150th Anniversary of Birth of Pittsburgh Phil

George Ellsworth Smith was born in Sewickley, PA one hundred and fifty years ago today.  Nicknamed Pittsburgh Phil during his time in Chicago wagering on horses, he was the most famous and successful horseplayer of his era.   He lived for only 42 years - until February 1, 1905.  He would see only the beginning of the automobile era but likely had the prescience to see how the "horseless carriage" would eventually replace the horse in the day to day activity of most people.  He would not live to see the closing of the great metropolitan tracks of New York in 1910 due to anti-gambling legislation and would also not see the rebirth of horse racing with the advent of parimutuel wagering in the 1920s and 1930s. 

It's tempting to imagine Pittsburgh Phil living to the old age of 86 as his fellow Pennsylvanian gambler and horse owner Colonel Edward R. Bradley did.  Perhaps settling down in the Bluegrass after the New York tracks shuttered and living the life of a horse breeder and helping to finance his brother and nephew in baseball team ownership.  Continuing to enjoy traveling to his beloved Hot Springs and seeing the birth and growth of Oaklawn Jockey Club. 

The opening paragraph of his biography in the book American Turf in 1898 still rings true today - 150 years on:

"His experiences have to a remarkable degree, constituted one of the most romantic sides to racing affairs in this generation.  Could his biography be recounted in full, it would be most interesting reading, and full of suggestiveness as illustrating the opportunities that the turf affords to a young man of capacity and dash."

July 5, 1969 - Hope Goddard Iselin and Sir Henry Cecil

Forty three years ago today, Henry Cecil won his first major race - the 82nd running of the Eclipse at Sandown Park.  The winner was a 5 year old named Wolver Hollow - the horse was named after the Upper Brookville, Long Island estate of her 101 year owner - Hope Goddard Iselin whose husband was the famed yachtsman of his day - C. Oliver Iselin.  It was the final start of Mrs. Iselin's long career on the turf in both American and in England and likely her richest winner.  She had grown disenchanted with the commercialization of American racing in the early 1960s but maintained her stable in England where she was quoted as saying "There I am treated like a lady, instead of a business corporation" (NY Times, April 6, 1970).  She would disperse her stable (8 horses including Wolver Hollow who was given to her longtime trainer Sir Cecil Boyd Rochfort who had retired the previous season) in the following week. When Mrs. Iselin died the next April at the age of 102, she would leave Hopelands Gardens to the City of Aiken where she maintained a residence for many years and helped to develop the area as a winter training area for racing.  Today this is the location of the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum - a beautiful spot of racing history in South Carolina. 

Sir Henry Cecil will turn 70 in January and is believed to still be in the business of training top-class thoroughbreds. 

Bold Venture & I'll Have Another

Bold Venture was the last Kentucky Derby-Preakness winner to scratch from the Belmont Stakes due to injury before I'll Have Another was scratched yesterday morning.  Bold Venture was scratched with a tendon injury after working six furlongs on May 25, 1936.  The New York Times reported this in story the next day on page 33 (of a paper that was likely larger than the one published today) with no mention of the phrase "Triple Crown" in the story.  "This trouble was not entirely unexpected, since the colt was unsound as a 2 year old."

The story was not viewed as that significant because the sport of horse racing in 1936 was so much more than a series of three races for 3 year old colts in the spring.   The previous weekend had seen a black gelding named Rushaway - a castoff from the powerful Joe Widener stable - win the Illinois and Latonia Derby back to back on Friday and Saturday - an unheard of feat in modern racing.  The 50th Suburban was scheduled to be run on the next Saturday - a race won by Firethorn who got up in the last jump to beat Belair Stud's latest great 3 year old Granville by a nose.   A week later - June 6 - Granville would return to the races to win the Belmont Stakes by a nose with the legendary racing official Walter Vosburgh on hand to see his 68th (all) running of the race.  This was during the same time that the 1935 Triple Crown winner Omaha was making his dramatic bid for Gold Cup glory at Royal Ascot - failing by a short head to win with jockey Rufus Beasley losing his whip during stretch run.

Now that I'll Have Another has been scratched, we do have some stories like these - Wesley Ward's contingent has landed at Newmarket in preparation for their assault on Royal Ascot - but there is very few notices in mainstream media outlets or what is left of them.  I don't believe we also have the storytellers that we had in 1936 - the ones who could weave the wonderful tales from the horses and characters  from the turf.

That's why the scratch of I'll Have Another is a noticeably larger story today that the last occurrence when Bold Venture scratched in 1936.

North American Racing - Saturday, May 12, 2012

1:54 p.m. ET - Belmont - 3rd - 7F - You & I - 3yo - Quintet of sophomore sprinters including Hopeful winner Currency Swap after his disastrous debut around two turns in the Illinois Derby and Capossela winner - Bay Shore 2nd (to Trinniberg) Hardened Wildcat for trainer Chad Brown and New Farm.

Currency Swap gets on easy lead and wires field as 3-2 second favorite - Hardened Wildcat unable to close in stretch as even money favorite.  

3:30 p.m. ET - Belmont - 6th - 6F Inner Turf -  Genuine Devotion - 3&up - F&M - 12 entered (2 are Main Track Only, 3 entries) for this overnight turf sprint stakes including three that were imported after racing in Europe last year.  Martin Schwartz' Whipsaw City likely to be the favorite off two turf wins at Gulfstream with Julian Leparoux up.

Whipsaw City scratched.  Tony Dutrow trained Going to Kukaro - 6-5 favorite - goes to lead under Castellano and holds off Trix in the City.

4:27 p.m. ET - Lone Star - 5th - 1 1/16 - Texas Stallion - 3yo C&G - TX bred -  7 starters (two horse entry of owner Will Farish) led by the 1-2-3 finishers in the Jim's Orbit at Sam Houston on February 18 and Como Se Llama off an allowance win at Oaklawn in his first route try.

WS Farish's homebred Boca Bay wins under Luis Q at 3-1 (part of Farish entry) by a half lenght over 11-10 favs Sword Trick for Clarence Scharbauer Jr.

