[dugbug15]

thanks for the 6 points.i just noticed it.you are a fountain of racing info.all of us forum readers should very well be appreciative of your efforts.
good luck,and hope to return the favor soon.

[Gremlin Lad]

nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/


December 2, 2010 5:04 PM

OTB to go bye-bye (UPDATE X2)

By Ken Lovett

New York City OTB will close down tomorrow as planned despite the Senate's plan to come back on Tuesday for an up-or-down vote on a rescue plan, OTB Chairman Larry Schwartz just said.

Schwartz said there does not appear to be the 32 votes needed to pass the restructuring bill that cleared the Assembly on Tuesday.

"So the plan to close OTB remains," Schwartz said.
Should the Senate pass the bill on Tuesday, "I will try to reopen it."

Meanwhile, there are talks going on to create a new bill to help bail out struggling OTBs outside of New York City. If a deal is struck, Republicans would be more willing to pass the legislation to rescue the NYC OTB.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Paterson, Jessica Bassett, just released a statement echoing Schwartz's comments.

"It appears that there are not 32 votes in the Senate for the proposed NYC OTB restructuring plan that passed the Assembly on Tuesday. Absent a bipartisan assurance that they will pass the bill, the Corporation has no choice but to move forward with the planned closure at the end of regular business hours tomorrow."

UPDATE: Senate Democratic spokesman Austin Shafran just weighed in on the looming closure. “Closing OTB three days before a vote to save it shows OTB Chairman Larry Schwartz would rather criticize the process than save a thousand jobs. That’s a holiday present no one wants."

UPDATE #2: Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos has now commented. "Senate Republicans recognize the need for a comprehensive solution on New York City OTB that also strengthens the regional OTBs Upstate and on Long Island, so they can provide fiscal relief to local governments, enabling us to protect every New York taxpayer."

[Gremlin Lad]

Gov. Paterson urges action, but OTB shutdown looms

BY Kenneth Lovett
DAILY NEWS ALBANY BUREAU CHIEF
Monday, November 29th 2010, 4:00 AM


^^^^Partial info pulled from this news article which pertains to NYCOTB^^^

^^^^^^^^^
Larry Schwartz, Paterson's chief of staff who is also the chairman of NYC OTB, insisted the latest closure warning "is not a threat" but "reality."
"This is just a financial and legal fact of life," he said. "If we don't get this relief, the corporation will have no other choice but to shut down."

If OTB closes, the state could be on the hook for more than $500 million in retiree health care and pension costs.

Closure also threatens thousands of racing industry jobs and needed revenue to the state.

Paterson's OTB legislation - which the Bloomberg administration does not oppose - would reduce NYC OTB's required payments to the racing industry. It would also transfer what is believed to be a lucrative phone and online betting operation to its two biggest creditors.

The organization handles about a quarter of billion in bets each year.

The bailout plan is opposed several OTBs outside of the city as well as the group representing harness track horse owners, drivers and trainers.

^^^^^^^

[Gremlin Lad]

Folks, this is going to be one BIG mess....

The Governor has committed on a radio talk show this week (12/01/2010) that all the Regional OTB's need to be under one supervision..not six regionals.

Maybe that is a good idea. Group all the OTB's together and let them be run by NYRA... The OTB's are already under the jurisdiction of the NYS Racing and Wagering Board., as is New York Racing Association (NYRA).

The now OTB parlors would become off track betting sites of NYRA. That would eliminate competing for the almighty wagering dollar between NYRA tracks and OTB parlors.

Would just have to have agreements with NYS Harness tracks and out of state tracks that NYRA wishes to simucast and take bets on.

Counties where the parlors are located can still receive monies from the NYRA for having parlors in their counties.



Don't see why this would not work........NYCOTB has gone bankrupt because of ..... (put in whatever you wish). Upstate OTB's are struggling and trying to stay afloat.......cutbacks are rumored every day.

Some action has to be taken and taken quickly in order for the horse racing industry to survive.

If "you" are not growng or changing with the times, "you" will fade away.

[Gremlin Lad]

Friday December 3, 2010

NEWS FLASH
I just heard on local news that NYCOTB will stay open until December 7th at midnight..... December 7th is the day that NY State Senate is to meet in Albany........


How WONDERFUL !

