Sunday, July 31, 2011
The Masses Speak: Let Walter Return
Something which amazes me, thought it probably shouldn't it is the desire for fans to have Walter Case Jr return to the sulky. I check my statistics every day and this blog entry I wrote back in January 17 still gets hits and often is the most read on any given day and people are still responding; most favorable to his return.
Not that we condone Walter's actions, but the man has served his time and deserves a chance to return to the sulky and prove himself to see if he has truly become a changed man. While Walter has violations on his racing record, none of those violations involve race fixing nor has he ever been accused of such actions. Yes, he has kicked a horse once to many, perhaps whipped one too hard but Walter is said to be a new man, one more mature and wise. I am not suggesting we forget his past, but he is entitled to a chance to prove he is a changed man.
This is not say all should be forgiven. Walter needs to be kept on a tight leash, at least initially to make sure he can drive with more finesse than with a foot out of the sulky. As with anyone else with a history as his, the obligatory random drug testing is necessary as well. These are things which are a product of his past for which he needs to deal with. But for a society which lets Michael Vick return and others who have been disgraced, to keep Walter from what he loves to do without giving him a chance is unfair to him as well as mean spirited by the industry.
Forgive and but don't forget. But let Walter Case Jr. return.
Not that we condone Walter's actions, but the man has served his time and deserves a chance to return to the sulky and prove himself to see if he has truly become a changed man. While Walter has violations on his racing record, none of those violations involve race fixing nor has he ever been accused of such actions. Yes, he has kicked a horse once to many, perhaps whipped one too hard but Walter is said to be a new man, one more mature and wise. I am not suggesting we forget his past, but he is entitled to a chance to prove he is a changed man.
This is not say all should be forgiven. Walter needs to be kept on a tight leash, at least initially to make sure he can drive with more finesse than with a foot out of the sulky. As with anyone else with a history as his, the obligatory random drug testing is necessary as well. These are things which are a product of his past for which he needs to deal with. But for a society which lets Michael Vick return and others who have been disgraced, to keep Walter from what he loves to do without giving him a chance is unfair to him as well as mean spirited by the industry.
Forgive and but don't forget. But let Walter Case Jr. return.
World Driver's Championship
The World Driver's Championship begins today at Chester Downs. This event is held every two years and this year is America's turn to host the event in conjuction with the International Trotting Conference (more about the conference tomorrow).
The schedule for the International Driving Championship (ITC) is as follows:
7/31 - Harrah's Chester Downs
8/1 - Tioga Downs (special Monday card beginning at 6pm)
8/3 - Monticello Raceway
8/4 - The Meadowlands
8/5 - Yonkers Raceway
Corey Callahan represents the United States, replacing Jason Bartlett who got hurt in an automobile accident earlier this month. Jody Jaimeson represents Canada. For a profile of the rest of the drivers involved in the ITC, you may click on this link,
Here are my handicapping selections for the Chester and Tioga Downs legs of the World Trotting Championship. It should be noted to accomodate all the drivers in this contest there will be ten horses in each race meaning at Chester, there will be two trailers in each race while at Tioga, there will be one trailer in each race.
Sunday - Chester Downs
2nd Pace - $12,000; NW $6,500 Last 5 Starts
5 - Next Flight (Enrico Bellei, 10-1)
4 - Mjbudah Baby (Dexter Dunn, 5-2)
1 - Tampa Bay Escape (Franck Nivard, 12-1)
3rd Trot - $15,000; 4YO and Under - NW3PM or $25,000LT
1 - Unabating (Enrico Bellei, 5-2)
5 - Tempest De Vie (Corey, Callahan, 10-1)
9 - Trading Places (Chris Lewis, 8-1)
2 - Rt's Payday (Bjorn Goop, 7-2)
5th Pace - $16,000; Claiming $20,000
4 - Wildridge Sam (Juan Riera-Rossello, 7-2)
5 - Cyclone Cully N (Jody Jamieson, 9-2)
2 - Lightning Moon (Franck Nivard, 5-2)
6th Trot (1 1/4 miles) - $12,000; NW $6,500 Last 5 Starts
3 - Yanks (Chris Lewis, 7-2)
4 - Ladainian (Franck Nivard, 5-2)
8 - Yesternite (Bjorn Goop, 8-1)
2 - Blazin Delores (Dexter Dunn, 5-1)
Monday- Tioga Downs
2nd Trot (1 1/4 miles) - $7,000; NW $2,700 (F&M $3,301) Last 5 Starts
8 - Hit Me Baby (Juan Riera-Rossello, 12-1)
10 - Spin Spanky Spin (Franck Nivard, 6-1)
5 - Forever Bachelor (Chris Lewis, 9-2)
3rd Pace - $7,000; NW $2,201 (F&M $3,201) Last 5 Starts
2 - Prince Polaris (Michael Nimczyk, 9-2)
9 - Shark Income (Enrico Bellei, 10-1)
3 - Fifth Street (Birger Jorgensen, 8-1)
4th Trot - $10,000; NW $4,501 (F&M $5,501) Last 5 Starts
6 - Double A Gloria (Birger Jorgensen, 7-2)
4 -Karpathos (Franck Nivard, 6-1)
1 - Dangerismybusiness (Enrico Bellei, 8-1)
3 - Smooth Power (Chris Lewis, 3-1)
5th Pace - $10,000; NW $4,501 (F&M $5,501) Last 5 Starts
10 - I;m In Luck (Enrico Bellei, 7-2)
2 - Upto (Michael Nimczyk, 15-1)
7 - Overseer NZ (Jody Jamieson, 9-2)
The schedule for the International Driving Championship (ITC) is as follows:
7/31 - Harrah's Chester Downs
8/1 - Tioga Downs (special Monday card beginning at 6pm)
8/3 - Monticello Raceway
8/4 - The Meadowlands
8/5 - Yonkers Raceway
Corey Callahan represents the United States, replacing Jason Bartlett who got hurt in an automobile accident earlier this month. Jody Jaimeson represents Canada. For a profile of the rest of the drivers involved in the ITC, you may click on this link,
Here are my handicapping selections for the Chester and Tioga Downs legs of the World Trotting Championship. It should be noted to accomodate all the drivers in this contest there will be ten horses in each race meaning at Chester, there will be two trailers in each race while at Tioga, there will be one trailer in each race.
