[Gremlin Lad]

January 1, 2011 Happy New Year. !

The Big A will also offer the $65,000 Interborough S.and $60,000 Champagneforashley S.on Saturday's program. NICOLE H (Mr. Greeley), a 2 1/2-length scorer in the December 4 Garland of Roses H. last time out, tops a field of five distaffers in the six-furlong Interborough. She'll once again face MEESE ROCKS (Rock and Roll), a three-time stakes queen this season who will look for a measure of revenge following her runner-up in the Garland of Roses.

Nine state-bred sophomores are set for the Champagneforashley, which will be run over a mile and 70 yards, and the top four finishers from the December 5 Damon Runyon S. -- BEAU DE BEAUPRE (Holy Bull), ARTIE LUVSTO PARTY (Artie Schiller), PREACHINTOTHEDEVIL (Pulpit) and SKY MUSIC (Sky Mesa), respectively -- will resume their Rivalry.

Also on Saturday, 1/01/2011 is NYRA's annual calendar promotion, where for $2 fans can purchase a 2011 calendar featuring the best horses and jockeys from the New York circuit in 2010 as captured by track photographer Adam Coglianese.

[Gremlin Lad]

HIGHLIGHTS

For Saturday 1/01/2011

AQUEDUCT (12:30): $65,000 Interborough S., 3&up, f&m, 6f (3RD); $65,000 Count Fleet S., 3yo, 1m70yd (6TH); $60,000 Champagneforashley S., 3yo, 1m70yd (8TH).


CALDER (12:25): $100,000 Stage Door Betty H. (G3), 3&up, f&m, 1 1/16m (10TH); $100,000 Tropical Park Derby, 3yo, 1 1/8mT (11TH); $65,000 Tropical Park Oaks, 3yo, f, 1 1/16mT (9TH).


FAIR GROUNDS (1:40): $60,000 Blushing K. D. H., 4&up, f&m, 1 1/16mT (9TH).


GOLDEN GATE FIELDS (3:45): $100,000 California Oaks, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m (3RD).


SANTA ANITA (3:30): $150,000 Robert J. Frankel S. (G2), 4&up, f&m, 1 1/8mT (3RD); $100,000 Daytona S. (G3), 3&up, 6 1/2fT (8TH).


TAMPA BAY DOWNS (12:25): $50,000 Minaret S., 4&up, f&m, 6f (9TH).


TURFWAY PARK (1:10): $50,000 Holiday Cheer S., 4&up, 6f (9TH).

*all times Eastern

[Gremlin Lad]

JANUARY 1, 2011

by Dick Powell

And here I thought Santa Anita was going to dirt. Who knew that asphalt was going to be the new racing surface at "The Great Race Place?"

I have written here before that my main complaint with dirt tracks is their maintenance after they are wet. I understand why they need to sealed before and during rainy weather but I question why they are not harrowed deeper when they are drying out? Harrowing deeper would mean that more of the cushion is turned over and not still sealed on top of the base which results in a safer running surface.

Around the world, hard turf courses are considered dangerous and trainers will refuse to race if the course is not watered enough. Hard is not good, whether it's turf, dirt, or synthetic. Yes, there are some horses that thrive on them but the usual result is horses coming out of races with bone chips and other concussive injuries.

On opening day at Santa Anita, everyone knew the track would be fast since it was brand new and subject to torrential rains that have been hitting the Southern California area. There were a couple of days when training had to be suspended and you can bet your last dollar that the newly-installed dirt track was sealed tighter than a drum to keep it from washing away.

But when the rain stopped and the sun came out, it would have made sense to start turning the dirt over and groom it evenly to get it back to where it should be. .....................

We'll see how the horses come out of these races and what wear and tear it has on them in the future.


found at www.brisnet.com

[Gremlin Lad]

HIGHLIGHTS
For Sunday 1/02/2011

AQUEDUCT (12:30): $65,000 Ruthless S., 3yo, f, 6f (3RD).

CALDER (12:25): $100,000 La Prevoyante H. (G3), 3&up, f/m, 1 1/2mT (5TH).

SANTA ANITA (3:30): $100,000 Monrovia S. (G3), 4&up, f/m, a6 1/2fT (2ND).

SUNLAND PARK (2:25): $100,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial H., 3&up, 1 1/16m (10TH).

[Gremlin Lad]

Jan 3, 2011
Englehart wins seven in a row at Aqueduct, eyes modern record

Trainer Chris J. Englehart went two-for-two at Aqueduct Sunday afternoon, extending his winning streak to seven straight races and coming to within one of what is believed to be the modern-day record for consecutive wins by a trainer in New York.

