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 312016
If you’re PC or PC you may want to refrain from reading any further as Phil’s not very PC or PC today.
But fret not as Phil still had time to head off on the odd haversine and radian.
But fret not as Phil still had time to be as irreverent as usual.
The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teeth and sharpen my tongue.
Dorothy Parker
NY Times – Op_Ed- Vinciguerra – How to Speak of the Dead
(Speaking of the deceased Crazy Horse.) It does not matter where his body lies; there the grass is growing… but where his Spirit lies, that would be a good place to be.
Black Elk
Phil’s reprising a couple of quotes from Sitting Bull and JFK the President not the stallion who’s on his way to Argentina.
Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.
Sitting Bull
Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.
John F. Kennedy
LA Times – Cherwa – Horse Racing: California can’t afford to let its horses get away
The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.
Peter Drucker
World Wide Words – It ain’t over till the fat lady sings
Quote Investigator – It Ain’t Over Til The Fat Lady Sings
When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.
John F. Kennedy
Phil’s reprising:
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.
The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
John F. Kennedy
Also in the works for Northlands is a plan to convert Rexall Place into a nerve centre for minor hockey and to redevelop the entire Northlands grounds, which includes a huge racetrack and grandstand for the failing horse-racing industry.
But the most important change is one of attitude and governance.
…
For decades, the Northlands board was seen as a secretive old boys’ club, beneficiaries of the city’s concert and horse racing gravy train. When Oshry joined the board, he found it “very dysfunctional.”
…
At the same time, Northlands, which runs the Expo Centre, and the Edmonton Economic Development Corp., which runs the Shaw Conference Centre, are talking about running the convention and events business together rather than undercutting one another, Oshry says.
…
My own take is that it’s a complete non-starter for city council to invest more into Northlands-run events and buildings unless Northlands changes its governance.
And I can’t see much if any public appetite for paying for another new arena.
I can, however, see public support for a new Northlands multi-arena complex at Rexall Place and for a new plan for the entire site. Northlands still owes $48 million on the Expo Centre, but the city has backstopped the loan, so the city benefits if Northlands succeeds.
Northlands has also proven itself as a great volunteer group that can successfully host events, so it has value. As Oshry puts it: “The two parties actually kind of need each other so we need to find a way to get this to work … The city is going to have to support Northlands and Northlands is going to have to change their governance and mindset of their role in the city.”
Amen to that.
Edmonton Journal – David Staples: New plans, partnerships and attitude for improved Northlands
The Calgary Stampede generates more than $400 million in economic impact, attracting 2.8 million guests to 1,800 annual events including its main 10-day exhibition. Northlands generates more than $355 million in direct spending in Edmonton with more than 500 events attracting more than three million visitors per year.
Much of Staples’ article is couched and vague and grammatically clumsy. Phil’s not blaming Staples for the vague and couched component as until Northlands plans are firmed up and Northlands Park calculates how much money will be coming to racing and whether they can continue to be on the horse racing gravy train the future of horse racing in Edmonton remains murky.
Here’s Phil’s rewrite and interpretation garnered from his sources and reading between the lines:
Also in the works for Northlands is a plan to convert Rexall Place into a nerve centre for minor hockey and to redevelop the entire Northlands grounds that presently includes a huge racetrack and grandstand for the failing horse-racing industry. Whether all or parts of the racetrack, barns and grandstand remain in Northlands’ plan remains to be seen but the future for horse racing continuing at Northlands Park looks grim.
For almost 2 years Phil’s been alluding to the fact that Northlands Park’s future plans may not include horse racing of any breed, but will include slots and a full casino. I’m sure that one of the many times that the Undertaker scurried down to the QKB’s office to rat on Phil he must have mentioned that to the QKB, but as with virtually everything other than ensuring that the jiggies have a place to play Horse Racing Alberta has neither a Plan A nor a Plan B. You may ask yourself yourself if the provincial government will leave the slots at Northlands without horse racing. You should ask yourself if you ever saw a government anywhere that would turn down a tax dollar. You should also ask your local MLA if Northlands Park has been lobbying to keep the slots or have a full casino without horse racing. Thomas Lukaszuk knows.
JFK is right when he states that Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past, but as Einstein said We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Staples uses the phrase – failing horse-racing industry. Although as JFK says Let us accept our own responsibility for the future we must review the past performances to ascertain why the horse racing industry in Alberta is not thriving.
Go back and read the Polish Hot Dog stand allegory and you must ask yourself what is the cause and what is the effect.
Staples also uses the phrase – horse racing gravy train. Too bad Fred get her Dunn is no longer around to audit the books of Horse Racing Alberta, Northlands Park, Stampede Park, RMTC, Alberta Downs and Evergreen Park. The skeletons popping out of closets with their horror stories could create a new movie industry in this province. Suffice it to say that Dunn’s conclusion would be that the monies that were supposed to be used to lead a racing industry renewal were very poorly managed, allocated and accounted for.
As Racing Enthusiast said in his comment on the Paulick Report:
Racing Enthusiast
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.
You must ask yourself why Racing Enthusiast feels the way he does. You must ask yourself how many others in the province of Alberta feel the same way that Racing Enthusiast does. You must ask yourself why Tim Reid from Northlands Park has never contacted Phil M Stockmen to discuss what Phil perceives to be the problems with the horse racing industry in the province of Alberta. You must ask yourself why Rick LeLacheur the chair of Horse Racing Alberta has never contacted Phil M Stockmen to discuss what Phil perceives to be the problems with the horse racing industry in the province of Alberta. You must ask yourself why Shirley McClellan the CEO of Horse Racing Alberta has never contacted Phil M Stockmen to discuss what Phil perceives to be the problems with the horse racing industry in the province of Alberta.
The first cut that Northlands and Stampede felt was the $2 million each that the Prentice government removed from the financial support this spring. The Notley Government has switched the responsibility for the funding for Northlands and Stampede from Agriculture to Culture and Tourism headed by Minister David Eggen. Without the agriculture farce as a reason for funding you can hear the weed-eater warming up at the Legislature.
