Sal’s Countdown to the
2017 Kentucky Derby
Uno
Esquire – What I’ve learned – Joe Frazier
Esquire – What I’ve Learned – George Foreman
Esquire – What I’ve Learned – Muhammad Ali
Road to the 2017 Kentucky Derby
2017 Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Past Performances
Road to the the 2017 Kentucky Oaks
2017 Kentucky Oaks
TDN – WinStar TDN Derby Top 20 for May 2
Bloodhorse – Haskin – Derby Dozen – May 2, 2017 – Presented by Shadwell Farm
Horse Race Insider – Pricci – Overview of Kentucky Derby 143 Field Ranked by Qualifying Points
Southern Living – Beeler – Kentucky Derby Party Checklist
Sal’s Kentucky Derby Party Checklist
Garden and Gun – Special Collection: Off to the Races
Food & Wine – Kentucky Derby Food Ideas
Punch Bowl – Kentucky Derby Party Ideas
Lady and the Track – A Fun, Festive & Tasty Kentucky Derby Party Is In Your Future
Lady and The Track – Tips for Hosting an Amazing Kentucky Oaks Party
Louisville Courier-Journal – Miller – A locally-sourced Kentucky Derby menu from the chef at Harvest
TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: J Boys Echo
TwinSpires Blog – Gunnerva -Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: Gunnevera
TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: Hence the Enigma
TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: Classic Empire
TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: Irish War Cry
TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: Always Dreaming
TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: The Mighty McCraken
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Bloodhorse – Angst – Derby Crowd Begins to Arrive, Some Scratches of Note
NY Times – Drape – A Horse Racing Reporter Paces Himself for the ‘Greatest Two Minutes in Sport’
NY Times – Hoppert – It’s Kentucky Derby Day: Horses, Spectacle and Romance
NY Times – Banks – I Have No Idea Who Will Win the Kentucky Derby
NY Times – Luttrell and Coffin – How Well Do You Know Your Kentucky Derby History?
NY Times – Drape – The Race to Save Mastery
NY Times – Sullivan – Custom Stalls and Air-Ride Suspension: How Derby Horses Travel in Style
John Jeremiah Sullivan Horseman Pass By_(Secretariat)
Bloodhorse – Wincze Hughes – ‘Wide-Open’ Derby Field Has Its Share of Class
TDN – Full Field Set for Classic Battle
NY Times – Drape and Hoppert – Kentucky Derby 2017: The Experts Make Their Picks
TwinSpires Blog – DeRosa – Unanimous A.I. & TwinSpires Team To Bet the Kentucky Derby Superfecta
TwinSpires Blog – Kentucky Derby Day Late Pick 4s include turf longshots
TwinSpires Blog – Caldwell – Irish War Cry leads the charge in Kentucky Derby 143
Horse Race Insider – Pricci’s Free Daily Feature Race Analysis
TwinSpires Blog – Shapiro’s wagering strategy for 2017 Kentucky Derby: Top four and two more
Lady and the Track – DaSilva – Kentucky Derby 143 Analysis and Selections
Bloodhorse – Yates – Travis Stone Set for Third Derby Call
TwinSpires Blog – Reilly – Horses of interest on Kentucky Derby Day
TDN – Uncontested Cuts Back for Pay Day Mile
MIKE HEADS HASTINGS PREVIEW FOR SATURDAY
HASTINGS RACECOURSE SATURDAY PREVIEW
Racing resumes at Hastings Racecourse this afternoon with a seven race program and the feature event is in race two as six $35,000 optional claiming mares do battle over six and a half furlongs. Oh, and by the way, there is a race going on at Churchill Downs that may strike some interest. The 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled to go at 3:46 p.m. our time. The horse racing jackpot players will be greeted with a $1,454 Sea-to-Sky Pick 6 carryover that begins in race two.
On the inside is Peter Redekop’s CHEROKEE IN ME who was claimed out of her last race in January and have been given some time off and freshened up for her Hastings debut. She appears to be better at longer distances but her racing fitness must be respected. Enrique Gonzalez gets the call from trainer Phil Hall.
Cameron Hill’s SUSAN’S DAY closed out her 2016 campaign with an impressive victory at this same level. She has been working well in the a.m. for Dave Forster. The Hall-of-Fame trainer is in Kentucky watching the Derby and will be cheering for Lookin At Lee who is out one of his former Hastings pupils Langara Lass. Amadeo Perez will get a leg up from Dave’s wife Teresa Forster.
