Let me preface this column by once again mentioning this blog is to discuss harness racing from the fan's view. As such, this blog will discuss all things related to harness racing; from the good and not so good. The topics will vary though at times there will be a concentration on one particular topic or another. So kindly indulge me for another, albeit brief, entry regarding horse slaughter.
In another forum, there was a brief discussion regarding the Salon article concerning horse slaughter which was mentioned in an earlier post from this blog as well as the proposal of surcharging various fees to provide for the means of retiring or at worst, humanely euthanizing a horse that is no longer able to race. There were few responses to the thread in that forum, which was troubling in itself for reasons I will discuss shortly, but the some responses were surprising. Here are a a couple of sample responses:
"...this (animal slaughter) is a very distressing subject to discuss, but is a fact of life with no apparent solution in the near future..."
"...this is a distressing topic to discuss, ...but for myself, I would rather not know the gory details of what happens to our athletes once they are not racing any more. Just human nature I suppose. I would hope they all go to green pastures or become members of police force to live out their lives, unfortunately, this not the case as long as there is a market for their meat."
To be sure, there were a couple responses of how as owners they took care to make sure their charges found a suitable home when they were done racing and that is to be applauded.
Then there is the lack of responses by people in various forums where this is discussed. Why don't people join in the discussion? Most likely it is because they have the same sentiments as the people quoted above, they don't care, or they believe if we don't discuss the problem it will go away (and yes, there is probably a very small minority that don't have a problem with horse slaughter).
The problem is not going to go away if we don't talk about it and work on addressing the problem; the status quo is unacceptable. Attitudes towards animals have changed; society is more 'enlightened'. If we don't do anything about our unwanted horses the animal rights people will do something about it and you will see harness racing disappear. Can't happen? How many racetracks are still in operation because of the VLTs? As states continue to have budget issues, animal rights groups like PETA will be sure to launch a campaign to make sure slot revenue for horse racing goes away as a way to fund social programs in the various states as well ending the inhumane treatment of unwanted race horses (horse slaughter). These groups have been very successful in crippling greyhound racing; once they finish that industry off they will turn to horse racing.
This is not the only reason we should be doing something about unwanted race horses. It is the right thing to do both ethically and business-wise. Ethically, we owe it to these animals who perform for us to treat them right when their racing career is over by letting them start new careers or if so seriously injured that they can't become pasture animals, euthanized; not sent to the horrors of a slaughterhouse. Business-wise, considering what owners pay to keep horses racing they certainly can afford to give the horse away to a rescue group or if that far gone, they can afford to euthanize a horse that can't physically tolerate a life as a pasture horse. Let's call it an investment in the long term survival of their industry. If they can't do that, they have no business being an owner.
Continuing on the stranglehold Atlantic City has over New Jersey racing, State Senator Steven Oroho writes an opinion piece which indicates why it is time for New Jersey to get racinos. Apparently, the doom and gloom the casino industry says racinos will cause is all smoke. According to studies the author mentions, opening a racino at the Meadowlands will have for all practical purposes no impact on Atlantic City, all it will do is bring back the gaming dollars spent at Yonkers back into New Jersey where the state will benefit; very little additional gambling dollars will be transferred from Atlantic City to the Meadowlands.
Showing posts with label Meadowlands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meadowlands. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Sharks Smell Blood
Make no mistake about it. The glory days of the Meadowlands are long gone. Half the plant is closed up, they now need to card $7,500 claimers to fill their cards and short fields are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Even when slot revenue arrives (it is just a question of how and when, not if) and the purses get big again, the days of drawing huge crowds will be long gone. The closed portions of the plant will be reopened for VLTs, not horseplayers.
The flagship of harness racing is taking on water. Surprisingly, there are people out there who are taking pleasure at what is occuring at the Meadowlands. They are criticizing management there for the short fields and the $7,500 claimers and for offering the 25% NJOS Preferred supplements on Meadowlands Pace night to ensure the overnights fill. They take delight in the top drivers and stables abandoning the Meadowlands except for stakes night and heading to Yonkers, Chester or Pocono Downs and they criticize the revised driving colony at the Meadowlands. It is clear the sharks are smelling the blood and they are waiting to pick over the remains.
Foolish, foolish people.
Look, as a horseplayer, I am no fan of the Meadowlands. While I live close to the Meadowlands, I prefer playing the half mile and 5/8 mile tracks as they tend to be more formful and I have more success wagering at the smaller tracks than the Meadowlands. My visits to the Meadowlands is limited to stakes nights and the occasional afternoon cards. However, make no mistake, as a person who is involved in standardbred racing, I understand the success of tracks like the Meadowlands is critical to the long term viability of standardbred racing.
Let's go over the facts. The Meadowlands has the highest handle day in day out of any standardbred track in the United States. With the exception of the purse supplement provided by Atlantic City casinos, all the purse money is derived from wagering. At tracks like Chester Downs, over 90% of the purse money comes from slot money. That is free money that the horsemen have done nothing to earn; it's welfare plain and simple. What would the purses be at Chester, Pocono Downs and Yonkers if the only thing feeding the purse account was wagering?
As for media coverage of harness racing, with the exception of the Little Brown Jug, how much press does harness racing get nationally outside of the events occuring at the Meadowlands? If you think coverage is poor now, it will be non-existent if the Meadowlands was to close.