Sunday - Chester Downs
2nd Pace - $12,000; NW $6,500 Last 5 Starts
5 - Next Flight (Enrico Bellei, 10-1)
4 - Mjbudah Baby (Dexter Dunn, 5-2)
1 - Tampa Bay Escape (Franck Nivard, 12-1)
3rd Trot - $15,000; 4YO and Under - NW3PM or $25,000LT
1 - Unabating (Enrico Bellei, 5-2)
5 - Tempest De Vie (Corey, Callahan, 10-1)
9 - Trading Places (Chris Lewis, 8-1)
2 - Rt's Payday (Bjorn Goop, 7-2)
5th Pace - $16,000; Claiming $20,000
4 - Wildridge Sam (Juan Riera-Rossello, 7-2)
5 - Cyclone Cully N (Jody Jamieson, 9-2)
2 - Lightning Moon (Franck Nivard, 5-2)
6th Trot (1 1/4 miles) - $12,000; NW $6,500 Last 5 Starts
3 - Yanks (Chris Lewis, 7-2)
4 - Ladainian (Franck Nivard, 5-2)
8 - Yesternite (Bjorn Goop, 8-1)
2 - Blazin Delores (Dexter Dunn, 5-1)
Monday- Tioga Downs
2nd Trot (1 1/4 miles) - $7,000; NW $2,700 (F&M $3,301) Last 5 Starts
8 - Hit Me Baby (Juan Riera-Rossello, 12-1)
10 - Spin Spanky Spin (Franck Nivard, 6-1)
5 - Forever Bachelor (Chris Lewis, 9-2)
3rd Pace - $7,000; NW $2,201 (F&M $3,201) Last 5 Starts
2 - Prince Polaris (Michael Nimczyk, 9-2)
9 - Shark Income (Enrico Bellei, 10-1)
3 - Fifth Street (Birger Jorgensen, 8-1)
4th Trot - $10,000; NW $4,501 (F&M $5,501) Last 5 Starts
6 - Double A Gloria (Birger Jorgensen, 7-2)
4 -Karpathos (Franck Nivard, 6-1)
1 - Dangerismybusiness (Enrico Bellei, 8-1)
3 - Smooth Power (Chris Lewis, 3-1)
5th Pace - $10,000; NW $4,501 (F&M $5,501) Last 5 Starts
10 - I;m In Luck (Enrico Bellei, 7-2)
2 - Upto (Michael Nimczyk, 15-1)
7 - Overseer NZ (Jody Jamieson, 9-2)
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Welcome Back Rosecroft Raceway
Rising like the Phoenix, Rosecroft Raceway has received permission from the Maryland Racing Commission to resume racing operations. Simulcasting of quarterhorse and standardbred racing begins next month with a live racing program of 20 dates beginning in October and 54 race dates in 2012.
Thoroughbred simulcasting, essential for the long term health of Rosecroft will not begin right away as the Maryland thoroughbred horsemen and Rosecroft still need to negotiate an agreement but the state is involved in negotiating a settlement which will occur as the only way the MJC can use slot revenue for operational expenses next year is the negotiation of a successful simulcast agreement with Rosecroft.
It won't be a long meet this year, but being there has not been live racing for at least three years, twenty dates seems to be a lot. Welcome back Rosecroft, it's good to see you back.
Don't forget, my selections for the Adios and the Hambletonian eliminations are below this entry.
Thoroughbred simulcasting, essential for the long term health of Rosecroft will not begin right away as the Maryland thoroughbred horsemen and Rosecroft still need to negotiate an agreement but the state is involved in negotiating a settlement which will occur as the only way the MJC can use slot revenue for operational expenses next year is the negotiation of a successful simulcast agreement with Rosecroft.
