Oct 252015
 

Less than a week to Breeders Cup 2015.

 

Louisville Courier-Journal – TwinSpires Blog – DeRosa | Lesson learned: No chalk in Classic


Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Another owners title for Ramseys at Keeneland

Phil has a question:

Does Lintner’s juxtaposition mean that owners are more important to thoroughbred racing than trainers and jockeys.


Racing Post – King – New Cheltenham stand gets racegoer thumbs-up


Lady and The Track – Macatangay – Seven Nights of Live Music at Breeders’ Cup Festival


Without music, life would be a mistake.
Friedrich Nietzsche


Pull It Off

Phil has a question:

Shouldn’t this group be finishing off the festival on Halloween.


tslogo


LA Times – Op-Ed- Edmundson – A guide to living a decent life today, courtesy of Walt Whitman


Bloodhorse – Hanson –Favorites’ chances vary in three Breeders’ Cup sprints


Music is the strongest form of magic.
Marilyn Manson


Personal Jesus


The Globe And Mail – Crosariol – Do some styles of wine stay fresher than others once opened?

Phil has a question:

What kind of wine drinker has wine left over.


It is not opium which makes me work but its absence, and in order for me to feel its absence it must from time to time be present.
Antonin Artaud


Carryovers

Sunday, October 25 2015

Belmont Park
Pick 6    $94,165.00
Golden Gate Fields
Pick 6 Jackpot    $5,123.00
Gulfstream Park West
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $5,271.00
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $1,595.00
Pick 5    $10,895.00
Laurel Park
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $8,395.00
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $2,766.00
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $1,802.00
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $854.00
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $565.00
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $561.00
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $504.00
Los Alamitos
Pick 6    $18,073.00
Woodbine
Super High Five Jackpot    $281,573.00

Monday, October 26 2015

Hawthorne
Super High Five Jackpot    $17,968.00
Indiana Grand Race Course
Pick 6    $2,010.00

Tuesday, October 27 2015

Delta Downs
Super High Five     $379.00
Evangeline Downs
Super High Five     $722.00

Wednesday, October 28 2015

Lone Star Park
Pick 6 Jackpot    $2,732.00

Guaranteed Pools

Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools


Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Churchill Preparing Bid to Host 2018 BC


Hard Sun 


 

MakeoverLogoblack TCA2

 


Lady and The Track – Macatangay – Thoroughbred Makeover & National Symposium Begins


Lexington Herald-Leader – Roberts – So the Breeders’ Cup is here: Why should I care?


Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Christine A. Moore Reflects on Keeneland Breeders’ Cup


Kentucky.com – Hughes – Breeders’ Cup contender helps paralyzed jockey rediscover passion for racing


Lexington Herald-Leader – Hughes – Breeders’ Cup: 1992 champ A.P. Indy still making mark on racing and Classic today


Breeders’ Cup Simulcast

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


Lady and The Track – Breeders’ Cup Post Position Draw Live Stream Available


 

Thoroughbred racing Commentary – Johnson –  Shug McGaughey’s verdict on Lasix, USADA – and Honor Code at the Breeders’ Cup


TwinSpires Blog – Breeders’ Cup News & Notes


TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Juvenile (Turf) contender Waterloo Bridge

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Distaff contender Salama

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Turf contender Ordak Dan

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Juvenile Turf contender Birchwood

TwinSpires Blog -Reilly – BC Internationals: Juvenile Turf contender Cymric

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Juvenile Turf contender Hit It A Bomb

TwinSpires Blog -Reilly – BC Internationals: Juvenile Turf contender Shogun

TwinSpires Blog -Reilly – BC Internationals: Juvenile Fillies Turf contender Alice Springs

TwinSpires Blog -Reilly – BC Internationals: Juvenile Fillies Turf contender Illuminate

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Filly & Mare Turf contender Queen’s Jewel

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Filly & Mare Turf contender Bawina

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Filly & Mare Turf contender Miss France

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Filly & Mare Turf contender Secret Gesture

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – BC Internationals: Filly & Mare Turf contender Legatissimo

TwinSpires Blog -Reilly – BC Internationals: Juvenile Fillies Turf contender Last Waltz 


Last Waltz


Kentucky.Com – Breeders’ Cup Classic Winners in Central Kentucky


Bloodhorse – BC 2015: Larry Jones on I’m a Chatterbox


Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Trainer Pletcher: ‘Couldn’t Be More Pleased’


TwinSpires – Blog – O’Neill on Nyquist’s final drill for BC Juvenile: ‘I saw what I wanted, I really did’


Coyote


Bloodhorse – Scott – Golden Horn Arrives at Keeneland


TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – A European sweep of the Turf, Filly & Mare Turf & Mile? 


Bloodhorse – Hangin With Haskin – Never-Say-Die O’Brien Tries Again with Gleneagles


Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour


Bloodhorse – Balan – Appealing Tale Out of BC With Ankle Injury


Kentucky Rain


Lexington Herald-Leader – Hughes – Illness last year actually kept Beholder on track from Breeders’ Cup

Bloodhorse – Novak – Beholder’s Grand Adventure

Bloodhorse – Beholding Beholder in Keeneland’s Paddock

Bloodhorse -Mitchell – Solid Work on Soft Turf for Grand Arch

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Ward Turf Workers Highlight Oct. 25 Work Tab

Bloodhorse – Angst – ‘A Real Man,’ Keen Ice Gears Up for Classic

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – ‘Super’ Breeze for Stopchargingmaria in Rain

