Racing in Alberta has gone downhill since Stampede Park lost their days. Northlands is a joke right down from Management to their inept racing secretary to their horrible race caller. I used to own horses there a decade ago and I will not be back.
Jan 102016
How many thousands of Pittsburgh Steeler and Cincinnati Bengal fans got up Sunday morning and did a dodecagonal take when they saw the final score 18-16 for Steeltown.
You know the ones. They shut off the tube put on their kerchiefs and night caps had a hot chocolate and headed to bed with the Bengals up 16-15 with the ball and a first down in Steeler territory with just over a minute to go.
Little did they know that the Marvin Lewis led Bengals were going to outdo Pete Carroll’s Seattle Seahawks in clutching defeat from the jaws of victory.
A fumble on a running play when the QB should have taken a knee two brutally idiotic penalties that moved the Steelers into chip shot field goal range on a play when the walking wounded Big Ben overthrew his receiver and was just about out of time and gas and then just to be sure run the ball out of the endzone on the ensuing kickoff using up a major chunk of the remaining scant seconds sealed the Bengals fate.
Just like Phil I’m sure the fans all must have checked to see if Big Ben or Mike Tomlin won the Powerball Jackpot. Bet that the only reason the Jackpot was carried over was because neither Tomlin nor Big Ben had a ticket.
ESPN – Harvey – Bengals lose discipline, poise late in chippy wild-card loss to Steelers
NY Times – Shpigel – Victorious Steelers Twist Knife Handed to Them by Bengals
Cincinnati Enquirer – Daugherty – Doc: This Bengals’ playoff loss was the worst
ABC News – With No Powerball Winners, Jackpot Grows to Estimated $1.3 Billion
Fans of irony should appreciate this:
It took a lottery to put single-event sports betting back on the House of Commons agenda.
At any given time, no more than 30 private members’ bills or motions are allowed on the House agenda, with the order determined by lottery.
For those whose names are drawn first, winning the legislative lottery can be a chance to bring a campaign pledge to the floor of the House of Commons.
That’s exactly what Windsor West NDP MP Brian Masse plans to do. His name was picked seventh in the most recent draw to determine what’s officially called the order of precedence for private member’s business.
CBC News – Single-event sports betting bill to return after NDP MP wins parliamentary ‘lottery’
Lucky seven came up for Windsor West NDP MP Brian Masse as he beat the odds by being selected seventh in the order of preference allowing him to re-introduce a private members bill to legalize single-game sports betting.
A maximum of 30 private bills are allowed on the house agenda at any one time.
Windsor Star – Waddell – Masse to bring back single-sports betting bill
There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.
Malcolm X
Phil’s vignette of Canadian history:
Aviation is the branch of engineering that is least forgiving of mistakes.
Freeman Dyson
Terry Hamilton’s Heart to Heart began 2016 the way his 2015 season ended—with a victory in a graded stakes, this time the $200,000 Ft. Lauderdale (gr. IIT) for 4-year-olds and up Jan. 9 at Gulfstream Park.
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Heart to Heart All the Way in Ft. Lauderdale
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Heart to Heart, Sandiva capitalize with early speed on Gulfstream turf
Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Sandiva Shows Early Speed in Marshua’s River
“As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly”
Carryovers
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Fair Grounds
Pick 5 Jackpot $4,834.00
Super High Five $1,078.00
Golden Gate Fields
Pick 6 Jackpot $25,595.00
Gulfstream Park
Pick 6 Jackpot $22,581.00
Hialeah Park
Pick 6 Jackpot $8,445.00
Laurel Park
Z-5 Super Hi-5 $770.00
Sunland Park
Pick 6 Jackpot $3,143.00
Tampa Bay Downs
Super High Five $1,780.00
Turf Paradise
Pick 5 $1,251.00
Pick 6 $135.00
Friday, January 15, 2016
Sam Houston Race Park
Z-5 Super Hi-5 $170.00
Guaranteed Pools
Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools
RT – ‘Name new heavy metal element after Motörhead’s Lemmy,’ says physics professor
Bloodhorse – Donally – Randy Romero: In a Race for Life
No one can get an education, for of necessity education is a continuing process.
Louis L’Amour
“It’s clear from our current state of affairs that we need new leadership,” owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement. “With the right basketball management and coach in place, we are going to create a winning culture and identity and give Brooklyn a team that it can be proud of and enjoy watching.”