4:45 p.m. ET - Delaware Park - 8th - 1 1/16 - Winter Melody - 4&up F&M - Opening day at Del Park celebrating 75 anniversary season (opened 1937, didn't race in 1943 and 1983 so it's 74th year of racing at track) and the road to the July 21st Del Cap begins!   7 evenly matched distaffers with edge perhaps to Farnsworth Stables' Bahama Bound trained by Tony Dutrow who finished 3rd to Tiz MizSue (while running for Lael Stables) in 2011 running.

Bahama Bound scratched - Tony Dutrow's only entry of North Freeway wired field by widening four and a quarter lengths as 7-5 favorite.  

4:49 p.m. ET - Woodbine - 8th - 1 1/16 - Marine - 3yo -  Field of six led by two Todd Pletcher shippers from Keeneland including Spiral 2nd Winstar Farm's Holiday Promise and the Lexington 70-1 winner Sll Squared Away trained by Wesley Ward.  Locals offer up the first two finishers from the Wando on April 21 - Kinghaven Farms' homebred Incredicat trained by Ian Black and Classic Bryce.

Locals run 1-2 with Strait of Dover winning by six and a half lengths at 11-2 over Classic Bryce.  Pletcher trainees run 3rd & 4th and All Squared Away beaten in 5th.  

5:03 p.m. ET - Hollywood - 3rd - 7F -  17th Laz Barrera Memorial - 3yo - Quartet led by two of the top 3 year old sprinters in country - Bob Baffert trained Drill and Jack Carava trained America Act.  These two battle the length of the stretch in the San Vicente in February with Drill getting win by a neck.  The other two - Gun Boat trained also by Baffert and Boompa trained by Gary Mandella - are lightly raced talented upset possibilities.

Drill wins by a half-length over American Act as 6-5 favorite.  Connections have two of the best one-turn horses in country with Secret Circle also in stable.  

5:06 p.m. ET - Belmont - 9th - 1 1/8 - 58th Peter Pan - 3yo - Nice field of 12 entered for this prep for the Belmont Stakes on June 9.  7 winners of the Belmont have won this race with AP Indy being the last twenty years ago.  FG Stakes runner up Mark Valeski for Brereton-Larry Jones, Barry Schwartz' The Lumber Guy off win in the Jerome, and Magnolia Racing's Street Life are the headlines but all appear to have a shot in here running the longest one turn race in America.

Dominant performance by Mark Valeski with Rosie Napranvik up winning by a length and a quarter as 13-10 favorite for the Jones Boys of Larry and Brereton. 

5:18 p.m ET - Monmouth - 10th - 6F - Decathlon - 3yo & up -  Opening day at The Shore's Greatest Stretch for 67th season of racing!  Field of nine entered (Comedero and Flat Bold are also in the Diablo at Belmont on Thursday - Monmouth looks the easier spot) led by Robsham Stables' Soaring Stocks who rattled off three straight at Gulfstream for Todd Pletcher and Godolphin's Bank Merger making his seasonal debut for Kiaran McLaughlin with Joe Bravo up.  Longview Drive for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer tries grass for the first time. None of his siblings - including half brother Pyro (2008 2 year old champion) and half-sister stakes winning War Echo - have ever ran on turf.

Ponzi Scheme won at 12-1 with spill wiping out 5 of the 8 runners

http://www.drf.com/news/monmouth-ponzi-scheme-takes-spill-marred-decathlon

5:23 p.m. ET - Lone Star - 7th - 1 1/16 - Texas Stallion - 3yo F - TX bred -  8 starters (two horse entry of owner Tom Durant) led by 1-2-4 finishers of the Two Altzano at Sam Houston on February 18. 

Luis Quinonez sweeps the Lone Star stakes on Saturday taking the filly version with Im a Bear as part of 2-1 2nd favorite Tom Durant owned entry.

7:15 p.m. ET - Golden Gate - 7th - 1 1/16 Turf - Alcatraz - 3yo -  Field of seven with four shipping up from SoCal led by Pasadena and Eddie Logan winner Chips All In for Jeff Mullins and John Sadler trained Stoney Fleece whose last win was in the Generous last November at Hollywood Park.

SoCal raiders take first three spots with Stoney Fleece at 5-2 defeats Chips All In by a nose.

10:37 p.m. ET - Prairie Meadows - 8th - 6F - John Wayne -4up C&G - 11 Iowa bred sprinters led by top 3 finishers from 2011 edition including winner Mutti Blues, Wings of War who has won 3 of 4 this year including two at Oaklawn, and the 7 year old gelding Kate's Main Man - earner of over $500k - looking for his first win in ten months.

Trainer Chris Richard's two starters - Mutti Blues and Cresco Direct Hit dueled with the latter pulling away to win by a length and a half at 7-2.

North American Racing - Friday, May 11, 2012

Lincoln Race Course in Nebraska begins final meeting of 29 days through July 8th.  Track will keep open simulcast facility through September 2013 but demolition of horse barns will begin in September to allow for more parking for University of Nebraska basketball games (WTF???).  Plans for new mile racetrack in Lincoln are being finalized. 

2:41 p.m ET - Woodbine - 4th - 7F - AlwN1X - 3yo F - 2nd career start for Johannes after winning wire to wire by widening 11 1/2 lengths in debut in MSW at Woodbine earning 96 Beyer.  She is a half-sister to Devereux who ran 2nd in Matt Winn at CD in 2008 and faces six rivals. 

7-20 favorite Johannes beaten into third with 9-1 Man Stuff wiring the field under Eurico Rosa da Silva. 

2:58 p.m. ET - Belmont - 5th - 7F Turf - OC25k/N1X - 3up F&M - Full field on the lawn in the middle of a Belmont Friday card that has four New York bred races.  Trainer Jimmy Toner was 0 for 24 since moving stable from Aqueduct last fall but his last three starters have all been winners including Winter Memories winning the Beaugay on Saturday.  He sends out 4 year old Fire Assay out of the millionaire mare Jostle in her first start in four months.   Steve Klesaris saddles Minestrone - half sister to millionaire Riboletta (who won the majority of money on the dirt) .  Trainer Mike Stidham looks for his first win on the New York circuit in over a year with Cobra Farm homebred Sweet Miss Avery.  Kiaran McLaughlin sends out likely favorite in Darley homebred Questing who was stakes-placed in England last year and finished 5th in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies race in her only dirt start. 

