Your Whisper Tells A Secret

Jan 032016

As we step into the New Year with cautious optimism Phil will be reprising some articles for the Ennead to re-familiarize themselves with.

Do you think that the CCW, QKB or the Undertaker ever bother to read any article that Phil links to or do they think they know everything already.

I’m not interested in blind optimism, but I’m very interested in optimism that is hard-won, that takes on darkness and then says, ‘This is not enough.’
Colum McCann

Turn Back the Time

Horse Race Insider – Jicha – Clearing the decks for a new year

You can never plan the future by the past.
EDMUND BURKE

Horse Racing Nation – The Paddock View – Wood – Five Bold Predictions for 2016

Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality.
Earl Nightingale

LA Times – Silk and Goldman – How not to say the wrong thing

Carnac the Magnificent

Phil has a question:

If the hermetically sealed envelope handed to Carnac contained the question:

What is the easiest way to improve thoroughbred racing in the province of Alberta in 2016?

Would Carnac’s divination be:

Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.

We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.
Bill Gates

Proud

The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.
Today and tomorrow are yet to be said.
The chances, the changes are all yours to make.
The mold of your life is in your hands to break.
J. R. R. TOLKIEN

Time Loves a Hero

HBPA Alberta

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DR. STEVE SMITH

Dear HBPA Members,

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays from your HBPA Directors and management.

Over that last several weeks there have been a number of important developments in the Alberta horse racing industry that I wish to address.

The most critical issue facing our industry is the Agreement with the government regarding the sharing of slot revenue. The current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expires on March 31, 2016 and it is imperative that it be renewed. To that end a number of industry representatives (including myself) met with the Minister of Finance in early December. The discussion was positive and from the outset the Minister indicated that he had no intention of ending horse racing in the Province and that there would be a new MOU. He recognized that a long term Agreement would provide the stability that our industry so badly needs. The particulars of the Agreement will be determined by the Minister’s office. Both the HBPA and HRA anticipate that an announcement with respect to the MOU will be announced early in 2016.

The specifics of the 2016 racing schedule are still being finalized, however the total number of days will be similar to 2015. There are 55 days confirmed at Northlands Park through the end of August . The Schedule after that point may involve some race days at Century Downs in Balzac or may involve racing exclusively at Northlands Park. The specifics and timing of the MOU will dictate if we race at Century Downs in 2016. If an Agreement to race at Century Downs is reached it will be contingent on the provision of adequate stabling and training facilities. The final 2016 racing Schedule will be posted after the MOU is announced.

There have been some reports in the media that Northlands Park is considering various long term options for its Facility which may not include horse racing. No timeframe was included in these speculative reports but I can confirm that Northlands Park has committed to racing through 2017 provided there is a Slot sharing Agreement in place with the Government. After the MOU is announced it will be imperative that HRA receives long term commitments from the racetrack Operators.

To summarize:

A new Agreement for the sharing of slot revenue with the government is anticipated early in 2016.
Exact race dates for 2016 are not yet determined but the number of days will be similar to 2015. The possibility of racing at Balzac will be dictated by the MOU.
Subject to a new MOU, Northlands has tentatively committed to racing through 2017.
The HBPA will offer its incentive program for lower level horses in 2016 as previously announced.
The immigration issue with respect to Jockeys is being worked on and an update will be provided early in 2016.
Have a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2016.

Dr Steve Smith D.V.M.

December 20, 2015

Bloodhorse – Growing Owners – by Eric Mitchell

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Is Growing This Business Really a Priority?

That’s the secret to life… replace one worry with another.
Charles M. Schulz

Phil’s vignette of Canadian History.

The Halifax Literary Walking Tour

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.

Aldous Huxley

Phil’s Top Ten List

Ways to improve Thoroughbred Racing in the province of Alberta.

10. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
9. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
8. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
7. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
6. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta
5. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
4. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
3. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
2, Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
and Phil’s No. 1 way to improve thoroughbred racing in the province of Alberta
1. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.

10 X 10

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.

Albert Einstein

DRF – Dunleavy – Laurel raises minimum wagers

I’m gonna kick your teeth so far down your throat you’ll be able to chew your own ass out for pissin’ me off.