Bloodhorse – Novak – I’m a Chatterbox Breezes Early at Keeneland

TwinSpires Blog – Tonalist, Artemis Agrotera tune up for second BC attempts

Bloodhorse – Johnson – Tonalist Sharp in BC Classic Breeze

Bloodhorse – Johnson – Honor Code in Final Classic Work at Belmont

Bloodhorse – Frosted, Other NY-Based BC Contenders Work

Bloodhorse – Shulman – Untapable Seeks Return to Form

Bloodhorse – Balan – Hard Aces Takes a Classic Shot

Bloodhorse – Angst – Tepin Tunes Up for Breeders’ Cup Mile

TwinSpires Blog – Big Blue Kitten leads Brown’s BC worker brigade

Bloodhorse – Hamonds – BC Sprint Works: In the Zone

Bloodhorse – Angst – The Pizza Man Breezes on Churchill Turf

Bloodhorse – Novak – Frivolous Tunes Up for Distaff Run

Bloodhorse – Artemis Agrotera in Eventful Breeze

TwinSpires Blog – Navarro wanted more from Private Zone’s work; Exaggerator drills for BC Juvenile

Louisville Courier-Journal – Rees- Desormeaux to ride Exaggerator in BC Juvenile

Bloodhorse – Lamarra – Desormeaux: Exaggerator’s Work ‘Spectacular’

Phil has a question:

Who is the Exaggerator here.

Bloodhorse – Nyquist Cruises in Afternoon Breeze

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – BC Juvenile Contenders Work at Keeneland

Bloodhorse – Nemoralia Works Alone on Keeneland Lawn

TwinSpires Blog – Hollendorfer: Wild Dude, Songbird ‘very good’ in final Santa Anita drills for BC

Bloodhorse – Balan – Songbird ‘Ready’ After Final SoCal Breeze


Bluebird


Louisville Courier-Journal – Rees – Limousine Liberal continues to impress


Bloodhorse – Balan – Maiden Winners Train for Longshot BC Runs


Horse Race Insider – Pricci – A Classic for the Ages and a Good Betting Race, Too


ESPN – Ehalt – Pharoah bows out in ‘race for the ages’


Lady and the Track – Hammer – Baffert Bids Phond Pharwell to Pharoah


TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Classic features exciting match-up, Distaff more contentious


ESPN – West – There’s still plenty to see in the Distaff even without Beholder


 

ESPN – There once were two men from Nantucket


Lady and The Track – Mendoza – Fillies and Mares Challenge the Males in Breeders’ Cup Series


The Show Must Go On


America’s Best Racing – Moore – 2015 Breeders’ Cup Classic Cheat Sheet


TwinSpires Blog – Scully – 2015 Breeders’ Cup BRIS Speed & Class Report


TwinSpires Blog – These horses are in line for Eclipse Awards with Breeders’ Cup success


Logo

Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Power Down. Look up.

October 16 – 25, 2015 | Jasper, Canada
Featuring Col. Chris Hadfield
and former co-hosts of Discovery channel’s Mythbusters


Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.
Lao Tzu


Twilight Zone


TDN – Get Jets Gets Up in Sleepy Hollow


Bloodhorse – Angst – Frosted Targets Classic off PA Derby Victory


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


Kentucky.com – Hughes – Breeders’ Cup notes: Rachel’s Valentina looks to make mama proud


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


South China Morning Post – Cox – Why horse racing is lengths ahead of other sports when it comes to integrity, despite its bad name


NY Times – Henning – The Paths for an Investigation of Fantasy Sports

NY Times – Williams – DraftKings Cuts Its Ties With Poker


http://gardenandgun.com/files/Shetland-Pony-Race-1.jpg

Garden and Gun – Lotz – Pint-Sized Power: Shetland Pony Steeplechase

 

Phil has an idea.

How about Shetland Pony Steeplechase for Century Downs in 2016.

They could split all the stalls in half requiring fewer barns.

Some of the ponies have their own Facebook page – Cricket.

Wouldn’t need the inside rail.

No starting gate required.

Just a few tweaks and the track would be pony ready.


The Show Must go On


LA Times – Sondheimer – Santa Anita prepares for possible wet winter meeting caused by El Niño


Upcoming Western Thoroughbred

Race Dates


hastings-logo
Race 1 2 – Fransor’s Finest
3 – Proxyman
1 – Mark
3 – Proxyman
1 – Mark
2 – Fransor’s Finest
Race 2 3 – Contact Man
6 – Swiss Arrogant
7 – Princess Zaida
6 – Swiss Arogant
3 – Contact Man
4 – Boots Gray
Race 3 4 – Briartic County
1 – After Court
3 – Timber Topper
1 – After Court
4 – Briartic County
2 – Halo’s Quest
Race 4 6 – Morrie’s Glory
1 – Haida Gwaii
2 – Bubbly On Ice
6 – Morries Glory
1 – Haida Gwaii
7 – Rachael Run
Race 5 2 – Cantcatchtherabbit
8 – Jaxinn
3 – Twopenny
2 – Cantcatchtherabbit
3 – Twopenny
8 – Jaxin
Race 6 5 – Ariki Princess
3 – Charming Silver
1 – Riojana
5 – Ariki Princess
1 – Riojana
3 – Charming Silver
Race 7 6 – Del Rio Harbor
5 – Locket
3 – Dontmesswithkitten
1 – Wilo Kat
6 – Del Rio Harbour
3 – Dontmesswithkitten
Race 8 4 – Ps Bettin On You
5 – Too Much Johnson
7 – Pas Believen
4 – Ps Bettin on You
5 – Too Much Johnson
3 – New Jersey Joe
Race 9 8 – Bearrock N Roll
7 – Casino Boss
3 – What Goes Around
8 – Bearrock N Roll
3 – What Goes Around
1 – At the Ritz
Mike’s Picks Drew’s Picks
Sunday, October 25, 2015 1:50 PM MDT

America’s Best Racing – Moore – Breeders’ Cup Legends: D. Wayne Lukas


awards dinner 2015


Kentucky.com – Hendren – Locally available accessories make the outfit for this year’s Breeders’ Cup fashionistas


.