I understand the flight of horsemen to the tracks that have slot fueled purses. If you can race for $10,000, why race for $7,500? That being said, the horsemen who have abandoned the Meadowlands better hope that once the slot money starts flowing in New Jersey, that they don't implement a program giving preference to trainers that remained faithful to the Meadowlands over those that went for the money. And some of those so called 'second tier' drivers and trainers? They are going to be sticking around once the good times return. Management remembers who stood with them during the lean times.
Look, the NJSEA as a semi-governmental agency should not be running a racetrack. Racetracks are best run by private companies. However, during this period of turmoil, they have shown great restraint. They realize their importance to the sport. Look at tracks like Monticello (a racino) and Freehold who either cancelled some or all of their stake races. The Meadowlands could have dropped certain stake races or could cut the added money to thes races in order to offer higher overnight purses but they didn't.
For many horseplayers, especially those that are price sensitive, the Meadowlands is the only track for them to play. Sure, the better horses may now be racing at Chester and Pocono Downs, but how many of these horseplayers are going to wager into pools where exotic wagers have an extortion-like takeout of 30%? If the Meadowlands closed, many of those gamblers would be lost; forever.
Like it or not, the success of harness racing is tied directly to the Meadowlands. While some racinos do have some great stake races, none of them have stepped up to have a stakes program that comes close to the Meadowlands' program. The Meadowlands is the foundation of harness racing. If the foundation cracks, the whole sport comes tumbling down.
Rather than take delight at what is happening at the Meadowlands, people need to realize the seriousness of the situation and hope the Meadowlands can hold on till the slots arrive. Slots are not the solution to harness racing's issues, but it will allow time to fix our problems; making the product desirable to gamble on.
Your future may just depend on it.
The flagship of harness racing is taking on water. Surprisingly, there are people out there who are taking pleasure at what is occuring at the Meadowlands. They are criticizing management there for the short fields and the $7,500 claimers and for offering the 25% NJOS Preferred supplements on Meadowlands Pace night to ensure the overnights fill. They take delight in the top drivers and stables abandoning the Meadowlands except for stakes night and heading to Yonkers, Chester or Pocono Downs and they criticize the revised driving colony at the Meadowlands. It is clear the sharks are smelling the blood and they are waiting to pick over the remains.
Foolish, foolish people.
Look, as a horseplayer, I am no fan of the Meadowlands. While I live close to the Meadowlands, I prefer playing the half mile and 5/8 mile tracks as they tend to be more formful and I have more success wagering at the smaller tracks than the Meadowlands. My visits to the Meadowlands is limited to stakes nights and the occasional afternoon cards. However, make no mistake, as a person who is involved in standardbred racing, I understand the success of tracks like the Meadowlands is critical to the long term viability of standardbred racing.
Let's go over the facts. The Meadowlands has the highest handle day in day out of any standardbred track in the United States. With the exception of the purse supplement provided by Atlantic City casinos, all the purse money is derived from wagering. At tracks like Chester Downs, over 90% of the purse money comes from slot money. That is free money that the horsemen have done nothing to earn; it's welfare plain and simple. What would the purses be at Chester, Pocono Downs and Yonkers if the only thing feeding the purse account was wagering?
As for media coverage of harness racing, with the exception of the Little Brown Jug, how much press does harness racing get nationally outside of the events occuring at the Meadowlands? If you think coverage is poor now, it will be non-existent if the Meadowlands was to close.
I understand the flight of horsemen to the tracks that have slot fueled purses. If you can race for $10,000, why race for $7,500? That being said, the horsemen who have abandoned the Meadowlands better hope that once the slot money starts flowing in New Jersey, that they don't implement a program giving preference to trainers that remained faithful to the Meadowlands over those that went for the money. And some of those so called 'second tier' drivers and trainers? They are going to be sticking around once the good times return. Management remembers who stood with them during the lean times.
Look, the NJSEA as a semi-governmental agency should not be running a racetrack. Racetracks are best run by private companies. However, during this period of turmoil, they have shown great restraint. They realize their importance to the sport. Look at tracks like Monticello (a racino) and Freehold who either cancelled some or all of their stake races. The Meadowlands could have dropped certain stake races or could cut the added money to thes races in order to offer higher overnight purses but they didn't.
For many horseplayers, especially those that are price sensitive, the Meadowlands is the only track for them to play. Sure, the better horses may now be racing at Chester and Pocono Downs, but how many of these horseplayers are going to wager into pools where exotic wagers have an extortion-like takeout of 30%? If the Meadowlands closed, many of those gamblers would be lost; forever.
Like it or not, the success of harness racing is tied directly to the Meadowlands. While some racinos do have some great stake races, none of them have stepped up to have a stakes program that comes close to the Meadowlands' program. The Meadowlands is the foundation of harness racing. If the foundation cracks, the whole sport comes tumbling down.
Rather than take delight at what is happening at the Meadowlands, people need to realize the seriousness of the situation and hope the Meadowlands can hold on till the slots arrive. Slots are not the solution to harness racing's issues, but it will allow time to fix our problems; making the product desirable to gamble on.