…
King has been criticized for making deals with no regard for future ramifications, starting with the 2011 trade with Utah for Williams, whose contract was bought out last summer with two years remaining. Another swap with Portland for Gerald Wallace cost the Nets the pick that turned into Damian Lillard, and they don’t control their own first-round choice until 2019 thanks to the trade with Boston. Hollins went 48-71 and, like predecessors Avery Johnson, P.J. Carlesimo and Jason Kidd, didn’t last long in Brooklyn. The former Memphis Grizzlies coach got the Nets to the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference last season, but they dropped their first seven games in this one and haven’t won at home in a month.
ESPN – ABC News – Nets part ways with coach Lionel Hollins, reassign GM Billy King
Despite more than 2,300 fewer races compared with 2014, commingled pari-mutuel handle on United States races inched up 1.18% to $10,676,223,640 in 2015. It is the first year-over-year increase since 2012.
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Handle Inches Up, Purses Drop Slightly
TwinSpires Blog – U.S. Thoroughbred handle rises 1.18 percent in 2015
DRF – Hegarty – U.S. betting handle up 1.2 percent in 2015
Total wagering on Standardbred races in the United States was, like betting on Thoroughbred racing, up slightly in 2015 compared with the previous year.
…
Per-race average handle for harness races dropped 3.86% to $37,789 versus $39,306 in 2014.
Total commingled handle on U.S. Thoroughbred racing in 2015 was $10,676,223,640, up 1.18% from the previous year. With fewer races, average wagering per race increased 7.24%.
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – U.S. Standardbred Handle Up Slightly in 2015
Phil thinks that Tom LaMarra did an excellent job of pointing out that the US standardbred handle decreased per race and that the only reason there was an increase in total handle was that the jiggies keep flooding the market with product, so Phil won’t flog the subject much further.
The 2015 final Alberta handle Report has not been posted on Horse Racing Alberta’s website. Would you be in a hurry to post a report that shows that the Powers That Be at Horse Racing Alberta misestimated the 2015 handle by $33,567,210.
The Alberta handle summary chart that Phil received in a tattered brown envelope in a dark alley in a surreptitious exchange for currency of another realm doesn’t show much other than the total handle for the province in 2015 dropping by $2,806,664 from 2014 in a year when the powers that be at Horse Racing Alberta predicted an increase of $30,760,346 resulting in a difference of $33,567,210 between Horse Racing Alberta’s budgeted figure of $167,847,134 and the actual handle of $134,279,924.
The error is 20% of Horse Racing Alberta’s budgeted figure and 27% of the 2015 actual handle figure.
The Powers That Be at Horse Racing Alberta can’t blame the drop in the price of oil for this glaring overestimate as the price of oil was on its way down when these figures were prepared and all pundits were predicting the price of oil to stay low during 2015. The Powers That Be at Horse Racing Alberta can’t blame the drop in the price of oil for this glaring overestimate as during the years when the price of oil was high and the Alberta economy was booming and growing the handle figures did not match the growth in Alberta population and GDP.
Is it not time for Horse Racing Alberta to stop being a Spend A Buck and Buckpasser organization and have the buck stop somewhere. The buck should stop at the top and the top is Rick LeLacheur and Shirley McClellan. Is it not time for both Rick LeLacheur and Shirley McClellan to put their egos aside and step aside for the benefit of the horse racing industry in the province of Alberta.
In private industry a $33,567,210 overestimation on a budget would be immediate grounds for termination, but for some reason both Rick LeLacheur and Shirley McClellan never seem to face any consequences for their actions or inactions at Horse Racing Alberta no matter how inept those actions or inactions may be.
Phil can just imagine the negotiations that Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur are conducting with the Minister of Finance and his Department about the renewal of the slot revenue sharing agreement. “Yes, we were $33,567,210 over in our estimations of the betting handle in Alberta for 2015, but if you trust us with continuing to operate under the same agreement we had before we’ll try to do better over the next decade.” The Minister of Finance like horseplayers understands past performances and understands that a bottom claimer needs a miracle to turn it around and win in Stakes company.