It won't be a long meet this year, but being there has not been live racing for at least three years, twenty dates seems to be a lot. Welcome back Rosecroft, it's good to see you back.
Don't forget, my selections for the Adios and the Hambletonian eliminations are below this entry.
The Adios, Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks Elims Preview
Today is the big day. First the day starts off with the Adios at the Meadows. Then, all those dreams for Hambo (or Oaks) glory live for another week or die today in the eliminations for the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks. There are many subplots tonight such as Crys Dream won in the courts, but will the six weeks off derail her effort for Oaks glory? Will Jezzy, the Queen of New York conquer her foes at the Meadowlands? Is Blue Porsche his old self or is he still having problems? Can John Campbell make a triumphant return to the races and get Live Jazz into next week's final? Was Pastor Stephen's last race a fluke or is he tailing off? Tonight will answer many of these questions and possibly create some new questions for debate.
But first, here is my review of the Adios being contested at the Meadows:
10th Pace - $500,000; Delvin Miller Adios - 3yo open
1 - Custard The Dragon (Teague, 2-1) - Fastest elim winner draws the rail. Will likely be odds on fave.
2 - Real Special (Gingras, 8-1) - Unable to maintain the lead in elim.
3 - Alsace Hanover (Pierce, 3-1) - Big mile in last. A repeat wins.
4 - Powerful Mist (Palone, 4-1) - Must slow up the pace to be a factor. Can he?
5 - Rollwithitharry (Tetrick, 6-1) - May be able to follow to grab a big piece.
6 - Wind Me Up (D Miller, 12-1) - Seems to be overmatched.
7 - Eighteen (Callahan, 20-1) - Don't see him getting involved from out here.
8 - Hugadragon (A Miller, 20-1) - Tough spot.
9 - Odysseus Bluechip (B Miller, 12-1) - May spice up the exotics with his consistency.
Selections: 3-5-1-9
Here is my review of the four elimination races:
3rd Trot - $35,000; Hambletonian Oaks #86 - 3yo fillies (1st elimination)
2 - Martiniontherocks (Ritchie, 10-1) - Has the driver you want but can she win off of one start this year?
1 - Hey Mister (Sears, 4-5) - Undefeated this year including win in Del Miller. Logical choice.
1A - Crys Dream (Ouellette, 4-5) - Is four for four this year but was off six weeks. Can't pick.
3 - Sashay (Lachance, 8-1) - Belongs here but needs to step up game. Don't ignore.
4 - Lost Symbol (Smedshammer, 10-1) - Unable to hold off favorite but gets better post. Worth a look.
5 - Intense America (Dube, 8-1) - Seems to be overmatched.
6 - Wincinnatti (Gingras, 5-1) - Came back in NJSS. Seems to run hot or cold. Which is it this week?
7 - Celebrity Katie (D Miller, 15-1) - PASS winner needs to step it up.
8 - Pantholops (A Miller, 20-1) - Winless this year. Not the way you want to come into this race.
9 - Thatsnotmyname (Pierce, 15-1) - Another winless filly.
No Show Wagering
Selections: 4-1-6
4th Trot - #35,000; Hambletonian Oaks #86 - 3yo fillies (2nd elimination)
2 - Seducedbychocolate (D Miller, 12-1) - Seems to have lost her A game.
3 - Southwind Amiga (Sears, 8-1) - Seems to be developing. Seems qualifying and learning the goal.
4 - Cedar Dove (Pierce, 6-1) - Seems to have improved. Definitely worth a look.
5 - Bold And Fresh (Lachance, 5-1) - Riding three race win streak. A hot horse.
1 - Iron Lady (Ouellette, 5-2) - Shows she can trot by herself. Let's see her against others.
1A - Jezzy (Tetrick, 5-2) - Queen of New York takes on Open Company. The one to beat.
6 - Migisi (Manzi, 15-1) - Can't keep up with the first stringers.
7 - Creme De Cocoa (Ackerman, 9-2) - Never wins when I pick her, so this may be her chance.
8 - Lady Rainbow (R Zeron, 3-1) - Just lost to Jezzy in her last start but gets rewarded with post nine.
Selections: 1A-5-4-7
5th Trot - $70,000; Hambletonian #86 - 3yo open (1st elimination)
2 - Whit (Tetrick, 8-1) - Has not raced well against open company. Pass despite rail.
3 - Big Sky Storm (Pierce, 10-1) - Hard to like a horse that is winless for the year.
4 - Orlando (Manzi, 8-1) - Has improved since scratching. May be peaking?
5 - Luckycharm Hanover (D Miller, 5-1) - Picked up game last week as a favorite. Still seems in deep.
6 - Celebrity Bombay (Sears, 10-1) - Good race back off of disaster at YR. Still not the necessary caliber.
1 - Chapter Seven (Lachance, 6-5) - Dancer Memorial winner is 8 for 9. One to beat.
7 - Fawkes (Gingras, 15-1) - Broke last week with fast pace. Must worry about pace.