Your future may just depend on it.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Continuing Saga of the Meadowlands and Politics
The Newark Star Ledger reports that the NJSEA, operators of the Meadowlands is on target to loose almost $10 million dollars this year at the Meadowlands Racetrack (plus a similar amount at Monmouth Park). More strikingly is that three years ago, the Meadowlands made about $11 million dollars. That means over a period of four years, their annual profit at the Meadowlands Racetrack dropped $21 million dollars. Now during this period, the NJSEA has opened an OTW facility in Woodridge which makes $5.6 million dollars a year plus they are making money via Internet wagering so the loss at the track is partially offset from other revenue sources. That being said, it can't be denied that things are getting gloomier at the flagship track of harness racing.
What has happened? Basically, in caving to the casino industry, the state has allowed slot players to contribute to the bottom line of the tracks (and the states) in NY and PA instead of allowing the money to stay in state. As a result, not only is the Meadowlands (and Freehold) hurting, the state being the guarantor of NJSEA debt is on the hook for the NJSEA bonds and is giving away revenue which could have been kept in state to benefit their own residents.
This is not a Democrat versus Republican issue. However, the general public needs to ask those politicians running for office this year to explain why they are catering to a casino industry at the expense of the citizens of the state of New Jersey. Bringing VLTs to the racetracks in NJ will not only benefit the racing industry, but it will benefit the taxpayers of New Jersey.
This is a point the horsemen need to communicate to the voters and the legislature.
What has happened? Basically, in caving to the casino industry, the state has allowed slot players to contribute to the bottom line of the tracks (and the states) in NY and PA instead of allowing the money to stay in state. As a result, not only is the Meadowlands (and Freehold) hurting, the state being the guarantor of NJSEA debt is on the hook for the NJSEA bonds and is giving away revenue which could have been kept in state to benefit their own residents.
This is not a Democrat versus Republican issue. However, the general public needs to ask those politicians running for office this year to explain why they are catering to a casino industry at the expense of the citizens of the state of New Jersey. Bringing VLTs to the racetracks in NJ will not only benefit the racing industry, but it will benefit the taxpayers of New Jersey.
This is a point the horsemen need to communicate to the voters and the legislature.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Cooperation and Irony
News from Yonkers Raceway and the SOA of NY shows that horsemen and track management can work together for the benefit of each other. Starting on September 1st, Yonkers will no longer card races for $7,500 claimers and their lowest conditioned class (nw3000cd). The decision to eliminate these classes comes as it is becoming increasingly harder to get horses raced at Yonkers due to the level of purses; horsemen need to upgrade their racing stock.
The cooperation comes with Yonkers Raceway writing a claiming series for horses that have started for a claiming tag of no more than $10,000 or less than $7,500 during the period of June 1 through July 25. The reason for this claiming series is three fold. It will give horsemen a chance to see if their $7,500 claimers can be competetive in $10K company and it will also provide the means to lose the $7,500 claiming lines off the program (many tracks will not allow a horse to race if they show a past performance line with a claiming tag below the track minimum). The track is also rewarding horsemen who have been loyal to Yonkers during the lean days. To be eligible for this series, a horse must be under the control of a trainer that made at least twenty starts during 2003 (pre-VLTs). The purse for the eliminations will be $15,000 with the final going for $50,000 ($30,000 consolation).
Lastly, in order to get more horses raced, two NYSS races will be taken off the betting program to allow overnight horses a chance to race. Being sire stake races cost tracks little to put on, it is admirable that management is willing to work with the horsemen.
Some horsemen object to protectionism occuring at tracks, feeling they should have the right to race wherever they wish. Ideally, the horsemen are correct. However, being many horsemen abandoned Yonkers in search for greater profits, there is nothing wrong with rewarding those who kept the place running by offering special race opportunities provided the out of town horsemen are not kept from racing in overnights.
In a bit of irony, the SOA are reminding their horsemen that the Meadowlands is experiencing a horse shortage and are pointing out to their members that they may wish to consider racing at the Meadowlands to get their horses raced.
The cooperation comes with Yonkers Raceway writing a claiming series for horses that have started for a claiming tag of no more than $10,000 or less than $7,500 during the period of June 1 through July 25. The reason for this claiming series is three fold. It will give horsemen a chance to see if their $7,500 claimers can be competetive in $10K company and it will also provide the means to lose the $7,500 claiming lines off the program (many tracks will not allow a horse to race if they show a past performance line with a claiming tag below the track minimum). The track is also rewarding horsemen who have been loyal to Yonkers during the lean days. To be eligible for this series, a horse must be under the control of a trainer that made at least twenty starts during 2003 (pre-VLTs). The purse for the eliminations will be $15,000 with the final going for $50,000 ($30,000 consolation).
Lastly, in order to get more horses raced, two NYSS races will be taken off the betting program to allow overnight horses a chance to race. Being sire stake races cost tracks little to put on, it is admirable that management is willing to work with the horsemen.
Some horsemen object to protectionism occuring at tracks, feeling they should have the right to race wherever they wish. Ideally, the horsemen are correct. However, being many horsemen abandoned Yonkers in search for greater profits, there is nothing wrong with rewarding those who kept the place running by offering special race opportunities provided the out of town horsemen are not kept from racing in overnights.
