Phil was rather impressed with the confidence that Keeneland management showed in their track crew leaving the major Graded races on the turf just 4 weeks before their first Breeders’ Cup.
Jim and Susan Hill’s Grand Arch made Michelangelo’s day when he held off the late charge by the Pizza Man to win the Shadwell Mile at Keeneland, a Breeders Cup Challenge race that automatically qualifies Grand Arch for The Breeders’ Cup mile.
“He broke well and we got a good position,” commented winning jockey Luis Saez. “When we got to the half-mile (pole), I had so much horse [that] I was just waiting for a little room. Thank God when we got to the stretch he got a little room and he kept going. At the end, I saw two horses flying and I thought they were going to beat me, but he’s a fighter. He just kept going.”
TDN – Grand Arch Holds On in Shadwell Turf Mile
In landing his first Grade 1 contest, second favourite Grand Arch went one better than the 2014 running, when he finished runner-up to Wise Dan.
Sent off at 4.3-1 behind Dutch Connection, the six-year-old gelding took the lead off Kelinni as they hit the stretch and got first run on the closers, who were led by Arlington Million winner The Pizza Man, who produced a typically game effort to be beaten a head after racing towards the rear.
The winner will now contest the Breeders’ Cup Mile. “I would hope to think so,” said trainer Brian Lynch.
“It’s great to see him as he gets older. He just keeps getting better and better. We had this race in mind this year after a game effort last year. I was worried about the turf getting a little soft today, but he handled it well.”
Racing Post – Godfrey – Grand Arch takes Turf Mile as Euros fail to fire
Bloodhorse – Novak – Shadwell: Grand Arch Holds Over The Pizza Man
Horse Racing Nation – Valenzuela Eyes October Comeback at Santa Anita
Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.
Sitting Bull
Southern Living – Daily South – Bender – Why Grumpy Keeps Grumping On
TwinSpires Blog – Kalanges – Arc Betting Preparations: What Happens When a 13-to-1 Winner Pays $8
Bloodhorse – Lamarra – Golden Horn Impressive in Arc de Triomphe
Racing Post – Walker – Golden Horn has more to do to become a superstar
TwinSpires Blog – Flatter – Dettori provides Arc storyline
Racing Post – Burton – Arc hype made Treve seem invincible — Head
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Make Believe Returns to Longchamp, Wins Foret
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Limato could set off post-Arc fireworks in Foret
Phil’s Vignette of Canadian History:
He scaled the passes of the St. Elias Mountain that terrible winter. With parties of Mounted Policemen, he set up border posts flying the Union Jack. The Mounties collected custom duties, confiscated handguns, and arrested men who mistreated their pack animals. It was clear that Steele was in charge. Soapy Smith’s desperadoes were met at the border by Winchester rifles and Canadian law.
But despite his flaws, Samuel Benfield Steele has all the makings of a good old-fashioned hero. Perhaps the Steele collection, and the way it is being quarried for popular entertainments that coincide with today’s values, will encourage Canadians to engage with our unique and complex past.
The Walrus – Gray – Faded Hero
You should protest about the views of people you disagree with over major moral issues, and argue them down, but you should not try to silence them, however repugnant you find them. That is the bitter pill free speech requires us to swallow.
Julian Baggini
ESPN – Raiders of The Breeders Cup
“She had a paper route for a year to pay for that horse,” Miller’s father, Michael Ferrell, said.
NY Times – Boise State’s Broncos Are Fast, but Only One Is Hoofed
Can Horse Racing Alberta getting any Effinworse
The above snippet was taken from Horse Racing Alberta’s website on Friday at 1:30 PM MDT.
Thoroughbred racing in the province of Alberta accounts for almost 75% of the handle wagered in this province, the jiggie handle at Century Downs and the B track handle pale in comparison to Northlands Park daily thoroughbred handle although there’s plenty of room for improvement in that handle, yet Horse Racing Alberta spends more time promoting the wagering events that the public shuns than the one live wagering event that still receives some public support. To borrow from Jicha: How Effinstupid.
Horse Racing Alberta under the reign of Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur has continually shown a lack of business acumen in its financial decisions that seems to stem from their favouritism for the standardbred industry over the thoroughbred industry.
Phil remembers attending a CTHS Alberta meeting when racing was still held at Stampede Park where a once red-headed familiar sagely commented that the monies entrusted to the horse racing industry were to be incentive not welfare. Unfortunately, under the reign of Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur the funds were used as welfare for the jiggies at Lacombe rather than to build better thoroughbred and standardbred racing.
If a once red-headed familiar understood that the monies entrusted to the horse racing industry were to be used to improve the infrastructure and racing quality why don’t Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur.
Soon Woodbine will be replacing its standardbred track with another turf track to cater to the wants of their fans expressed with their wagering dollars. Horse Racing Alberta keeps trying to educate the bettors rather than cater to their wishes.
The standardbred racing will not be eliminated but will be kept separate and apart consolidated at an improved Mohawk track that caters only to standardbreds benefiting both Woodbine and Mohawk.
A number of years ago one of Phil’s Lebanese friends said he was opening a restaurant. When Phil asked if it was going to be Lebanese food the response was: “I don’t have the time nor the money to educate Albertans about Lebanese food. Albertans like steak and pizza and all you have to do is cater to their wishes better than the next guy.”
If a recent Lebanese immigrant understood that the secret to success in business is catering to your customers’ wishes why don’t Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur.
As the late great Yogi Berra used to say: “If the fans don’t come out to the ball park, you can’t stop them.”
Phil and Jicha will have to send a letter of thank you to the owner who named his horse Effinex.
That One’s for Phil.
Lady and the Track – Ward – Oklahoma Derby Or Bust; My Experience at Remington Park
“It’s not about the horse people right now. It’s about the politicians. I think they feel they have more important things to do. I wish I could tell you it’s going to be great. I want it to be. … I’d rather have a string at home. Roger didn’t want to leave home. Nobody wants to leave home. So we’ll just think good thoughts and pray, and hopefully it will get better.”
…
There is plenty of blame to go around for the implosion of Chicago racing, to where the people who can get out are doing just that.
The Churchill Downs Inc.-owned Arlington Park and its horsemen feuding. Horsemen feuding with each other. The racetracks feuding with each other. (It doesn’t help matters when Churchill Downs angers racing regulators by leaving Hawthorne’s Illinois Derby out of its Kentucky Derby qualifying races.) And a state government that has no problem with casino gambling but won’t approve it for racetracks.
