News comes that Explosive Matter is likely to bypass the Breeders Crown and instead race in the Premio Orsi Mangelli to be raced on November 1 in Milan, Italy. No doubt one of the factors involved in skipping the Crown is to get away from Muscle Hill, thus eliminating from the Crown the only horse with a remote chance to beat Muscle Hill, thus making it a virtual walkover.
While many would think this is just a case of a dodging Muscle Hill, this is a bold move. If Explosive Matter played it safe and raced in the Crown (likely there will be no eliminations), he would almost certainly pick up second place which means he could add $125,000 to his earnings for the year. By deciding to race in the Orsi Mangelli, Explosive Matter must deal with several obstacles; shipping and quarantine; racing against foreign horses; racing two heats; a different racing style (they have no qualms about racing parked out). Thus racing in the Orsi Mangelli is a gamble; especially when the purse traditionally has not been as large as the Breeders Crown final.
For sure, the stated desire regarding getting Explosive Matter European exposure will benefit him once he does begin his stud career; possibly even leading to a sale to European interests. However, this also provides another opportunity to compare the quality of our trotters versus the European trotters. Anytime we can have European horses racing in North America or our horses racing in Europe, standardbred racing on the whole wins. We should be thankful Explosive Matter's connections are not playing it safe. To Explosive Matter and his connections, we say "Buona Fortuna".
For those that have never seen the Premio Orsi Mangelli, here is a video of the 2004 edition won by Passionate Kemp.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Curtain Drops
So The Red Mile meet comes to an end. With the exception of the Breeder's Crown, the major stakes have come to an end (the Matron remains for the few hardy horses and horsemen still around). The best horses will soon be heading off to stud or taking a well deserved vacation to get ready for next year's campaign.
The Red Mile meet is the proving ground of champions. Champions are crowned and impostors are exposed. Muscle Hill leaves Lexington as the greatest three year old trotter ever and leaves us wondering what would have been if he continued racing as an older horse. Well Said, who some (myself included) considered a lock for Horse of the Year if not for Muscle Hill, has been exposed to be merely the best three year old pacer of the crop, who if he does not turn out to be successful as a stud will quickly be forgotten. Holiday Road, who many had already anointed as next year's Hambletonian winner, failed at The Red Mile twice (once in the Simpson before the Grand Circuit came in) leaving people to wonder if we may have already seem the best from him. The meet gives hope to others, not only for two year old trotters Lucky Chucky and Winning Fireworks in their quest for Hambletonian gold, but winners of late closing events; late bloomers who in victory give their owners hope for next year's racing campaign.
With the Allerage stakes, we see what racing can be if we would be able to get successful horses racing past their three year old campaign. Buck I St Pat has been reaffirmed as queen of her division and with the decision to return to the racing wars next year, a return engagement to Sweden may be in the cards. Mister Big caps a successful career with a win in the Allerage showing us what a great FFA horse he has been; hopefully he will be successful in his new career as a stallion; perhaps encouraging others to defer retirement. With Mister Big departing the racing wars we learn Vintage Master will return, perhaps to fill the void Mister Big will leave.
Another wonderful thing about Grand Circuit racing at The Red Mile is it is an un-official festival of racing for horsemen, a two week period where they get to enjoy racing the way it ought to be. For two weeks, all of racing's problems go away. However, as Andrew Cohen reports, the storm clouds are gathering as the various stakeholder groups for some reason are unwilling or unable to tackle the ills which face racing. Unless racing attends to the serious challenges facing it, there may be no sport to celebrate. You don't want to miss Cohen's column; make sure to read it.