Irish bred Sylvestris scores in her 3rd American start for Bobby Barbara at 19-1 with Darley's Questing running 5th as 35-20 favs.  

6:32 p.m. ET - Arlington - 6th - 6F - OC40k/N2X - 3up - The Ingrid Mason 3 year old trainee Apprehender may be one of the fastest 3 year olds in the Midwest.  His mother was the very quick Missy's Mirage trained by Allen Jerkins and his last race was frontrunning 2nd in the Bachelor at Oaklawn.  He faces a tough field of seven older sprinters

Synth negates the speed of Apprehender who finishes last in field of five as 11-10 favs - Savoy Stable's Conchacer wires field as 8-5 2nd favorite for trainer Dale Bennett.

8:31 p.m. ET - Lone Star Park - 3rd - 4 1/2F - MSW - 2yo - 10 entered included two entries from the W. Bret Calhoun barn and one from Steve Asmussen.  Sleeper may be Poindexter Thoroughbreds homebred Redstone Mist trained by Francisco Bravo who has won 2 of 5 two year old first timer starts in past five years.

Jockey Larry Taylor wires field on 16-1 longshot Pardonmecomingthru by a neck over 2-1 favorite Miss Goodthing from the Asmussen barn.  Redstone Mist checks in 5th at 13-1.

10:37 p.m. ET - Prairie Meadows - 8th - 6F - Mamie Eisenhower - 4up F&M - Evenly matched field of six led by 6 year old mare Sakakawea who is going for her third consecutive win in the stakes and her 10th win in 20 career starts.She has to beat 4 year old challengers Someplace Else trained by Kelly Von Hemel and Ginger Added trained by Dick Clark.

Sakakawea wires field to take her third straight Mamie Eisenhower at 7-2 for her 10 win in 20 career starts and 9 win in 11 Prairie Meadows races. 

11:35 p.m. ET - Hollywood - 4th - 6F - OC80k/N1X - 3yo F - Baffert sends out half sister to Soldat  - My Selection - for third lifetime start after fading to last in field of four last time on the slop at Santa Anita.  She faces four rivals including Cal bred Heleonor Rugby making her 11th career start for trainer AC Avila having already earned $231k running mainly in Cal bred races.

My Selection wins her 2nd start at 3-1 by three quarters length under Rafael Bejarano.

North American Racing - Thursday, May 10, 2012

4:29 p.m. ET - Churchill - 8th - AlwN1X - 1 1/16 - 3up - Another Flower Alley 3 year old likely to be favorite in field of 7 - Neck 'n Neck who returns to allowance ranks after finishing middle of pack in the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby meets five 4 year olds and one other 3 year old - Eddie Kenneally trained Quiet Man shipping in off two straight wins at Aqueduct.

3-10 favs Neck 'n Neck widened throughout the lane to win by 6 1/2 lengths - likely to go back into stakes next time out in the  Matt Winn on Foster Day at Churchill. 

4:34 p.m. ET - Belmont - 8th - Diablo overnight stakes - 6F - 3up - Top notch field of seven led by Grade I winner Jersey Town who gets rematch against Todd Pletcher trained Travelin Man who defeated him at Gulfstream two months ago by a half-length on Florida Derby Day.  Field also includes Rick Dutrow trained This Ones for Phil and the quickest Arkansas bred in years - 5 year old gelding Comedero (throw out the last stinker at Keeneland).

 7-1 Royal Currier shook loose from Comedero entering at the quarter pole and drew off to a comfortable win under Rajiv Marah.  Travelin Man broke poorly and never got into the race.

North American Racing - Wednesday, May 9, 2012

1:54 p.m. ET - Belmont - 3rd - MSW - 2yo - Wesley Ward's Traveling Two Year Old Road Show continue at Belmont with two fillies entered to face six rivals in field of six with two entries.  Ward has 2 for 16 strike rate past five years at Belmont.  Main danger looks like the Kelly Breen first starter Bern Identity for the Halls - connections won 2 year old race a week ago at Belmont. 

Ward trained Sweet Shirley Mae wires field by a length and a half as 17-20 favorite with Breen's Bern Identity finishing 2nd.   Ward has 5 wins from 18 2 year old first time starters in 2012 but he started an entry in four races.  So he has won 5 of the 14 races he has started a first time two year old.   Only one of his two year olds has gone off at double digit odds (finished 6th). 

4:34 p.m. ET - Belmont - 8th - Marta overnight stakes - 6 1/2F - 3up F&M - five entries led by 7-5 morning line favorite Her Smile making her third start for Stronach Stables and trainer Chad Brown.

Pimlico shipper Aquitania wins by three and a quarter under Ramon Dominguez with 3-5 favs Her Smile running 4th and last by 8 1/2 lengths.   Luckily for some there was no show better. 

North American Racing - Tuesday, May 8, 2012

1:38 p.m. ET - Parx - 4th Race - 6F - Maiden Special Weight - 3,4,5 yo  - $340k yearling purchase Spin Zone meets five foes and attempts to break maiden in fifth career start for Fox Hill Farm and his first start after moving to John Servis barn from Steve Hobby's barn at Oaklawn.  1/2 brother to 2010 Iowa and Virginia Derby winner Concord Point. 

Spin Zone won by 9 1/4 lengths as 3-10 favs.

10:20 p.m. ET - Mountaineer - 9th race - 5 1/2F - Allowance NW2L - 3yo F - Kentucky Juvenile Filly winner Charming Vixen makes her 3 year old debut for Tom Amoss after working at Fair Grounds and Churchill.  Listed as 2-5 morning line favorite - Amoss has 35% Win rate and 75% ITM rate at track over past five years.

Bella the Princess upset from the rail at 23-1 with 1-10 favorite Charming Vixen finishing 3rd.

Second Place Derby Finishes

With the game effort of Bodemeister finishing 2nd in the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby, trainer Bob Baffert has now finished 2nd in the race three times (to go along with his three victories).  This ties him with Woody Stephens for the record number of 2nd place finishes in the race.