The Undertaker

Carryovers

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Aqueduct
Pick 6   $27,974.00
Fair Grounds
Super High Five    $3,375.00
Pick 5 Jackpot   $3,202.00
Golden Gate Fields
Pick 6 Jackpot   $6,708.00
Gulfstream Park
Pick 6 Jackpot   $119,943.00
Hialeah Park
Pick 6 Jackpot   $3,883.00
Laurel Park
Super High Five    $19,103.00
Pick 6 Jackpot   $1,747.00
Los Alamitos
Pick 6   $2,957.00
Santa Anita Park
Pick 6   $80,409.00
Sunland Park
Pick 6 Jackpot   $1,723.00
Super High Five    $382.00
Tampa Bay Downs
Super High Five    $6,032.00
Turf Paradise
Pick 6   $18,757.00
Turfway Park
Super High Five    $2,184.00

Wednesday, January 3, 2016

Delta Downs
Super High Five $3,503.00

Guaranteed Pools

Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools

This is Horse Racing – Joe Clancy – A trainer unmatched, Jerkens dies at 85

NY Times – Drape – New York Wants Fantasy Customers Repaid

Legal Sports Report – Gouker – 2015 For Daily Fantasy Sports Industry: A Year No One Saw Coming

Bloodhorse – 2016:  Year of Unification – by Eric Mitchell

Bloodhorse – American Pharoah, Castellano Set Records

Lady and the Track – Hammer – California Chrome Drills Six Fast Furlongs with Victor Espinoza

Louisville Courier-Journal – Cal Chrome ‘best he’s ever been’ for return

Bloodhorse – Balan – California Chrome Blazes in Santa Anita Drill

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – California Chrome blazes six furlongs in 1:10.04

TDN – Monrovia ‘Prize’ Goes to DP Racing

Bloodhorse – Balan – Prize Exhibit Rides Rail to Take Monrovia

TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Exhibit takes the Monrovia Prize

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Ageless kicks off another campaign in competitive Monrovia

Bloodhorse – Balan – Shrinking Violet Seeks Repeat Monrovia Score

Bloodhorse – Balan – Dortmund Works, Will Skip San Pasqual

TwinSpires Blog – Dortmund out of San Pasqual following work

Upcoming Stake Races

Jan 3
Santa Anita Park
Monrovia Stake GII $200,000 4&up Fillies & Mares abt 6.5f Turf

Jan 5
Portland Meadows
Crater Lake handicap $9,000 4&up 8f Dirt
Crescent Lake handicap $9,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8f Dirt
East Lake handicap $9,000 3yo 8f Dirt
Mary Goldblatt Starter handicap $9,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
McFadden Starter handicap $9,000 3&up 8f Dirt

Jan 8
Delta Downs
By the Light $75,000 3yo Fillies 7f Dirt

Jan 9
Aqueduct
Interborough Stake (Listed) $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
Delta Downs
Big Drama $75,000 3yo 7f Dirt
Gulfstream Park
Fort Lauderdale Stake GII $200,000 4&up 8.5f Turf
Hal’s Hope Stake GIII $150,000 4&up 8f Dirt
Marshua’s River Stake GIII $150,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Turf
Santa Anita Park
San Pasqual Stake GII $200,000 4&up 8.5f Dirt
Sham Stake GIII $100,000 3yo 8f Dirt
Tampa Bay Downs
Turf Dash (Listed) $100,000 4&up 5f Turf

January 10

Aqueduct
Ladies Handicap (Listed) $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.32f Dirt
Sunland Park
Pepsi Cola stake $85,000 3yo State/Prov 6f Dirt

Jan 15
Delta Downs
Eldorado $70,000 4&up Fillies & Mares R 8f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
Dixie Belle Stake (Listed) $100,000 3yo Fillies 6f Dirt

