Posts Tagged ‘Horse Racing’
A return visit to Aintree for the John Smith’s Grand National has been top of the agenda for Big Fella Thanks ever since his fine effort in finishing sixth in the race in 2009, writes Elliot Slater. Paul Nicholls’ progressive eight-year-old gelding made tremendous strides up the staying chasing ranks last term winning the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster before a great run to be third to Nacarrat in the Racing Post Chase. He then put in a rock solid effort to come in behind Mon Mome at Aintree. Everything about the horse suggests he has what it takes to be a major force in the top long-distance events from now on. His first outing of the season, coming second to the smart Carruthers at Cheltenham in late December, showed that everything appears to be going to plan in his build up to April’s big race. Next stop for the horse, currently 20/1 second favourite in the Aintree Grand National betting, is another crack at the Racing Post Chase. After that he might not be seen again until Aintree. In last year’s race Christian Williams held Big Fella Thanks up at the rear of the 40-strong Grand National field and, although he blundered at Becher’s first time around, he managed to get back into contention turning for home, only to fade in the last quarter mile. A year older, and having proved his aptitude for the daunting Aintree obstacles, the gelded son of Primitive Rising must have a great chance of getting into the thick of things again if given a fair weight by the handicapper. Paul Nicholls has won every major prize in jump racing apart from the Grand National and now Big Fella Thanks looks one of a number of serious candidates to bring the prize for the 2010 renewal back to Ditcheat. Indeed, many will be betting Grand National success finally comes Nicholls’ way this year, an eventuality that can be backed at 7/1.
Tags: doncaster, grand national, handicapping, Horse Racing, skybet chase
If, as trainer Ferdy Murphy suggested, Kalahari King was not 100 per cent fit going into last Saturday’s big handicap chase at Doncaster, then his rivals for next month’s Queen Mother Champion Chase must be wondering if they can cope with this fast improving performer, writes Elliot Slater. Carrying top weight of 11st 12lbs and returning after an absence of more than nine months, Kalahari King toyed with a field of smart handicappers before quickening away after the last to win very impressively under Graham Lee. Understandably the nine-year-old gelding received rave reviews and now looks a very serious rival for Master Minded and Twist Magic for the Champion Chase, a race that is building up to be an absolute cracker. Proven around Cheltenham, having failed by the narrowest of margins to land last season’s Arkle Trophy, the Middleham-trained chaser must be expected to improve again after his seasonal pipe-opener, a prospect that won’t please his big race rivals. With Master Minded still to demonstrate that he has returned to his best after the rib injury that contributed to his defeat at the hands of Well Chief in the autumn, and Twist Magic having three times failed to figure in previous visits to Cheltenham, Kalahari King has plenty going for him and represents tremendous value at current odds of around 6/1. You won’t hear many better Cheltenham betting tips between now and the start of the Festival. However, the news is much worse for the winner of last year’s Arkle, Forpadydeplasterer. The horse has reportedly gone lane reportedly gone lame and will be confined to his box for no less than three weeks, leaving no time to have him ready for the Festival fixture. Trainer Tom Cooper now suggests that he will attempt to prepare his stable star for a tilt at the big two mile chase at the Punchestown Festival in April. The Arkle Chase betting odds for the 2010 renewal of the race make Captain Cee Bee favourite at 7/2, followed by Sizing Europe at 6/1.
Tags: Champion glory, handicapping, Horse Racing, Kalahari
Mouse Morris’ 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition has had his ups and downs in the seasons since his famous victory, but could be returning to Cheltenham with a sporting chance in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, writes Elliot Slater. Having suffered his share of injuries and being out of action at the peak of his powers for nearly two years, the Presenting gelding returned last winter and was in good form. After running with credit on his first two starts in top company this term, War Of Attrition finished well down the field in Denman’s Hennessy romp leaving Morris with a dilemma as to where to go next. The veteran handler decided to freshen up the old boy with a run over hurdles and he excelled himself with a fine effort in Leopardstown’s Christmas Hurdle, before going a step further last time out in winning Gowran Park’s Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle, showing a surprisingly good technique for one who has been campaigned over the larger obstacles for so long. An intended starter in the John Smith’s Grand National, War Of Attrition could be seen back over fences in his native Ireland during February, before going to Cheltenham and then on to Aintree. However, the horse is currently around 40/1 in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle betting, something that suggest a fairytale win at Cheltenham is unlikely. It’s an unorthodox preparation but one that appears to be keeping the interest of this admirably tough old warrior who has won more than £674,000 in career prize money. He might not have the pace of old, but at his best in a strongly run race War Of Attrition will give it a go in the World Hurdle before going to Aintree with a serious chance of recording one last high-profile success. Mouse Morris’ most famous wins as a jockey came in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. He rode Skymas to victory in both the 1976 and 1977 renewals of the event. This year, Master Minded will be looking to win the race for the third time in a row and the Queen Mother Champion Chase odds suggest he is in with a good chance of doing so.
