If you haven’t noticed slowly but surely Daily Racing Form is moving back to allow more free public access to the articles on their website.

Southern Living – Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes

The Count Meets the Cookie Monster

The Last Fight

LA Times – Wharton – Famed horse racing announcer Trevor Denman abruptly announces retirement

TDN – Denman Announces Retirement

Bloodhorse – Race Caller Denman to Retire From Santa Anita

It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly. And it is impossible to live wisely and well and justly without living a pleasant life.
Epicurus

1. Culture Change

“We’re working at a transformation that’s consistent with getting more people interested in the game,” Lawson said of the culture change he began leading shortly after April 1, when he took over for outgoing CEO Nick Eaves.

“What we’re faced with in this industry is just a challenging landscape in terms of the competition for that sports and entertainment dollar. I think what we need to do is become better as an organization in terms of attracting people and showing people what horse racing can do, how people can come out and enjoy themselves. That starts with having a happy workplace. People who are excited about what they do, they pass on that excitement to the customer.”

Lawson said increasing employee investment in the operation requires removing some of the hierarchy in an organization that has nearly 2,000 employees and operates both Woodbine Racetrack just down the road from Toronto’s Pearson Airport and its Standardbred-only sister track, Mohawk Racetrack, 30 miles west of the city in Campbellville.

“Part of our cultural change is challenging people for that new vision to give them the empowerment to do things differently,” Lawson said. “I think that’s the way horse racing is going to survive in this province – by being new and innovative – and that’s part of our cultural vision and our vision, generally, as a company.”

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Briggs – Seven reasons Woodbine may have a bright future after all

Patience

DRF – Hegarty – Betfair gains first exchange-wagering license in U.S.

TDN – Kane – The Adaptation of Peter Bradley

ESPN – West – Anxiously awaiting the new year

Leave

Racing Post – Walker – Clark and Cigar prove Pharoah the real deal

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – The elite mares being lined up for a date with American Pharoah

ESPN – Hangin With Haskin – The Bid: Sustained Greatness

Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Fioretti Headlines Turfway Park Opening Weekend

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Turfway opens to big fields, casual experience

Bloodhorse – Turfway Park Begins Four-Month Run Dec. 3

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – KHRC chair resigns; historic racing for Turfway

Bloodhorse – Shulman – Shared Belief Dies After Colic Surgery

TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Shared Belief succumbs to colic

TDN – Shared Belief Succumbs to Colic

DRF – Hovdey: Heartbreaking end to year for Sherman stable

LA Times – Sondheimer – Los Alamitos begins 12-day thoroughbred meeting

Bloodhorse – Los Alamitos Set for 12-Day Meet

TDN – Murietta – Sky’s The Limit for Young California Trainer

TwinSpires Blog – DeRosa -Three horses to bet on Saturday, December 5

Carryovers

Saturday December 5 2015

Delta Downs
Super High Five     $2,585.00
Super High Five     $1,399.00
Super High Five     $866.00
Super High Five     $652.00
Super High Five     $566.00
Super High Five     $357.00
Evangeline Downs
Super High Five     $1,220.00
Golden Gate Fields
Pick 6 Jackpot    $33,840.00
Hawthorne
Super High Five Jackpot    $156,116.00
Pick 6 Jackpot    $17,708.00
Laurel Park
Pick 6    $28,016.00
Super High Five     $619.00
Z-5 Super Hi-5     $611.00
Los Alamitos
Pick 6    $19,386.00
Los Alamitos Race Course
Pick 6    $16,335.00
Tampa Bay Downs
X-5 Super High Five     $3,907.00
X-5 Super High Five     $2,655.00
X-5 Super High Five     $1,126.00
X-5 Super High Five     $1,050.00
X-5 Super High Five     $1,040.00
Turf Paradise
Pick 6    $2,104.00
Turfway Park
Super High Five     $2,039.00
Zia Park
Super High Five     $1,931.00