The Minister of Finance has the ultimate obligation to the horse racing industry in the province of Alberta to ensure that scarce funds are used wisely and judiciously. If the Powers that Be at Horse Racing Alberta overestimate a budget by $33,567,210 how can they be trusted to oversee a hot dog stand let alone the entire budget for the horse racing industry in the province of Alberta.
The Minister of Finance also has an obligation to all the citizens of the province of Alberta to ensure that scarce funds are used wisely and judiciously. The current Minister of Finance owes no political allegiance to the Tory cronies in the many Alberta A, B and Cs that the provincial government is presently reviewing, but the current NDP government in the province of Alberta has been moving much slower in cleaning up the Tory mess than the Alberta electorate wanted. Do you think that Rick LeLacheur and Shirley McClellan would still be in their positions if Brian Jean was PM of Alberta.
Is it not time for the Board of Directors at Horse Racing Alberta to start acting like a Board of Directors and not a bunch of Shirley’s puppets and show Shirley the door.
With the right CEO and Chair in place, Horse Racing Alberta can create a thriving horse racing culture and identity and give Alberta a horse racing industry that it can be proud of and enjoy watching.
It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong.
Thomas Sowell
Upcoming Stake Races
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
Bloodhorse – Nyquist, Mor Spirit Drill for 2016 Debuts
Lady and the Track – Hammer – Collected Earns Ten Points on Kentucky Derby Trail with Sham Victory
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Collected Just Fine on Dirt, Wins Sham
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Collected gets paid as Baffert trainees run one-two in Sham
TwinSpires Blog – Mohaymen has “perfect” morning at Palm Meadows
Bloodhorse – Mohaymen Sharp in Half-Mile Work
TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Kentucky Derby Report (1/7): January brings a sense of anticipation
TDN – Paddy O’Prado Colt Charges to Rising Stardom at Gulfstream
TDN –Northern Afleet Gelding Graduates on Debut in Arcadia
Phil was waiting to hear: I’m auditioning for Denman’s Call.
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
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 – Novak – Fields Line Up for LeComte, Silverbulletday
Working with limited resources is an excellent way to hone skills that will serve you well for the rest of your career. You will prioritize profitability from the start.
Jon Oringer
Bloodhorse – Ramseys Pin Louisiana Hopes on Uncle Walter
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
Bloodhorse – Songbird Works Toward 3-Year-Old Debut
TwinSpires Blog – Songbird fires bullet ahead of Las Virgenes seasonal debut
TDN – Proud Citizen Filly Impresses at the Fair Grounds
Long time receptionist at Horse Racing Alberta and horse racing industry friend Donna Rogers passed away suddenly this week.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Evergreen Funeral Chapel (16204 Fort Road, Edmonton) on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
From the Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter
RAILBIRD NOTES
BY GLEN TODD
HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS
Bloodhorse – Angst – Chocolate Ride to Try Colonel E. R. Bradley
Bloodhorse – Fawkes Plans 2016 Campaign for Sheer Drama
LA Times – Teirney – California Chrome impresses in Santa Anita return
Lady and the Track – Hammer – California Chrome Brings Home Win in San Pasqual
Bloodhorse – California Chrome Powerful in Winning Return
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – California Chrome triumphant in San Pasqual return
Bloodhorse – Hangin with Haskin – California Chrome Meets Mr. Peabody
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.
Greene
Bloodhorse – Novak –Mshawish Gets His Dirt Win in Hal’s Hope
TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Mshawish shows his versatility, records first dirt win in Hal’s Hope
Bloodhorse – Novak – Tepin Gets Back to Work for Casse
Bloodhorse – Louisiana Breeders’ Award Rate Reduced
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
Bloodhorse – First Foal for Revolutionary is a Filly
What! L-M would be too predictable for Phil.
Cruel leaders are replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel.
Che Guevara
Bloodhorse – Texas Horsemen Sue State Over Funding
Louisville Courier-Journal – Trainer Dickinson suing Keeneland over payments
January 15 – 17 2016
Sheraton Red Deer
3310 – 50 Avenue
Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 3X9 Canada
Paulick Report – Canada: Horse Racing Facing Uncertain Future In Alberta
Northlands Park Tim Reid can posture about the monies coming to Northlands Park from horse racing, but is it not time for Northlands Park to start listening to the comments and improve the professionalism of their horse racing operation.
