Apr 232017
 

Sal’s Countdown to the

2017 Kentucky Derby

Due

Image result for pictures belmont secretariat

Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray. He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword. The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance. In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.
Job 39:19-25


Stay with Me


Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – McQueen – Children of Secretariat: the failed racehorse who was a star at a different activity – and was 34 yesterday


One I Love


Kentucky Derby 2017


Brisnet – Svully – Kentucky Derby Report April 28: Always Dreaming records impressive work at Churchill Downs

Bloodhorse – Haskin – Derby Dozen – April 25, 2017 – Presented by Shadwell Farm

Las Vegas Insider – 2017 Kentucky Derby Odds

DRF – Derby Watch

Brisnet – Get to know the 2017 Kentucky Derby contenders



GLEN TODD’S DERBY TOP TEN

GLEN TODD’S DERBY TOP  10 

I’m really not sold on anybody as being a standout, this years Kentucky Derby is totally a wide open affair.  I wouldn’t think the morning line favorite will be under 4-1.  At least 10 of 20 runners will be over 30 -1 with some well over 50-1. 

1: IRISH WAR CRY – I had to pick someone and I have flip flopped several times and the Graham Motion trainer runner is today’s top pick 

2: ALWAYS DREAMING – The Todd Pletcher trainee has run the fastest 1 1/8 miles so far but Pletcher’s Derby record stops me from picking him as #1 

3: CLASSIC EMPIRE – I have picked Classic Empire in the third spot but not convinced his return after a layoff because of a foot injury that the field he beat was far from stellar. 

4: McCRAKEN –  My thoughts on the Ian Wilkes trained son of Ghostzapper is that he will go the distance and is improving after an ankle issue set him back a few weeks.  One really wonders if that ankle issue will be a problem going forward? 

5: PRACTICAL JOKE – The Chad Brown hopeful is an outstanding looking individual, large, strong and will be charging at the end.  I don’t think the mile and quarter will hurt him, actually it could help him. 

6: GIRVIN – He has trained well since the Louisiana Derby and has Mike Smith named as the rider.  I might have him ranked too low but any one of my picks are ranked higher by some experts. 

7: J BOYS ECHO – This horse was in a ton of trouble in the Bluegrass and should improve going further but the big field could hinder him and needs a perfect trip. I’m surely going to add him to my tri’s and super tickets. 

8: IRAP – I have him picked 8th but you could say this is a bit of a sentimental pick as the Doug O’Neill trainer will have Mario Gutierrez aboard.  Irap was a maiden when he won the Bluegrass at Keeneland and will be a big price. 

9: Hence – This horse has been moving forward since his last start in his am drills.  The Asmussen runner will be another with some value and that is the reason I have him in my top 10. 

10: ROYAL MO –  Like Irap he is California based and I have only two California based horse in my picks.  Since Mastery went down I don’t think this is the strongest bunch of Cal based horses in some years. He was in a ton of trouble in Santa Derby and could move forward in the Derby.


Road to the 2017 Kentucky Derby

DRF – Watchmaker: Let’s not forget the Kentucky Oaks




2017 Hastings Paddock Sale

Hastings Paddock Sale - April 2nd, 2017

The Hastings Paddock Sale will be held Sunday, April 30th

The preview will be held Saturday, April 29th.

The preview will be about 11:15 AM PDT on Saturday morning as soon as training is over

and the sale itself will be held 15 minutes after the last race on Sunday afternoon


DREW’S AND MIKE’S PICKS

For Sunday April 30

Race 1 6 – Cowboy Phil
5 – Stormy Teen
2 – Hot Summer Nights
5 – Stormy Teen
3 – Feel No Shame
6 – Cowboy Phil
Race 2 2 – Yukon Belle
5 – Spirit Bay
3 – Something Better
2 – Yukon Belle
4 – Daz Lin Dawn
5 – Spirit Bay
Race 3 3 – Mighty Fraser
5 – After The Conflict
7 – Prince Hotel
3 – Mighty Fraser
5 – After the Conflict
1 – It’s Finally Friday
Race 4 7 – Driller
4 – Kermode
3 – Rock Victor
3 – Rock Victor
4 – Kermode
7 – Driller
Race 5 5 – Swaying
8 – Florist
1 – Anstrum
1 – Anstrum
5 – Swaying
7 – Astartobe
Race 6 5 – I Dig That
3 – Ariki Princess
9 – Valid Vow
9 – Valid Vow
5 – I Dig That
6 – Moon Ride
Race 7 2 – Fifer
7 – The Odds R Good
10 Burnum
7 – The Odds R Good
10 – Burnum
4 – It`s in Command
Race 8 9 – Dancin’ All Day
3 – Lulu’s Best
4 – Lady Chardonnay
2 – Discreet Country
3 – Lulu`s Best
5 – Jo It All
Mike’s Picks Drew’s Picks

