Levinsky identified five things racetracks must do to attract and keep owners:

publicly recognize them on a regular basis;

provide “exclusive” areas where owners can eat, drink, and wager;

offer “perks and benefits,” even something as simple as miniature trophy for the winner of each race;

invite feedback from owners;

and have an owner liaison on staff.

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Owner Recruitment, Retention Focus of Panel

The danger for racing, which relies so heavily on income from betting, is that this trend will not just continue but accelerate as more betting turnover moves online. How, realistically, can the sport recruit new fans if they are constantly being restricted or refused when they try to place a bet? The “bookmakers”, meanwhile, also have an incentive to use racing, and other sports, too, as a way to recruit new customers who can then be steered towards risk-free gaming products such as roulette and blackjack. Those who decline are weeded out and the marketing department throws out another handful of seeds.

It is not an issue that racing can afford to ignore because punters are the sport’s customers, spending money on the entertainment that racing provides.

The Guardian – Wood – Ladbrokes’ investigation overshadows half-baked betting system for punters

The Guardian – Sweeney – Ladbrokes investigating Great British Bake Off insider betting allegations

TwinSpires Blog – Powell – Golden Horn gets the right conditions, stars in Arc; Greenspointcrusader, Tonalist record big performances

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – MaClean – So what exactly did go wrong for Treve in the Arc?

Brown Shoes Don’t Make It

Broadcast live from Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, this can’t miss event features 13 races over two days with purses totaling $24.5 million.

See the fastest thoroughbreds in the world televised live in the comfort of our Playbook Lounge!

Visit here for more information about Breeders’ Cup.

October 30, Post time 10:30 a.m. MST
October 31, Post time 9:00 a.m. MST*

*Northlands Park will open at 8:45 a.m. on October 31

Bloodhorse – Angst – Jockeys Find Keeneland Mile Race Challenging

Life Got In The Way

BOOK NOW FOR BREEDERS CUP AT THE DERBY

SPACE IS LIMITED

TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Breeders’ Cup workers out in force at Keeneland

Bloodhorse – Angst – Honor Code to Prepare for Classic at Belmont

TwinSpires Blog – Laughter – Evaluating the Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders

Bloodhorse – At Breeders’ Cup, Small Farm Beats the Odds

Bloodhorse – Welcome to Keeneland

Bloodhorse – I’m a Chatterbox in Bullet Work at Keeneland

Bloodhorse – Tapiture, Holy Boss in Breeders’ Cup Works

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Liam’s Map Stays On Target for BC Dirt Mile

Racing Post – O’Hehir – Ascot set for good to soft Champions Day ground

DRF – Daily Racing Form reader survey: Industry issues

Phil finds it ironic that DRF didn’t have a spot in the survey to comment on DRF making their website accessible to only paid subscriptions being an industry issue.

TDN – Stageplay the Right Play on Keeneland Debut

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
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

TDN – Lookin at Lucky Colt Runs to the Money at Santa Anita

TwinSpires Blog -Hanson – Dressed in Hermes, Stays in Vegas score on Santa Anita turf

2016 Road to the Kentucky Oaks

Race    Track    Date      Points
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

Lady and the Track – Hammer – Stays In Vegas Survives Inquiry and Wins Surfer Girl Stakes

Phil’s pleased that the California stewards showed that their decisions can be just as brutal as the 3 who sit in dark silence at Northlands Park. Did the California stewards want to reward the name players who had the Stays in Vegas – Mirage exactor.

Phil advocates less interference from the stewards unless the evidence is absolutely incontrovertible.

Compromise decisions don’t cut it.

Watch the replay. There’s not doubt that Lucky Folie moved into the path of Mirage. However, Alex Solis admitted that Stays in Vegas moved toward the rail, but he corrected it. Stays in Vegas did not contact Lucky Folie, but Lucky Folie reacted to a horse moving into her path and Alex Solis’ whip being flashed in her face when he switched to his left hand to correct Stays in Vegas course. Stays in Vegas was the cause of a chain reaction that resulted in Mirage being cut off. If any horse should have been disqualified it should have been Stays in Vegas who couldn’t stay in her lane.

To disqualify a horse that was reacting to the actions of another horse and jockey moving towards them is mind-bogglingly unfathomable.

The better decisions would have been – No Change.

Surfer Girl

The Ennead knew that was coming.

Five Thirty Eight – Roeder – Supreme Court Justices Get More Liberal As They Get Older

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Churchill in Ky. Downs, instant racing lawsuit

Bloodhorse – Novak – Keen Ice Breezes as Jockey Assignment Waits

I liked math – that was my favorite subject – and I was very interested in astronomy and in physical science.
Sally Ride

Water From The Moon

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.

NY Times – Drape and Williams – Scandal Erupts in Unregulated World of Fantasy Sports

NY Times – Drape and Williams – New York Attorney General Opens Inquiry Into Fantasy Sports Sites

NY Times – Belson – A Primer on Daily Fantasy Football Sites

Needle and the Damage Done

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.

“So all bets stand, it’s still first past the post, bookmakers would only pay out on one horse. The punters wouldn’t be punished but the connections would be penalised. Someone who is much wiser than me pointed out that if you start throwing out horses for overuse of the whip, it’s incitement to riot, but by removing the punter factor you remove that potential. Why should the punter pay for it?

“It would stop whip overuse overnight. Trial it from January 1 in the little races on the all-weather, and by May 1 everyone’s got used to it. I can’t see any downside to it.”

Racing Post – Baxter – Beckett proposes radical approach to whip rules

MIKE HEADS MONDAY PREVIEW FOR HASTINGS

MONDAY PREVIEW

Racing resumes this afternoon with an eight race program that will showcase four stakes races worth a combined $350,000 and as an added interest to the betting public there is a $100,301 carryover in the Sea-to-Sky Pick 6. The Pick 6 must be paid out today so even if no one picks six winners the entire pool will be paid out to the tickets with the most amount of winners.

The Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 starts in race 3 (2:55 p.m) which is the $75,000 Fantasy for two year old fillies going a mile and a sixteenth.

The heavy favourite will be Don Danard’s three-time stakes winner C U At Eau Claire. The daughter of Haynesfield is bred to love this longer trip and she will be reunited with regular pilot Richard Hamel for Greg Tracy.

The main danger will be the Swift Thoroughbreds Snuggles who was a closing second in the $100,000 Sadie Diamond Futurity behind C U At Eau Claire. She is also bred to handle extra ground, Rico Walcott returns to Hastings from his Edmonton base to ride for Dino Condilenios.

Steve McDonald’s McDove was an impressive debut winner for trainer Mark Cloutier. The Proud Citizen filly showed excellent speed and wired her male competition and will get Antonio Reyes at the helm today.

Wendy Kruger and Jim Smith’s Donttellmyhusband might be the longshot that can sit back early and make one run. She closed stylishly in the Futurity and will get Jeff Burningham again this afternoon.