Tags: cheltenham, horse betting, Horse Racing, war of attrition
Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should improve significantly or do well next time out, won seven times, ran second seven times and finished third three times since Dec. 16. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your betting strategy. AQUEDUCT Chaysen’ Alex: Broke slowly seventh and last, raced five lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, advanced three wide to third in stretch, closed willingly to make up three lengths and finished second beaten a length at six furlongs on the inner track Jan. 7; ran final quarter in 44 2/5. Fortyninegeorgest: Raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals in upper stretch, finished strongly to make up nearly 6 ½ lengths and ran second nosed out at six furlongs on the sealed fast inner track Dec. 26. (Raced more than four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied three wide enter stretch and won going away by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Jan. 10.) Quiet Mover: Raced in traffic two lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, split rivals enter stretch and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Jan. 6. (Raced more than three lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied three wide to third in stretch, but couldn’t close gap and finished in that position at a mile and 70 yards on Jan. 13.)Horses to Watch
Check It Twice: Raced eighth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in upper stretch, rallied belatedly from sixth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and gained third by a half-length at six furlongs on the good inner track Dec. 3; ran final quarter in 23 4/5. (Raced fifth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, awaited room on turn, closed strongly in stretch and won going away by 2 ½ lengths on the inner track Jan. 10.)
Upper Gulch: Raced 14 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, swung four wide for drive, rallied belatedly to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a length at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Nov. 29.
Chestoria: Raced sixth more than 13 lengths behind after a half-mile, launched three wide bid entering stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up 6 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 12; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 4/5.
Kissa Melissa: Tracked pace in third a head and a length back after a half-mile, swung three wide on turn, threatened in stretch, but could close gap and finished in that position beaten a neck for second at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Dec. 13. (Stumbled at start, raced 3 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, rallied three wide in stretch and finished second beaten 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Jan. 7.)
DELTA DOWNS
Haggis: Trailed early, raced eighth more than seven lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, closed fast from sixth in stretch to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at five furlongs on Jan. 6.
Carson Connection: Raced sixth more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, saved ground around far turn, made up two lengths in stretch and gained second by a half-length at 6 ½ furlongs on Dec. 22.
Superior Thief: Raced more than three lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, dropped to sixth after six furlongs, closed fast late to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on Dec. 3. (Pressed pace early, grabbed lead by a head after a half-mile, dueled with winner down the lane and finished second beaten a half-length at 6 ½ furlongs on a sealed muddy surface Dec. 30; returned $9.20 for place.)
Anna’s Glory: Raced eighth early, dropped to ninth and last more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied to fifth in stretch and finished third by a head at a mile on Dec. 10. (Raced more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for the drive and rallied from fourth in stretch to win by two lengths at a mile on Jan. 6.)
FAIR GROUNDS
Dawn’s Tribute: Raced more than three lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, split foes to take over by 1 ½ lengths in early stretch and cruised to a nine-length victory ridden out at six furlongs on Jan. 8; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.
New Elite: Raced sixth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed gamely in stretch to make up two lengths and gained second by two lengths at a mile and 40 yards on a sealed good surface Dec. 17.
Sunny Lights: Raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground steered to outside in mid-stretch, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished third by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Nov. 29.
Eat N Run: Raced ninth and last more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, switched to outside in stretch, rallied from seventh to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second by a half-length at a mile on the turf Nov. 27.
GULFSTREAM
Summer Flight: Broke a step slowly, raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than four lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, eased out in stretch, made up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at five furlongs on the turf Jan. 13.