It’s a tragedy. Few tracks can match Arlington as a great place to watch live racing. And you wouldn’t know anything was amiss looking at the crowds Arlington gets on weekends, with plenty of families and 20-somethings – demographics most tracks would die for.
But they don’t bet.
Louisville Courier-Journal – Rees – Rees | A reminder of Illinois’ racing decline
Bloodhorse – IRB Approves Racing Consolidation Plan
“So just imagine our lawmakers’ embarrassment once they realize—perhaps all too late—that by approving decoupling, they will have both inadvertently expanded gambling almost overnight, as well as chased our horsemen right into the welcoming barns of more racing-friendly states,” White said. “For Florida, the funding of live racing rather than stand-alone casinos creates million of dollars in yearly economic benefit through tourism, creation of small businesses, jobs, taxes, and a vibrant breeding industry. Whether it’s Thoroughbred racing in South Florida and Tampa, or Central Florida breeding and Ocala sales, racehorses in Florida are big business.
“Recognizing this, Florida has traditionally gone to great lengths to provide additional economic and agriculture-based incentives to invest, buy, breed, and sell racehorses here at home. Part of that includes ensuring that live racing days remain a mandatory part of the gambling equation with the economic incentive of revenue dollars from slots.”
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Big Step Backward – by Tom LaMarra
Horse Race Insider – Pricci – There’s Gold in Them There Florida-Breds
Carryovers
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Fort Erie
Super High Five $2,011.00
Golden Gate Fields
Pick 6 Jackpot $10,704.00
Hastings Racecourse
Pick 6 $85,648.00
Keeneland
Pick 6 $13,076.00
Laurel Park
Pick 6 $7,053.00
Super High Five $2,011.00
Super High Five $1,018.00
Lone Star Park
Pick 6 Jackpot $533.00
Prairie Meadows
Pick 5 $712.00
Presque Isle Downs
Pick 6 $528.00
Santa Anita Park
Pick 6 $170,368.00
Woodbine
Super High Five Jackpot $51,821.00
Zia Park
Super High Five $11,749.00
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Hawthorne
Super High Five Jackpot $6,026.00
Indiana Grand Race Course
Pick 6 $2,544.00
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Evangeline Downs
Super High Five $2,690.00
Northlands Park
Super High Five Jackpot $3,477.00
Guaranteed Pools
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Northlands Park
Pick 4 – $10,000.00
Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools
Lady and the Track – Smith – Coast to Coast Horse Racing News and Replays
TDN – Brody’s Cause Mows Them Down in Breeders’ Futurity
TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Brody’s Cause displays devastating late kick in Breeders’ Futurity
Bloodhorse – Brody’s Cause Storms Home in Futurity
If you want to see jubilation watch Corey Lanerie as he crosses the finish line. For a second Phil thought he was going to perform a Frankie Dettori right on the track.
Bloodhorse – Holthus – Injured Rossi ‘An Inspiration’ After Accident
TwinSpires Blog – Pugh – Crusading to victory in the Champagne
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Greenpointcrusader Rallies to Take Champagne
Ava Knowsthecode’s first black-type winner was the minor stakes-winning Alex’s Allure, but she’s gone on to produce Grade 1 winner Justin Phillip, Grade 2 winner Keyed Entry, and Grade 3 scorers Successful Mission, and Algorithms, the latter a full brother to Greenpointcrusader.
TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Champagne romper Greenpointcrusader hails from outstanding family
That’s 6 Black-Type winners from 8 horses to race for Ava Knowsthecode.
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
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
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Nickname joins Kentucky Oaks leaderboard with Frizette win
2016 Road to the Kentucky Oaks
Race Track Date Points
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
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Gamble’s Ghost appears on Mazarine wire, Kentucky Oaks leaderboard
Bloodhorse – Shulman – Gamble’s Ghost Scores in Mazarine Stakes
Bloodhorse – Balan – Last-Out Maiden Winners Galore in Mazarine
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Airoforce Flies Home to Win Bourbon Stakes
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Airoforce takes flight in Bourbon
Bloodhorse – Balan – Desormeaux on Probation for Alcohol Test
Let the second guessing begin.
…The decision to prep in the Kelso rather than the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) later in the afternoon might come under stronger scrutiny. While the Kelso made a modicum of sense for a horse that was a brilliant winner of the Metropolitan H. (G1), there still exists an inkling that Honor Code might not be that strong of a two-turn performer, his scintillating, last-second win in the 1 1/8-mile Whitney (G1) notwithstanding.
Those concerns will continue over the next several weeks heading into the Classic, which will mark Honor Code’s first ever try at 1 1/4 miles. His main rivals, American Pharoah and Beholder, have both won over that distance this year.
On the flip side, trainer Shug McGaughey is in the Hall of Fame for a reason, and there certainly could have been valid reasons why he felt the shorter prep would be more conducive to success in the Classic than a potentially harder race in the 10-furlong Gold Cup. There is no guarantee Honor Code would have fared better in the Gold Cup, another race that appeared to lack much in the way of pace on paper.
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Kelso loss by Honor Code might lead to second guessing
Phil has a suggestion:
Next time ask Ava as she knows the code.
TwinSpires Blog – Pugh – Honor Code lost the battle but may still win the war
Bloodhorse – Novak – Appealing Tale Wins Kelso, Honor Code Third
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Covert Love Guts Out Prix de L’Opera Victory
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Ballydoyle, Ultra Capture Juvenile Stakes
Bloodhorse – Balan – American Pharoah Drills at Santa Anita for BC
Lady and The Track – Macatangay – Breeders’ Cup Chat: Is Beholder better than American Pharoah?
ESPN – Ehalt – Classic thoughts on a Super Saturday
Breeders’ Cup Challenge
October
Date Race Name Track Division
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
Bloodhorse – Angst – Gomo Romps in Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland
TwinSpires Blog – Gomo dethrones Dothraki Queen in Alcibiades
Couple of things to be taken from Gomo’s victory in the Alcibiades:
When Plan A – promoting Square Eddie as a sire isn’t working out as well as you hoped better have plans for the rest of the alphabet as Plan U – Uncle Mo may be the best.