The balance of the field include Phil Hall, Jim and Anne Alendal’s Cyclone Cindy (Sahin Civaci), JDP Holdings and Rick Hunter’s Lady Cash (Amadeo Perez) and Morris Peter, Charlie Cowan, Warren Wilson and the High Stakes Thoroughbreds and Deltin Stable’s Chestnut’s Gold (Keishan Balgobin).

The stakes action continues in race 5 with the two year old colts and geldings in the $75,000 Ascot Graduation.

The likely choice will be Riversedge Racing Stables Kristofferson who is a well bred son of Rock Hard Ten that has won his last two starts in Edmonton including the $50,000 Birdcatcher Stakes. He looks to have trained well since his last race and Rico Walcott returns gets the call from trainer Tim Rycroft.

Doug Clyde’s Power Corrupt looked good winning the $100,000 Jack Diamond Futurity and seems like one that will enjoy this longer trip. Jeff Burningham rides for Mike Anderson.

Rob Scott’s Stanz In Command had his stakes winning streak stopped at two but still managed to run a game second in the JD Futurity. He is another that shouldn’t mind the mile and a sixteenth distance so he deserves respect as well. David Lopez re-rides for Charlene Miller.

This is the toughest race on the card and the rest of the field has a good chance if they receive the right trip. The field includes L&S Farms, Bill Randall, 3480 Equine and John Snow’s Rock Concert (Keishan Balgobin), Shamrock Racing’s Crazy Prophet (Pedro Alvarado), Don Adams, JDP Holdings and Nancy Betts’ Dashing Don (Amadeo Perez), Jeff Sengara’s Groot (Antonio Reyes), Joanne McDonald and Terry Clyde’s We Found Gold, Keen and Jarvis-Meehan’s I ama Better Cause (Silvano Morales), Russ and Lois Bennett’s Sol Cat (Richard Hamel) and Phil Hall’s Lord Vancouver (Sahin Civaci).

Race 6 is the $100,000 Ballerina for fillies and mares at a mile and an eighth.

Russ and Lois Bennett’s homebred Touching Promise has scored in back-to-back stakes races and did capture the Ballerina last year over a sloppy track. She looks like the one to beat especially if the forecasted rains come. Amadeo Perez pilots for Barbara Heads.

The Swift Thoroughbred’s Rather Beautiful is probably the best filly in the race but hasn’t has the best of schedules heading into this race. She has had significant time in between races to try and get past some physical issues but If her best race surfaces she won’t get beat. Rico Walcott jumps back aboard for Dino Condilenios.

Karl Krieg’s Lady Rosberg makes this years Ballerina a real Northwest championship race as she is the top mare at Emerald Downs. The daughter of Rosberg has won two of three stakes in Seattle this summer. Gallyn Mitchell has come north to accept the mount for Frank Barroby. Barroby will also saddle Braithwaite and Gorasht’s Locket who has been on the wrong side of two photos in the last two stakes races at Hastings. Antonio Reyes will be in the irons.

The balance of the field includes Ray Hanson and the Exclusive Stables Ambleside Park (Keishan Balgobin), Kamaaina Thoroughbreds Madame Pele (Richard Hamel), Russ and Lois Bennett’s Amber Moon (Pedro Alvarado) and Mark DeDomenico and NATHC’s Dear Lilly (David Lopez).

The final stakes race of the 2015 season is in race 7 as eight colts and geldings will do battle over a mile and three-eighths in the 69th running of the $100,000 B.C. Premiers.

The conversation has to start with the Hastings Racing Cub’s Square Dancer who has been brilliant since arriving on the scene earlier this summer. There appears to be enough early speed to aid his off-the-pace style and Richard Hamel will once again be at the helm for Steve Henson.

The race gets added interest with the top older horse in Alberta Killin Me Smalls showing up for todays race. Owned by the Deltin Stable and Ed Welsh the son Ontario stallion Marcavelly recently won the $82,000 Speed to Spare Stake at this same distance. Regular rider Ruben Lara comes west for the ride.

Henry Leong and Tom Easton’s Dontmesswithkitten (Amadeo Perez), Russ and Lois Bennett’s Brass and Gold (Pedfro Alvarado) and Swift Thoroughbred’s Shooting Jacket (Rico Walcott) were all separated by less than a length in the last stakes race the $50,000 S.W. Randall Plate so all three with the right trip are good enough to be major threats.

Rounding out the field is Cameron Hill, George Gilbert and the Tres Hombres Senor Rojo (Jeff Burningham), J&G Racing Stable’s Don’t Hold Me Back (David Lopez) and Dave and Sylvea Gregory’s Remembertobreathe (Silvano Morales).

The excellent eight race card gets underway at 1:50 p.m.

	Mike’s Picks	Drew’s Picks
ace 1	7 – Hidden Harbor 4 – Bubbly On Ice 3 – Far Niente	7 – Hidden Harbour 4 – Bubbly On Ice 3 – Far Niente
Race 2	8 – Leo’s In The House 3 – After Court 4 – Chapel Boy	7 – C.A. Miss 1 – Pricipe’s Herbie 6 – Briartic County
Race 3	5 – C U At Eau Claire 3 – Snuggles 1 – Donttellmyhusband	5 – C U at Eau Claire 6 – McDove 3 – Snuggles
Race 4	4 – What Goes Around 5 – Fransor’s Finest 8 – Aint Tellin’	5 – Fransor’s Finest 2 – Toccet’s Charm 8 – Ain’t Tellin
Race 5	1 – Kristofferson 5 – Power Corrupt 3 – Crazy Prophet	7 – We Found Gold 5 – Power Corrupt 8 – Stanz In Command
Race 6	7 – Rather Beautiful 8 – Touching Promise 6 – Lady Rosberg	8 – Touching Promise 1 – Locket 6 – Lady Rosberg
Race 7	1 – Square Dancer 6 – Killin Me Smalls 7 – Brass And Gold	1 – Square Dancer 6 – Killin me Smalls 3 – Senor Rojo
Race 8	4 – Laguna Blaze 6 – Off The Top 3 – Rosies Notis	4 – Laguna Blaze 6 – Off the Top 3 – Rosies Notis

Monday, October 12, 2015 1:50 PM MDT

Saturday, October 17, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Sunday, October 18, 2015 1:50 PM MDT

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Touching Promise Dances to Ballerina Victory

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Touching Promise Seeks to Defend in Ballerina

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Killin Me Smalls Takes BC Premier’s Handicap

Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Square Dancer Heads BC Premier’s

