Scroll down a tad and you’ll find some articles about building interest and new owners for North American thoroughbred racing.

Tonnes of great abstractions, but what the thoroughbred industry needs is a few grams of application of simple customer service.

What ever happened to the Road to the Roses contest where you chose your stable of horses, jockeys and trainers and watched them head down the Trail to the first Saturday in May. The prizes weren’t spectacular, but the interest generated sure was. We can all lament and blame CDI for eliminating the contest or some organization or group of organizations can take the bull by the horns and offer their own contest.

The root of all superstition is that men observe when a thing hits, but not when it misses.
Francis Bacon

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Zayat Family OK After Fire in Hotel Suite

Bloodhorse – Bowen -BH 100: In The Beginning

The Times – O’Neill – Fragile Bowie swore friends to secrecy

The Times – Hodgkinson – Bowie: pop’s greatest star — brilliant, inspiring and baffling to the very end

NY Times – Pareles – David Bowie, a Star Who Transcended Music, Art and Fashion, Dies at 69

National Post – Colby Cosh: Even among geniuses David Bowie was an enigma

NY Times – Freidman – David Bowie’s Fashion Legacy

NY Times – Erlich – Bowie, Bolan, Heron — Superstars?

NY Times – David Bowie: In Memoriam

LA Times – Frere-Jones – David Bowie was a vivid and gentle presence who never stopped exploring

NY Times – Coscarelli and Paulson – David Bowie Allowed His Art to Deliver a Final Message

First things first, but not necessarily in that order.
Doctor Who

Not Fade Away

NY Times – Drape – Court Allows FanDuel and DraftKings to Operate in New York Amid Appeal

Carryovers

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Delta Downs
Super High Five     $777.00
Fair Grounds
Pick 5 Jackpot    $14,517.00
Golden Gate Fields    
Pick 6 Jackpot    $42,446.00
Gulfstream Park
Pick 6 Jackpot    $14,061.00
Laurel Park
Pick 5    $2,675.00
Super High Five     $1,712.00
Pick 6 Jackpot    $738.00
Los Alamitos
Pick 6    $8,735.00
Oaklawn Park
Classix    $2,640.00
Sam Houston Race Park
Pick 5    $4,700.00
Super High Five     $2,009.00
Santa Anita Park
Super High Five     $20,490.00
Sunland Park
Pick 6 Jackpot    $5,306.00
Super High Five     $141.00
Tampa Bay Downs
Super High Five     $2,671.00
Turf Paradise
Pick 6    $1,343.00
Turfway Park
Super High Five     $1,000.00

Guaranteed Pools

Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools

“It really gives owners a voice,” said Christina Bossinakis, who heads the program. “Taking care of existing owners to me is of paramount importance. If they have a good time, they bring in friends. You will get new owners by taking care of existing owners.”

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Racehorse Ownership: A Different Business

DRF – Simon – Ownership basics detailed on day one of OwnerView conference

Bloodhorse – Janney Offers Some Advice for Owners

Louisville Courier-Journal – Video | Rome’s keynote on passion for racing

Racing Post – Barber – Major boost to Royal Ascot prize-money

Lazarus

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Unity Top Topic at Racing Industry Forum

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – McQueen – Children of Secretariat: the ‘gorgeous’ G1 colt who couldn’t take the pressure

Things get worse under pressure.

Murphy’s Law of Thermodynamics

Under Pressure

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Rome: ‘Highs Always Outweigh the Lows’

Speed of Life

So have fun dreaming about the jackpot but save most of your bankroll for TwinSpires.com. 

TwinSpires Blog – DeRosa – Powerball And the Statistical Wagering Concept No One Talks About

Horse Race Insider – Jackpot bets could bring the end of racing as we know it

Horse Race Insider – Pricci – Lots to Analyze on Stakes Schedule this Weekend

Racing Post – Jennings – Battle for McManus over tax on €15.9m winnings

Bloodhorse – Balan – Higgins Starts In-House Riding Rivalry

Bloodhorse – Angst – Dads Caps to Return in Toboggan Stakes

This Weekend’s Stake Races

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 – Japan-Based Tapit Colt Points to KY Derby

Bloodhorse – Nyquist, Mor Spirit Drill for 2016 Debuts

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Nyquist, Mor Spirit turn in works at Santa Anita

Space Oddity

TwinSpires Blog – Mohaymen breezes five furlongs for Holy Bull

TwinSpires Blog – Mohaymen has “perfect” morning at Palm Meadows

Bloodhorse – Mohaymen Sharp in Half-Mile Work

Let’s Dance

TwinSpires Blog – Casse pointing Conquest Big E to Gulfstream’s sophomore series

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Casse lays out plans for Ky. Derby prospects