[Gremlin Lad]

Sunday December 5, 2010
Tampa Bay Downs will kick off its 91-day meet Dec. 11, with the Tampa Bay Derby highlighting the Oldsmar, Fla. racetrack’s 85th season. Twenty-five stakes will be run with an approximate total of $2.5 million in purse money up for grabs. The Tampa Bay Derby was awarded grade II status for the first time in 2011 and it also gets a purse boost from $300,000 to $350,000 for its March 12 running. The Tampa Bay Derby has become a major stop on the Triple Crown trail, with two of its participants winning the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) in the last four years. Also on the March 12 Festival Day card are the $150,000 Hillsborough Stakes (gr. IIIT) for fillies and mares and the $75,000 Suncoast Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on dirt. The Florida Oaks, which was previously run on the same day as the Tampa Bay Derby, will be held on Feb. 12 this season. A grade III event last year worth $175,000, the Florida Oaks lost its graded status and will be contested on turf for the first time. It will be worth $100,000. Also on the Feb. 12 card will be the $225,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III) for 3-year-olds and the $125,000 Endeavour Stakes (gr. IIIT) for fillies and mares. The $150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes, formerly the Tampa Bay Breeders’ Cup, was given grade III status for the first time. It will be held on the Feb. 19 program. The 2010-2011 meet will see a decrease in takeout for Pick 3, Pick 4, Super Hi-5 and Pick Six wagering to 18% from last year’s 19% rate. Also new this year is a 50-cent Pick Three. Tampa Bay hopes to build upon its large field sizes, with a goal to increase upon last season’s average field size of 8.95 horses per race.

[Gremlin Lad]

Tuesday December 7, 2010.


TODAY IS DECISION DAY FOR NEW YORK CITY O-T-B.

Will the State vote "save the organization" ...or let them close shop.

NYCOTB has said they will be closing their doors for good if the State does not Vote today.

[Gremlin Lad]

One solid play today (12/7/2010)

PARX (Philly) Race #9

#2 Gattopardo (Win, Place)

Exacta key Box #2 along with #4, #3, #1.

(IE: 2/1,3,4 then 1,3,4/2 )


Good Luck !

[joeyp1222]

one solid play today (12/7/2010)

parx (philly) race #9

#2 gattopardo (win, place)

exacta key box #2 along with #4, #3, #1.

(ie: 2/1,3,4 then 1,3,4/2 )


good luck !

good luck gremlim i like the #1 indianski with the 2
and 4

[Gremlin Lad]

One solid play today (12/7/2010)

PARX (Philly) Race #9

#2 Gattopardo (Win, Place)

Exacta key Box #2 along with #4, #3, #1.

(IE: 2/1,3,4 then 1,3,4/2 )


Good Luck !

Broke City.....Gattopardo never tried.....got to the inside path then just followed the leaders and faded.

Exacta was 4 - 5.

[Gremlin Lad]

Tuesday December 7, 2010.


TODAY IS DECISION DAY FOR NEW YORK CITY O-T-B.

Will the State vote "save the organization" ...or let them close shop.

NYCOTB has said they will be closing their doors for good if the State does not Vote today.

Not enough votes to save NYCOTB.

Republicans tried to present a package to give cuts and breaks to all regional O-T-B's ..arguement was that would drive NYRA into bankruptcy ......
Result....if Governor and Board of Directors at NYCOTB vote to stay open, NYCOTB will be closed and assets liquidated.

[Gremlin Lad]

12/08/2010

Santa Anita opened its new dirt track to horses the morning of Dec. 6. With most horses still stabled across town at Hollywood Park while that meeting winds down to its Dec. 19 conclusion, a few horses galloped on the new surface, which is a mixture of 90% sand and 10% clay. The opening on schedule was particularly satisfying to Santa Anita officials because rain pelted Southern California the night before, at times coming down hard. Project manager Ted Malloy said that they had sealed the track Dec. 5 in anticipation of the rain. They opened it back up for training the next morning with the “dogs” up. “It’s great to be open again,” said George Haines, Santa Anita’s president. “We’re very happy—we’re right on schedule. We’ve had input from the horsemen and from the CHRB (California Horse Racing Board).” Haines said that the track surface underwent extensive testing, including the use of a GPS device to ensure that the balance remains correct. The track, which replaces the synthetic surface that failed to drain properly, has a base of 6-8 inches and 10 inches of cushion material. Haines said that the 10 inches is cut so that the top 3 1/2 inches essentially make up the cushion on which the horses will run and the rest is compacted beneath. The stable area opened Dec. 5, giving trainers three weeks until the traditional Dec. 26 opening of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting. Santa Anita officials noted that about 200 horses were stabled on the grounds Dec. 6, with many more expected later in the day.

[Gremlin Lad]

12/8/2010

Today's Play of the Day is at:

AQUEDUCT RACE #5

#5 PREMIUM WINE ( Win, Place )



also: wagering from race 4 $2 Daily Double wheel 1,2,3,4,6 with #5

also: wagering from race 5 $2 Daily Double wheel #5 with 6,14, 2,
12,11, 13, 9 (multi picks because scratches are not it yet)

Good Luck !!