Entries For the 7th Running Of The Harvest Gold Plate
$50,000
A HANDICAP STAKES FOR THREE YEAR OLDS & UPWARD
ONE AND ONE SIXTEENTH MILES
TO BE RUN MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PP	Horse	Owners	A/S	Med	Jockey	Wgt	Trainer
1	Aces Again (KY)	Amanda & Gary & Lesley Gregory	7/G	L	A Chalaris	116	A Gregory
2	Barfly’s Survivor (AB)	Amanda & Gary & Lesley Gregory	6/G	L	J Reid	114	J R Robertson
3	Cowboys Don’t Cry (CA)	Tom Rycroft and Dale Stark	3/G	L	T Maragh	113	T Rycroft
4	Boreal Spirit (ON)	Spring Lakes Farm	3/G	L	D Bynoe	113	J Shafer
5	Go Max (KY)	Doug Blair	4/C	L	J Espitia	115	J Petrowski
6	Private Money Game (FL)	Sabre Farms	4/G	L	S Beauregard	113	T Rycroft
7	Toccetive (KY)	Southview Ag (1998) Ltd.	6/G	L	R Zenteno Jr.	114	D Greenwood
8	For Cash (AB)	Southview Ag (1998) Ltd.	5/G	L	S White Shield	122	D Greenwood
9	Wild Legend (AB)	Barb Saunders	4/G		S Williams	122	D L Saunders
10	Magic D’ Oro (KY)	Martin Yeroschak and Barry Arnason	5/H	L	I E Mosqueira	120	T Lindsay

.
Edmonton Sun – FRANK FONTANA’s Northlands Favourites

Matt’s Picks and Free Program – Monday October 12, 2015

Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM MDT

Friday, October 16, 2015 6:30 PM MDT
Saturday, October 17, 2015 1:00 PM MDT

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Partisan Politics Prevails in the Pebbles

Bloodhorse – Angst – Consumer Credit Aims to End Skid in Pebbles

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Sharp Claim Da Big Hoss Targets Sycamore

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Shared Belief continues progress toward return

Upcoming Stakes

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

October 15
Keeneland
Sycamore Stake GIII $100,000 3&up 12f Turf

October 16
Remington Park
Oklahoma Classics Cup $175,000 3&up State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Oklahoma Classics Distaff $145,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.32f Dirt
Oklahoma Classics Distaff Sprint $130,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oklahoma Classics Distaff Turf $130,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Oklahoma Classics Juvenile $100,000 2yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oklahoma Classics Lassie $100,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oklahoma Classics Sprint $130,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oklahoma Classics Turf $130,000 3&up State/Prov 8.5f Turf

October 17
Ascot
QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stake Eng – GI $858,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 12f Turf
QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup Eng – GII $468,000 3&up 16f Turf
QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stake Eng – GI $936,000 3&up 6f Turf
QIPCO Champion Stake Eng – GI $2,028,000 3&up 10f Turf
Queen Elizabeth II Stake Sponsored by QIPCO Eng – GI $1,560,000 3&up 8f Turf
Belmont Park
Athenia GIII $200,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Turf
Futurity Stake GII $200,000 2yo 6f Dirt
Far Hills
Foxbrook Champion Hurdle Stake $100,000 4&up R 20f Turf
Gladstone Hurdle Stake $25,000 3yo 17f Turf
Grand National Steeplechase GI $300,000 4&up 21f Turf
New Jersey Hunt Cup $50,000 4&up 26f Turf
Peapack Hurdle Stake $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 17f Turf
Finger Lakes
New York Breeders’ Futurity $200,000 2yo State/Prov 6f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Fuchu Himba Stake GII $955,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 9f Turf
Keeneland
Lexus Raven Run Stake GII $250,000 3yo Fillies 7f Dirt
Laurel Park
Maryland Million Classic $150,000 3&up State/Prov 9f Dirt
Maryland Million Distaff $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 7f Dirt
Maryland Million Distaff Starter handicap $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8f Dirt
Maryland Million Ladies $125,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 9f Turf
Maryland Million Lassie $100,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Maryland Million Nursery $100,000 2yo State/Prov 6f Dirt
Maryland Million Sprint $100,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Maryland Million Starter handicap $50,000 3&up State/Prov 8f Dirt
Maryland Million Turf $125,000 3&up State/Prov 8f Turf
Santa Anita Park
Autumn Miss Stake GIII $100,000 3yo Fillies 8f Turf
Turf Paradise
Bienvenidos Stake $35,000 3&up 6.5f Dirt

October 18
Belmont Park
Matron Stake GII $200,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Fresno
Bull Dog handicap $50,000 3&up 9f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Shuka Sho GI $1,608,000 3yo Fillies 10f Turf
Keeneland
Rood & Riddle Dowager Stake GIII $125,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 12f Turf
Santa Anita Park
Speakeasy Stake $70,000 2yo 6f Dirt
Woodbine
E.P. Taylor Stake Can – I $500,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 10f Turf
Nearctic Stake Can – II $300,000 3&up 6f Turf
Ontario Fashion Stake Can – III $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f AW
Pattison Canadian International Can – I $1,000,000 3&up 12f Turf

October 23
Delta Downs
My Trusty Cat Stake (L) $100,000 2yo Fillies 7f Dirt
Northlands Park
Freedom of the City $50,000 2yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Remington Park
E.L. Gaylord Memorial Stake $50,000 2yo Fillies 6.5f Dirt

October 24
Belmont Park
Empire Classic Stake $300,000 3&up State/Prov 9f Dirt
Empire Distaff Stake $250,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Hudson Stake $150,000 3&up State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
Iroquois Stake $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
Maid of the Mist Stake $250,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 8f Dirt
Mohawk Stake $200,000 3&up State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Sleepy Hollow Stake $250,000 2yo State/Prov 8f Dirt
Ticonderoga Stake $200,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Delta Downs
Jean Lafitte Stake (L) $200,000 2yo 8f Dirt
Great Meadow
David L. Zeke Ferguson Memorial Steeplechase GIII $50,000 4&up 17f Turf
International Gold Cup Timber Stake $75,000 4&up 28f Turf
Japan Racing Association
Fuji Stake GIII $723,000 3&up 8f Turf
Keeneland
Pin Oak Valley View Stake GIII $150,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Turf
Northlands Park
Canadian Juvenile Stake $50,000 2yo 8f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Twilight Derby GII $200,000 3yo 9f Turf
ThistleDown
Diana Stake $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
Turf Paradise
Princess of Palms Stake $35,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt

October 25
Belmont Park
English Channel $100,000 3yo 8f Turf
Hastings Race Course
Harbour View $32,000 3&up R 8.5f Dirt
Lions Gate $32,000 3&up Fillies & Mares R 8.5f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) GI $2,029,000 3yo 15f Turf
Santa Anita Park
Sen. Ken Maddy Stake GIII $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares abt 6.5f Turf
Woodbine
Fanfreluche Stake $150,000 2yo Fillies R 6f AW

October 29
Keeneland
Lafayette Presented by Keeneland Select $100,000 3&up 7f Dirt

October 30
Belmont Park
Awad Stake $100,000 2yo 8f Turf
Turnback the Alarm Handicap GIII $200,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Delta Downs
Magnolia Stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8f Dirt
Keeneland
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile GI $1,000,000 3&up 8f Dirt
Breeders’ Cup Distaff GI $2,000,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 9f Dirt
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf GI $1,000,000 2yo Fillies 8f Turf
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf GI $1,000,000 2yo Colts & Geldings 8f Turf
Bryan Station Stake $100,000 3yo 9f Turf
Hagyard Fayette Stake GII $200,000 3&up 9f Dirt
Marathon Stake GII $200,000 3&up 14f Dirt