Northlands Park Final Owner Standings 2015 – Top 20

Rank Owner Name Sts 1st 2nd 3rd Total $
1 Riversedge Racing Stables, Ltd. 167 32 30 26 $506,355
2 Derby Quest Farms Ltd. and Shot In The Dark Racing Corp. 100 29 19 12 $356,938
3 Saunders, Dale L., M and P Equipment, Inc. and Met Set Consulting, Ltd. 84 20 12 6 $264,085
4 Bar None Ranches Ltd. 109 15 16 23 $145,405
5 Deltin Stable and Welsh, Ed 34 8 7 7 $138,912
6 Southview Ag 1998 Ltd. 31 3 6 4 $126,606
7 Landry, C., Landry, D., Red Diamond Stable and Highfield Stock Farm 17 5 3 4 $122,687
8 Bear Stable LTD and Riversedge Racing Stables, Ltd. 8 4 1 0 $118,409
9 Curtis Landry 36 7 6 6 $112,944
10 Gregory, Amanda, Gary and Lesley 54 6 11 7 $111,784
11 J. and G. Murphy Holdings, Ltd. 69 9 5 6 $101,735
12 Mercedes Stables LLC 8 3 1 0 $93,454
13 Barb Saunders 25 3 4 1 $87,687
14 Ted Graling 27 6 5 4 $71,081
15 Wilde Racing 20 3 8 1 $65,635
16 Reid Racing Stable 40 8 3 6 $64,288
17 Darrell Landry 30 8 7 4 $62,167
18 R and M Stable (Hansen) 14 2 2 2 $61,665
19 Demers, Mickey, Mailloux, Gary and Viking Stable 38 4 4 5 $61,046
20 Gowdy, Geri, Green, Bernie, Harder, Vernon and Wise, Rick 9 7 0 0 $59,285

.

Northlands Park Final Jockey Standings 2015 – Top 20

Rank Jockey Name Sts 1st 2nd 3rd Total $
1 Rico W. Walcott 444 139 101 50 $1,409,044
2 Scott Williams 386 72 56 56 $768,226
3 Shannon Beauregard 307 53 43 59 $611,587
4 Ismael Eluid Mosqueira 303 40 41 50 $533,719
5 Tony Maragh 293 47 34 46 $506,121
6 Ruben Lara 307 32 41 44 $426,872
7 Jorge Espitia 257 29 34 31 $325,833
8 Quincy Welch 182 26 17 26 $296,165
9 Desmond Bryan 257 28 31 38 $273,855
10 Rafael Zenteno Jr. 168 15 29 26 $207,746
11 Damario Bynoe 231 14 28 26 $200,688
12 Anastasios Chalaris 195 15 21 29 $195,851
13 Skyler White Shield 111 16 22 13 $186,408
14 Larry Munoz 207 18 24 23 $179,870
15 Dane Nelson 36 6 7 4 $122,854
16 Jennifer Reid 72 10 11 16 $93,902
17 Justin Stein 2 1 0 0 $93,706
18 Kwame Joseph 117 9 10 8 $70,692
19 Mario Velazquez 71 5 7 11 $68,274
20 Neil S. Husbands 46 3 5 7 $34,460

.

Northlands Park Final Trainer Standings 2015 – Top 20

Rank Trainer Name Sts 1st 2nd 3rd Total $
1 Tim Rycroft 300 56 48 49 $814,036
2 Greg Tracy 264 67 47 35 $812,278
3 Dale L. Saunders 155 32 25 13 $428,484
4 Joan Petrowski 344 27 39 36 $359,983
5 Rodney J. Cone 261 33 31 29 $306,477
6 Craig Robert Smith 161 35 27 26 $286,375
7 Jerri R. Robertson 145 14 18 27 $241,256
8 Dale Greenwood 104 15 22 14 $226,560
9 Ron Grieves 138 21 22 26 $216,254
10 Ernie J. Keller 69 14 13 16 $208,780
11 Robertino Diodoro 60 17 7 6 $192,655
12 Ron K. Smith 115 16 16 19 $158,232
13 Ryan McLean 80 14 19 4 $147,282
14 Amanda Gregory 80 7 13 10 $126,012
15 Twylla Bensmiller 65 14 9 14 $124,143
16 Tom Rycroft 53 10 9 4 $120,919
17 Robert A. MacDonald 47 10 8 9 $115,044
18 Robert C. Kingston 76 11 5 8 $109,622
19 Rick Hedge 88 9 8 19 $95,159
20 Floyd M. Arthur 52 11 9 6 $86,475

.


Bloodhorse – Angst – Keeneland On-Track, All-Sources Handle Down


Bloodhorse – California Owners Group Hires Coukos

Phil has a question:

How many of you were expecting Phil to have more to say than the questions he posed before:

Did you know that Nick applied for the position of Chair of Horse Racing Alberta.

Since his qualifications for Chair of Horse Racing Alberta are vastly superior to any person that has ever held that position why wasn’t he appointed.

Do connections count more than qualifications in the province of Alberta.

Who is monitoring the Agencies, Boards and Commissions.

How could the previous government expect the Agencies, Boards and Commissions to function properly when so many of the appointments were made on connections rather than merit.