Englehart's streak began last Thursday, when he sent out Who's the Cowboy (Intensity) ($18) to win the 1ST race, Smokin Artie's Gal (Smokin Mel) ($3.30) to take the 2ND, and, after Cherokee Trick (Yonaguska) was scratched from the 5TH race, completed the hat trick when Budge Man (Fusaichi Pegasus) ($11.20) won the 7TH race at the Big A.

On the Friday New Year's Eve card, Englehart won Aqueduct's 4TH race with his only starter, Iberian Gate (Chapel Royal) ($2.90), and kicked off 2011 by winning the 5TH race with Run Warrior Run (Desert Warrior) ($9.40) on Saturday.


Sunday, Englehart's hot streak continued when he won the 5TH race with Isn't She Grand (Grand Reward) ($3.60) and the 6TH with Fuhrlang (Langfuhr) ($5.50) for his seventh straight winner.


With Aqueduct closed for live racing on Monday and Tuesday, the trainer will try to make it a record-tying eight-for-eight on Wednesday when he sends out Who's the Cowboy in the 5TH. On Thursday, Englehart has entered three horses: Crafty Mark (Crafty Prospector) in the 1ST, Sorority Sister (Include) in the 6TH and High Stakes Player (A.P. Indy) in the 8TH race.

According to recent records, four modern-day trainers have saddled eight consecutive winners at New York Racing Association (NYRA) tracks: John Parisella in 1973; Angel Penna Sr., who sent out eight straight at Belmont Park in 1982; Oscar Barrera, who went eight-for-eight from April 15-21, 1983, at Belmont Park; and Edward I. Kelly, who accomplished the feat in October 1983.


More recently, trainer John Kimmel went seven-for-seven at Saratoga in 2008.


Since the Aqueduct inner track meet began on December 2, Englehart's horses are 9-0-2 from 11 starts, with earnings of $144,600.

[Gremlin Lad]

Robby Albarado was thrown by his mount before the 2ND race ----Robby Albarado suffered a broken right heel at Fair Grounds on Sunday, Jan 2nd. While leaving the paddock for the 2ND race, he was unseated by the aptly-named three-year-old filly Mollys Missb'havin (Silver Train). Albarado, who was transported to Tulane Medical Center for X-rays, told a track official that a CT scan was being scheduled to determine whether surgery is necessary. At latest report, there was no estimate on a timetable for Albarado's return...

[Gremlin Lad]

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced that starting on Wednesday free shuttle service will be offered from the Queens Village Long Island Railroad (LIRR) stop to the Belmont Cafe simulcasting area at Belmont Park. The service will be offered on Aqueduct's live racing days, usually Wednesdays through Sundays. The pickup at Queens Village will be at 11:45 a.m. (ET) with departures from the Belmont Cafe back to Queens Village at 4:00, 6:25 and 7:15 p.m.

[Gremlin Lad]

Tuesday Jan 4, 2011


Gulfstream Park opening day is Wednesday January 5, 2011 !!!!

[Gremlin Lad]

Gulfstream Announces 2011 Wagering Menu


Record Low Takeouts, New Wagers To Welcome Fans

HALLANDALE BEACH – Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino announced today a wagering menu for its 2011 thoroughbred meet beginning Jan. 5 that includes:

• A 50 cent Pick-5 with a record low 15 percent takeout.
• Low takeout rates on Bet-3 and 50 cent Pick-4 wagers of only 20 percent.
• An early and late 50 cent Pick-4.
• A 10 cent Pick-6.
• Rolling Daily Doubles, Superfecta’s and Bet-3’s.
Win, Place, Show, Daily Double, Exacta and Trifecta wagers will be a $1 minimum wager.

“We’re optimistic and excited about the new wagers we’re introducing and the fact Gulfstream will be offering many of the lowest takeouts in the country,” said Steve Calabro, President and GM of Gulfstream Park. “We think the Pick-5, Pick-4’s and 10 cent Pick-6 creates more opportunities for our fans.

“This is just part of our commitment to our customers. Those attending Gulfstream this year will also notice nearly a 50 percent increase in our self-service betting terminals.”

Gulfstream will start each day with a 12:55 p.m., first race post time. The early Pick-4 will begin with the second race while the late Pick-4 will be on the last four races. The Pick-5 will be on the day’s last five races and the Pick-6 on the day’s last six. The Pick-5, Pick-4 and Pick-6 wagers will be accepted only at self-service terminals.

