Empty Grandstands At The Spa?
There are still 10 weeks before the Saratoga Race Course is scheduled to open for the season on July 16th. But New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has questioned whether the track will be open at all this year to fans. “You can’t open an attraction that could bring people from across the state to that attraction and overwhelm a region,” Cuomo said during a press … Continue reading Empty Grandstands At The Spa?
Betting Horses On-Line
The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every aspect of American life. In the grand scheme of things, pursuing entertainment by wagering on horse racing certainly takes a backseat to the essential tasks we all face right now to keep ourselves and our families safe and help our neighbors as much as possible. Some of us however, still have time for leisure, but are now faced with … Continue reading Betting Horses On-Line
Arkansas Derby Division II
The highly-touted, Bob Baffert trained, NADAL will put his perfect record on the line Saturday in the second division of the Grade 1, $500,000 dollar Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. But he won’t offer any Value in this talent laden field of equally prominent 3-year-olds. The second division of the Arkansas Derby is Race 13 on a card of 14 with a scheduled Post Time … Continue reading Arkansas Derby Division II
Arkansas Derby First Division Picks
22 horses were entered for the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby. After which Oaklawn Park officials decided to split the race into two divisions, both offering a $500,000 dollar purse. Churchill Downs opted to let both divisions of the Arkansas Derby race for the original 100-40-20-10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. The generosity of point dispersion takes into consideration that the Wood Memorial, Blue Grass Stakes and, … Continue reading Arkansas Derby First Division Picks
The First Saturday In May
The horse racing world like all areas of society continues to make changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health crisis. Racetracks across America have either adjourned live racing or prohibited anyone other than essential employees from entering. Many tracks have cancelled or postponed meets during their respective April/May seasons. But racing continues at a few tracks across the country that have instituted … Continue reading The First Saturday In May
New Race For Gulfstream Park
While competition remains halted at many racetracks around the country, Gulfstream Park is still going strong. On Saturday they host a newly written 3-year-old Stakes Race-the $75,000 dollar Unbridled Stakes at 1 1/16 miles. It is the feature race of the day and it drew an interesting field of seven horses, including familiar names from the Kentucky Derby trail. The Unbridled Stakes is Race … Continue reading New Race For Gulfstream Park
Jose Isolation
When jockey Jose Ortiz purchased land in Ocala, Florida in 2018, it was partly done with an eye toward the distant future. Those 20 acres in the heart of Florida horse country would someday be the young rider’s landing place in retirement. Near term, Ortiz, 26, planned on visiting his farm whenever he could to check on the retired Thoroughbreds he and his wife, Taylor, … Continue reading Jose Isolation
‘Big Money’ Mike Smith
As a guest Saturday on Horse Racing Radio Network 54-year-old Mike Smith told host Mike Penna that he wants to get back to riding as soon as possible, amid a shutdown at Santa Anita Park. “Another two to three years if all goes well.” That was Smith’s response when asked how much longer he would like to continue to ride. Enshrined in the National Museum of … Continue reading ‘Big Money’ Mike Smith
Apple Blossom Special
The pickings are slim this weekend for Kentucky Derby prep races to preview and handicap. That said, there is the very competitive, Grade 1 $600,000 dollar Apple Blossom Handicap being run Saturday at Oaklawn Park. A full field of 14 fillies and mares are scheduled to travel the 1 1/16 mile circuit. The Apple Blossom is Race 10 on a card of 11 with a … Continue reading Apple Blossom Special
Mid-Week Trivia
Here’s a little racing quiz that will help keep your thoroughbred mind sharp as you’re being quarantined, and going through Kentucky Derby withdrawal. Answers appear at the end…no peaking. 1. Who is the last filly to Win a Triple Crown race? 2. What was the first race to offer a purse of $1 million in North America? 3. Which horse holds the speed record in … Continue reading Mid-Week Trivia
