Could time be running out on Atlantic City's monopoly in New Jersey? According to The Record, politicians on both sides of the aisle are starting to see Atlantic City's situation as being hopeless and unless Atlantic City starts showing some positive results and soon, the pro-AC sentiment within the legislature may begin to crumble.
Of course this doesn't mean it's time to start building the slot parlor in the Meadowlands; far from it. First of all the Governor and Senate President need to evolve on the issues; especially the President as he decides which bills get posted for a vote in the state Senate.
The assumption has always been a new casino would come to the Meadowlands and as of now it is the leading candidate. However Monmouth Park has been quietly lobbying for a casino as well. A casino in an entertainment district makes perfect sense, but who is to say the Essex County delegation which holds significant sway in the legislature won't seek casino gaming in Newark? Any new gaming in New Jersey requires a constitutional amendment and the more possible locations listed in a new constitutional amendment, the harder it will be to get an amendment through the referendum process
Meanwhile, on the racing front last evening, it was a hot sultry night at the Meadowlands and it resulted in the tying of the all-time world record for the fastest mile ever raced in the sport with Warrawee Needy pacing a 1:46.4 mile in his elimination of the William R. Haughton Memorial.
Here is a case where racing at four is helping a horse for last year was not the year people thought Warrawee Needy had the potential for. This race will help him greatly at stud. The same may be said for Sweet Lou who won his elimination of the Haughton as well.
As for the final next week, can a new world record be set? It isn't likely as this heat wave is due to break by then.
The Meadowlands Pace elimination was contested last night as well with Sunshine Beach winning in 1:48. The field for the Meadowlands Final with early driver assignments (changes will be made) and morning line is:
1 Odds On Equuleus (Campbell, 4-1)
2 Sunshine Beach (Brennan, 3-1)
3 Resistance Futile (Pierce,20-1)
4 Twilight Bonfire (TBD, 8-1)
5 Captaintreacherous (Tetrick, 6-5)
6 Sir Cary's Z Tam (P. Lachance, 30-1)
7 Johny Rock (A. Miller, 20-1)
8 Beach Memories (D. Miller, 5-1)
9 Wake Up Peter (Pierce, 10-1)
10 Rockin Amadeus (Gingras,15-1)
For those interested, here is a replay of the RUS events at Hanover and Saratoga Raceways last evening.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Enjoy Some Monté Racing This Weekend
The Monté racing season kicks into a higher gear with three races in North America. Tonight, the horses and riders will do battle in an exhibition race at Saratoga Harness while north of the border, RUS rolls into Hanover Raceway. On Sunday, the jockeys and their mounts show up at Goshen Historic.
Many of you are aware of Monté America, the group which is in charge of the rules for RUS in the United States with the USTA being the record keeper of these races, but there is a group in Canada as well, called RUS Ontario.
Each of these groups maintain a presence on Facebook and RUS Ontario is also on Twitter.
Why not check out each of these websites and see what is going on? No, the product may not yet be ready for pari-mutuel racing at present, but with some additional support, I am convinced we will see riders and horses on the pari-mutuel card within the next couple of years. In the meanwhile, the racing is enjoyable to watch.
Here is the last race at Hanover Raceway which was contested on May 11.
And here is a race at The Red Mile last year during the Grand Circuit.
Many of you are aware of Monté America, the group which is in charge of the rules for RUS in the United States with the USTA being the record keeper of these races, but there is a group in Canada as well, called RUS Ontario.
Each of these groups maintain a presence on Facebook and RUS Ontario is also on Twitter.
Why not check out each of these websites and see what is going on? No, the product may not yet be ready for pari-mutuel racing at present, but with some additional support, I am convinced we will see riders and horses on the pari-mutuel card within the next couple of years. In the meanwhile, the racing is enjoyable to watch.
Here is the last race at Hanover Raceway which was contested on May 11.
And here is a race at The Red Mile last year during the Grand Circuit.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Weekend Stakes Action
As promised, here are my selections for the upcoming Grand Circuit races for this weekend. While I will give you my top three (or four if a superfecta) selections, our guest handicapper Lucky, the Super Dog is just giving out one horse in each race. Let me warn you now, this is Lucky's first endeavor into handicapping so take his picks with a grain of salt. Of course, with the way I have been doing of late, can it be much worse than my selections?
All kidding aside, my selections are made seriously. I just hit a dry patch and hopefully with these races this weekend, the drought will end.