Zayat Stable of Ahmed Zayat has now finished 2nd in three of the last four Kentucky Derbies - all with horses who had a lead in the stretch run.  This equals record of three Derby runner-up finishes of Dixiana stable of Charles Fisher who finished 2nd in the 1931, 1946, and 1952 Derbies.  

Claire Novak had nice piece on ESPN website on Ahmed Zayat this week - this story continues....

http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7893631/zayat-gets-away-all

Derby Worthiness - Owners in the 138th Running

Not Derby Worthy

Hansen - Dr. Kendall Hansen - a gasser who claims to have "made his living" wagering on horses and keeps trying to dye Hansen's tail.

Optimizer - Bluegrass Hall (Brad Kelley) - American billionaire - founded and sold discount tobacco company for $1 billion.  Likely owner of Calumet Farm in near future.

Dullahan - Donegal Racing - ran 3rd with Paddy O'Prado in 2010 Derby

Liaison - Arnold Zetcher - second Derby starter (Midnight Interlude ran 16th last year) - owned horses for 13 years - significant player in California racing who attempted to bid for Santa Anita Park ownership on the TOC's dime per Roger Stein.

Went the Day Well - Team Valor - won 2011 Derby with Animal Kingdom - another win for Barry Irwin would be insufferable

El Padrino - Let's Go Stable - first Derby starter for two rather young guys

Trinniberg - Shivananda Racing - first Derby starter

Prospective - John Oxley - already a Derby winner with Monarchos in 2001

I'll Have Another - J. Paul Reddam - owner since 1998 - founded and sold Ditech - President of CashCall which sponsors the Hollywood Futurity - partner in Wilko who ran 6th in 2005 and owned two also rans in 2007

Daddy Nose Best - Cathy and Bob Zollars - partners in two Derby also rans in 2001 and 2002- owned horses since late 1990s - co-founder of engineering/architectural firm in Dallas.

Gemologist - Winstar Farms - already a Derby winner with Super Saver in 2010

Daddy Long Legs - Coolmore - Michael Tabor already won Derby in 1995 with Thunder Gulch

Take Charge Indy - Chuck and Marlbeth Sandford - founded Bag Makers - leading supplier of corporate marketing bags - racehorse owners since 2009.  First Derby starter.

Derby Worthy

ranked from least to most worthy - all stables running homebreds are considered worthy.

Rousing Sermon - Mr and Mrs Larry D Williams - homebred who was raised in Idaho but is a Cal-bred.  Owners operate Les Bois Park (racetrack) in Boise.  Founded Idaho Timber in 1970 and are major Boise State University supporters.  On May 5, 1962, Decidedly won the 88th Derby by two and a quarter lengths under Bill Hartack.  He was the last Cal-bred to win the Derby.  Now exactly fifty year later to the day, .....

Bodemeister - Zayat Stable - Ahmed Zayat - has run second twice in race (last year and 2009) and had likely 2010 post time favorite Eskendereya until he was retired on the Sunday of Derby week.  Zayat's financial troubles were a significant story in the run-up to the 2010 Derby.  He sold a portion of the colt last week to Southern Equine.  The colt named after Baffert's son is too good a story not to be considered worthy.

Done Talking - Skeedattle Stable - homebred - partnership of three men - two who are longtime friends and own overhead door company in Maryland.  First Derby starter.

Mark Valeski - Brereton Jones - homebred - KY Governor from 1991-95 and longtime horse breeder/owner with Airdrie Stud - much of which is situated on the original Woodburn Stud farm that bred four 19th century Derby winners.

Creative Cause - Heinz Steinmann - 80 year old Swiss born whose family developed Mountain High Ski area near LA and who has owned race horses for more than 35 years - first Derby starter.  Nice Steve Haskin story on the connections: http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2012/04/28/harrington-s-leap-of-faith.aspx

Alpha - Godolphin - Sheikh Mohammad - homebred - purchase of 1992 Derby winter book favorite - Arazi who finished 8th - was first foray of his quest for Kentucky Derby winner (he has already won majority of European Derbies as well as the UAE Derby).  Under the famed blue Godolphin silks, he has seven starters since 1999 - none of which finished better than 6th.  This is the first Godolphin starter in the Derby not trained by Saeed bin Suroor - Kieran McLaughlin has had him since he started racing wearing the Darley silks.   Chances must be considered enhanced if the great man himself travels to Kentucky.

Sabercat - Winchell Thoroughbreds - stable started under father Verne Winchell - the Donut King - and has six Derby starters dating back to Classic Go Go's fourth in 1981 and running through losses of Tapit, Zanjero, and Pyro (one time Derby winter book favorite) in past decade.  The first horse Winchell bought at auction he named Donut King who won the 1961 Champagne and was trained for the 88th Derby by a young trainer named Ron McAnally.  He was scratched the morning of the race due to a hoof infection.  Now a half-century later, ......

Union Rags - Chadds Ford Stable - homebred of Phyllis Wyeth - her family's Hickory Tree Stable started Believe It who ran 3rd in 1978 and Chumming who ran 12th in 1983.  Devil's Bag was heavy winter book favorite during runup to 1984 Derby.  Horse is stabled in Barbaro's same stall at Churchill - Barn 42, Stall 10.  Same trainer (Michael Matz) and groom (Eduardo Hernandez).     Read Philly Inquirer story on owner Phyllis Wyeth http://articles.philly.com/2012-04-29/news/31474975_1_jamie-wyeth-wyeth-family-paintings-brandywine-river    or watch this video   http://www.trackpackpa.com/union-rags/       This is the story of Derby 138.

Asian Post Times this evening

145th Spring Tenno Sho - 11th Race - Kyoto - 2:40 a.m. Eastern time - North American account wagering operators will start taking wagers on the 8th race on Kyoto's card (post time 12:50 a.m. Eastern)
QE II Cup - 8th Race - Sha Tin - 4:35 a.m. Eastern time
Lion City Cup - 10th Race - Kranji - 5:35 a.m. Eastern time

Horse Racing is and should be:

This weekend is an excellent example of what horse racing is and should be.  Start with the great Sydney Cup card from Royal Randwick (or even the opening Friday night festivities from Hollywood Park) and Black Caviar's attempt for her 20th victory in an unbeaten career at Morphettville - a total of six Group I races run in Australia with two national networks (over the air Channels 7 and 9 broadcasting from Randwick and Morphettville simultaneously - believed to be a historical precedent Down Under).