For a 2 year old filly who broke her maiden on the turf and was making only her 3rd dirt start Gomo showed poise beyond her years. She sat on the rail where the going was gummy to say the least, was not bothered by mud spraying up, handily changed lanes when Mario prompted her and pulled away down the lane. Instead of all the pre-purchase vet work before the sales perhaps the buyers should be conducting pre-purchase interviews or Horse Sense tests
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Runhappy Takes Phoenix, Headed to BC Sprint
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Runhappy splashes to strong-looking Phoenix win
TwinSpires Blog – DeRosa – You’re In the Middle of the Ride Everything Will Be Just Fine
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.
Upcoming Western Thoroughbred
Race Dates
BC TOBA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
TAKE NOTICE that the Annual General Meeting of the BC Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association will be held:
Date: Monday October 12, 2015
Time: Commencing at 12:30 PM
Place: Hastings Racecourse – Old Slots Floor Meeting Room
The main purpose of the meeting is for the following:
- To receive the Annual Reports of the Society;
- To approve the appointment of the Auditor for the fiscal year;
- To transact such business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
Dated this 20th day of September, 2015.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Note: Copies of the 2014 BC TOBA financial statements and minutes of the October 13, 2014 Annual General Meeting will be available at the meeting or upon request by contacting the BC TOBA office.
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Amelia’s Wild Ride Takes Off-Turf Woodford
MIKE’S AND DREW’S PICKS FOR SUNDAY
| Race 1 | 4 – Riojana 1 – Stormy Cross 2 – Ziggymeister |
4 – Riojana 2 – Ziggymeister 1 – Stormy Cross |
| Race 2 | 4 – Casino Boss 7 – Lornefivehundred 2 – Its Finally Friday |
4 – Casino Boss 6 – Burnum 2 – It’s Finally Friday |
| Race 3 | 5 – Pas Believen 6 – Holy Cheroot 7 – Too Much Johnson |
5 – Pas Believen 4 – Goliath 7 – Too Much Johnson |
| Race 4 | 8 – One Big Promise 4 – Listo Warrior 5 – Twopenny |
8 – One Big Promise 4 – Listo Warrior 3 – Acertainreality |
| Race 5 | 2 – Clarisse B 6 – Ms Heatheridge 7 – Haida Gwaii |
3 – Flare Miss 8 – Morrie’s Glory 7 – Haida Gwaii |
| Race 6 | 7 – The Odds R Good 1 – Crius 3 – Sedin |
1 – Crius 3 – Sedin 2 – Mighty Fraser |
| Race 7 | 4 – I’m Big Trouble 5 – Timber Topper 3 – Honestly Occifer |
4 – I’m Big Trouble 1 – Flemings Beach 2 – Texas Buccaneer |
| Mike’s Picks | Drew’s Picks |
|---|
MIKE HEADS SUNDAY PREVIEW FOR HASTINGS
SUNDAY PREVIEW
Racing resumes today with a seven race program that will have an $85,000 Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 carryover.
The Pick 6 sequence starts in race two with a field of seven $16,000 claimers going six and a half furlongs.
On the inside is Ray Sturm’s Distillery who is cutting back in distance today after being caught on a wicked pace going long. He is winless this season but does have the potential to win at this level. Antonio Reyes rides for Hall-of- Fame trainer Frank Barroby.
The Hobby Horse Enterprises and Terry Clyde’s Its Finally Friday makes his first start off of the $16,000 claim last month. He resurfaces at the same tag and appears to be the lone speed which should give him a big shot to win. Leading pilot Richard Hamel gets the call from leading trainer Mike Anderson.
Lillian Jarvis-Meehan Stepupforthemoney was a close third at this level. He is another that is winless in 2015 but did run his best race of the year last time out. Silvano Morales will get a leg up from Pat Jarvis.
The sharpest one in the field is Terry Clyde and Tammy Cheze’s Casino Boss who has posted back-to-back wins against easier. He has won against these types in the past and could easily rack up win number three in a row. David Lopez gets the call.
Kay and Sue Ohashi’s After The Conflict appears to be the speed of this dash. He’s very dangerous when the early fractions are in his favour, Keishan Balgobin jumps onboard for Patty Leaney.
James Redekop’s Burnum makes his 2015 debut this afternoon. He has worked well for his return to the races and has the class to beat this group. He has raced at Woodbine throughout his career and should appreciate the easier test today. Pedro Alvarado gets the riding assignment from Anita Bolton.
Rob and Sheena Maybin’s Lornefivehundred is one the toughest horses on the grounds. He shipped down to Emerald Downs in his last and closed strongly through the stretch for the win. He is another that is up in price but has the ability to win at this tag. Amadeo Perez gets the call.
The action gets started at 1:50 p.m.