[Gremlin Lad]

12/8/2010

Today's Play of the Day is at:

AQUEDUCT RACE #5

#5 PREMIUM WINE ( Win, Place )



also: wagering from race 4 $2 Daily Double wheel 1,2,3,4,6 with #5

also: wagering from race 5 $2 Daily Double wheel #5 with 6,14, 2,
12,11, 13, 9 (multi picks because scratches are not it yet)

Good Luck !!

Race #4 the #3 wins

Race #5 #5 Premium Wine draws off in the stretch and wins going off the Favorite........Winner 4th and 5th Daily Double ... Winner 5th and 6th Daily Double ( four horses I picked were scratched) but did not have the winning horse #5 - ---Daily Double lost

[Gremlin Lad]

Wednesday December 8, 2010

RE: NYCOTB


The state Senate in New York Dec. 7 rejected a reorganization plan for the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp.—and the OTB proceeded with its shutdown plan on Wednesday, Dec. 8. As part of the shutdown, three parlors will remain open for six days for bettors to cash tickets or withdraw money from their ADW accounts. A spokeswoman for New York Gov. Davd Paterson said the OTB will not re-open Wednesday morning for business. Other OTBs wasted no time trying to grab NYCOTB business. “Attention all horse players,’’ blared a headline on the Nassau County OTB web site. “Our branches are open and thriving and account wagering is available via internet or telephone.’’ “Suffolk is open for business!’’ says the bold-faced headline across the home page of the Suffolk County OTB web site. The measure failed by three votes after intense maneuvering throughout the day and a blistering lobbying effort by tracks and other off track betting companies. The OTB needed the authorization bill from the Legislature in order to return to federal bankruptcy court with a plan to emerge from its Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection. “This is really the death knell of racing in this state,’’ said Sen. Jeff Klein, a Bronx Democrat. “A no vote on this bill … will blow up our racing industry,’’ said Sen. Eric Adams, a Brooklyn Democrat But Republican senators blasted the reorganization plan for benefiting only the New York City-based OTB, and ignoring the fiscal plight of OTBs in other parts of the state. “This is about politics and it’s not being done on the merits,’’ said Sen. John Flanagan, a Long Island Republican. Senator Martin Golden, a Brooklyn Republican, said the bill was overly generous to the New York Racing Association, which is in line to get a major share of the NYCOTB’s ADW operations. He said the state should move to a public/private partnership model for the OTBs. “It’s time for the city and state of New York to start making money with the OTBs across this great state and stop losing money,’’ he said. OTB Chairman Larry Schwartz had threatened to close the parlors and ADW operations without the Senate approval of the bill. The Assembly last week okayed the reorganization plan, which includes layoffs of hundreds of OTB workers, a cut in statutory payments by the OTB to the racing industry, spinoff of its ADW operations into a new, racetrack-owned corporation, and expansion of “free play’’ marketing at racinos.

[Gremlin Lad]

ALBANY - The city's OTB is off...to the glue factory.
The bankrupt betting parlors were set to shutter at midnight after the state Senate Tuesday voted down a rescue plan.

"We are out of money, we are out of cash, we are out of business because the Senate didn't pass the bill," New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. Chairman Larry Schwartz said immediately after the vote.
The Senate's inaction could cost the cash-strapped state $600 million in additional pension and health care costs, he said.
It may also push bettors to seek out illegal bookies, he warned.

The bailout bill fell three votes short of the needed 32.

The OTB handles about $750 million in bets every year and pays out millions to the entire racing industry.

Sen. George Onorato (D-Queens) said hundreds of OTB jobs - and thousands of racing industry jobs - will be lost at a time of high unemployment.
"Merry Christmas, everybody, and I hope you have a good night's sleep," Onorato said to his colleagues who voted against the rescue.

Schwartz said it would take a "miracle" to reopen the parlors, even if lawmakers could reach a deal in coming weeks.
"If it's not impossible, it's near impossible," Schwartz said.

Dozens of OTB workers watched from the Senate gallery as their bailout flamed out on the Senate floor.

Upset OTB patrons railed against the closure.

To ease the betting void for OTB patrons, the New York Racing Association will begin offering free bus rides from Manhattan to Aqueduct race track in Queens.

The state Racing and Wagering Board will meet today to discuss emergency measures for the racing industry.