Is the new NDP government afraid of too many Tory skeletons popping out when they open the Big Broom closet.


National Post – Henton and Varcoe – NDP to table largest deficit budget in Alberta history as provincial revenues plummet with oil prices


Standardbred Canada – MacDonald – Confidence Causing Economic Hurdles


Financial Post – Kuitenbrouwer – As horse racing’s appeal fades, controversy swirls around CEO entrusted to reinvent Canada’s largest track


Upcoming Stakes

 

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


Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Chautauqua Last to First in Manikato


TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Tiger Ride rallies to take off-the-turf Valley View


Handicappers-Corner-2015-web


NY Times – Glanz, Armendariz and Bogdanich – The Offshore Game of Online Sports Betting


 

Philadelphia Inquirer –  Couloumbis and Finley A halt to horse racing in Pa.?

Philadelphia Inquirer – Nussbaum and Finley – Officials optimistic that Pa. tracks will stay open


Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Maryland Regrowing Its OTB Network


Bloodhorse – LaMarra – ADW, Revenue Reinstatement on WV Wish List


Bloodhorse – Precious – NY Rule Impacts Testing for Claimed Horses


Derby Bar and Grill

From the Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter

RAILBIRD NOTES

RAILBIRD NOTES BY GLEN TODD

BY GLEN TODD

 

HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS

Hastings News by Greg Douglas

Hastings Wrap-up For Saturday, October 24—-Richard Yates

PHOTO BY PATTI TUBBS

“Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few”, oh well, forget September Song, its late October and actually there is only one day left in the 2015 season at historic old Hastings Racecourse. So come on out on Sunday and we will all get even for the year before fading into the off season with only simulcast and dreams to sustain us until April 17 of next year when, once again, hope will spring eternal.

 Irish Romeo Loves To Go Long

IRISH ROMEO SEEN HERE WINNING THE SIXTH AT HASTINGS - PATTI TUBBS PHOTO

Saturday’s sixth race was the feature and it featured a long swooping run by the favored Irish Romeo ($5.10) that carried him from last by a lot to a two-length score in the open $25,000 claimer for three-and-ups at a mile-and-a-sixteenth. The winner, under jockey Amadeo Perez, started rolling going down the backstretch with a move that saw him inhale the field and pull away as he came to the wire. Off the Top finished second after a bold run going down the backstretch gave him a lead that would have stood up for the win if Irish Romeo had not made his own sustained  from a couple of postal codes behind the pacesetters.  The three-year-old Heartset ran third at almost 25-1 after launching a pretty good deep close of his own.  The pace was hot early and the one-two-three horses after a half-mile in 46.29 were at the opposite end of the field at the finish.   Final time was 1:45.07 over a fast track that yielded some quick times without seeming to favor speed.

Irish Romeo is now three-for-four going long and it appears that he is best routing.  He is by Stephanotis out of Irish Delta and that makes him the older full-brother to the stakes winning Irish Lyric and a half-brother to Lord Rosberg, Champion Two-Year-Old and BC-bred Horse of the Year in 2014.  Irish Romeo is owned by Gail Breckenridge and trained by Pat Jarvis.  The Dittloffs bred the winner, and his stakes winning siblings, in British Columbia, Grinrod to be precise.

Its Finally Friday Collects The Big Check

ITS FINALLY FRIDAY - PATTI TUBBS PHOTO

The seventh race served as the supporting feature and it went to Its Finally Friday ($8.00) who prevailed by a half-length after a hard fought run down the lane with Twistgrips. S. L. Express was another two-lengths back in third in the 6 ½ furlong sprint that took 1:17.25 to complete.

Its Finally Friday, with leading rider Richard Hamel aboard, was wide almost all the way as the outside horse in a three-way speed duel involving After the Conflict and the big class dropper and odds-on favorite, Title Contender. He had those two inside him around the first turn but he was in the four path, and he was four wide around the second turn when Twistgrips came through on the rail to set up the battle that continued almost to the wire before being resolved.

The winner was full value for the win, he had to run every step of the way and gave up a lot of ground to Twistgrips who had a very economical rail trip. S. L. Express closed well but late.  After the Conflict faded to fourth and Title Contender checked in fifth after Its Finally Friday put them away at the head of the lane.

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.  Mike Anderson trains.

The winner went to trainer Anita Bolton after the race. She may have put him in Title Contender’s old stall as that one was claimed from her following his fifth place finish.

Also Noteworthy:

Mike Anderson enhanced his lead in the trainer standings with a double. Aside from Its Finally Friday, as recounted above, he also scored in the fifth with Perfectly Reckless ($8.60) for owner Georg D. Morgan.  Richard Hamel rode both winners.  Jamie Demetrick and Erin Taylor bred the gelded son of Abraaj who was breaking his maiden in this field of 16K non-winners of two (BC-bred 3).

As mentioned, Richard Hamel’s double came on Mike Anderson trainees, but he had to share riding honors with Amadeo Perez who also won two on the day. Perez took the second with Cute Little Vixen ($9.80) who was winning her second in a row and third of the year for owner/breeders Russell and Lois Bennett and trainer Barbara Heads.  Perez repeated in the sixth with Irish Romeo as discussed previously.

The stallion Second in Command sired two winners on the card. Ambidextrous Duke ($20.20) finished second on the one hand, but was made the winner on the other hand, after Mattythebull failed to maintain an acceptable course down the lane to the detriment of his fellow competitors.  Ambidextrous Duke is owned by Kim Morrison and trainer John Morrison.  Jeff Burningham rode.  Second in Command also got the winner of the nightcap, Every Nites A Blur ($3.40) who was ridden by Antonio Reyes for owners J D P Holdings and Richard Hunter and trainer Nancy Betts before heading for a new home post-race, although where appears uncertain.  Second in Command stands at Road’s End Farm.