Alluring Power: Raced fifth early, dropped to seventh more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground on turn, rallied in stretch to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by 4 ¼ lengths at a mile on Jan. 3.
Surround: Raced third early along rail, dropped to fourth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground angling out for stretch run, rallied to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second nosed out at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Dec. 12 at Calder.
Ms. N. Tarsia: Broke slowly, raced more than 12 lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, closed fast from fourth in stretch and won by a nose at six furlongs on Nov. 28 at Calder. (Raced 12th and last early, advanced to eighth more than seven lengths behind after a half mile, eased for stretch run and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on a good turf course on Jan. 18; returned $14.40 for place.)
LAUREL PARK
Stellar Ambition: Raced more than two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, eased out for the drive losing much ground to fourth, closed steadily to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a neck and a nose at a mile on Jan. 9.
Sleep Out: Stalked pace a length behind in third after a half-mile, lost ground circling rivals into stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on a good surface Dec. 3. (Chased pace 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, raced evenly throughout the seven furlongs and finished in that position on Jan. 7; returned $8.60 to show.)
OAKLAWN PARK
Deputy Sreva: Ducked out at start, raced sixth in traffic more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, shuffled back on far turn, roused for the drive and made up more than 3 ½ lengths in stretch finishing second full of run beaten a length at a mile on Jan. 15.
PHILADELPHIA PARK
Kansas Kitty: Raced third early, dropped to fifth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed from fourth in deep stretch to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at six furlongs on Jan. 10.
Liger: Raced seventh and last early, moved to sixth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied widest from fifth in stretch, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a head and three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Dec. 7. (Went straight to the front, led by a head after a half-mile, gave way grudgingly in stretch and held second by 1 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 12.)
G’day Mate: Pursued pace more than four lengths behind in third after a half-mile, moved to second in stretch and closed gap but couldn’t catch winner at six furlongs on Dec. 28. (Raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, dropped to fifth going wide in stretch and rallied to gain third by three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 11.)
SANTA ANITA
Remus: Broke slowly 10th and last, raced more than nine lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, rallied outside from fifth in stretch to make up more than 6 ¼ lengths at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf Jan. 10; ran final 1 ½ furlongs in 27 4/5.
Alphie’s Bet: Broke 10th and last, trailed by more than 10 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied wide from fifth in stretch, made up more than 1 ¼ lengths and gained second by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 26. (Squeezed after breaking slowly, raced eighth and last more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch, closed fast to make up more than 3 ½ lengths in stretch and drew clear under strong handling to win by 1 ¼ lengths at a mile on the turf Jan. 15.)
Lady Alex: Raced four lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, came out off heels of rival in upper stretch, closed willingly to make up three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Dec. 2 at Hollywood Park; ran final quarter in 24 2/5. (Pressed pace a length back in second after a half-mile, grabbed lead by a half-length in early stretch and inched away to win by a length at a mile on the turf Jan. 13.)
TAMPA BAY DOWNS
Lupo: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, split rivals entering stretch, made up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 10.
Flatter This: Raced more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, weaved through traffic on far turn, rallied outside to make up 1 ¾ lengths in stretch and gained second by 1 ½ lengths at a mile on the turf Dec. 26.
Apple Charlotte: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, blocked and steadied in upper stretch, dropped to 11th, recovered quickly, closed like a rocket to make up more than 10 ¼ lengths and gained second by a nose at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 1 at Churchill Downs. (Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, made a quick move inside on far turn, angled out to take lead after entering stretch, drew off while racing greenly and won by 5 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 16.)
TURF PARADISE
Coach Pete: Broke seventh and last, raced fifth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground moving further out for the drive and finished a game third making up more than 5 ¼ lengths in stretch beaten a head and 1 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 8.
Panamanian Playboy: Raced more than four lengths behind in seventh after three-eighths of a mile, eased out in stretch, made up 1 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at five furlongs on Dec. 26. (Pressed pace two heads behind in third after a half-mile, advanced to second in stretch, closed gap a bit and held that position by 1 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 10.)
Highland Games: Raced fifth more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch and rallied to finish second nosed out at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf Jan. 2. (Raced fourth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, dueled in stretch, put head in front briefly and finished second beaten a head at a mile on the turf Jan. 16; returned $7.60 for place.)