Phil’s reprising his post from last week.
Global News Edmonton – Future of Horse Racing Up In The Air In Alberta
Phil has a question:
How did Rick Lelacheur and Shirley McClellan get horse racing in Alberta into the mess it is in.
Tom Coughlin had the decency to resign. Why don’t Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur have a similar common decency and resign for the benefit of the thoroughbred industry in the province of Alberta.
Why doesn’t the media interview a knowledgeable thoroughbred trainer or owner who doesn’t sing from the prescribed Captain and Tennille songbook.
Walrus – Kingwell – The League of Extraordinary Assholes
Thoroughbred Internet – Scat looked set for stardom
Bloodhorse – Stroud’s Lane Farm Starts Florida Operation
Omega Code
Bloodhorse – Taylor Made Releases Ecatalog
Declassify
Orientate – Mir Cat by Tale Of The Cat
2016 FEE: $2,000 ($200 booking fee, balance due live foal).
Declassify
Stone Ranches Ltd.
Madden, Alberta, Canada
Tina & Gerald Stone at 403-946-5703 or by email at stnranch@airenet.com
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
Bloodhorse – Colonial Owner to Sell Off-Track Properties
Bloodhorse – International Star Makes Fair Grounds Return
Bloodhorse – Ramseys Top Breeders List Third Straight Year
The first lesson of economics is scarcity: there is never enough of anything to fully satisfy all those who want it. The first lesson of politics is to disregard the first lesson of economics.
Thomas Sowell
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Florida Farm Managers to Discuss Decoupling
Phil has a question:
Has anyone pointed out to Minister Ceci that the amount of money that comes to the horse racing industry from the slot revenue sharing agreement sustains a significant number of continuing jobs throughout the province of Alberta for a small amount of revenue compared to the myriad of other unsuccessful job creation programs that have been attempted over the years.
Has anyone pointed out to Minister Ceci that the thoroughbred owners contribute more from their own pockets than the share of purse money that they receive from the horse racing slot revenue sharing agreement.
The one process now going on that will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats. This is the folly our descendants are least likely to forgive us.
E. O. Wilson
12 days to the coldest day of the year (Jan. 19) . . .
. . . but less than two months to spring training!


Do the tropics tonight!
(And every Thursday in January)
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Escape winter’s wrath for a few hours tonight at the prime rib buffet WITH A TOUCH OF THE TROPICS in the Terrace Dining Room from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring:
• Mango Tilapia
• Coconut Chicken
• Hawaiian Ribs
• Tropical Summer Greens Salad
and, of course, melt-in-your-mouth certified Angus prime rib plus pasta bar and much more including self-serve ice-cream. All you can eat $26.95. Phone 204-885-3330 to reserve. Wearing a grass skirt or Hawaiian shirt are optional.

Bullet briefs . . .

Bullet briefs . . .
• $378,000 carryover in Santa’s pick-6 this aft
• Cash-back bonuses continue for your bets! Levels.
• Misko is the master: captures HOTY title
• “I won big” maiden rule wins Liebrecht the December tourney
• What was ASD’s race of the year? Four give their opinions. Yours?
• Next Kentucky Derby prep race, the Sham, goes Saturday at Santa
• How to stream four tracks at once on your HPIbet site


HANDICAPPING |
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MISKO IS THE MASTER
Captures Handicapper of the Year title; Vegas is next
Wayne Misko receives Handicapper of the Year trophy and Vegas trip
from tournament director Dawn Forbes |
Retired postie Wayne Misko, 64, has done it. He has won the title of Handicapper of the Year — which gives him an engraved trophy, bragging rights and the opportunity to win up to $600,000 in the Horse Player World Series in Las Vegas in March. To what does he attribute his success? “Doing the right thing at the right time,” he says. He looks for big fields and sneaky little reasons a longshot could win. He has played in Vegas tournaments 16 or 17 times, he said, and his best finish has been fifth on a tournament day to win day money. Maybe the HOTY title will help push him to the top!
Top three finishers (see full results here):
1. Wayne Misko — 284 points
2. Larry Liebrecht — 269 points
3. (tie) Ron Phelps (two-time HOTY) and John Whitehill — 259 points
Players earned points based on their finish in seven tournaments out of 12 held during the year.