[Gremlin Lad]

Zenyatta goes for threepeat in 'Moment of the Year'
This year's Classic duel between Blame and Zenyatta is up for Moment of the Year (Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos)

Voting is underway at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) web site, for the 12th annual "NTRA Moment of the Year." Voters may choose from among 12 images, drawn from the year's events. The winning Moment will be recognized on January 17 at the Eclipse Awards ceremony in Miami Beach, and those selecting the winning image automatically will be entered in a random drawing for a $100 gift certificate to the NTRA.com Online Memorabilia Store.

In 2008, Zenyatta's win in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (G1) was the most popular, while last year the star mare repeated as fans selected her triumph in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).

The Moments were selected to illustrate a wide range of human emotions and achievements as well as outstanding displays of equine athleticism. Listed chronologically, the images and events that fans may choose from are:

Rachel Alexandra is upset in her 2010 debut at Fair Grounds by Zardana
Eskendereya rolls home in Aqueduct's Wood Memorial (G1) by nearly 10 lengths
Blind Luck catches Evening Jewel at the wire in the Kentucky Oaks (G1)
Calvin Borel works his Kentucky Derby (G1) magic again as Super Saver captures the Run for the Roses
Lookin at Lucky avenges Derby loss in taking the Preakness (G1)
Zenyatta registers win #17, nailing St. Trinians in the final yards of the Vanity H. (G1) at Hollywood
Lookin at Lucky demolishes the field in the Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth
Blame runs down Quality Road in the Whitney H. (G1) at Saratoga
Calvin Borel and Javier Castellano fight in the winner's circle following the Breeders' Cup Marathon (G3)
Uncle Mo stays undefeated with convincing triumph in Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1)
Goldikova (Ire) unleashes powerful turn of foot to win her third straight Breeders' Cup Mile (G1)
Blame wins Breeders' Cup Classic, denying Zenyatta's attempt for a 20th consecutive victory
The first-ever "NTRA Moment of the Year" was the touching scene involving Charismatic and jockey Chris Antley following the 1999 Belmont S. (G1). The following year's winner was the stretch run of the 2000 Breeders' Cup Classic, which saw Tiznow hold on for a dramatic victory against Giant's Causeway. Tiznow won again the following year as fans selected his stirring repeat victory in the Classic over Sakhee.

In 2002, fans cited the passing of the last living Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew. In 2003, the popular Kentucky Derby win by Funny Cide was selected. Birdstone's upset win in the Belmont S. (G1) over Smarty Jones took down top honors for 2004. In 2005, fans selected Afleet Alex's spectacular victory in the 2005 Preakness. Voters in 2006 chose Barbaro's gallant struggle to recover from his Preakness injury while at the New Bolton Center. The 2007 Moment of the Year was Rags to Riches' historic victory over Curlin in the Belmont.

"The NTRA Moment of the Year gives fans a voice and sense of ownership at the Eclipse Awards," said Keith Chamblin, NTRA senior vice president of communications and industry relations. "It allows them to salute the people, horses and memories that make our sport so appealing. We look forward to seeing which one of the many outstanding moments from 2010 they select as this year's winner."

Fans 18 years and older can register to vote online at . Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on January 3. A complete set of rules is available at

[Gremlin Lad]

Santa Anita Unveils New Dirt Surface, Dirty Takeout Increase Coming

By Michael Dempsey | Date 12/7/2010

Santa Anita showed off their new dirt surface on Monday, with a few dozen horses galloping over the track, which consists of 90% sand and 10% clay.

The era of horses running over the fake stuff is apparently over at Santa Anita.

Santa Anita opens its winter meeting on Dec. 26.

There were articles on the Daily Racing Form, Bloodhorse, Thoroughbred Times, and Santa Anita websites noting the opening of the new surface for training on Monday, but there was no mention in any of the articles about the impending takeout increase.

Santa Anita President George Haines stated in a press release, "We're not only offering our fans and horsemen a new track, but we're also going to be offering huge purses, which will be for everyone's benefit. We expect that our purses are going to be 25 percent higher than they were a year ago and this should result in larger, more competitive fields which will provide better wagering opportunities."

What Haines failed to mention was that takeout on exactas and daily doubles is going from 20.68% to 22.68%, while the takeout on trifectas, superfectas, pick 3, pick 4, and pick 6 wagering is increasing 3%, to 23.68%.

That will mean there are more than 60 tracks in North America with lower takeout for exactas and doubles, and more than two dozen tracks with lower takeout on the other exotics.

Track officials are expecting the takeout hike to put $30 million into purses, but those numbers seem very optimistic.

Horseplayers have been taking it on the chin for quite some time, and taking another $30 million out of our pockets may not be in the best interests of California racing in the long run.

However, the brain trust in California does not seem to understand how a takeout increase may eventually cripple racing in the state.