Jan 16
Aqueduct
Jazil Stake $125,000 4&up 8.32f Dirt
Delta Downs
Fremont $70,000 4&up R 8f Dirt
Fair Grounds
Col. E.R. Bradley Handicap GIII $125,000 4&up abt 8.5f Turf
Louisiana Stake (Listed) $75,000 4&up 8.5f Dirt
Marie G. Krantz Memorial Stake $60,000 4&up Fillies & Mares abt 8.5f Turf
Silverbulletday Stake (Listed) $150,000 3yo Fillies 8.32f Dirt
TwinSpires.com Lecomte Stake GIII $200,000 3yo 8.32f Dirt
Golden Gate Fields
California Derby (Listed) $100,000 3yo 8.5f AW
Gulfstream Park
Sunshine Millions Classic $250,000 4&up State/Prov 9f Dirt
Sunshine Millions Distaff $150,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 7f Dirt
Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Sunshine Millions Sprint $100,000 4&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Sunshine Millions Turf $100,000 4&up State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Sunshine Millions Turf Sprint $100,000 4&up State/Prov 5f Turf
Laurel Park
Fire Plug Stake $75,000 4&up 6f Dirt
Frank Whiteley Jr. Stake $75,000 3yo 7f Dirt
Marshua Stake $75,000 3yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
Fifth Season Stake (Listed) $100,000 4&up 8.5f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
La Canada Stake GII $200,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Sunland Park
Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap $85,000 4&up State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Turfway Park
Forego Stake $50,000 4&up 6.5f AW
Turf Paradise
Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile $75,000 4&up 8f Turf
Glendale Handicap $35,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Turf

Jan 17
Aqueduct
Ruthless Stake (Listed) $100,000 3yo Fillies 6f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
Pippin Stake (Listed) $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Astra Stake $75,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 12f Turf

Jan 18
Aqueduct
Toboggan Stake GIII $150,000 4&up 6f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
Smarty Jones Stake (Listed) $150,000 3yo 8f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Megahertz Stake GIII $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8f Turf

Jan 22
Sam Houston
Bara Lass Stake $50,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
San Jacinto Turf Stake $50,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Yellow Rose Stake $50,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt

Jan 23
Aqueduct
Busanda Stake $100,000 3yo Fillies 8.32f Dirt
Gulfstream Park
H. Allen Jerkens Stake $100,000 4&up 16f Turf
Sam Houston
Groovy Stake $50,000 3yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6f Dirt
Richard King Turf Stake $50,000 4&up Colts & Geldings State/Prov 9f Turf
Spirit of Texas Stake $50,000 4&up Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6f Dirt
Star of Texas Stake $50,000 4&up Colts & Geldings State/Prov 8f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
American Beauty Stake $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Santa Monica Stake GII $200,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 7f Dirt
Sunland Park
Winsham Lad Handicap $65,000 4&up 8f Dirt
Tampa Bay Downs
Gasparilla Stake $100,000 3yo Fillies 7f Dirt
Pasco Stake $100,000 3yo 7f Dirt
Wayward Lass Stake $50,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Turf Paradise
Hank Mills Sr. Stake $35,000 4&up 5.5f Dirt

Jan 24
Sunland Park
Enchantress Stake $85,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8f Dirt

Jan 26
Ocala Training Centre
OBS Championship Stake $100,000 3yo Colts & Geldings R 8.5f Dirt
OBS Championship Stake $100,000 3yo Fillies R 8.5f Dirt
OBS Sprint Stake $50,000 3yo Fillies R 6f Dirt
OBS Sprint Stake $50,000 3yo Colts & Geldings R 6f Dirt
Portland Meadows
Columbia River Stake $15,000 3yo 8f Dirt
Portland Distaff Stake $15,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8f Dirt
Portland Mile Handicap $25,000 4&up 8f Dirt

Jan 30
Aqueduct
Withers Stake GIII $250,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
Gulfstream Park
Forward Gal Stake GII $200,000 3yo Fillies 7f Dirt
Holy Bull Stake GII $350,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
Kitten’s Joy Stake (Listed) $100,000 3yo 8f Turf
Swale Stake GII $150,000 3yo 7f Dirt
Sweetest Chant Stake GIII $100,000 3yo Fillies 8f Turf
Sam Houston
Frontier Utilities Turf Sprint $75,000 4&up 5f Turf
Houston Ladies Classic GIII $400,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
John B. Connally Turf Cup GIII $200,000 4&up 12f Turf
Space City Stake $50,000 3yo 6f Dirt
Laurel Park
Conniver Stake $75,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 7f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
King Cotton Stake (Listed) $100,000 4&up 6f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
California Cup Derby $250,000 3yo State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
California Cup Oaks $200,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8f Turf
California Cup Sprint $150,000 4&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
California Cup Turf Classic $250,000 4&up State/Prov 9f Turf
Sunshine Millions Filly/Mare Turf Sprint $150,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov abt 6.5f Turf
Sunland Park
El Paso Times Handicap $65,000 3yo Fillies 6.5f Dirt
Riley Allison Derby $100,000 3yo 8f Dirt
Turfway Park
WEBN Stake $75,000 3yo 6.5f AW

