Early Warning for Breeders, Running Competition

In what can't be good news to breeders, the Morrisville College Yearling Sales was held on Sunday and the results were not good. The average price of yearlings dropped a whopping 21%. Granted, Morrisville's sale is not on the level of Lexington, but this weekend's results may be sending breeders selling at Lexington and Harrisburg looking for the antacids.

On Monday, Churchill Downs announced they will be installing permanent lights. Churchill Downs is not the only track implementing or considering lights. Calder is investigating the possibility as is NYRA. While the old day/night segregation between the two breeds has long been breached, the addition of quality thoroughbred racing at night presents an additional challenge to a sport which has long considered the night their own domain. Harness racing needs to come up with new strategies to increase the quality and interest in their own product; especially in the simulcast market.

On Wednesday's Red Mile card, the Bluegreass Series for 2yo pacing fillies takes center stage. In the first division, undefeated Put On A Show looks the best in this field; she did take a little time off and qualified at Chester Downs in a business-like 1:54.2. Ticket to Rock won the Champlain at Mohawk and has raced competitively against Put On a Show. Ultimate Best won the KYSS final at Lexington but tries open company hear. Flip Flop summer won a division of the Simpson; should do well here to land share.

In the second division of the Bluegrass, Higher and Higher jumped in Three Diamonds at Chester. If she stays flat she lays over this field. Say So was victorious in Simpson; can take top spot if top choice does not mind manners. Art Cam has had poor luck of late; any type of trip makes horse a threat. Houlihan was parked in the Simpson and finished second; completes superfecta.

The third division has You See L A appear to be the won to beat. Has been runner up in many stake races and won her division of the Simpson in 1:56. While Western Moonlight had an excuse in her last from the eight hole, it appears the Sweetheart winner may be tailing off. Cool Jazz's only local start shows improvement; may land third. Real Surprising clearly not as good as top choices, may land fourth.