October 31
Belmont Park
Bold Ruler GIII $200,000 3&up 7f Dirt
Chelsey Flower Stake $100,000 2yo Fillies 8f Turf
Charles Town
Tri-State Futurity $50,000 2yo R 7f Dirt
Delta Downs
Gold Cup $100,000 3&up State/Prov 8f Dirt
Gulfstream Park West
Cellars Shiraz Stake $75,000 3yo Fillies 8f Turf
Showing Up Stake $75,000 3yo 8f Turf
Indiana Grand Race Course
Frances Slocum Stake $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Indiana Futurity $85,000 2yo State/Prov 8.32f Dirt
Miss Indiana Stake $85,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 8.32f Dirt
Too Much Coffee Stake $150,000 3&up State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Artemis Stake GIII $504,000 2yo Fillies 8f Turf
Swan Stake GII $1,030,000 3&up 7f Turf
Keeneland
Breeders’ Cup Classic GI $5,000,000 3&up 10f Dirt
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint GI $1,000,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 7f Dirt
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf GI $2,000,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 9.5f Turf
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile GI $2,000,000 2yo Colts & Geldings 8.5f Dirt
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies GI $2,000,000 2yo Fillies 8.5f Dirt
Breeders’ Cup Mile GI $2,000,000 3&up 8f Turf
Breeders’ Cup Sprint GI $1,500,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Breeders’ Cup Turf GI $3,000,000 3&up 12f Turf
Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint GI $1,000,000 3&up 5.5f Turf
Fort Springs $100,000 3yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Juvenile Dirt Sprint $100,000 2yo 6f Dirt
Perryville Stake $100,000 3yo 6f Dirt
Laurel Park
Laurel Turf Cup (L) $100,000 3&up 12f Turf
Mahoning Valley Racecourse
Cardinal handicap $75,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Emerald Necklace Stake $75,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Woodbine
Maple Leaf Stake Can – III $150,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 10f AW
November 1
Belmont Park
Pumpkin Pie Stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
Churchill Downs
*Rags to Riches Stake $60,000 2yo Fillies 8f Dirt
*Street Sense Stake $60,000 2yo 8f Dirt
Golden Gate Fields
Pike Place Dancer $75,000 2yo Fillies 8f Turf
Japan Racing Association
Tenno Sho Autumn GI $2,721,000 3&up 10f Turf
Turf Paradise
A.T.B.A. Fall Sales Stake $35,000 2yo Colts & Geldings R 6f Dirt
A.T.B.A. Fall Sales Stake $35,000 2yo Fillies R 6f Dirt
Unionville
Pennsylvania Hunt Cup $35,000 5&up 32f Turf
Woodbine
Princess Elizabeth Stake $250,000 2yo Fillies R 8.5f AW
Zia Park
New Mexico Classic Cup Derby Championship $140,000 3yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6f Dirt
New Mexico Classic Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Championship $140,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
New Mexico Classic Cup Juvenile Championship $140,000 2yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6f Dirt
New Mexico Classic Cup Lassie Championship $140,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
New Mexico Classic Cup Oaks Championship $140,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
New Mexico Classic Cup Peppers Pride Championship $170,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8f Dirt
New Mexico Classic Cup Rocky Gulch Championship $180,000 3&up State/Prov 8f Dirt
New Mexico Classic Cup Sprint Championship $170,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt

November 2
Zia Park
Veterans Stake $55,000 3&up 8.5f Dirt

November 4
Woodbine
Frost King Stake $125,000 2yo State/Prov 7f AW

TDN – Curlin Colt Blasts to TDN Rising Stardom

TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Her Emmynency holds off Miss Temple City, upsets Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup

Bloodhorse – Novak – Her Emmynency Upsets QEII for Grade I Score

Bloodhorse – Pedigree Analysis: Bloodroot

Bloodhorse – Upcoming Open Houses, Stallion Shows

From the Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter

HASTINGS MANDATORY PAYOUT ALERT

MANDATORY PAYOUT ALERT: PICK SIX WILL BE WON

IF STILL AVAILABLE THANKSGIVING MONDAY

Vancouver, B.C. (Oct. 9/15) – What is believed to be the highest Pick 6 carryover in Canada will become a mandatory payout on Thanksgiving Monday at Hastings Racecourse.

Darren MacDonald, General Manager, Hastings Racecourse & Director, BC Racing, says that if the Sea to Sky Pick 6 is not won on Sunday a mandatory payout will be up for grabs on Thanksgiving Monday.

“The carryover is at $93,065 heading into this weekend,” MacDonald said. “We expect that figure will surpass the $100,000 mark on Sunday and if there isn’t a unique ticket winner, the pool could double or even triple on Monday for the mandatory payout.”

Live thoroughbred racing goes Sunday and Monday at 1:50 p.m.

The holiday Thanksgiving eight-race card includes four major stakes races offering more than $350,000 in purse winnings. Co-featured are the $100,00 Grade 3 Premiers for three-year-olds & up and the $100,000 Grade 3 Ballerina for fillies and mares three-years-old & up.

There are also two $75,000 stakes: the Fantasy for two-year-old fillies and the Ascot Graduation for two-year-olds.

Thanksgiving Monday, dubbed Autumn Championship Day, marks the conclusion of the major 2015 stakes schedule at Hastings Racecourse.

Wintering Money For Lower Level Claiming Horses At Hastings

Wintering Money For Lower Level Claiming Horses At Hastings

2016 Program

The industry Associations, in recognition of the economic realities of wintering and training lower level claiming horses, have again implemented a plan to provide an incentive of $2,000 for horses that make their last start of 2015 at Hastings for a claiming price of $6,250 or less and come back to Hastings and make their first start in 2016 for a claiming price of $6,250 or less, and do not race elsewhere in between.

The $2,000 bonus will be paid to the owner’s account immediately following an eligible horse’s first start at Hastings in 2016.

Horses that start elsewhere after making their final 2015 start at Hastings are not eligible for this incentive program. The Associations’ intention is to reward those horses committed to racing at Hastings; therefore, the incentive is available only for horses that made their last appearance at Hastings in 2015 for $6,250 or less and make their first start for 2016 at Hastings for $6,250 or less.

Two year-olds of 2015 are not eligible for this program.

RAILBIRD NOTES

BY GLEN TODD

HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS

NORTHLANDS VISITOR GOES WIRE TO WIRE

TO BEAT FAN FAVOURITE SQUARE DANCER

Killin Me Smalls Cruises to $100,000 Premiers Handicap Victory

Vancouver, B.C. (Oct. 12/15) – While a Thanksgiving turkey dinner was on the buffet menu at Hastings Racecourse, it was Reuben sandwiches all around for the winning connections celebrating the $100,000 Grade 3 Premiers Handicap Monday afternoon.