Continue racing across the world with the Champions Day card from Turffontein from Joburg with the Sprint featuring the the great race mare Val De Ra meeting JJ The Jet Plane and What A Winter and the South African Derby and Oaks.

England features the Gordon Richards with the Juddmonte entry of Twice Over and World Domination along with the Sandown Classic Trial.

North American racing is the lull before the storm of Derby 138 but still has a nice California Gold Rush at Hollywood Park, a competitive Westchester at Belmont, Illinois Champions Day at Hawthorne, and then the second night card at Churchill's 138th opening with the running of the  88th Derby Trial (a stakes name that is a misnomer in this day and age).

The QEII from Sha Tin, Rocket Man's prep in the Lion City Cup at Kranji (in preparation for his fourth try at the KrisFlyer Spring), and the 73rd spring Tenno Sho from Kyoto featuring six Group I winners including 2011 Triple Crown winner Orfevre are the highlights of the beginning of Sunday's raceday.  A few hours later, the Prix Ganay opens the Group I season at Longchamp.

All in all a superb offering of the world's best racing from the greatest racing venues.

Unfortunately due to a variety of reasons, racing is still rather provincial in its attitude towards presentation and wagering options.  Reasons are plentitude for why - lack of standardized racing form/past performance information, restrictions on international betting pools, time differences, etc...

These are understandable but certainly not insurmountable.  Resolving the betting pool issue should be at the forefront of every national racing organization.  Casinos and sports betting are 24/7 operations - there is no reason that racing can't have the same steady action especially during the weekend stakes offerings. An agreement on a common racing form presentation that would take into account regional differences is a realistic goal.

More important than overcoming logistical obstacles is conveying the dramatic stories from the major racing venues - the owners, trainers, jockeys and horses that make the sport what it is.  North American racing fans should know who Gai Waterhouse and More Joyous are, Hong Kong racegoers should be introduced to Bob Baffert and Acclamation, and French turfistes should be familiar with Michael de Kock and Igugu.

The goal is feature the world's best racing in the best possible manner to the widest global audience.  It involves a combination of wagering and sporting appeal and continues the emphasis on "big day" racing events that is occurring globally.    If racing can't maximize the highest level of the sport, it has no chance to preserve and grow racing at a national and local level.

Saturday, April 21, 2012 - HORSE RACING IS:

1) 23 year old apprentice rider Garrett Steinberg winning on his first career mount - 34-1 longshot Bullfighter by three and a half lengths in the fourth race at Prairie Meadows. Garrett is son of jockey Patrick Steinberg who died in May 1993 while driving from Remington Park (where he had just won his fifth consecutive riding crown) to Omaha to ride at Ak-sar-ben. There is a statue of Steinberg in the paddock at Remington and mother Sandy is the Horseman's Liaison at Remington.

2) Legendary Australian trainer Gai Waterhouse winning her 7th Doncaster Mile at Randwick with the great race mare More Joyous with Nash Rawiller up - matching her father's record - another legendary Australian trainer - TJ Smith - of seven Doncaster Mile victories.

3) The world's greatest breeder - Prince Khalid Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms - and trainer Sir Henry Cecil sending out World Domination for his second start in his 3 year old debut. The full brother of the world's greatest horse in training - Frankel - won a maiden race at Newbury under Tom Queally and earn a quote of 25-1 for the Epsom Derby.

North American Racing - Saturday, March 3

75th Santa Anita Handicap day and first time race is finale on the card. Gotham at Aqueduct has 13 runners led by BC Juvenile winner Hansen in his 2nd start as a 3 year old.

1:42 p.m. Central - Aqueduct - 5th race - 72nd Top Flight Handicap - The best play for bridge jumpers on Saturday if all five go is 1-4 favs Godolphin's It's Tricky in her 4 year old debut with Ramon up.

2:53 p.m. Central - Gulfstream - 7th race - 2011 Derby favorite Dialed In makes his 4 year old debut and first start since running 4th in the Preakness in this 1 mile - 1 turn optional claimer. Zito likely would set a course for the Metropolitan with a good performance here. Pants On Fire also makes his 4 year old debut in here.

3:34 p.m. Central - Aqueduct - 9th race - 37th Tom Fool Handicap - Half dozen runners all with a chance led by BC Mile winner Caleb's Posse in his first start since win, Repole Stable's hard knocker former claimer Calibrachoa and undefeated in two starts Emcee running in Godolphin Blue for the first time.

4:02 p.m. Central - Aqueduct - 10th race - 60th Gotham with a purse increase to $400k - Hansen at 6-5 in the morning line to get back in the winner's circle with 12 challengers with only two stakes wins (Jean Laffitte and Md bred Juvenile Championship) between them.

4:17 p.m. Central - Gulfstream - 10th race - 48th Canadian Turf Handicap - Juddmonte's Mutual Trust makes 2nd North American start for Bill Mott facing frontrunning Little Mike with Joe Bravo up gunning for their five consecutive win.

4:31 p.m. Central - Turfway - 10th race - 30th John Battaglia Memorial - honoring Turfway race caller Mike Battaglia's father John - former General Manager of Latonia (now Turfway). Six runners with Team Valor's State of Play and John Oxley's maiden Dynamical shipping in from Florida to take on three locals and another good Pa-bred 3 year old Ill Conceived with Smarty Jones connections of trainer John Servis and jockey Sean Elliott.

5:02 p.m. Central - Oaklawn - 9th race - Gazebo - features return of Exfactor to sprinting after disappointing 11th in the LeComte for trainer Bernie Flint.

6:33 p.m. Central - Santa Anita - 9th race - 30th Las Virgenes - Four of eight in here have won stakes but Bob Baffert trained Eden's Moon may go off favorite off maiden win. Very interesting final prep for the Santa Anita Oaks.