TURFWAY PARK
Dee for Three: Raced three lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, lost ground to fifth after six furlongs, closed well three wide in stretch to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at a mile on Jan. 9.
Footlongkorn: Tracked pace two lengths behind in second after a half-mile, lost ground dropping to fourth in stretch, rallied willingly to make up more than 1 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 28.
Victory Sign: Broke in air, lost ground, raced sixth more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out to clear rivals, came five wide into stretch, rallied from fourth to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by 2 ¼ lengths at a mile on Dec. 12. (Raced sixth more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for the drive, rallied from fifth to make up more than 5 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a length at a mile on Jan. 3.)
Lion’s Den: Hopped at start, raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, angled out entering stretch, made up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 29. (Stumbled at start, recovered quickly, pressed pace a head back after three-eighths of a mile, took lead by a half-length in stretch and won by a head at 5 ½ furlongs on Dec. 17.)
Saratoga Springs attracted visitors before the American Revolution when wealthy pilgrims journeyed to the carbonated mineral springs running through the area. The two Battles of Saratoga, considered the first Colonial victory and a turning point in the Revolutionary War, ended with British Gen. John Burgoyne’s surrender on Oct. 16, 1777. During the Civil War, several men pursued an idea that would put Saratoga Springs on the map again – a racetrack. The principal players: William R. Travers, a lawyer that made a fortune on Wall Street, owned thoroughbreds and became ppresident of the Saratoga Racing Association. John “Old Smoke” Morrissey, former American bare-knuckle champ, gambler and a soon-to-be lawmaker on state and national levels. John “Dareveil Jack” Hunter, fearless horseman and reckless rider who owned horses that raced on both sides of the Atlantic. Leonard Walter Jerome, flamboyant entrepreneur, father of Winston Churchill’s mother and another successful stock speculator known as “the King of Wall Street.” . The inaugural meeting ran only four days in early August of 1863, but was successful beyond expectations. The next year the meeting was moved across the street to accommodate the large crowds and the facilty was enlarged. The track was called Saratoga Race Course, home of the oldest American stakes race for 3-year-olds named for Travers. A horse co-owned by Travers and Hunter won the inaugural when the purse was $2,940: Kentucky. The first Kentucky Derby champ to captures the Travers was Baden Baden in 1877. The first Preakness victor to score was Duke of Magenta in 1877. Ruthless, who won the inaugural Belmont Stakes in 1867, was the second filly to take the Travers. Individual winners of all three Triple Crown events met only once in 139 years. It was 1982 when the field included Derby champ Gato Del Sol, Preakness victor Aloma’s Ruler and Belmont winner Conquistador Cielo. However, longshot Runaway Groom triumphed. Winner of two Canadian Triple Crown contests, the son of Blushing Groom was awarded top 3-year-old honors in his country. Some pretty fair thoroughbreds over the decades have been victorious: Point Given, 2001 Preakness-Belmont winner; Thunder Gulch, 1995 Derby-Belmont victor; Holy Bull, 1994 Horse of the Year; Alydar, 1978 Triple Crown runner-up to Affirmed; Damascus, 1967 Preakness-Belmont winner; Native Dancer, 1953 Preakness-Belmont victor; Whirlaway; 1941 Triple Crown champ; and Man o’ War, 1930, who captured the Preakness and Belmont, but didn’t run in the Derby. Saratoga became known as the Graveyard of Champions as such great horses in addition to Big Red fell to unheralded opponents. Man o’ War’s only loss in 21 outings came in 1919 when he lost in a sprint over a muddy surface to Upset. Two Triple Crown winners were surprised 43 years apart at Saratoga. Secretariat lost to 4-year-old Onion by a length in his first try against older horses in the Whitney, but it was later found suffering from a viros. The biggest shocker came in the 1930 Travers when Triple Crown champ Gallant Fox, 1-2, was a distant eight lengths behind 100-1 Jim Dandy on a muddy track. Jim Dandy later was honored with a stakes race established in 1964, an appropriate prep for the Travers.