The Whieldon Thoroughbreds’ BONUS SPIN has been razor sharp in her preps for today’s race, her final work was a dazzling 59 4/5. The Rosann Anderson runner has been very competitive at this price in the past and is definitely a major player in this dash. Antonio Reyes will be aboard.
The Swift Thoroughbreds’ OMI could be the lone speed in this sprint and has proven to be dangerous when left alone early on the lead. Her only two subpar races were going long so she will be pleased to be cutting back to her best distance. Dave Lopez rides for trainer Dino Condilenios.
The Coyote Creek Racing Stable, Mel and Fran Snow’s FIRE BEAUTY has been a consistent mare that always runs well sprinting. She is up slightly in price but has speed and should be in a good early position. She shouldn’t be overlooked. Silvino Morales gets the riding assignment.
The Whieldon Thoroughbreds’ also own PRINCESS O’PRADO who has her lone victory at this distance but seems to be one that would prefer to go longer. She would need a speed duel to materialize to help her chances. Richard Hamel rides for Mike Anderson.
The first post for Hastings is at 1:50 p.m. and a reminder that the doors open earlier than usual for simulcasting from Churchill Downs.
Good luck everyone and enjoy a great afternoon of thoroughbred racing.
| Race 1 | 5 – Halloween Queen 4 – Such a Bargin 7 – Yzitmyfault |
4 – Such a Bargain 5 – Halloween Queen 7 – Yzitmyfault |
| Race 2 | 3 – Bonus Spin 4 – Omi 1 – Cherokee in Me |
1 – Cherokee in Me 2 – Susan’s Day 3 – Bonus Spin |
| Race 3 | 4 – Imposing Cat 8 – Liquid Metal 7 – Jackson Teller |
4 – Imposing Cat 7 – Jackson Teller 8 – Liquid Metal |
| Race 4 | 1 – Majestic Mark 2 – My Eye Candy 5 – Power to Believe |
1 – Majestic Mark` 2 – My Eye Candy 5 – Power to Believe |
| Race 5 | 1 – Sunset Drive 2 – Mighty Mesa 7 – Omega Victory |
2 – Mighty Mesa 6 – Hunters Appeal 4 – Ebony Warrior |
| Race 6 | 5 – Zygo 7 – Jazzed 4 – Touch of Green |
5 – Zygo 7 – Jazzed 4 – Touch of Green |
| Race 7 | 3 – Similkameen Luke 7 – Ace Deuce 4 – Cross the Line |
7 – Ace Deuce 3 – Similkameen Luke 1 – Wailea’s Command |
| Mike’s Picks | Drew’s Picks |
|---|
NY Times – Hoppert – First, It’s Baby Steps for American Pharoah’s Progeny
US Racing Ransom – Abel Tasman Squishes To Kentucky Oaks Victory
Brisnet – Caldwell – Abel Tasman goes last-to-first in Kentucky Oaks 143
Paulick Report – Sans Derby Contender, Abel Tasman Gifts Baffert His Third Kentucky Oaks
Bloodhorse – Green Mask Makes the Grade in Turf Sprint
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Sal says that even Tim Reid CEO of Edmonton Northlands thinks that horse racing moving from Northlands will benefit horse racing.
Edmonton Journal – Theobald -Northlands unveils explosion of summer events
Bloodhorse – Ron Mitchell – Soggy Start to Oaks Day; No Derby Scratches
Bloodhorse – Wincze Hughes – Classic Empire Showcases the Best of Team Casse
ESPN – Thompson – Spirit of Derby ambition lives beneath Kentucky bluegrass
Horse Race Insider – HRI Staff Oaks and Derby Selections
Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Talent Pool Runs Deep in Kentucky Oaks
TwinSpires Blog – A longshot and a best bet on the Kentucky Oaks undercard
TwinSpires Blog – Hanson -Paradise Woods the key to Oaks Day Pick 4
TwinSpires Blog – Horses of interest: Kentucky Oaks Day edition
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National Post – Warzecha and Blackwell – Cancer Nation
Sal’s Star Wars day groaner:
Q: What do you call a potato that has gone over to the Dark Side?
A: A Vadertot.