8 - Broad Bahn (Brennan, 4-1) - My pick for this race. Been under the radar; ready to pop?
1A - Blue Porsche (Ritchie, 6-5) - Top horse has had problems and draws the worst. Still adds value to entry.
Selections: 8-1-4
6th Trot - $70,000; Hambletonian #86 - 3yo open (2nd elimination)
1 - Whiskey Tax (Gingras, 10-1) - Interesting prospect. Worth a look at long odds.
2 - Magnum Kosmos (Brennan, 15-1) - Winner of three straight. Never better.
3 - Pastor Stephen (Pierce, 5-1) - Takter claims he's better. We will see tonight. Your guess.
4 - Big Rigs (Tetrick, 7-2) - Needs slow pace as horse tends to quit at the end.
5 - Bambino Hall (Palone, 10-1) - Can Palone get a better trip?
6 - Opening Night (Sears, 8-1) - This can be the upset play. Has hit his stride.
7 - Manofmanmissions (A Miller, 5-2) - Upset winner last week. At these odds, I won't see if it was a fluke.
8 - Charlie De Vie (D Miller, 4-1) - Post is tough to overcome.
9 - Live Jazz (Campbell, 15-1) - Aim will be to advance.
Selections: 6-3-5
But first, here is my review of the Adios being contested at the Meadows:
10th Pace - $500,000; Delvin Miller Adios - 3yo open
1 - Custard The Dragon (Teague, 2-1) - Fastest elim winner draws the rail. Will likely be odds on fave.
2 - Real Special (Gingras, 8-1) - Unable to maintain the lead in elim.
3 - Alsace Hanover (Pierce, 3-1) - Big mile in last. A repeat wins.
4 - Powerful Mist (Palone, 4-1) - Must slow up the pace to be a factor. Can he?
5 - Rollwithitharry (Tetrick, 6-1) - May be able to follow to grab a big piece.
6 - Wind Me Up (D Miller, 12-1) - Seems to be overmatched.
7 - Eighteen (Callahan, 20-1) - Don't see him getting involved from out here.
8 - Hugadragon (A Miller, 20-1) - Tough spot.
9 - Odysseus Bluechip (B Miller, 12-1) - May spice up the exotics with his consistency.
Selections: 3-5-1-9
Here is my review of the four elimination races:
3rd Trot - $35,000; Hambletonian Oaks #86 - 3yo fillies (1st elimination)
2 - Martiniontherocks (Ritchie, 10-1) - Has the driver you want but can she win off of one start this year?
1 - Hey Mister (Sears, 4-5) - Undefeated this year including win in Del Miller. Logical choice.
1A - Crys Dream (Ouellette, 4-5) - Is four for four this year but was off six weeks. Can't pick.
3 - Sashay (Lachance, 8-1) - Belongs here but needs to step up game. Don't ignore.
4 - Lost Symbol (Smedshammer, 10-1) - Unable to hold off favorite but gets better post. Worth a look.
5 - Intense America (Dube, 8-1) - Seems to be overmatched.
6 - Wincinnatti (Gingras, 5-1) - Came back in NJSS. Seems to run hot or cold. Which is it this week?
7 - Celebrity Katie (D Miller, 15-1) - PASS winner needs to step it up.
8 - Pantholops (A Miller, 20-1) - Winless this year. Not the way you want to come into this race.
9 - Thatsnotmyname (Pierce, 15-1) - Another winless filly.
No Show Wagering
Selections: 4-1-6
4th Trot - #35,000; Hambletonian Oaks #86 - 3yo fillies (2nd elimination)
2 - Seducedbychocolate (D Miller, 12-1) - Seems to have lost her A game.
3 - Southwind Amiga (Sears, 8-1) - Seems to be developing. Seems qualifying and learning the goal.
4 - Cedar Dove (Pierce, 6-1) - Seems to have improved. Definitely worth a look.
5 - Bold And Fresh (Lachance, 5-1) - Riding three race win streak. A hot horse.
1 - Iron Lady (Ouellette, 5-2) - Shows she can trot by herself. Let's see her against others.
1A - Jezzy (Tetrick, 5-2) - Queen of New York takes on Open Company. The one to beat.
6 - Migisi (Manzi, 15-1) - Can't keep up with the first stringers.
7 - Creme De Cocoa (Ackerman, 9-2) - Never wins when I pick her, so this may be her chance.
8 - Lady Rainbow (R Zeron, 3-1) - Just lost to Jezzy in her last start but gets rewarded with post nine.
Selections: 1A-5-4-7
5th Trot - $70,000; Hambletonian #86 - 3yo open (1st elimination)
2 - Whit (Tetrick, 8-1) - Has not raced well against open company. Pass despite rail.
3 - Big Sky Storm (Pierce, 10-1) - Hard to like a horse that is winless for the year.
4 - Orlando (Manzi, 8-1) - Has improved since scratching. May be peaking?
5 - Luckycharm Hanover (D Miller, 5-1) - Picked up game last week as a favorite. Still seems in deep.