Tags: handicapping, Horse Racing, saratoga springs, sports, travers
Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should improve significantly or do well next time out, won four times, ran second three times and finished third four times since July 1. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your betting strategy. ARLINGTON PARK Crater Maker: Raced six lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, swung widest on far turn, lost ground in stretch, closed with a rush to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a neck at a mile on a good turf course July 24. Bacetto: Raced eighth and last more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed with a rush in the stretch to make up 6 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a length at seven furlongs on July 9. (Broke slowly, raced eight lengths behind in eight and last after a half-mile, advanced five wide into stretch, closed fast late from third and drew off to win by 2 ¾ lengths at a mile on July 23.) Link to My Heart: Raced 10 lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, dropped to seventh after six furlongs, split horses in stretch, rallied late to make up more than seven lengths and gained second by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on a yielding turf course July 9. (Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, lost ground to fourth entering stretch and ran third by a nose at a mile on the turf Aug. 1) Jilly From Philly: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half mile, lost ground turning for home and rallied from fifth in stretch to gain third beaten less than three-quarters of a length at a mile June 7. (Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile and finished in that position at 1 1/16 miles on July 5.) Pure Clan: Raced four lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, dropped to fifth after six furlongs, steadily advanced to take lead by a head in stretch and drew off to win by 2 ½ lengths at 1 3/16 miles on the turf July 11. (Broke eighth and last, trailed by more than 6 ½ lengths after a half-mile, came five wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a neck at 1 ¼ miles on a good turf course Aug. 8.) CALDER Midnight Scrimmage: Broke slowly, raced five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came three wide into stretch, closed well to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at a mile on July 18. DELAWARE PARK Burrowing Owl: Raced 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, lost ground going four wide in stretch, rallied to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on June 16. (Raced four lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile and gained second by a head at 5 ½ furlongs on July 25.) DEL MAR Seminole Native: Raced 10th and last more than 13 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, spilt rivals in stretch from sixth to make up more than 5 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile on the turf; ran final quarter in 23 1/5. Tallahsocean: Broke a bit slowly, raced 11th early, advanced to ninth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up outside on turn, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on July 23; ran final quarter in 23 4/5. Itsnotjustagame: Stalked pace two lengths back in third after a half-mile, lost ground swinging wide on far turn, closed willingly from fifth to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a nose at 1 3/8 miles on the turf July 23. ELLIS PARK My Rocket Man: Raced more than four lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground moving five wide on turn, closed well late from fifth to make up nearly five lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on soft turf July 24. Ponticiello: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, launched six wide bid into stretch, closed fast from sixth to make up more than 5 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at a mile on soft turf July 24; ran final quarter in 24 ¾. EVANGELINE DOWNS Feelthelightening: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, rallied wide from sixth in stretch to make up more than three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at five furlongs on July 4. Fiber Core: Broke 14th and last, moved to 12th early, advanced to seventh more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from sixth in stretch and gained second by a neck at seven furlongs on June 19. LOUISIANA DOWNS Walkinpicture: Raced more than four lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, came six wide out of turn, finished willingly to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a head at six furlongs on July 2. (Raced more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, challenged three wide into stretch to grab lead and increased winning margin to six lengths under steady urging at six furlongs on July 24.) MONMOUTH PARK Brotherly Love: Stalked pace three wide two lengths back in third after a half-mile, lost ground in stretch angling inward, made up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on July 19. (Bumped at break, tracked pace in second a length behind after a half-mile, angled inside for drive and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on July 31.) Whats Up Cuge: Chased pace more than four lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile, angled out in upper stretch, made up 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by a head at five furlongs on July 5. (Broke alertly, went right to the front, led by two lengths after three-eighths of a mile, increased margin in stretch and drew off ridden out to win by 7 ¼ lengths at five furlongs on July 26.) PENN NATIONAL PHILADELPHIA PARK Prime Delivery: Raced ninth and last more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lacked room on far turn, and eight wide into stretch and closed steadily from seventh to finish second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 18; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 2/5. Minor Issues: Broke