To borrow from the people that JFK’s speech writers borrowed from what we need in the Alberta horse racing industry are persons who are less concerned about what the government can do for them and more anxious about what they can do for to improve the horse racing industry in Alberta. As Phil has repeated ad infinitum the thoroughbred owners in the province of Alberta dip into their own resources to the tune of about $17,000.00 per horse they race per year. Rather than reward the thoroughbred owners for their support and contribution to the industry Horse Racing Alberta and Northlands Park take turns jabbing the sharp pointy stick in their eyes with one of the cruelest jabs being as HPBA Alberta executive Director Mat Monaco pointed out:
A financial policy change instituted by HRA for 2015 resulted in a decrease of the percentage allocation to “A” Thoroughbred Horsemen from 43.5% to 38.5% of the total purse grant. The Standardbred breed as well as Community racing were the recipients of the 5% lost by this Association. Had we received the same percentage allocation as had been received from Day 1 of HRA’s existence, the additional $700,000 would have translated into a 10 – 15% increase in overnite payments.
Phil’s reprising:
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.
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.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.
From the past performances Phil garners that neither Horse Racing Alberta nor Northlands Park efforts in improving and promoting the thoroughbred industry in Alberta have been stellar. From the past performances Phil garners that neither Horse Racing Alberta nor Northlands Park efforts in improving and promoting the thoroughbred industry in Alberta have been successful.
Phil has oft repeated the comment he heard at an HBPA Alberta meeting many years ago: We need to improve the professionalism of the participants in the thoroughbred industry in the province of Alberta. Phil agrees and Phil hopes that the Notley government grants the thoroughbred industry in this province the opportunity to accept responsibility for the future.
Perhaps Northlands Park bowing out of horse racing in the city of Edmonton is a blessing in disguise. Horse racing may be in a danger but there’s an opportunity for the thoroughbred industry to move out on their own provided that the new slot revenue sharing agreement does not take too deep of a cut from the revenues and providing that Horse Racing Alberta is revamped with a more efficient more responsive Board structure and a new Chair and CEO .
“In general, the gaming industry is trying to engage millennials,” said Alan P. Meister, a gaming industry expert and principal economist at Nathan Associates. “It’s a different demographic to engage. There are different types of games and entertainment or amenities needed to get millennials.”
LA Times – Martin – SoCal casinos going all in to lure millennials
From the perspective of the teams, it’s easy to understand the T-shirt-cannon phenomenon. It’s a cheap and easy way to keep fans happy, especially in the midst of a dreary season. Give them something to look forward to, even during another blowout or uninspired performance, and they might stick around longer and spend more money on concessions — not to mention keep coming back for more games, perhaps against their better judgment.
But from the fans’ perspective, the phenomenon mystifies: Why do spectators all over the world go to such lengths, risking even paralysis, for an inexpensive prize? These shirts, after all, aren’t particularly special or high-quality. They’re of arbitrary size and often emblazoned with the logo of a team sponsor. (A Knicks shirt is arguably cool; much less so when it says “Modell’s Sporting Goods” on the back.) So what’s the big deal?
…
But the real appeal seems to be simply this: The shirts are free.
Who among us can’t relate? We have zero interest in taking part in your telephone survey, but promise us free movie passes and we’ll stay on the line for half an hour answering tedious questions about how many times a week we use soap powder. We opt for “free” credit cards with exorbitant interest rates over cards with a modest annual fee but much lower interest, even though we know we’re going to carry a balance each month. And how many of us go to Trader Joe’s or Costco with no interest in buying, say, jalapeño kale chips but gladly stand in line and have a bite when we can try them free? (Empirical analysis of in-store sampling promotions shows that they work: Shoppers spend more money at a store after getting a free sample, as if they feel obligated to return the favor. As Ariely has noted: “Reciprocity is a very, very strong instinct. If somebody does something for you, you really feel a rather surprisingly strong obligation to do something back for them.”)
…
Fans aren’t the only ones swayed by the power of free stuff. For years, teams’ radio broadcasters struggled to cajole players and coaches to appear on postgame shows. Then they got smart and started offering guests free watches or steakhouse gift certificates in exchange for their time. Rationally this shouldn’t have affected the players’ behavior. For the most part, these are multimillionaire athletes, often making thousands of dollars per hour. Yet the siren song of a free Timex or Morton’s voucher was too seductive to resist.
…
In his review of the book, the writer David Foster Wallace was struck by this anecdote and by the player’s “odd financial sense.” Wrote Wallace: “She won’t come for $100,000+, but will come if they add a couple thousand in airfare?” But such is the powerful inducement of “free.” Had she (or, more likely, her agent) negotiated a bump in fee from, say, $100K to $105K, it would not have changed her mind. But, by accident or design, when the tournament promoter dangled the prospect of something “free,” it got the job done.
One more example: In the early 2000s, the Portland Trail Blazers hired a crew of workers to wash and wax players’ vehicles during practices. Rationally speaking, this was silly: These millionaire athletes were singularly well suited to pay for their own buffing and polishing. Cynical journalists held this out as another example of athletes being pampered and cosseted. But perhaps a shrewd member of the Portland brass realized that the value would outstrip the cost — that in exchange for the free services, the athletes might do things they ordinarily wouldn’t. Such as play defense. Or hustle for loose balls. Or respect the United States penal code (this was, after all, the height of the Jail Blazers era). It was the N.B.A. version of Google providing its employees on “campus” with free gourmet food and dry cleaning, all in the effort to boost worker morale and performance.
All of which is to say: When we get something for nothing, we feel as if we’re putting one over on the world. Except that often it’s just the opposite.
NY Times – Wertheim and Sommers – Why Sports Fans Risk Life and Limb for a Rolled-Up T-shirt
Moments after winning the 17th Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship here Saturday afternoon at Treasure Island Las Vegas, and a first place purse of $800,000, Paul Matties had this to say: “Whenever I meet someone and they say they are a horseplayer, I automatically like them, and know they are smarter than anyone else.”
DRF – Watchmaker: You got to love new NHC champ’s attitude
DRF – Fornatale – Paul Matties outperforms brother to win National Handicapping Championship
Bloodhorse – Rees – Matties Brothers First, Fourth in NHC Finals
TwinSpires Blog – Paul Matties wins 17th annual National Handicapping Championship
What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of the spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected.
Chief Seattle
Phil’s Vignette of Canadian History:
Carryovers
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Aqueduct
Pick 6 $19,270.00
Fair Grounds
Pick 5 Jackpot $2,570.00
Gulfstream Park
Pick 6 Jackpot $308,484.00
Laurel Park
Super High Five $1,945.00
Los Alamitos
Pick 6 $25,008.00
Oaklawn Park
Classix $8,382.00
Tampa Bay Downs
Pick 5 $20,390.00
Super High Five $2,317.00
Turf Paradise
Pick 6 $692.00
Monday, February 1, 2016
Portland Meadows
Pick 5 $4,155.00
Pick 4 $4,105.00
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Delta Downs
Super High Five $621.00
Guaranteed Pools
Equibase Carryovers and Guaranteed Pools
Horse Race Insider – Jicha – Seminole casino deal could push decoupling to back burner
Horse Race Insider – Pricci – BAFFERT: “Horses Are Like Songs”
Bloodhorse – ARC Panel Discusses Illegal Gambling Threat
Bloodhorse – ARC: Regulatory Framework Needed in China
Upcoming Stake Races
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
TDN – Champs Top Experimental Free Handicap
TwinSpires Blog – Champions Nyquist, Songbird top 2015 Experimental Free Handicap
Racing Post – Burn – Baffert eyes Ascot as he falls in love with England
Phil has a question:
Did Baffert go to London to visit the Queen.