New for this year, Brisnet.com is making its Premium Past Performances product FREE for every day of the Arlington meeting. These .pdf PPs include Speed and Pace Ratings, trainer stats, and https://www.brisnet.com/product/past-performances/FPPPrime Power. Check it out!
Brisnet – How to Play Arlington Park Using FREE Brisnet Premium PPs
TDN – BIanca – Nexus Racing Club Aims to Bridge Racing’s Youth Gap
Louisville Courier-Journal – Frakes – How the Kentucky Derby 2017 horses got their names
NY Times – Mather – Kentucky Derby: Contenders, Long Shots and How to Watch
LA Times – Cherwa – What can go wrong getting a horse to the Kentucky Derby? How about everything
This is Horse Racing – Tom Law – ‘If they beat us, they beat us’
Louisville Courier-Journal – 100 Years of Kentucky Derby Headlines
Bloodhorse – Shea – Gaffalione Unflappable Before First Derby
Paulick Report – A Dream Come True’: Gaffalione Excited To Be Riding In First Kentucky Derby
TDN – Sherack – Wednesday’s Trackside Derby/Oaks Report
TwinSpires Blog – Kentucky Derby News & Notes
ESPN – DRF – Watchmaker – Plenty of twists and turns on way to Kentucky Derby
ESPN – DRF – Hersh – Derby favorite Classic Empire an enigmatic star
ESPN – DRF- Nevills – Pedigree suggest Tapwrit has stamina edge in Ky. Derby
Louisville Courier-Journal – Greer – Saeed: Thunder Snow ‘a class horse,’ ready for Derby
Lady and the Track – Photo Gallery: Kentucky Derby Week Wednesday, 5/3/17
TDN – Bill Finley – Can Bees Help Predict the Kentucky Derby Winner?
TwinSpires Blog – The 2017 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide FREE Download
Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Vexatious’ Bumpy Ride to the Oaks
Bloodhorse – Shea – Denman’s Call Heads Churchill Downs Stakes Entries
Bloodhorse – Shulman – Oscar Performance Seeks Return to Form in American Turf
Bloodhorse – Wincze Hughes – Miss Temple City Makes 2017 Debut in Distaff Turf Mile
Bloodhorse – Paulassilverlining Enters Humana Distaff in Top Form
Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Plenty of Questions in One-Turn Pat Day Mile
Paulick Report – Divisidero Faces 11 Challengers In Woodford Reserve Title Defense
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Horse Race Insider – Pricci – The 96-Hour Entry Box: Confident, Informed Players Bet More Money
PR WEB – Boudreau – Kentucky Derby Introduces a Modern Twist: Artificial Intelligence
TDN – Classic Empire Mildly Favored in Derby 143
Bloodhorse – Derby Draw: Classic Empire 4-1 Choice, Draws Post 14
| Kentucky Derby May 6, 2017 6:46 PM EDT | ||||
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1 | Lookin At Lee | Corey Lanerie | Steve Asmussen | 20-1 |
| 2 | Thunder Snow | Christophe Soumillion | Saeed bin Suroor | 20-1 |
| 3 | Fast and Accurate | Channing Hill | Mike Maker | 50-1 |
| 4 | Untrapped | Ricardo Santana Jr. | Steve Asmussen | 30-1 |
| 5 | Always Dreaming | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | 5-1 |
| 6 | State of Honor | Jose Lezcano | Mark Casse | 30-1 |
| 7 | Girvin | Mike Smith | Joe Sharp | 15-1 |
| 8 | Hence | Florent Geroux | Steve Asmussen | 15-1 |
| 9 | Irap | Mario Gutierrez | Doug O’Neill | 20-1 |
| 10 | Gunnevera | Javier Castellano | Antonio Sano | 15-1 |
| 11 | Battle of Midway | Flavien Prat | Jerry Hollendorfer | 30-1 |
| 12 | Sonneteer | Kent Desormeaux | Keith Desormeaux | 50-1 |
| 13 | J Boys Echo | Luis Saez | Dale Romans | 20-1 |
| 14 | Classic Empire | Julian Leparoux | Mark Casse | 4-1 |
| 15 | McCraken | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Ian Wilkes | 5-1 |
| 16 | Tapwrit | Jose Ortiz | Todd Pletcher | 20-1 |
| 17 | Irish War Cry | Rajiv Maragh | Graham Motion | 6-1 |
| 18 | Gormley | Victor Espinoza | John Shirreffs | 15-1 |