 


sabato aprile 29

LA Times – Elliot – Young Oilers have a strong connection with ‘Mr. Gretzky’



Paulick Report –  Hackbarth – ‘An Extraordinary Horse’: Gunnevera Carrying The Hopes Of A Nation


Brisnet – Caldwell – Classic Empire, Always Dreaming among plethora of Kentucky Derby workers on Friday

TDN – Busy Morning for Derby Workers


Daydreaming


Paulick report – Golden – Battle Of Midway’s ‘Good Work’ Pleases Hollendorfer


This is Horse Racing – Joe Clancy – A little chaos can’t faze Irish War Cry in Thursday gallop


Because The Night


Paulick Report – Willman – Paradise Woods’ Final KY Oaks Work Has Mandella ‘Pretty Excited’

Brisnet – Caldwell – Salty heads Kentucky Oaks worktab at Churchill Downs


Brisnet – Caldwell – Creative Cause filly sells for $850,000 to top final session of OBS Spring

Bloodhorse – Ron Mitchell –  OBS Spring Sale Concludes With Across-the-Board Records


TDN – Bill Finley – Taylor Made Invites Public to Participate in Chrome’s Breeding Career


TwinSpires Bolg – Shapiro – Bolo a vulnerable favorite in Thunder Road Stakes


Paulick Report – CHRB Meeting: Combined Fair Race Meeting Approved, Santa Anita Handle Down


venerdi april 28

Terry Hamilton’s Hammer’s Vision, a 4 year old Ontario bred son of Court Vision returns to the turf in Saturday’s Elusive Quality Stakes going 7 furlongs on the Belmont turf for trainer Brian Lynch with Joel Rosario in the irons.

Sal’s always been partial to the Gone West side of the Mr Prospector line especially its ability to throw both turf and dirt runners and some pretty decent broodmares.

Omega Code a son of Elusive Quality and grandson of Gone West stands at Peaceful Valley in Alberta.



NY Times – Powell – From Combine to Draft, N.F.L. Prospects Are Treated Like Pieces of Meat

NY Times – N.F.L. Draft: Analysis of Every Pick in Round 1

Sal says that treating the Prospects like meat extends to the scribes who overanalyze everything these primadonnas do except the way they poop. And that’s only because the scribes don’t get to see the way they poop.


Bloodhorse – Angst – Pletcher Breezes Four Kentucky Derby Hopefuls


Bloodhorse – Derby, Oaks Notes from Churchill Downs, April 27


TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: The Mighty McCraken


Bloodhorse – Johnson – A Few Early Thoughts on the Kentucky Derby Pace

US Racing – Simon – Do Speed Figures Matter In The Kentucky Derby?


Bloodhorse – Classic Empire a Pro in Four-Furlong Move

Image result for lucy charlie brown football

Paulick Report – Classic Empire Leads Battalion Of Derby Workers At Churchill Friday Morning

Paulick Report – Derby Notes, April 27: For Casse, Having Chance To Win Kentucky Derby ‘Surreal’


Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Willoughby – Keep Multiplier in mind – his bloodlines are bursting with staying power


ESPN – DRF – Free – Trainer Richard Mandella eager for Kentucky Oaks


Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Ehalt – The NYRA allowance race program where British turf horses could compete for NINE times more prize money


Bloodhorse – Ron Mitchell – Record Tiznow Colt Lives Up to Expectations

Paulick Report – Record $2.45M Tiznow Colt One of Three Juveniles To Top $1 Million In Positive Session At OBS April Sale


Bloodhorse – Ron Mitchell – Union Rags Colt Hits for New Partnership Group


The Globe and Mail – Stone – Kevin O’Leary drops out of Conservative leadership race to back Maxime Bernier

National Post – The late-night deal that sealed Kevin O’Leary’s exit


Paulick Report – Luis Saez To Replace Injured Albarado Aboard J Boys Echo In Kentucky Derby


TDN – Longines Presents Timekeeping Technology

Sal says that Longines should talk to Frank Stronach so he could get the races at Gulfstream off within 15 minutes of the scheduled post time and then time the races properly.