7:05 p.m. Central - Santa Anita - 10th race - 12th Kilroe Mile - honoring Jimmy Kilroe - former racing secretary and vice president at Santa Anita - features John Shirreffs trained Mr. Commons breaking from the rail as 4-5 morning line favorite with owner BJ Wright/trainer Mike Pender's first half of the late double - Jeranimo - looming the main danger.

7:35 p.m. Central - Santa Anita - 11th race - 75th running of the Big One - the Santa Anita Handicap - with food trucks in the infield in Arcadia. 13 runners including two shipping in - Twice the Appeal from Oaklawn and Ron the Greek from South Florida. 2nd half of the Wright/Pender double - Ultimate Eagle - will not go off near his prices in last three stakes wins (34-15- 7.5) and may be a running fool but will likely get pressed by someone in here (Gladding, Fiddlers Afleet, Ron the Greek???). Jockey Martin Pedroza rides Ultimate Eagle and will try to win his 2nd Big Cap (Martial Law in 1989) with the longest stint between wins (23 years) - same for trainer Julio Canani who is having his well deserved moment of fame as the inspiration for the Luck character of trainer Turo Escalante. Rafael Bejarano, Martin Garcia, and Victor Espinoza are also gunning for their 2nd Big Cap win. Top jock Joel Rosario looking for first on Gladding as is 46 year old Mike Smith on the tail end of a Hall of Fame career. Trainers Richard Mandella and Bob Baffert are going for their 4th Big Cap win and Doug O'Neill is looking for 3rd and first non Lava Man win.

10:28 p.m. Central - Sam Houston - 9th race - Maxxam Gold Cup - eight starters with 2-1 morning line fans Texas bred Coyote Legend facing shippers from Oaklawn (Steve Asmussen trained and owned Omniscient off allowance win) and Fair Grounds (Al Stall trained and Claiborne/Dilschneider owned Cease off allowance 2nd).

Jottings

Kentucky Gambling

Editor-in-Chief of the Bloodhorse has an editorial in current edition criticizing Kentucky lawmakers for daily to pass legislation allowing public to vote on casino gambling. He points out specifically the vote of Sen Alice Forgy Kerr of Lexington who voted "No".

But Kerr, specifically, said allowing seven casinos—some potentially at racetracks (where gambling already takes place)—was “terrible public policy” that would bring a scourge of “darkness and sin and addiction” on the state. Kerr, who was first elected to public office in 1998, has made no similar claims against the state lottery, which offers its games of chance at 2,913 retailers across the state and online. Why hasn’t she called for a repeal to the lottery? Because she was present at an Interim Joint Committee of State Government meeting Oct. 26, 2011, where she heard Kentucky Lottery Corp. president Arch Gleason report that the lottery had generated $3.55 billion since its inception in 1989 and that $1.66 billion had been directed to grants and scholarships and $20.8 million directed to affordable housing. It would have been a good time for Kerr to speak out against this burden on the state and its people, but if she did, it is not recorded in the committee’s minutes.

Mitchell nails the hypocrisy of state legislators on this issue. The same hypocrisy is seen in Minnesota where Racino legislation is considered a terrible "expansion of gambling" - even though gambling is already occurring at Canterbury Park and Running Aces - yet there is no movement to repeal the Minnesota Lottery. If you oppose gambling, then oppose it everywhere. But you will never see state legislatures repeal their precious lottery money even though it is the worst of all public policies.

Racing in Dubai

It is really hard to get involved in wagering on racing at Meydan due to lack of wagering onsite and dominance by Godolphin and other members of the Maktoum ruling family. Super Saturday (preview of World Cup Day) and Dubai World Cup Day are exceptions but as standard fare, I just can't get excited about racing within such a cloistered environment.

Glad Rags Great Grandson

Racing can only hope that Union Rags makes it to Derby Day so that NBC can tell viewers the great story about Hickory Tree and their foundation mare Glad Rags who won the 1966 One Thousand Guineas at Newmarket. The story of how owner Phyllis Wyeth bought back the colt after originally selling him would rank among the lore of homebred Derby winners like Black Gold, Carry Back, Sunny's Halo and Unbridled.

Bob Baffert's Winning Streak

Bob Baffert has won with 16 of his last 17 starters nationwide. This is reported on DRF and SI websites. If you go to the official horse racing statistical website - Equibase - you can't find any mention of this. Nor can you find out Baffert's record in the past 20 starters or past month without paying for the information.

This is what is so wrong about the Equibase website and its approach to racing today. Not only doesn't it provide and updated site that focuses on daily racing events, if you do try to find out what is happening in the sport you are hit with paywalls. You should be able to search Bob Baffert's last 20 starts, 100 starts, 1000 starts, etc... and find out the results. Similar to a typical sports industry website like MLB or the NBA. Racing has no "unofficial" websites like Retrosheet or Baseball-Reference and the sport is much poorer as a result of needing to rely on a lame organization like Equibase.

Todd Pletcher & 3000 Wins

Todd Pletcher has won 2,999 races since beginning his training career in December, 1995 with his first victory in February 1996 with Majestic Number at Gulfstream. He will win the 3000 race of his career today either on Donn Handicap Day at Gulfstream Park or possibly at Aqueduct.

It's amazing how little coverage of this milestone there is and I put the blame squarely at the feet of the national racing information organization - Equibase. The only place that I could see that Pletcher is one win away from this milestone on their site is to search for Pletcher's career record and see that he is at 2,999.

This also shows the dearth of the old-time racetrack publicity staffers who would produce daily news reports from each racetrack. These folks have been gradually eliminated over the past few decades as the sport has declined.

Jockey Mike Smith is sitting on 4,989 wins - 11 away from 5,000. Don't expect much coverage of this milestone event either.

Correction: Nice item that Steve Byk pointed out today in his Gulfstream preview: Should Pletcher be shut out before the 4th at Gulfstream, he will have opportunity for this 3000th win with Majestic Number - horse named after his first winner of his career, a MD-bred by Polish Numbers that bested $80k MDN ClMers at Gulfstream on January 26, 1996 under Jerry Bailey.

North American Racing - Saturday, February 11

Gulfstream Park hosts 56th Donn Handicap day honoring the Donn Family who built Gulfstream with outstanding 12 race card.