The 10 cent Pick-6 will be awarded to one unique ticket. On days there are multiple winners, 60 percent of the pool will be shared equally while 40 percent goes back into the jackpot.

Gulfstream will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the $1 million Florida Derby April 3 with a record 33 graded stakes races and more than $30 million in overall purses.

2011 thoroughbred meet will run from Jan. 5 through April 24.

[Gremlin Lad]

HIGHLIGHTS

For Wednesday 1/5/2011

AQUEDUCT (12:30): $45,000 alw, 4&up, f&m, 1m70yd (8TH).


CHARLES TOWN (7:15): $26,000 alw, 4&up, 4 1/2f (8TH).


DELTA DOWNS (7:05): $40,000 alw, 3yo, f, 7f (8TH).


GULFSTREAM PARK (12:55): $100,000 Old Hat S. (G3), 3yo, f, 6f (8TH).


LAUREL PARK (12:35): $30,000 alw, 4&up, 1 1/16m (8TH).


PARX RACING (12:25): $47,000 alw, 4&up, f&m, 7f (9TH).


TAMPA BAY DOWNS (12:25): $21,400 ocl, 4&up, f&m, 5fT (9TH).

[Gremlin Lad]

Weather in the Northwest has taken its toll on Portland Meadows racing. Portland Meadows in Oregon canceled live racing for Jan. 3-4 because of freezing temperatures in the area. Officials said live racing is expected to resume Jan. 5 with a special post time of 12:20 p.m. PST. Despite the cancellation of live racing, Portland Meadows will remain open for simulcast wagering both days.

[Gremlin Lad]

from the Gulfstream website:

ROSARIO SET TO RIDE AT GULFSTREAM OPENING DAY

Jockey Joel Rosario, the leading rider in California, will be in attendance opening day at Gulfstream Park when he makes the cross-country trip to ride Wesley Ward’s stakes-winning filly Final Mesa in the $100,000 Old Hat Stakes.

A bay filly by Sky Mesa, Final Mesa broke her maiden April 16 at Keeneland before winning the May 15 Polly Drummond Stakes at Delaware Park and the June 26 My Dear Stakes at Woodbine. The filly hasn’t raced since finishing sixth Aug. 6 under Rosario in the Sorrento Stakes (G3) at Del Mar.

“She’s been doing well,” said Ward, owner and trainer of the New York-bred filly. “She just had some problems (in the Sorrento). I gave her a little time off and now she’s ready to go.”

Others expected in the Jan. 5 opener include Sabine Stable’s Because I Like It and the undefeated Roxy Gap.

[Gremlin Lad]

Final Mesa blitzes rivals in Old Hat
Final Mesa gets back on winning track in Old Hat (Guy Gustafson/Horsephotos.com)A mid-week trip from his California base to Gulfstream Park for Wednesday's $100,000 Old Hat S. (G3) proved fruitful for jockey Joel Rosario, as he guided trainer Wesley Ward's FINAL MESA (Sky Mesa) to victory in the six-furlong dash for three-year-old fillies by 1 3/4 lengths on opening day of the Hallandale Beach, Florida, course's 2011 meet.
The 5-2 third choice in a field of six, Final Mesa broke sharply but settled in second off the fast early pace set by It's Me Mom (Put It Back), who rattled off an opening quarter in :21 3/5 while 1 1/2 lengths on top. That margin was eclipsed and then some by the time the field reached the quarter pole, as Final Mesa moved a half-length in front in :44 while It's Me Mom hit a brick wall and Quantum Miss (Smoke Glacken) and then Pomeroys Pistols (Pomeroy) each took their ultimately futile turns at catching the eventual winner. Final Mesa drew off in the final furlong to finish up in 1:09 3/5 over the fast main oval.
Pomeroys Pistol, the 34-1 outsider in the field, finished 5 1/4 lengths clear of Roxy Gap (Indian Charlie), the 3-2 second choice who had two lengths on It's Me Mom. Farther back were 7-5 favorite Quantum Miss and 25-1 chance Mis Vizcaya (Successful Appeal).