Lady and the Track – Sigmon – Bodemeister Colt Was ‘Always’ Special

Brisnet – Always Dreaming, rest of Pletcher contingent turn in gallops


TwinSpires Blog – 2017 Kentucky Derby BRIS Speed Rating Final Report


Bloodhorse – Derby, Oaks Notes From Churchill Downs, April 26

TDN – Wednesday’s Derby/Oaks Update


TDN – Late Classic Call For Thunder Snow


You Keep Me Hanging On


Brisnet – Shapiro – Southern California fillies loom large in Kentucky Oaks


TDN – Bill Finley – How a Horse With Panic Disorder Turned Into a Steeplechase Star


Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Smith – The stats that prove Frankel’s super start to the season is no one-off


Paulick Report – NYRA – Maragh, Bravo, Castellano, Carmouche And Velasquez Up For Mike Venezia Award


TDN – Churchill Downs Racing Club Back for 2017

Bloodhorse – Stewart to Train, Manage Latest Churchill Racing Club


NY Times – May – A Business Deal and a Murder, Seen Through the Rearview Mirror



Brisnet – Gunnevera gets in first gallop over Churchill strip


Paulick Report – Sharp ‘Confident’ In Decision To Change Up Girvin’s Work Schedule


Paulick Report – Geroux Named To Ride Sunland Derby Winner Hence In Run For The Roses


TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo’s Sophomore Spotlight: Illinois Derby, Federico Tesio Recaps


Lady and the Track – Simon – Kentucky Oaks 2017 Silks Colors and Patterns


Paulick Report – Tirico Taking The Reins As Host On NBC’s Racing Coverage As Hammond Takes Reduced Role


Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Ron Mitchell – OBS April First Session Soars

TDN – DeBernardis and Martini – Orb Colt Tops OBS April Opener


Horse Race Insider – Berner – When It Comes to Drug Enforcement, Politics Prevail


ESPN – DRF – Fornatale – DRF unveils $1 million World Championship of Handicapping


Paulick Report – ‘City Within A City’: Woodbine Entertainment Group Unveils Master Plan For New Development

Lady and The Track – Ransom – Kentucky Derby 2017 Silks Colors and Patterns


TDN – Monday’s Kentucky Derby Update

Paulick Report – Churchill Downs: Busy Monday Morning As Host Of KY Derby Contenders Turn In Works


Running on Empty


TDN – ‘Racing Meets the Arts’ to Kick off Derby Week


NY Times – Zimberoff – Toast Ale, From Recycled Bread, Is Now Brewed in New York


National Post – Hornby – Free-agent decisions, Vegas expansion draft and more: What’s next for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Sal says that if the National Post wants to call itself the National Post should it not understand that most of the Nation is outside the boundaries of Toronto.

While Sal’s on the subject of the NHL how stupid of a playoff format pits the 2 teams with the most regular season points against each other in the second round of the playoffs in both the East and the West. Why bother with the regular season if your point total doesn’t really matter in the playoffs.


TDN – Silver – In Their Footsteps: Joseph Migliore


Bloodhorse – Precious – New York Moving Forward on Adding Threshold Standards

TDN – Thornton – NY Commission Tweaks 7 Drug Thresholds


Paulick Report – Pitter-Patter Of Little Feet: Hall Of Famer Borel ‘Over The Moon’ About Being First-Time Father


NY Times – Keh – Welcome to the World’s Coolest Kindergarten


Bloodhorse – Ron Mitchell – Brisk Activity Bodes Well for OBS Spring Sale


Paulick Report – Ice, Ice Baby: NY Islanders Eyeing Plans To Build New Arena At Belmont Park


Bloodhorse – America’s Best Racing – Spending Time With New Trainer Kent Sweezey

Brisnet – Caldwell – J Boys Echo breezes five furlongs at Churchill Downs; Fast and Accurate, Royal Mo work for Kentucky Derby