The Man who Sold the World

Louisville Courier-Journal – Living ‘fantasy,’ younger Casse looks to future

Louisville Courier-Journal – Trainer Romans has two on the Ky. Derby trail

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

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – TwinSpires.com Lecomte draws full field, Stageplay tops Silverbulletday

Bloodhorse – Novak – Fields Line Up for LeComte, Silverbulletday

Dancing In The Street

Bloodhorse – Lecomte Contender Mo Tom a ‘Work in Progress’

Ashes To Ashes

Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Dolphus Tests Deeper Waters in Lecomte at Fair Grounds 

Louisville Courier-Journal – Tom’s Ready draws into LeComte on Derby trail

Bloodhorse – Ramseys Pin Louisiana Hopes on Uncle Walter

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner -Derby odds | Baffert rolling in top prospects

DRF -Privman – Road to the Derby analysis: Sham Stakes

TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Kentucky Derby Report (1/13): Sham winner doesn’t run fast but plenty of time remains 

Pink Panther 

Bloodhorse – Balan – Mana Strike Tops California Derby Field

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Allaboutaction ready to step up in California Derby

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 Breezes for Las Virgenes Run

TwinSpires Blog – DeRosa – Why the TwinSpires.com Players Pool Played the National Racing Club Sweepstakes Rainbow 6

Long time receptionist at Horse Racing Alberta and horse racing industry friend Donna Rogers passed away suddenly this week.

From the Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter

RAILBIRD NOTES

BY GLEN TODD

HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS

Bloodhorse – Balan – Gender Agenda, Stormy Lucy Renew Rivalry

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – ESPN’s Mayne to call a race at Santa Anita

This is Horse Racing – Pete Aiello’s Horse Who Changed Everything

Phil’s favourite record label was always Reprise:

Grantland – Hill – The Invaders

Ooh Las Vegas

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Oaklawn kicks off 2016 with another record purse distribution

TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Oaklawn Park offers plenty for horseplayers

Ooh Las Vegas

This is Horse Racing – Chrome connections root from afar

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Sherman: Chrome has ‘reached his potential’

DRF – Hovdey: California Chrome ready to retake center stage

TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – California Chrome’s return highlights the week at Santa Anita

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – What comes next for California Chrome?

TwinSpires Blog – Pugh – California Chrome Doesn’t Have To Stay Home But Trust Trainer To Do His Job

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – California Chrome to race in Dubai ahead of World Cup

LouisvilleCourier-Journal – Lintner – Ami’s Flatter emerging as top older horse

Bloodhorse – Angst – Analysis: Rule-Breaking Costs Other Horsemen

TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Dubai Carnival beads: Ertijaal steals the spotlight on opening night

TwinSpires Blog -Hanson – Chocolate Ride back in best form for Colonel Bradley

DRF – Dunleavy – Mid-Atlantic: Lynch transitions stable to Maryland

Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Never Gone South, Marengo Road Vie at Laurel

This Train is Bound For Glory

TDN – Congrats Filly Dominates in the Desert

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:

1. Experience and success training thoroughbreds.
2. A commitment to race the entire 2016 season at Hastings Racecourse.
3. 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

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Ehalt – NYRA readies its battle plan for the next big freeze

Wake Up

Time – McCluskey -More Than 800,000 People Shared This Mathematically Inept Powerball Post

Phil has a question:

Is Philipe Andolini the person responsible for the budget preparation at Horse Racing Alberta.

Red Money

January 15 – 17 2016

Sheraton Red Deer

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

Bloodhorse – Hammonds – First Time By: Inaugural Eclipse Awards

Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Found Can Uncover 2015 Filly Eclipse Award

Lady and the Track – Eclipse Awards Shenanigans Suit Peter Rotondo

Horse Race Insider – Pricci – Eclipse Process Playing to Mixed Backside Reviews

Lady and the Track – Macatangay – La Verdad and Lady Sheila Stable in Eclipse Awards Spotlight

Omega Code

Racing Post – MacDonald – Cold weather but hot prices at Keeneland

Bloodhorse – Oakford – Average, Median Drop at Keeneland January

Bloodhorse – Oakford – Average, Median Dip at Keeneland Session

Bloodhorse – Oakford – Ready for Romance Tops Third January Session

Bloodhorse – Oakford – Kee Day 2 Sees Gains in Average, Median

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Ryan Wins Bidding Battle for Veracity

Bloodhorse – Roan Inish Brings $500,000 at Keeneland

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Highland Yard to $420,000 for Mother Ruth