Final Mesa returned $7.60, $5.20 and $3, while Pomeroys Pistol gave back $22.20 and $5.40 and capped the $146 exacta. Roxy Gap returned $2.20 and completed the trifecta worth $437.80. The 3-4-6-2 superfecta paid $1,307.20.
Final Mesa was accustomed to winning by large margins early in her career. After a 7 1/2-length maiden score at Keeneland going 4 1/2 furlongs, Final Mesa moved to dirt to win the Polly Drummond S. at Delaware Park by 4 3/4 lengths, then took the My Dear S. by 7 3/4 lengths over Woodbine's Polytrack. Favored for a fourth straight time in the August 6 Sorrento S. (G3) at Del Mar, Final Mesa wilted through the stretch to finish sixth, beaten seven lengths, in her first trip west. This score, achieved after a five-month break, elevated her career earnings to $202,377.
Bred in New York by Carmine Telesca and John Guerrera, Final Mesa was a $72,000 yearling purchase at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. Produced by the unraced Final Style (Smart Style), Final Mesa is a half-sister to Grade 3 victor Uncle Cammie (Abaginone), the juvenile colt Final Stride (Andromeda's Hero) and a yearling filly by Posse.
Final Mesa's fourth dam was The Bride (Bold Ruler), whom the Phipps family "won" in the famous coin flip instead of her full brother Secretariat and proceeded to go unplaced in four career starts. Among The Bride's descendents are multiple Japanese champion filly Nishino Flower (Majestic Light), Grade 1 winner Personal Business (Private Account), multiple Grade 2 winner Any Limit (Limit Out) and Grade 3 scorer In Conference (Dayjur).


Features

[Gremlin Lad]

UPCOMING STAKES

Friday, January 7





Kalookan Queen H., Santa Anita, $75,000, 4&up, f&m, 6 1/2f.





Saturday, January 8





SAN PASQUAL S. (G2), Santa Anita, $150,000, 4&up, 1 1/16m.


HAL'S HOPE S. (G3), Gulfstream Park, $100,000, 4&up, 1m.


Spectacular Bid S., Gulfstream Park, $100,000, 3yo, 6f.


Paseana H., Santa Anita, $75,000, 4&up, f&m, 1 1/16m.


Busanda S., Aqueduct, $65,000, 3yo, f, 1m 70yds.


Dixie Poker Ace S. (r), Fair Grounds, $60,000, 4&up, 1mT.


Pelican S., Tampa Bay Downs, $60,000, 4&up, 6f.


Winsham Lad H., Sunland Park, $50,000, 3&up, 1m 70yds.


Turfway Prevue S., Turfway Park, $50,000, 3yo, 6 1/2f.





Sunday, January 9





FORT LAUDERDALE S. (G3), Gulfstream Park, $100,000, 4&up, 1 1/16mT.


MARSHUA'S RIVER S. (G3), Gulfstream Park, $100,000, 4&up, f&m, 1 1/16mT.


SANTA YSABEL S. (G3), Santa Anita, $100,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m.

[Gremlin Lad]

1/6/2011

OLDSMAR, Fla. (January 6, 2011) Due to unforeseen technical difficulties affecting the Tampa Bay Downs television signal, the Oldsmar oval was forced to cancel its Thursday afternoon program. Customers who had placed wagers, purchased programs or paid for Clubhouse admission were given rain checks. Horses slated to run on the afternoon’s card after scratches were announced will have a cancellation star.

Live racing will resume on Friday, January 7 with a ten race card; there is a Pick Six carryover of $8,612.01 going into tomorrow’s program.

[Gremlin Lad]

I like following friends and acquantences' horses. So on Saturday, January 8th 2011



Busanda S.
Race: 8 - 3:45 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Super (.10), Daily Double Wagers

STAKES Busanda S.
Purse: $ 65,000. Inner Dirt For Fillies Three Years Old. No Nomination Fee. A Supplemental Nomination Fee Of $650 May Be Made By Closing Time Of Entries; $300 To Pass The Entry Box And An Additional $350 To Start. All Entrants Will Be Required To Pay Entry And Starting Fees. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. 122 lbs. Non-winners of $35,000 at a mile or over other than restricted stake allowed 2 lbs.; two races other than maiden or claiming, 4 lbs.; a race other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 6 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Monday, December 27, 2010 with 15 Original Nominations and 2 Supplements. One Mile And Seventy Yards. (Inner track)

PP #6 LAKE SONG


________________________________________ ______________________________


Race: 9 - 4:13 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Super (.10) Wagers

MAIDEN CLAIMING $35,000
Purse: $ 24,000. Inner Dirt For Maidens, Fillies Three Years Old Foaled In New York State And Approved By The New York State-bred Registry. Weight, 120 Lbs. Claiming Price $35,000. One Mile And Seventy Yards. (Inner track)


PP 9 LIFE'S MEASURE

________________________________________ __________________________




wps BOTH RACES and Daily Double is my play.