| 19 | Practical Joke | Joel Rosario | Chad Brown | 20-1 |
| 20 | Patch | Tyler Gaffalione | Todd Pletcher | 30-1 |
| AE | Royal Mo | Gary Stevens | John Shirreffs | 20-1 |
| AE | Master Plan | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | 50-1 |
TDN – Handle, Field Size Up for Spring Meet at Hawthorne
This is Horse Racing Tiller – Life on the Farm: Spring foaling
Bloodhorse – Angst – De Tomaso’s Irish War Cry a Shore Thing for the Derby
America’s Best Racing – Moore – Using Stats to Pick the 2017 Kentucky Derby Winner
TDN – Sherack – Tuesday’s Trackside Derby Report
America’s Nest Racing – Curry – Three Heating Up, Three Cooling Down: 2017 Kentucky Derby Edition
Bloodhorse – Angst – Range of Experience Levels in 2017 Derby Hopefuls
Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Paradise Woods Made Morning-Line Favorite for KY Oaks
ESPN – DRF – McGee – Paradise Woods made the 5-2 favorite in Kentucky Oaks
Brisnet – Scully – Paradise Woods inexperienced but a strong favorite in 14-horse Kentucky Oaks
Bloodhorse – Shulman – Jerry Moss Hopes for Derby Encore with Gormley
Louisville Courier-Journal – Frakes – Gormley leads West Coast’s Derby hopes
TDN – Caravaggio On Course For Poulains
Paulick Report – Report: Japan’s Epicharis Confirmed For Belmont Stakes
TDN – Sherack – Tapwrit a 2015 ‘Best Seller’ for Riggio
Bloodhorse – Eric Mitchell – Curlin Connection Vital in Irish War Cry Stud Deal
Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Trainers’ Dinner Notes and Quotes
Lost in the Derby Oaks Hoopla is the re-emergence of American Pharoah’s full sister American Cleopatra in Friday’s 12th race at Churchill Downs, an OC $75,000.
Bloodhorse – Surging Honorable Duty Back at Churchill for Alysheba
Brisnet -Alysheba round two for Honorable Duty, Breaking Lucky
Bloodhorse – Shulman – Ghalia Heads Full Field of Fillies in Eight Belles
Bloodhorse – Wince Hughes – Champion Finest City Entered in La Troienne
Bloodhorse – Shea – Holding Gold Seeks Second Graded Win in Turf Sprint
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Paulick Report – NYRA Bets Presents Derby Countdown: Pre-Race Inspections, Fractionally Speaking
TDN – Sherack – Monday’s Trackside Derby Report
Bloodhorse – Asmussen Trio Turn in Final Pre-Derby Moves
Brisnet – Quartet record final Derby works on off going
ESPN – DRF – Andersen – Derby scene never gets old for three-time winner Victor Espinoza
Bloodhorse – Tapwrit’s Purchase, Success Built Around Relationships
US Racing – Simon – 3 Things To Look For In A Kentucky Derby Winner
Brisnet – Florida’s hopes in 2017 Kentucky Derby
Bloodhorse – One-Eyed Patch Something Special in Pletcher Barn
Bloodhorse – Novak – ‘Maturing’ Sonneteer Fires Bullet for Derby
Paulick Report – Golden – Prat’s Confidence ‘Can Make A Difference’ In Kentucky Derby
Bloodhorse – Dr. Kendall Hansen Relaxes with Longshot Derby Hope
TDN – Farrell Carries Chicago Hopes in Oaks
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Sal says that when you’re having a bad day nothing goes right.
Heavily favored Syndergaard, off at 2-5, broke slowly from the rail under jockey John Velazquez, was steadied on the inside in the backstretch, and lacked a closing kick late. He finished fifth, 5 1/2 lengths behind the winner, but Velazquez claimed foul against second-place finisher Classic Cotton. After the backstretch incident was reviewed by the Churchill stewards, Classic Cotton was disqualified to fifth for interference and Syndergaard was elevated to fourth.
Bloodhorse – The Money Monster Cashes in William Walker
Four outs into his worst start of the season, Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard threw a changeup to the Nationals slugger Bryce Harper, winced, pulled off his glove and grabbed his right armpit.