Jockey Ruben Lara, one of the leading riders at Edmonton’s Northlands Park, kept his stunning record aboard Killin Me Smalls intact with an impressive effort over local favourite Square Dancer. The 1 3/8 miles test for 3-year-olds and up over a track rated sloppy played right into the hands of Lara and trainer Ernie Keller.

“My main thought was to keep him relaxed,” Lara said of the 5-year-old gelding he guided to victory at the same demanding distance in the $75,000 Speed to Spare at Northlands on Sept. 7. “A wet track doesn’t bother him. He hasn’t found a track he doesn’t like.”

Square Dancer, author of an amazing Cinderella story by winning three previous starts for his 200 Hastings Racing Club owners, stalked Killin Me Smalls into the backstretch but was unable to match strides in the final turn.

Killin Me Smalls finished in a final time of 2:15.77 and paid $4.20, $2.60, $2.40.

For a second year in a row, Touching Promise won the $100,000 Grade 3 Ballerina Stakes for fillies and mares under the direction of trainer Barb Heads. Ridden by Amadeo Perez, Touching Promise took the early lead and controlled the pace down the backstretch and into the final turn, winning by 4 ½ lengths.

Touching Promise finished in a final time of 1:49.78, paying $9.00, $4.50, $2.90.

Veteran Hastings jockey Pedro Alvarado warmed up the chilly crowd with his $43.10 win aboard Crazy Prophet in the $75,000 Ascot Graduation for 2-year-olds. Trained by Jim Brown, Crazy Prophet closed with a rush to catch favoured Kristofferson in a final time of 1:45.58.

In the previous race, a Marathon Series romp for 3-year-olds and up, Alvarado scored a stunning upset win on What Goes Around that paid $50.90.

There was a mild upset in the $75,000 Fantasy for 2-year-old fillies when the Dino Condilenios-trained Snuggles beat arch rival C U At Eau Claire in a final time of 1:46.51 over 1 1/16 miles. “Nobody beats us four in a row,” joked owners Mark Mache and Horatio Kemeny of Swift Thoroughbreds. C U At Eau Claire had won the three previous stakes showdowns against Snuggles, who settled for second all three times.

A total of $1.05 million was wagered on Monday’s eight-race card. The mandatory Sea to Sky Pick 6 paid 37 winners a total of $10,774.18 on a 20-cent winning ticket.

Racing resumes at Hastings Racecourse Saturday and Sunday with 1:50 p.m. starts.

LEADING RIDER HAMEL LOOKS FORWARD TO THANKSGIVING DATE WITH SQUARE DANCER Vancouver, B.C. (Oct. 9/15) – Hastings Racecourse jockey Richard Hamel remembers Thanksgiving Day 2014 for all the wrong reasons. He appeared to be on his way to victory aboard favoured Splendid Scat in the $75,000 Fantasy for two-year-old fillies when a horse in front of him went down.A nasty spill left Hamel with a severely bruised pelvis and months of rehabilitation during the winter.“It wasn’t what you’d call the ideal way to end a season,” Hamel says. “Hopefully, I’ll have more to give thanks for this year.”He won’t be alone. Hamel will have a throng of enthusiastic Square Dancer owners cheering him on in Monday’s marquee race – the $100,000 Grade 3 Premier’s for three-year-olds & up on a Thanksgiving Day card that begins at 1:50 p.m.Square Dancer – trained by Steve Henson – has been a sensation at Hastings Racecourse this year, having won three consecutive starts including back-to-back stakes: the $100,000 Redekop Classic on BC Cup Day (Aug. 3) and $75,000 S.W. Randall Plate on Sept. 13. The spunky five-year-old chestnut gelding seems to thrive on pleasing his 200 owners who each invested $250 this summer under the banner Hastings Racing Club.Hamel rode Square Dancer in the Randall Plate when he won by a nose in a thrilling photo finish. “He loves the Hastings track,” Hamel says. “He reads the turns so well and really gets into it.”Scott Williams, the second leading rider at Northlands Park in Edmonton, was aboard Square Dancer for his Redekop Classic victory. Hamel finished second aboard favourite Modern.Hamel said he was “pumped” for the Premiers after working Square Dancer this week. “Originally we didn’t think he was as good as he is,” Hamel says. “This is one amazing horse.”Hamel heads into the Sunday/Monday cards at Hastings leading the jockey standings with 65 wins for the season. His five trips to the winner’s circle last weekend gave him 16 more wins than runner-up Pedro Alvarado. Hamel won the Hastings riding crown in 2010 and 2011.Besides the Premiers, Monday’s holiday card includes three other stakes: the $100,000 Grade 3 Ballerina for fillies and mares three-years-old & up; the $75,000 Fantasy for two-year-old fillies and the $75,000 Ascot Graduation for two-year-olds.Thanksgiving Monday marks the conclusion of the major 2015 stakes schedule at Hastings Racecourse

Hastings Wrap-up For Thanksgiving Day—-Richard Yates

Aside from the usual things, there were some other things to appreciate on Monday. We were thankful it did not rain any more than it did. We were grateful that there was only a handful of scratches on the card. We counted among our blessings some top quality races. And not least by any means, Lady Luck bestowed a handsome mandatory Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 payoff in excess of $10,000 (for a twenty-cent ticket) on a number of thankful punters. The public kicked in with $325,000 worth of new money on top of a $100,000 carryover to generate one of the largest individual wagering pools seen at Hastings in many years. All in, the handle was in excess of a million dollars, the local benchmark for an outstanding day.

The Grade 3 BC Premier’s Handicap: Killin Me Smalls Runs Big

Killin Me Smalls ($4.20) had a simple game plan for the Premier’s, he just went to the front and established a cruising speed that got him around the mile-and-three-eighths in the fastest time for the race since 1993. The Alberta-based winner cruised to the win in a race that featured the two hottest handicap horses in Western Canada, the victor and BC’s Square Dancer who had won the last two stakes for older horses at Hastings. Square Dancer finished a valiant second after playing against type and chasing the winner early. Brass and Gold was third.

Jockey Ruben Lara put Killin Me Smalls on the front end immediately at a speed that was comfortable for him while requiring effort from the few that were able to get his attention for short periods. The first of those was, ever so briefly, Brass and Gold and then Square Dancer who went into the first turn on the inside, then eased out to test Killin Me Smalls as they approached the half and continued to do so through three-quarters in 1:12.58. Richard Hamel realized that he had to apply pressure on the leader to have a winning chance, but he could not maintain the winner’s pace and eased back into fourth as Senor Rojo took his shot from along the rail.

Killin Me Smalls moved away from Senor Rojo with consummate ease. Meanwhile, back in the pack, Square Dancer was grinding away and moving back into second. Inside of him, Brass and Gold was not folding and the pair had a good battle for second with Square Dancer being a half-length better at the wire. Final time for the mile-and-three-eighths was 2:15.77. Killin Me Smalls galloped out a football field in front of the rest of the herd and it looked as if he could have led them around a couple more times.