Jan 31
Aqueduct
Maddie May Stake $100,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 8.32f Dirt

Feb 6
Aqueduct
Fred Cappy Capossela Stake $100,000 3yo 6f Dirt
Gander Stake $100,000 3yo State/Prov 8.32f Dirt
Delta Downs
Louisiana Premier Night Bon Temps Starter $50,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 5f Dirt
Louisiana Premier Night Championship $200,000 4&up State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Louisiana Premier Night Distaff $150,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8f Dirt
Louisiana Premier Night Gentlemen Starter $65,000 4&up State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Louisiana Premier Night Ladies Starter $65,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8f Dirt
Louisiana Premier Night Matron $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 5f Dirt
Louisiana Premier Night Prince $125,000 3yo State/Prov 7f Dirt
Louisiana Premier Night Ragin Cajun Starter $50,000 4&up State/Prov 5f Dirt
Louisiana Premier Night Sprint $100,000 4&up State/Prov 5f Dirt
Louisiana Premier Night Starlet $125,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 7f Dirt
Golden Gate Fields
California Oaks $50,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f AW
Gulfstream Park
Donn Handicap GI $500,000 4&up 9f Dirt
Fred W. Hooper Handicap GIII $100,000 4&up 8f Dirt
Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap GI $350,000 4&up 9f Turf
Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint (Listed) $75,000 4&up 5f Turf
Ladies Turf Sprint Stake $75,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 5f Turf
Suwannee River Stake GIII $150,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 9f Turf
Oaklawn Park
Martha Washington Stake (Listed) $100,000 3yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Las Virgenes Stake GII $300,000 3yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Robert B. Lewis Stake GIII $150,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
San Antonio Stake GII $500,000 4&up 9f Dirt
San Marcos Stake GII $200,000 4&up 10f Turf
Sunland Park
Red Hedeman Mile $85,000 3yo State/Prov 8f Dirt

Feb 7
Aqueduct
Biogio’s Rose Stake $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Palos Verdes Stake GII $200,000 4&up 6f Dirt
Sunland Park
Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap $85,000 3&up State/Prov 4.5f Dirt

Feb 9
Fair Grounds
Mardi Gras Stake $60,000 4&up Fillies & Mares abt 5.5f Turf
Portland Meadows
Mioland Starter Handicap $8,500 4&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oregon Derby $20,000 3yo State/Prov 8f Dirt
Revillew Slew Starter Handicap $8,500 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt

Feb 13
Aqueduct
Broadway Stake $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 6f Dirt
Haynesfield Stake $100,000 4&up State/Prov 8.5f Dirt
Golden Gate Fields
El Camino Real Derby GIII $200,000 3yo 9f AW
Gulfstream Park
Royal Delta Stake GII $200,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Sam Houston
Houston Distaff $50,000 4&up Fillies & Mares State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Houston Turf Stake $50,000 4&up State/Prov 8.5f Turf
Sam Houston Sprint Cup $50,000 4&up 6f Dirt
Laurel Park
Barbara Fritchie Stake GII $300,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 7f Dirt
John B. Campbell Stake $75,000 4&up 9f Dirt
Maryland Racing Media Stake $75,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
Essex Handicap (Listed) $100,000 4&up 8.5f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Arcadia Stake GII $200,000 4&up 8f Turf
Santa Maria Stake GII $200,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Sunland Park
Budweiser Handicap $75,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Tampa Bay Downs
Lambholm South Endeavour Stake GIII $150,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Turf
Sam F. Davis Stake GIII $250,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
Suncoast Stake $100,000 3yo Fillies 8.32f Dirt
Tampa Bay Stake GIII $150,000 4&up 8.5f Turf
Cincinnati Trophy Stake $50,000 3yo Fillies 6.5f AW
Turf Paradise
Phoenix Gold Cup $75,000 4&up 6f Dirt
Sun City Handicap $35,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8f Turf
Turf Paradise Handicap $35,000 4&up 8.5f Turf