California Horse Racing Board Vice chairman David Isreal was quoted earlier this year stating, "People often say we are competing with the casinos. I think that's shortsighted and wrong. We're not competing with casinos. We're in the entertainment business. We're competing with the Dodgers and the Giants and the Angels and the Lakers and we're putting on a show."

Earlier this year CHRB Commissioner Keith Brackpool said, "We offer in California the premier racing product on a year-round basis, but we were offering our first-class product at a discount price. We're changing the pricing model."

Time and again this year, the industry leaders in California have continued to show their ignorance, and this time horseplayers need to step up and draw a line in the sand, and at least the sand won't have ground up rubber balls and wax in it.

If there is not a significant decrease in handle at the Santa Anita meeting, a takeout increase could be coming to a track near you.

Horseplayers need to take a stand, and there is no better time than on Dec. 26 with the opening of the Santa Anita meeting.

There is going to be bettors that are happy to see the return of dirt, and will overlook the takeout increase.

However, there are plenty of other options this winter, including Tampa Bay Downs, which over the past few years has actually dropped the takeout, and has seen a solid increase in handle in a time most tracks are down.

Tampa Bay Downs set an all-time record at last year's meeting in which they handled over $4 million per day.

The 2010-2011 race meeting at Tampa Bay Downs will see a decrease in takeout for pick 3, pick 4, super Hi-5 and pick six wagering to 18% from last year's 19% rate.

The Horseplayers Association of North America, which has deceasing takeout as one of their main goals, has not called for an official boycott of Santa Anita, and there is no mention in recent blog posts about the upcoming takeout increase.

I will do my part this winter, concentrating on Aqueduct, Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park, Fair Grounds, and Oaklawn Park.

However, I have no confidence in the majority of my fellow horseplayers or HANA that we will see a substantial handle decrease at the Santa Anita meet.

Perhaps there will be a groundswell of anger among horseplayers, or HANA will have a last ditch boycott that has some effect, but I am not optimistic.

The industry will be watching the handle at Santa Anita closely and a year from now I am pretty sure I will be writing another column bitching about a takeout increase at one of my favorite tracks.

It won't be very nice.

[Gremlin Lad]

UPCOMING STAKES

Saturday, December 11





HOLLYWOOD STARLET (G1), Hollywood Park, $300,000, 2yo, f, 1 1/16m.


QUEENS COUNTY H. (G3), Aqueduct, $100,000, 3&up, 1 3/16m.


FRED W. HOOPER H. (G3), Calder, $100,000, 3&up, 1 1/8m.


Springboard Mile, Remington Park, $250,000, 2yo, 1m.


Louisiana Champions Day Classic (r), Fair Grounds, $150,000, 3&up, 1 1/8m.


Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile S. (r), Fair Grounds, $100,000, 2yo, c&g, 6f.


Louisiana Champions Day Ladies H. (r), Fair Grounds, $100,000, 3&up, f&m, 1 1/16m.


Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint (r), Fair Grounds, $100,000, 3&up, f&m, 6f.


Louisiana Champions Day Lassie S. (r), Fair Grounds, $100,000, 2yo, f, 6f.


Louisiana Champions Day Sprint H. (r), Fair Grounds, $100,000, 3&up, 6f.


Louisiana Champions Day Turf H. (r), Fair Grounds, $100,000, 3&up, 1 1/16mT.


Jim Edgar Illinois Futurity (r), Hawthorne, $100,000, 2yo, c&g, 1 1/16m.


Gold Rush S., Golden Gate Fields, $75,000, 2yo, 1m.


Lightning City S., Tampa Bay Downs, $75,000, 3&up, f&m, 5fT.


Miles Tyson S., Hollywood Park, $55,000, 3&up, 5f.


Louisiana Champions Day Starter S. (r), Fair Grounds, $50,000, 3&up, 1 1/16mT.


Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship S. (r), Laurel Park, $50,000, 2yo, f, 7 1/2f.


KLAQ H., Sunland Park, $50,000, 3&up, 5 1/2f.


My Charmer S., Turfway Park, $50,000, 3&up, f&m, 1 1/16m.





Sunday, December 12





Johnie L. Jamison S. (r), Sunland Park, $120,000, 3&up, 6 1/2f.


New Mexico State Racing Commission H. (r), Sunland Park, $120,000, 3&up, f&m, 6f.


Cat's Cradle H. (r), Hollywood Park, $75,000, 3&up, f&m, 7 1/2f.


Devil His Due S., Aqueduct, $60,000, 3yo, 6f.


D'Parrot S. (r), Aqueduct, $60,000, 3&up, 6f.





Wednesday, December 15





Only Queens S., Aqueduct, $60,000, 2yo, f, 6f.