Last year the Premier’s was won by Alert Bay who had taken the BC Derby in his previous start and went on to win multiple graded stakes on the Southern California circuit. He was and is a very nice horse. His winning time over a sloppy track last year was about 10 lengths slower than Killin Me Smalls ran this year over a similar if slightly faster track. It was a very impressive race for the Alberta shipper under tough conditions.

The Ontario bred son of Marcavelly is owned by Deltin Stable and Ed Welsh. He is trained by Ernie Keller. Killin Me Smalls has changed hands twice in his career. He was claimed from his breeder, Zayat Stables (owner of American Pharoah) for $17,500 and then again by his current connections for $25,000. He has won six stakes subsequently.

The Grade 3 Ballerina: Touching Promise Stakes Her Claim

Touching Promise ($9.00) won her second consecutive Ballerina with a front-running, and in the end, dominating performance in a race run over a sloppy track similar to the one she scored on last year. It was Touching Promise’s third straight stakes win at Hastings and it puts her right in the middle of the Champion Older Mare conversation. The ever reliable, but usually late, Locket came from far back to be second and Lady Rosberg gamely held on to third after her efforts to go with the winner proved in vain.

Touching Promise had to do some work to get past Lady Rosberg and take the lead around the first turn, but she did get there and she stayed there for the duration. She set brisk early fractions of 23.26 and 47.62 on her way to three-quarters in 1:12.28. Dear Lilly made a run at the winner on the final turn only to see her begin to draw off at the head of the lane and continue to do so all the way to the finish. Touching Promise was 4 ½ lengths clear at the wire in a very solid final time of 1:49.78

The winner was bred in British Columbia by her owners, Russell and Lois Bennett. She is by Touch Gold out of the Old Trieste mare Promise One. Barbara Heads trains.

The Ascot Graduation: Crazy Prophet Generates A Crazy Profit

Eleven horses went to the post in the Ascot but Crazy Prophet ($43.10) was the first one home, upsetting the favored Alberta invader Kristofferson who finished second after setting all the fractions. Groot closed from near the rear to be third.

Crazy Prophet was sent off at more than 20-1 by the public who could not foresee him winning, perhaps noticing that he was coming off a maiden sprint win only nine days earlier, but not recalling that he ran the last quarter mile in that race in a little over 24 seconds. He definitely finished this one strongly after a ground saving rail ride by Pedro Alvarado that saw him move outside Kristofferson in the lane and get to the front late, but definitively, in a time of 1:45.58 for the mile-and-a-sixteenth.

Crazy Prophet was bred in British Columbia by Mike Chernan and is owned by Shamrock Racing Stable, Ltd. James Brown is the trainer. The winner is by the lamented Rosberg, out of Mazel Dancer by Mazel Trick.

The Fantasy: Snuggles Breaks Maiden In Style

Snuggles ($4.70) complicated the picture for two-year-old filly honors when she turned the tables on C U At Eau Claire in the only route stakes in the division after running second to her in three consecutive stakes sprints while still a maiden. Chestnut’s Gold ran third in what was essentially a two horse race.

C U At Eau Claire broke cleanly and was sent for the lead forthwith. Snuggles fell in behind her and they ran that way to the final turn where Snuggles began to close ground on the leader prior to putting her away in the stretch and moving more than two lengths clear at the finish. Final time for the mile-and-a-sixteenth was 1:46.51.

Snuggles is owned by her breeders, Swift Thoroughbreds, Inc. She is the first foal out of Daymaker, a stakes placed Fusaichai Pegasus mare that Swift raced a few years back, and is by their sorely missed stallion Rosberg. Dino Condilenios trains her and it looks as though he has a horse that could prove to be very effective in next summer’s distance races for three-year-old fillies.

The Marathon: What Goes Around Comes Around

The finale in the Marathon Series went to What Goes Around ($50.90) who startled the crowd with a score at 24-1 as the second longest shot in the race. Fransor’s Finest finished a closing second and the very sharp At the Ritz was third. The mile-and-half took 2:33.65 to complete with Pedro Alvarado doing the steering for trainer Barbara Heads. The winner is owned by his breeders, Russell and Lois Bennett.

Also Noteworthy:

Speaking of Rosberg, he sired four winners on the card. His winners in both two-year-old stakes have already been detailed. He also had the winner of the opener in Madaya ($10.60) for owner Dennis Spence and owner/ breeders Greystone Farm. Cindy Krasner trains Madaya. As well, Rosberg sired Off the Top ($5.50) who closed the program with a win for Linwood Stables and trainer Robbie Anderson.

Pedro Alvarado had two wins on the day. He won the Ascot and the Marathon Series, as discussed above, and knocked one win off leading rider Richard Hamel’s margin over him. Hamel won the last aboard Off the Top.

Hall of Famer Frank Barroby sent After Court ($14.60) over to take the second with jockey Antonio Reyes supplying the owner the Rocking Bar B Outfit with a victory.

Trainer Barbara Heads and owner/breeders Russell and Lois Bennett combined to win the Marathon Series final leg before coming back in the sixth to take the Ballerina and complete a fairly upscale double.

Hastings Wrap-up For Sunday, October 11—Richard Yates

It Is What It Is

I am not above gilding the lily a little bit here and there, but you got to have a lily to work with in order to do it. The Sunday card that went from borderline to disastrous due to a virus invading the backstretch did not offer much gilding material. The virus resulted in a dozen scratches, and a couple of other snafus further reduced the available contestants. The seven-race card went with a total of 35 horses.

Now, having said that, let us say this: it is not the end of the world. Some good things did happen. The horses and riders all came back safe. Owners collected purse money and people with jobs on the frontside and backstretch worked. Amazingly, there was over $391,000 bet on the card. The last race went with 8 horses and it handled over $98,000 dollars. That demonstrates the power of the “get even” race (the last of the day) and our time slot advantage that comes from being at the western edge of the continent. It also shows that there is business out there for us if we can produce the racing product necessary to capture it.

So, it was not the end of the world and there was some bad luck involved. There were factors in play that no one could control. It can happen anywhere. Portland Meadows just went through a disease event that could have made our virus look like a sniffle in spring. Nevertheless, while we can hopefully agree that it was just a tough day at the races, we can also agree on this: It was something we do not want to make a habit of.

Thanksgiving Day will bring a card with four stakes races and a mandatory payout of the Sea-to-Sky Pick 6, making it a certainty that some lucky (or good) handicapper(s) will have something in excess of their other blessings to be thankful for.

Let’s just review Sunday’s races in order.

Proxyman Fills In At The Winner’s Circle

Proxyman ($7.10) ran off and left three other open 8K claimers in the first, a 6 ½ furlong sprint that took him only 1:16.39 to complete. That was more than 5 lengths faster than Teddy the Bear in second who was a couple in front of Halo’s Quest in third.