“It’s a bad feeling,” said catcher Rene Rivera, who met Syndergaard on the mound along with Manager Terry Collins and the head athletic trainer, Ray Ramirez. “He’s our horse, our No. 1 guy. Watching him going through that pain there is not easy.”
NY Times – Wagner – An Injury for Noah Syndergaard, and an Indignity for the Mets
Sal says the book would have been more believable if it was about hogs racing to the public trough.
NY Times – Fitzsimmons – Key to Improving Subway Service in New York? Modern Signals
TDN – Bill Finley – Bode Miller Hopes to Revolutionize Training
Sal says that you can all start with your all downhill from here puns.
TwinSpires Blog – Kentucky Derby News & Notes
TDN – Sunday’s Trackside Kentucky Derby Report
Bloodhorse – Kentucky Derby News Update for April 30
Here is the full list of expected Kentucky Derby contenders and their riders, as of Sunday afternoon:
- Always Dreaming (John Velazquez)
- Battle of Midway (Flavien Prat)
- Classic Empire (Julien Leparoux)
- Fast and Accurate (Channing Hill)
- Girvin (Mike Smith)
- Gormley (Victor Espinoza)
- Gunnevera (Javier Castellano)
- Hence (Florent Geroux)
- Irap (Mario Gutierrez)
- Irish War Cry (Rajiv Maragh)
- J Boys Echo (Luis Saez)
- Lookin At Lee (Corey Lanerie)
- McCraken (Brian Hernandez Jr.)
- Patch (Tyler Gaffalione)
- Practical Joke (Joel Rosario)
- Sonneteer (Kent Desormeaux)
- State of Honor (Jose Lezcano)
- Tapwrit (Jose Ortiz)
- Thunder Snow (Ire) (Christophe Soumillon)
- Untrapped (Ricardo Santana Jr.).
Next up in order of preference: Royal Mo (Gary Stevens)
Paulick Report – Final Jockey Assignments Confirmed In 2017 Run For The Roses
Bloodhorse – Wincze Hughes – Wilkes Continues to Do Nafzger Proud
Paulick Report – Pletcher Hopes To Calm ‘Aggressive’ Always Dreaming With Rider, Equipment Change
Bloodhorse – Novak – Thunder Snow Enters Quarantine at Churchill Downs
Bloodhorse – Yates – Horseman Mike Johnson Knows a Good One in McCraken
TDN – McCraken on Derby Work Tab
Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Ehalt – Why Irish War Cry is my choice for the Run for the Roses
TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: Irish War Cry
Bloodhorse – Eric Mitchell – Practical Joke Rewards Breeders’ Faith in His Dam
Brisnet – Caldwell – Ever So Clever, Torrent breeze ahead of Kentucky Oaks
Bloodhorse – Hammonds – Rashinskis Take Another Run at the Kentucky Oaks
Paulick Report – Lukas Donates Thoroughbred Memorabilia Collection To Kentucky Derby Museum
Thoroughbred Racing Commentary – Smith – Is this the world’s most versatile racehorse?
Bloodhorse – Balan – Grade 2 Winner Iliad Retired
US Racing – Ransom – Stallion Stories: Seattle Slew
Paulick Report – Evo Campo Earns First Graded Stakes Victory In Santa Barbara
Bloodhorse – Balan – Evo Campo Scores Santa Barbara Victory
domenica aprile 30
Sal says that during the lull from the last major Kentucky Derby prep to the Kentucky Derby it becomes painfully obvious that stories are like opinions everyone has one on every topic and there are few that are worthwhile listening to and fewer worth reading.
And if you listen to the touts you’ll find there’s more angles than stories. Sal says that most of the angles are too obtuse for Sal.
And if you listen to and read all the touts and pickers your Racing Form starts to look like you’re doing Chinese Math with Roman Numerals. Sal was wondering if the Kentucky Derby is I I/IV miles.
The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.
Mark Twain
Sal says cuz he started from nove.
Sal says that if you’re looking for one tip on handicapping:
When I first started racing, my father, one of the first things he said, he said, “Win the race as slow as you can.”
Esquire – What I’ve Learned – Richard Petty
The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.
Moliere
Horse Racing Nation – Kentucky Derby News
America’s Best Racing – Triple Crown
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a horse master. He told me to go slow to go fast. I think that applies to everything in life. We live as though there aren’t enough hours in the day but if we do each thing calmly and carefully we will get it done quicker and with much less stress.