TDN – Bill Finley – Maragh’s Improbable Journey to the Derby


TDN – Sunday’s Kentucky Derby/Oaks Update

Horse Race Insider – Pricci – Racing Around the Weekend


NY Times Cacciola – LeBron James Issues a Timely Reminder of His Greatness


Bloodhorse – Balan – Stormy Liberal Wins Third Straight Stakes


Bloodhorse – Balan – Southern Ring Speeds to Whimsical Victory


Bloodhorse – Shea – Party Boat Upsets Fifty Five in Memories of Silver


HASTINGS NEWS BY GREG DOUGLAS

LONG-TIME OWNERS REDEKOP & TODD

SHARE LIMELIGHT ON HASTINGS OPENING DAY

Considering the inclement weather, there was a good size crowd on hand for opening day at Hastings Racecourse on Sunday afternoon – Patti Tubbs Photo

Vancouver, B.C. (April 23/17) – Dating back centuries the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” basically referred to a person disliking another after spending too much time together.

It most certainly does not apply to Peter Redekop and Glen Todd, a couple of gladiators who have known and respected each other for years as successful horse owners at Hastings Racecourse.

In fact, the phrase “familiarity breeds content” might be more appropriate.

There clearly was not any animosity evident as they took turns sharing the spotlight Sunday with victories in the two $50,000 stake races highlighting an eight-race card that thrilled an opening day crowd to launch a 52-day meet at the historic Hastings site.

Dear Lily wins the Brighouse Belles with rider David Lopez -Four Footed Foto

Todd hit the stakes winner’s circle first when favoured Dear Lilly won a thriller in the $50,000 Brighouse Belles for fillies and mares by overtaking Chianti in the closing strides for a one-length victory under jockey David Lopez.

Lopez scored three wins on the day.  He rode Cederberg to victory in the third and Seeking Asylum in the nightcap.

Trained by Sandi Gann for Todd’s North American Thoroughbred Horse Company and ownership partner Mark DeDomenico, Dear Lilly finished the 6 ½ furlong sprint over a sloppy track in 1:17.39, paying $4.90, $3.00 and $2.70.

“She shows up every time,” a delighted Todd said.  “She’s been running all winter at Turf Paradise and won three out of four starts down there.  We just decided to give her a shot on opening day and it worked out well.”

Distinctiv Passion wins The Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugral – Four Footed Photo

Redekop was equally pleased with Distinctiv Passion in the Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural.  Making his first start for Hastings trainer Phil Hall after being claimed for $62,500 by Redekop at Santa Anita last month, Distinctiv Passion led from start to finish in a 6 ½ furlong sprint for 3-year-olds & up that drew an impressive field of 11 horses.

“He’s got a lot of speed and the short turns obviously didn’t bother him,” Redekop beamed as he congratulated jockey Enrique Gonzalez in the winner’s circle. Distinctiv Passion finished in a final time of 1:16.38, paying $4.00, $3.00 and $2.70.

Live racing resumes Sunday, April 30 at 1:50 p.m. with two $50,000 stakes on the card:  the BC Cup Dogwood and BC Cup Stellar Jay. Following the final race Sunday the Hastings Paddock Sales featuring 2-year-olds in training and horses of racing age will take place on the tarmac at Hastings.  There will be a Paddock Sales Preview on Saturday, April 29 at 11:30 a.m.


domenica aprile 23

Mike’s Picks Drew’s Picks
Race 1 3 – Fall At Last
5 – All Under Control
2 – Honor River
3 – Fall At Last
2 – Honor River
5 – All Under Control
Race 2 2 – Bullet
6 – Jazzed
3 – Oma
6 – Jazzed
4 – Queen of Barn I
1 – Au Clair de Lune
Race 3 5 – Cederberg
3 – Lassie’s Reward
1 – Papa Sol
5 – Cederberg
4 – Lornefivehundred
3 – Lassie’s Reward
Race 4 3 – C U At Eau Claire
1 – Dear Lilly
5 – Morning Coffee
1 – Dear Lilly
3 – C U At Eau Claire
2 – Castellani
Race 5 4 – Sol Cat
9 – Good as They Get
6 – Zap Town
7 – Fantastic Command
9 – Good as They Get
1 – Santa Fe Trail
Race 6 1 – Ruffenuff
6 – Babys Got Track
3 – Total Defence
1 – Ruffenuff
5 – Good Luck to You
7 – Artistica
Race 7 10 – Blue Dancer
7 – Distinctiv Passion
6 – Modern
7 – Distinctiv Passion
6 – Modern
10 – Blue Dancer
Race 8 7 – Majestic Mark
5 – Power to Believe
6 – Indy Racer
7 – Majestic Mark
5 – Power to Believe
1 – Let’s Have a Double

Sal says that as Edmonton Oilers fans slowly rouse from their game VI hangover sleep and peer through a crack in the curtains it takes them a few seconds to determine if that’s just the hangover fuzzies or if that’s a few centimetres of snow blanketing their favourite green.  At least they can rationalize the snow on the ground knowing that the gods of weather are confused by the Oilers making the second round of the playoffs.