Sunday, October 4, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Saturday, October 10, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Sunday, October 11, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Monday, October 12, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Lady and the Track – Hammer – Tonalist Dominates Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont
TwinSpires Blog – Tonalist wins the Jockey Club Gold Cup, takes aim at BC Classic
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Nomination for the 42nd Running Of The Duchess of York
$50,000 A HANDICAP STAKES FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEAR OLDS & UPWARD
ONE AND ONE SIXTEENTH MILES
TO BE RUN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BLAMEITONTHEKNIGHT dk b/.f.3 M & P Equipment Inc., Met Set Consulting Ltd. and Dale L. Saunders Dale L. Saunders
BRADY’S TOMBOY b.m.7 M & P Equipment Inc., Met Set Consulting Ltd. and Dale L. Saunders Dale L. Saunders
CAN’T USE NELLIE b.f.4 Jim & Susan Hill Shelley Brown
HERO’S AMOR b.f.3 Elevated Bloodstock Inc. and Raxon Cho Tim Rycroft
HOLIDAY BABE b.f.4 Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. Tim Rycroft
QUEENOFTHEFOREST dk b/.f.3 Curtis & Darrell Landry, Red Diamond Stable and Highfield Stock Farm Greg Tracy
SMILE AGAIN THETA dk b/.m.7 Heather Chieffo and Jerri R. Robertson Jerri R. Robertson
TRUVI dk b/.f.4 J & G Murphy Holdings Ltd. Robert C. Kingston
YVONS DIXIE MELODY dk b/.f.4 Susie Wojtowicz Guy Kling
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Northlands Park Leading Jockeys
Rank |
Jockey Name |
Sts |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
Total $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rico W. Walcott | 393 | 126 | 88 | 44 | $1,282,322 |
| 2 | Scott Williams | 348 | 67 | 51 | 53 | $720,796 |
| 3 | Shannon Beauregard | 266 | 44 | 39 | 53 | $528,606 |
| 4 | Tony Maragh | 291 | 47 | 34 | 44 | $504,422 |
| 5 | Ismael Eluid Mosqueira | 267 | 34 | 35 | 46 | $436,607 |
| 6 | Ruben Lara | 274 | 27 | 35 | 41 | $381,334 |
| 7 | Quincy Welch | 182 | 26 | 17 | 26 | $296,165 |
| 8 | Jorge Espitia | 227 | 27 | 30 | 29 | $294,580 |
| 9 | Desmond Bryan | 213 | 21 | 28 | 27 | $219,874 |
| 10 | Damario Bynoe | 212 | 12 | 25 | 23 | $182,207 |
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Northlands Park Leading Trainers
| Rank |
Trainer Name |
Sts |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
Total $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greg Tracy | 242 | 64 | 44 | 30 | $774,696 |
| 2 | Tim Rycroft | 264 | 49 | 37 | 44 | $721,734 |
| 3 | Dale L. Saunders | 140 | 30 | 24 | 12 | $400,092 |
| 4 | Joan Petrowski | 288 | 23 | 36 | 32 | $319,105 |
| 5 | Rodney J. Cone | 244 | 32 | 29 | 25 | $293,677 |
| 6 | Craig Robert Smith | 137 | 34 | 23 | 23 | $268,855 |
| 7 | Jerri R. Robertson | 120 | 12 | 17 | 22 | $215,515 |
| 8 | Dale Greenwood | 96 | 14 | 19 | 14 | $211,395 |
| 9 | Ernie J. Keller | 64 | 13 | 13 | 15 | $201,180 |
| 10 | Robertino Diodoro | 56 | 17 | 7 | 6 | $191,503 |
| 11 | Ron Grieves | 125 | 17 | 20 | 23 | $185,881 |
Edmonton Sun – FRANK FONTANA’s Northlands Favourites
Matt’s Picks and Free Program – Saturday October 3, 2015
Wednesday, October 7, 2015 6:30 PM MDT
Friday, October 9, 2015 6:30 PM MDT
Saturday, October 10, 2015 1:00 PM MDT
Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM MDT
Al’s better Side Barb’s Skimmer Jim won the Northlands Marathon #3 in a track record time of 3:30.19 for the 2 mile distance. Rico Walcott aboard Skimmer Jim patiently stalked the pace for the first couple of times around the tack took the lead and pulled away from the field for conditioner Craig Smith. Skimmer Jim, a 4 year old bay gelding by Sligo Bay out of the Gulch Mare Red Skimmer was bred in Ontario by Dr. Paul O’Brien.
Noah’s got a few more marbles in his pocket today as Phil noticed Robert Mootoo picking them up by the finish line.
In an e-mail sent to Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur with a cc to Joe Ceci, the Minister of Finance for the Province of Alberta, Phil used a catalogue page from the recent Keeneland sale where Lemon Drop Kid was the sire as an example of a catalogue that uses the language Black-Type race than Stakes Winner.
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.
It has been pointed out to Phil that his language in using Lemon Drop Kid as an example was semantically clumsy in that catalogue pages with Lemon Drop Kid had used the Black-Type terminology for years and have not recently changed.
Phil likes to use as few words as possible but in this instance Phil should have been more liberal with his words and to be semantically correct Phil should have said that the progeny of stallions (not referring specifially to Lemon Drop Kid) that may have been previously referred to as Stakes Winners will now be referred to as Black-Type winners as more sales organizations standardize their catalogues. Phil should have also stated that the catalogue page with the Lemon Drop Kid was shown only as an example of a cataolgue page using the Black-Type terminology rather than Stakes winner terminology.
That many catalogues have used the Black-Type terminology rather than Stakes winner actually reinforces the importance of Black-Type quality in Stakes race and Phil thanks the concerned individual who pointed out Phil’s syntax error for pointing out just how important Black-Type status is to the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries.
Phil apologizes to Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur and Joe Ceci the Minister of Finance for the Province of Alberta if they were misled in any manner by the syntaxily clumsy example in Phil’s comments about the difference between Black-Type and Stakes winners.
Phil is quite confident that the Minister of Finance understood that the intent of Phil’s comment was the importance of Black-Type racing to the thoroughbred industry even if the wording was slightly semantically awkward.
Phil’s syntax may not have been perfect, but the fact that Black-Type status has been lost for thoroughbred stakes races in the province of Alberta during the tenure of Rick LeLacheur and Shirley McClellan at Horse Racing Alberta remains a very serious concern.
Phil’s reprising his comment from last week and adding the rider that not all stallions will have to change their catalogue wording as many have used the Black-Type terminology in the past and that he has received a response from Shirley McClellan the content of which will expounded upon more fully at a later date.
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 races 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.
** Phil has now received a response from Shirley McClellan, just shortly after Phil sent an e-mail to Minister Ceci with a cc to Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur asking why no response was sent to his e-mails.
Upcoming Stakes
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 – Novak – Got Lucky Rallies to Spinster Score
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Got Lucky gets the win, and Distaff berth, in Spinster
Rumor has it that the associations and track operator are looking at holding a Horses of Racing Age and Two Year Old in Training Sale for about the first week in April of 2016 to be held as a paddock sale at Hastings Racecourse. More information on that subject to follow.
Also the Winter Incentive Program for owners should be finalized in the week or so and will be announced shortly. We are led to believe it will be similar to 2015 which proved to be very successful and helpful to the thoroughbred owner.
HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS
Hastings Wrap-up For Sunday, October 4—–Richard Yates
A Pair Of Days In Paradise
As far as the usual weather report goes, we can just re-run yesterday’s opening paragraph and then move on to Sunday’s events, and there were some. Trainer Barbara Heads won three races, two of them for owner/breeders Russell and Lois Bennett. Jockeys Amadeo Perez and Antonio Reyes each won two races, and then there was Finality, the Red Rock Farm stallion who sired the winners of four consecutive races on Sunday’s card.
The answer to the question “did it go” is once again “no” and the Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 is expanding to LAW (life altering wager) proportions. The $100,000 plus payoff is not many more carryovers away.