Viggo Mortensen
Sal’s reprising:
Sal says that when he was thumbing through Phil’s dog-eared archives Sal saw that Phil posed many questions.
Sal was most intrigued by:
Phil has a question:
When Phil puts in a quote, question, comment or song not intending any simple yet far-fetched, obtuse allusion, but just cuz Phil wants to put that quote, question, comment or song in and the reader in his own mind imagines an unintended complex, far-fetched, obtuse allusion can Phil take credit for that allusion.
Sal has an answer:
Il nove decides what Sal is positing or what Phil has posited.
And il nove credono in silenzio
and il nove knows that Sal sometimes posits to far ridere i polli.
Those who understand only what can be explained understand very little.
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
Bloodhorse – Editors Call for Added Visual Materials From Tracks
A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words.
Ansel Adams
NY Times – Nosrat – The Single Most Important Ingredient
National Post – Colby Cosh: The ghost of a notion: can we abandon old ideas about dietary fat?
I had been playing for a while, and I asked Louisville Slugger to send me a dozen flame treated bats. But when I got it, I realized they had sent me a box of ashes.
Bob Uecker
But like all lifestyle, fashion and food choices, beer has become yet another opportunity for self-expression. As craft beer has grown synonymous with “good” beer, is it possible that we’re afraid of what liking cheap beer says about us? It might taste better, but ordering Bud Light over a small batch microbrewery IPA feels a bit like announcing that you prefer shopping at Walmart over your local farmer’s market.
Leading by example is the most powerful advice you can give to anybody.
N. R. Narayana Murthy
Esquire – Gordinier – NATURAL WINE IS ABOUT TO TAKE OVER THE U.S
Fox News -Buffalo chicken pizza is the secret to inducing labor, say North Carolina moms
NY Times – Klein – Hunting Mushrooms, and What Makes Some Glow in the Dark
Too many people spend money they haven’t earned to buy things they don’t want to impress people they don’t like.
Will Rogers
Good painting is like good cooking; it can be tasted, but not explained.
Maurice de Vlaminck
NY Times – Jacobs – China’s Appetite Pushes Fisheries to the Brink
Never ask a barber if you need a haircut.
Cowboy Wisdom
Sals says that Hip 759 sold for $80,000US at the recent Ocala Breeders has set the bar high for highest priced Alberta bred sold in 2017.
Craig Smith Racing stepped up for $52,000US for Hip No 1123 a Justin Phillips colt.
The Globe and Mail – McClachlan – OIL KING
Louisville Courier-Journal – Sullivan | Chalk it up: favorites rule under Derby points system
Most ball games are lost, not won.
Casey Stengel
Paulick Report – Derby Notes, April 29: Workouts, Arrivals And Departures
US Racing – Simon – The Kentucky Derby Curse Of Apollo
DRF – Privman – Pletcher’s Battalion Runner, Malagacy won’t run in Kentucky Derby
Paulick Report – Malagacy, Battalion Runner Out Of Derby; Lookin At Lee, Sonneteer Make Field
Lookin at Lee’s dame, Langara Lass won the Sonoma Handicap at Northlands Park and the Fantasy Stakes, Lassie Handicap and Timber Music Stakes at what was then called Hastings Park.
Speaking of the Sonoma Sal says that the purse for the Sonoma will be raised to $75,000 for 2017
Bloodhorse – Saez to Ride J Boys Echo in Kentucky Derby
Bloodhorse – Wincze Hughes – Business as Usual for J Boys Echo in Derby Breeze
Paulick Report – J Boys Echo Breezes At Churchill Downs; Girvin Back On Track At Keeneland
Bloodhorse – Wincze Hughes – Trust in Tammy: Fox Taught J Boys Echo His Lessons Well
We talked the matter over and could have settled the war in thirty minutes had it been left to us.
Unknown Confederate Soldier referencing a meeting he had with a Union soldier between the lines.
The Night They Drove old Dixie Down
Horse Racing Nation – Tony Bada Bing – Cue the Kentucky Derby Entrance Songs
Sal says that neither Sal nor Phil before him gave no explanations for songs or quotes as il nove and the enead don’t need no explanations anyhow.
Sal says he’s not wasting good handicapping time nitpicking with Bada Bing’s banal Slim Pickens but Tony did miss the most obvious – J Boy.