In a bit of irony, the SOA are reminding their horsemen that the Meadowlands is experiencing a horse shortage and are pointing out to their members that they may wish to consider racing at the Meadowlands to get their horses raced.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Grand Circuit Weekend Action
I love Grand Circuit racing; especially the Historic stakes at the Meadowlands. Granted, there are many 2yo stakes during Historic week which make handicapping challenging but it is nice to take a look at some of our future champions early in their career. But in addition to the 2yos, many of the top 3yos make their return to the open stakes. Will they return to their two year old form or will new champions make their appearance?
Here is a brief recap of Historic Series races this weekend at the Meadowlands.
Friday Night
Coaching Club Trotting Oaks (3yo fillies) - 1st Division - Look for MARGARITA MOMMA to continue her march to the Hambo Oaks. ONE TOUCH GIRL seems to be rounding into form and tries open company for the first time since last year's Breeders Crown races.
Coaching Club Trotting Oaks (3yo fillies) - 2nd Division - TIMELESSWINNER TWO is the obvious standout in this race having won the Currier & Ives and a PASS at the Meadows. BROADWAY SCHOONER seems to be back in form after her 1:54.3 PASS effort at the Meadows and Dave Palone comes in to take the drive. She showed some ability in the Bluegrass Stakes at Lexington last year before she quit in the stretch. DANCING FILLY is clearly not as talented as the top picks but this shipper for Hoosier Park does show some money on her card from last year's grand circuit campaign so she may wake up.
Dickerson Cup Trot (3yo C&G) - 1st Division - This is the race I have been waiting for. I am looking to see if RUSSELL HILL is truly a Hambo colt. After winning the final of the Empire Breeders Championship at Vernon Downs, he has reeled of three easy wins in the NYSS. HOT SHOT BLUE CHIP will also be tested for class. I see a possible upset chance for NEIGHSAY HANOVER (15-1) as this is the easiest field he has meet this year (having been beat by some horses named Muscle Hill, Duded Up and Federal Flex).
Dickerson Cup Trot (3yo C&G) - 2nd Division - This is an interesting race. EXPLOSIVE MATTER makes his third start of the year in this race. After winning a PASS race at Pocono Downs, he got beat after a tough trip in a high conditioned race at the Meadowlands. This winner of five out of six last year can show he is a serious contender to Muscle Hill in the Hambo (Muscle Hill was not eligible to the Dickerson). CITATION LINDY looks to regroup after some moderate early season success. If he stays flat he may be a threat. SYMPHONIC HANOVER is stepping up into stakes company for the first time this year.
Ladyship Stakes Pace (3yo fillies) - INDULGE ME is my choice. Having finished 3rd to Not Enough in the Lismore Final, she won her division of the NYSS at Monticello in 1:54,3. PRECIOUS STONE and ARBEEDO complete my selections for this race.
There is also a Preferred Mares Pace on the card worthy of note. BUCK I ST PAT makes her first start after her disappointing ninth place finish in the Matchmaker. Now tighter, she should make a better show of her self. If BUCK is not ready, FALLS FOR YOU may be pick up the peices with STAGE SHOW and SPICE QUEEN competing for the show place.
Saturday
Jersey Cup Pace (3yo C&G) - PASSMASTER HANOVER looks to regroup after last week's disappointing eighth place finish at Mohawk. DRINK UP and AMAZIN ART lead a three horse entry competing against Passmaster.
Titan Cup Trot (FFA) - LUCKY JIM goes for his fourteenth straight win. This week he is challenged by CORLEONE KOSMOS. This may be the week Lucky Jim's streak gets snapped. ARCH MADNESS and IN FOCUS will likely compete for minor spoils.
Since there were not enough entries, there are no eliminations for the William Haughton Memorial so the FFAs have a $35,000 prep race to get ready for next week's $500,000 final. These types of races show the reason there should be no eliminations; horses should be seeded by money earnings to these races. How hard is someone going to try to win $17,500 when next week the win will be worth $250,000? This should be a non-wagering event. That being said, this should be a good race to watch as Mister Big makes his third start of the year against horses like Dali, Art Official and Palone Ranger.
Enjoy the racing and have a great weekend.
Here is a brief recap of Historic Series races this weekend at the Meadowlands.
Friday Night
Coaching Club Trotting Oaks (3yo fillies) - 1st Division - Look for MARGARITA MOMMA to continue her march to the Hambo Oaks. ONE TOUCH GIRL seems to be rounding into form and tries open company for the first time since last year's Breeders Crown races.
Coaching Club Trotting Oaks (3yo fillies) - 2nd Division - TIMELESSWINNER TWO is the obvious standout in this race having won the Currier & Ives and a PASS at the Meadows. BROADWAY SCHOONER seems to be back in form after her 1:54.3 PASS effort at the Meadows and Dave Palone comes in to take the drive. She showed some ability in the Bluegrass Stakes at Lexington last year before she quit in the stretch. DANCING FILLY is clearly not as talented as the top picks but this shipper for Hoosier Park does show some money on her card from last year's grand circuit campaign so she may wake up.