* * *
“Big” rule works for Larry
Larry Liebrecht wins tourney, $500 using “I won big” rule
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From left: John Urbanski (2nd), Neville Walters (3rd) and, inset, Larry Liebrecht (1st)
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Electrician Larry Liebrecht (inset) knows a lot about a certain rule for picking maiden winners. He hears about it every Saturday at the “I won big” group workshop. But on Boxing Day that rule also helped him win the final Player’s Choice Horseplayer Tournament of the year which included $500 and a trophy. The rule horse he played, #1 Glacial Ocean, at Tampa Bay in race 5 paid $26.40 and $12.60. What’s the rule? (Shh! Don’t tell anyone!) You add up two numbers for each horse in a maiden claiming race. The horse with the lowest number has the best chance of winning. You add where a horse finished in his last race with where the horse was at the first call in the previous race. Liebrecht’s winning horse had added up numbers of 2 + 2 = 4.)
Liebrecht’s final total was $73.60, John Urbanski was second with $67 and received $250 and Neville Walters was third with $63.60 and received $100. Full results. The next Player’s Choice tournament will be held on Saturday, January 30.


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2015 | |
David Loch
Biggest score |
Cole Bennett
Teen phenom |
10 highlights that made the year memorable
BIGGEST SCORE: Winnipeg art dealer David Loch wins the $125,000 pick-6 at Santa Anita for a $90 ticket on Oct. 9. His horses, in races 3 to 8, went off at odds of 3/1, 5/1, 9/2, 7/2, 5/1 and 7/2. “You need luck, too,” Loch said, pointing to the fact that apprentice rider Ty Kennedy, riding Twisted, pushed the favourite in the final leg, Canadian Exchange, 10-wide in the turn, allowing Rafael Bejarno to come up the inside to win the pick-6 for him. Loch is best known for helping procure the Winnie the Pooh Honey Pot painting from England and landing a $5 million painting–the most expensive in Canada–for the late Ken Thomson.
BEST IDEA OF THE YEAR: A three-way tie. The Downs launches cash-back betting bonuses and introduces Festival of Racing weekends centred around Derby Day and
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A 20-cent straight superfecta netted Mel Peddle–with wife, Jan–$685
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Labour Day. And the HBPA launches the Assiniboia Racing Club where 40 shares at $500 each are sold, including 23 shares to brand new horse owners. The inaugural meeting, led by a highly motivated John Field, is this Sunday.
LUCKIEST HIT: With just 35-cents remaining in his HPI account on the afternoon of Jan. 24, bookbinder and birthday boy Mel Peddle carefully weighs each horse in the 10th race at Gulfstream and plays a straight 20-cent superfecta ticket, 4-8-3-7, horses with odds of 12/1, 11/1, 7/2 and 10/1. He nails it bang-on, giving him $685 to celebrate his 65th birthday with wife Jan.
RACE OF THE YEAR (ASD):
• From track announcer Kirt Contois — “It had to be the Manitoba Derby with the battle from
the head of the lane to the wire with a local hopeful. It just doesn’t get better than that.”
the head of the lane to the wire with a local hopeful. It just doesn’t get better than that.”
• From assistant director of racing, Derek Corbel — “July 1, Kayla Pizarro’s first lifetime race
and first win at 19-1.”
and first win at 19-1.”
• From paddock host Rob MacLennan — “The Manitoba Derby: total gauntlet throw down
and noses on the wire.”
and noses on the wire.”
• From track historian Bob Gate — “The Matron on Sept. 6 in which Go Go Lolo avenges
her 2014 Matron loss (when she was literally mugged in the final turn). Very pleased for
Duncan/Stewart Racing Stable which brings quality horses to the Downs and proves good
things happen to good people!”
her 2014 Matron loss (when she was literally mugged in the final turn). Very pleased for
Duncan/Stewart Racing Stable which brings quality horses to the Downs and proves good
things happen to good people!”
CRAZIEST RACE OF THE YEAR (WITH A BIG LESSON): Race 7 at Evangeline Downs on June 19, a race in which three jockeys are charged with race-fixing. And why would such a race make a “best of” list? Because, finally, it provides evidence that trying to set up a race isn’t easy. It was just a six-horse field and the three jocks were allegedly just trying to finish out of the money. No problem, right? Hilarity ensues as they desperately are seen trying to hold their horses back and one of the jockeys finds himself finishing third by a nose anyway because the horse ahead of him tires so badly. Watch that crazy race here.
