Saratoga and Del Mar thread...

[twogunsid]

Horse Racing at it's very best!

[twogunsid]

1. Saratoga: Opening day gets hot season going

From NTRA.com: Literally and figuratively, the heat is on the New York Racing Association as it prepares to open the doors Friday for the 143rd Saratoga meeting.

From a literal sense, Friday’s opening-day card is likely to be run under brutally hot conditions. The forecast calls for temperatures in the low to mid-90’s with high humidity levels making for a heat index in the low 100’s. On Aug. 2, 2006 – the second Wednesday of the meet – NYRA canceled a Saratoga card because of extreme heat. Last month, NYRA also canceled a Belmont Park card two days before the running of the Belmont Stakes because of heat.

Charles Hayward, NYRA’s president and CEO, said Wednesday that the weather service NYRA uses is calling for temperatures ranging from 88-91 degrees, but said an assessment on running the card won’t be made until Friday morning.

“Whether it’s a Wednesday in the middle of the meet or opening day, if it’s too hot, it’s too hot,” said Hayward, who added that extra hoses and plenty of ice will be available for horses following each of Friday’s 10 races. “We honestly don’t think that’s going to be the case.”

http://www.ntra.com/content/display/news/NDg0Nzg=

[twogunsid]

2. Del Mar opening-day attendance breaks record; handle up

From NTRA.com: Opening-day attendance rose for the seventh consecutive year at Del Mar on Wednesday, with an all-time record crowd of 46,588 packing seemingly every corner of the northern San Diego County racetrack.

The ontrack attendance increased 2.8 percent from the 45,309 who attended the 2010 opening day. Those two days and the 2009 opening day crowd of 44,907 are the three highest ontrack audiences in track history.

“Every year we wonder if we can beat last year,” said track president Joe Harper.

While those 46,588 had to endure long lines to make bets and in some places for food and drinks, the handle figures were higher compared to 2010, both ontrack and throughout the nation.

http://www.ntra.com/content/display/news/NDg0ODE=

[twogunsid]

3. NBC gears up for Saratoga TV coverage

From thoroughbredtimes.com: Few sports fans would argue that when they think about the National Hockey League and television, they quickly associate that league with NBC and its cable sports channel Versus.

Jon Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports Group, is proud of that association and would like a similar connection with horse racing.

“There are very few sports that a sports network can ‘own,’?” Miller said. “I don’t mean own in the actual sense, but being the place to go for that sport all the time. Many different networks have tennis, golf, football. There are not a lot of sports where a network is identified with the sport. We’ve had success with that with hockey. … Quite honestly, we’d like to get that way for horse racing as well.”

The latest example of that commitment will be unveiled this month and in August when NBC and Versus offer eight hour-long racing broadcasts from Saratoga Race Course. The joint “Summer at Saratoga” effort with the New York Racing Association will ensure fans have a chance to watch top racing from 5 to 6 p.m. EDT each Saturday for seven consecutive weeks, with a bonus Sunday thrown in for good measure.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/20/nbc-gears-up-for-saratoga-tv-coverage.aspx

[Kingofalldems]

4. I spent an afternoon at Saratoga many years ago

I got to see the great Angel Cordero work his magic in the stretch. Great day.

[twogunsid]

5. Cordero was one of the best ever...

he was an extremely aggressive race rider.

[chelsea0011]

6. I was out in Saratoga one year when Cordero was the reining king. I was

eating with my wife at a restaurant when in walks Cordero, all smiles acting like royalty, with two blonds twice his size under each arm. It was great. Any racing fan must visit Saratoga.

[hughee99]

7. The last time I was at Saratoga, I had Fourstardave to win.

I think that was '93 or '94. That was back in my college days going to school near Albany. Haven't been back in a long time. Always a great time.