The Globe and Mail – Klinkenberg – In Edmonton, winning changes everything

Meanwhile down the QEII Flames fans are wandering why they’re getting the same crappy cold late spring when the Flames and their fans have already traded in their snowmobiles for golf-carts. Across the Rockies the Canucklehead fans wander why they’re getting the worst spring in Canucklehead history when they didn’t even make the playoffs. Worse yet they finished near the cellar in a draft year where there’s no Stanley Steamer let alone a McDavid or Matthews.

Heading closer to the 100th meridian Winnipeg fans can always console themselves singing the song that Elton wrote when Hatskin was luring Bobby from the Hawks.

Benny and the Jets

Sal says you won’t find no fake news on HolyBull.ca but periodically Sal interprets a sign as a cosine.


NY Times – Swiss Teenager Nico Hischier Raises His Standing for N.H.L. Draft

Sal says that if the Canuckleheads ever want to tour Stanley the Cup through Stanley the Park they should stick closer to the Stanley Steamer’s hometown.


No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth!

Ronald Reagan


For a system as hard to defend as supply management, it never lacks for defenders. And it’s perplexing. Our columnist Colby Cosh had it exactly right earlier this week, when he noted that perhaps the only thing the supply management of our dairy products is good for is serving as a reminder of how terrible an idea protectionism always is. Let the pathetic state of our dairy aisles constantly remind all of us who have travelled and seen the wonders of world cheese elsewhere exactly why supply management is such a terrible idea.

You’re offered far less choice, but at least you pay more for it.

And yet it persists. Why? How does a market-oriented party, such as the Conservatives claim to be, dare defend a grocery tax that adds up to hundreds of dollars a year per household, is most painful for low-income families, and serves only to prop up an entrenched oligopoly? How do our Liberals, with their oft-professed adoration for all things middle-class, defend forcing millions of Canadians — single moms, seniors on fixed incomes, refugees, aboriginals on isolated, disadvantaged reserves, you name it — to pay more for food necessities? Milk, cheese, butter, eggs and chicken are not frills. They’re not for only the well-to-do. They’re the things our own government has long told is part of a healthy diet; the same government that punishes you for consuming them. All to enrich a few “family farms.” 

 But none of this is new. Nothing we’re saying here hasn’t been said a thousand times before. A series of columnists have made these very arguments in these pages this week, and plenty of times before that. Supply management is immune to the logic bombs of both left and right. It endures despite having no real argument in its favour. After a nuclear war, the only things likely to be left standing would be cockroaches and dairy boards.

National Post – National Post View: After a nuclear war, only cockroaches and Canadian supply management would be left standing

Sal says that the all of these agricultural supply managements systems were designed to protect a disappearing dinosaur, the family farm. Today’s farms are not the family farms of the homesteaders they’re corporate conglomerates run by Monsanto or other gargantuan agribusiness corporations who continually gouge Canadian urban consumers with protected pricing policies. The average dairy farm in Canada is worth 20 times the most expensive house in Toronto, but you’re not paying for the land and barns, the premium is extracted for the dairy quota.

Alberta Milk – How much is the quota for each cow in Alberta

Do the arithmetic – $40k per cow times 100 cows and your quota is worth $4,000,000 and Sal will tell you that the Alberta Milk estimate is about 25% of the real price. They just don’t want the city folk to know why milk and cheese in Canada costs 3 times as much as in the States and down under.

National Post – Colby Cosh: Canada’s dairy cartel, the unkillable sacred cow made of other, literal cows

National Post – Lawrence Solomon: Trump just might make us put on our big-boy pants and make Canada great again

If we are very clever, we might pair this with a proposal for an offsetting “concession” on the American side. For example, the Montreal Economic Institute has suggested a deal (I see Maxime Bernier has lately taken up the same idea) in which, in return for Canada giving up supply management, the U.S. would cease its endless campaign of harassment of our softwood lumber exporters, including the threatened 25-per-cent tariff.