Sedin Scores
The featured sixth was one exciting race. Three horses hit the finish line a head and a neck apart with Sedin ($5.80) prevailing over Mighty Fraser and Crius, both of whom ran races deserving of a better fate than second and third. The 6 ½ furlong Allowance Optional ($25,000 tag) Claiming sprint for three-year-old non-winners of two (BC-bred 3) went in 1:17.41.
Every Nites a Blur broke sharply to be on the lead immediately, only to be joined by The Odds R Good who did not enhance his chances by breaking awkwardly and rushing up quickly to contest the pace. The two of them dueled through a half in 45.85, but going into the final turn, The Odds R Good began to pay the price for his earlier indiscretions.
Every Nites a Blur kept at his business and was in front at the head of the lane before succumbing to race-long pressure and the late charges of Sedin, Mighty Fraser and Crius. Sedin and Mighty Fraser came from the outside, Crius found room on the rail and they came to the wire as one. It was decided in the final jump and Sedin won the decision.
The winner did not have a great trip. He was wide on both turns and it would be a real small percentage of horses that win after being floated as wide as Sedin and jockey Antonio Reyes were on the first turn. But Sedin kept running and launched a sustained bid going down the backside as did Mighty Fraser who made his move in front of him and not quite as wide. The camera was required to separate them. Crius had a rail trip and was willing to the end.
Sedin is owned by Roy and Dixie Jacobson who bred him in British Columbia. The son of Rosberg is out of the Smokester mare Smokin Danielle who won or placed in 20 of 30 lifetime starts. Mark Cloutier trains.
Its Finally Friday And It Is Payday
The second race on the card was an open $16,000 claiming sprint for older horses and it was won by Its Finally Friday ($6.70) in a performance that was more dominant than the official margin of a length-and-three-quarters would indicate. Stepupforthemoney closed from sixth to be second, a nose better than After the Conflict who gave up the place very reluctantly. Final time for the 6 ½ furlongs was 1:16.86 and the winner covered the last sixteenth in a no nonsense six-and-three-fifths seconds to give leading rider Richard Hamel his only win on the day.
Its Finally Friday was off well and got to the rail at the expense of Distillery whose rider took him out of what was developing as a three horse fight for the front end, leaving After the Conflict to apply pressure on the winner. He tried valiantly to bother Its Finally Friday, but by the half it was obvious that he really could not. Once Its Finally Friday got a little separation from the field, the outcome was apparent. Stepupforthemoney put in a good effort to get past a softened up After the Conflict who showed some heart by fighting to the wire despite the early effort put in trying to catch the winner.
Its Finally Friday is by Finality out of Wednesday’s Out. He was bred in British Columbia by Prescott Farms who also bred his younger full sister, the Sadie Diamond winner Finality’s Charmer. Its Finally Friday is owned by Hobby Horse Enterprises and Terry Clyde. Leading trainer Mike Anderson sent him over.
Also Noteworthy:
The Barbara Heads triple began in the first with even-money favorite Riojana ($4.00) for owner/breeders Russell and Lois Bennett. It was also the first of two wins for Amadeo Perez. Heads followed with a win in the fourth when she sent over One Big Promise ($5.90) to again score for the Bennetts. Antonio Reyes got his first of two in this one. Heads came right back in the fifth with Morrie’s Glory ($28.10) who scored the upset for owners Ashley Krisman, Morris Peter, Tod Mtn. Thoroughbreds and Warren Wilson. Amadeo Perez got his second riding win.
Finality sired Its Finally Friday and two of the Barbara Heads winners mentioned above, One Big Promise and Morrie’s Glory. He also sired Goliath ($6.50) who won the third for Pocket Aces Racing Stable, trainer Steve Henson and rider David Lopez. To cap it off, Finality is the broodmare sire of Riojana, winner of the first.
The nightcap went to Flemings Beach ($6.40) with Keishan Balgobin doing the riding for owner Lillian Jarvis-Meehan and trainer Pat Jarvis. Bryan and Carol Anderson bred the winner.
Richard Hamel won five on the weekend, giving him 65 for the season and a 16 win margin over Pedro Alvarado in second. Keishan Balgobin is in third with 38. Trainer Mike Anderson has won 31 races, nine more than his sister, Barbara Heads, and Troy Taylor who are tied for second. Last year’s leader Craig MacPherson has 21. Russell and Lois Bennett continue to top the owners with 15 wins. Swift Thoroughbreds has 14.
Hastings Wrap-up For Saturday, October 3—-Richard Yates
Fall was as gorgeous as it gets on Saturday, bathing historic old Hastings Racecourse in that brilliant but somehow muted sunlight that comes with the season and subtly reminds you that summer is gone, with that likely being the source of the vague and ever so slight melancholy lurking behind the sheer elation of being alive on such a glorious day. Or it might be just that you are behind for the season and suddenly realize you only have three weekends to get even. If that’s it, rejoice, you got a shot.
The Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 did not get hit by the Lone Handicapper and the 80-some-K in the pot should be enough to get most of us out for the year. Nothing longer than a third choice won in the Pick 6 sequence, so there was no opportunity for a single winner.
Richard Hamel won the first and every other race thereafter. That added up to four on the day and served to remind those chasing him that catching him is going to take some doing. Jeff Burningham doubled, as did the combination of Swift Thoroughbreds and trainer Dino Condilenios.
Sabrina: Long Ago, Audrey Hepburn Played Her–Today, Nothing Delayed Her
The feature was the third on the card and it went as an Allowance Optional Claimer with a $25,000 price tag available to those that did not otherwise meet the non-winner of two (BC-breds 3) condition. Older fillies and mares contested the 6 ½ furlong dash, but In the end the contest was for second because Sabrina ($3.30) stalked the pace until jockey Richard Hamel cued her that it was time to go and then she drew off with every stride going home to win by better than 5 lengths in 1:17.41. Fire Beauty got past the pace setter Summit Central late to take second.
Sabrina and Summit Central broke side by side and went that way briefly before Hamel eased Sabrina back into a stalking position in second and let Summit Central go on with it. And she did, until around the quarter pole where Sabrina reasserted herself. She moved past the early leader on the turn, and once she was by, it was good bye. Fire Beauty has been steadily improving and she ran another strong race. The first two ran against each other back in May and Fire Beauty finished a little over 9 lengths back of Sabrina. She was five-and-a-half behind today and that is progress, even if she has yet to worry the winner. Summit Central rebounded from a disastrous comeback race in August to run third despite getting tired on the lead.
