even the mess is big
All fixed set patterns are incapable of adaptability or pliability. The truth is outside of all fixed patterns.
Bruce Lee
TROT: Where do we stand when it comes to competition with other sports industry in the GTA?
WALLACE: We’ve got our sport watered down to the point that it’s of no consequence to the general public. We have pockets of small situations that employ and entertain small groups, which we need to a degree, but we fail to really promote, shine and polish our best
TROT: How do we go about engaging the public again?
WALLACE: A real key would be somehow connecting any kind of gaming / lotteries we have to racing. Rather than watching bouncing ping pong balls come up with our lottery numbers, and this has been suggested, get the regular Joe Public to figure out his lottery numbers by handicapping the last three races at Woodbine or Mohawk and make gambling on the lotteries directly link with the numbers on a specific race program. That would force Joe Public on the street to have some interest in horse racing.
TROT: It seems that what gives you hope are ideas outside the scope of what has been tried before.
WALLACE: Yes. That is our only hope. We have young minds in and outside of the game that we could somehow go forward, but it would be a totally different package from what we have right now.
…
We need the industry to be run by twenty and thirty-year-olds not fifty and sixty-year-olds and you can print that.
Trot Magazine – Calling it How He Sees It – Vision for the Future – Ben Wallace
Phil has a question:
Is Ben Wallace advocating legalizing running numbers.
If Ben Wallace can think of these types of solutions why are we paying Shirley McClellan $250k a year to sit on her complacent laurels.
Adaptability is about the powerful difference between adapting to cope and adapting to win.
Max McKeown
OCTOBER 3
$100 EARLY BIRD ENTRY FEE
(until September 19)
$125 ENTRY FEE
(starting September 20)
Sign up at the information desk.
Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Onus Kicks Away to Commonwealth Oaks Victory
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What? Find out Thursdays. When the weekly certified Angus prime rib buffets begin next Thursday, each buffet will feature a favourite recipe of a Winnipeg Jets player (from their cookbook). You may not be able to dine WITH a Jet but you can certainly dine ON a Jets dish (and tell your friends what you thought of it). Each buffet also features chef’s specialty chicken, pasta and fish dishes. All you can eat only $26.95 — 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Terrace Dining Room. Reserve at 204-885-3330.
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FYI . . .
at Delaware Park in Ohio. Will the 1:49.2 record set in 2010
be broken? First post (16 races) is 11 a.m.
this Saturday. Sign up by 9 p.m. tomorrow for $25 or by
noon Saturday for $35. At stake: $850 in prize money plus
points toward Handicapper of the Year title and trip to Vegas
at the end of 2015. Rules: Bet $2 win/place on any 10
thoroughbred races, your choice, between noon and 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
move to Woodbine Thursday. Since both meets are run by Woodbine Entertainment Group,
federal regulators no longer require payouts of jackpot pools when their meets end. “We are
going to carry it over to Woodbine and decide at some point when it would be best to offer the
mandatory,” WEG chief operations officer Sean Pinsonneault told The Insider.
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DO THE DOWNS
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Click for race schedule
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$2 off potato skins every night starting at 8 p.m.
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CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE
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WHAT A GREAT UNIQUE GIFT! Give a $500 share in a horse Looking for something different, exciting and original to give to someone for Christmas? How about a share in a race horse? That’s an over-the-top gift that should be appreciated over and over again as the recipient meets with other partners in the Assiniboia Racing Club, visits his horse with friends and family, enjoys breakfast in the backstretch kitchen, watches his horse get ready to race with the potential of visits to the winner’s circle and sharing in purse money. $500 covers EVERYTHING through the entire season. Shares are limited. Act quickly! For more info and to buy a share contact John Field (a director with the HBPA) at hbpamanitoba@mymts.net.
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Official stations of horse racing.
Click to listen |
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| FOOD FOR THOUGHT |
When I’m not playing the races, I’ve been cycling or gardening or barbequing at the beach–which, to me, are all enjoyable experiences–with little dips and surges during those activities that I liken to the FIRST GRAPH below. Sure, those are full days. But compare it to a day at the races represented by the SECOND GRAPH and you see where I’m coming from. So, considering the time you spend playing the races, how old would you say you are? (I figure I’m at least 210.)