Dickerson Cup Trot (3yo C&G) - 1st Division - This is the race I have been waiting for. I am looking to see if RUSSELL HILL is truly a Hambo colt. After winning the final of the Empire Breeders Championship at Vernon Downs, he has reeled of three easy wins in the NYSS. HOT SHOT BLUE CHIP will also be tested for class. I see a possible upset chance for NEIGHSAY HANOVER (15-1) as this is the easiest field he has meet this year (having been beat by some horses named Muscle Hill, Duded Up and Federal Flex).
Dickerson Cup Trot (3yo C&G) - 2nd Division - This is an interesting race. EXPLOSIVE MATTER makes his third start of the year in this race. After winning a PASS race at Pocono Downs, he got beat after a tough trip in a high conditioned race at the Meadowlands. This winner of five out of six last year can show he is a serious contender to Muscle Hill in the Hambo (Muscle Hill was not eligible to the Dickerson). CITATION LINDY looks to regroup after some moderate early season success. If he stays flat he may be a threat. SYMPHONIC HANOVER is stepping up into stakes company for the first time this year.
Ladyship Stakes Pace (3yo fillies) - INDULGE ME is my choice. Having finished 3rd to Not Enough in the Lismore Final, she won her division of the NYSS at Monticello in 1:54,3. PRECIOUS STONE and ARBEEDO complete my selections for this race.
There is also a Preferred Mares Pace on the card worthy of note. BUCK I ST PAT makes her first start after her disappointing ninth place finish in the Matchmaker. Now tighter, she should make a better show of her self. If BUCK is not ready, FALLS FOR YOU may be pick up the peices with STAGE SHOW and SPICE QUEEN competing for the show place.
Saturday
Jersey Cup Pace (3yo C&G) - PASSMASTER HANOVER looks to regroup after last week's disappointing eighth place finish at Mohawk. DRINK UP and AMAZIN ART lead a three horse entry competing against Passmaster.
Titan Cup Trot (FFA) - LUCKY JIM goes for his fourteenth straight win. This week he is challenged by CORLEONE KOSMOS. This may be the week Lucky Jim's streak gets snapped. ARCH MADNESS and IN FOCUS will likely compete for minor spoils.
Since there were not enough entries, there are no eliminations for the William Haughton Memorial so the FFAs have a $35,000 prep race to get ready for next week's $500,000 final. These types of races show the reason there should be no eliminations; horses should be seeded by money earnings to these races. How hard is someone going to try to win $17,500 when next week the win will be worth $250,000? This should be a non-wagering event. That being said, this should be a good race to watch as Mister Big makes his third start of the year against horses like Dali, Art Official and Palone Ranger.
Enjoy the racing and have a great weekend.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Hills and Historic Week
At Yonkers last night, Russell Hill (a horse we previously discussed) won his division of the NYSS for 3yo trotting colts in 1:59.4 on an off track in a wire-to-wire effort. While I thought Russell Hill and Donttellmywife might be dueling each other in the NYSS this year, it has become apparent that Russell Hill has become the dominant 3yo trotting colt in NY and one has to wonder when he will step out of the comfort of the sire stakes program to take on open company. I know Russell Hill is eligible for the Hambo, but even though he has previously won over the Meadowlands oval, he has to step up to show he is the caliber of a Hambo winner.
Muscle Hill qualified on Thursday in 1:55.1 to win by over eighteen lengths. His next pari-mutuel start is on July 17 in the Stanley Dancer Trot. Muscle Hill is certainly a talented horse but qualifiers are not the same as a regular race (see what happened to Buck I St Pat last week at the Meadowlands). While trainer Greg Peck is doing all he can to have Muscle Hill ready, you have to wonder with only one more purse start on the schedule before the Hambletonian eliminations, if this is the year where the Donato Hanover-Deweycheatemnhowe road to the Hambo will be derailed.
Next week the Grand Circuit is making two stops. First, Grand Circuit racing at the Meadowlands will consist of the Historic Series, races which used to be held at Historic Track in Goshen when there used to be a short pari-mutuel meet. While there will be a lot of two year old races during Historic week, it is always an enjoyable week of top flight racing.
The Grand Circuit is also stopping at Historic Track. If you happen to be in town for Historic Week at the Meadowlands, take a short trip (just over an hour) up to Historic Track for some competetive racing, albeit it non wagering. There will be more than enough time to get back to the Meadowlands for the evening card.
Just checked the schedule of TVG for tonight. While the entire Mohawk card is not being broadcast the stakes events are well represented on their TV schedule. Check the races out if you can, our year end champions may be racing tonight.
Muscle Hill qualified on Thursday in 1:55.1 to win by over eighteen lengths. His next pari-mutuel start is on July 17 in the Stanley Dancer Trot. Muscle Hill is certainly a talented horse but qualifiers are not the same as a regular race (see what happened to Buck I St Pat last week at the Meadowlands). While trainer Greg Peck is doing all he can to have Muscle Hill ready, you have to wonder with only one more purse start on the schedule before the Hambletonian eliminations, if this is the year where the Donato Hanover-Deweycheatemnhowe road to the Hambo will be derailed.
Next week the Grand Circuit is making two stops. First, Grand Circuit racing at the Meadowlands will consist of the Historic Series, races which used to be held at Historic Track in Goshen when there used to be a short pari-mutuel meet. While there will be a lot of two year old races during Historic week, it is always an enjoyable week of top flight racing.