Guaranteed Pools

Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools

Lady and the Track – Hammer – The Championship Meet 2015 at Gulfstream Park

Bloodhorse – Spotlight on Claimers Saturday at Gulfstream

DRF – Welsch – As usual, Maker well-stocked for Claiming Crown

TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Claiming Crown kicks off Championship Meet at Gulfstream Park

Horse Race Insider – Jicha – Gulfstream opens its winter season with a player’s delight

DRF – McGee – Local runners look to turn back invaders in Glass Slipper

Bloodhorse – Dettori Named ‘World’s Best Jockey’ for 2015

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Crispe – Two female jockeys who have put the men well and truly in their place

This Weekend’s Stakes

Dec 5
Aqueduct
Garland of Roses handicap $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
Golden Gate Fields
Gold Rush $75,000 2yo 8f AW
Gulfstream Park
Claiming Crown Canterbury $110,000 3&up R 5f Turf
Claiming Crown Distaff Dash $110,000 3&up Fillies & Mares R 5f Turf
Claiming Crown Emerald $125,000 3&up R 8.5f Turf
Claiming Crown Express $110,000 3&up R 6f Dirt
Claiming Crown Glass Slipper $110,000 3&up Fillies & Mares R 8f Dirt
Claiming Crown Iron Horse $110,000 3&up R 8.5f Dirt
Claiming Crown Jewel $200,000 3&up R 9f Dirt
Claiming Crown Rapid Transit $110,000 3&up R 7f Dirt
Claiming Crown Tiara $125,000 3&up Fillies & Mares R 8.5f Turf
Hawthorne
Pat Whitworth Illinois Debutante $50,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Kinko Sho GII $1,085,000 3&up 10f Turf
Stayers Stake GII $1,085,000 3&up 18f Turf
Laurel Park
Gin Talking stake $100,000 2yo Fillies 7f Dirt
Marylander stake $100,000 2yo 7f Dirt
Willa On the Move stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt

Los Alamitos
Soviet Problem Slake $100,000 2yo f State/Prov 8f Dirt
Mahoning Valley Racecourse
Bobbie Bricker Memorial handicap $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Joshua Radosevich Memorial $75,000 2yo State/Prov 6f Dirt
Parx
Pennsylvania Nursery stake $100,000 2yo State/Prov 7f Dirt
Turfway Park
Holiday Inaugural stake #$60,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f AW
Turf Paradise
Arizona Breeders’ Futurity $50,000 2yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6f Dirt
Arizona Breeders’ Futurity $50,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Cactus Flower stake $25,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
Cactus Wren stake $25,000 3&up State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
Dec 6
Japan Racing Association
Champions Cup GI $1,707,000 3&up 9f Dirt

Dec 7
Portland Meadows
Stallion stake $16,000 3yo R 6f Dirt

Dec 11
Fair Grounds
Magic City Classic $57,000 3&up 8f Dirt

Dec 12
Aqueduct
Bay Ridge stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Charles Town
Eleanor Casey Memorial $50,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 7f Dirt
Fair Grounds
Louisiana Champions Day Classic stake $150,000 3&up State/Prov 9f Dirt
Louisiana Champions Day handicap $50,000 3&up State/Prov 8.32f Dirt
Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile stake $100,000 2yo State/Prov 6f Dirt
Louisiana Champions Day Ladies stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
Louisiana Champions Day Lassie stake $100,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Louisiana Champions Day Sprint stake $100,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Louisiana Champions Day Turf stake $100,000 3&up State/Prov abt 8.5f Turf
Gulfstream Park
El Prado stake $100,000 3&up 7.5f Turf
Harlan’s Holiday Stake (L) $100,000 3&up 8.5f Dirt
Rampart Stake GIII $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8f Dirt
South Beach stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 7.5f Turf
Hawthorne
Jim Edgar Illinois Futurity $50,000 2yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Challenge Cup GIII $723,000 3&up 9f Turf

Los Alamitos
King Glorious Stake $100,000 g 2yo c/g State/Prov 8f
Starlet GI $300,000 2yo f 8.5f Dirt