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT: Not only did he earn the first Triple Crown in 37 years but he completed the grand slam by winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic, too. Initials: A. P.
SLIGHT OF THE YEAR: Sports Illustrated ignores an online poll that shows majority support for American Pharoah for the title of Sportsman of the Year and the magazine awards the honour instead to tennis star Serena Williams who had garnered less than 1 per cent of the votes.
Bob Baffert’s donation
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MOST COMPASSIONATE ACT: The outpouring of support from all over North America for paralyzed jockey Alyssa Selman, 29, that includes trainer Bob Baffert sending American Pharoah’s halter to auction off on eBay. With some $120,000 in donations, Alyssa has moved into a totally wheelchair accessible house on four acres in Stephenfield, MB with her husband, Rumesh, and their two kids. The donations covered about half the cost of the house and land.
BIGGEST WIN PRICE OF THE YEAR: R B Wild Promise at Mahoning Valley on Dec. 28 goes off at odds of 206/1 and pays $415.20, $104.20 and $34 across the board in a $5,000 claimer for non-winners of three races.
TEEN PHENOM OF THE YEAR (ASD): Days after his 18th birthday, trainer Cole Bennett wins his very first race at the Downs then shows it was no fluke by winning five more and logging an impressive record of 24-6-8-4. And what did YOU accomplish last year?

Woodbine’s Jackpot Hi-5 payouts in 2015

Woodbine’s Jackpot Hi-5 payouts in 2015
Player won $242,000 for just a $4.80 ticket!
From biggest to smallest, here’s what the Jackpot Hi-5 payouts on Woodbine thoroughbreds and Woodbine/Mohawk standardbreds were in 2015 (with thanks to Woodbine’s communications director John Siscos). Players are able to win the jackpot only when they have the only 20-cent ticket with the top five finishers in the correct order in the last race:
STANDARDBRED
1. $242,409.44 (ticket cost just $4.80) Dec 11
2. $156,427.84 (ticket cost $6,048) May 25
3. $116,592.57 (ticket cost $1,209.60) June 27
4. $93,203.57 (ticket cost $6,048) April 24
5. $77,874.10 (ticket cost $99.80) Aug 7
THOROUGHBRED
1. $281,709.72 (no figures available for cost of ticket) Nov 26
2. $263,239.96 (ticket cost $480) Oct 25
3. $143,581.98 (ticket cost just $24) Sept 5
4. $106,489.87 (ticket cost $4,838.40) July 11
5. $87,511.41 (ticket cost $1,080) June 12

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It was a family affair — another sad passing
Track historian Bob Gates sends this sad note and picture: Anna Selyem, longtime horse owner with her late trainer husband, Louis, passed on Dec. 29. They were married for 61 years. Louis passed in 2006. Pictured here from left is Louis, Mrs. Selyem, her brother Joseph Pocker, the Selyem’s horse Kelsey Dancer with son Joseph in the irons. The family photo is from June 1967. This was son Joseph’s first win as a jockey. ASD CEO Darren Dunn and jock’s room supervisor Dwayne Addison will be among the pallbearers at the funeral mass which will be held this morning at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Cooks Creek.
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THE WEEK THAT WAS
FIRE CLAIMS 42 HORSES IN ONTARIO: The racing community has been shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of 42 standardbred horses including $1-million earner Apprentice Hanover in a fire Monday night that swept quickly through one of five barns at Classy Lane Stables Training Centre, a top harness-training facility that opened in 2003 near Guelph, Ontario. Prominent standardbred trainers such as Roger Mayotte, Dan Lagace and Ben Wallace lost horses in the blaze. Facility owner Jamie Millier was reported as saying the fire wiped out the business of five companies who now have no horses to train and race. The last serious fire in Ontario was at Woodbine in 2002 when 32 thoroughbreds perished.
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C’mon down!