Don’tWanna Fight

DRF – Nevills – Keeneland January: Payson snaps up opening session’s top offerings

Bloodhorse – Keeneland January Sale: Session 1 Wrap

Bloodhorse – Oakford – $700,000 Summer Solo Tops Keeneland Opener

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Leigh Dispersal Horses on Top at Keeneland

Bloodhorse – WinStar Acquires Paris Bikini for $425,000

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Arch Filly Second $450,000 Yearling

Bloodhorse – Oakford – Castleton Lyons Goes to $350,000 for My Limit

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

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Sexton – Speed is certainly king in the new sire ranks for 2016

Bloodhorse – 480 Cataloged for F-T Winter Mixed Sale

Queens’ Plate – Woodbine Oaks Syndicate Opportunity

Lady and the Track – Laughter – Spendthrift’s New Opportunities: Race Day and Wicked Strong

TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Taris, Birdatthewire stretch out in La Canada after big wins

Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Springstead – The racetrack with its future balanced on a knife edge

Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Stronach Race Plan Targets Business Model

Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – More details on proposed $12 million horse race

Bloodhorse – Sarah Sis Preparing for 2016 Debut at Oaklawn

Thoroughbred Internet – Tycoon writing his own success story

Winnipeg Free Press – Paul – Critical first step’ completed to transform Assiniboia Downs into urban reserve

OKAY, THE GARLIC IS FRYING.  NOW SELECT YOUR INGREDIENTS. Yup, savour the aroma of frying garlic as you peruse the ingredients you wish to be added to your pasta dish at tonight’s certified Angus prime rib buffet from 5 to 9 p.m. Also enjoy culinary dishes with a tropical touch.  All you can eat just $26.95.  Reserve at 204-885-3330.

• Got an HPI question?  Ask expert Marshall at noon to 2 p.m. Monday

• “PLAY IT AGAIN” CONTEST:  On Saturday, print your name on the back of your
non-winning mutuel tickets (must be played with your Player Rewards card) and
deposit into a contest box in the Race Book. On Monday, at least 10 draws will be held
from noon to 5 p.m. and the names drawn will receive whatever amount they spent on
their tickets (up to $50 a ticket).
• FREE BREAKFAST SANDWICH FROM 10 AM TO NOON! That’s right!
The best breakfast sandwich on the planet (I haven’t tasted better anywhere) is
absolutely free if you arrive at the Race Book between 10 a.m. and noon!  Yeah, blows
me away, too! That’s a toasted English muffin with juicy sausage, egg and melted
cheese. Free!  Get a coupon from the mutuel supervisor.
• FIVE TIMES PLAYER REWARDS!  Yes, ALL of your wagers on “holiday” Monday
will be worth FIVE TIMES the normal Player Rewards.  And, of course, those wagers will
still qualify for a cash bonus, too, of up to five per cent under the Cash Back
Bonus program.
• SPECIAL “I WON BIG” WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD:  Yours truly will host
a  special “I won big” group discussion at 10:30 a.m. on the Clubhouse plaza and each
$20 share will be boosted by $5 in playing group tickets.  Since Tampa isn’t racing, the
track will be Gulfstream (last six races)
• BRING YOUR HPI QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED by HPI specialist
   Marshall Posner. (From noon to 2 p.m.)

	DO THE DOWNS Carryovers
Click for schedule		Mango tilapia at tonight’s tropical-touch prime rib buffet
CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE

THIS BREAKFAST SANDWICH WINS RAVE REVIEWS:  I know.  I can’t stop talking about the Downs’ breakfast sandwich for $4 introduced a month ago.  That’s because I’ve had breakfast sandwiches elsewhere and this one simply is better by leaps and bounds.  Hot toasted English muffin with a juicy sausage, egg and melted cheese. You feel the warmth of the English muffin as you crunch into the juicy ingredients. I truly can’t wait to have my next one.  If you haven’t tried it, do so and see if you don’t agree.

Official stations of horse racing. Click to listen

YOU’RE INVITED!

	PLAYER IS ON A TEAR
	Wins pick-4s and pick-5s worth thousands!

WHAT “TRICK” HELPED PLAYER WIN $1,200 PICK-4?  A tricky 10/1 first-time starter won the first leg of last Saturday’s pick-4 at Tampa Bay.  The player who will be speaking in the Clubhouse this Saturday said he initially didn’t have that horse on his ticket. But he added it after doing a simple thing — and that’s why he won $1,200 for his 60-cent ticket.  What did he do? And why does he use the same strategy for other plays?  Find out his secret on Saturday.

Colts target Songbird’s 112

Will any colt beat filly Songbird’s speed this weekend?