6 - Celebrity Bombay (Sears, 10-1) - Good race back off of disaster at YR. Still not the necessary caliber.
1 - Chapter Seven (Lachance, 6-5) - Dancer Memorial winner is 8 for 9. One to beat.
7 - Fawkes (Gingras, 15-1) - Broke last week with fast pace. Must worry about pace.
8 - Broad Bahn (Brennan, 4-1) - My pick for this race. Been under the radar; ready to pop?
1A - Blue Porsche (Ritchie, 6-5) - Top horse has had problems and draws the worst. Still adds value to entry.
Selections: 8-1-4
6th Trot - $70,000; Hambletonian #86 - 3yo open (2nd elimination)
1 - Whiskey Tax (Gingras, 10-1) - Interesting prospect. Worth a look at long odds.
2 - Magnum Kosmos (Brennan, 15-1) - Winner of three straight. Never better.
3 - Pastor Stephen (Pierce, 5-1) - Takter claims he's better. We will see tonight. Your guess.
4 - Big Rigs (Tetrick, 7-2) - Needs slow pace as horse tends to quit at the end.
5 - Bambino Hall (Palone, 10-1) - Can Palone get a better trip?
6 - Opening Night (Sears, 8-1) - This can be the upset play. Has hit his stride.
7 - Manofmanmissions (A Miller, 5-2) - Upset winner last week. At these odds, I won't see if it was a fluke.
8 - Charlie De Vie (D Miller, 4-1) - Post is tough to overcome.
9 - Live Jazz (Campbell, 15-1) - Aim will be to advance.
Selections: 6-3-5
Friday, July 29, 2011
Meadowlands Early Fri Action
Friday at the Meadowlands has several interesting races. We have the eliminations for the Peter Haughton Memorial, the first leg of the Miss Versatility for Open Trotting Mares, eliminations for the Merrie Annabelle, and in the run up to the Nat Ray, an Invitational Trot. All these races make up the first six races so you can also take a shot at the fifty-cent Pick 5.
Let's take a look at these races:
1st Trot - $20,000; Peter Haughton Memorial - 2yo colts and geldings (1st elimination)
2 - Lightning Storm (Gingras, 5-1) - If he stays flat will be a threat. IF is the question.
1 - Weingartner (Takter, 2-1) - Reynolds winner shows breaks. You decide if you feel lucky or not.
3 - Duluth (Ackerman, 8-1) - Will need to step up to advance.
4 - No Frosting (D Miller, 10-1) - Seems not ready for prime time.
5 - Trojan Horse (Smedshammer, 8-1) - Another one seems out of it.
6 - Possess The Will (Tetrick, 5-2) - The most consistent of the starters. May be the one to beat.
7 - Yankee Royalty (Sears, 9-2) - May have enough to get into exotics.
1A - Blomkvist (Pierce, 2-1) - The fastest in the field, IF he stays flat.
Selections: 6-1A-2
2nd Trot - $25,000; Miss Versatility - Open Mares (2nd Leg)
2 - Miss Dangles (Tetrick, 5-2) - Won elim of Armbro Flight but empty in final. Much better draw. Threat.
1 - Ginger Tree Wanda (Lachance, 4-1) - Stepping up off of win. No factor in first leg.
3 - Pembroke Heat Wave (Gingras, 3-1) - Would be happy to advance.
1A - Celebrity Feeling (A Miller, 4-1) - Stepping up off impressive effort. Consider.
4 - Action-Broadway (Sears, 9-5) - Armbro Flight winner is the one to beat. Expect odds-on fave.
5 - Sea Raven (Pierce, 6-1) - Raced well in first leg. Consider in Trifecta.
No Show Wagering
Selections: 4-1A-5
3rd Trot - $20,000; Peter Haughton Memorial - 2yo colts and geldings (2nd elimination)
1 - Quit Smoking Now (Sears, 6-5) - Undefeated colt steps up.
3 - Astarsborn Hanover (Tetrick, 4-1) - Got done in by fast fractions last start, Expect similar pace this week..
2 - Nothing But Class (Takter, 3-1) - Jumped off in last. Your guess what happens this week.
2A - Guccio (Pierce, 3-1) - Seems to have a problem with fast pace.
4 - Big Chocolate (Hochstetler, 6-1) - Made two moves in lst start and showed mild gain. My type of horse.
1A - Power Play (A Miller, 6-5) - 1st time starter shows plenty of speed. Ready at first asking?
5 - Map of Hawaii (D Miller, 8-1) - Doesn't seem to be up to this caliber.
6 - Markz Moose (Hegdal, 10-1) - Reaching here. Pass.
Selections: 4-1A-2
4th Trot - $20,000; Merrie Annabelle - 2yo fillies (1st elimination)
1 - Dream On Hanover (Sears, 7-2) - Two race win streak and moves to the rail. Will be tough.
2 - Aunt Mel (A Miller, 8-1) - Picked up share in NJSS. Likely the same here.
3 - Real Babe (Tetrick, 6-1) - Won off month layoff. Should be better this week.