The Grand Circuit is also stopping at Historic Track. If you happen to be in town for Historic Week at the Meadowlands, take a short trip (just over an hour) up to Historic Track for some competetive racing, albeit it non wagering. There will be more than enough time to get back to the Meadowlands for the evening card.
Just checked the schedule of TVG for tonight. While the entire Mohawk card is not being broadcast the stakes events are well represented on their TV schedule. Check the races out if you can, our year end champions may be racing tonight.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Other Stakes Action, Promoting in New Jersey (Lack Of)
While the attention of North American harness racing fans is drawn to Mohwak Raceway this Saturday night, there is still some other races of note going on elsewhere.
Tonight at the Meadowlands, is the $246,000 Lady Liberty Final for FFA Pacing Mares. Southwind Tempo, Darlins Delight and Tug River Princess will be competing for the winner's share of the purse. Being Southwind Tempo and Tug River Princess are coupled, don't expect a big mutuel payoff. In the Invitational Trot is Lucky Jim, now going for his 13th straight win. What adds a little intrigue to this race is that Lucky Jim broke in his qualifier, finishing 3rd, 33 lengths behind. Likeabatoutofhell may be the one to snap the streak.
Saturday night at Northfield Park is the $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie. While no marquee horse is in the race, for those in Ohio, it is an opportunity to see a quality race. I will look at Blueridge Western to post a minor upset.
As for promoting the sport locally, on the Delmarva circuit, you have the show Post Time with host Heather Vitale-Moffett This weekly show highlights racing at Dover, Harrington and Ocean Downs and has been running consecutively since July of 1998. The show is both entertaining and informative and spreads interest in the sport. If you have not seen the show, take a look. In Pennsylvania, there is PA Harness Week which features racing from Pocono Downs and Chester Downs. What show covers racing in New Jersey? None. I understand that things are not going well in New Jersey for harness racing and when things get tough, the tendency is to cut spending. However, how is the industry putting their best foot forward to the New Jersey public? They aren't.
Let's call this fictional show New Jersey in Harness. As part of this show, not only do we show racing from the Meadowlands and Freehold, but we will also highligh our training and breeding farms as well as the human interest stories which will show how racing is important to the state. In other words, the people of New Jersey gets exposed to the benefits of racing while being shown it is not a sport just for degenerate gamblers. Not only will this help in the campaign to get VLTs at the tracks but it may help develop new fans. Does producing a weekly show cost money? Sure. But what is the cost of not doing it?
Tonight at the Meadowlands, is the $246,000 Lady Liberty Final for FFA Pacing Mares. Southwind Tempo, Darlins Delight and Tug River Princess will be competing for the winner's share of the purse. Being Southwind Tempo and Tug River Princess are coupled, don't expect a big mutuel payoff. In the Invitational Trot is Lucky Jim, now going for his 13th straight win. What adds a little intrigue to this race is that Lucky Jim broke in his qualifier, finishing 3rd, 33 lengths behind. Likeabatoutofhell may be the one to snap the streak.
Saturday night at Northfield Park is the $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie. While no marquee horse is in the race, for those in Ohio, it is an opportunity to see a quality race. I will look at Blueridge Western to post a minor upset.
As for promoting the sport locally, on the Delmarva circuit, you have the show Post Time with host Heather Vitale-Moffett This weekly show highlights racing at Dover, Harrington and Ocean Downs and has been running consecutively since July of 1998. The show is both entertaining and informative and spreads interest in the sport. If you have not seen the show, take a look. In Pennsylvania, there is PA Harness Week which features racing from Pocono Downs and Chester Downs. What show covers racing in New Jersey? None. I understand that things are not going well in New Jersey for harness racing and when things get tough, the tendency is to cut spending. However, how is the industry putting their best foot forward to the New Jersey public? They aren't.
Let's call this fictional show New Jersey in Harness. As part of this show, not only do we show racing from the Meadowlands and Freehold, but we will also highligh our training and breeding farms as well as the human interest stories which will show how racing is important to the state. In other words, the people of New Jersey gets exposed to the benefits of racing while being shown it is not a sport just for degenerate gamblers. Not only will this help in the campaign to get VLTs at the tracks but it may help develop new fans. Does producing a weekly show cost money? Sure. But what is the cost of not doing it?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Another Track on the Ropes
Lebanon Raceway in Ohio is on the ropes. According to a USTA report, Lebanon has until July 16 to post their performance bond in order to race their fall meet. Failure to post the bond will result in the fall meet being cancelled as their license will be revoked. Odds are that would be the end of Lebanon Raceway.
You would never have thought that harness racing in Ohio, would be in such a precarious situation, but as in other states it is hard to keep things going. Some of the politcos are against expanding gambling, yet the state has severe have budget problems.
Who are they kidding? Why are these politicos being so stubborn? Moral arguments make no sense. Unless they close the borders to Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia, and Michigan the people of Ohio are gambling on slots. How much money is flowing out the state which could be used to keep programs for Ohio's neediest intact without raising taxes, not to mention supporting Ohio's vast breeding industry as well as the racetracks (a revenue source).
If the legislature refuses to approve the VLTs the people of Ohio should vote the bums out and elect people who will do what is best for all the citizens of Ohio.
Meadowlands Update: The decline continues. Read this article for more information.