1:45 p.m. ET - Aqueduct 4th - 19th Dearly Precious - evenly match quintet with Pletcher trained Lisa T. appearing in morning line at 8-1.

2:56 p.m ET - Laurel 6th - Maryland Racing Media - Jay Em Ess Stable's 5 year old mare Acting Happy returns off almost year layoff and hasn't won since last trip to Maryland in the 2010 Black Eyed Susan.

3:49 p.m. ET - Gulfstream 8th - 61st Hutcheson - Augustin Stable's Ever So Lucky will scratch and wait for the Swale making Starlight Racing's Thunder Moccasin trained by Pletcher a heavy favorite.

4:17 p.m. ET - Gulfstream 9th - 67th Suwannee River - Eddie Kenneally trained 5 year old mare Heavenly Landing tries to stay undefeated in fourth start on the lawn with Clement's Denomination likely to go favorite under Bravo.

4:45 p.m. ET - Gulfstream 10th - 56th Donn Handicap - Best Betting Race of the year so far? 11 in (probably 10 with scratch of Al Khali) including Preakness (Shackleford) and Belmont (Ruler On Ice) winners and lukewarm 2011 BC Classic beaten favorite Flat Out. Wise guy horses are Shug McGaughey's Hymn Book, Rick Dutrow trained Redeemed, and Frank Carl Calabrese owned Where's Sterling.

5:13 p.m. ET - Gulfstream 11th- 29th Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap - Get Stormy training "up a storm" for his 6 year old debut with Pletcher's Silver Medallion and Phipps Stable's Boisterous also likely to get betting action.

5:25 p.m. ET - Fair Grounds 9th - 20th Tiffany Lass - First two favorites haven't won for more than six months (Joyful Victory's last win was the Fantasy in April and Ravi's Song last win was the New Orleans Ladies in March).

5:33 p.m. ET - Oaklawn 8th - 34th Martha Washington - Oklahoma bred 3 year old filly Now I Know tries to stay unbeaten in 7th start with Lulu Wong (trained by hot trainer Steve Hobby) and Amie's Dini who was getting to favorite in the Dixie Belle.

7:38 p.m. ET - Santa Anita 9th - 60th San Marcos - First two in the Hollywood Turf Cup return in 2012 debut - German bred Sanagas running first time for new owner David Bernsen and trainer Peter Miller (who would like to travel to the Melbourne Cup in November) and the 6 year old gelding Bourbon Bay for Neil Drysdale. The Usual Q.T. and Old English Rancho's Cal bred Norvsky join them in 8 horse field.

North American Racing - Friday, February 10

Fair Grounds runs 3rd of six Twilight Racing programs with a 5:00 p.m. Central first post with a Carnival on track party theme.

1:21 p.m ET - Aqueduct - 3rd - 6F - OC75/N1X - Five "promising type" 3 year olds led by New Farm's Hard Spun colt Hardened Wildcat trained by Chad Brown - last seen winning a maiden race on the Aqueduct inner with an 86 Beyer. The David Jacobson trained Copy My Swagger may be the wise guy's choice after being claimed three starts back for $25k.

1-2 favs Hardened Wildcat wins three way battle to wire with frontrunner Perfect Trippi and Copy My Swagger.

1:34 p.m ET - 6 1/2 F- OC80/NW4 - Seven tough sprinters including five making their 2012 debut led by Godolphin's Tahitian Warrior, James Baker trainee Will's Wildcat, and Centennial Farms' Arch Traveler who hasn't been seen since running 5th to Caleb's Posse in the Amsterdam at Saratoga.

Will's Wildcat and Tahitian Warrior battle through the final half-mile with Will's Wildcat winning by a half-length in the slop and Arch Traveler finishing a distant last as 19-10 favs.

Don't forget that the unbeaten Black Caviar goes for 18th straight win in the 88th C.F. Orr Stakes at 11:50 p.m Eastern Time at Caulfield

Horses in Training - Expected Starts for Top Horses – January 2:

Acclamation - 6yo h - Warren - Old English Rancho (EW Johnston) - wintering at Olde English Rancho - will return in spring and be pointed to BC Turf - Santa Anita - November 3
Acting Happy - 5yo m - R Dutrow - Jay Em Ess - working at Gulfstream
Alternation - 4yo c- D Von Hemel - Pin Oak - working at Oaklawn
Amazombie - 6yo g - Spawr - Spawr & Sanford - Palos Verdes - Santa Anita - Jan 21
Animal Kingdom - 4yo c- Motion - Team Valor - working towards 2012 return
Apart - 5yo h - Stall - Dilschneider & Claiborne - no recent works
Applauding - 3yo f - Stall - Ramona Bass - Silverbulletday - Fair Grounds - Jan 21
Awesome Feather - 4yo f - Chad Brown - Stronach - Sunshine Millions Distaff - Gulfstream - Jan 28
Awesome Gem - 8yo g - C. Dollase - West Point
Awesome Maria - 5yo m- Pletcher - Robsham - working at Palm Meadows
Bind - 4yo c - Stall - Claiborne - no recent works
Black Caviar - 5yo m - Moody - Wilkie, Errett Bloodstock, et al - Australia Stakes - Moonee Valley - January 27
Born To Sea - 3yo c - Oxx - Tsui - pointing towards English 2000 Guineas
Bourbon Bay - 6yo h - Drysdale - Heerenspergers - working at Hollywood
Boys at Tosconova - 4yo c - R Dutrow - Jay Em Ess - possible for Hal’s Hope - Gulfstream - Jan 14
Brilliant Speed - 4yo c- Mott - Live Oak - Mac Diarmida - Gulfstream - Feb 26 - possible for Sheema Classic or Dubai World Cup - Meydan - March 31
Byword - 6yo h - Fabre - Juddmonte -
Caleb's Posse - 4yo c- Von Hemel - wintering at Oaklawn
Camelot - 3yo c - O'Brien - Coolmore - will be pointed towards 2012 Epsom Derby - 2000 Guineas possible
Capt. Candyman Can - 6yo g - Wilkes - Rausch & Zell
Carlton House - 4yo c- Stoute - The Queen - will return as 4 year old
Champ Pegasus - 6yo h - R. Mandella - Diamond A Racing & Vargas - will return to training in February aiming towards 2nd half 2012 campaign
Cost of Freedom - 8yo g - Sadler - Barber - working at Golden Gate
Creative Cause - 2yo h - Harrington - Steinman - San Vicente - Santa Anita - Feb 19
Dialed In - 4yo c - Zito - LaPenta - working for Gulfstream return
Duke of Mischief - 6yo h - Fawkes - Lieblongs - working at Calder
Ever So Lucky - 3yo c - Sheppard - Augustin - wintering at Gulfstream
Flat Out - 6yo h - Dickey - Preston Stable - Donn - Gulfstream - Feb 11
Frankel - 4yo c - H Cecil - Juddmonte - Lockinge - Newbury - May 19 - then Eclipse - Sandown - July 7
Game on Dude - 5yo h- Baffert - Dizney - San Antonio - Santa Anita - Feb 5 - then Santa Anita Handicap - March 3 or Dubai World Cup - Meydan - March 31
Hansen - 3yo c - Maker - Hansen - Holy Bull - Gulfstream - Jan 29 or Fountain of Youth - Gulfstream - Feb 26
Harmonious - 5yo m - Shirreffs - Wygods - will stay in training - longterm goal - BC F&M Turf - November 2 - Santa Anita
Havre de Grace - 5yo m - Jones - Fox Hill Farm - expected to return in 2012 with main objective - Delaware Handicap
Igugu - 5yo f- De Kock - Sheik Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum - Paddock Stakes - Kenilworth - Jan 7 - then J&B Met - Kenilworth - Jan 28
Inglorious - 4yo f - Carroll - Donver Stable - wintering at Palm Meadows
It's Tricky - 4yo f - McLaughlin - Godolphin -Sabin - Gulfstream - Feb 25 - and/or - Rampart - Gulfstream - March 31
Liaison - 3yo c- Baffert - Zetcher - Lewis - Santa Anita - Feb 4
Machen - 4yo c - Howard - Courtlandt -
Maclean's Music - 4yo c - Asmussen - Stonestreet - will he ever return?
Mandaean - 3yo c - Al Zarooni - Godolphin - wintering at Newmarket - to be pointed to European classics.
Maritimer - 3yo c - Sid Attard - Norseman Racing Stable - will winter at Palm Meadows
Misty For Me - 4yo f - O'Brien - Coolmore -
Moonlight Cloud - 4yo f - Fabre - Strawbridge -
More Joyous - 5yo m - Waterhouse - Singleton -
Mr Commons - 5yo h - Shirreffs - St George Farm Racing
Mucho Macho Man - 4yo c - K Ritvo - Reeves & Dream Team Racing Stable -at Gulfstream - possible for Hal's Hope - Gulfstream - January 14, Sunshine Millions Classic - Gulfstream - January 28, Donn - Gulfstream - February 11 or Gulfstream Park Handicap - March 10
My Miss Aurelia - 3yo f - Asmussen - Stonestreet -
Orfevre - 4yo c - Ikee - Sunday Racing -
Overdose - 7yo h- Ribarszki - Mikoczy - in Dubai with primary goal - Al Quoz Sprint - Meydan - March 31 - will prep either February 23 or March 1
Plum Pretty - 4yo f - Baffert - Peachtree - training at Santa Anita for 4 year old return
Prayer for Relief - 4yo c - Baffert - Shah - San Fernando - Santa Anita - Jan 14
Presvis - 8yo g - Cumani - Marinopoulos -
Princess Arabella - 3yo f - Baffert - Peachtree -
Rail Trip - 7yo h - Ron Ellis - Jay Em Ess Stable - back at Ron Ellis’ Hollywood Park barn
Recital - 4yo c - O'Brien - Coolmore -
Redeemed - 4yo c - R Dutrow - Jay Em Ess - Donn - Gulfstream - Feb 8
Redding Colliery - 6yo h- McLaughlin - working at Belmont Park
Reve d'Essor - 4yo f - Matsuda - Sunday Racing -
R Heat Lightning - 4yo f - Pletcher - Robsham - no recent works
Rocket Man - 7yo g - Patrick Shaw - Crabbia -
Rumor - 4yo f - Mandella - Ramona Bass/Claiborne/Dilschneider - Santa Monica - Santa Anita - Jan 28
Sacristy - 3yo f - Catalano - Peachtree - Forward Gal - Gulfstream - January 29
Saamidd - 4yo c - Suroor - Godolphin -
Shackleford - 4yo c - Romans - Lauffer & Cubbedge - Donn - Gulfstream - Feb 11
Sidney's Candy - 5yo h - Pletcher - WinStar - no recent works
Smiling Tiger - 5yo h- Bonde - Klein & Lebherz - no recent works
Snow Fairy - 5yo m - Ed Dunlop - Anamoine Limited - will race as 5 year old
So You Think - 6yo h - A. O'Brien - Coolmore - will race as 6 year old
Stay Thirsty - 4yo c - Pletcher - Repole - no recent works
Switch - 5yo m - Sadler - CRK Stable - no recent works
Tackleberry - 5yo c - Olivares - working for Gulfstream return
The Factor - 4yo c - Baffert - Bolton -
The Usual Q.T. - 6yo h - Cassidy - working at Santa Anita
To Honor and Serve - 4yo c - Mott - Live Oak - winter at Payson Park -Gulfstream Park Handicap - March 10 - then Metropolitan - Belmont - May 28 - then Foster then Whitney or Woodward - longterm goal - BC Classic - Santa Anita - Nov 5
Transcend - 6yo h - Yasuda - Maeda - February Stakes - then Dubai World Cup - Meydan - March 31
Treasure Beach - 4yo c - O'Brien - Coolmore -
Turbulent Descent - 4yo f - Puype - Blinkers On Racing Stable - will rest for summer/fall campaign
Union Rags - 2yo c - Matz - Chadds Ford Stable - Fountain of Youth - Gulfstream - Feb 16 - then Florida Derby - Gulfstream - March 31
Wigmore Hall - 5yo g - Bell - Hawtin -
Winter Memories - 4yo f- Toner - Phillips Racing - will return as 4 year old
Zazu - 4yo f - Sadler - Moss - will resume training in early 2012