Dec 13
Golden Gate Fields
Miss America $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Turf
Hong Kong
Longines Hong Kong Cup GI $3,225,000 3&up 10f Turf
Longines Hong Kong Mile GI $2,967,000 3&up 8f Turf
Longines Hong Kong Sprint GI $2,386,000 3&up 6f Turf
Longines Hong Kong Vase GI $2,128,000 3&up 12f Turf
Japan Racing Association
Capella Stake GIII $633,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Hanshin Juvenile Fillies GI $1,173,000 2yo Fillies 8f Turf
Remington Park
Jim Thorpe stake $50,000 3yo State/Prov 8f Dirt
Remington Springboard Mile (L) $250,000 2yo 8f Dirt
She’s All In stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.32f Dirt
Trapeze stake $100,000 2yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Useeit stake $50,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8f Dirt

Dec 18
Delta Downs
Lookout $65,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 7.5f Dirt

Dec 19
Aqueduct
Queens County handicap $100,000 3&up 9f Dirt
Delta Downs
B-Connected $65,000 3&up State/Prov 7.5f Dirt
Fair Grounds
Blushing K.D. stake $60,000 4&up Fillies & Mares abt 8.5f Turf
Buddy Diliberto Memorial stake $60,000 4&up abt 8.5f Turf
Letellier Memorial stake $50,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Sugar Bowl stake $50,000 2yo 6f Dirt
Tenacious stake $60,000 3&up 8.32f Dirt
Tiffany Lass stake $50,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8.32f Dirt
Gulfstream Park
Mr. Prospector Stake GIII $100,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Tropical Park Derby $75,000 3yo 8.5f Turf
Tropical Park Oaks $75,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Turf
Japan Racing Association
Turquoise Stake (L) $633,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8f Turf

Los Alamitos
Los Alamitos Futurity GI $350,000 2yo 8.5f
Sunland Park
KLAQ handicap $65,000 3&up 5f Dirt
Tampa Bay Downs
Inaugural stake #$100,000 2yo Colts & Geldings 6f Dirt
Lightning City Stake (L) #$100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 5f Turf
Sandpiper stake #$100,000 2yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Turfway Park
Prairie Bayou stake #$60,000 3&up 8.5f AW

Dec 20
Aqueduct
New York Stallion Series (Fifth Ave. Div.) $150,000 2yo Fillies R 6f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Asahi Hai Futurity Stake GI $1,274,000 2yo 8f Turf
Sunland Park
Johnie L. Jamison stake $85,000 3&up State/Prov 6.5f Dirt
Sunland Park
New Mexico State Racing Commission handicap $85,000 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt

Dec 26
Aqueduct
Damon Runyon stake $100,000 2yo State/Prov 8.32f Dirt
Gravesend handicap $100,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Fair Grounds
Pago Hop stake $75,000 3yo Fillies abt 8f Turf
Pan Zareta stake $60,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 6f Turf
Woodchopper stake $75,000 3yo abt 8f Turf
Gulfstream Park
La Prevoyante Handicap GIII $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 12f Turf
Sugar Swirl Stake GIII $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
W.L. McKnight Handicap GIII $100,000 3&up 12f Turf
Japan Racing Association
Hanshin Cup GII $1,173,000 3&up 7f Turf
Laurel Park
Dave’s Friend stake $100,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Jennings handicap $50,000 3&up State/Prov 8f Dirt
Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship $50,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 7f Dirt
Maryland Juvenile Futurity $50,000 2yo State/Prov 7f Dirt
Thirty-Eight Go Go stake $100,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 8f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Daytona Stake GIII $100,000 3&up abt 6.5f Turf
La Brea Stake GI $300,000 3yo Fillies 7f Dirt
Malibu Stake GI $300,000 3yo 7f Dirt
Mathis Brothers Mile GII $200,000 3yo 8f Turf
Sunland Park
La Senora stake $85,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Turf Paradise
Arizona Juvenile Fillies stake $35,000 2yo Fillies 6.5f Dirt
Lost in the Fog Juvenile stake $35,000 2yo 6.5f Dirt