Bloodhorse – Shea – O’Neill Confident After Irap’s Mile Work
A man can’t be too careful in the choice of his enemies.
Oscar Wilde
DRF – Hovdey: For Moss, the hits just keep on coming
A figure with curves always offers a lot of interesting angles.
Wesley Ruggles
Bloodhorse – Angst – Fast Work Provides Relief for Girvin’s Connections
Louisville Courier-Journal – Frakes – Girvin impresses in workout, ‘on track’ for Derby
Paulick Report – Voss – Does A Z Bar Shoe Spell Derby Doom For Girvin? Not Necessarily
After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.”
Ann Richards
Bloodhorse – Wincze Hughes – Sano Star Gunnevera Goes Easy Five Furlongs
A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz.
Humphrey Bogart
TwinSpires Blog – Bull – Is There A Clear Kentucky Derby Favorite In 2017?
TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: Always Dreaming
TwinSpires Blog – Mucciolo – Seven Kentucky Derby Horses in Seven Days: The Mighty McCraken
DRF – Russo – Calumet Farm horses bask in Kentucky Derby limelight while owner prefers privacy
Brisnet – Reilly – Godolphin’s Thunder Snow confirmed for Kentucky Derby
Esquire – What I’ve Learned – Jake Lamotta
Bloodhorse – Balan – Gormley Puts in Unconventional Final Derby Work
I’m probably better known for boxing with Hemingway than for anything I’ve written.
Morley Callaghan
Paulick Report – ‘Happy’ McCraken, ‘Beautiful’ Irish War Cry Post Final Breezes For Kentucky Derby
Bloodhorse – Novak – Irish War Cry Solid in Final Pre-Derby Work
Things in our country run in spite of government, not by aid of it.
Will Rogers
Boxing is like jazz. The better it is, the less people appreciate it.
George Foreman
Bloodhorse – Balan – Churchill Downs Inc. Purchases ADW BetAmerica
Toronto Sun – Mauntah – ‘Beauty of the horse’ at core of Woodbine development
Bloodhorse – Angst – NTRA Staying Busy in Washington
I fought Sugar Ray so often, I almost got diabetes.
Jake LaMotta
Brisnet – Caldwell – Kentucky Derby quartet work in Kentucky, California one week out from race
Bloodhorse – Churchill Downs Emphasizes Racing Safety, Integrity
Bloodhorse – Churchill Considers Historic Gaming Machines
DRF – Hersh – Prairie Meadows opens with focus on boosting field size
Sal’s snippets from the Alberta HBPA General membership meeting.
Best attended Alberta HBPA meeting Sal’s ever been at and from Phil’s rabbit-eared archives Sal garners it was best attendance in a long time.
Sandwiches were just barely okay, but the cookies and desserts were excellent.
Scott Sinclair from Northlands Park couldn’t make it to the meeting for a presentation and questions. Sal says that was most unfortunate as Sal’s sure that most of the members were at the meeting to learn what’s being done to fix the track for racing in 2017.
Paul Ryneveld, Geoff Smith and Tim Lawson from Century Downs and Century Casinos spoke about the Century Mile and thoroughbred racing at Century Downs. Century Mile will naturally be a Mile thoroughbred track with a 7 furlong chute. The crowd was not pleased when it was disclosed that the jiggies would also be running on the same surface. Century was asked to see if they could find it in their budget to build a separate jiggie track. Barn and grandstand design are still be worked on. The Grandstand building will be 3 stories and at least 50% larger than Century Downs. Slot floor will start with 550 slots.
Slots at Century Downs are presently averaging a tad more than $11.00 win per hour.
16 days of thoroughbred racing at Century Downs this year, Saturdays and Sundays commencing September 23, 2017.
Sal was wandering if Max will be buying beer on the tarmac.
Century Downs will have about 340 barn stalls and 60 temporary stalls for thoroughbred racing. The rail is at Century Downs and will be installed. Jockey quarters, paddock and temporary outdoor venues will be ready for thoroughbred racing. Steve Woods from Trackmaster has been hired to consult on the track and surface. Doc Cundy visits Century Downs regularly and will be keep the Board apprised of the progress.
President Steve Smith advised that overnight purses at Northlands Park will be up this year. Stake purses will be about the same with the Sonoma being increased to $75,000.
There will be incentives for lower claiming races and the waiver claiming rule will be in force again in 2017.