Sabrina is two for two at Hastings this season and has a win and two seconds in three starts south of the border. She is a Florida-bred daughter of Belgravia, a son of Mr. Greeley who has taken his talents from the grasslands of Central Florida to Japan to the desert sands of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This migration did not occur because Belgravia was cranking out a bunch of horses that could run. But regardless of her daddy’s shortcomings, Sabrina can run and she does so for Swift Thoroughbreds and trainer Dino Condilenios. It was the second win on the day for Condilenios and Swift Thoroughbreds who also won the first with their homebred Chianti.
Crazy Prophet Tells Them Like It Is
The second was a Maiden Special Weight for two-year-olds and it fell to Crazy Prophet ($8.70) who was dropping from the Jack Diamond back into a maiden race. Good as They Get finished second after leading for all but the last few feet and Sunscape was another 3 lengths back in third. The winner covered the six furlongs in 1:12.96.
Good as They Get established a clear lead early while being pursued by Stroker Joe and Moussaka Chef. When a half in 48.05 proved sufficient to discourage them, Crazy Prophet moved into chasing position and Sunscape briefly bulged at the leaders but could not sustain his move.
Crazy Prophet sustained his move and he had to in order to get by Good as They Get who did not stop, but rather fell victim to Crazy Prophet’s final quarter-mile in 24 and 3/5 seconds. The winner had checked briefly as they straightened out for the backstretch run, then accelerated for Jeff Burningham who split horses with him to get into striking range. From there it proved to be a matter of time. They went out slow, but the first two ran hard coming home and it was Good as They Get’s fate to run a 25-second final quarter and lose. Sunscape finished a comfortable third.
Crazy Prophet is a son of the lamented Rosberg. He was bred in British Columbia by Mike Chernen and is owned by Shamrock Racing Stable, Ltd. James Brown trains.
Also Noteworthy:
Aside from the aforementioned win on Sabrina, Richard Hamel won the opener on Chianti ($3.30) for Swift Thoroughbreds, who also bred her, and trainer Dino Condilenios. Hamel took the fifth with the nine-year-old gelding Briartic County ($6.90) for breeders Hazeldene Farm, Ltd. and owner Hazeldene Stable. Robert Anderson trained the winner. He closed the afternoon’s proceedings the same way he opened them by winning on This Is the Moment for owner Doug Clyde and trainer Mike Anderson.
Jeff Burningham won on Crazy Prophet, as discussed, and he completed his riding double on We’regoodasgold ($7.00) in the fourth for Sharlea Stable and trainer Frank Barroby. Burningham has been winning races in bunches lately, the result of getting some live horses and usually managing to have horse left for the drive.
Sahin Civaci won the only race Hamel or Burningham did not. He took the sixth with Shayla’s Rose ($8.90) for owner Kathy Hurt and owner/trainer Ted Hurt.
Offspring of the late Rosberg won the daily double. Chianti ran a corker in the first and Crazy Prophet predictably took the second.
Bloodhorse – Sire Where’s the Ring to Return to Ontario
“Why isn’t it a bigger priority? They spend up to two-thirds of the budget,” Swann said. “And if this new government is serious about its commitment to having less partisan appointments, why are they not moving as quickly as possible to distance themselves from the practices of the previous government?”
Swann said the NDP government has some explaining to do.
Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark criticized the NDP for being slow off the mark.
“This creates uncertainty … and uncertainty is a killer,” he said.
Phil has a suggestion:
Start with Horse Racing Alberta and get rid of Rick LeLacheur and Shirley McClellan.
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Tepin bound for BC Mile after trouncing First Lady foes
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Takeover Target prevails in Hill Prince
Congratulations to
Floyd M Arthur
on his Milestone 1,000th win
Countdown to 1,000 Wins
1,001
Guelph Mercury – Biggs – Mohawk could race year-round as Woodbine expands
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“I WON BIG” GROUP PLAY BEGINS SATURDAY 10:30 a.m.
Everyone welcome! Clubhouse plaza. Your $20 shares topped up by $5! (See plays below)
Bullet briefs . . . • $62,000 pick-6 carryover today at Santa Anita
• New low takeout, 20-cent pick-5 begins today on Woodbine harness
• Thursday certified Angus prime rib buffets begin today 5 to 9 p.m.
• What players have met the must-win challenge? See honour roll.
• Intriguing new bet starts next Wed. at “Calder:” a ROLLING Super Hi-5
• And a $5 quinella is being introduced, too! A what?
• For Thanksgiving weekend highlights, see calendar below • Gene mutation keeps trotters on-stride
Congratulations to the horseplayers below who turned three fictional $50 wagers in Saturday’s Triple 50 Challenge into at least $100 in fictitious profit–some more than once–proving they can earn a profit when they really have to. Could you? Next step: Getting inducted into the Insider’s Hall of Fame.
Next: Hall of Fame
If you play your contest picks with REAL money and show a profit THREE TIMES (three separate Saturdays), you will be inducted into the Insider’s Hall of Fame. (Save your cashed tickets and give them to the mutuel supervisor at 5 p.m. each Saturday to prove your profit.) Each Hall of Fame inductee will receive a Certificate of Merit and be honoured with a Thursday night buffet for two! That’s in addition, of course, to the copious bragging rights accruing each inductee.
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TRIP-TO-VEGAS POKER CHAMPIONSHIP TOMORROW!
Poker is back! The top 100 players as of Aug. 16 are eligible to participate tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in the FREEROLL CHAMPIONSHIP INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT with a top prize of a trip for two to Las Vegas, hotel accommodation, $500 spending money and a $1,000 buy-in for a World Series of Poker event or $1,000 cash. Register begins 7 p.m. in the Clubhouse. Other prizes: 2nd: $500, 3rd: $200, 4th: $100, 5th to 8th: $50. All-in Poker Tour leader board.
ASSINIBOIA RACING CLUB: ONLY FIVE SHARES LEFT! Better hurry if you are thinking of buying a share in a race horse for yourself or as a gift. Only five shares remain and then names get put on a waiting list. $500 covers everything for a season of racing including all the perks an owner gets. And, of course, your investment could multiply if the Club finds a really talented horse(s). Contact HBPA director John Field at hbpamanitoba@mymts.net.