The Red Mile meet is the proving ground of champions. Champions are crowned and impostors are exposed. Muscle Hill leaves Lexington as the greatest three year old trotter ever and leaves us wondering what would have been if he continued racing as an older horse. Well Said, who some (myself included) considered a lock for Horse of the Year if not for Muscle Hill, has been exposed to be merely the best three year old pacer of the crop, who if he does not turn out to be successful as a stud will quickly be forgotten. Holiday Road, who many had already anointed as next year's Hambletonian winner, failed at The Red Mile twice (once in the Simpson before the Grand Circuit came in) leaving people to wonder if we may have already seem the best from him. The meet gives hope to others, not only for two year old trotters Lucky Chucky and Winning Fireworks in their quest for Hambletonian gold, but winners of late closing events; late bloomers who in victory give their owners hope for next year's racing campaign.
With the Allerage stakes, we see what racing can be if we would be able to get successful horses racing past their three year old campaign. Buck I St Pat has been reaffirmed as queen of her division and with the decision to return to the racing wars next year, a return engagement to Sweden may be in the cards. Mister Big caps a successful career with a win in the Allerage showing us what a great FFA horse he has been; hopefully he will be successful in his new career as a stallion; perhaps encouraging others to defer retirement. With Mister Big departing the racing wars we learn Vintage Master will return, perhaps to fill the void Mister Big will leave.
Another wonderful thing about Grand Circuit racing at The Red Mile is it is an un-official festival of racing for horsemen, a two week period where they get to enjoy racing the way it ought to be. For two weeks, all of racing's problems go away. However, as Andrew Cohen reports, the storm clouds are gathering as the various stakeholder groups for some reason are unwilling or unable to tackle the ills which face racing. Unless racing attends to the serious challenges facing it, there may be no sport to celebrate. You don't want to miss Cohen's column; make sure to read it.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Death Blow to New Jersey?
Racing in New Jersey as we know it may becoming to an end.
Governor Corzine has now gone on record as opposing VLTs at the Meadowlands. This pronouncement has been made while his blue ribbon panel is still meeting on a monthly basis. Rest assured casino interests are popping open their champagne with Corzine's latest pronouncement. With Corzine now being on the record as anti-VLT along with his major party opponent Chris Christie and the anticipated new Senate President being anti-VLTs, the chances of getting VLTs anytime in the next four years is virtually zilch.
Racing in New Jersey, both thoroughbred and standardbred are approaching critical times. Even with the current purse supplement the Meadowlands has been receiving, they have not been able to compete against surrounding states for horses. With a governor and a senate president both opposed to VLTs despite studies which show NJ would benefit with VLTs being introduced at the Meadowlands (all tracks to be precise), how much mood for compromising will the casino interests be within the framework of the blue ribbon panel of gaming and racing interests? Purse supplements? New Jersey racing has been losing ground with the current level of funding from the casinos, how likely will Atlantic City interests be willing to continue funding at increased or at a level the same level as it is with this past agreement? You will be lucky to get gaming interests to agree to any supplements, if at all (Corzine has been non-committal with regards to supplements continuing). The state supplement racing? Highly unlikely considering the constant budget problems the state has every year.
The scenario in New Jersey is certainly bleak. The state, by heeding the call of Atlantic City lobbyists will not only be destroying the horse racing industry, but is forfeiting money which New Jersey residents are spending at racinos in New York and Pennsylvania. How can this play out? Here is one scenario of what can happen:
Expect Freehold Raceway to close after the 2010 season if not earlier. The Meadowlands will become the new Freehold with race cards full of $7,500 claimers, maidens, and non-winners of $3000 conditions.
Horsemen, who will be racing for much smaller purses, will no longer be willing to have the big stake races draining the purse account. The stakes program the Meadowlands currently has will be savaged with the Hambletonian being sent packing and many more of the stake races either cancelled, moved or have significant purse cuts. All of a sudden, all that bad mouthing of a half mile track will disappear, we may have leading trotters actually race in the Yonkers Trot. The strong NJSS program will become a shell of itself as not only will the funding dry up but all the remaining top tier sires will be leaving the state. Racing on a national level will go through a period of turmoil until the industry figures out how the dust will settle.
There was one morsel an extreme optimist could hold on to. Corzine did indicate while opposed to VLTs, if it was going to come, he would do it all the way, meaning a full casino. However, this likely was theoretical rather than reality.