Hope they both have a safe trip.

[Gremlin Lad]

Jockey Omar Berrio was back in the saddle at Santa Anita on the morning of Jan. 6, one week after suffering a mild stroke following the races. “He worked three horses for me this morning,” said trainer A.C. Avila, a long-time friend of the 42-year-old Panamanian jockey. Berrio has first call on Avila’s horses. “Omar will have to watch his diet, stay away from salt, things like that, to keep his blood pressure under control,” Avila said.

[Gremlin Lad]

The 2011 Texas racing season begins Jan. 21 with the opening of Sam Houston Race Park, which will offer a 27-day meet through March 7. Purses will average $160,000 a day, a figure officials at the Houston racetrack said is the highest in its 17-year history. The meet was trimmed in order to increase average daily purses. A 14-race, $1.1 million stakes schedule will be highlighted by the $200,000 Connally Turf Cup (gr. IIIT) Jan. 29. Texas Champions Day Jan. 22 will feature seven state-bred stakes valued at a total of $400,000. Sam Houston will implement 50-cent minimum wagering on trifectas, pick threes, and pick fours for the upcoming meet. First post times for the meet are as follows: Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. CST, Sundays at 5 p.m., and Mondays at 1:20 p.m.

[Gremlin Lad]

“Grande” Looking for Spectacular Upset at Gulfstream Park

http://www.turfnsport.com/grande-ups...tream-park.php

By Michael Dempsey

Wagering
WIN: Grande Shores to win at 4/1 or better.
EX: 3,5 / 1,3,5,6
TRI: 3,5 / 1,3,5,6 / 1,3,5,6,8

[joeyp1222]

I like following friends and acquantences' horses. So on Saturday, January 8th 2011



Busanda S.
Race: 8 - 3:45 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Super (.10), Daily Double Wagers

STAKES Busanda S.
Purse: $ 65,000. Inner Dirt For Fillies Three Years Old. No Nomination Fee. A Supplemental Nomination Fee Of $650 May Be Made By Closing Time Of Entries; $300 To Pass The Entry Box And An Additional $350 To Start. All Entrants Will Be Required To Pay Entry And Starting Fees. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. 122 lbs. Non-winners of $35,000 at a mile or over other than restricted stake allowed 2 lbs.; two races other than maiden or claiming, 4 lbs.; a race other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 6 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Monday, December 27, 2010 with 15 Original Nominations and 2 Supplements. One Mile And Seventy Yards. (Inner track)

PP #6 LAKE SONG


________________________________________ ______________________________


Race: 9 - 4:13 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Super (.10) Wagers

MAIDEN CLAIMING $35,000
Purse: $ 24,000. Inner Dirt For Maidens, Fillies Three Years Old Foaled In New York State And Approved By The New York State-bred Registry. Weight, 120 Lbs. Claiming Price $35,000. One Mile And Seventy Yards. (Inner track)


PP 9 LIFE'S MEASURE

________________________________________ __________________________




wps BOTH RACES and Daily Double is my play.

Hope they both have a safe trip.

Funny thing i just spotted a little while ago. Lake song is supposed to be 20-1 morning line and i just stopped by otb to bet a few races and got a book there. In the 8th race every handicapper on top picks lake song except one of them. By seeing this, i think lake song will open up at 8-5. Something smells fishy here with the odds people. Well i played her on top but also mooned her and the #4 moonlit malibu on top in triples

good luck coctails

[Gremlin Lad]

“Grande” Looking for Spectacular Upset at Gulfstream Park

http://www.turfnsport.com/grande-ups...tream-park.php

By Michael Dempsey

Wagering
WIN: Grande Shores to win at 4/1 or better.
EX: 3,5 / 1,3,5,6
TRI: 3,5 / 1,3,5,6 / 1,3,5,6,8

Grande Shores was a Scratch in this race.

[Gremlin Lad]

Well one out of two is the result Saturday 1/8/10 at Aqueduct.

Race #8 #6 Lake Song finished Fourth

Race #9 #9 Life's Measure started slow But put in a Big move before the final turn and Won for Fun.


Congrats to both sets of owners on these fine animals !!!!