You would never have thought that harness racing in Ohio, would be in such a precarious situation, but as in other states it is hard to keep things going. Some of the politcos are against expanding gambling, yet the state has severe have budget problems.
Who are they kidding? Why are these politicos being so stubborn? Moral arguments make no sense. Unless they close the borders to Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia, and Michigan the people of Ohio are gambling on slots. How much money is flowing out the state which could be used to keep programs for Ohio's neediest intact without raising taxes, not to mention supporting Ohio's vast breeding industry as well as the racetracks (a revenue source).
If the legislature refuses to approve the VLTs the people of Ohio should vote the bums out and elect people who will do what is best for all the citizens of Ohio.
Meadowlands Update: The decline continues. Read this article for more information.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Stakes Night Saturday Night, Conspiracy Theory, Nashville Star
Stakes Night Saturday Night
What a great night of racing last night. Starting in New Jersey, you had the NJSS finals for 3yo trotters and you had two large stake races for NJ sired 3yo pacers. Across the river, you had stake races for open 3yo pacers. North of the border, Mohawk offered four divisions of the Burlington and finals for the Classic series. Just looking at those races, you had fourteen big races.
Wouldn't it be great if somehow those races could have been packaged as 'Stakes Night Saturday Night" and then marketed to ADWs, such as TVG? Granted TVG favors the runners, but last night in addition to the Meadowlands, they managed to cover the two stake races from Yonkers, so they will cover the big races. TVG doesn't want to dedicate their feed to an evening of live coverage of an all harness racing program? Set up a network of cable channels like Fox Sports Net to cover the program with TVG harness talent handling the broadcast with additional talent and let them mention they can bet through their TVG/ADW accounts.
Can't be done? Why not? If you watch TVG now you see at times that Fox Sports Net in certain areas takes TVG's coverage. I have seen times when big races occurs out of state that the local Fox Sports Net will take the TVG broadcast. It is a win-win situation. A cable channel like Fox gets a large block of live sports programming, TVG (or another ADW) gets basically a free commercial on another channel and is able to take wagering on the event. Harness racing gets exposure for their biggest races.
Yes, I know some people will complain about a large takeout at a specific track. That needs to be worked on, but you also need to have a package that you can show off to a potential group of customers. Hopefully we can get something like this done.
Conspiracy Theory?
Stumbled upon this posting from Mibredclaimer who blogs on the thorougbred racing side of the aisle regarding the situation in Michigan. Can someone explain why the state of Michigan is looking to cut spending on the Office of the Racing Commission (ORC). In 2008, the state of MI took in $8.1 million in revenue from racing and spent $3.2 million on the racing commission. The state makes money on racing. Why would you cut out income if you have a budget crisis?
A Nashville Star
For those of you who have not seen this before, here is a little song which you will be able to related to. Who knows, one day we may lose Steve Warrington to Nashville if we aren't careful.
What a great night of racing last night. Starting in New Jersey, you had the NJSS finals for 3yo trotters and you had two large stake races for NJ sired 3yo pacers. Across the river, you had stake races for open 3yo pacers. North of the border, Mohawk offered four divisions of the Burlington and finals for the Classic series. Just looking at those races, you had fourteen big races.
Wouldn't it be great if somehow those races could have been packaged as 'Stakes Night Saturday Night" and then marketed to ADWs, such as TVG? Granted TVG favors the runners, but last night in addition to the Meadowlands, they managed to cover the two stake races from Yonkers, so they will cover the big races. TVG doesn't want to dedicate their feed to an evening of live coverage of an all harness racing program? Set up a network of cable channels like Fox Sports Net to cover the program with TVG harness talent handling the broadcast with additional talent and let them mention they can bet through their TVG/ADW accounts.
Can't be done? Why not? If you watch TVG now you see at times that Fox Sports Net in certain areas takes TVG's coverage. I have seen times when big races occurs out of state that the local Fox Sports Net will take the TVG broadcast. It is a win-win situation. A cable channel like Fox gets a large block of live sports programming, TVG (or another ADW) gets basically a free commercial on another channel and is able to take wagering on the event. Harness racing gets exposure for their biggest races.
Yes, I know some people will complain about a large takeout at a specific track. That needs to be worked on, but you also need to have a package that you can show off to a potential group of customers. Hopefully we can get something like this done.
Conspiracy Theory?
Stumbled upon this posting from Mibredclaimer who blogs on the thorougbred racing side of the aisle regarding the situation in Michigan. Can someone explain why the state of Michigan is looking to cut spending on the Office of the Racing Commission (ORC). In 2008, the state of MI took in $8.1 million in revenue from racing and spent $3.2 million on the racing commission. The state makes money on racing. Why would you cut out income if you have a budget crisis?
A Nashville Star
For those of you who have not seen this before, here is a little song which you will be able to related to. Who knows, one day we may lose Steve Warrington to Nashville if we aren't careful.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The March to the Hambo/Hambo Oaks - NJ Edition, Yonkers Stakes Highlights
Well, the NJSS finals at the Meadowlands for 3yo trotters have concluded.
In the NJSS Final for 3yo filly trotters, Margarita Momma outfinished Gabby's Dream to win by a neck in 1:55.3 on a good track. For me Gabby's Dream was more impressive being hard used and parked to the half. That being said, from what I have seen thus far this season, Margarita Momma seems to get all the luck; should the luck go her way, Gabby's Dream could be there on August 8th. Of course, this race was against state breds; it will be interesting to see the both of them against open company.