4 - Mis Paris (D Miller, 3-1) - Nice debut. Would not shock.
5 - Upside Hanover (Pierce, 5-2) - Winner of NJSS championship. Looks to repeat.
6 - Sterling Volo (Lachance, 10-1) - May need another star.
7 - D'orsay (Gingras, 5-1) - Seems to be up against it.
Selections: 3-4-1-5
5th Trot - $20,000; Merrie Annabelle - 2yo fillies (2nd elimination)
1 - Win Missy B (Norris, 3-1) -Looks to repeat this week. Possible.
2 - Love Walked In (A Miller, 6-1) - Should improve with the inside post.
3 - Quarantine S (D Miller, 10-1) - Swedish bred makes parimutuel debut.
4 - Sculpted Vanity (Pierce, 8-1) - May be up against better.
5 - Bluff (Smedshammer, 5-1) - Would be surprised to see advancing.
6 - Swinging Nadine (Gingras, 4-1) - Should advance to the final.
7 - Check Me Out (Tetrick, 5-2) - Seems hard to go past this one. My pick.
Selections: 7-1-2
6th Trot - $32,000; Invitational
1 - Il Villaggio (Tetrick, 9-2) - Will need a big effort this week to take down the purse.
2 - Don't Know Chip (Gingras, 5-1) - Draws inside for the first time since mid-June. May win at a price.
3 - Lanson (Lachance, 8-1) - Makes second start of the year. Tough spot.
4 - Anders Bluestone (Sears, 6-1) - Maxi Lee winner raced well of a scratch. Main contender.
5 - Winning Mister (A Miller, 4-1) - Faded late off moderate fractions. Needs fast clip.
6 - In Focus (Pierce, 7-2) - Came back off layoff well; not out of it.
7 - Corleone Kosmos (D Miller, 3-1) - Veteran won last week. Moves out. May be aiming for next week?
Selections: 4-6-1
Let's take a look at these races:
1st Trot - $20,000; Peter Haughton Memorial - 2yo colts and geldings (1st elimination)
2 - Lightning Storm (Gingras, 5-1) - If he stays flat will be a threat. IF is the question.
1 - Weingartner (Takter, 2-1) - Reynolds winner shows breaks. You decide if you feel lucky or not.
3 - Duluth (Ackerman, 8-1) - Will need to step up to advance.
4 - No Frosting (D Miller, 10-1) - Seems not ready for prime time.
5 - Trojan Horse (Smedshammer, 8-1) - Another one seems out of it.
6 - Possess The Will (Tetrick, 5-2) - The most consistent of the starters. May be the one to beat.
7 - Yankee Royalty (Sears, 9-2) - May have enough to get into exotics.
1A - Blomkvist (Pierce, 2-1) - The fastest in the field, IF he stays flat.
Selections: 6-1A-2
2nd Trot - $25,000; Miss Versatility - Open Mares (2nd Leg)
2 - Miss Dangles (Tetrick, 5-2) - Won elim of Armbro Flight but empty in final. Much better draw. Threat.
1 - Ginger Tree Wanda (Lachance, 4-1) - Stepping up off of win. No factor in first leg.
3 - Pembroke Heat Wave (Gingras, 3-1) - Would be happy to advance.
1A - Celebrity Feeling (A Miller, 4-1) - Stepping up off impressive effort. Consider.
4 - Action-Broadway (Sears, 9-5) - Armbro Flight winner is the one to beat. Expect odds-on fave.
5 - Sea Raven (Pierce, 6-1) - Raced well in first leg. Consider in Trifecta.
No Show Wagering
Selections: 4-1A-5
3rd Trot - $20,000; Peter Haughton Memorial - 2yo colts and geldings (2nd elimination)
1 - Quit Smoking Now (Sears, 6-5) - Undefeated colt steps up.
3 - Astarsborn Hanover (Tetrick, 4-1) - Got done in by fast fractions last start, Expect similar pace this week..
2 - Nothing But Class (Takter, 3-1) - Jumped off in last. Your guess what happens this week.
2A - Guccio (Pierce, 3-1) - Seems to have a problem with fast pace.
4 - Big Chocolate (Hochstetler, 6-1) - Made two moves in lst start and showed mild gain. My type of horse.
1A - Power Play (A Miller, 6-5) - 1st time starter shows plenty of speed. Ready at first asking?
5 - Map of Hawaii (D Miller, 8-1) - Doesn't seem to be up to this caliber.
6 - Markz Moose (Hegdal, 10-1) - Reaching here. Pass.
Selections: 4-1A-2
4th Trot - $20,000; Merrie Annabelle - 2yo fillies (1st elimination)
1 - Dream On Hanover (Sears, 7-2) - Two race win streak and moves to the rail. Will be tough.
2 - Aunt Mel (A Miller, 8-1) - Picked up share in NJSS. Likely the same here.
3 - Real Babe (Tetrick, 6-1) - Won off month layoff. Should be better this week.