Cosmic Bob S., Aqueduct, $60,000, 3yo, 1m 70yds.

[Gremlin Lad]

Thursday December 9, 2010

RACING DATES

Current Meetings







AQUEDUCT:

Nov. 5 - Dec. 31


BEULAH:

Oct. 12 - Dec. 22


CALDER:

April 25 - Jan. 3


CHARLES TOWN:

Jan. 1 - Dec. 31


DELTA DOWNS:

Oct. 27 - March 26


FAIR GROUNDS:

Nov. 25 - March 27


GOLDEN GATE FIELDS:

Oct. 20 - Dec. 19


HAWTHORNE:

Oct. 1 - Dec. 31


HOLLYWOOD PARK:

Nov. 4 - Dec. 19


LAUREL PARK:

Sept. 11 - Dec. 18


MOUNTAINEER PARK:

March 1 - Dec. 21


PENN NATIONAL:

Jan. 2 - Dec. 30


PHILADELPHIA PARK:

Jan. 1 - Dec. 28


REMINGTON PARK:

Aug. 19 - Dec. 11


SUNLAND PARK:

Dec. 10 - April 19


TAMPA BAY DOWNS:

Dec. 11 - May 8


TURF PARADISE:

Oct. 1 - May 8


TURFWAY PARK:

Dec. 2 - April 3







Upcoming Meetings







GOLDEN GATE FIELDS:

Dec. 26 - June 12


GULFSTREAM PARK:

Jan. 5 - April 24


OAKLAWN PARK:

Jan. 14 - April 16


SAM HOUSTON:

Jan. 21 - March 7


SANTA ANITA:

Dec. 26 - April 17

[Gremlin Lad]

Governor's top aide: Saratoga closure a 'definite possibility'

December 09, 2010 5:10 AM

Steve Flamisch


There is a "definite possibility" Saratoga Race Course will shut-down in the wake of the New York City OTB closure, the governor's top aide said Wednesday.

Speaking on Talk 1300 AM's "Live from the State Capitol," Larry Schwartz told CBS 6 Political Analyst Fred Dicker that racing in the Spa City is very much in jeopardy because of lost betting revenues.

"I have been talking with both the thoroughbred industry and the harness industry," Schwartz, who also chairs New York City OTB, told Dicker. "They've indicated real concerns to me."

John Sabini, Chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, stopped short of predicting a Saratoga shutdown. However, he warned there may be fewer race dates, smaller purses, and lower-profile horses running: all contributing to a potential drop in attendance.

"We're going to try our best to make that not happen but the fact of the matter is, there are consequences to what happened yesterday," Sabini said, referencing the Senate's defeat of a New York City OTB restructuring bill.

[Gremlin Lad]

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Gracia showing improvement
According to the jockey advocate of The New York Racing Association (NYRA), jockey Jason Gracia is doing very well and has shown significant improvement over the past few days. With the exception of a single IV line, all of the tubes that he has needed since being hospitalized after a spill at Aqueduct last month have been removed.

Late Wednesday, Gracia was transferred to North Shore Medical Center from Jamaica Hospital.

Gracia was involved in an accident in the 3RD race at Aqueduct on November 27. According to Gracia's agent, Jorge Velasquez, he had suffered broken ribs, a broken collarbone, and a hairline fracture of his neck in the spill.

Jockey Jose Bermudez, also involved in the spill, sustained bruised ribs.

In the race, a New York state-bred maiden special weight going 1 1/16 miles on the turf, Ryan and Jack (Manlove), trained by Pat Kelly, stumbled and fell on the far turn, causing Gracia, 28, to land on the turf. October Dreams (Legion Field), trained by Cleveland Johnson, collided with Ryan and Jack as he was on the ground, unseating Bermudez, 41.

October Dreams, a three-year-old gelding, appeared to be uninjured, while Ryan and Jack, a four-year-old gelding, suffered a skull fracture and had to be euthanized.

[Gremlin Lad]

Castro escapes serious injury in Aqueduct spill

Jockey Eddie Castro, who fell from his horse in the 8TH race at Aqueduct on Wednesday, was released from Jamaica Hospital Wednesday evening after X-rays and tests revealed no fractures or major injuries.

Jockey Edgar Prado, also involved in the spill, took off his final mount of the day at Aqueduct in race 9, but appeared to avoid any serious injury.

In the 8TH race, a six-furlong allowance on the inner track, Reading Group (Read the Footnotes), who was ridden by the 25-year-old Castro, was bumped on the far turn by his entrymate, Aheadofthejoneses (Smarty Jones), who veered out under Edgar Prado. The collision unseated Castro, and Aheadofthejoneses fell shortly thereafter, unseating the 43-year-old Prado.