Dec 27
Aqueduct
East View stake $100,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 8.32f Dirt
New York Stallion Series (Great White Way Div.) $150,000 2yo Colts & Geldings R 6f Dirt
Japan Racing Association
Arima Kinen GI $4,530,000 3&up 12.5f Turf
Hopeful Stake GII $1,173,000 2yo 10f Turf
Portland Meadows
Bill Wineberg stake $15,000 2yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6f Dirt
Janet Wineberg stake $15,000 2yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Lethal Grande Oregon Sprint Championship $12,000 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oregon Distaff Starter handicap $7,500 g 3&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oregon Fall Starter handicap $7,500 g 3&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oregon Hers stake $12,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8f Dirt
Oregon His stake $12,000 3yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 8.5f Dirt

Bloodhorse – Johnson – 10 Up-and-Coming Derby Contenders

TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Kentucky Derby hopefuls in Gulfstream’s Championship Meet spotlight; Pletcher & Castellano seek to continue dominance 

Bloodhorse – ‘All Others’ Choice in Pool 1 of KDFW

Louisville Courier-Journal – Airoforce takes Jockey Club on Derby trail

Bloodhorse – Casse Has Derby Aspirations for 2-year-olds

TwinSpires Blog – Casse dreaming of Kentucky Derby following Saturday victories

DRF – Privman – Road to the Derby: Remsen Stakes

DRF – Privman – Road to the Derby: Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes

ESPN – Finley – An early Ky. Derby prediction

Lady and the Track – Laughter – Mohaymen Travels Down 2016 Kentucky Derby Trail

Bloodhorse – Mohaymen Heads South After Remsen Victory

TwinSpires Blog – Mohaymen, Lewis Bay exit Remsen, Demoiselle in good order

DRF – Jerardi: Mohaymen at top of Derby heap – for now

TDN – Caulfield – Pedigree Insights: Mohaymen

To Love Somebody

DRF – Privman – Road to the Derby: FrontRunner Stakes

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
Los Alamitos Futurity Los Alamitos Race Course Dec 19, 2015 10-4-2-1
Jerome Aqueduct Jan 9, 2016 10-4-2-1
Sham Santa Anita Park Jan 16, 2016 10-4-2-1
Smarty Jones Oaklawn Park Jan 18, 2016 10-4-2-1
Holy Bull Gulfstream Park Jan 30, 2016 10-4-2-1
Withers Aqueduct Feb 13, 2016 10-4-2-1
Robert B. Lewis Santa Anita Park Feb 13, 2016 10-4-2-1
Southwest Oaklawn Park Feb 15, 2016 10-4-2-1
El Camino Real Derby Golden Gate Fields Feb 20, 2016 10-4-2-1
Fountain of Youth Gulfstream Park Feb 27, 2016 50-20-10-5
Risen Star Fair Grounds Feb 27, 2016 50-20-10-5
Gotham Aqueduct Mar 12, 2016 50-20-10-5
Tampa Bay Derby Tampa Bay Downs Mar 12, 2016 50-20-10-5
San Felipe Santa Anita Park Mar 12, 2016 50-20-10-5
Rebel Oaklawn Park Mar 19, 2016 50-20-10-5
Sunland Derby Sunland Park Mar 20, 2016 50-20-10-5
Spiral Turfway Park Mar 26, 2016 50-20-10-5
UAE Derby Meydan Racecourse Mar 26, 2016 100-40-20-10
Florida Derby Gulfstream Park Apr 2, 2016 100-40-20-10
Louisiana Derby Fair Grounds Apr 2, 2016 100-40-20-10
Wood Memorial Aqueduct Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Blue Grass Keeneland Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Santa Anita Derby Santa Anita Park Apr 9, 2016 100-40-20-10
Arkansas Derby Oaklawn Park Apr 16, 2016 100-40-20-10
Lexington Keeneland Apr 16, 2016 10-4-2-1

TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Five Takeaways from Thanksgiving Weekend

TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Dortmund & The Pizza Man logical, Stormy Lucy & pair of Glen Hill/Proctor horses post upsets at Del Mar

TDN – DeBernardis – Glen Hill’s Future Looking Bright

TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Tonalist, Mohaymen among star performers in a stakes-packed week at Aqueduct 

Bloodhorse – Shulman Songbird Will Point for Kentucky Oaks

2016 Road to the Kentucky Oaks

Race    Track    Date      Points
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

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Ross – Is the Barr-Tonko bill doomed to never get off the ground?