TDN – Nyquist Heads Triple Crown Nominees
Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Zayat, Baffert Top 368 Early Crown Noms
2016 Triple Crown Early Nominations
Triple Crown Nominees Past Performances
Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Analysis | Closer look at Triple Crown nominees
Horse Racing Nation – Shifman – 2016 Kentucky Derby: Pletcher Under the Radar?
Bloodhorse – Discreetness, Whitmore Work for Southwest
TwinSpires Blog – Discreetness fires bullet five furlongs for Southwest
TwinSpires Blog – 2016 ‘Art of the Kentucky Derby’ unveiled
Lady and the Track – Hammer – Retro Style Of John Mattos Adorns 2016 Art Of The Kentucky Derby
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
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 – Haskin – Derby Dozen – January 26, 2016 – Presented by Shadwell Farm
Horse Racing Nation – Kentucky Derby 2016 Contenders
Lady and the Track – Macatangay – 2016 Kentucky Derby Top 10: Reinier’s Picks
2016 Withers Stake – Son of Holy Bull
Lady and the Track – Hammer – Sunny Ridge Shines In Withers Win At Aqueduct
TDN – Sunny Ridge by Holy Bull Fights His Way to Withers Win
Bloodhorse – Pedulla – Sunny Ridge Prevails in Withers Stakes
TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Sunny Ridge outfinishes Vorticity in Withers; Flexibility fourth
TwinSpires Blog – Nyquist clocks three-quarters for San Vicente
Bloodhorse – Balan – Nyquist Works Two Turns at Santa Anita
TwinSpires Blog – Nyquist records six furlongs in 1:15.60 for San Vicente
TwinSpires Blog – Von Hemel pointing both Synchrony and Suddenbreakingnews to Southwest
DRF – Rampellini – Van Berg plans to run Cutacorner in Southwest Stakes
Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Preakness staying put for ‘foreseeable future’
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – How does Shagaf’s allowance win measure up?
Bloodhorse – Shagaf Two-for-Two, Heads to Stakes
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Awesome Banner continues winning ways in Swale
TDN – Awesome Banner Remains Perfect in Swale
Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Awesome Banner Dominates Swale
Bloodhorse – Hangin With Haskin – A Derby Road Less Traveled
Holy Bull never won the stake race that was named for him. In 1994 Holy Bull debuted sprinting winning the Hutcheson GII at 7 furlongs on the Gulfstream Park dirt. Nick Zito’s Go For Gin who would go on and win the 1994 Kentucky Derby prevailed in what was then the Preview Stake listed at 1 1/16 miles on the Gulfstream Park dirt.
Lady and the Track – Laughter – Mohaymen Exhibits Superiority in Holy Bull Win
“He’s a real special colt and does everything right,” McLaughlin said. “It’s just a real pleasure to have such a star in the barn for Sheikh Hamdan and Shadwell. I’ve trained for them for 23 years, and I trained the mother, so it’s pretty special.”
Bloodhorse – Novak – Mohaymen Romps in Holy Bull Stake
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Mohaymen geared down late in Holy Bull victory
Phil can hear the detractors warming their engines. Mohaymen will never get the distance cause his broodmare sire is Dixie Union and Dixie Union’s progeny AWD shouts sprint. Before you pounce onto that bandwagon check the AWD of American Pharoah’s broodmare sire and remember that Dixie Union’s stud career was cut short.
DIXIE UNION (1997), Black type winner, $1,233,190. Sire of 10 crops. 797 foals, 662 starters, 48 black type winners, 479 winners, $42,413,647, including Union Rags ($1,798,800, Belmont S. [G1], etc.), Overanalyze ($1,046,381, Arkansas Derby [G1], etc.), Dixie Chatter ($464,606, Norfolk Breeders’ Cup S. [G1], etc.), Hot Dixie Chick ($343,252, Spinaway S. [G1], etc.), Gone Astray ($1,125,162, Ohio Derby [G2], etc.), Nothing But Fun ($455,500, Cotillion Handicap [G2], etc.), Justwhistledixie ($449,427, Bonnie Miss S. [G2], etc.).
Bloodhorse – Dixie Union Euthanized
Speaking of translations, there seems to be some controversy as to the meaning of the Arabic name. Both McLaughlin and Nicholls believe it means dominance or dominating. But according to NamepediA.org, Mohaymen means Protector.
Horse Race Insider – Pricci – A Star Is Born
If you keep your mind open you can learn something everyday. Phil thought that this horse was named for what he says to his grooms every day: Mo hay men.
Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Johnson – Kiaran McLaughlin: what makes Mohaymen so special
Bloodhorse – Mohaymen Pointing Toward Fountain of Youth
Bloodhorse – Balan – Dolphus Prevails in Fair Grounds Allowance
LA Times – Cherwa – Smokey Image wins California Cup Derby with new trainer
Bloodhorse – Balan – Smokey Image Dominant in Cal Cup Derby
Bloodhorse – Balan – J R ‘s Holiday Upsets in Kitten’s Joy
TwinSpires Blog – What a View, Sunday Rules, Smokey Image roll in Cal Cup
2016 Road to the Kentucky Oaks
Race Track Date Points
Busanda Aqueduct Jan 31, 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 – Cathryn Sophia An Easy Winner of the Forward Gal
Bloodhorse – Cathryn Sophia Proves Class in Forward Gal
Bloodhorse – Balan – Flora Dora Finds Just Enough in Busanda
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Two fillies join original seven in rescheduled Busanda
Bloodhorse – Angst – Flora Dora Opens Season in Busanda Stakes
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson – Blowout maiden winner Alto Belle meets Flora Dora in Busanda
Louisville Courier-Journal – Pletcher’s Alto Belle steps up in Oaks prep
Bloodhorse – Pricedtoperfection Game in Sweetest Chant
From the Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter
RAILBIRD NOTES
BY GLEN TODD
HASTINGS HORSE SALE
The sale will be conducted on Saturday, March 26th and the Preview will be held at Hastings Racecourse on Saturday, March 19th, with the times still to be determined. For those wishing to nominate horses to the sale the closing date will be Tuesday, March 1st. The information regarding entering a horse, terms and conditions of the sale and buyer registration forms will all be available on the sales website: hastingshorsesale.com or contact Mike Heads at: 604-309-6509.
HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS
NY Times – Drape – Payment Processor to Stop Working With Daily Fantasy Sports Clients
HASTINGS HORSE SALE
The sale will be conducted on Saturday, March 26th and the Preview will be held at Hastings Racecourse on Saturday, March 19th, with the times still to be determined. For those wishing to nominate horses to the sale the closing date will be Tuesday, March 1st. The information regarding entering a horse, terms and conditions of the sale and buyer registration forms will all be available on the sales website: hastingshorsesale.com or contact Mike Heads at: 604-309-6509.
Haskin reprises
Bloodhorse – Hangin With Haskin – Archival Celebration of Penny’s 94th Birthday
This is Horse Racing -Cangialosi -Horse Who Changed Everything: Mighty Forego
Louisville Courier-Journal – Lintner – Pharoah’s full sister named after Cleopatra
I don’t like country music, but I don’t mean to denigrate those who do. And for the people who like country music, denigrate means ‘put down’.
Bob Newhart
ESPN – Does Pegasus Have Wings
TDN – Uncle Mo Colt Lives Up to the Hype at Gulfstream
TDN – Uncle Mo Filly Opens Account at Fair Grounds
Bloodhorse – Balan – Da Big Hoss Sets Course Record in Turf Cup
TDN – De Kock Continues Rashidiya Dominance
Bloodhorse – ‘Chrome’ Works ‘Like a Beast’ in Dubai
Racing Post – Takahashi – Meydan target for Horse of the Year Maurice
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – The Dispatch Box: Maurice to tackle Solow in Dubai Turf
2015 Sovereign Award Finalists
Bloodhorse – LaMarra – Ohio-Bred Race Fund Increases for 2016
Bloodhorse – Turf Paradise Enacts Virus Quarantine
Bloodhorse – Oaklawn Bans Horses From New Mexico, Arizona
Northlands Park 2016 Stall Application
T.L.C.S. (Thoroughbred Lasting Careers Society)
The organizational meeting of the T.L.C.S. (Thoroughbred Lasting Careers Society) took place on Saturday, January 16 the Sheraton, Red Deer. Make sure to like us on Facebook to follow the latest news of the society.
The goals of this non-profit society are :
- To provide funding for the aftercare, rehabilitation and retraining of off-the-track Thoroughbreds in Alberta.
- To assist and ensure that off-the-track Thoroughbreds are provided with a second career after leaving the racetrack.
- To allow for participation in The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.)
- To promote the unique qualities of the Thoroughbred horse breed.
Click here to download>>T.L.C.S. Bylaws
Membership in the society is open to any person residing in Alberta over the age of 18 years, for a fee of $10.00. Those under 18 may become a member for $5.00. Cheques for membership should be made out to CTHS Alberta and forwarded to TLCS care of the CTHS Alberta Division, Unit 218, 1935 – 32nd Avenue, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C8.
The Ennead catches the drift when Phil prints the entire story on Guilfoil’s appointment as Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission because in some jurisdictions like Kentucky it’s what you know that gets you the job not who you know that gets you the position, unlike Alberta where Shirley McClellan and Rick LeLacheur got the positions.
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin appointed Marc A. Guilfoil as executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Guilfoil, a Barren County, Ky., native, has served in a number of roles at the KHRC since 1988, most recently as director of racing.
“Marc brings a unique perspective to this position and I am very excited he will have oversight of this very important organization,” Bevin said in a Jan. 26 release. “Kentucky’s horse industry is one of the keys to the commonwealth’s growing economy and Marc’s ability to relate to all facets of the industry is critical in its continued success.”
He succeeds former trainer John Ward, who resigned the week of Jan. 11.
Guilfoil has also served as deputy executive director for KHRC as well as liaison between the commission and the Kentucky General Assembly, the eight racing associations, and the respective horsemen’s organizations.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for me personally and I look forward to working with all of our constituent groups to find solutions to the issues that face horse racing in Kentucky today,” Guilfoil said in a statement.
A 1987 graduate of the University of Kentucky, Guilfoil received his bachelor of sciences degree in agriculture with an emphasis in communications. Guilfoil is also a certified Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Quarter horse steward with the University of Louisville Judges Accreditation Program and the United States Trotting Association Officials School.
Bloodhorse – Guilfoil Named New KHRC Executive Director
They made us many promises, more than I can remember, but they never kept but one; they promised to take our land, and they did.
Red Cloud
DRF – Gierkink – Woodbine reducing Ontario-sired bonuses
Moving forward we must ask ourselves: Are we going to export raw resources or are we going to upgrade and refine our agricultural products in Alberta?
…
That must stop. We must create the conditions for investment in food processing and packaging. Food processing is high value, sustainable and green, making it a perfect fit for Alberta.
Considering Alberta’s future in food production, one cannot omit the potential of carbon capture and storage. Following in the footsteps of European Union producers, the release of CO2 into greenhouses has resulted in robust development of year-round production of fruits and vegetables. Alberta has all the prerequisites to develop such an industry.
There is another asset that could become an even bigger economic driver for Alberta — education. Our destiny lies in innovation and commercialization. We must focus on educating inspired, entrepreneurial and innovative people. We must attract such individuals from elsewhere and create conditions to retain them. We can be the smart province.
Our post-secondary institutions have made Alberta proud, but steps must be taken to allow them to elevate themselves to an international, elite status. Current funding models are appropriate for growing undergraduate education institutions, but they do little to intensify research, graduate and postgraduate work.
Campus Alberta is positioned to provide people with superior undergraduate education, but can also become a hub of internationally competitive research in medicine, engineering, humanities, agriculture and more.
We can pray for another oil boom and we should, but we can do so much more. Instead of partisan bickering and proliferating the negative image of Alberta’s economy, thus weakening investment confidence in our province, I challenge us all to identify our path to future prosperity.
It’s time for an Alberta economic forum to identify where our fortunes lie and what steps will put us on that path. It’s time for Alberta government to heed sound economic advice and roll up our sleeves together and bring back the Alberta Advantage.
Edmonton Journal – Thomas Lukaszuk – Opinion: Let’s not let economic gloom kill Alberta’s dreams
Phil has a question:
Was in not the PCs who killed the Alberta advantage when they replaced it with the PC crony advantage.