slowly, raced two lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, came very wide into stretch and rallied from second to win by a neck at 6 ½ furlongs on July 21. (Raced 3 ½ lengths in fourth after a half-mile, lost ground near quarter pole and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Aug. 1) PLEASANTON SARATOGA A. P. Light: Raced more than seventh lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, circled rivals entering stretch and rallied from fourth to finish second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Aug. 7; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 seconds. Diamond Song: Pinched back after breaking 11th and last, raced 5 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, caught in traffic between rivals on turn, circled five wide entering stretch, made up two lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on a sloppy surface July 31. Try Your Best: Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, saved ground on turn, rallied inside into stretch, took an awkward step in upper stretch, steadied sharply at eighth pole awaiting room in fifth, angled outward and rallied late to gain second by three-quarters of length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 16 at Belmont. Mustang Fever: Broke slowly 12th and last, steadied in traffic early, raced ninth more than 13 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied inside while awaiting room nearing quarter pole and finished well to gain second by a nose at six furlongs on the turf July 8; ran final quarter in 23 1/5 at Belmont Park. Kutais: Steadied soon after start, raced six lengths back in seventh after a half-mile, waited behind wall of horses on far turn, altered course to outside in upper stretch, made up 2 ¾ lengths and finished second by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/8 miles on the turf July 8 at Belmont. Hurricane Heat: Gained lead soon after break, was two lengths in front after a half-mile, discouraged pair of pursuers increasing margin to six lengths in stretch and won by 8 ½ lengths ridden out at 7 ½ furlongs on June 19 at Belmont. (Dueled for lead shortly after break, pressed pace in second a head back after a half-mile, took lead on turn, kept to task in stretch and won by a half-length at a mile on July 1; returned $10.20 on front end at Belmont.) WOODBINE Lucky Lulu: Broke 11th, dropped to 12th and last 13 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in upper stretch, closed fast from 10th to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a half-length at seven furlongs on the turf July 15; ran final three quarters in 33 2/5.
Last Wompas: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, rallied through traffic in stretch and gained second by 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Aug. 8
Chavelisa: Broke slowly, race 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, lost a bit of ground entering stretch, angled out, rallied to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at five furlongs on Aug. 7.
Theda’s Smile: Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, worked way between rivals leaving far turn and closed gamely from fourth in stretch to finish second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Aug. 5.
Stunningly: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came three deep into stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Aug. 8.
Zipper Zapper: Raced more than two lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground going four wide out of turn, made up 1 ¾ lengths in stretch and gained second by a nose at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Aug. 8.
Money Haven: Broke 11th and last, advanced to seventh more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied wide from fifth in stretch, made up fourth lengths and finished second beaten a length at a mile on Aug. 5.
Go Morgan Go: Raced two lengths back in fifth after a half-mile, bumped with rival, steadied late on the turn, lost ground, recovered, slipped through along rail in upper stretch, angled out late to make up 2 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on a good surface Aug. 2.
Polished Princess: Pressed pace early, dropped from second to third 2 ½ lengths behind while losing ground after a half-mile, rallied outside in stretch, made up two lengths and closed well to finish second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Aug. 5.
Cuvee Rouge: Bumped, bobbled soon after break in brutal trip, steadied again in tight quarters during opening quarter-mile, raced sixth more than two behind after a half-mile, blocked between rivals trying to find opening in upper stretch, steered out wider and closed well late to gain second by a neck at 6 ½ furlongs on July 18 at Philadelphia Park; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 3/5.
Pinfree: Off slow, raced seventh and last more than eight lengths behind after three-eights of a mile, launched rally on turn going widest into stretch, closed fast from fourth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished second by 2 ¾ lengths at five furlongs on Aug. 1.
Welken: Tracked pace in fourth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up in tight quarters behind a wall of horses, gained command in stretch and won by a length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 14 at Golden Gate Fields. (Broke on top, led by a head after a half-mile, increased margin to 1 ½ lengths after six furlongs, weakened in stretch and finished third at 1 1/16 miles on July 12.)
Bella Attrice: Raced 17 lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, closed game to 11 ½ lengths between rivals on far turn, steadied inside at three-sixteenths pole, angled out in mid-stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Aug. 7; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 28 3/5.
Social Worker: Raced five lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, hustled between rivals on turn, rallied from fifth to make up more than 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on Aug. 6.
