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

Tampa Bay and Gulfstream - Earliest Openings Ever

Tampa Bay Downs begins 69th racing season today (not the phony 86th number given in official press releases and published blindly in DRF). Gulfstream Park opens their 70th racing season (after celebrating 70th anniversary season in 2009).

Both starts are the earliest ever for the tracks. Gulfstream's card is pretty much a "Calder at Gulfstream" races in the first half through race 5 and better racing with northern invaders in races 6-10. Tampa's card is the more diverse with entries from all ports of call across North America.

Claiming Crown XIII

Bill Finley writes at the ESPN website that Claiming Crown should be eliminated:

http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7302871/pull-plug-claiming-crown

Typical East Coast bias perspective from Bill Finley. Claiming Crown should be a day of recognition for the type of horses and races that comprise the vast majority of racing in the United States as well as the history of "selling" races that goes back to the mid 19th century. The fact that purses and interest in Claiming Crown has declined yearly reflects the complete lack of cooperation in an industry that cannot even coordinate post times between racetracks. But as long as racing continues to chase alternative gambling revenue at the expense of racing, there is very little hope for the industry. Having attended the majority of Claiming Crown events, I can certainly vouch that Claiming Crown is a more legitimate and fun day of racing than a trumped up slot-fueled stakes event at venues where it's difficult even to find the racetrack among the thousands of slot machines (events where you can find Bill Finley broadcasting from on Saturday afternoons).

Claiming Crown XIII is not a very good set of races and obviously the future of this event is in doubt for a variety of reasons. But this should be an day that celebrates the claiming game by an industry that couldn't exist without them.

Prairie Meadows Turns To ADW

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/prairie-meadows-ia-hbpa-partner-to-build-iowas-first-ever-online-wagering-platform-2011-11-28

While Canterbury Park continues its quixotic quest for Racino dollars and threatening to close without them, its chief competitor to the south is getting into the account deposit wagering business.

In a perfect world, these two racetracks would reach a joint agreement and run non-competing, successive, shorter meetings that - if combined with Remington Park -comprise an eight month circuit of racing from April through November. Maybe even throw in a two week stint in Omaha.

But cooperation in this industry is close to nonexistent and without Racino dollars, Canterbury will continue to be the weaker track in the midwest.

Black Thursday at Racetracks

At least four fatal breakdowns at major racetracks on Thanksgiving - two in stakes races.

Back Street Heat - 4 year old in $17.5 claimer - 6th at Fair Grounds
Galix - promising 2 year old colt in the Hollywood Prevue
General Maximus - 4 year old ridgeling - favorite in the Fall Highweight Handicap
BZ Warrior - 5 year old horse - after finishing 9th in $10k claimer and being vanned off after 7th at Aqueduct

Even money favs Allaboutdreams in pulled up and vanned off in the 3 horse first race at Golden Gate. Track announcer Michael Wrona says after horses cross the line "I'm not sure what happens with the trifecta." I'm not sure what happened to Allaboutdreams.

Derby Future Odds

As provided by Wynn Las Vegas courtesy of Brisnet:

2012 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands odds from Wynn Las Vegas

Gran Premio Nacional Day at Palermo

4 Group I Clasicos on the card at Palermo this afternoon. Only one race included on the Calder simulcast card - race 13 the Gran Premio Maipu over five furlongs on the dirt.

The Clasicos need to be shown if the South American racing simulcast product is ever going to catch on in North America.

Japan Racing - Post Times?

Twin Spires is taking racing from Kyoto tonight with the Stay Gold colt Orfevre trying to become 7th Triple Crown winner in Japan history by winning the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger). Twin Spires program has post time of 8th race from Kyoto at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time and the 9th race at 4:25 a.m. (Sunday). You talk about a break between races!

I believe the Kikuka Sho post time (11th race) is 2:40 a.m.

All global racing associations that want to successfully import their signal to North America should emulate Australian Racing (South America, UK/Ireland (which does some of this), South Africa, New Zealand and Japan). Would be nice to eventually add France, Hong Kong and Singapore to this list.

Sectional Timing in UK

Watching the RacingUK coverage of Champions Day at Ascot and they are making a great deal that the races are being sectionally timed (i.e. fractions, timing by mile marker). This is something that North American racing has had since the 1890s (1895 is first year in Champions).

Arc Simulcast?

Neither Twinspires nor XpressBet has put up the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe simulcasts on their schedule for the weekend? Details on Saturday and Sunday events are on the Thoroughbred Times link below:

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/09/22/amwest-to-distribute-arc-weekend-signal.aspx

Best weekend of racing in Europe - trust that the account wagering sites will get their act together and present the cards from Paris on Saturday and Sunday.