Was it not the PCs who cut funding to Alberta’s post-secondary institutions when they couldn’t balance the budget with $100.00 a barrel oil prices.
Where were these brilliant ideas when the PCs were in power.
Did Thomas Lukaszuk promote these ideas when he was running against Diamond Jim for the leadership of the PCs when Shirley McClellan continued to cash her paycheques from Horse Racing Alberta while devoting her time to partisan politics as co-chair of Diamond Jim’s Campaign as pointed out by Norm Kennedy in the September 13, 2014 ASHA Board of Director’s Minutes.
3) HRA Update – Norm Kennedy
The following points were discussed:
: HRA has been quiet; Shirley McClellan had been focused on getting Jim Prentice voted in for the PC Party
: HRA is not meeting until October
Why hasn’t Shirley McClellan been fired from Horse Racing Alberta for dereliction of her duties while she was focused on getting Jim Prentice voted in for the PC Party instead of her duties as CEO of Horse Racing Alberta.
Dos Shirley McClellan have that tight of a rein on the puppet strings.
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.
The syndicate has acquired a 3 year old filly that is currently in t Fancy Annie, a half sister to Fiftyshadeslighter by Bold N Flashy. The syndicate also acquired a 2 year colt by Milwaukee Brew.
If you’re interested or have any questions please respond to: cjracingstable@live.ca
The committee reported that the following stakes races in Canada have lost black-type status effective 2016:
Race Track Alberta Premier’s Futurity Northlands Park Edmonton Juvenile Stakes Northlands Park John Patrick Handicap Northlands Park Madamoiselle Handicap Northlands Park River Rock Casino Handicap Hastings Racecourse Two-Year-Old Filly Sales Stakes Northlands Park Wild Rose Handicap Northlands Park
TwinSpires Blog – Natalma upgraded to Grade 1 status for 2016
That’s 6 more stakes races in the province of Alberta that have lost their Black Type status during the tenure of Rick LeLacheur and Shirley McClellan at Horse Racing Alberta, yet Horse Racing Alberta has neither a Plan A nor any other letter of the alphabet to improve thoroughbred racing in the province in order to have Black Type status restored to these races.
Phil has a Plan:
Phil’s reprising:
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.
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.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.
There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.
John F. Kennedy
Bloodhorse – Lewyn – Bob and John, Musket Man to South Korea
Omega Code
Bloodhorse – Novak – Forever Unbridled Claims Ladies Classic
DRF – Rampellini – Ivan Fallunovalot survives objection to repeat in King Cotton
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
Bloodhorse – Angst – Sassicaia Rallies to Victory in Toboggan
Horseplayers Association of North America January February 2016 Issue
Bloodhorse – Pedigree Analysis: Colonel John
By Stravinsky-A world leader for individual winners. 100 million in progeny earnings worldwide
QAldebaran Light is the dam of Balmont and Eskendereya
Eskendereya was the favourite for the 2010 Kentucky Derby but scratched
due to injury (Stands for $17,500.00)
Balmont is a multiple Group 1 and 2 winner
Multiple Group 1, 2 and 3 progeny winners
Sire of Balmont Girl, Balmont Mast and Belle La vie
$1,086,917.00 worldwide progeny earnings in 2015 with 45 starters at $24,154/starter
Balmont was one of the fastest juveniles of his year, winning both the Middle Park and Gimcrack
while setting a track record in the process.
Balmont stems from one of the very best stallion families in the stud book that of Danehill,
Machiavellian, Arctic Tern, Cannonade, Burooj, Stephan’s Odyssey and Northern Dancer
BALMONT
Stravinsky-Aldebaran Light by Seattle Slew
NEW FOR 2016 SEASON
2016 FEE: PRIVATE
Property of Dan Byrne
Standing at Jug Handle Ranch
Inquiries to: Dan Byrne
Phone (403) 601-0432 jughandleranch@yahoo.ca.
Box 1380, Nanton, Alberta T0L 1R0
Please visit website for video: jughandleranch.ca
Taylor Made – Fernando – Eskendereya pedigree constructed for classics
Bloodhorse – Stallion Eskendereya Sold to Japan
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Smart Call slams the boys in J&B Met, chases Breeders’ Cup dream
This is Horse Racing – Tiller – Flying Changes: ‘Catcher’ enjoys fast start to second career
Bloodhorse – Mountaineer Sets 2016 Racing Schedule
Tonight is your last chance to enjoy a tropical escape!
 |
|
Sun sets on tropical dishes tonight
|
$10 OFF! Download a buffet-for-two coupon here for tonight’s certified Angus prime rib buffet which includes the popular pasta bar and your last chance to dig into tropical specialties:
• Tropical fruit-glazed chicken.
• Pork with Caribbean veggies
• Tropical ocean fish fry
• Pineapple salad
• Tropical tarts
 |
|
This picture could be yours (along with many others)
This inspiring feel-good photograph above my desk taken by teacher/horse breeder Sherisse Ziprick of Russell, MB (note the rainbow?) could be yours, too, because it’s attached to a two-year wall calendar (2016-17) produced by the HBPA of which there are a limited number available. Hurry to the VLT cage and get yours! They’re only $15. Then enjoy this and similarly gorgeous photos throughout the 24 months!
|
Bullet briefs . . .
• Downs announces new “locked in” cash bonuses!
• Enter Saturday’s tourney; it’s better than free! (Buffet is part of it!)
• Did you know Songbird is as fast as American Pharoah?
• Hey, HPI users: Here’s how to spot curious betting patterns!
• Downs’ CEO is now a believer, too! (See Quote of the Week)
• Helpful lists: Minimum wagers at all tracks, best debut sires
• Mother’s Day tickets go on sale Monday
You asked for it . . . here it is . . .
LOCKED-IN CA$H BONUSES!
Assiniboia Downs has announced that a revised cash-back program is being implemented and is here to stay! After nine months of analysis including numerous focus groups, talking to bettors and offering a trial period of cash bonuses, the track says it will be now LOCK IN bonuses of from 1 per cent to 4 per cent of your wagers, depending on your wagering level. The cash will be deposited into your HPI account weekly, on Friday. Said Sharon Gulyas, vice-president of the Manitoba Jockey Club: “Through this extensive process our ultimate goal was to develop a program that would be sustainable for ASD and provide players with a new locked-in bonus cash back program on a permanent basis.”