4 - Mis Paris (D Miller, 3-1) - Nice debut. Would not shock.
5 - Upside Hanover (Pierce, 5-2) - Winner of NJSS championship. Looks to repeat.
6 - Sterling Volo (Lachance, 10-1) - May need another star.
7 - D'orsay (Gingras, 5-1) - Seems to be up against it.
Selections: 3-4-1-5
5th Trot - $20,000; Merrie Annabelle - 2yo fillies (2nd elimination)
1 - Win Missy B (Norris, 3-1) -Looks to repeat this week. Possible.
2 - Love Walked In (A Miller, 6-1) - Should improve with the inside post.
3 - Quarantine S (D Miller, 10-1) - Swedish bred makes parimutuel debut.
4 - Sculpted Vanity (Pierce, 8-1) - May be up against better.
5 - Bluff (Smedshammer, 5-1) - Would be surprised to see advancing.
6 - Swinging Nadine (Gingras, 4-1) - Should advance to the final.
7 - Check Me Out (Tetrick, 5-2) - Seems hard to go past this one. My pick.
Selections: 7-1-2
6th Trot - $32,000; Invitational
1 - Il Villaggio (Tetrick, 9-2) - Will need a big effort this week to take down the purse.
2 - Don't Know Chip (Gingras, 5-1) - Draws inside for the first time since mid-June. May win at a price.
3 - Lanson (Lachance, 8-1) - Makes second start of the year. Tough spot.
4 - Anders Bluestone (Sears, 6-1) - Maxi Lee winner raced well of a scratch. Main contender.
5 - Winning Mister (A Miller, 4-1) - Faded late off moderate fractions. Needs fast clip.
6 - In Focus (Pierce, 7-2) - Came back off layoff well; not out of it.
7 - Corleone Kosmos (D Miller, 3-1) - Veteran won last week. Moves out. May be aiming for next week?
Selections: 4-6-1
Thursday, July 28, 2011
An Open Letter to Senator Lesniak
Senator Lesniak,
I am extremely disappointed that you have capitulated to Governor Christie on your bill to bring intra-state online gambling to New Jersey with regards to not allocating any funds to thoroughbred and harness racing interests as your original bill provided for.
You do realize there will be challenges to the legislation if it is approved based on constitutional issues. As you are aware, casino gambling is currently limited by the New Jersey constitution to Atlantic City. Under this proposed legislation, an attempt to circumvent the constitution is being made by locating the servers in Atlantic City while the gambler may be sitting in their home in Union City or elsewhere in the state. The last time I looked at a map, Union City is not part of incorporated Atlantic City so I believe the New Jersey Supreme Court will find the legislation unconstitutional.
But let's leave the constitutional issue aside and let me tell you why capitulating to the Governor to eliminate horse racing from the new bill is bad for racing and unfair. The state has divested itself of the racetracks by leasing the tracks to Morris Bailey and Jeff Gural. Now that the state is out of the racing business, if your bill is signed into law, you will be changing the gambling environment in New Jersey; challenging the existence of racing by making it face new competition without giving racing the tools to compete against the competition Internet gambling will provide. However, I think I have a compromise which will be fair to all involved.
If we concede online Internet casino games should be benefiting Atlantic City casinos because the games after all are casino games, I would suggest if sports gambling ever comes to the Garden State, it become the exclusive right of racetracks to offer this form of gambling. After all, horse racing is gambling on a sport, so accepting wagers on other sports events is a logical extension of the horse racing business. Hence, may I suggest if and when sports wagering is finally legalized by the United States Supreme Court, you propose legislation giving racetracks the exclusive right to offer sports wagering in New Jersey.
For many years, the racing industry has provided millions of dollars of revenue to the state until Atlantic City casinos opened. Since the racing was legally not allowed to offer new games by the government, the casinos were able to siphon business from the racetracks, to the point the state decided to divest itself of the racetracks. By allowing racetracks to offer sports wagering, you will be allowing racetracks to compete against casinos, something government regulation of racetracks has not allowed for many years.
Should your lawsuit to get the federal ban on sports wagering declared unconstitutional succeed, I look forward to your proposal allowing racetracks alone to offer sports wagering. After all, fair is fair.
Regards,
Pacingguy
I am extremely disappointed that you have capitulated to Governor Christie on your bill to bring intra-state online gambling to New Jersey with regards to not allocating any funds to thoroughbred and harness racing interests as your original bill provided for.
You do realize there will be challenges to the legislation if it is approved based on constitutional issues. As you are aware, casino gambling is currently limited by the New Jersey constitution to Atlantic City. Under this proposed legislation, an attempt to circumvent the constitution is being made by locating the servers in Atlantic City while the gambler may be sitting in their home in Union City or elsewhere in the state. The last time I looked at a map, Union City is not part of incorporated Atlantic City so I believe the New Jersey Supreme Court will find the legislation unconstitutional.