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“I WON BIG” CONTINUES WITH TAMPA; YOU’RE INVITED! Playing Tampa Bay Saturdays by the “I won big” group appears to be a good strategy. The group is one for two in winning the pick-5 (last five races). What is particularly heartening to hear is Larry Liebrecht winning the December Player’s Choice tournament and $500 using the group’s rule for picking maiden winners. Never attended? Drop in this Saturday: Clubhouse plaza at 10:30 a.m. Each $20 share is topped up generously with a $5 contribution from the Downs. Coffee and pastries served. Analyze the last five races at Tampa.
IT’S A WONDER SO MANY HORSES SURVIVE: Reading The Horse magazine leads to the conclusion that it is a true wonder that more horses don’t die, given the multitude of afflications that could affect them. The latest is an alarm about horses eating alfalfa that may contain dead blister beetles that have been crushed during baling. Blister beetles feed on alfalfa flowers and horses are particularly sensitive to the toxin these beetles produce. A handful can kill a horse. Which is another reason to wonder: How did the phrase “healthy as a horse” ever gain traction?
JUNIORS CATCH JETS DISEASE: Ho-hum! Followers of the Winnipeg Jets couldn’t have been too surprised about Canada’s hockey juniors not making it past the quarter finals because the team seems to have caught the Jets’ affliction: penaltyitis. Giving the other team five-on-threes in a tied game is decidedly not a winning strategy. The Jets have yet to find a cure.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR MUG OFF BULLETIN BOARD IN 2016: Remember, your body repairing itself in a healthy way depends on your being active (brisk walking?) every two days. And a new study shows a sharp mind and reduced disease progression into your senior years depends on your doing regular resistance training (light weights, stretchy band, etc.) If that was your New Year’s resolution, are you carrying through?

Where are they now?
by Rob MacLennan
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At Turf Paradise, Don Schnell’s I Am Awesome won the first leg of the dirt marathon series to return to his winning form. On Tuesday, Winnipeg Futurity winner Heber ran second in a claiming race. The Schnell barn has two horses entered Sunday including Calex who drops in class and should be formidable. Jared Brown also is moving at a steady pace. Scene Queen picked up a win just after Christmas to break a long string of defeats. This Saturday look for Tom Kha in the eighth race. She partners with Adolfo Morales who rode her to victory in the last race of the year at ASD.
An exciting development overseas: The Dubai Carnival begins today and there will be weekly racing until the Dubai World Cup Mar. 26. A contingent of European horses have already declared for the World Cup and California Chrome and Effinex are being pointed in that direction. Just a quick reminder about the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Saturday — a prep race on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Major contenders appear to be Dressed in Hermes and I’malreadythere — my choice.
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YOU NAMED ME WHAT? Remember Benghazi. What’s this? A 3-year-old gelding–bred in California and racing at Portland Meadows–associated with a political event? Sounds like a slight against Hillary Clinton, who’s been heavily criticized by Republicans following the death of a U.S. ambassador in an attack on a U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya. Thankfully, the vast majority of horse-namers keep politics out of racing–where it should remain.


Q. How do I use the Live Video Streams most effectively?
A. The new HPIBet offers a real upgrade over the previous version. You can now access up to four live video streams instead of just one. To get started, click on the yellow VIDEO tab in the upper left side of the site (see image here). This will open a new window called the STREAMING CENTRE that will be layered on top of your main betting window.
Before selecting a video stream from your first track, it’s a good idea to unlock the Video Window from the rest of the site by making it a standalone pop-up window (this feature will not work on smartphones and tablets). To do this, simply click on the arrow icon in the top right hand corner of the STREAMING CENTRE window – (view image here). This will prevent you from having to close and re-open the video window when you want to access other aspects of the website such as Pool Total, Entries, etc.
Furthermore, if you’re using multiple screens or a large monitor, you can them move the video stream window alongside the browser window so you have access to the video streams and your wagering window at the same time (view image here).
The STREAMING CENTRE window is divided into four quadrants with one main viewing stream and three ancillary streams. You can now have up to four live tracks being streamed. To change any of the bottom three video streams into the main viewing screen, simply click on the Swap Screen icon in the top left corner of the smaller video windows (view image here). Lastly, any time you put your mouse cursor over the main viewing screen a small set of screen controls will appear along the bottom of the main viewing screen to enable you to adjust the volume as well as make the window go full screen by clicking the arrows facing opposite directions (view image here).