[Gremlin Lad]

Sunday Jan 9, 2011

Oaklawn Park will give a Zenyatta bobblehead doll to each paid admission to the Hot Springs, Ark., racetrack on the Martin Luther King holiday card of Monday, Jan. 17. That date also coincides with the evening announcement of the 2010 Eclipse Award winners, for which Zenyatta is a finalist for Horse of the Year. Oaklawn, which had a Rachel Alexandra bobblehead doll giveaway in 2010, is honoring Zenyatta, the mare whose 19 wins in 20 starts included two victories in the track’s Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I). Oaklawn Park begins its 2011 season Jan. 14. In addition to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day card, which will feature the $100,000 Smarty Jones Stakes, Oaklawn will host a special Monday card on President’s Day, Feb. 21, when the $250,000 Southwest Stakes (gr. III) will be run. The Smarty Jones and Southwest are part of the track’s series for 3-year-olds, which has produced six Triple Crown race winners since 2004. The series also inlcudes the $300,000 Rebel Stakes (gr. I) March 19 and Arkansas Derby (gr. I) April 16.

[Gremlin Lad]

Monday January 10, 2011


Saturday at Aqueduct ::

Alvarado okay after accident, Cohen displeased with slow medical response

Posted: Sunday, January 09, 2011 4:16 PM



Jockey Junior Alvarado, who was kicked in the groin area by his mount, Starlantic, in the paddock prior to Saturday’s sixth race at Aqueduct, was held overnight at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and took off his mounts on Sunday.
Precautionary X-rays came back inconclusive and Alvarado is expected to return to riding on Wednesday, according to his agent, Mike Monroe.

Daily Racing Form reported that track medical personnel and emergency medical technicians were slow to respond after the incident and that jockey David Cohen wrapped him in a blanket and carried him to the jockey’s room.

“He was on the ground shaking cold, the ground is frozen cold,” Cohen told the Form. “No one came to his aid. I got one of the assistant trainers to put their horse blanket over him. No one responded to any calls over the radio. I had to pick him up and bring him into the room so he would be warm. He actually ended up going into shock when he went into the room.”

The Form reported that Aqueduct jockeys held a meeting after the sixth race and talked about not riding the final three races because of safety concerns but decided to finish out the card after a meeting with New York Racing Association officials. Cohen said that he asked an EMT during the sixth race post parade why they did not attend to Alvarado in the paddock and was told it was not their responsibility.

[Gremlin Lad]

You know...some days life just S U C K S.

[Gremlin Lad]

TUESDAY JANUARY 11, 2011

Bob Baffert might need a leash instead of reins to slow down The Factor. Two weeks after breaking his maiden in track record time, the speedy 3-year-old zipped through five furlongs on Santa Anita’s dirt track Jan. 9 in :58 flat under former jockey Joe Steiner. “I didn’t want him to go that fast,” trainer Bob Baffert said of the gray son of War Front, who ran 1:06.98 for six furlongs when he scored by 8 1/4 lengths Dec. 26. “He went a little too fast; he got away from the rider. “I don’t know what I’m going to do (for his next race). I’m not saying nothing,” Baffert continued, somewhat tongue-in-cheek. “I know nothing.” The Factor is owned by Fog City Stable and George Bolton.

[Gremlin Lad]

Report expected on future of off-track betting in New York

Posted: Friday, January 07, 2011 3:12 PM



by Paul Post

The head of New York’s Assembly racing committee expects to submit a report about the future of off-track betting to new Gov. Andrew Cuomo within the next several weeks.

New York City Off Track Betting Corp., which had handled $750-million in wagers annually, closed one month ago Friday, when the state Senate refused to approve legislation that would have kept it open.

Shortly after, the Assembly Committee on Racing, Wagering and Gaming obtained testimony from off-track betting, racetrack, and other industry officials, at a hearing in Albany, the state capital.

“I’ve always said we don’t need six OTBs in the state,” committee Chairman J. Gary Pretlow (D-Yonkers) said on Friday. “They’ve really outlived their usefulness. Yes, we need OTB; but do we need six OTBs fighting each other? It leads to a lot of inconsistencies.”

Five separate regional off-track betting groups remain in New York—two on Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk) and three upstate (Catskill, Capital, and Western). Pretlow said the competition between them—and New York’s racetracks—became painfully evident during New York City OTB’s final hours.

“The other OTBs killed New York OTB,” he said. “They lobbied against legislation that would have kept it open.”

The other firms argued that they should get the same benefits, such as statutory reductions in payments to racing and government, as New York City OTB.

“But this was a bankruptcy proceeding,” Pretlow said. “This wasn’t about getting them benefits. Because OTB closed, the state acquired another $600-million in debt, 1,000 people lost jobs, and OTB retirees lost their health benefits.”