[twogunsid]

8. Stakes Race videos from Del Mar and Saratoga...

Georgie's Angel takes the Schuylerville Stakes on opening day at Saratoga on July 22. - http://www.ntra.com//videos/index/view/OTYy

It's Tricky gets past Plum Pretty to take the TVG Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga on July 23. - http://www.ntra.com//videos/index/view/OTY0

Acclamation wins the Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar on July 23. - http://www.ntra.com//videos/index/view/OTY1

[twogunsid]

9. 7/24/2011 Stakes videos

Overdriven picks up the victory in the Sanford Stakes at Saratoga - http://www.ntra.com//videos/index/view/OTY4

Up In Time upsets the San Clemente Handicap at Del Mar - http://www.ntra.com//videos/index/view/OTY5

[twogunsid]

10. Saratoga Diary: A Feast for the Eyes

From bloodhorse.com: A little gazpacho goes a long way. The 12 oz. bowl at the Putnam St. Market stand on the racecourse’s Restaurant Row for $5 is a zippy-tasting concoction that’ll satisfy your appetite. If you’re looking for something a little spicy, try the Manhattan clam chowder at the stand underneath Section J, also for $5. Add a douse of red hot sauce and a few Saltine crackers and you’ll have your mouth watering in no time.

Good food can be found at the racecourse in abundance. The Shake Shack may not have become the wait-an-hour-for-a-hamburger joint that it is in New York - yet. But one taste of a patty with the Shake Shack’s special sauce and you’ll be hooked like the thousands who pay homage to it. Blue Smoke, operated by the same restaurateur, hasn’t caught on in the same way but has mighty good bar-b-cue. People swear by the Hattie’s fried chicken sandwich. Oh my God, Hattie’s – it’s the Spa city’s number one eatery.

Speaking of tasty, the Hat’s Off to Saratoga hat contest was a feast for the eyes. Kim Brooking of Saratoga Springs, a freelance exercise rider, won the first prize in the Fashionably Saratoga category for a black and white fascinator that ran hoops around one side of her head. How nice that Kim works in the sport. She bought her hat at a local shop called Frivolous. The Hat’s Off to Saratoga hat contest was the first hat contest Brooking ever entered.

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/vic-zast-saratoga-diary/archive/2011/07/25/feast-for-the-eyes.aspx

[twogunsid]

11. Blind Luck, Havre de Grace both headed to New York

From drf.com: Blind Luck and Havre de Grace are likely headed to Saratoga for their next starts, but the two dynamic fillies might not end up in the same race, meaning round 7 in this terrific rivalry may have to wait for the fall.

Havre de Grace, beaten a nose by Blind Luck in Saturday’s $750,000 Delaware Handicap, could make her next start against males in the Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga on Sept. 3, owner Rick Porter said Monday. The Woodward is run at 1 1/8 miles.

Meanwhile, Blind Luck is likely to make her next start Grade 1, $300,000 Personal Ensign at Saratoga on Aug. 28, trainer and part-owner Jerry Hollendorfer said. The Personal Ensign is run at 1 1/4 miles.

While Porter hasn’t ruled out running Havre de Grace in the Personal Ensign, he said “I don’t think it makes sense money-wise.”

http://www.drf.com/news/saratoga-blind-luck-havre-de-grace-both-headed-new-york

[twogunsid]

12. Euroears, Smiling Tiger to face off in Bing Crosby Stakes

From drf.com: DEL MAR, Calif. – It’ll happen long after high noon, but there’s going to be an old-fashioned Western shootout Sunday at Del Mar.

Euroears and Smiling Tiger, two of the fastest guns in the West, are set for a compelling sprint showdown in the Grade 1, $250,000 Bing Crosby Stakes, a six-furlong race that also is expected to draw the accomplished stakes winner Amazombie.

Euroears has not raced since finishing second in the Dubai Golden Shaheen in March, but he has been training sensationally for his comeback. On Monday, he worked five furlongs in 59.80 seconds, which tied for the second fastest of 45 at the distance and was one of just three works faster than one minute.

“He’s been working really, really nice,” said Bob Baffert, who trains Euroears.

http://www.drf.com/news/del-mar-euroears-smiling-tiger-face-bing-crosby-stakes

[twogunsid]

13. Bourbon Bay, Setsuko Meet in Cougar II

From bloodhorse.com: Bourbon Bay, a four-time graded stakes winner in California, looks to get back on track when he leads a field of eight in the $125,000 Cougar II Handicap (gr. III) July 29 at Del Mar.

The 1 1/2-mile Cougar II, for 3-year-olds and up on Polytrack, tops Del Mar’s eight-race Friday program. David and Jill Heerensperger’s Bourbon Bay will tote top weight of 121 pounds and break from the rail under Joe Talamo. His biggest threat could come from Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) runner-up Setsuko, who is in desperate need of a win.

The Cougar II is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Marathon (gr. II) at Churchill Downs.

Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64205/bourbon-bay-setsuko-meet-in-cougar-ii#ixzz1TFkHMEKi

[twogunsid]

14. Winter Memories takes the Lake George Stakes at Saratoga

http://www.ntra.com//videos/index/view/OTcw

[twogunsid]

15. News from Goodwood: Frankel in the Sussex

From thoroughbredtimes.com: Once the two stars started their serious running in Wednesday’s $485,790 QIPCO Sussex Stakes (Eng-G1) at Glorious Goodwood, the one-mile “Duel at the Downs” quickly turned into a one-horse showcase.

Facing older horses for the first time, including last year’s Sussex winner Canford Cliffs, proved little challenge for Frankel. The three-year-old by Galileo (Ire) colt cruised on the lead throughout before unleashing a devastating late run to power away from Canford Cliffs and two other overmatched rivals.

“It's been a marvelous day and he's a very good horse,” said winning trainer Henry Cecil, who secured a record sixth Sussex victory, his first since 1997 and easily his most memorable. “I think he's the best I've ever seen.”

The list of accolades only grows for Frankel, champion juvenile colt in Europe last year and a classic winner this year who was sent off as the 8-to-13 favorite on Wednesday.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/27/frankel-dominates-in-qipco-sussex-stakes.aspx

Must see video of the race: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/utils/flash_pop.aspx?vp=Today&vc=1&vid1=mp4%3a2011%2f771%2f201107271008GXD3_771.f4v

[twogunsid]

16. Haskell News.

From bloodhorse.com: Shackleford is the only member of the 3-year-old class to make it through all three legs of the Triple Crown and come away no worse for the wear. On July 31 at Monmouth Park, the son of Forestry will try to stamp himself as the division leader when he leads a field of eight in the $1 million Resorts Casino Hotel Haskell Invitational (gr. I).

In eight of the past 10 years the Haskell winner has gone on to win a year-end championship, and this year’s edition could produce another. In addition to the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner, the race drew Belmont Stakes (gr. I) victor Ruler On Ice, also looking to vault to the top of the division with a victory.

Locally-based trainer Kelly Breen will saddle Ruler On Ice as well as two-time graded stakes winner Pants On Fire, giving him two solid chances to take his home track’s biggest prize. Also likely to attract much of the betting action is California shipper Coil, who looks to hand Bob Baffert his fifth Haskell title in as many tries. Coil’s sire, Point Given , gave Baffert his first Haskell victory in 2001. The Hall of Fame trainer won last year’s race with Lookin At Lucky .

The Haskell anchors Monmouth's eight stakes, 14-race card that includes the Taylor Made Matchmaker (gr. IIIT) and Oceanport (gr. IIIT) stakes. Post time for the Haskell is set for 5:43 p.m. EDT. The race will be shown live on TVG and can be heard live on Horse Racing Radio Network. The winner will receive an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) in November.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64236/haskell-draws-eight-shackleford-favored?source=rss

[twogunsid]

17. Henny Hughes colt J C’s Pride sets track record at Saratoga...

From thoroughbredtimes.com: Joseph Bucci’s J C’s Pride, second to the highly regarded Overdriven in his career debut, earned his first trip to the winner’s circle on Wednesday at Saratoga Race Course with a track-record setting performance.

J C’s Pride won the five-furlong maiden special weight race in :56.54 on a track rated as fast, besting the previous mark of :56.71 set by Fabulous Force on August 18, 1993. Ridden by Jose Lezcano and trained by Bobby Barbara, the Henny Hughes colt won by 3 1/4 lengths as the 3-to-10 favorite in the field of six with first-time starter Mr. Style finishing second.

Bred in Kentucky by Extern Developments, J C’s Pride is the second foal out of the Silver Deputy mare Hi Lili, who is a half sister to Grade 3 winner Blind Date and stakes winner Sales Tax.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/27/jcs-pride-saratoga-track-record.aspx

[twogunsid]

18. Free PP's for Saratoga. Jim Dandy, Fourstardave, etc.....

courtesy of Todd Pletcher: https://www.tlore.net/trainers/pletcher/index_new.cfm?page=brisnet

For the foodies: Bobby Flay's Super Espresso is entered in Sunday's Ruffian Invitational Handicap.