Hopefully, the political winds will change but if not, winter is coming to New Jersey racing and it may never leave.
Governor Corzine has now gone on record as opposing VLTs at the Meadowlands. This pronouncement has been made while his blue ribbon panel is still meeting on a monthly basis. Rest assured casino interests are popping open their champagne with Corzine's latest pronouncement. With Corzine now being on the record as anti-VLT along with his major party opponent Chris Christie and the anticipated new Senate President being anti-VLTs, the chances of getting VLTs anytime in the next four years is virtually zilch.
Racing in New Jersey, both thoroughbred and standardbred are approaching critical times. Even with the current purse supplement the Meadowlands has been receiving, they have not been able to compete against surrounding states for horses. With a governor and a senate president both opposed to VLTs despite studies which show NJ would benefit with VLTs being introduced at the Meadowlands (all tracks to be precise), how much mood for compromising will the casino interests be within the framework of the blue ribbon panel of gaming and racing interests? Purse supplements? New Jersey racing has been losing ground with the current level of funding from the casinos, how likely will Atlantic City interests be willing to continue funding at increased or at a level the same level as it is with this past agreement? You will be lucky to get gaming interests to agree to any supplements, if at all (Corzine has been non-committal with regards to supplements continuing). The state supplement racing? Highly unlikely considering the constant budget problems the state has every year.
The scenario in New Jersey is certainly bleak. The state, by heeding the call of Atlantic City lobbyists will not only be destroying the horse racing industry, but is forfeiting money which New Jersey residents are spending at racinos in New York and Pennsylvania. How can this play out? Here is one scenario of what can happen:
Expect Freehold Raceway to close after the 2010 season if not earlier. The Meadowlands will become the new Freehold with race cards full of $7,500 claimers, maidens, and non-winners of $3000 conditions.
Horsemen, who will be racing for much smaller purses, will no longer be willing to have the big stake races draining the purse account. The stakes program the Meadowlands currently has will be savaged with the Hambletonian being sent packing and many more of the stake races either cancelled, moved or have significant purse cuts. All of a sudden, all that bad mouthing of a half mile track will disappear, we may have leading trotters actually race in the Yonkers Trot. The strong NJSS program will become a shell of itself as not only will the funding dry up but all the remaining top tier sires will be leaving the state. Racing on a national level will go through a period of turmoil until the industry figures out how the dust will settle.
There was one morsel an extreme optimist could hold on to. Corzine did indicate while opposed to VLTs, if it was going to come, he would do it all the way, meaning a full casino. However, this likely was theoretical rather than reality.
Hopefully, the political winds will change but if not, winter is coming to New Jersey racing and it may never leave.
How Not to Promote Your Track
It is generally acknowledged that a company often makes their first impression by their website. Often, before a person ever contacts the company, the customer will check the company's website to learn about the company and see even if they want to do business with them. A horrible website, and an opportunity to connect with the customer is long gone. It is no different when it comes to racetracks. An attractive website may draw new customers in while a poor website may result in the racetrack losing business; they may as well not have a website.
One of the worst harness track websites has to be Freehold Raceway. I am not talking about handicapping information; the website is one of the most unimaginative websites out there. It is dull, lacking color, and the design has not been changed in years. Looking at this website, you can't even easily tell if there is dining available. The site is not being kept up to date as the last entry for publicity is September 7.
Yes, most wagering is done off-site through simulcasting or ADW wagering, but tracks should be at least trying to get some people to show up at the track. Let's say a couple is visiting the area and when they ask someone what there is to do, they get told there is a racetrack as well as several other entertainment options. Do you think after this couple checks out Freehold's website there is any real chance they are going to the track for an afternoon of entertainment? What about someone who lives in the area looking for a different entertainment option; is this website going to entice them?