ARE YOU LEAVING CASH ON THE TABLE? The Downs also urges bettors to track their wagering so they don’t leave bonus cash on the table each week! For example, a player has wagered $3,950 which is subject to 2 per cent cash back. By wagering $50 more, the bettor would be at the next level, $4,000, commanding 3 per cent cash back.
 |
|
Give it a shot!
|
Challenge yourself!
Time to give tournament a shot; it’s better than free!
Have you been sitting on the sidelines watching others fight it out for the Handicapper of the Year title in the monthly handicapping tournaments? Is it time for a fresh face to come up the middle? The first Player’s Choice tourney of the year goes this Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m. Give me one good reason why you shouldn’t be in it?
LOOK AT THE VALUE: It may cost $25 to enter but it’s essentially better than free! Why? Because you get 5,000 Player Rewards points to buy programs, DRF, etc. which is equal to $25. And you get to load up on a tasty luncheon buffet, too!
Rules: You bet $2 win/place of your money on a horse in 10 races from any track. Simple. Best three at increasing their bankrolls get the prize money. You keep whatever you win, too.
Prizes: $850 in cash ($500 for first, $250 for second, $100 for third), bragging rights and points toward Handicapper of the Year. The winner also receives a handsome ENGRAVED special mug, too!
To enter: Fill out an entry form in the Race Book or call the mutuel desk to sign up — 204-885-3330 ext. 225. Do so for $25 before Friday at 9 p.m. or $35 before noon Saturday.
Handicapper of the Year: The player accumulating the most points in seven monthly tournaments during the year will earn a trip for two to Las Vegas and entry into a tournament with up to $1 million in prize money.
So don’t put it off any longer. Challenge yourself! And load up at a tasty buffet, too.
 |
DO THE DOWNS
|
 |
|
Click for schedule
|
Enjoy tropical glazed chicken tonight!
|
|
 |
||
|
CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE
|
||
Carryovers MOTHER’S DAY TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY: Live racing kicks off
 |
Mother’s Day Sunday, May 8, and NOTE THIS: POST TIME IS 7:30 p.m. There will be a brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a buffet dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $34.95 (plus taxes and gratuities). Better get ’em early, they go quickly! Phone 204-885-3330. See ASD’s entire 50-day race schedule here.
 |
Official stations of horse racing.
Click to listen |
 |
| DOWNLOAD THESE LISTS |
Want to know the minimum for every bet at every track? Is it 20-cents, 60-cents, $1, $2? See the reference list for all tracks in January here. You’ll also find this list posted on the bulletin board in the Race Book.
Who were last year’s top debut sires? (Those whose offspring were best at winning their first lifetime start.) See the list here.
| ON THE DERBY TRAIL |
What two Derby preps are scheduled for this Saturday? See starbursts below. Will the winning colt in either of those races beat Songbird’s 112 Equibase speed she logged in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies?
 |
* * *
Count ’em: Nine sleeps until . . .
FABULOUS FILLY DAY AT THE DOWNS
 |
Songbird, the fastest 3-year-old on the continent, will race in the grade 2 $300,000 Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday, Feb. 6. How fast will she go? Will she beat Zazu’s 1:34.86, the fastest time ever for the Las Virgenes since the race’s inception in 1983? Watch for a contest in the Race Book that day to predict Songbird’s time!
|
Songbird’s speed at 2
American Pharoah in Belmont
|
 |
Did you know . . . that Triple Crown-winning American Pharoah didn’t post an Equibase speed of 112 until the Belmont Stakes but that’s the exact speed Songbird posted as a 2-year-old three months ago in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies? Here were Pharoah’s speed numbers up to the Belmont: Rebel Stakes 108, Arkansas Derby 107, Kentucky Derby 111 and the Preakness Stakes 111. (He posted his fastest time, 119, in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.) This is why all eyes will be on Songbird when she makes her 2016 debut in the Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita in nine days. She is logically being pointed to the Kentucky Oaks, the filly version of the Kentucky Derby the day before the Derby
Might we see her entered in the Kentucky Derby instead? That seems unlikely because the owners (Fox Hill Farms) have bad memories of the last time they did that. They had famously entered filly Eight Belles in the 2008 Kentucky Derby and she broke down. However, if Songbird is racing really well, might the owners reconsider? After all, on the face of it at this point, she could potentially be the first filly to win the Triple Crown. And there’s this: Fillies mature earlier than colts.
 |
|
Yes, it’s THAT good
|
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Yes, the Downs breakfast sandwich IS the best I’ve ever tasted.” — ASD CEO Darren Dunn after being coaxed to try the sausage, egg and cheese on a toasted English muffin sandwich despite his belief that most breakfast sandwiches are the same. (“I mean, how good can a breakfast sandwich be?) He admitted afterward, however, to being surprised at how much better the Downs’ version is compared to others he has tasted — and he couldn’t stop at eating just one.
So there you have it. Right from the top. And to think the specialty sandwich began as a free treat for players arriving early on the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. It’s now available anytime for $4. And you can substitute bacon for sausage if you wish! (Why not experience both?)
 |
Uh-oh! Email foreshadowed group’s doomed tickets
Rain-soaked turf at Tampa Bay last Saturday meant two of the pick-5 races would be off the turf which led to a warning in my email box first thing Saturday morning from a participant in the “I won big” betting group: “The last time that happened, you said you would not play it.” But, of course, the group went ahead anyway, being extra-careful in those two legs of the pick-5. But we were done in anyway. Group tickets DID pick the three dirt winners (paying $10.80, $29.80 and $14.60) but missed the tricky off-the-turf winners (paying $11.60 and $57). There were no pick-5 winners that day.
In retrospect, it would have been possible to have won the pool by taking ALL horses in the two off-the-turf races and keying a horse in two of the dirt legs: the 7f first race (won by a 7f “rule” horse, similar to last week) and a race in which a speedy “fresh” filly was likely to go gate to wire (which she did at $29.80).
The group just missed big pick-3 payoffs, too, a new addition to their play. But the group can take heart this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. after receiving encouraging words from two-time Handicapper of the Year Ron Phelps who is vacationing in Palm Springs but is sharing in group tickets: “Hard luck today,” he emailed after Saturday’s loss. “You made the right call on playing pick-3s seeing the payouts. Hang in there — we’ll cash in next Saturday.” Words to live up to, Ron. And it’s about time to gorge on a winning treat—bacon.
THE WEEK THAT WAS
BIGGEST TOURNEY BEGINS WITH ASD’S DREW: Today, Bill Drew, an ASD player, businessman and horse owner/breeder who lives in Oakbank, will be making $2 win/place wagers on 18 races at major tracks in the biggest horseplayer tournament of the year, the National Handicapping Championship, a $2.45 million event at Treasure Island Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. Eight of his plays will be on mandatory races.