Feb 14
Aqueduct
Rego Park Stake $125,000 3yo State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
Bayakoa Stake GIII $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8.5f Dirt
Sunland Park
El Diario Handicap $75,000 3&up Fillies & Mares 6.5f Dirt

Feb 15
Aqueduct
Hollie Hughes Handicap $100,000 4&up State/Prov 6f Dirt
Golden Gate Fields
Lost in the Fog $50,000 4&up 6f AW
Laurel Park
General George Stake GIII $250,000 4&up 7f Dirt
Miracle Wood Stake $75,000 3yo 8f Dirt
Wide Country Stake (Listed) $75,000 3yo Fillies 7f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
Southwest Stake GIII $500,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
San Vicente Stake GII $200,000 3yo 7f Dirt

Feb 20
Aqueduct
Franklin Square Stake $125,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Fair Grounds
Daisy Devine Stake $60,000 4&up Fillies & Mares abt 8.5f Turf
Duncan F. Kenner Stake $60,000 3&up 6f Dirt
Fair Grounds Handicap GIII $125,000 4&up abt 9f Turf
Mineshaft Handicap GIII $125,000 4&up 8.5f Dirt
TwinSpires.com Rachel Alexandra Stake GII $200,000 3yo Fillies 8.5f Dirt
Veterans Ford Risen Star Stake GII $400,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
Gulfstream Park
Melody of Colors $75,000 3yo Fillies 5f Turf
Sam Houston
Jim’s Orbit Stake $75,000 3yo Colts & Geldings State/Prov 6f Dirt
Two Altazano Stake $75,000 3yo Fillies State/Prov 6f Dirt
Oaklawn Park
Spring Fever Stake $100,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 5.5f Dirt
Santa Anita Park
Buena Vista Stake GII $200,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 8f Turf
Sunland Park
Island Fashion Stake $75,000 3yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Mine That Bird Derby $100,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt
Tampa Bay Downs
Minaret Stake $50,000 4&up Fillies & Mares 6f Dirt
Pelican Stake $100,000 4&up 6f Dirt
Turf Paradise
Arizona Oaks $35,000 3yo Fillies 8f Dirt
Turf Paradise Derby $75,000 3yo 8.5f Dirt

Racing Post – Be like the boys, says history maker Kelly

Girls Just Want To Have Fun

LA Times – Cherwa – Which Santa Anita horses have the best chances of winning the Kentucky Derby?

Bloodhorse – Mohaymen Breezes; Holy Bull the Target

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Mohaymen begins build-up to Holy Bull

TwinSpires Blog – NYRA schedules lucrative maiden trials for Tremont, Astoria

TDN – Munnings’s King Kranz Graduates in Style

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Awesome Speed prevails at odds-on in Mucho Macho Man

Bloodhorse – Angst – Awesome Speed Tough in Mucho Macho Man Stakes

DRF – Welsch – Awesome Speed overcomes trouble in Mucho Macho Man Stakes

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Awesome Banner, Lucy N Ethel lead all the way at Gulfstream

Bloodhorse – Awesome Banner Rolls to Hutcheson Victory

TDN – An ‘Awesome’ Performance in the Hutcheson

Dany Dion’s Bear Stable Ltd.’s Noholdingback Bear got up for second and we may see him again on the Kentucky Derby Trail.

TwinSpires Blog – Dolphus under consideration for Lecomte

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
Sham Santa Anita Park Jan 9, 2016 10-4-2-1
Lecomte Fair Grounds 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 Jan 30, 2016 10-4-2-1
Robert B. Lewis Santa Anita Park Feb 6, 2016 10-4-2-1
El Camino Real Derby Golden Gate Fields Feb 13, 2016 10-4-2-1
Southwest Oaklawn Park Feb 15, 2016 10-4-2-1
Risen Star Fair Grounds Feb 20, 2016 50-20-10-5
Fountain of Youth Gulfstream Park Feb 27, 2016 50-20-10-5
Gotham Aqueduct Mar 5, 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
Louisiana Derby Fair Grounds Mar 26, 2016 100-40-20-10
Florida Derby Gulfstream Park 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

Bloodhorse – Pedulla – Flexibility Flexes His Muscles in the Jerome

TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Flexibility much the best in Jerome