The two-year-old filly Funbeforethestorm ($10.70) did what the girls have been doing all season long over the Baby Course, she beat up on the boys by going to the front and not stopping while covering the 3 ½ furlongs in a smidgeon over 40 seconds. 47 Mile Stable and Warren Stayner own, Craig MacPherson trains, David Lopez rode and Helen Klimes bred the winner.

Holly’s Last Call ($5.80) was the first of the three winning favorites on the card.  She got the job done in the third for owners High Stakes Thoroughbreds, Marty Butz, Ross Rankin and owner/trainer John Snow.  Alexander Marti rode the daughter of Rosberg.

Today Is the Day ($16.30) and jockey Sahin Civaci got home in the eighth for owner/breeders Honesto Dino and Arnold Ocol. It was the fourth win on the card for descendants of Cy and June Anderson.  Their son Mike won two, daughter Barbara got one and grandson Taylor Anderson scored with Today Is the Day.


Canada will always be home, no question about it. Wherever the hell I am.

Esquire – What I’ve Learned – Bryan Adams


Have You Ever Loved A Woman


Canadian Gaming Business – Tadman and Sulsky – Daily fantasy sports contests: Opportunities in the Canadian market


MKT15-167 Peters Pumpkin Patch_Web Square


Disarm


TDN – Black  Type Library


INDIAN CHARLIE WORLDWIDE - We Never Let the Truth Get In The Way Of A Good Story


TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Favored Dortmund, Om secure stakes wins at Santa Anita

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Dortmund wins return, on to Churchill’s Clark

Bloodhorse – Balan – Dortmund Takes Big Bear in Santa Anita Return


Bloodhorse – Porter – Pedigree Analysis: Empire Maker


Bloodhorse – Three Chimneys Acquires Majority in Fast Anna


Giving horseplayers a voice.


Bloodhorse – Balan – O’Neill Wins Santa Anita Title in Last Race


Bloodhorse – Balan – Baruta Goes Out a Ken Maddy Winner


 

Bloodhorse – Five More Supplemented to F-T November Sale


HE ADVANCE BREEDERS’ CUP DRF GOES ON SALE TODAY at all the usual outlets by 4 p.m.  The cost is $7.50.  It contains all the past performances of all the horses pre-entered for the 13 Breeders’ Cup race.  Will they help you spot a bombs away winner like 43/1 Volponi in the 2002 Breeders Cup Classic?
The day a little “b” meant a lot

Past performances always have merit but some have more merit than others.  Most notable was the victory in the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Classic by the longest shot on the board, $89 Volponi.  His late Hall of Fame trainer Phil Johnson had added blinkers because, as he said after the race:  “I saw (jockey Shaun Bridgmohan) was riding (in a previous race) and wasn’t getting any response.”  Sharp handicappers would have noted this equipment change and, scanning past performances of Volponi, would have discovered four wins early in his career when he was wearing blinkers. Will you find a similar nugget in the Breeders’ Cup Advance Edition?

FYI . . .   20-cent bets at Del Mar
• Newly-installed AmTote equipment at California tracks will mean 20-cent superfectas and
other fractional wagers will be available at Del Mar when its meet opens next Thursday
(the Downs uses AmTote)
• So, have you decided which of the two days you plan to play in the Player’s Choice
tournament?  The one on Breeders’ Cup Day Oct. 31 or the one on Saturday, Nov. 7?
Be sure to indicate your preferred date on your entry form.  Tournament winners will be
revealed after the Nov. 7 round.

Bullet briefs . . .
• Get Advance BC Cup today, programs available Tuesday
• Remembering the Fix Six
• Will you beat the $50,000 record ASD payoff in the Breeders’ Cup?
• Woodbine features Breeders Crown, jackpot payout Saturday
• An $8 wager was worth $2.7 million at this Breeders’ Cup
• Must-read:  This best-of-Bob blog will give you the shivers

WAITING ON THE FIRST HALL OF FAMER: The Insider is awaiting the first entrant to the Triple 50 Challenge on Saturdays to bet his or her picks with real money successfully on three separate Saturdays.  A certificate of merit and buffet for two is also awaiting the first to do so–plus copious bragging rights.  Do this:  When you bet your three $50 picks (and profit by a total of at least $100), save the cashed tickets and give them to the supervisor each Saturday.  You will be inducted into The Insider Hall of Fame after you’ve done that on any three Saturdays.
Congrats to Anne Champion whose name has been added to the Honour Roll because she turned her three fictitious $50 wagers into $172.50 profit last Saturday and to John Field who’s been making a habit of it (his fictitious profit was $140).  Will he be the first to take the next step to fame and fortune?

DO THE DOWNS


Carryovers

Click for schedule
Meatloaf
Saturday’s new comfort
food dinner special
CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE
Official stations of horse racing.
Click to listen

Here come the big three: Breeders Crown Saturday, Breeders’ Cup next
Friday and Saturday and the Melbourne Cup the following Monday

GRAB A 20-CENT SHARE

Mandatory payout of the $1 million-plus Jackpot Hi 5 wager
at Woodbine Saturday follows Breeders Crown races
We’re into Crown, ‘Cup, ‘Cup season, folks.  This Saturday night features the Breeders Crown of harness racing from Woodbine. The night will come to a betting climax with a mandatory payout of the Jackpot Hi 5 pool which has a carryover of more than $500,000. The pool should grow to $1.6 million. You can scoop a share for 20-cents.
Then there’s the Breeders’ Cup, of course, next Friday and Saturday at Keeneland with four races Friday and nine on Saturday.  And the trio of high-profile events will be rounded out the following Monday with “the race that stops a nation”–the Melbourne Cup–from Down Under with over-the-top pageantry, glamour and 20-horse fields at Flemington Park.  Twenty-cent superfectas, pick-3s and pick-4s are available on Australian races which are featured every night until 2 a.m.