In a workout at Santa Anita last Friday, 3-year-old filly Songbird was the quickest of 53 horses, sprinting 5f in :58.20.  Uh-oh!  Hasn’t lost a step. And, in fact, has likely gotten even better since crushing the Breeders’ Cup filly field last October.

DECEMBER’S BETTER BETTOR TRACKS

Want to play tracks that players are making the most money betting?  Turfway, Los Alamitos and Remington led thoroughbred tracks in December.  And, for a second month, Fraser was a big leader in harness racing.  That means these tracks are sending the Downs nice cheques — which, of course, passes through your hands and into the economy.  And that makes YOU a good citizen!

Will this help you?  Maybe attending Saturday’s 10:30 a.m. talk at the “I won big” workshop by a winner of many pick-4s and pick-5s will help you become a better citizen as well.  It appears his wins at Turfway is the reason that track is among December’s better-bettor tracks.

NEITHER HOCKEY, NOR FOOTBALL, NOR RACING:  At the very time the Winnipeg Jets and the Minnesota Vikings were playing in their respective important games Sunday afternoon, 30 horse shareholders showed up in the Terrace Dining Room for the inaugural meeting of the newly-formed Assiniboia Racing Club.  That showed how keen their

Tanya Lindsay Will train for club

horse-owning interest is — or maybe they knew something that others were to find out to their dismay — that the Vikings kicker would miss a winning chip-shot field goal and the Jets would succumb to Buffalo, giving Evander Kane the last laugh. (Say it ain’t so!)

NEW BET PROLIFERATES:  Notice how most tracks have added Super Hi-5 wagers to their races?  Essentially, it’s a pentafecta–nailing the top five finishers in the correct order–and tracks are generally paying a consolation share of the pool when the bet isn’t won and carrying over the balance to the next race.  These bets cost 60-cents to $1, depending on the track. Don’t

Winning “secret” divulged Saturday

confuse it with Woodbine’s Jackpot Hi-5 on the last race in which the jackpot keeps growing until a single correct 20-cent ticket takes down the pool.

PLEASE DON’T SAY THE WORD:  In a hockey-mad city that bleeds Jets blue, there’s a word hockey fans don’t want to hear but I’m going to say it anyway because, after all, it IS reality: “mediocre.”

Where are they now? by Rob MacLennan

After a slow start, Jared Brown notches two Turf Paradise wins Trainer Jared Brown (46-6-7-8) has bounced back from his slow start at Turf Paradise, notching wins last week with a couple of mares — 5-year-old Scene Queen who won her second in a row ($9.40) and the speedy 5-year-old Tom Kha who won a tough claimer, paying $7.80. His 4-year-old gelding, Many Routes, returned to form with a close second at 13/1 as well last Saturday. This Saturday watch for 6-year-old Horse Feldhaus in the 870-yard Honest Mac Stakes. Rohan Singh Rides for Jerry Gourneau Meanwhile, trainer Don Schnell saw a 5-year-old mare he claimed for $5,000, My Name’s Mud, win at $2.80 on Tuesday, but then get claimed just as quickly for $5,000. Moving east, watch for Jerry Gourneau’s horses as a new meet opens at Sam Houston.  Gourneau continues to race at Delta as well. Of nine starters Gourneau races this week, four of them ran at ASD last year including Truly Ilean, Sconnie Nation, FP Silent Eyes and FJ Uncle Lew Dee. Former ASD leading rider Rohan Singh will ride six of his mounts at Sam Houston including FP Silent Eyes, the fast 6-year-old mare who rattled off four wins last summer at ASD. MY PICKS IN DERBY PREP RACES THIS WEEKEND:  LeComte Stakes at Fair Grounds Saturday:  The race has lots of speed so I figure two sons of Uncle Mo—Mo Tom and Uncle Walter–should sit off the pace and make a run down the long stretch in New Orleans. Mo Tom ran third in the Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill, a race in which second-place finisher Mor Spirit came back to win the Los Alamitos Futurity. Uncle Walter ran second in an allowance race at Churchill. His owners, Ken and Sarah Ramsey stables, have won the last two runnings of the LeComte. Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn on Monday:  I will take a shot on lightly raced horses — Synchrony who defeated Uncle Walter in a very wide trip at Churchill and Lunda Del Loca who broke his maiden determinedly at Aqueduct first time out for trainer Steve Asmussen.  Good luck in these two prep races and enjoy!