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DAY AT THE RACES
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Where are they now?
by Rob MacLennan
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Gourneau off to a good start; eyes Oklahoma Derby
Trainer Jerry Gourneau has gotten off to a solid start at Retama Park (a couple wins, seven horses on the board at bigger prices, good value at a tough meet). Tomorrow he has So Bossy, a filly he trains for Henry Witt, running at Retama under three-time ASD leading jockey Rohan Singh. And an exciting race Sunday for the Gourneau barn should be the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby, a Grade 3 race at Remington Park. Witt Six has been nominated to race against a talented bunch including Preakness Stakes runner-up Tale of Verve. (Witt Six finished second in the Manitoba and Canadian derbies.)
WINNIPEG FUTURITY WINNER RACES AT ALBUQUERQUE TOMORROW: Don Schnell’s talented 2-year-olds, Heber and Coolidge who finished one-two in the Winnipeg Futurity, tackle a good stakes field in the 8th race at Albuquerque tomorrow afternoon.
TOMORROW NIGHT AT NORTHLANDS: Watch for entries from hot ASD trainer Shelley Brown: There’s Fungo. And High Step runs in a maiden race for K5 Stables. And pricey claims–Storm Chance and Mojumbo–try a $17,500 claimer.
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YOU NAMED ME WHAT? Oinkus. With Arizona horse breeder C. L. Hogg securing the name Oink for his filly (kinda figures), a Utah breeder with perhaps a certain sense of humour (and a lack of faith?) took it a step further, naming HIS filly Oinkus. Racing in quarter-mile races at Los Alamitos, though, these oinkers have outperformed their names. Oink has three wins in 27 tries, Oinkus is two for 19. Certainly not pig-out celebratory records but surely worth a pat on the snout.
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Free VLT spins nets a cool grand
Memorable wins become even more memorable when you have a memento of your score–which is what horseplayer Al Ilott got when he posed with a giant ASD cheque for $1,000 which he won with $20 in free spins on a VLT when his name was drawn. He hit a royal flush. (That’s VLT hostess Corinne celebrating with Al.) Al’s win means he will return this Saturday to try for more in the monthly finale. You could be next by simply entering the 10-name VLT draw each Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
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HISTORY ON THE HOOF: The best of Bob
Did you know . . . that two jockeys “owned” Assiniboia Downs from 1962 to 1972? Who were they and how many titles did they amass? Find out here. (Hint: one of them was a guest at the Downs’ 50th anniversary in 2008.)
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TwinSpires Blog – Scully – La Verdad isn’t flashy but leads all the way as Gallant Bloom favorite
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.
TwinSpires Blog – DeRosa – Alabama Bettor Wagers $14.40 on Woodbine Super High 5 to Win $64,122.95
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Tapiture gets Ack Ack confidence boost ahead of BC Dirt Mile
A catcher and his body are like the outlaw and his horse. He’s got to ride that nag till it drops.
Johnny Bench
Bloodhorse – Saham Breaks Through in Jefferson Cup
What I found is the strange hypocrisy and inconsistency around gambling that is embedded in United States law. The rules actively work against the interests of casual sports fans and low-stakes gamblers like me who just want to make the games more interesting.
The very complexity and opacity that make daily fantasy sports legal also make it more likely that the casual fan will lose money. There is a truism in investing that complexity favors the big guy and disadvantages the little guy, and it applies here as well. If securities laws were like gambling laws, it would be illegal for people to buy shares of Google or a United States Treasury bond, because that would be gambling, but legal for them to invest in currency swaps that pay a return if the Swiss franc, Argentine peso and Vietnamese dong together outperform the Swedish krona, Mexican peso and South Korean won.
NY Times – Irwin – Daily Fantasy Sports and the Hidden Cost of America’s Weird Gambling Laws
When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.
Ernest Hemingway
NY Times – McGrath – Hemingway Was a Pack Rat. Here’s What His Mementos Reveal.
Never mistake motion for action.
Ernest Hemingway
NY Times – Mather – Is Bridge a Sport? The High Court Will Decide
Good sex is like good bridge. If you don’t have a good partner, you’d better have a good hand.
Mae West
First Bill Simmons leaves Grantland now Gregg Easterbrook has moved his column to NY Times.
Phil has a question:
Is ESPN dumbing down so that Roger Goodell can understand it.