[twogunsid]

19. Del Mar PP's from Bob Baffert......

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/briswatch.cgi/Baffert/BAFFERT+BOB/9999/summary.htm

[twogunsid]

20. Free PP's for the Diana

http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbNTRAGetFreeFF.cfm?TRK=SAR&RD=07/30/11&CTY=USA&DE=D&RN=9

[twogunsid]

21. Undefeated Unbridled Humor takes big leap in Diana

From thoroughbredtimes.com: Unbeaten four-year-old filly Unbridled Humor has blazed throughout her conditions, winning her first four career starts by a total of more than 16 lengths.

The Live Oak Plantation homebred will now see if she can make the leap to the sport’s highest level in the $500,000 Diana Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

Made the 4-to-1 second choice on the morning line, the Distorted Humor filly will break from the rail in the field of up to ten fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles on the Mellon Turf Course.

Trained by Graham Motion, Unbridled Humor won all three of her starts at three, culminating with a gritty nose victory in the Memories of Silver Stakes at one mile on the Aqueduct turf last November. In her four-year-old debut, she won a 1 1/16-mile allowance race by 8 1/2 lengths on July 5 at Delaware Park.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/29/diana-stakes.aspx

[twogunsid]

22. Bourbon Bay Makes Splash in Cougar

From bloodhorse.com: Bourbon Bay, the king of the 2010 distance turf series at Santa Anita, stormed down the Del Mar Polytrack, returning to his winning ways in the July 29 $125,000 Cougar II Handicap (gr. IIIT) in the seaside oval’s Friday night feature (VIDEO). The Cougar II is a Breeders’ Cup Win & You’re In race, giving Bourbon Bay a slot in the Breeders’ Cup Marathon (gr. II).

The 5-year-old gelded son of Sligo Bay set a new track record in the process, covering the 12 furlongs in 2:29.39 under Joe Talamo. Bourbon Bay was winning his seventh race from 20 starts and has banked nearly $700,000 for owners Jill and David Heerensperger of Washington State. Neil Drysdale is the winning conditioner. Bourbon Bay was bred in Kentucky by Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs and is out of the Conquistador Cielo mare Coral Necklace.

Bourbon Bay took the San Luis Obispo (gr. IIT), the San Luis Rey (gr. IIT), and the San Juan Capistrano (gr. IIT) in the spring of 2010 at Santa Anita. He opened this year with a victory in the San Marcos Stakes (gr. II) before coming up empty in Dubai’s Sheema Classic (UAE-I). Bourbon Bay broke a four-race losing streak in the Cougar II.

Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64262/bourbon-bay-makes-splash-in-cougar#ixzz1TbLVnXWJ

Race video: http://www.ntra.com//videos/index/view/OTcx

[twogunsid]

23. Goldikova Makes History in Prix Rothschild

From bloodhorse.com: Goldikova made history when she held off the late charge of Sahpresa to claim victory in the $431,730 Prix Rothschild (Fr-I) at Deauville July 31.

The daughter of Anabaa has now tallied 14 group I or grade I victories in her career. She won the Prix Rothschild for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year, becoming the first in France to accomplish that feat since the European Pattern system was introduced in 1971.

The win also provided a personal milestone for jockey Olivier Peslier, who recorded the 100th group I victory of his career.

Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64275/goldikova-makes-history-in-prix-rothschild#ixzz1TisHa06x

[twogunsid]

25. Video of the Prix Rothschild at Deauville...

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xk98n7_prix-rothschild-2011-goldikova-ire-o-peslier-f-head-wertheimer-frere_sport

[twogunsid]

24. Stakes videos from last weekend....

Jul 30 from Del Mar San Diego Handicap - http://www.ntra.com//videos/index/view/OTc1

Jul 31 from Saratoga Fourstardave Handicap - http://www.ntra.com/videos/index/view/OTc4

from Saratoga Ruffian Handicap - http://www.ntra.com/videos/index/view/OTc5

from Monmouth Haskell Invitational Stakes - http://www.ntra.com/videos/index/view/OTgw

Aug 1 from Del Mar Bing Crosby Stakes - http://www.ntra.com/videos/index/view/OTgx

from Saratoga Amsterdam Stakes - http://www.ntra.com/videos/index/view/OTgx

Baffert's Euroears gave a helluva performance in the Bing Crosby is being pointed to the BCSprint. I also thought Shakleford looked good in the Haskell. Roman's has shipped him to Saratoga and pointed him toward the Travers or run him against older horses in the Woodward. I think the Woodward is where he'll start. The distance is more to his liking, he gets weight from the others and he gets an extra week off. - tgs