Reading Group, a three-year-old colt, was not injured in the incident, while Aheadofthejoneses, a three-year-old gelding, bled from the nose and was vanned off the track.

[Gremlin Lad]

Thursday December 9, 2010


Turbulent Descent takes next step in Starlet

Turbulent Descent will seek to keep her record perfect in the Starlet (Benoit Photos)An easy winner in her first two career starts, TURBULENT DESCENT (Congrats) will be the one to beat when she lines up against seven rivals in Saturday's $300,000 Hollywood Starlet (G1). The 1 1/16-mile test marks the two-turn debut for the Mike Puype-trained filly, who toyed with maiden special weight rivals before winning the November 21 Moccasin S. under a hand ride. The Florida-bred was heavily favored in both outings, and she'll retain the services of David Flores for this one.

[Gremlin Lad]

Thursday December 9, 2010

Star Guitar aims for millionaire status in Champions Day Classic
Star Guitar would make history with a fourth straight Champions Day title (Lou Hodges Jr./Hodges Photography)Twelve-time Louisiana-bred stakes hero STAR GUITAR (Quiet American) will try to push his career earnings past the $1 million mark when he mounts a title defense in Saturday's $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic S., the centerpiece of a lucrative state-bred gala at Fair Grounds. The 13-race program, which kicks off with an early first post of 12:10 p.m. (CST), features a total of 11 stakes races (including the first three for Quarter Horses).

[Gremlin Lad]

Thursday December 9, 2010

Jockey watch ........

Apprentice jockey Cory Orm, 21, scored his first career win on Thursday when taking the 1ST race at Turfway Park by 2 3/4 lengths aboard Lexi's Ready (Redattore [Brz]). Orm, a Louisville, Kentucky, native, is a 2009 graduate of the North American Racing Academy (NARA) in Lexington, Kentucky, but was well schooled in the sport long before entering the jockey academy. His grandfather Jerry Orm and father, Mike Orm, both rode races before turning to training. His uncle Scott Orm is also a jockey. "I've never wanted to do anything but be a jockey," the younger Orm admitted. "I expect I'll always be in the racing business." At age 13, Orm started galloping horses for his father as the family's Orm Stables in Taylorsville, Kentucky. Upon turning 16 and earning his driver's license, he expanded to galloping horses at area training centers and entered NARA after graduating from high school. Orm finished his education with a four-month internship with trainer Steve Asmussen in New Orleans, and continued working for that conditioner in Kentucky another four months before taking out his jockey's license and riding his first race in late October. "Learning at the jockey school gave me confidence," Orm said. "(NARA founder) Chris (McCarron) teaches you how it is. I'd been riding a while and thought I knew it, but he taught me the business."...

[Gremlin Lad]

Thursday December 9, 2010

For Friday or Next Raceday
AQUEDUCT: Pick 6 -- $16,382

HAWTHORNE: Pick 6 -- $8,118

[Gremlin Lad]

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed the state racing commission’s decision to hold full racing schedules at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park racetracks next year. Christie said Dec. 8 it would be inappropriate to approve the schedules while lawmakers continue to review proposals to reduce the state government’s role in operating horse racing. The racing commission had approved 141-day schedules for Thoroughbreds at Monmouth and harness racing at the Meadowlands. Tom Lucento, president of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, says Christie’s veto was mostly a procedural move. The harness horsemen’s association has been negotiating with the Republican administration on a deal to lease the Meadowlands from the state for live racing starting next month.

[Gremlin Lad]

Friday, December 10, 2010


Okay, now that New York City Off Track Betting (Run by New York State ) has closed their doors for good, have you seen any changes to the parlor you visit in other regions witin NY State.

Trust me..they are a coming. And major changes at that.

1. Your parlor will probably be without a "Branch Manager". Instead, one of the cashiers will be in charge of the Parlor. Figure this move is step one in getting rid of all non union workers so a consolidation be started sometime down the road.

2. Look for fewer cashier / sellers on the manned betting machines......got to save money somehow to pay off NYCOTB bills that will now fall upon the five remaining regional OTBs.

3. Look for Parlors being closed at the 5:00 o'clock hour or shortly after that.
Might as well forget about betting the harness tracks and what few thoroughbred tracks that run at night.

4. Guess Gov Paterson might be right. OTBs that are still open in the state, will have the same fate as NYCOTB.

Grandpa always told me ..you cannot sell a dam thing unless you are open for business...and be polite to your customers !!!!!