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Flexibility much the best in Derby prep Jerome

DRF – Grening – Flexibility stays on Derby path with Jerome triumph

Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Dean Reeves on Mucho Macho Man, Mac Daddy Mac and Georgia Racing

TDN – More Than Ready Colt Earns Gritty Score in Dania Beach

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Life heads Isotherm in Dania Beach; Lira gets out in time in Ginger Brew

Bloodhorse – Lewyn – ‘Life’ Denies Isotherm in Dania Beach

DRF – McGee – Life Imitates Art up by head in Dania Beach

2016 Road to the Kentucky Oaks

Race Track Date Points
Silverbulletday Fair Grounds Jan 16, 2016 10-4-2-1
Busanda Aqueduct 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
Rachel Alexandra Fair Grounds Feb 20, 2016 50-20-10-5
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
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
Fair Grounds Oaks Fair Grounds Mar 26, 2016 100-40-20-10
Bourbonette Oaks Turfway Park Apr 2, 2016 50-20-10-5
Gulfstream Park Oaks Gulfstream Park 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

TDN – Lira Proves Best in Ginger Brew

Louisville Courier-Journal – Forever Darling up late to take Santa Ynez

Bloodhorse – Balan – ‘Darling’ Follows BC With Santa Ynez Score

TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Forever Darling, San Onofre earn initial stakes wins in Santa Anita sprints

Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Lucy N Ethel Cruises in Old Hat

DRF – McGee – Lucy N Ethel wins stakes debut in Old Hat

Chocolates

Did you really think Phil was gonna let that opportunity pass him by.

Constant repetition carries conviction.
Robert Collier

Phil’s Top Ten List

Ways to instill optimism in the Thoroughbred Racing industry in the province of Alberta.

10. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
9. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
8. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
7. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
6. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta
5. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
4. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
3. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
2, Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
and Phil’s No. 1 way to instill optimism in the Thoroughbred Racing industry in the province of Alberta
1. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.

My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud.
Henry Rollins

Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – A Flamboyant $94.20 upset of the San Gabriel

Bloodhorse – Balan – Flamboyant Stuns San Gabriel Field at 46-1

From the Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter

RAILBIRD NOTES

BY GLEN TODD

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and wishing you all a Happy New Year and many trips to the winner’s circle and cashier window.

With 2016 only a few days away the racing associations are still very busy working on the 2016 Stakes Schedule as well many other items that pertain to the 2016 live season at Hastings Racecourse.

Look for a new purse schedule to be announced shortly with the talk of all bottoms races being raised to $11,000.00.

Hastings Racecourse have been in talks with the City Vancouver on a new lease. Its hoped they are successful by opening day.

Stall applications for Hastings are available on line on the Hastings Website at http://www.hastingsracecourse.com/racing-office-for-horsemen/

Hastings Two Year Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age Sale to be held on Saturday, March 26th in the Paddock area. Registration documents will soon be available on line. Mike Heads of BCTOBA has been appointed Sale Manager

Hastings Racing Club II is well under way and Richard Yates states it is nearly half sold already. Racing Club II has already acquired one horse and likely will purchase a second horse in the Hastings Paddock Sale.

HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS

Horse Racing Nation – Cage – Racing’s Future: Matt Dinerman

TDN – Wall – One-Stop Licensing Shop: The National Racing Compact

This is Horse Racing – Joe Clancy -A man in the crowd, with a horse

DRF – Grening – NYRA ends replay show, will focus on live coverage

DRF – Grening – MSG Networks to show racing from Belmont, Saratoga

Racing Post – Mottershead – ITV set to become new broadcaster for racing

DRF – Simon: Routing in top company yields racing’s best purses

DRF – Grening – New York horsemen avoid huge insurance rate increase

Now Accepting Trainer Applications

For The Hastings Racing Club II

The Hastings Racing Club II is seeking a trainer for the 2016 season at Hastings Racecourse. The Club intends to race two horses in 2016 and currently has the horse Shooting Jacket. Another horse will be acquired prior to the 2016 season commencing.

Qualifications:

Experience and success training thoroughbreds.
A commitment to race the entire 2016 season at Hastings Racecourse.
An outgoing, communicative personality and the willingness to receive and interact with the 200 Club members.