NY Times – Easterbrook – The N.F.L. Extra Point Has Changed, but Deuces Still Aren’t Wild
LA Times – The greater sage grouse and the lesser prairie chicken: let science decide
The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill
National Post – Brock Harrison: Oh look, Alison Redford is back!
Reading made Don Quixote a gentleman, but believing what he read made him mad.
George Bernard Shaw
The Bitter Southerner – Reece – Down at the Sweetheart Rink
Grantland – McIndoe – Stanley Cup Prospects, Part 1: The Bottom Line
Grantland – McIndoe – Stanley Cup Prospects, Part 2: The Parity Patrol
Grantland – McIndoe – Stanley Cup Prospects, Part 3: The Contenders
FiveThirtyEight – Hickey – The Three Types Of Anne Hathaway Movies
Garden and Gun – Portman – Five Southern Cooking Myths Debunked
The Globe And Mail – Weeks – Saturated fats no longer the true enemy, experts say
No man in the world has more courage than the man who can stop after eating one peanut.
Channing Pollock
Then a voice says to me, ‘This is going to take more than one night.
National Post – Dekel – ‘It’s a haircut not a boob job’: Metric seek art in a pop world
NY Times – Bruni – John Boehner Exits, Donald Trump Storms On
Even putting aside their policy positions, their narcissism, their poor records as leaders and their lack of scruples in spinning failures as triumphs all suggest that Fiorina and Trump would make terrible presidents. To my mind, there is only one entrepreneur who has both a record of true business accomplishment and government service to merit consideration as a presidential candidate.
I can’t be the only one who wishes Michael Bloomberg would enter the race, can I?
NY Times – Nocera – Trump and Fiorina’s Snake Oil Sales
If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit.
W.C. Fields
Five Thirty Eight – Enten – Was The Second Debate The Beginning Of The End For Donald Trump?
NY Times – Higgins and Rogers – Tampering Claim in Case Against Patrick Kane Is Called a Hoax
The Globe and Mail – Reuters – Lawyer for accuser of NHL’s Kane withdraws from case
Grantland – Baker – The Patrick Kane Situation Takes a Dark Turn in Buffalo
Grantland – Baker – Bragging Rights: ‘Dazed and Confused’
LA Times – Duara – Nature replants its own burned forests, environmentalists say
Alberta Venture – Hames – Following the fire: On the trail for morel mushrooms
The Globe and Mail – Marchi – Canada needs a national energy strategy and leaders with vision
National Post – Rex Murphy: Institutes of lower education
National Post – Kelly McParland: Volkswagen could help put the doubt back in doubters
Phil has a question:
What effect will closing down Alberta’s coal burning electricity generating plants and replacing them with natural gas or some costly unproven green technology have when the rest of the world continues to spew out pollution unchecked.
Could someone please point out the non-peeing section of the swimming pool.
Phil M Stockmen
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2009 CUFF REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS – HAS ANYTHING CHANGED AT HRA
NO PROVISION for board involvement in CEO salary adjustments, per AGLC ex-officio government board rep, the Cuff report initiated the need for BOARD approval, therefore her 10%/20k raise was approved the lame-duck board will the purse structure declined 1.7 million/ as the interests of the horse industry racing participants being looked after/ MINISTER CECI will have a reply on OCT. 26!!!
RIRI (racing industry renewal initiative) funding can be used to support racetrack operating costs not construction costs for facilities that where to be place per racino casino license/ MINISTER CECI looking to validity of missing infrastructure concerns!
NORTHLANDS PARK 2009/ pg 23 cuff report does not believe that it can sustain racing for two breeds and argues for emphasizing the breed that the betting public prefers based on the amount bet ( century 31k fri/62k sat are looking at increasing handle)?
CHAIRMAN /CUFF REPORT pg 24 the chairman to act as courier of important messages between minister and HRA board that are deemed significant to affect the work of the organization (funding/racino extension)? the only bag that the CAPTAIN is carrying is his GOLF BAG!!!!!
CENTURY DOWNS/HRA post a great story on RYAN GRUNDY with his trademark 2 vertical stripe driver colors shame its a picture of RICK SCHEINDER will his single horizontal strips, reminds of the edmonton sun story years ago with a good looking,slim down KEITH CLARK with BOB CLARK in the reins. close but no CLINTON CIGAR!