[Gremlin Lad]

Despite a furious push into the night Dec. 9 by unions to get the state Senate back to Albany to try another vote, the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. remains closed with bettors fleeing its ADW accounts by the hour. “Every day that goes by the chances of revival diminishes because the bettors will find other places to bet,” said Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, chairman of the Assembly racing committee. State officials say they do not have numbers yet on how many NYCOTB ADW customers have closed their accounts, but sources say the accounts have been sharply draining down 48 hours now since the OTB closed its doors. They say even if the NYCOTB were to come back to life, it would be difficult to get those bettors back. Gov. David Paterson said he believes all OTBs in New York “are now in jeopardy” since the NYCOTB shut down earlier this week following rejection in the Senate of a reorganization plan for the betting company that has been under Chapter 9 protection the past year. Alternative betting outlets have been reaching out to NYCOTB patrons to get them to turn their bets elsewhere the past two days. The state racing board quickly approved a fast-track process for ADW applications to lure NYCOTB bettors to other state-regulated entities, including the New York Racing Association, other OTBs, and tracks.

[Gremlin Lad]

Steve Asmussen, winner of the Eclipse Award as the nation's outstanding trainer the past two years, is planning a 30-horse stable during Santa Anita's winter/spring meeting that begins Dec. 26. Asmussen has conditioned the past three winners of the Horse of the Year Award and has led the nation in training wins five times since 2002. He has never before trained in Southern California on a regular basis. Along with assistant Scott Blasi, Asmussen watched Dec. 9 as several of his runners went through their morning routines under sunny weather conditions at Santa Anita, which unveiled a new natural dirt racing surface Dec. 6. Asmussen's Southern California string will be headquartered in Santa Anita’s Barn 27. “We want to do a better job on the top-end of racing,” said Asmussen. “We felt that over the winter this would give our young horses their best opportunity to grow and develop and be all they can be. “We plan on having 30 horses here this winter, hopefully, they’re the right 30. This is a beautiful place. I think that there’s a little excitement going with the raise in purses and (with) going back to dirt. This is a great place to be this time of the year.”

[Gremlin Lad]

In addition to the full-card simulcasting that will be offered at Belmont Park’s Belmont Café starting Dec. 12, The New York Racing Association has announced that Aqueduct will be open for dark day simulcasting on Mondays and Tuesdays, beginning Dec. 13. Free parking and admission will be offered at Aqueduct on Mondays and Tuesdays, with the second floor of the Clubhouse open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. As announced Dec. 9, NYRA will offer full-card simulcasting at Belmont Park’s Belmont Café beginning on Sunday, December 12.

[Gremlin Lad]

Monday Decemner 13, 2010


Wow..wish I was an employee of NYRA !!! Raise to non-union employees just before Christmas ,



Read it at this link,

[Gremlin Lad]

The New Jersey Assembly Dec. 13 passed a bill to authorize exchange wagering on results of in-state and out-of-state horse races. It also would allow Internet wagering by out-of-state residents on horse racing. Exchange wagering is a form of betting in which two or more people place opposing wagers on the outcome of a horse race. Exchange wagering allows a bettor to wager on a selected outcome occurring and another bettor to wager on that same outcome not occurring. It is popular in Great Britain and Australia. The Assembly also passed measures that would allow Internet wagering by out-of-state residents on horse racing; expand off-track wagering; allow racetrack permit-holders to provide a single pari-mutuel pool for each horse race; and allow casinos and out-of-state racetracks to negotiate the amount casinos pay for simulcast races. New Jersey voters will be able to decide next year whether they want to legally bet on sports games. Votes in the state Senate and Assembly guaranteed that a referendum will appear on the November ballot asking voters whether they want to amend New Jersey's constitution by legalizing sports betting in the state. Even if voters say yes to sports betting, a federal ban on sports betting in all but four states would have to be repealed or overturned. "Sports betting already exists in New Jersey, but only the criminals are enjoying the profits," Assemblywoman Connie Wagner said. "Sports fans put billions of dollars on the line every year, regardless of its legality. A legal Atlantic City and racetrack-based sports book would ensure bettors are not fleeced or put in harm's way."

[Gremlin Lad]

Thursday December 16, 2010

I, for one, would like to know what is going on at NYRA.


One report is out that NYRA will be forced back into Bankruptcy with the NYCOTB collapse.......(Note ; non union NYRA employees just received a 3 % to 5 % raise !!!)

Then the President of NYRA says there will be no SERIOUS impact on NYRA not receiving the 14 million dollars owed by NYCOTB BECAUSE the Aqueduct slots ( which are still not up and running) will fill that void.

COME ON.. tell the truth. It is Christmas Time.


As far as any Off Track Betting business. They are probably going down the same road the mighty dinosaurs and the beautiful unicorns had taken many years ago.