YOU NAMED ME WHAT?  Theywonderyidrink.  A 2-year-old Ontario-bred colt by Einstein who debuted at Woodbine last Saturday, finishing sixth.  Seems it would be interesting to find out how the horse came to be named that.  In fact, that should be required information when foals’ names are registered with The Jockey Club so it could be added to horse names on their website.  It would make for fascinating reading.  What do you think, horse breeders/owners?

Challenge:  Can you beat the $50,000 record?

During the 2006 Breeders’ Cup races, a bettor at the Quest Inn off-track site placed a $20 superfecta wager, resulting in a payoff of more than $50,000.  That’s been the highest payoff ever in Manitoba for a Breeders’ Cup score.  Can you top that next week?  NOTE:  Each pick-6 combination this year is $1 instead of the usual $2.

And what has been the biggest betting coup anywhere during any Breeders’ Cup?  That came in 2003 when a struggling South Dakota jeweller and his friend spent $8 to nail the $2.7 million pick-6.  And they didn’t win it by betting random numbers.  The bettor, Graham Stone, later said he had carefully analyzed each horse in each Santa Anita race to come up with the ticket. You’d think, though, that the stars had to be perfectly aligned that day. If nothing else, it shows pocket change and finely-tuned logic CAN make one rich.
*       *       *
Remember the “Fix Six?”
On the opposite end of the $2.7 million score for a mere $8 ticket above, was the Breeders’ Cup betting scam at Arlington Park the year before which came to be known as the Fix Six.  It set racing on its ear and paralyzed certain kinds of wagering until authorities in Canada and the U.S. could guarantee the integrity of racing pools.
Long story short, a trio of  frat brothers–one of them having access to a computer containing everyone’s wagers–changed the numbers bet by one of the brothers in the pick-6 after four legs were run so the trio stood to make $2.57 million. However, greed and not understanding the nuances of betting did them in. They had bet a $12-per-combination ticket instead of the usual $2 and people started asking questions (the ticket was key-key-key-key-all-all).  Had they disguised their ticket better, taking several horses in each of the first four legs, and bet only $2 combinations, they might still be operating today from a Manhattan penthouse instead of having to spend time in jail.  It didn’t help, either, that the last leg of the pick-6 was won by the longest shot on the board, Volponi (see picture at top of column).
SIDE NOTE:  The Equibase results posted online for Volponi’s Breeders’ Cup race still lists the “scam” pick-6 payoff even though no one legally had it.  Maybe it’s being left in place so the frat brothers can look up the prices and dream what could have been had they not been so dumb and greedy.
*       *       *
PRINTED BREEDERS’ CUP PROGRAMS for Friday’s and Saturday’s races will be available Tuesday afternoon at the VLT cage at the Downs. The Daily Racing Form will be available as usual the day before each Breeders’ Cup race card. But, remember, you can pick up a DRF Advance Edition containing ALL past performances of pre-entered horses by 4 p.m. today.
BRUNCH SPACE STILL AVAILABLE:  Call 204-885-3330 to book space in the Terrace Dining Room for the $19.95 Breeders’ Cup brunch on Saturday, Oct. 31.  If you’re wearing a Halloween costume, you can eat free! Not.  But if you’re wearing a costume, it WILL add to the fun of the Breeders’ Cup on Halloween.

Where are they now?
by Rob MacLennan
Shelley Brown
Logs third win

The TURF PARADISE meet got off to a wet start on Saturday. Through the first three days Don Schnell had a second with Idling and a third with the hard-knocking I Am Awesome.

At NORTHLANDS, trainer Shelley Brown picked up her third win with the quick 2-year-old Imageofperfection ridden by former ASD jock Jennifer Reid ($3.20). K5 Stables continued to have a good run out west with a win by Discreet Gold ($4.50) and a second by Key to Glory.
At WOODBINE, Murray Duncan had Wild N Crazy run fourth in a claiming race on the Canadian International undercard Sunday.
Look out for ASD horses in Alberta this weekend as it is closing weekend.
THE WEEK THAT WAS
Honor Code (#1) wins Whitney

SIZZLING WORKS FOR HONOR CODE: The Breeders’ Cup Classic has been all about Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and the mare, Beholder, who has been beating her rivals in a cakewalk.  Now add Honor Code to the mix.  They were buzzing at Belmont Monday as the 4-year-old ridgling who won the Grade 1 Whitney at Saratoga in August prepped for the Classic in sizzling fashion going a half-mile in 46.14 seconds, five-furlongs in 58.16, six furlongs in 1:11.07 and seven furlongs in 1:24.50. The estimated mile time was 1:37.50.  Workouts leading to the Breeders’ Cup are critical determinants of horses’ ultimate performances.