It’s not tyranny we desire; it’s a just, limited, federal government.
Alexander Hamilton

Paulick Report – Paulick – Desormeaux Responds To Noseda Criticism: ‘He Can Kiss My A– –‘

Racing Post – Mottershead – Noseda reveals ire over Desormeaux ‘rudeness’

TDN – Congrats Filly Becomes Rising Star in Desert Debut

ESPN – Cronley – The thought counts

TDN – Finley – Op/Ed: Lasix: Why The Effinex Team Just Said Yes

TwinSpires Blog – Powel – Handicapping Insights – Effinex & Tonalist record Grade 1 wins, looking forward to a budding rivalry in 2016 

From the Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter

New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society at 2015 Thoroughbred Awards Dinner

New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society at 2015 Thoroughbred Awards Dinner

Live Auction Items Up for Grabs!

New Stride is thrilled to contribute a variety of fantastic items to this year’s dinner’s live auction, all proceeds will go towards re-training and re-homing BC racehorses in need of a new career or a pleasant retirement. In addition to a signed hockey stick by Vancouver Canucks player Henrik Sedin, here is a sneak peek at what you can expect to bid on:

Canvas-mounted 24×36 photograph by Katyann Davidson

“The Camargue 5”

Local photographer Katyann Davidson took this photo in the Camargue, a marshy area in the south of France. The horses are considered an ancient breed that have lived in the wetlands of France for many centuries.

Diamond Jewel Pendant

An anonymous donation, this beautiful diamond piece was purchased over 10 years ago from Ragnar Jewellers.

Horse Plate Collection

“Meet Go For Wand, Ruffian, Lady’s Secret and Genuine Risk”

Generously donated by Lorne MacDougall, this horse image plate collection is mounted on a custom-made wood frame.

RAILBIRD NOTES

BY GLEN TODD

HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – The Dortmund weight goof and other Thanksgiving weekend thoughts

Bloodhorse – Shulman – Lady Eli Tack-Walking in Florida

TDN – Sherack – Wavell Avenue Eyeing Title Defense

Bloodhorse – Angst – Stronach Tracks Sue Contest Site DerbyWars

Bloodhorse – Business Strong at Churchill Downs Fall Meet

TwinSpires Blog – Total, average handle increases during Churchill fall meeting

Bloodhorse – Del Mar Sees Daily Handle Drop for Fall Meet

DRF – Privman – Del Mar: Despite quality finish, fall meet takes hit

TwinSpires Blog – Average handle drops at Del Mar, rises at Gulfstream Park West

DRF – Welsch – Business up at Gulfstream Park West meet

Bloodhorse – Steward Tom Ward Works Final Day at Del Mar

Years Gone By

Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Hanky Panky Tops Tattersalls at 2.7M Guineas

DRF – Andersen – Southern California offtrack stabling still up in air

Bloodhorse – Mr Speaker Retired, Will Stand at Lane’s End

Bloodhorse – Illinois on the Brink – by Eric Mitchell

DRF – Grening – NYRA’s profits for 2015 exceed projections

DRF – Grening – NYRA to run 14 fewer days in 2016

DRF – Hovdey: Del Mar fall meet not an endless summer

Warmth of The Sun

January 15 – 17 2016

Sheraton Red Deer

3310 – 50 Avenue
Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 3X9 Canada

National Post – Toban Dyck: From Toronto to Manitoba: Coming home to the farm

Edmonton Sun – Gunter – Bill 6 shows NDP clueless about farm life

National Post – Shore – B.C. farmers earn extra dollars in off-season staging weddings — until government regulator gets involved

Highlights of Bill 6 – Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act

For any further information or if you require help with training and compliance contact robin@eliteinjury.com,