In the NJSS Final for 3yo colt trotters what can you say? The march of Muscle Hill continues. Muscle Hill easily dominated the field to win handily in 1:53.3 over the same off track. The horse that interested me, Vesuvio AS finished 4th six lengths back. I would be disappointed in Vesuvio AS's finish except he was parked half of the mile, three wide at the 3/4s. I need to see another race from Vesuvio to see if he is still a legitimate contender.
Interesting is the fact that Muscle Hill was part of a five horse entry due to common ownership. The entry took the first three positions and four of the top five. There were two entries in this race so out of the ten horses there were only five betting interests. The Meadowlands was wise to cancel place and show wagering. One needs to wonder if it would have made sense to card this race as a non-wagering event instead of having a non-bettable race for gamblers.
In other action, Showherthemoney pleased the crowd by winning the Miss New Jersey Pace for 3yo filly pacers in 1:50.4. Personal favorite McGibson got jammed in and got loose late. Whether or not McGibson would have caught Showherthemoney is hard to say. What I can say, why McGibson may not be Linda Toscano's first team, McGibson will be heard from often this year.
In the NJ Classic for 3yo pacing colts, Passmaster Havover won a thrilling stretch duel against Dial or Nodial who finished third. Three times Passmaster Hanover passed Dial or Nodial and twice Dial or Nodial came back, but the third time was the charm for Passmaster. Dial or Nodial threw in a couple of bad steps at the end, but that is understandable considering the pressure. The time for the mile was 1:50.2.
These were four great races celebrating the strength of the NJ sired horse. With a lot of the stallions and broodmares having left the state for greener (slot) pastures, you have to wonder if this may have been the last year a leading Hambo contender will be prepping in NJSS races and whether NJ sired horses will be as relevant in the future.
Over at Yonkers Raceway, Not Enough makes it five for five this year winning the $293,000 Lismore Final for 3yo pacing fillies easily in 1:53.4 (good track). Once Not Enough got to the lead it was all over. In the $421,000 Art Rooney Final for 3yo pacing colts, If I Can Dream won the race in 1:55.3. Hypnotic Blue Chip for the second time this year jumped off stride in the big money race (last time the Berrys Creek). Hypnotic Blue Chip was leading into the final turn when he jumped and went inside the pylons. Barber Pole, one of the preseason favorites was disappointing again.
In the NJSS Final for 3yo filly trotters, Margarita Momma outfinished Gabby's Dream to win by a neck in 1:55.3 on a good track. For me Gabby's Dream was more impressive being hard used and parked to the half. That being said, from what I have seen thus far this season, Margarita Momma seems to get all the luck; should the luck go her way, Gabby's Dream could be there on August 8th. Of course, this race was against state breds; it will be interesting to see the both of them against open company.
In the NJSS Final for 3yo colt trotters what can you say? The march of Muscle Hill continues. Muscle Hill easily dominated the field to win handily in 1:53.3 over the same off track. The horse that interested me, Vesuvio AS finished 4th six lengths back. I would be disappointed in Vesuvio AS's finish except he was parked half of the mile, three wide at the 3/4s. I need to see another race from Vesuvio to see if he is still a legitimate contender.
Interesting is the fact that Muscle Hill was part of a five horse entry due to common ownership. The entry took the first three positions and four of the top five. There were two entries in this race so out of the ten horses there were only five betting interests. The Meadowlands was wise to cancel place and show wagering. One needs to wonder if it would have made sense to card this race as a non-wagering event instead of having a non-bettable race for gamblers.
In other action, Showherthemoney pleased the crowd by winning the Miss New Jersey Pace for 3yo filly pacers in 1:50.4. Personal favorite McGibson got jammed in and got loose late. Whether or not McGibson would have caught Showherthemoney is hard to say. What I can say, why McGibson may not be Linda Toscano's first team, McGibson will be heard from often this year.
In the NJ Classic for 3yo pacing colts, Passmaster Havover won a thrilling stretch duel against Dial or Nodial who finished third. Three times Passmaster Hanover passed Dial or Nodial and twice Dial or Nodial came back, but the third time was the charm for Passmaster. Dial or Nodial threw in a couple of bad steps at the end, but that is understandable considering the pressure. The time for the mile was 1:50.2.
These were four great races celebrating the strength of the NJ sired horse. With a lot of the stallions and broodmares having left the state for greener (slot) pastures, you have to wonder if this may have been the last year a leading Hambo contender will be prepping in NJSS races and whether NJ sired horses will be as relevant in the future.
Over at Yonkers Raceway, Not Enough makes it five for five this year winning the $293,000 Lismore Final for 3yo pacing fillies easily in 1:53.4 (good track). Once Not Enough got to the lead it was all over. In the $421,000 Art Rooney Final for 3yo pacing colts, If I Can Dream won the race in 1:55.3. Hypnotic Blue Chip for the second time this year jumped off stride in the big money race (last time the Berrys Creek). Hypnotic Blue Chip was leading into the final turn when he jumped and went inside the pylons. Barber Pole, one of the preseason favorites was disappointing again.
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