The long barn has been shuttered for 2017. The horse population on the grounds now has not filled the other barns.
First weekends races have all been shortened to III I/II furlongs as the weather and the track at Northlands Park have limited training and workout times. Ron Grift has been hired to attempt to fix the track and O’Hanlon Paving will be working to repair 2 of the worst holes. Second and maybe even third weekend races may also have to be shortened to III I/II furlongs.
Mat Monaco will be leaving as Executive Director effective May 31, 2017. His replacement has not yet been determined.
Curtis Landry advised that the Alberta Thoroughbred Racing Club will be aiming for 250 members at $300.00 in 2017. Northlands Park is cooperating with Alberta HBPA this year. The Club will have 3 horses and Rod Cone and Craig Smith will again be training.
Sal says that at lot more was discussed, but if you want more information show up at the meetings.
The Horse – Barn Air Quality Affects Horses’ Breathing
The basic rule is simple: Roll a number — other than two, three or 12 — and then roll that number again before rolling a seven. Between that, there are a lot of bets that can be made on individual numbers, and as long as a seven doesn’t end the roll, bettors covering numbers can make money each time that number comes up. It’s not easy to roll a lot before crapping out. A shooter has to roll at least 25 times to even qualify for the Golden Arm tournament. Most don’t come close.
..
“Seven out!” the stickman called.
Shoulders sagged. Chips were scooped up by the dealers. It was like watching Ted Williams ground into a double play.
Superstition is the poetry of life.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Bloodhorse – Balan – Farhaan Makes the Grade in Thunder Road
ESPN – DRF – Andersen – Farhaan pulls 8-1 upset in Thunder Road Stakes
ESPN – DRF – Welsch – War Correspondent ends long drought in Miami Mile
TDN – War Front’s War Correspondent Too Tough in Miami Mile
Bloodhorse – Shea – Alert Bay Repeats in San Francisco Mile
ESPN – DRF – Dybdal – Alert Bay repeats in San Francisco Mile
Sal says that scant minutes later Peter Redekop’s Uncle Mo 3 year old colt Absolutely Stylish held on to break his maiden at Santa Anita Park going 1 mile in 137.10 for trainer Eddie Truman with Flavien Prat aboard.
TDN – Uncle Mo Colt Dead Game in Frontrunning Graduation
Bloodhorse – Reeder – McErin, Five Fillies Take on Kentucky Juvenile Stakes
Bloodhorse – Angst – Official Veterinary Team From China Visits Kentucky
TDN – Colonist Finds Land of Opportunity in Arcadia
A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?
Albert Einstein
Hawthorne Sal
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HOLYBULL.CA DOMAIN EXPIRES MAY 31/2017 WILL IT CONTINUE????
HOLLYBULL.CA domain Registration expires May 31,2017 after a 10 year website name licensing agreement with go.daddy.ca, will it continue for accountability in Alberta horse racing, possible scenarios!
1. Version of a go fund to be set up opening weekend at NP, with donations such as cash, uncashed slot vouchers or race tickets and feedback to holy bull rep outside tarmac race office entrance to continue?
2. Website expires with no license agreement if Tenile gets replaced or resigns by end of may (250k cash cow compensation) doubtful!
3. Hawhorne Sal becomes HBPA executive director and shutsdown website to avoid conflict of interest?
4. ASHA/HRA in a joint venture acquire licensing rights to holy bull.ca and retires it to end positive criticism?
NORTHLANDS seeks high school candidates for bee keeping club as a version of the killer bees returns?
CALGARY FLAMES have plan B for new rink with the parking lot north being considered, its a version of Northlands plan D(dead) for new rink with a racetrack south that failed. ISLANDERS consider Belmont race track for new venue, didn’t they get a copy of VISION 2020?
TENILE’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT, in the HRA financial vertigo pages with a purse grant drop of 960k in 2017, and a 5% racino agreement decrease in 2018. The thoroughbred dates will go from 68/17 to 70/18 with a head scratching 100 days in 2019 with the same budgeted purse grant, we should be screaming TENILE TO THE TEST BARN with this leadership folly!!!!
HARNESS shows 87 A track days, but in the smoke and dagger vertigo pages it explains 19 days at B track purses run at A tracks, for a total of 106, simple math with a twist of salt and lime, pass the tequila, Tenile!!