TURKEY TIME! (AND HARVEST PLATE AT NORTHLANDS): The Thanksgiving long weekend is just over a week away which means next Thursday’s prime rib buffet will include Thanksgiving dinner. Reserve at 204-885-3330. Then, on Thanksgiving Day Monday itself, ASD’s Gold Cup winner, Magic d’ Oro is expected to contest the $50,000 Harvest Gold Plate at Northlands Park.
THE WEEK THAT WAS
NEW UNIQUE WAGERS AT GULFSTREAM WEST: When the Gulfstream West (formerly Calder) meet begins next Wednesday there will be several new wagers including a ROLLING Super Hi-5 wager that accumulates from race-to-race until won and then starts again. In other words, you must nail the top five finishers to win the $1 wager. Also, the track is bringing in a $5 quinella bet on the last race. (Does it know something that other tracks don’t know? A $5 QUINELLA?). And there will be a pick-5 added to the first five races (Canadian minimum: 60-cents wager.)
WITT SIX FINISHES A RESPECTABLE 6TH AT 75/1: Witt Six went off at 75/1, the biggest longshot in the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby Sunday at Remington Park, but he ran far better than his odds indicated, making a move in the turn and finishing a respectable sixth in the 12-horse field. He just missed out on $12,000 for a fifth-place finish. Watch that race here. The Texas-bred, owned by Henry Witt, Jr., and trained by Jerry Gourneau, had previously finished second in the Manitoba Derby to Flashy Jewel (watch here) and in the Canadian Derby to the brilliant filly, Academic (watch here).
20-CENT PICK-5 BEGINS TODAY AT WOODBINE HARNESS: Woodbine’s fall/winter harness meet (horses from Mohawk) begins today with a 20-cent pick-5 wager on the first five races with a 15 per cent takeout.. “The Standardbred Pick-5 is an attractive proposition for our core fan base with its low bet minimum and low takeout,” said Greg Martin, Woodbine Entertainment’s Senior Director of Wagering Operations. “Players will have the flexibility to use many horses in multiple races affordably with the 20-cent minimum presenting a chance at a lucrative payoff instantly.”
“VERY LOVELY MAN, RESPECTFUL OF HORSES” PASSES: The racing community remembers with affection Assiniboia Downs trainer Glen Ball, described by ASD CEO
Darren Dunn as a “kind, soft-spoken soul with huge respect for the care of the animal” who passed away Monday at 87. His “amazing” Manitoba-bred mare Northern Diamond (13 wins in 38 starts) and her duels with Picatune in the late 1970s are legendary and Ball’s stakes-winning De Cat was a Dunn favourite in the 1980s (15 wins in 66 starts). Then there was Medieval Time, Taboga, Macale, Lexico, Proud Chief. He trained until 2009. (His son, Shane Ball, has been a jockey’s agent for Chris Husbands and Kayla Pizarro.) A celebration of life will be held in the Terrace Dining Room at the Downs Saturday, Oct. 10. You’re likely to hear someone recount the time Glen shot himself in the foot–for real–which you can read about here in a tribute blog written in July by historian Bob Gates.
GENE MUTATION PRODUCES BETTER TROTTERS: Researchers have discovered that a mutated gene in horses make them better at trotting and less inclined to go off-stride while racing. More. CONTINUES HER WINNING WAYS AT FORT ERIE: Apprentice jockey Kayla Pizarro, who burst onto the riding scene at the Downs by winning her very first lifetime start at 19/1, is continuing her winning ways at Fort Erie where she has won two of 10 starts and finished third in four races (10-2-0-4). Her stats at the Downs were 56-6-7-13. She also is riding at Woodbine where her brother, Tyler Pizarro, is 12th in the jockey standings in terms of purse earnings.
WAITING ON 20-CENT BETS AT SANTA: With California tracks installing Amtote equipment (same as ASD), there should be a move toward 20-cent superfectas and 60-cent pick-4s and pick-5s, etc. But there’s nothing new to report on that front yet. Just watching and waiting. AT LAST, IT’S THE WIFE’S TURN: Finally! After her welder husband, Felix Berthelette had won the monthly VLT tournament TWICE, Margaret Berthelette coaxed Lady Luck into her corner Saturday and won the $250 monthly prize plus $93 of winnings in free spins playing the 5-Times Pay game. The Downs has given away about $100,000 in free spins and monthly prizes since Unleash Your Luck was conceived and launched several years ago Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
“I WON BIG” WORKSHOP STARTS WITH THESE PLAYS: Saturday’s “I won big” group has opted to play Woodbine. We’ll play the $200,000 guaranteed pick-4 on races 4 to 7 and the $100,000 guaranteed pick-4 on races 7 to 10. Plus superfecta plays, mainly on maiden claimers. Here are the races each group is responsible for: Race 4 (group A), race 5 (group B), race 6 (group C), race 7 (group D), race 8 (group E), race 9 (group F), race 10 (NEWBIES and Ivan Bigg. Who?). Each $20 share will be bumped up by $5! Complementary coffee and pastries served. Note to group members: Be sure to enter the Triple 50 Challenge (make three fictitious $50 plays that will produce a total profit of at least $100). Let’s see how you all stack up!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “So, now Gulfstream will be resurrecting the dumbest bet in racing at the highest minimum in the game? That’s quite a quinella right there.” — Daily Racing Form publisher/editor emeritus Steven Crist, writing about the new $5 quinella wager that will be added to the last race at Gulfstream West (Calder) when the meet starts there next Wednesday.
NEXT INSIDER IN TWO WEEKS: With the creative producer of this column away at a conference, the next Insider will be published in two weeks. For Thanksgiving weekend highlights, see the calendar above. In the meantime, hit ’em big and hit ’em often and take advantage of cash-back bonuses! See you at Saturday’s “I won big” workshop at 10:30 a.m.
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Bloodhorse – Peters – Pedigree Analysis: Ben’s Cat
Bloodhorse – Balan – Canani Suspended by Santa Anita Stewards
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.