Men often oppose a thing merely because they have had no agency in planning it, or because it may have been planned by those whom they dislike.
Alexander Hamilton

Lady and the Track – Hammer – Keeneland Catalogs 1,796 Horses for 2016 January Sale

Bloodhorse – Denali to Offer Leigh Dispersal at Keeneland

Bloodhorse – Tattersalls Has Second-Highest Grossing Year

Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Average, Median Down at Tattersalls Mare Sale

Bloodhorse – Angst – Fillies Lead Tattersalls December Session

Thoroughbred Internet – It’s all white: it’s a Smad world

‘Tis the season for festive-enhanced Thursday buffets
	• TONIGHT:  Prime rib buffet with pasta bar • NEXT THURSDAY:  Festive-enhanced   prime rib buffet (turkey and all the trimmings.) • THURSDAY, DEC. 17: Festive enhanced   prime rib buffet Reserve at 204-885-3330 ext. 0

PICK-3 WON!  NEW GAME TONIGHT:  Congrats to Jim Roberts who nailed last week’s pick-3 at Del Mar with horses paying $3.40, $4.20 and $12.  He picked up $20 in wagering vouchers plus $20 for being in attendance Saturday. Is it your turn tonight?  Send your pick-3 from these three races at Charles Town in the subject line of your email to theinsider@ASDowns.com by 8 p.m.  Same prizes as Jim received are at stake. One entry per email address. Entries cannot be made on behalf of another person.

	DO THE DOWNS Carryovers
Click for schedule		Have you booked New Year’s Eve Gala yet?
CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE

Alix Michaels

ALIX MICHAELS HOSTS NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA:  Alix Michaels of FAB 94.3 will host the FABulous New Year’s Eve gala at the Downs on Dec. 31. There will be EIGHT food stations to tickle your tummy: appetizers, salad toss, pasta bowl, carving station, potato bar, comfort food, under the sea and sweet stuff.  See menu here.  Plus NuFrequency light and sound, prize draws, party favours and more, all for just $49.95.  Phone for tickets at 204-885-3330 ext. 0.

Official stations of horse racing. Click to listen

Chris Husbands and Murray Duncan light up the board at Woodbine

ASD trainer Murray Duncan and ASD jockey Chris Husbands produced a Wild N Crazy finish to Woodbine’s thoroughbred season Sunday with a $100 horse by that name in the seventh race.  Wild N Crazy paid $100.90, $49.60 and $23.40 in a $12,500 claimer for horses who hadn’t won two races.  Their win set up a $1 superfecta that paid $27,366.

Racing the “wrong way,” turf horses will have to negotiate unusual turns as they head for home

Eyebrows were raised when Woodbine chose to buck the trend and announce they were installing another synthetic surface, Tapeta, instead of returning to dirt as other tracks have done.  And eyebrows are being raised again with the announcement that Woodbine will become the first track in North America to run races the “wrong” way (clockwise).  It will do so in 25 turf races during their thoroughbred season which begins in early April, said CEO Jim Lawson.

It’s December and that means Gulfstream’s Championship meet begins this Saturday with such races as the Fountain of Youth and the Florida Derby being key stops on the road to the Kentucky Derby. First post this Saturday is 11:05 a.m. (central).  Feature: $1.1 million claiming crown.  Join the “I won big” group discussion at 10:30 a.m. in the Clubhouse on the Rainbow pick-6.

Can you say “crush?”  Misko turns $40 into $179 Wayne Misko’s the man.  The man of the hour, the man of the month and likely the man of the year, handicapping wise.  The retired postie (above, accepting $500 from tournament director Dawn Forbes) went on a tear in Saturday’s second-last Player’s Choice handicapping tournament, catching 25/1 and 31/1 long shots to dominate the other 25 players with a bankroll of $179.30.  Second was Brad Kinnear, right ($98) and third, Randy Tremblay ($67.60). The final tournament goes on Boxing Day. Tournament results.  HOTY leader board. TOP TEN heading into the final tournament on Boxing Day:  Wayne Misko (284 points), John Whitehill (259), Larry Leibrecht (254), Ron Phelps (248), Brian McKellar (244), Roger Jones (238), John Urbanski (238), Len Charney (231), John Field (231) and Trevor Tilston-Jones (231).  The HOTY wins a trip to Las Vegas and entry into the Horse Player World Series where a $600,000 first place prize is at stake.