Applications may be submitted to Richard Yates who will serve as Club Manager and Authorized Agent for the Hastings Racing Club II. An independent committee will make the selection after considering all applications.

Please Complete & Submit By January 15/2016

Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Street Address: ______________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ Postal Code: __________________

Years Training Thoroughbreds: ___________

Number of Horses on 2016 Hastings Stall Application: ____________

Forward Application To:

Richard Yates

Box 28530 Burnaby, BC V5C 6J4

Or email to: rayates@shaw.ca

Those who wagered their shekels on the Horse With No Name in Saturday’s 4th race at the Fairgrounds had to sweat it out with PVal as the stewards were faced with a claim of foul from Francisco Torres on the favourite, Magic Five. Back in California PVal must have felt that the stewards didn’t even look at the replay before taking his number down, but he received a full and fair review from the stewards at the Fairgrounds who after their review made no change.

Horse With No Name

Yes sometimes Phil stoops to pick the low hanging fruit.

DRF – Hersh – Bayerd snaps long losing streak in off-the-turf Bonapaw

TDN – Berry Joins TDN

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Sexton – – Ten lots set to attract the big-hitters at this week’s first super-sale of 2016

Horse Race Insider – Pricci – Record 2015 Handle Validates Gulfstream’s Elite Status

DRF – Rampellini – Handle, purses up at Remington

DRF – Dunleavy – Charles Town sets marks for handle

Bloodhorse – Portland Meadows to Launch Sweepstakes Wager

2013 Canadian Derby winner Broadway Empire makes his 2016 debut in an AOC$40,000 at Turf Paradise on Sunday, January 3, 2016 with an added owner Mat Monaco in a race with plenty of Canadian interest.

Turf Paradise ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING $40,000

Purse $20,000. (plus Up To 10% Plus 10%) For Certified Arizona Breds) For Four Year Olds And Upward Which Have Not Won A Race Other Than Maiden, Claiming, Starter, Or Trial Since June 1, 2015 Or Claiming Price $40,000. Four Year Olds, 122 Lbs.; Older, 123 Lbs. Non-winners Of A Race Other Than Maiden, Claiming, Starter, Or Trial Since March 1 Allowed 2 Lbs. Claiming Price $40,000. Five And One Half Furlongs.

P#	PP	Horse	Owners	A/S	Med	Claim $	Jockey	Wgt	Trainer	M/L
1	1	J P Rocker (AZ)	John Pendergast;	5/G	L	$0	D P Vergara	121	J E Johnson	10/1
2	2	Swiss Idol (CA)	Geri Gowdy or Rick Wise	6/G	L	$40,000	S Beauregard	123	R A Wise	12/1
3	3	Storm Power (KY)	Mercedes Stables LLC	6/G	L	$0	J M Bourdieu	121	R Diodoro	7/2
4	4	Rocked Twice (AZ)	Rick Reynolds	5/G	L	$40,000	D M Lopez	123	D S Hall	9/2
5	5	Broadway Empire (KY)	Robertino Diodoro or Randy Howg or Bob Butz or Mat Monaco	6/G	L	$0	S A Stevens	123	R Diodoro	6/5
6	6	Burnum (FL)	James Redekop	7/G	L	$40,000	J Barton	121	M Anderson	20/1
7	7	Jamaican Memories (AZ)	Carol and James Bolin	8/G	L	$0	A R Ramgeet	123	D Van Winkle	4/1

First Start Since Reported as Gelding: 6 – Burnum

Phil has a question:

Why do Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur continue to get paid by Horse Racing Alberta when their performance over the last few years has driven so many Alberta thoroughbred trainers and owners to other jurisdictions to race.

Has Horse Racing Alberta ever approached these jurisdictions for a share in the revenue they garner from Albertan thoroughbred owners and trainers fleeing the province.

Do Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur have a plan or even care about improving Alberta thoroughbred racing sufficiently to attract the Alberta trainers and owners back to race in Alberta and purchase Alberta bred thoroughbreds.

Annual Alberta Horse Conference

January 15 – 17 2016

Sheraton Red Deer

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

TDN – Sherack – Can’t Separate Them in Qatar Derby

TDN – Oppenheim – Tapit Leads All North American Sires

Omega Code

TDN – Willoughby – Trainer Form and Patterns

DRF – Maimonides to stand in Ohio for 2016

Maimonides

Balmont will be standing in Alberta for 2016. The son of Stravinsky who is a half brother to Eskendereya will be standing at Jug Handle Ranch phone (403) 601-0432 jughandleranch@yahoo.ca.