One month later, the jury is still out on whether New York City OTB’s closure is more or less serious than expected. The New York Racing Association’s account wagering business, NYRA Rewards, has gone up significantly and attendance has risen noticeably at Aqueduct—for live racing and simulcasting—and at Belmont Park’s café, a simulcast facility.

Both Nassau and Suffolk OTBs have seen increased wagering as well.

Paul Post is a New York-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent

[dise-pa]

keep up the good work germlin lad

[Gremlin Lad]

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2011


Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Blame has been judged the best horse to race in North America during 2010 by the compilers of the World Thoroughbred Rankings, unveiled in London, England, on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

Blame, who just held the late burst of the previously unbeaten Zenyatta by a head in the Classic, received a rating of 129 pounds, second in the world to Harbinger, who was weighted at 135 pounds for romping home in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Sponsored By Betfair (Eng-I) on turf at the end of July and was retired to stud shortly afterwards because of injury.

Blame was rated one pound ahead of Quality Road (128), who finished a well-beaten 12th and last in the Breeders’ Cup Classic but won four of his other five starts during the year, drawing away to win both the Donn Handicap (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park in February and the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga in September. In the nine-furlong Whitney (gr. I) at Saratoga, Quality Road gave up five pounds to Blame and lost by a head.

Zenyatta, who received a three-pound sex allowance in the Breeders’ Cup, ended her career with a rating of 125, compared with a 128 achieved the year before when successful in the Classic over the artificial surface at Santa Anita. She shared the honor of being the top-rated female in the world last year with the remarkable French-trained mare Goldikova, who won the TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT) impressively for the third consecutive year and has 12 group I successes to her name. Despite another excellent year, Goldikova was on a lower rating than for the previous year when she achieved 130.


For a complete list of the 2010 World Thoroughbred Rankings, click here.

[Gremlin Lad]

Thursday 1-13-2011

UPCOMING STAKES

Thursday, January 13





Leecoo S. (r), Aqueduct, $60,000, 4&up, f&m, 1m.





Friday, January 14





Jean Lafitte S., Delta Downs, $250,000, 3yo, 1m.


My Trusty Cat S., Delta Downs, $200,000, 3yo, f, 7f.


Fifth Season S., Oaklawn Park, $75,000, 4&up, 1 1/16m.





Saturday, January 15





SAN FERNANDO S. (G2), Santa Anita, $150,000, 4yo, 1 1/16m.


SANTA YNEZ S. (G2), Santa Anita, $150,000, 3yo, f, 7f.


SHAM S. (G3), Santa Anita, $100,000, 3yo, 1 1/16m.


MR. PROSPECTOR S. (G3), Gulfstream Park, $100,000, 4&up, 6f.


SUGAR SWIRL S. (G3), Gulfstream Park, $100,000, 4&up, f&m, 6f.


La Senora H. (r), Sunland Park, $120,000, 3yo, f, 6f.


California Derby, Golden Gate Fields, $100,000, 3yo, 1 1/16m.


Fire Plug S., Laurel Park, $75,000, 4&up, 6f.


What a Summer S., Laurel Park, $75,000, 4&up, f&m, 6f.


Evening Attire H., Aqueduct, $65,000, 3&up, 1 1/16m.


Happy Princess S., Aqueduct, $60,000, 4yo, f, 6f.


Happy Ticket S. (r), Fair Grounds, $60,000, 4&up, f&m, 5 1/2f.


John E. Jackson Jr. Memorial S. (r), Fair Grounds, $60,000, 4&up, 5 1/2f.


Dixie Belle S., Oaklawn Park, $50,000, 3yo, f, 6f.


Gasparilla S., Tampa Bay Downs, $50,000, 3yo, f, 7f.


Pasco S., Tampa Bay Downs, $50,000, 3yo, 7f.


Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, Turf Paradise, $50,000, 4&up, 1mT.


Wishing Well S., Turfway Park, $50,000, 4&up, 6f.





Sunday, January 16





EL ENCINO S. (G2), Santa Anita, $150,000, 4yo, f, 1 1/16m.


Dania Beach S., Gulfstream Park, $100,000, 3yo, 1mT.


Affectionately S., Aqueduct, $65,000, 3&up, f&m, 1 1/16m.





Monday, January 17





SAN MARCOS S. (G2), Santa Anita, $150,000, 4&up, 1 1/4mT.