National Post – Andrew Coyne: Milking Trump for our own benefit

National Post – CP – Maxime Bernier is only Tory leadership candidate to welcome Trump’s swipe at Canadian dairy industry

Sal says that Maxime Bernier’s idea of buying out the milk quota doesn’t stink like blue cheese if you give it a thought. Canadian dairy prices would drop by about 40% from today’s level, tack on a 20% tax to buy out the milk quota and the urban Canadian consumer is still ahead of the game.

Sal says it time to gore the sacred cow of agricultural supply management systems in Canada find productive jobs for the thousands of bureaucrats who no longer would have cushy jobs screwing Canadian urban consumers and put some more spending money into urban Canadian consumers’ pockets.

Sal says the subsidy door swings both ways.

NY Times – Semple – Mexico Ready to Play the Corn Card in Trade Talks


Hawkmoon


Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.

Albert Einstein


Bloodhorse – Bode Miller Buys Interest in Fast and Accurate


Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

Ronald Reagan


Bloodhorse – Novak –Battle of Midway Purchased by WinStar, Don Alberto 


The Boys of Summer


Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost


US Racing – Simon – Using Running Styles To Identify Kentucky Derby Contenders & Pretenders


LA Times – Timberg – Shakespeare died 401 years ago, but original scripts from his era live on in a new digital archive


I speak two languages, Body and English.

Mae West


I Got You Babe


Paulick Report – NYRA Announces Long-Distance Turf Bonus Program For Belmont Meeting


Bloodhorse – Always Dreaming Pleases Pletcher in Florida Move

Brisnet – Caldwell – Always Dreaming, Patch and Gunnevera breeze for Kentucky Derby in Florida

Bloodhorse – Mitchell – Sharp Horsemen Bred Derby Contender Always Dreaming


Brisnet – Caldwell – Kentucky Derby quartet work at Churchill Downs, Keeneland


Bloodhorse – Shea – State of Honor, Salty Breeze for Casse at Churchill

Paulick Report – State Of Honor ‘Developing Well’; Impending Weather Threatens Derby, Oaks Workout Plans


If you come to a fork in the road, take it.

Yogi Berra


To Sir With Love


TwinSpires Blog – Scully – Don’t be put off by Pletcher’s Kentucky Derby stats


Paulick Report – PariMAX Surpasses $4 Billion Mark In Total Handle Wagered On Historic Horse Racing


Two of Us


Garden and Gun – Lotz and Portman –  That Sun Records Sound


LA Times – Hennon – At Elvis Presley’s Memphis, you can snap a selfie with the pink Cadillac and eat like the King

Paulick Report – Rain Dampens First Exclusive Derby/Oaks Training Period At Churchill Downs


Bloodhorse – Wincze Hughes – Blue Grass Hero Irap Steady in One-Mile Move


DRF – McGee – Miss Sky Warrior settles in, breezes for Kentucky Oaks


The Bitter Southerner – Jordan and Hawley – Fishing for Education

The Bitter Southerner – Jordan and Hawley  Including “All Y’all”


The two most joyous times of the year are Christmas morning and the end of school.

Alice Cooper


School’s Out


NY Times – Williams – Meet the Tea Ladies (and Tea Boys) of British Soccer


Twisting the Night away


Bloodhorse – Balan – Gormley Works Smartly at Santa Anita


Bloodhorse – Wincze Hughes – Multiplier Steps Up His Game in Illinois Derby

TDN – The Factor Colt Charges Late to Capture Illinois Derby

DRF – Hersh – Multiplier edges Hedge Fund in Illinois Derby


Hold Me Now


Bloodhorse – Shea – Twisted Tom Takes Sloppy Tesio


You can’t always get what you want


Sal says if it says 99 that should be either the proof or the number of years it spent in a barrel.


National Post – Hopper – The Three Hours of LeMelons: The annual Alberta race that pits $300 beaters against each other

The Three Hours of LeMelons


Thunder Road


Bloodhorse – Cloud Computing to Bypass KY Derby, Point for Preakness

Sal says that Lookin at Lee who’s dame Langara Lass won stakes at both Hastings Park and Northlands Park is creeping up the eligibility ladder.