Racing Post – Balmont

Taylor Made – Fernando – Eskendereya pedigree constructed for classics

Bloodhorse – Stallion Eskendereya Sold to Japan

Phil has a question:

With Balmont’s pedigree screaming turf is there an impending return to turf racing at Alberta Downs.

Queens’ Plate – Woodbine Oaks Syndicate Opportunity

A syndicate is being put together to acquire a 3 year old Canadian Bred colt and a 3 year old Canadian Bred filly that will be eligible for the Queens Plate and Woodbine Oaks.

The ultimate goal is to run in the Plate, Manitoba Derby, Canadian Derby, and BC Derby for the colt. With the filly the goal will be the Oaks in all 4 provinces. A fantastic trip for everyone involved and a story to remember and retell.

If you’re interested or have any questions please respond to: cjracingstable@live.ca

If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but deteriorate the cat.
Mark Twain

Under Pressure

Bloodhorse – San Onofre Too Strong in Midnight Lute

Bloodhorse – Little Mike on the Comeback Trail

This is Horse Racing – Joe Clancy – Savoring the moment at Triple Crown

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Page McKenney a Millionaire After Laurel Win

Bloodhorse – Straight Walks in Gulfstream Winner’s Circle

Albertans should prepare for an oilsands overhaul if an NDP government comes into power.

…

”We think in the long run that’ s worth it because we maintain stability in the economy and stability in health care and education,” said Notley, adding the party would cut $200 million in government subsidies in areas like horse-racing and liquor imports.

Edmonton Sun – Dykstra – Notley says NDP would revise environmental standards

Phil has a question:

How much of a cut will horse-racing receive.

The man who promises everything is sure to fulfil nothing, and everyone who promises too much is in danger of using evil means in order to carry out his promises, and is already on the road to perdition.
Carl Jung

“Any government that is serious about balancing the budget and getting the finances under control needs to conduct a review of the province’s ABCs and eliminate the institutional inertia of the past 44 years,” Fildebrandt said. “This broken promise is a real missed opportunity for taxpayers.”

Fildebrandt said the NDP has contradicted itself on the pressing need to examine ABCs, pointing to past promises from Premier Rachel Notley to subject ABCs to the provincial sunshine list and to assess the “content as well as the quantity” of these organizations.

Wildrose – Empty NDP promise on ABC review creates budget questions: Fildebrandt

Finance Minister Joe Ceci says Albertans need to feel confident ABCs are using public dollars effectively.

“This review, combined with new legislation to expand the sunshine list and enshrine it in law, will help ensure Albertans are getting value for their money,” he said.

Global News – Zinck – Alberta government to review all agencies, boards and commissions

We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.

T. S. Eliot

Phil’s Top Ten List

Ways for the Alberta NDP Government to start sweeping the Tory cronies out in the province of Alberta.

10. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
9. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
8. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
7. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
6. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta
5. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
4. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
3. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
2, Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
and Phil’s No. 1 way for the Alberta NDP Government to start sweeping the Tory cronies out in the province of Alberta.
1. Replace the Chair and CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.

Baba O’Riley

LA Times – Kaiman – After a year of disruption, China looks to 2016 with cautious optimism

National Post – Purdy – ‘It’s magical’: Massive ice castle, complete with a throne room, slides and towers, a Canadian first in Edmonton

The Globe and Mail – The year ahead: What are the odds of that happening in 2016?

LA Times – Duara and Hennessy-Fiske- Families are taken into custody as push to deport immigrants denied refuge begins

NY Times – Jacobs – Xinjiang Seethes Under Chinese Crackdown

NY Times – OpEd – Quinn – Let’s Rethink Our Homeless Shelters

NY Times – Hernandez – China’s Homeless Find Shelter Under McDonald’s Golden Arches

How Can I Ease The Pain

NY Times – Stack – George Lucas Criticizes Latest ‘Star Wars’ Installment

LA Times – Woerner – George Lucas apologizes for ‘white slaver’ comments on selling ‘Star Wars’

The Globe and Mail – 16 films to see in 2016