The winner, a five-year-old Ontario bred gelding, is owned by Mitch Sutherland and trained by Jim Brown. It was the first of two wins on the day for jockey Jeff Burningham.

Rock It Star By Pretty Far

The second, a 4K maiden claimer for fillies and mares, was won in wire-to-wire fashion by Rock It Star ($3.80) for owner/breeders Janis Phillips and Brian Phillips, he being the trainer as well. The 6 ½ furlongs went in 1:19.29 for the winner and her rider, Silvino Morales. Acceptigal was almost 6 lengths back in second and Got Scotch was that far again back in third.

Lord Gallovic Reigns In The Third

The only route race of the day was won by Lord Gallovic ($11.30) who needed 1:45.78 to negotiate the three-turn mile-and-a-sixteenth event. It was closely contested, with four horses coming to the wire together before Lord Gallovic prevailed by a nose over Promise Glory. Lucky Moly Miner was another half-length back in third and a neck ahead of Lord Harlow who was a close fourth.

Lord Gallovic was bred in British Columbia by Glen Todd. He is owned by Dan Lee and his trainer Phil Hall. Sahin Civaci rode.

Stormin Angel Wings It

Leading rider Richard Hamel won his only race of the day when he guided Stormin Angel ($3.70) to victory in the fourth, your basic 6 ½ furlong sprint for your basic 4k maiden fillies and mares in a final time of 1:19.39. Jo It All was two lengths back in second. Stormy Cross who completed the evangelical weather theme was third (and last).

Stormin Angel was bred in British Columbia by Alan and Marion MacHaffie. She is owned by the MacHaffies and Cask Syndicate. Robert VanOverschot trains.

I Believe in Angel Keeps The Faith

The fifth went to I Believe in Angel ($4.20) who beat 3 other $8,000 claimers in a non-winner of two (BC-breds 3) event for older fillies and mares. Pedro Alvarado rode the winner for owners Nick and Pauline Felicella and trainer Anita Bolton. I believe in Angel led all the way in the 6 ½ furlong sprint that finished in 1:17.81. Quiet Finality was second and Storm Stalker took third. Bryan and Carol Anderson bred the winner in British Columbia.

New Jersey Joe States His Case

Jockey Jeff Burningham racked up his second win on the day in the sixth with New Jersey Joe ($3.60) who survived by a half-length after making a massive move on the backstretch. The 24-1 longshot Cantcatchtherabbit finished second and Harrison Hope utilized the rail while running a close third. Final time for the 6 ½ furlongs was 1:18.58.

New Jersey Joe was bred in this province by Tod Mountain Thoroughbreds who co-own him with James Redekop. The winner gave leading trainer Mike Anderson his 32^nd win on the season.

Today Is the Day Finally Has Her Day

Today Is the Day ($5.10) scored her first win since August of 2013 when she closed out the card with a come from behind win over the seven other horses that comprised the day’s biggest field. Amadeo Perez rode the winner who needed 1:18.60 to get home a length clear of Au Clair de Lune who finished second. Remarkable Lady was a head back in third and a nose ahead of Charming Silver in fourth.

The winner was bred in British Columbia by her owners Honesto Dino and Arnold Ocol. Taylor Anderson trains the winner who completed a father and son late double for the Andersons.

Also Noteworthy:

Candidly, not a lot.

Both first-crop sires, Court Vision and Victor’s Cry, previously stood at Park Stud near Orangeville, Ontario. Their relocation is continued fallout from the provincial government shakeup that ended the “slots-at-racetracks” program in 2012.

“The numbers were not unreasonable, but the dramatic changes up there have diminished our ability to sell the number of seasons we would like to sell,” said Ned Toffey, general manager of Spendthrift. “We hung in there a long time. This will consolidate the operation and put all the stallions under our management.”

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Spendthrift Moving Court Vision, Victor’s Cry

Racing Post – Wright – New sanctions for pedigree integrity failing

TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Messi just collars Cage Fighter in Knickerbocker

Bloodhorse – Angst – Messi Rallies Late to Score in Knickerbocker

Tonight, Tonight

Marquis Downs new Barns Being Built

Was Northlands so lax in its hiring policies, its cash-handling protocols and staff supervision that half of its parking cashiers were on the take, ripping off millions, without any manager ever noticing — or stopping them?

That suggests a remarkably dysfunctional corporate culture, to put it mildly. If embezzlement on such a massive and well-organized scale was really going on, it suggests that other people, more senior than the 38 cashiers, should be held accountable, whether they were implicated or just incompetent.

Edmonton Journal – Paula Simons: Edmonton Northlands and the mystery of the missing millions

The computer can’t tell you the emotional story. It can give you the exact mathematical design, but what’s missing is the eyebrows.
Frank Zappa

The triumph of Beat of the Drum is believed to be the first time a mainland Chinese racehorse has won a race in a leading racing centre and the long term implications for the thoroughbred industry in mainland China and for the international involvement of Chinese owners may be significant.

“Today, a Chinese owned, former Chinese based racehorse won at Santa Anita in the United States and the implications of this result cannot be lost. In time this win may prove to be the catalyst for much greater involvement from the Chinese in international racing,” said Teo Ah Khing, Chairman of the China Horse Club.

“Importantly, this win also shows that the best horses in China can travel and be successful. We hope Beat of the Drum will encourage other Chinese owners to come to countries like the United States to compete because it is through competition that the domestic industry in China will strengthen and that an appreciation for the standard of racing in mainland China will grow.”

Industry leaders from mainland China were equally buoyant on the significance of this win.

China Horse Club – STAR CHINESE RACEHORSE WINS IN USA

Phil has a question:

Do you think that either Rick Lelacheur or Shirley McClellan grasp the concepts in the excerpt above or have the leadership skills to implement these types of concepts in horse racing in Alberta.

National Post – Quan – ‘Horse doping’ case heads to Supreme Court, and despite video evidence, a conviction may not be straightforward

The proliferation of casinos and state-run lotteries has largely turned harness racing into an afterthought in the United States.

NY Times – Pedulla – Yonkers Resurrects International Trot, and Hopes Simulcast Money Follows

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – IHRC to Discuss Status of Executive Director

Bloodhorse – Angst – Wyoming to Shut Down Historical Racing Games

Give Me My Man Back

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Charitable Annuity Takes WV Breeders’ Classic

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.

TDN – Cup and Saucer S. Goes to Into Mischief Colt

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Conquest Enforcer Draws Off in Cup and Saucer

Bloodhorse – Springhouse Takes Shot in Cup and Saucer

Bloodhorse – Ben’s Cat Nominated for Sixth MD Million

Sugar’s Sweet Tips

Bloodhorse – Circumference to Stand at Milky Way in 2016

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
Oscar Wilde

Bloodhorse – Roberts – Dubacious Leads Way in Best of Ohio Endurance

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Cobalt Thresholds in Effect in California

Esquire – Wolfe – The Last American Hero Is Junior Johnson. Yes!