On the other hand, let's take a look at Northfield Park's website. Here is another track that also has no alternative gaming but at least their website is inviting and colorful. Not only is there racing but someone visiting the website can easily see dining is available and other things are going on. The Northfield website not only provides information, it promotes the track. Someone visiting the area or a local resident looking for something to do may, after looking at the website, be tempted to come to the track. Their site promotes the sport and the racetrack. As a result of the website, Northfield Park is a valid entertainment option.
A website tells a companies story. Sometimes there is no second chance.
Side note: The Meadowlands has redesigned their website. There are a couple of glitches and is now geared towards the thoroughbreds for their season, but it is worth a look. You can take a look here.
One of the worst harness track websites has to be Freehold Raceway. I am not talking about handicapping information; the website is one of the most unimaginative websites out there. It is dull, lacking color, and the design has not been changed in years. Looking at this website, you can't even easily tell if there is dining available. The site is not being kept up to date as the last entry for publicity is September 7.
Yes, most wagering is done off-site through simulcasting or ADW wagering, but tracks should be at least trying to get some people to show up at the track. Let's say a couple is visiting the area and when they ask someone what there is to do, they get told there is a racetrack as well as several other entertainment options. Do you think after this couple checks out Freehold's website there is any real chance they are going to the track for an afternoon of entertainment? What about someone who lives in the area looking for a different entertainment option; is this website going to entice them?
On the other hand, let's take a look at Northfield Park's website. Here is another track that also has no alternative gaming but at least their website is inviting and colorful. Not only is there racing but someone visiting the website can easily see dining is available and other things are going on. The Northfield website not only provides information, it promotes the track. Someone visiting the area or a local resident looking for something to do may, after looking at the website, be tempted to come to the track. Their site promotes the sport and the racetrack. As a result of the website, Northfield Park is a valid entertainment option.
A website tells a companies story. Sometimes there is no second chance.
Side note: The Meadowlands has redesigned their website. There are a couple of glitches and is now geared towards the thoroughbreds for their season, but it is worth a look. You can take a look here.
Friday, October 9, 2009
France Says No to Betfair, The Grand Finale
In perhaps far reaching news news, the French government has revised their betting laws opening up for the first time their markets to foreign betting operators provided they pay revenue to the government and the sport producing the product. In effect, if a bookmaking company wants to accept wagers on harness racing at Vincennes, the track needs to be compensated. However, in an important ruling, the new legislation effectively outlaws Betfair as betting exchanges have been banned. While betting exchanges accounts for just under 10% of the wagering market it has been growing. The reason betting exchanges have been outlawed is that they don't contribute funds to the sport the wagers are being accepted on. This legislation can be far reaching as British interests are looking to get their government to outlaw betting exchanges as well.
This news will surely cause some turmoil. Some people were arguing betting exchanges were the wave of the future as it allows new wagering opportunities with minimal cost to the bettors. However, it is unreasonable to expect any sport to produce a product and have other people profit on their product without sharing part of the revenue. Yes, it may be old way thinking but it is a question of fairness. It is one thing to when Joe and John have a personal bet on their own on a sporting event; it is totally different when a company makes money facilitating this type of wager.
That being said, racing needs to offer new wagering opportunities to their fans besides the traditional win-place-show and exotic wagers currently offered; perhaps some proposition wagers like which driver will win the most races on a program. It is also important to get the takeout reduced so the need for betting exchanges is greatly reduced; the main reason the exchanges exist is to circumvent the onerous takeout rates. Rather than gloating, racing interests need to take heed as to why betting exchanges have been popular in the first place and correct the situation, otherwise people will flock to other betting alternatives.
Saturday not only brings the curtain down on The Red Mile grand circuit meet, it is the unofficial end to the regular season for the stars and upcoming stars of harness racing. After this week, the only major stakes races remaining for the year are the Breeders Crown eliminations and finals at Woodbine and The Matron Stakes at Dover Downs.