The Globe and Mail – Graham – Where’s the beef (from)? Fast food ad war irks ranchers
Bloodhorse – Shulman – Riker Remains Perfect With Grey Stakes Score
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Golden Sabre Sets Track Record in Durham Cup
Bloodhorse – Balan – Ben’s Duchess Closes to Win L.A. Woman
Garden and Gun – Sullivan – Conservation: The Case of the Vanishing Quail
In August 2014, the Alberta government dedicated $31 million over three years to two programs aimed at restoring wetlands and fish habitats that were destroyed in the 2013 flood. It acknowledged a healthy watershed is one of the best defences against floods and droughts.
The Ducks Unlimited campaign, which started with a quiet phase in January 2012, will build on those types of government programs.
It has already raised $287 million of the $500 million needed in Canada.
Phil has a question:
With a the climate change do-gooder protesters around the world why is it that the hunters are putting their money and efforts in a leading the way with some concrete action.
To sin by silence, when we should protest, Makes cowards out of men.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The Globe And Mail – Nestruck – A homegrown musical-theatre movement emerges across Canada
It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being, and we therefore yield to our neighbors, even to our animal neighbors, the same right as ourselves to inhabit this vast land.
Sitting Bull
It’s ironic so many people are enraged over the public health consequences of marijuana policy, yet pay little attention to another harmful substance that poses a far greater threat to Canadians.
The Globe And Mail – Weeks – Why Canada needs a new alcohol strategy
Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, others just gargle.
Robert Anthony
Phil has a question:
Who can we get to call on Shirley McClellan and Ric LeLacheur to resign.
LA Times – Wharton – Federal appeals court overturns ruling that would have paid college athletes
NY Times – AP – Louisville Inquiry Looks Into Claims of Sex for Recruits
The trouble is not that players have sex the night before a game. It’s that they stay out all night looking for it.
Casey Stengel
NY Times – Belson – As Worries Rise and Players Flee, a Missouri School Board Cuts Football
Garden and Gun – Ward – Collections: Record Keeping
I would imagine that if you could understand Morse code, a tap dancer would drive you crazy.
Mitch Hedberg
Sheila forgot one.
Develop computer software that fakes the tests.
This quote from the Guardian is stunning:
“A Guardian analysis found those U.S. vehicles would have spewed between 10,392 and 41,571 tonnes of toxic gas into the air each year, if they had covered the average annual U.S. mileage. If they had complied with EPA standards, they would have emitted just 1,039 tonnes of NOx (nitrogen oxide) each year in total.
“The company admitted the device may have been fitted to 11m of its vehicles worldwide. If that proves correct, VW’s defective vehicles could be responsible for between 237,161 and 948,691 tonnes of NOx emissions each year, 10 to 40 times the pollution standard for new models in the U.S. Western Europe’s biggest power station, Drax in the U.K., emits 39,000 tonnes of NOx each year.”
Driving – Somerfeld – I was fooled by Volkswagen’s diesel hype – and I’m sorry
NY Times – Bronson – Do We Value Low-Skilled Work?
Phil has a question:
How many people could perform the tasks that a thoroughbred groom does.
NY Times – Zimmer – Crows May Learn Lessons From Death
NY Times – Healy and Holson – Oregon Gunman’s Father Dismayed by Lack of Gun Legislation
In the way, however, stand a couple of hefty political obstacles. Autos, as we noted last week, is one. The other is Canada’s byzantine, costly and unfair system of supply management: farm quotas, by another name, backed by tariffs in the hundreds of per cent, whose effect is to double or triple the price of a number of staple food items, notably milk, cheese and eggs. Most other TPP countries dismantled these kinds of barriers long ago. Canadian political parties, however, remain reluctant, apparently in fear of the wrath of a few thousand protected dairy farms scattered across central Canada.
National Post – National Post View: Enjoy your overpriced cheese
Phil has a question:
If we have supply management for farms products why doesn’t Alberta insist on supply management with high tariffs for oil.
The Bitter Southerner – Sheldon – Kentucky Gets Hip to Hemp
Garden and Gun – Hendrickson – Don Henley’s Next Act
NY Times – Barry – On a Trip to Fenway, Only the Game Was Meaningless
Phil M Stockmen
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HAS HRA MODEL BENEFITED THE HBPA IN THE LAST DECADE?
RIRI FUNDING/TRACK OPERATING GRANTS have gone from 13.33% to 18.33% to 25.75% to 28.75% as the fat cats get a bigger chunk of the pie.
HRA 2005 PURSE GRANT was $20,481,182 and in 2015 was budgeted at $13.7 million less 1.7 million reduction by HRA BOARD is projected at $12 million, as the racing participants scrap for the crumbs leftover from the pie.
HRA put in a request for a proposed RFP committee report stating (decade ago) stating that a A track must have twin thoroughbred and standardbred tracks to eliminate the need to alter track surfaces and facilitate multi-bred dates and that stampede park did not meet the requirement and was rejected in the first round/what are thoroughbreds getting in 2016 from CENTURY DOWNS???
HOT POLITICAL RUMOUR from MUCKA’S legislature source that DIAMOND JIM brokered a deal with the incoming NDP that in exchange for office furniture and accessories in the transfer of power for the 50 new MLA’s that TENILE/CEO be retained in some capacity in horse racing until her retirement on Jan 22/2017 at age 75 years/great deal for the frugal NDP/ASHA/CTHS/ and bad for the HBPA!
The estimated furniture replacement cost was $2.13 million/so at Tenile’s 20k X 15 months = 300k a great bargain/ in 1983 WHL trade a hockey player for a used team bus/ 2008 GOLDEN LEAGUE trade a baseball player for 10 new baseball bats? believe it or not/MOLE ALERT!
RYAN GRUNDY is alive and well @ not kicking, as new HRA picture shows a younger/slimdown/ minus fu manchu pic/racing knowledge is a dangerous thing UNDERTAKER!
CENTURY DOWNS announces a new OTB at BLUE YAKS/OLDS where’s their BIG YAK for the plans for advertised THOROUGHBRED RACING in 2016/HBPA MEMBERSHIP is waiting, season ends soon!
JIM REED’S/CENTURY DOWNS teletheatre bid to LAS VEGAS GROUP this spring was it for the THOROUGHBRED SIGNAL in 2016 or for the ALBERTA DOWNS SOUTH proposal?
CONGRATULATIONS to FLOYD ARTHUR’S 1000th training win. MUCKA recalls meeting him for the first time in 1987 at the famous TROJAN/CALGARY where he explained the perils and hardships of the horse racing industry and his career training aspirations.
Well MERLE your home and cooled out!