“TIPS ‘N’ TRICKS” with Marshall Posner Q.  How do I watch replays from previous days and tracks? A.  OPTION ONE — BY HORSE NAME:  Enter the horse’s name in the SEARCH box along the top of the page (view image here). Put your cursor over the “Pop-Out Window” icon with the arrow in a box pointing upwards. It will say: “watch the race video replay in a new browser window” (view image here). By viewing the video replay this way you won’t interrupt any live video streams you are running. OPTION TWO — BY DATE AND TRACK (view image here): Click on the “Video Camera” icon for the horse you want to watch (view image here). This will bring up a profile on your horse.  Watch any recent replay by clicking on “Video Camera” or “Pop-Out Window” (view image here). You should always choose to watch the replay in a new window; otherwise it will be shown in your video stream window and you’ll have to go back to choosing your live streams after watching the replay.  A new video window will open and the race will automatically start. NOTE:  Confirm your horse’s post position in the race details below because PP numbers in the form will be adjusted when there is a scratch and your horse has been moved to an inside post.  You can watch a replay two ways – full view (default format) or head-on view (view image here). Got a question for Marshall?  Email theinsider@ASDowns.com See answers to previous questions here. ALSO NOTE:  Marshall will be available Monday in the Race Book from noon to 2 p.m. to answer any questions you have about using your HPIbet account.

HISTORY ON THE HOOF: The best of Bob Did you know . . .  Saskatchewan native Larry Carter’s Elite Mercedes and Monsoon Rain were the first two horses in Downs’ history to win the Wheat City, R. J. Speers and the Gold Cup in the same year? Elite won the “triple” in 2006 and Monsoon did it in 2008.  Look back with Bob at that remarkable achievement here.

Bloodhorse – HRRN to Broadcast Florida Sunshine Millions

Bloodhorse – Wildcat Red Returns In Sunshine Sprint

Bloodhorse – Saraguaro heads Sunshine Millions Classic

TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Sr. Quisqueyano, Saraguaro star in Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream

Lady and the Track – Macatangay – Mexikoma the ‘Safe Choice’ in Sunshine Millions at Gulfstream Park

Bloodhorse – Sunshine Millions Turf Draws a Dozen

TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Turf runners take their turn in the Sunshine Millions spotlight 

Toronto Star – King – Kevin O’Leary promises $1M to Canadian oil if Notley steps down

Phil has a comment:

Stay tuned for Sunday.

Southern Living – Malakasis – New Year Resolutions (This Blog Will Save Your Life!)

The Man Who Sold the World

NY Times – Somaiya – How Rolling Stone Magazine Handled a Get With Ramifications

Phil’s Double Pheature Drink and a Phlick

Bloody Mary

The Big Easy

Hey Hey (Indians Comin)

Intermission

A Spaceman’s Shot

The Man Who Fell to Earth

A Fool Such As I

Garden and Gun – Lotz – Manatee Mania: A Homecoming to Celebrate

The Globe and Mail – Balkissoon – Jargon is so handy, if you know what it means

Sweet Home Alabama

To Southerners like my mother, ‘Gone With the Wind’ was not just a book; it was an answer, a clenched fist raised to the North, an anthem of defiance.
Pat Conroy

NY Times – Bierman – Nailing the National Anthem: Who’s Done It Best?

Star Spangled Banner

God Bless America

The Star Spangled Banner

My Old Kentucky Home

God Save the Queen

I understood that centuries of chains and lashes will not kill the spirit of man nor the sense of truth within him.
Ayn Rand

National Post – Hopper –  Proposal would give England its own national anthem, but will the Queen mind?

LA Times – Lee – Op-Ed Is Ted Cruz a ‘natural born Citizen’? Not if you’re a constitutional originalist.

National Post – Jen Gerson: Saudi Arabia is like Mad Max before the fall … and the fall may have arrived

NY Times – Powell – Hello, They Must Be Going

NY Times – Longman – To Rams’ Owner, It’s Business; to St. Louis Fans, It’s Personal

Bloodhorse – Balan – NFL Stadium to Take Over Hollywood Park Site

LA Times – Jennings, Vives and Goffard – Will Inglewood score big with the NFL’s return?

LA Times – Plaschke – The big, bad NFL will have to play by L.A.’s rules

NY Times – Belson – Rams Moving to Los Angeles Area, and Chargers Could Join Them

NY Times – Belson – A Primer on the N.F.L. Relocating a Team to Los Angeles

UND Archives – The Four Horsemen” by Grantland Rice New York Herald Tribune, 18 October 1924

National Post – Tait – Telegraph – ‘Dilapidated’ Playboy mansion for sale: Hef included

NY Times – Bondy – Two Teams in Search of Sports-Obsessed Brooklyn

Werewolves of London

Falling Rain

Phil M Stockmen