Tags: betting, handicapping, Horse Racing
The Summit of Speed will be in the sprinting spotlight on Saturday at Calder Race Course where it debuted 10 years ago. The 2000 event offered five stakes with purses totaling $950,000 and was an immediate hit. In ’02, purses were boosted to $1.35 million and attracted classy thoroughbreds like Orientate, who won the Smile Sprint Handicap en route to a Breeders’ Cup Sprint victory and an Eclipse Award. That afternoon Calder enjoyed a single-day total mutuel handle record exceeding $8.8 million. Two years later, the $1.75 million event featuring six stakes helped to establish the track’s one-day handle mark of more than $10.8 million. Then Mother Nature rained on the ’05 renewal that July 9, which featured eight races valued at $1.9 million. The effects of Hurricane Dennis forced the Saturday card to be rescheduled Sunday. Unfortunately, total wagering plummeted to just over $7 million. Lady Luck abandoned Calder last year when a contract dispute with the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association cost millions in simulcasting revenue. It wasn’t settled until days before the Summit of Speed, forcing reduction of purses by $300,000 for the four graded stakes and cancellation of two races. The ’09 contract was agreed upon in mid-April before the meeting got under way. However, the weather has been quite rainy this year and there’s a 30 percent chance of showers for the weekend. Saturday’s card includes seven stakes that attracted some topnotch sprinters despite value of the races dropping to the lowest in history – a total of $1.45 million. The Smile, worth $500,000 two years ago, is a Grade 2 with a $350,000 purse. The six-horse field of 3-year-olds and up is headed by defending champ Benny the Bull, who concedes from six to a dozen pounds. The ’08 sprinting Eclipse Award winner in his only start this year was runner-up to Fabulous Strike in the True North on Belmont Stakes Day. His chief challenger, last year’s runner-up How’s Your Halo gets in six pounds lighter than the son of Lucky Lionel who carries 124 pounds, the same weight he totted in ’08 when scoring by two lengths while covering the six furlongs in 1:11 2/5. How’s Your Halo is coming off a four-length triumph in the Ponce on June 13. Two months earlier, the son of Halo’s Image edged another starter Ikigai in the Richter Scale at Gulfstream after losing to the runner-up in the Mr. Prospect a month earlier. Two-time Eclipse champ Indian Blessing faces a field of nine fillies and mares 3-years-old and up going six furlongs in the Grade 1 Princess Rooney, also valued at $350,000 and $150,000 less than it was worth in ’07. The fourth-place finisher in the Desert Stormer at Hollywood Park on June 15 will tote high weight of 123 pounds. The daughter of Indian Charlie won the ’08 Eclipse Award for female sprinters and was top filly in ’07. Chief challengers are multi-stakes winner Game Face, who totes 120 pounds, and local sensation Marina Ballerina, 118 pounds, going for her third straight victory. Game Face finished third in last year’s Acorn behind runner-up Indian Blessing in that Belmont race. The daughter of Menifee, which also defeated starter Keep the Peach twice, triumphed in three stakes this year at Gulfstream. Marina Ballerina whipped two others in the field while winning the U Can Do It at Calder where’s she’s 3 for 3. The daughter of Outflanker on June 13 was 1 ¼ lengths better than Jessica Is Back while B R’s Girl was another 1 ¼ lengths back in third. Time for the six furlongs was 1:10 4/5.