He’ll be competing against about 650 other entries, having earned a seat in a qualifying online tournament last March. He’ll be making similar wagers tomorrow and, if he’s among the leading 10 per cent heading into Saturday, he gets to compete in a semi-final round in which he plays 10 races of his choice. Then in mid-afternoon, if he’s among the top 10 players, he will advance to the final table where he must bet seven mandatory races. The winner receives $800,000.
 |
|
Kayla Pizarro
Top apprentice? |
ASD‘S KAYLA PIZARRO NOMINATED FOR TOP APPRENTICE: ASD’s apprentice jockey Kayla Pizarro, who distinguished herself by winning her very first lifetime race on a long shot on Canada Day, is among four Canadian jockeys nominated to win a Sovereign Award at the annual $250-a-plate awards banquet at Woodbine on Friday, April 8, the day before the thoroughbred season opens at Woodbine on its new Tapeta surface. Kayla, who was born in Winnipeg, is the sister of Woodbine rider Tyler Pizarro.
Kayla has a higher win percentage than the other three jockeys nominated for the award:
Kayla Pizarro (primarily ASD) 56-6-7-13 (10.7 per cent win percentage)
Isabelle Wenc (Marquis Downs and Northlands) 120-11-15-12 (9.1 per cent wins)
Fanny Crausaz (primarily Fort Erie) 100-9-13-11 (9 per cent wins)
Erika Smilovsky (Woodbine) 161-11-15-22 (6.8 per cent wins)
See other nominations for Sovereign Awards (horses, trainers, etc.) here. People employed in the racing industry and in the media determine the winners.
MR. PICK-4 & 5 JUST MISSES SHARING IN $57,000: The player you’ve been reading about lately in The Insider–the one who’s been cashing multiple pick-4 and pick-5 tickets–just about added a pick-5 at Tampa on Sunday that paid $57,000 for $1. His $109 ticket missed race 7, a race for non-winners of two races lifetime. He said he took half of the six horses in the field and wasn’t prepared to double the cost of his ticket by taking ALL in that leg. The horse he missed in the race for 3-year-old fillies, Drama Princess at 17/1, hadn’t raced since last fall. The four winners he DID have paid $31.80, $4.60, $21.80 and $6.20.
ASD HORSEMEN WON’T LOSE OVERWINTERED HORSES: Note the extension of the waiver claiming rule: When the 2016 ASD meet opens in May, horses that haven’t raced for 180 days (i.e. during fall and winter), can be entered for a claiming price equal or greater than the price at which it last started TWO TIMES without fear of the horse being claimed. And ONE TIME if the horse hasn’t raced for three months. So, for example, a $10,000 horse can be entered at $10,000 once or twice without it being claimed. The reason? To prevent an owner from immediately losing a horse he’s spent six months boarding and feeding and training.
CAL CHROME READYING FOR $10 MILLION WORLD CUP: 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome is in Dubai today getting ready to run a race to sharpen him up before his real objective: Turning a runner-up finish in last year’s $10 million World Cup at the end of March into a win. Meydan Race Course was changed to a dirt surface last year so more U.S. horses are being attracted to the high purses in the desert kingdom.
 |
|
What will motivate Jets
when a ref does this? |
HORSE MOTIVATES BRONCOS; WHAT ABOUT JETS? Have you wondered why you hear a horse whinnying during football games broadcast from Mile High Stadium? I figured it out: It is played on the public address system before the visiting team’s third-down play to motivate the Broncos to stop them from getting a first down. Which got me thinking: What motivational sound could be played at a Jets game when they get a penalty to encourage them to kill off the penalty? A few bars from Rocky? From Slap Shot? What do you think? Send suggestions to theinsider@ASDowns.com.
SUPER BOWL — SHADES OF 2003? Should be a good Super Bowl a week from this Sunday, pitting the flamboyant Cam Newton and his high-flying offence against a studious Peyton Manning and his shut-em-down defense. Reminds me of the 2003 Super Bowl in which the underdog Tampa Buccaneers with the #1 defense man-handled the Raiders’ #1 offence, 48-21. Note that the 11 thoroughbred tracks racing on Super Bowl Sunday begin their cards between 11:20 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. so races end before football kick-off at 5:30 p.m. CST. The game is expected to have the biggest TV audience ever.
“SUN NEEN FY LOCK!” Say that a few times. Go ahead. “Sun neen fy lock.” Now you know how to say “Happy New Year” in Chinese (Cantonese) on Monday, Feb. 8, the beginning of the year of the monkey. Surprise Manley Chan, the director of the Downs’ food and beverages, with that greeting. Once you say it a few times, it sticks: “Sun neen fy lock.”
|
Where are they now?
by Rob MacLennan
|
||
|
Witt Six enters $200,000 stakes Saturday on short rest
Last Saturday, the opening weekend at Sam Houston, Manitoba Derby runner-up Witt Six finished third in the $50,000 Star of Texas Stakes after breaking poorly so trainer Jerry Gourneau enters him right back this Saturday in the $200,000 John B. Connolly Turf Cup. He should like the 1 1/8th mile distance but is facing graded stakes winners Mobile Bay (2015 Super Derby), Da Big Hoss (2015 Kentucky Turf Cup), Big John B (’14 & ’15 Del Mar H.) and Kaigun (2014 Play the King Stakes). No wonder Witt Six’s morning line is 20/1. The Space City Stakes on Saturday will feature another Gourneau trainee, Lift Me Up.
On Monday’s Sam Houston card watch for these ASD runners: Sconnie Nation and Xanthos (races 7 and 10 respectively) and 3-year-old filly Witt’s So Bossy. In other news from Sam Houston, 6-year-old gelding Royal Mocha won recently for popular ASD trainer-owner-jockey combo Charlie Smith, Terry Propps and Rohan Singh returning $10.40 in a conditioned claiming event.
DUNCAN AT OAKLAWN: Meanwhile at Oaklawn Park, Murray Duncan races two tomorrow: 5-year-old gelding Wild N Crazy who comes off a win at Woodbine where he lit up the tote board and now tries a field of conditioned $15,000 claimers and Aunt Els who makes her first start for Duncan. The 6-year-old mare has won eight career races and now tries dirt for the first time. She is certainly a horse to get excited about for the 2016 ASD season.