Smarty Jones S., Oaklawn Park, $100,000, 3yo, 1m.


San Pedro S., Santa Anita, $75,000, 3yo, 6 1/2f.


Native Dancer S., Laurel Park, $75,000, 4&up, 1m.


Jimmy Winkfield S., Aqueduct, $65,000, 3yo, 6f.

[Gremlin Lad]

Friday January 14, 2011

Awesome Feather, the undefeated winner of the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I), is presently out of training with no set timetable for her to return to competition.

The daughter of Awesome of Course , front-runner for the Eclipse Award in her division on the basis of winning all six of her starts in 2010, has been diagnosed with a tendon “issue” that will likely just require time, according to trainer Chad Brown.

Trained by Stanley Gold for owner-breeder Jacks Or Better Farm, Awesome Feather swept the filly division of Calder Casino & Race Course's Florida Stallion Stakes series during her 2-year-old campaign in which she earned nearly $1.5 million. Consigned to the Fasig-Tipton November sale by Hidden Brook on behalf of Jacks Or Better Farm owners Fred and Jane Brei, Awesome Feather was purchased by Frank Stronach for $2.3 million.

Brown said the tendon issue was detected not long after the filly arrived at his Palm Meadows barn following her purchase by Stronach. Since her arrival, Awesome Feather has been walking and undergoing therapy.

[ATP123]

you found an article written by dick powell..... thought he was hibernating in florida under an orange tree with the senior citizens

[Gremlin Lad]

Sidney's Candy out of San Fernando
Sidney's Candy has developed a problem in his hind end (Benoit Photos)Grade 1 winner SIDNEY'S CANDY (Candy Ride [Arg]) would have been the heavy favorite in Saturday's $150,000 San Fernando S. (G2) at Santa Anita, but the John Sadler-trained colt has been scratched from the 1 1/16-mile event.
Sadler told Daily Racing Form that Sidney's Candy is "off behind," in particular the right hind leg. A nuclear scan is set for Monday, and pending the results, Sadler has hopes that the colt can be still be ready for the February 5 Strub S. (G2).
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In his absence, the San Fernando is suddenly up for grabs. Grade 3 winner THISKYHASNOLIMIT (Sky Mesa), who will stretch back out to two turns following a sixth in the Malibu S. (G1), has now been installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. The Steve Asmussen colt recorded a good second to Lookin at Lucky in his last route start, the October 2 Indiana Derby (G2)



Parts of article found at www.brisnet.com

[Gremlin Lad]

HIGHLIGHTS

For Saturday 1/15/2011

AQUEDUCT (12:30): $65,000 Evening Attire S., 3&up, 1 1/16m (8TH).


FAIR GROUNDS (1:40): $60,000 John E. Jackson Jr. Memorial S., 4&up, 5 1/2f (8TH); $60,000 Happy Ticket S., 4&up, f&m, 5 1/2f (11TH).


GOLDEN GATE FIELDS (2:00): $100,000 California Derby, 3yo, 1 1/16m (7TH).


GULFSTREAM PARK (12:55): $100,000 Mr. Prospector S. (G3), 4&up, 6f (7TH); $100,000 Sugar Swirl S. (G3), 4&up, f&m, 6f (9TH).


LAUREL PARK (12:35): $75,000 What a Summer S., 4&up, f&m, 6f (8TH).


OAKLAWN PARK (2:05): $50,000 Dixie Belle S., 3yo, f, 6f (8TH).


SANTA ANITA (3:30): $150,000 Santa Ynez S. (G2), 3yo, f, 7f (6TH); $150,000 San Fernando S. (G2), 4yo, 1 1/16m (8TH); $100,000 Sham S. (G3), 3yo, 1 1/16m (3RD).


SUNLAND PARK (2:25): $120,000 Lasenora S., 3yo, f, 6f (10TH).


TAMPA BAY DOWNS (12:25): $75,000 Gasparilla S., 3yo, f, 7f (7TH); $75,000 Pasco S., 3yo, 7f (9TH).


TURFWAY PARK (1:10): $50,000 Wishing Well S., 4&up, f&m, 6f (9TH).

*all times Eastern

[Gremlin Lad]

MLK DAY 1/17/2011


JUST A WORD TO US "GAMBLERS.".


DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT, PLAY AT THE SBR FORUM CASINO SITE with your betpoints unless, of course, you want to lose them.

I PERSONALLY, have gone there time after time, and the end result is my points are gone.

NO MORE SBR FORUM CASINO GAMES FOR ME.