Tags: betting, Calder Race Course, Horse Racing, Smile Sprint Handicap
By GREG MELIKOV of
Flamboyant financier Leonard W. Jerome and well-heeled friends, including banker August Belmont Sr., built a racetrack in the Bronx that opened on Sept. 25, 1866. The crowd at Jerome Park, named for its founder, included Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and members of New York’s fashionable society. It was the first track to attract women in large numbers. Even the horses were chic – ribbons of owners’ colors were braided into their manes and tails. On opening day, Jerome’s horse Kentucky visited the winner’s circle and the owner hoisted 12-year-old daughter Jennie on his shoulders. Jerome and Belmont also founded the American Jockey Club, which later evolved into the Jockey Club. It was said of the pair at the time, “People like Belmont and Jerome do not enter society, they create it as they go along.” Jerome Park was an English-style track that required runners to negotiate three turns because of a dip in mid-backstretch while racing clockwise. On June 19, 1867, a stakes named for Jerome’s closest friend was first staged. The Belmont went to the filly Ruthless, victorious over three horses. When the track closed 22 years later to make way for a reservoir needed by the New York City water supply system, the Belmont Stakes moved in 1890 to Morris Park in the Bronx. The winner: Burlington over eight challengers. In 1905, the race was shifted to a new track in Elmont, N.Y., built by several business partners including August Belmont II. The winner: Tanya, a filly that defeated six rivals. Since then the race has been staged at Belmont Park except for 1963-67 when it was held at Aqueduct while the track was being rebuilt. Belmont traditions range from something old and something new to something borrowed and something blue. Something old: One tradition lost to modern times is the winner’s colors being painted on the picket fence of Esposito’s Tavern near the track until it became a church. In 1921, Grey Lag won the first Belmont run counter-clockwise. The race sometimes is known as the “Run for the Carnations” because a blanket of white carnations, between 300 and 400, is draped over the winner’s shoulders. The flowers, glued on a green velveteen cloth, come from California or Bogotá, Columbia. Because the race is 1 ½ miles, the longest of the three Triple Crown events, it’s also known as the “Test of the Champions.” Something real old: The giant 300-year-old white pine in the paddock is featured in the Belmont Park logo. Something borrowed: The official Belmont song “Sidewalks of New York” was replaced in 1997 by “New York, New York” made famous by Frank Sinatra. The reason: management believed it would be more familiar to a bigger audience. Something blue: Anti-betting legislation was passed in New York State, closing Belmont and canceling the race for two years, 1911-12. Something new: In 1997, track officials added a cast iron horse and jockey 4 feet high in the saddling area. Both are painted the colors of each year’s winner. In 1998, the Belmont Breeze was made official drink of the race. The main ingredients: whiskey and sherry. An interesting footnote: Jennie Jerome and her two sisters spent much time in Europe thanks to their father’s wealth. On the Isle of Wight, Jennie met Lord Randolph Churchill. In 1874, they were married at the British Embassy in Paris. They produced two grandsons for Jerome. The oldest was Prime Minister Winston Churchill.Bookmaker Sportsbook
Tags: belmont stakes, churchill, horse betting, Horse Racing, mind that bird
The superstar filly Rachel Alexandra is headed for the Preakness Stakes betting . After a weekend of confusion, Mine That Bird’s owner Mark Allen and Pioneerof The Nile’s Ahmed Zayat have said they will not enter additional horses to keep the filly out of the Preakness. Now, not only is Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness, she is favored in horse racing odds. On Monday, Pimlico vice president Mike Gathagan said there are 13 horses, including Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness field. The exact number and the post position draw will be finalized on Wednesday. The inclusion of Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness betting field gives horse racing some intrigue that they badly need and it avoided a public relations nightmare had she been left out. Normally in the Preakness it is not an issue of having too many horses in the field. Rarely do enough horses ever enter to get to the 14-horse maximum allowed in the Preakness. Preakness odds will have Rachel Alexandra favored over the rest of the Preakness Stakes betting field and by quite a bit. Most experts believe she is head and shoulders above anyone in the field. The early consensus has her going off at odds of less than 2-1, perhaps as low as even money. Jockey Calvin Borel, who is getting off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, has said Rachel Alexandra is a super horse. Mine That Bird is now expected to be ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. Rachel Alexandra is expected to ship to Pimlico on Wednesday. She would become the first filly in 10 years to be entered in the Preakness. The last filly to win the Preakness was Nellie Morse in 1924. The last filly to be favored in the Preakness was Winning Colors in 1988 but she did not win.
The rest of the Preakness field is expected to include Kentucky Derby second place finisher Pioneerof The Nile, third and fourth place finishers Musket Man and Papa Clem. 10th place finisher General Quarters and the last two finishers in the Derby, Flying Private and Friesan Fire are also expected to be in the field. Newcomers include Terrain, Big Drama, Tone It Down, Luv Guv and Take The Points. One of the newcomers that was expected to be in the race, Hull was withdrawn on Monday. Did you know that with every bet made through the Racebook at Bookmaker.com you get a 8% cash rebate win or lose? Signup now using BONUS CODE BM100 and get $100 cash bonus on a $250 deposit. Or use MLB20 and get 20% on any deposit made. Stop by today by clicking here!
Tags: handicapping, Horse Racing, kentucky derby, Preakness, Rachel Alexandra, triple crown