NO ONE WON $1 MILLION BUT WOODBINE WAS READY: It was extremely unlikely anyone would predict the correct order of the Pattison International or E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine last Sunday to win $1 million.  But Woodbine wasn’t taking any chances. A spokesperson said the track bought insurance for about $30,000 for each of the two races so they wouldn’t be saddled with the giant pay outs if someone won.  The favourite, Cannock Chase ($7.50), won the International but the second choice, Second Step, finished ninth in the 11-horse field which probably eliminated most entries almost immediately. The favourite, Curvy ($6.90) won the E. P. Taylor and the second choice, Strut the Course, finished fourth so that race was more predictable.  But a 12-horse field in the correct order?  C’mon. We should be in the insurance business.
LIBERALS GOOD FOR THE DOWNS?  There is hope around the track that the new Liberal government will ease restrictions on foreign workers that the Harper government had suddenly unleashed on race tracks last year, resulting in some horses not being brought to the track and in trainers and grooms being challenged to complete all required work each day. The Downs had received little sympathy from Conservative Steven Fletcher who has now been replaced by Liberal Doug Eyolfson as the representative for the Downs’ constituency.

MY VIEW OF THE NEW PM: Since I haven’t seen this view expressed anywhere, here’s my take on Justin Trudeau:  My view is that he is consumed with duty — maybe as result of his father’s legacy. Which means he won’t be testing the political winds or trying to project a certain image. Rather, he will be duty-bound to carry through with his election promises — and, therefore, will get them done. I believe his word is his absolute bond because of that and he will be the most truthful, transparent prime minister we’ve ever known. Certainly his advisers say he’s very hard-working. Within about six months, will even Harper die-hards be saying “wow?”

AD SEEN ON KIJIJI: “I’ll give you $5 to take my 2 free Bomber tickets.”

HISTORY ON THE HOOF: The best of Bob
Did you know . . .  on Canada’s 100th birthday, July 1, 1970, a first-time starter launched a whirlwind of wins at the Downs, becoming a media darling and creating a legion of fans (including Bob) but ultimately broke hearts?  Who was the horse and what happened?  Bob has the uplifting, painful details here.

PARTING RUSH:  For a rush that should last you until the real thing a week from tomorrow, click here to watch Tom Durkin’s best Breeders’ Cup stretch calls. On second thought, if you have a weak heart, you better not.

Maker's Mark Plans Breeders' Cup Bottles

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.


Bloodhorse – Balan – Om Never in Doubt in Twilight Score


Fort Erie Race Track Logo

FELRC Board Announces 2016 Racing Date Application

Fort Erie, October 14th…The Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium (FELRC) Board of Directors decided today on applying to the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) for a 40 day race schedule for 2016.The 2016 race season will have a similar race calendar, purses and operations as the 2015 race season. Start and end dates may be adjusted as the staff work out the detailed operational strategy.“The Board of Directors of the FELRC made a commitment when they took over the failing racetrack to ensure our horse people, our staff and our fans knew before each current year-end about the following seasons race program”, said James Thibert, FELRC CEO.

“The strong performance improvements this year from increased wagering, increases in fans, the stronger US dollar and cost- management controls allowed the Board to make this decision in spite of cost-of-living increases and some serious reductions in partner contributions”, said Thibert.

“Our strong metrics are the result of increased confidence in the future of the Fort Erie Race Track”, said Thibert, “and this is all due to a strong management team, experienced horse racing community, staff and fans”.

“We really need to increase revenues at a faster pace”, said Thibert, “and that would mean support from the Province in line with the return of gaming to Fort Erie. This is particularly keen when the US dollar is at a premium and would support additional forms of gaming”.

Fort Erie has 2 more race days remaining for the 2015 season. Post times have been changed to 1:30pm for Sunday, October 18th and Tuesday, October 20th, 2015.

Elissa Blowe
Media & Marketing Manager
1-800-295-3770 ext. 3204
e-mail: femedia@forterieracetrack.ca


Bloodhorse – Angst – Empire Dreams True in Empire Classic Victory


Bloodhorse – Balan – Delightful Joy Tops Turnback the Alarm ‘Cap


Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Vazirabad Wins Royal-Oak, ‘Cirrus‘ Fourth


Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Odeliz Too Tough in Lydia Tesio


Yet the horror increased when it became apparent that even his most dire moments were going to be stolen by the tacky reality TV show that had already taken so much.

The Kardashians, led by Lamar’s estranged wife Khloe, showed up over Odom’s comatose body, and suddenly the narrative changed. Odom wasn’t a former NBA champion, he was a reality TV star. Odom wasn’t a deeply troubled and vulnerable former athlete, he was the guy who was keeping Khloe from hanging out with her new boyfriend, James Harden. 

Suddenly, all the prayers weren’t only for Odom, but for the poor Kardashians and all their pain, reality TV’s freak show pulling in Odom one more time, capitalizing on his celebrity one more time, overshadowing his real struggles one more time, creating an irony both somber and profound. The Kardashians came across as Odom’s intensive-care advocates when, in fact, his appearance in their warped TV world was part of the self-destructive slide that led him there.

LA Times – Plaschke – Kardashians’ freak show capitalizes on Lamar Odom one more time

Phil has a question:

We’ve heard that Donald Trump’s relatives started in the Klondike goldfields. Did the Kardashians get their start there or do they dig their gold in different ways.


Would Hamlet have felt the delicious fascination of suicide if he hadn’t had an audience, and lines to speak?
Jean Genet


National Post – Stinson – Toronto Blue Jays’ time on the post-season tightrope concludes in Game 6

The Globe And Mail – Bautista brings hope, then heartache as Jays fall to Royals

National Post – Toronto Blue Jays’ season ends with Game 6 heartbreaker in Kansas City


No Crying In Baseball


I finally know what distinguishes man from the other beasts: financial worries.
Jules Renard

Toronto Sun – Simmons – Anthopoulos expected to return to Jays next season: Sources

Phil has a question:

Are the Jays willing to pay the Price to contend in 2016.


Of puns it has been said that those who most dislike them are those who are least able to utter them.