The Red Mile concludes with the strongest card of the meet. While Muscle Hill is taking the week off, Explosive Matter will be leading the Bluegrass Series for 3yo trotting colts and geldings. The Tattersalls for 3yo pacing colts and geldings features Well Said looking to complete the Little Brown Jug/Tattersalls double. Not to be out done, there are several divisions of the Allerage for older horses. Lanson leads the field for the Open Trot; Buck I St Pat leads the field for the Fillies & Mares Open Trot; Southwind Tempo leads the Fillies & Mares Pace; and a field of all-stars headlines the Horse & Gelding Pace. Even if you don’t wager on the card due to the likelihood of low pay-offs, if you are a fan of harness racing you want to watch this card if possible.
The third race is the first split of the Bluegrass. Russell Hill raced a credible fourth in the Kentucky Futurity elimination where he met Muscle Hill and Explosive Matter. He did scratch out of the second heat; no doubt because he had enough of the Hill and with the poor post draw his connections decided to call it a day. Russell Hill meets an easier field here and can start off the stakes portion of the card with a minor upset. Tom Cango finished fourth in his elimination of the Futurity and returned to finish third in the final; is the logical pick but draws poorly. Howthehaloareyou was victorious in a late closer; may be good enough to pick up the show position. Magic Carpet Ride raced against a very good field of aged trotters in last start. There is no Lanson in this race; must consider in exotics and is a possible long shot.
Lanson leads the field for the Allerage Open Trot (fourth race). Many of the same horses he beat last week return; no reason to think he can’t repeat. Gift Kronos finished second to the top pick in last race; completes chalk exacta. ABC Mercedes jumped last week when second; can pick up share if he minds his manners. Farifant may have enough to pick up the last position in the super.
Buck I St Pat is the overwhelming choice to win in a short field of five trotters in the fifth race, the Allerage for Fillies & Mare trotters; 1-9 is not impossible. Classic Lane is the choice in what really is a race for second. Diana Hall steps up but did show a decent line against Buck I St Pat in the Conway Hall at Vernon Downs. Dynamite Diva is the best of the rest.
In the Allerage Fillies & Mares Open for pacers (sixth race), Southwind Tempo is the horse to beat in another short field as she was very impressive in the Milton at Mohawk. Tug River Princess raced credible in her first start back against Southwind Tempo by finishing fourth after racing from the ten hole; lands second. Hana Hanover has been racing well all year; should complete trifecta. Apricot Brandy finished second in an overnight open here after a brief layoff; may sneak into exotics.
In the seventh race, the second split of the Bluegrass, Neighsay Hanover is a tepid pick to win. He is clearly the best but draws the worst of it. Photoforwin broke in last at Delaware but has a couple of third place finishes to Muscle Hill. If he minds his manners in his return to the larger oval and things don’t go Neighsay Hanover’s way he can deliver a shocking upset. Broadway Bistro draws inside and meets easier, completes the trifecta. Judge Joe’s best efforts are on the half mile racing on the lead; may improve this rating.
The eighth race, the Allerage for aged pacing horses and geldings brings the nation’s best aged pacers together. Being last week’s $10,000 elimination was raced to eliminate only one horse, don’t let last week’s races alone determine your picks. Shadow Play is one of the gutsiest horses around but unfortunately has soundness problems due to problem feet. In his first race back after a scratch-sick, he raced an uneventful fifth. Should be tighter this week if he makes it to the post; my pick with the money on the line. Mister Big is coming to a conclusion of a successful career. While the victories are spotty this year, don’t discount him with the ideal trip. Shark Gesture has been racing well; lands show. Art Official has lost a step from last year but can complete the superfecta.
The first division of The Tattersalls (ninth race) may be the more competitive of the two splits. Vintage Master seems to have bounced back from his performance in the second heat of the Jug; draws the worst of it but should be able to pick up the win position. Carnivore has turned into a nice colt; can once again pick up the place spot. Annieswesterncard has been racing out of the spotlight all year; I expect big things for this gelding as a four year old. In the meanwhile, my pick for show can improve with a trip to land second. Straight Shooting is the best of the rest.