But let's leave the constitutional issue aside and let me tell you why capitulating to the Governor to eliminate horse racing from the new bill is bad for racing and unfair. The state has divested itself of the racetracks by leasing the tracks to Morris Bailey and Jeff Gural. Now that the state is out of the racing business, if your bill is signed into law, you will be changing the gambling environment in New Jersey; challenging the existence of racing by making it face new competition without giving racing the tools to compete against the competition Internet gambling will provide. However, I think I have a compromise which will be fair to all involved.
If we concede online Internet casino games should be benefiting Atlantic City casinos because the games after all are casino games, I would suggest if sports gambling ever comes to the Garden State, it become the exclusive right of racetracks to offer this form of gambling. After all, horse racing is gambling on a sport, so accepting wagers on other sports events is a logical extension of the horse racing business. Hence, may I suggest if and when sports wagering is finally legalized by the United States Supreme Court, you propose legislation giving racetracks the exclusive right to offer sports wagering in New Jersey.
For many years, the racing industry has provided millions of dollars of revenue to the state until Atlantic City casinos opened. Since the racing was legally not allowed to offer new games by the government, the casinos were able to siphon business from the racetracks, to the point the state decided to divest itself of the racetracks. By allowing racetracks to offer sports wagering, you will be allowing racetracks to compete against casinos, something government regulation of racetracks has not allowed for many years.
Should your lawsuit to get the federal ban on sports wagering declared unconstitutional succeed, I look forward to your proposal allowing racetracks alone to offer sports wagering. After all, fair is fair.
Regards,
Pacingguy
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Christie's Anti-Racing Crusade Continues
Now that the state has gotten rid of their two racetracks, Governor Christie is determined to make sure racing gets no help despite the attempt of the state to introduce new competition for racing. This time, an ally of racing is happy to oblige him.
The Courier Post reports that State Senator Lesniak is prepared to re-introduce in November his legislation to introduce intra-state internet gambling to the Garden State. This legislation was vetoed by the Governor citing two issues; the concern that so-called internet gambling cafes could be established all over the state of New Jersey and the fact some of the revenue would have gone to racing. Senator Lesniak has capitulated to the Governor on these two facts so racing will not be able to profit at all from a new source of gambling in the state despite it not being allowed to develop new gambling games itself. Rest assured Atlantic City will be profiting from this attempt to bring the casino to the residents of New Jersey.
Of course racing will have their hands tied opposing this legislation. It is a safe bet that some group will fight the constitutionality of this bill, claiming it is an expansion of casino gambling outside of Atlantic City (the state is planning to have the servers in Atlantic City to get around this issue). Should the racetracks side with such groups it runs a risk of having the state deny racetracks a racino when it finally realizes it needs to recoup the money it is forfeiting to New York. Should the racetracks sit aside and not oppose the legislation, there will be another form of gambling for racing to compete against. It is imperative should some group challenge the constitutionality of such legislation that New Jersey horsemen independently contribute funds to such groups challenging the legislation.
Now that the state has gotten rid of its racing assets, they have no problem changing the dynamics racing must operate under. It is one thing when private industry competes against racing; it's another thing for the state to compete against an industry it regulates and denies them the ability to compete. Horsemen must stand up to Governor Christie. The question is will they?
The Courier Post reports that State Senator Lesniak is prepared to re-introduce in November his legislation to introduce intra-state internet gambling to the Garden State. This legislation was vetoed by the Governor citing two issues; the concern that so-called internet gambling cafes could be established all over the state of New Jersey and the fact some of the revenue would have gone to racing. Senator Lesniak has capitulated to the Governor on these two facts so racing will not be able to profit at all from a new source of gambling in the state despite it not being allowed to develop new gambling games itself. Rest assured Atlantic City will be profiting from this attempt to bring the casino to the residents of New Jersey.
Of course racing will have their hands tied opposing this legislation. It is a safe bet that some group will fight the constitutionality of this bill, claiming it is an expansion of casino gambling outside of Atlantic City (the state is planning to have the servers in Atlantic City to get around this issue). Should the racetracks side with such groups it runs a risk of having the state deny racetracks a racino when it finally realizes it needs to recoup the money it is forfeiting to New York. Should the racetracks sit aside and not oppose the legislation, there will be another form of gambling for racing to compete against. It is imperative should some group challenge the constitutionality of such legislation that New Jersey horsemen independently contribute funds to such groups challenging the legislation.
Now that the state has gotten rid of its racing assets, they have no problem changing the dynamics racing must operate under. It is one thing when private industry competes against racing; it's another thing for the state to compete against an industry it regulates and denies them the ability to compete. Horsemen must stand up to Governor Christie. The question is will they?
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks Elimination Post Draws
I must confess, I was surprised by the fact only eighteen colts and geldings dropped into the Hambletonian eliminations. With ninteen fillies dropping in the box for the Hambletonian Oaks, there will be two eliminations for next week's finals with the top five finishers in each race advancing.
Here is the draw for the Hambletonian and the Oaks with the preliminary driver assignments. Later in the week, we will review the races.
Here is the draw for the Hambletonian and the Oaks with the preliminary driver assignments. Later in the week, we will review the races.
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