Send your questions for Marshall to theinsider@ASDowns.com
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HISTORY ON THE HOOF: The best of Bob |
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – La Verdad cruises in Interborough, ‘Rumor’ upsets Turf Dash
Bloodhorse – Novak – La Verdad Gallops to Easy Interborough Win
Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Spirited Bidding at Annual TCA Season Auction
Bloodhorse – Whitelaw – Legal Eagle Soars in Queen’s Plate
NY Times – Barry – A Fighter’s Hour of Need
January is always a good month for behavioral economics: Few things illustrate self-control as vividly as New Year’s resolutions. February is even better, though, because it lets us study why so many of those resolutions are broken.
Sendhil Mullainathan
Garden and Gun – Hendrickson – Ten Must-See Southern Music Venues
NY Times – Mahler – ‘The Confidence Game,’ by Maria Konnikova
Whenever I go on a ride, I’m always thinking of what’s wrong with the thing and how it can be improved.
Walt Disney
The real goal should be reduced government spending, rather than balanced budgets achieved by ever rising tax rates to cover ever rising spending.
Thomas Sowell
Bitter Southerner – Wooten – You Can Make It There
NY Times – Haberman – Donald Trump Says He Favors Big Tariffs on Chinese Exports
FiveThirtyEight – Silver – Three Theories Of Donald Trump’s Rise
Donald Trump’s tariff idea may be designed to get knee jerk support from the protectionist rust belt that McMurty aptly describes, but Trump may be on to something. For years the multi-nationals moved production overseas where labour was cheaper. With much of production becoming mechanized the cost of labour is waning as a reason to produce overseas with lack of regulation supplanting cheap labour as reason Number 1 with a Bullet to produce overseas.
The Nanny States carbon tax policies will achieve nothing other than penalizing the citizens of the Nanny States until we can find the non-peeing section in the global swimming pool. Why not merge Trump’s tariff policies with the carbon tax and human rights concerns policies and install tariffs that would be a disincentive for the multi-nationals to produce in countries where there are no environmental and human rights protections.
This may be nothing more than a statement that the world’s a complex place. No doubt some degree of hypocrisy is unavoidable in foreign affairs. There will always be a tension between our ideals and pragmatic necessities; the result may sometimes look a lot like selective morality. But we might at least acknowledge this, rather than pretending to a moral purity we do not possess or even aspire to.
If the mythical politician more concerned with improvement rather than getting re-elected existed he or she would glean the best parts of Trump’s tariff policy and the best parts of the Nanny States’ environmental and human rights concerns and morph them into a policy that would benefit their own citizens first, yet attempt to have an impact on global improvement. Unfortunately, the clashing of ideologies usually prevents the Trumps of the world from doing something perceived as socially beneficial and the Nanny States from doing something perceived as benefiting business.
It pays to keep an open mind, but not so open your brains fall out.
Carl Sagan
FiveThirtyEight – Aschwanden – You Can’t Trust What You Read About Nutrition
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
National Post – Levenstein – Cholesterol: How a now discredited diet theory became a national mania
FiveThirtyEight – Barry-Jester – How MSG Got A Bad Rap: Flawed Science And Xenophobia
FiveThirtyEight – Avirgan – Can You Taste The Algorithm In This Arugula?
National Post – Haspel and Nestle – Washington Post – Six rogue rules for a year of healthful eating
Tiny Buddha – Owen – Food is My Friend: 6 Tips for Mindful Eating
Southern Living – Cooking in Your Cast Iron Skillet
NY Times – Somaiya – Sean Penn Secretly Interviewed ‘El Chapo,’ Mexican Drug Lord
NY Times – Healy and Johnson – The Larger, but Quieter Than Bundy, Push to Take Over Federal Land
Without a trace of irony I can say I have been blessed with brilliant enemies. I owe them a great debt, because they redoubled my energies and drove me in new directions.
E. O. Wilson
NY Times – Nocera – Proposing a Salary Cap Alongside the Gowns
Garden and Gun – Meroney – Great Southern Movie Performances
The Globe and Mail – John Doyle: An ‘organic’ rant against Khloé and all the Kardashians
NY Times – Robenhymer – As Denmark Succeeds, the Goal Moves
Garden and Gun – Wallace – Dwight McCarter: The Tracker
National Post – Rex Murphy: Every major authority in Cologne — police, officialdom, press — failed
Phil M Stockmen
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