Edgar Allan Poe


NY Times – Waldstein – Sorry, Jose, This Joe Batt Came First


NY Times – Ruiz – N.B.A. Cheerleaders’ New Rallying Cry: Better Pay


Edmonton Sun – Dykstra – Alberta health minister: New board, sub-committees govern Alberta Health Services


The main object of a revolution is the liberation of man… not the interpretation and application of some transcendental ideology.
Jean Genet


Captain and Tenile


NY Times – Rosman – Lululemon’s Kumbaya Capitalism


Tainted Love


But this scandal peels back a scab in college sports. Underneath lies the truth that winning is what really matters. Pitino wins and his program generates attention and money for the University of Louisville. Forget the sanctimonious platitudes about student-athletes and amateur athletics and training teenagers to become men. That’s not what this is about. It’s about winning and the money it generates.

So what if a mother pimped out her daughters to get paid for sex with Louisville basketball players. You’d think this would stick to Pitino and Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich, too.

But it won’t. Heading into this season, Pitino has one of his weakest teams in recent years. So what if he’s lying or unwilling to take responsibility. He’s got a real job to do and that’s win basketball games at Louisville.

After that the players will go back to the dorm, have a party, and Pitino won’t know anything about it.

Forbes – Barca – Rick Pitino, The Louisville Sex Scandal And The Scab Pulled Back On College Athletics

LA Times – AP – Louisville Coach Rick Pitino says he won’t resign

Louisville Courier-Journal – Greer – Pitino to skip ACC basketball media day

Louisville Courier-Journal – Warren – Powell: Exposing UofL sex scandal about money

Louisville Courier-Journal – Wolfson and Greer – Andre McGee resigns from UMKC

Phil has a question:

Is the NCAA investigating the Louisville Cardinals because their players took part in parties where there was promiscuity, strippers, booze and prostitution or is the NCAA investigating the Louisville Cardinals because some alumnus or alumni paid for the parties where there was promiscuity, strippers, booze and prostitution.


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


Lost River


National Post – Quebec police officers accused of trading money and drugs for sex with aboriginal women placed on leave


NY Times – Crouse – Before Student-Athletes Earn a Penny, a Course in How to Manage Millions


National Post – O’Connor – Canada’s unlikeliest MP: Ruth Ellen Brosseau went from ‘Vegas Girl’ to NDP success story


National Post – Edmiston – Michelle Rempel on running for Tory leader: ‘I’m a 35-year-old chick. We’re not supposed to do these sorts of things’

Phil has a question.

If woman want sexism to cease then why do some insist on calling themselves sexist names.


What Do You Call A Woman


National Post – Ahsan – Jeb Bush says Supergirl is ‘pretty hot,’ digs himself into a proverbial hole


National Post – Hamilton – ‘Donald Trump is borrowing from us’: Doug Ford on how to fix the Conservative party

The Globe And Mail – AP – Farrington – Trump says Bush is embarrassing his family, can’t run a campaign and shouldn’t run country

Business Insider – Campbell – Donald Trump mocks ‘sleeping’ Ben Carson after he takes the lead in Iowa


FiveThirtyEight – Wasserman – Not Even Paul Ryan Can Bridge The House GOP’s Divisions


Maybe when you die, you come before a big, bearded man on a big throne, and you say, “Is this heaven?” And he says, “Heaven? You just came from there.

Kirk Douglas


NY Times – Barry – Even in the Language of 1908, the Cubs Come Up Losers


The Globe and Mail – Molotkow – Chrissie Hynde on artistic expression and the sexual revolution


Molotov Girls


Anyone who hasn’t experienced the ecstasy of betrayal knows nothing about ecstasy at all.
Jean Genet


LA Times – Rivera – Math professor’s textbook choice adds up to controversy at Cal State Fullerton


Kentucky.com – Blackford – UK disputes trademark of ‘Kentucky’ on Kentucky moonshine distillery’s T-shirts


Southern Living – The Grumpy Gardener – Why I Hate Fall by Judy Bender


Divine Hammer

Everything But


Phil M Stockmen

  One Response to “Wanna Know For Sure”

  1. MACDONALD BLOG A TASTE OF HORSE RACING REALITY VERSUS ROSECOLOURED GLASSES?

    ANTHONY MACDONALD blog in Standardbred Canada Confidence Causing Economic Hurdles about the state of horse racing (mentioned by mucka on wednesday) quote ” if we can’t slow,stop, and reverse the trend of migration of our horses and investor’s money across the border we will end up like the band playing on TITANTIC, veteran racing participants be sailing into the sunset if the anticipated funding formula change sinks the whole racing industry.

    CANADIAN HARNESS RACING FAN CLUB – Standardbred Canada contest for meeting their favorite race personality with a short comment (250 words/contest ends monday) with TRAVIS CULLEN rumoured to be receiving a huge response from the young rural filly division to meet the rising star with over 900k in stable earnings, he’ll be tough to beat unlike the grade A Alberta steak for their lunch.

    GOLDEN GAVEL AWARD update TC open a easy front end lead but KELLY H sitting chilly in a two hole trip,might pull and nip him at the wire especially after SHERIFF DOUG enforced a 4th violation of the both hands in the hand hole rule resulting in a $500 fine ouch, what’s next $750/$1000?

    CANADIAN live racing totals up 9.16% YTD 373/15 million compared to 342/14, how’s ALBERTA doing?

    NDP HORSE RACING EXIT STRATEGY will probably lead to expensive and lengthy litigation that will destroy the fragile relationships that exist between groups.
    Thoroughbred season’s over until next battle starts?

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.