The tenth race is another division of the Bluegrass. Explosive Matter may be 1-9 by race time and will show once again he had the misfortune of being born in the same year as Muscle Hill (no disgrace as he also earned over $1 million this season); romps as his connections consider racing him in the Orsi Mangell in Italy this November. Swan For All had to overcome problems as he has made only two starts this year. He has been undefeated in this shortened campaign. With his win in a 3yo open overnight in last, he may be fresh enough to pick up the second spot and add some value to the exacta. Calchips Brute has the back class to be a factor; can improve rating to compete for second. P J Clark had shown some success in Canada. Finished second to Swan For All, consider in exotics.
The second split of The Tattersalls (eleventh race) features the future pacer of the year Well Said. While I see him winning here, the Jug winner has shown he can throw a clunker in when his connections dip into the well once too often. If less than even money, watch and appreciate his abilities. If I Can Dream is the horse who can upset if the top pick is off. Hypnotic Blue Chip came out of the NYSS to finish third in Bluegrass against Vintage Master; possible If I Can Dream – Hypnotic Blue Chip exacta? Vertical Horizon has been racing well; draws the worst of it; completes the exotics.
Another great year of racing at The Red Mile comes to a conclusion on Saturday. Based on what we saw this meet, it looks like next year will be another great year of racing.
This news will surely cause some turmoil. Some people were arguing betting exchanges were the wave of the future as it allows new wagering opportunities with minimal cost to the bettors. However, it is unreasonable to expect any sport to produce a product and have other people profit on their product without sharing part of the revenue. Yes, it may be old way thinking but it is a question of fairness. It is one thing to when Joe and John have a personal bet on their own on a sporting event; it is totally different when a company makes money facilitating this type of wager.
That being said, racing needs to offer new wagering opportunities to their fans besides the traditional win-place-show and exotic wagers currently offered; perhaps some proposition wagers like which driver will win the most races on a program. It is also important to get the takeout reduced so the need for betting exchanges is greatly reduced; the main reason the exchanges exist is to circumvent the onerous takeout rates. Rather than gloating, racing interests need to take heed as to why betting exchanges have been popular in the first place and correct the situation, otherwise people will flock to other betting alternatives.
Saturday not only brings the curtain down on The Red Mile grand circuit meet, it is the unofficial end to the regular season for the stars and upcoming stars of harness racing. After this week, the only major stakes races remaining for the year are the Breeders Crown eliminations and finals at Woodbine and The Matron Stakes at Dover Downs.
The Red Mile concludes with the strongest card of the meet. While Muscle Hill is taking the week off, Explosive Matter will be leading the Bluegrass Series for 3yo trotting colts and geldings. The Tattersalls for 3yo pacing colts and geldings features Well Said looking to complete the Little Brown Jug/Tattersalls double. Not to be out done, there are several divisions of the Allerage for older horses. Lanson leads the field for the Open Trot; Buck I St Pat leads the field for the Fillies & Mares Open Trot; Southwind Tempo leads the Fillies & Mares Pace; and a field of all-stars headlines the Horse & Gelding Pace. Even if you don’t wager on the card due to the likelihood of low pay-offs, if you are a fan of harness racing you want to watch this card if possible.
The third race is the first split of the Bluegrass. Russell Hill raced a credible fourth in the Kentucky Futurity elimination where he met Muscle Hill and Explosive Matter. He did scratch out of the second heat; no doubt because he had enough of the Hill and with the poor post draw his connections decided to call it a day. Russell Hill meets an easier field here and can start off the stakes portion of the card with a minor upset. Tom Cango finished fourth in his elimination of the Futurity and returned to finish third in the final; is the logical pick but draws poorly. Howthehaloareyou was victorious in a late closer; may be good enough to pick up the show position. Magic Carpet Ride raced against a very good field of aged trotters in last start. There is no Lanson in this race; must consider in exotics and is a possible long shot.