ASD PLAYER NOW ASSISTING GULFSTREAM TRAINER:  Who was that in the paddock at Churchill Downs last Thursday during the simulcast broadcast at the Downs?  It

Dave Brockhill Hot-walking at Gulfstream (and on the beach)

was none other than the inimitable Dave Brockhill, well-known among ASD regulars who, in a telephone interview, said he is now assisting trainer John Mattine and should have arrived at Gulfstream this morning.

DETTORI NAMED WORLD’S BEST JOCKEY; ESPINOZA #2:  In an international competition established last year by the Switzerland-based Longines luxury watch

Frankie Dettori Best in the world

company, British jockey Frankie Dettori was named the world’s best jockey with American Pharoah jockey Victor Espinoza and Britain’s Ryan Moore tied for second.  Ratings are based on jockeys’ finishes in grade 1 and group 1 races.  Jockeys receive 12 points for a win, six points for second and four points for third.  Dettori accumulated 100 points and the two runners-up, 90 points.

Bacon on tap for “big” winners

BACON FOR “I WON BIG” WINNERS:  Yes, using a “rule” horse in the final leg of last Saturday’s late pick-4 at Woodbine resulted in the “I won big” group winning $1,700 in addition to more than $500 for the first pick-4 — for a total of $2,227.  Which means everyone gets a crispy bacon treat this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. when we switch our attention to the last six races at Gulfstream (Rainbow 6).  The 28/1 “rule” horse?  The race was a 7f event so the rule is, look for horses that performed best at that specialist distance.  Three fit the bill.  The group had a $5 pick-4 to the best one but just a 40-cent ticket to the other two–which still made the group big money when the $1 pick-4 paid $4,266.  Crunch.

Matthew Mayer receives $250 from VLT hostess Roseanne

FUTURE SOLDIER WINS VLT TOURNEY:  Matthew Mayer, 28, was giddy with glee Saturday night as he turned $20 in free spins into $67.50 playing the 5-Times game, earning him the monthly championship and an additional $250 in prize money. A regular at the Texas hold ’em tables,  Mayer said his destiny now will lie with the Canadian Forces which he will officially join in July.

HISTORY ON THE HOOF: The best of Bob Did you know . . .   that any discussion of racing at ASD in 1982 and 1983 would have to include trainer Glen Ball’s champion 2- and 3-year-old who literally demolished the competition in winning 10 of 12 races?  Who was that talented “animal” (hint)? Read about him here.

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Lady Sabelia Tops Willa On the Move Stakes

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Grade 1 winner Princess Violet returns to action in Garland of Roses

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NY Times – Onishi – Oscar Pistorius Guilty in Murder of Reeva Steenkamp, Appeals Court Rules

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The Globe And Mail – Dooher – Canada’s archaic liquor laws hurt bar owners and their customers

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National Post – The NP99: The best books of the year, vol. 1 (99-75)

National Post – The NP99: The best books of the year, vol. 2 (74-50)

National Post – The NP99: The best books of the year, vol. 3 (49-25)

National Post – The NP99: The best books of the year, vol. 4 (24-2)

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NY Times – Hoffman – In Most Areas, Good or Bad, Kobe Bryant Has Simply Done More

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NY Times – AP – Italy Seeks Doping Suspensions for 26 Athletes

Creep

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The Globe and Mail – Vanderklippe – Chinese media rebukes Canadian beauty queen Anastasia Lin

LA Times – Bulos – Downing of Russian warplane shines a light on Turkey’s shadowy links to extremists

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NY Times – Gillis – A Path for Climate Change, Beyond Paris

National Post – Lubomyr Luciuk: Canada has been good to refugees — including my family

Ramble On

Early Morning Rain

Phil M Stockmen