The Globe and Mail – Wente – Thanksgiving politics, with a side of turkey

LA Times – Jerving, Jennings, Hirsch and Rust – What Exxon knew about the Earth’s melting Arctic

A young man is so strong, so mad, so certain, and so lost. He has everything and he is able to use nothing.
Thomas Wolfe

National Post – I took the challenge where I could spend only $125 a month on food — and it was easy

Losing My Religion

He added: “We’re not saying radiation is good for animals, but human habitation and exploitation of the landscape is worse.”

National Post – The Telegraph – Wild animals thriving inside Chernobyl exclusion zone despite high radiation levels

LA Times – Erskine – Millennials, you literally cannot call yourselves adults until you take this pledge

LA Times – Lawyer who loves boxing meets 7-foot Chinese tourist who loves fighting; is it a match made in heaven?

You be careful. People in masks cannot be trusted.

Fezzik

NY Times – Kasdin – The Original Conscious Uncouplers

NY Times – Powell – Straight Out of Hollywood: The New Guy Outpitches the Ace

Wild Thing

Garden and Gun – Portman – Harvest: Georgia Pecan Truffles

NY Times – Bellafonte – Chick-fil-A and the Politics of Eating

Two Against One

NY Times – Bondy – Islanders Fans Came. They Didn’t See. They Griped.

Private Idaho

Garden and Gun – Lotz – Remembering a Beloved Athens Musician

Gepetto

National Post – Williams – Cheerleading is a highly skilled, dangerous activity. Why doesn’t it pay?

NY Times – Gurley – ‘Fat Guy Across America’ Hits New York

The brand of mountain bike he’s riding should be sponsoring this whole tour. What better advertising than the frame and tires can handle more than a quarter ton.

The Bitter Southerner – Willard – The Ghosts of Ponce De Leon Park

NY Times – Innis – Coal Mining’s Promise Falls Through for Remote Australian Town

Whiskey Chai

Phil has a question:

Do you ever think that Starbucks will have this on their menu.

Is that 3 oz Bourbon total or 3 oz Bourbon per cup.

The Ocean at The End

Five Thirty Eight – Hickey – The 25 Most Rewatchable Movies Of All Time

NY Times – Beschloss – The Pitcher Time Forgot

The Globe and Mail – Vancouver’s Downtown East Side through the eyes of those who live there

Sugar We’re Going Down

Down On The Corner

Phil M Stockmen

One Response to “Watcha Gonna Do”

mucka says:

October 11, 2015 at 10:00 am

ALBERTA NDP HORSE RACING COMMENTS SHOW LACK OF SUPPORT

BRIAN MASON LOCAL MLA HIGHLANDS/NORWOOD (northlands track area) comments in the ALBERTA HANSARD(legislature minutes) on nov 25/2014 page 28/36 quote” I(NDP) don’t believe that the provincial government should be continuing its subsidization of this industry, it is in may respects a dying industry”, this coming from the area MLA rep where plenty of pay cheques are coming from!

BRIAN MASON LOCAL NDP MLA comments in ALBERTA HANSARD april 17/2003 (12 years ago) 8/26 quote “wasted taxpayer money trophy 2nd prize $37 million horse racing industry” with a week to go before budget cut occurs. Are we all hoping for a Hail Mary or a miracle from Tenile!

HALE/DEPARTED WILDROSE MLA STRATHMORE/BROOKS REP in ALBERTA HANSARD on nov 25/2014 questioned the exclusion of the HBPA rep from the HRA board,and that the HRA is not a provincial agency and that the auditor general has his hands tied and can not look into the HRA/ well the NDP/BUDGET can and will say adios!

BRIAN MASON LOCAL office was called/message left and faxed NORTHLANDS DORM CLOSURE letter in feb/14 with no response for the removal of low cost housing for low income earning grooms.

MAYOR IVESON EDMONTON MAYOR was hand delivered the NORTHLANDS DORM CLOSURE LETTER and responded in JOURNAL the next day as to NORTHLANDS VIABILITY in general!

HRA MANDATE to protect the health and safety of racing participants yet they conducted a mandatory industry wide fire and safety course for all track licenses, when they failed to check if NORTHLANDS had a fire or evacuation plan (NONE), after OHSA put NORTHLANDS/HRA/FIRE DEPARTMENT through the wringer some of collateral damage was a fire marshall transfer and safety manager leaving!

LETHBRIDGE ACTRA HORSEMAN’S meeting yesterday was rumoured to be positive and upbeat with possible purse increases and increased dates with a private investor $ injection rumoured to be
MAX’S MILLIONS FUNDING!

HBPA THANKSGIVING DINNER enjoy your possible last supper together, and reflect on the 20 years of solid racino funding and that your hard working job skills that include getting up early/working outside in bad weather/dirty conditions/being bit and kicked will be a lot better with your possible new career changes in that many new employers will value, god bless!

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Carryovers

Monday, October 12, 2015

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Finger Lakes Pick 5 $1,685.00 Hawthorne Pick 6 Jackpot $7,244.00 Indiana Grand Race Course Pick 6 $101.00

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Evangeline Downs Super High Five $124.00 Keeneland Pick 6 $6,311.00

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Lone Star Park Pick 6 Jackpot $1,061.00

Friday, October 16, 2015

Laurel Park X-5 Super High Five $1,345.00 Pick 6 $1,197.00 Super High Five $420.00 X-5 Super High Five $370.00 Super High Five $370.00

Guaranteed Pools

Monday, October 12, 2015

Northlands Park Pick 4 – $10,000.00

October 30, Post time 10:30 a.m. MST October 31, Post time 9:00 a.m. MST*

Power Down. Look up.

Thoroughbred Fan Appreciation Weekend

Upcoming Western Thoroughbred

Race Dates

BC TOBA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday, October 12, 2015 1:50 PM MDT

Saturday, October 17, 2015 1:50 PM PDT Sunday, October 18, 2015 1:50 PM MDT

Monday, October 12, 2015 1:00 PM MDT

Friday, October 16, 2015 6:30 PM MDT Saturday, October 17, 2015 1:00 PM MDT

Upcoming Stakes

From the Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter

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

One Response to “Watcha Gonna Do”

Finger Lakes
Pick 5 $1,685.00
Hawthorne
Pick 6 Jackpot $7,244.00
Indiana Grand Race Course
Pick 6 $101.00

Evangeline Downs
Super High Five $124.00
Keeneland
Pick 6 $6,311.00

Lone Star Park
Pick 6 Jackpot $1,061.00

Laurel Park
X-5 Super High Five $1,345.00
Pick 6 $1,197.00
Super High Five $420.00
X-5 Super High Five $370.00
Super High Five $370.00

Northlands Park
Pick 4 – $10,000.00

October 30, Post time 10:30 a.m. MST
October 31, Post time 9:00 a.m. MST*

Saturday, October 17, 2015 1:50 PM PDT
Sunday, October 18, 2015 1:50 PM MDT

Friday, October 16, 2015 6:30 PM MDT
Saturday, October 17, 2015 1:00 PM MDT

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