Lanson leads the field for the Allerage Open Trot (fourth race). Many of the same horses he beat last week return; no reason to think he can’t repeat. Gift Kronos finished second to the top pick in last race; completes chalk exacta. ABC Mercedes jumped last week when second; can pick up share if he minds his manners. Farifant may have enough to pick up the last position in the super.
Buck I St Pat is the overwhelming choice to win in a short field of five trotters in the fifth race, the Allerage for Fillies & Mare trotters; 1-9 is not impossible. Classic Lane is the choice in what really is a race for second. Diana Hall steps up but did show a decent line against Buck I St Pat in the Conway Hall at Vernon Downs. Dynamite Diva is the best of the rest.
In the Allerage Fillies & Mares Open for pacers (sixth race), Southwind Tempo is the horse to beat in another short field as she was very impressive in the Milton at Mohawk. Tug River Princess raced credible in her first start back against Southwind Tempo by finishing fourth after racing from the ten hole; lands second. Hana Hanover has been racing well all year; should complete trifecta. Apricot Brandy finished second in an overnight open here after a brief layoff; may sneak into exotics.
In the seventh race, the second split of the Bluegrass, Neighsay Hanover is a tepid pick to win. He is clearly the best but draws the worst of it. Photoforwin broke in last at Delaware but has a couple of third place finishes to Muscle Hill. If he minds his manners in his return to the larger oval and things don’t go Neighsay Hanover’s way he can deliver a shocking upset. Broadway Bistro draws inside and meets easier, completes the trifecta. Judge Joe’s best efforts are on the half mile racing on the lead; may improve this rating.
The eighth race, the Allerage for aged pacing horses and geldings brings the nation’s best aged pacers together. Being last week’s $10,000 elimination was raced to eliminate only one horse, don’t let last week’s races alone determine your picks. Shadow Play is one of the gutsiest horses around but unfortunately has soundness problems due to problem feet. In his first race back after a scratch-sick, he raced an uneventful fifth. Should be tighter this week if he makes it to the post; my pick with the money on the line. Mister Big is coming to a conclusion of a successful career. While the victories are spotty this year, don’t discount him with the ideal trip. Shark Gesture has been racing well; lands show. Art Official has lost a step from last year but can complete the superfecta.
The first division of The Tattersalls (ninth race) may be the more competitive of the two splits. Vintage Master seems to have bounced back from his performance in the second heat of the Jug; draws the worst of it but should be able to pick up the win position. Carnivore has turned into a nice colt; can once again pick up the place spot. Annieswesterncard has been racing out of the spotlight all year; I expect big things for this gelding as a four year old. In the meanwhile, my pick for show can improve with a trip to land second. Straight Shooting is the best of the rest.
The tenth race is another division of the Bluegrass. Explosive Matter may be 1-9 by race time and will show once again he had the misfortune of being born in the same year as Muscle Hill (no disgrace as he also earned over $1 million this season); romps as his connections consider racing him in the Orsi Mangell in Italy this November. Swan For All had to overcome problems as he has made only two starts this year. He has been undefeated in this shortened campaign. With his win in a 3yo open overnight in last, he may be fresh enough to pick up the second spot and add some value to the exacta. Calchips Brute has the back class to be a factor; can improve rating to compete for second. P J Clark had shown some success in Canada. Finished second to Swan For All, consider in exotics.
The second split of The Tattersalls (eleventh race) features the future pacer of the year Well Said. While I see him winning here, the Jug winner has shown he can throw a clunker in when his connections dip into the well once too often. If less than even money, watch and appreciate his abilities. If I Can Dream is the horse who can upset if the top pick is off. Hypnotic Blue Chip came out of the NYSS to finish third in Bluegrass against Vintage Master; possible If I Can Dream – Hypnotic Blue Chip exacta? Vertical Horizon has been racing well; draws the worst of it; completes the exotics.
Another great year of racing at The Red Mile comes to a conclusion on Saturday. Based on what we saw this meet, it looks like next year will be another great year of racing.
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