Garden and Gun – Hutchison – My Town: Jon Carloftis’ Lexington, Kentucky


TSN – Lawless – Sabres should have been hiring instead of firing

Sal says that Lawless is either Clueless or just filling space. The money in virtually every offer Mike Babcock received was identical. The Sabres were never really in the running to land Babcock as one of the key points in Babcock choosing the Maple Leafs over the Buffalo Sabres was Babcock’s analysis of the talent on both teams and in their farm systems.


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

Francis Bacon


Should I Stay or Should I Go


LA Times – Mai-Duc and Hamilton – Where are they now? Charles Manson’s family, four decades after horrific murder spree


Personal Jesus


Paulick Report – Gutterman – Theater Review: ‘Pure Confidence’ An Unsettling Tale Of Slavery, Civil War And Black Jockeys


TDN – Imperative Gets Up Just in Time in CT Classic


One Way or Another


Bloodhorse – Balan – Inordinate Outlasts Syntax in San Juan Capistrano


Not Fair


Bloodhorse – Wincze  Hughes – Itsinthepost Goes Long in Elkhorn Stakes


Bloodhorse – Balan – Collected Impresses Again in Californian


Bloodhorse – Hall – Call To Mind Delivers Late Birthday Gift to The Queen


Fat Bottomed Girls


TDN – Tapit Filly Game at Gulfstream


TDN – War Front Colt Holds On in Woodhaven


Paulick Report – Paolucci Sets Claiming Price Record At Tampa Bay Downs


US Racing – Ransom – Stallion Stories: Silver Charm


Truth is so hard to tell, it sometimes needs fiction to make it plausible.

Francis Bacon


Hawthorne Sal

  2 Responses to “Sal’s Countdown to the 2017 Kentucky Derby – Due”

  1. HIPPODROME QUEBEC BANS SHOW WAGERING

    HIPPODROME becomes the first track in Canada to ban show wagering due to small amounts wagering and prevent bridge jumpers(handicappers that risk large show wagers to make the mandatory .05c payouts on $1.00 wager). CENTURY DOWNS had this occur at least 10 times at last year’s harness meet to inflate last year’s pathetic live wagering amounts to make a 22% increase, rumoured to be from 58k to 71k. Maybe their reps at the HBPA meeting can verify the actual daily total and a realistic forecast for thoroughbreds.

    WATERLOO, ONTARIO pilot project turns dog poop into energy using anaerobic digestion creating bio gas (HRA produces this daily?) for heat and energy with the waste becoming fertilizer. HRA 3 year business plan perhaps should have included the conversion of horse manure to create much needed prudent revenue!!!

    BONUS QUESTION FOR HBPA/CENTURY Uncashed parimutuel tickets have been split in ONTARIO between OJC/HBPA for at least 40 years to benefit backstretch workers/programs, is this on the table for the upcoming negotiations or just having no track lights part of the price to pay for a track to race at?

  2. HBPA MEETING / CENTURY PRESENTATION THURSDAY April 27, 2017 FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK!!!

    1.STAMPEDE PARK slot revenue continued from July 1/2008 to March 31/2009> NORTHLANDS new casino will the slot revenue continue from July 1/2018 to March 31/2019 with a additional $6 million in HRA purse grant, resulting in $2 million in purses for the two breeds?

    2. HRA 2017-2019 BUSINESS PLAN was released with the same purse grants for 2017/2018/2019, what is the HBPA’s position on this document’s stagnant purses and declining thoroughbred race dates?

    3. CENTURY MILE has a net win/slot/hr of $12.50/2018 and $13.50/2019 budgeted in the HRA fantasy business plan is this attainable, based on the tough economic times/ NP $7.10/CENUTY DOWNS $10.50?

    4. HBPA will they support a membership email campaign to MINISTER CECI’S right hand man at mike.brown@gov.ab.ca to express the pathetic effort by HRA in supporting thoroughbred racing?

    5. CENTURY DOWNS is charging $100/ per stall environmental fee for the harness industry , will this continue for the thoroughbreds at the downs/mile??

    CENTURY DOWN’S effort to promote Monday harness racing with additional foreign simulcast to boost the daily live handle to 100k hit a pylon with insufficient entries. NORTHLAND PARK previous Monday experiment with thoroughbred racing by future tree planter DWAYNE bared no fruit, lesson learned!!!

    HOT RUMOUR with the CULLEN STABLES entry 1,1A having 570k/360k in 2017 trainer earnings in tough east racing scene, their could be more harness trainers/competitive race horses heading to ONTARIO.

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