WINNIPEG FUTURITY WINNER RUNS SECOND: At Turf Paradise 3-year-old gelding Heber who won the Winnipeg Futurity ran second at 18/1 for Don Schnell recently in an optional claimer. Schnell and trainer Jared Brown have entries Saturday in the marathon series where 11-year-old gelding I Am Awesome looks for his 20th career win. In other Turf Paradise news, Eurico Martens has a hot streak going. Last Saturday, the 3-year-old filly Big Bad Janine, third in the Debutante at ASD, pulled a big upset in an optional claiming race, paying $48.20 after getting a good stalking trip. Martens followed up with a victory last Monday in another optional claimer with 3-year-old colt Ready Intaglio defeating Heber by three lengths and paying $6. Is he Manitoba Derby material? MOHAYMEN LOOKS SPECIAL IN HOLY BULL: The Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream should be the highlight of the weekend with the undefeated Mohaymen, coming off his Remsen Stakes win, taking on the Champagne Stakes winner Greenpointcrusader. Mohaymen looks like a special kind of animal. The Withers Stakes at Aqueduct might not offer the same top-end quality but lightly-raced Adventist and Awesome Gent could use this as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
CAL CUP AT SANTA: The Cal Cup Derby at Santa which had been a winning stepping stone for California Chrome pits two undefeated colts against one another: Life is a Trip for Jerry Hollendorfer and Smokey Image looking for his sixth win in a row for Carla Gaines. Hopeful Stakes winner Ralis could also be part of the competitive field. Will this weekend offer some clarity on the Road to the Kentucky Derby?
|
Q. How can I access the betting intervals before a race to spot irregular or curious betting patterns?
A. With the new HPI bet system you can access win odds and pool sizes at various intervals leading up to a race. To get started, simply click on the INTERVALS tab for any race (view image here). You will then be directed to the default Intervals page which is a tabular view. You will also have the option to switch to a chart view (view image here).
There are usually eight different intervals represented. The intervals are 15 minutes to post (MTP), 10 minutes and 5 minutes. From that point until post time you can see the betting intervals on every horse in 1-minute increments.
You can use this information to determine irregular betting patterns or see if there was early money or late money on a horse. You can verify whether a 3/5 shot is a legit favourite or a victim of the fact that there is very little money in the pool at any given interval. In the example here, you can see that horse #4 Malibu Kash was 5-1 until the final minute when his odds dropped to 5/2. You’ll notice that when this drop occurred, the total pool size doubled from $12,000 to $24,000.
Got a question for Marshall? Emal theinsider@ASDowns.com
Review previous questions and answers here.
|
HISTORY ON THE HOOF: The best of Bob Did you know . . . Ed Pawluk’s Smoky Cinder, who turned 22 Jan. 1, is the only locally-based horse to have won the prestigious Canadian Derby? Read “15 Minutes with Smoky Cinder” here.
|
The Globe and Mail – Giovanetti – Notley shifts position, backs maintaining current energy royalties
The Rebel – Levant – Notley lashes out: NDP thugs illegally kick out Rebel reporters
Rebel reporters kicked out of Alberta NDP Royalty Review
Guess Phil’s not the only one who gets banned when he speaks his mind.
I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.
Evelyn Beatrice Hall
CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
-
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;
-
(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
-
(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and
-
(d) freedom of association.
The press is our chief ideological weapon.
Nikita Khrushchev
The Globe And Mail – McGregor – When a newspaper dies, a community is lesser for it
Garden and Gun – Blount Jr. End of the Line: Growing Pains
NY Times – Burma’s Unemployed Elephants
LA Times – Glionna – Too Poor to Retire and Too Young to Die
Southern Living – South’s Best Bars
NY Times – Berkman – Honing Skills in U.S., a Group of Teenagers Is Fueling China’s Hockey Shift
The Globe and Mail – Leung – The ins and outs of using poop to fight infection
Southern Living – 14 Romantic Dinner Recipes for Valentine’s Day
The Bitter Southerner – Mistich – Six String Salvation
National Post – Timothy L. O’Brien: How Trump botched his biggest deal of all
FiveThirtyEight – Casselman – The Stock Market Is Not The Economy
National Post – Robert Fulford: Surely people don’t take the Oscars this seriously?
Phil’s Phebruary the IInd special drink and a flick:
What will Balzac Billy see.
Phil has a question:
When the Undertaker scurries to the QKB’s office to rat on Phil does he scurry in a hurry in a surrey with a fringe on top.
When the Undertaker scurries to the QKB’s office to rat on Phil does he ever feel like telling her that she should read HolyBull.ca as she might learn something new.
Garden and Gun – Heavey – Family Style
The Globe and Mail – Trying to eat sustainably? Edmonton entrepreneur decodes food labels
Southern Living – Bragg – My Mama’s Cookbook
FiveThirtyEight – What Went Wrong In Flint
If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace. Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.
Chief Joseph
NY Times – Pickens – To Las Vegans, Hockey in the Desert Isn’t So Strange
Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process.
John F. Kennedy
Phil M Stockmen
One Response to “Not Just Making Promises”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
KING RALPH’S VISION OF HORSE RACING ENDING BUT NOT THE MEMORIES!
KLEIN addresses the important relationship between the slots and horse racing in with Rick Mercer Klein Mercer horse race ending with a steak dinner by his statue.
RALPH would be rolling over in his grave with his sidekick Tenile failing to continue the racino agreement last fall when the then in power PCs promised a 10 yr renewal that the CEO did not seal the deal as she continues to milk the udder’s of a job / funding formula that is drying up!
ALBERTA HORSE INDUSTRY for the past 10 years has agreed to disagree on the funding share, hopefully KING RALPH’S STATUE will be moved to KLEIN PARK in Calgary if Tenile can finally get something right as a tribute to his great vision/leadership something that is presently lacking!
BALZAC BILLY makes his spring prediction on Tuesday Feb 2 with a 87% success rate for a early spring I wonder what lies ahead for the racing industry!
NDP government switcheroo for STAMPEDE/NORTHLANDS cheque signing to culture/tourism will the horse racing industry be changed to pesos instead of Ralph bucks!
MAPLE LEAFS change logo on Tuesday Feb 2. What will the new ARC logo/letterhead look like?
PINNACLE RACECOURSE in rural Detroit gets barn’s torn down after only operating for 2 years 2008 to 2010. will the same fate happen to CENTURY DOWNS? or will they bid for a refurbished safety rail?
HRA figures show 1.2 million Albertans viewed or went to 41 OTB last year for live racing. Why did only 3,000 participants vote in the Edmonton Sun future horse racing poll last year, apathy or feed up!