Friday Night - July 5
1st Meadowlands - Reynolds Memorial (3yo filly trotters) 1st Division
4 - Ma Chere Hall (Callahan, 3-1)
3 - Shared Past (Tetrick, 2-1)
5 - True Day Dream (Gingras, 5-2)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #4, Ma Chere Hall
2nd Meadowlands - Reynolds Memorial (3yo filly trotters) 2nd Division
1 - Mistery Woman (Miller, 8-5)
2 - Raring To Go S (Berrry, 3-1)
5 - To Dream On (Gingras, 7-5)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #6, Perfect Alliance (Callahan, 10-1)
11th Meadowlands - Reynolds Memorial (3yo colt and gelding trotters)
4 - Banco Solo (Tetrick, 2-1)
2 - Creatine (Lachance, 3-1)
5 - Spider Blue Chip (Miller, 5-2)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #3, Muscle Mountain (Gingras, 7-2)
Saturday Night - July 6
6th Meadowlands - William R. Haughton Memorial Elimination (FFA) 1st Division
6 - Heston Blue Chip (Tetrick, 3-1)
3 - Warrawee Needy (Jamieson, 4-1)
8 - Our Lucky Chip (Buter, 15-1)
1A - Foiled Again (Gingras, 2-1)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #1, Huadragon (Miller) and #1A Foiled Again entry
6th Yonkers - Hudson Filly Trot (3yo Fillies)
6 - Andie Sophia (Stalbaum, 5-1)
3 - Lady Broadway (Goodell, 8-5)
1A - Royal Assets (Schnittker, 4-1)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #3, Lady Broadway
8th Meadowlands - William R. Haughton Memorial Elimination (FFA) 2nd Division
4 - Bolt The Duer (Macdonald, 2-1)
1 - Fred and Ginger (Pierce, 9-2)
8 - Sweet Lou (Gingras, 4-1)
3 - Bettor's Edge (Tetrick, 20-1)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #5, Up The Credit (Jamieson, 6-1)
,
10th Meadowlands - Meadowlands Pace Elimination (3yo Open)
8 - Beach Memories (Miller, 4-1)
6 - Lonewolf Currier (Tetrick, 10-1)
9 - Odds On Equuleus (Campbell, 8-1)
4 - Sunshine Beach (Brennan, 5-2)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #9, Odds On Equuleus
All kidding aside, my selections are made seriously. I just hit a dry patch and hopefully with these races this weekend, the drought will end.
Friday Night - July 5
1st Meadowlands - Reynolds Memorial (3yo filly trotters) 1st Division
4 - Ma Chere Hall (Callahan, 3-1)
3 - Shared Past (Tetrick, 2-1)
5 - True Day Dream (Gingras, 5-2)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #4, Ma Chere Hall
2nd Meadowlands - Reynolds Memorial (3yo filly trotters) 2nd Division
1 - Mistery Woman (Miller, 8-5)
2 - Raring To Go S (Berrry, 3-1)
5 - To Dream On (Gingras, 7-5)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #6, Perfect Alliance (Callahan, 10-1)
11th Meadowlands - Reynolds Memorial (3yo colt and gelding trotters)
4 - Banco Solo (Tetrick, 2-1)
2 - Creatine (Lachance, 3-1)
5 - Spider Blue Chip (Miller, 5-2)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #3, Muscle Mountain (Gingras, 7-2)
Saturday Night - July 6
6th Meadowlands - William R. Haughton Memorial Elimination (FFA) 1st Division
6 - Heston Blue Chip (Tetrick, 3-1)
3 - Warrawee Needy (Jamieson, 4-1)
8 - Our Lucky Chip (Buter, 15-1)
1A - Foiled Again (Gingras, 2-1)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #1, Huadragon (Miller) and #1A Foiled Again entry
6th Yonkers - Hudson Filly Trot (3yo Fillies)
6 - Andie Sophia (Stalbaum, 5-1)
3 - Lady Broadway (Goodell, 8-5)
1A - Royal Assets (Schnittker, 4-1)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #3, Lady Broadway
8th Meadowlands - William R. Haughton Memorial Elimination (FFA) 2nd Division
4 - Bolt The Duer (Macdonald, 2-1)
1 - Fred and Ginger (Pierce, 9-2)
8 - Sweet Lou (Gingras, 4-1)
3 - Bettor's Edge (Tetrick, 20-1)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #5, Up The Credit (Jamieson, 6-1)
,
10th Meadowlands - Meadowlands Pace Elimination (3yo Open)
8 - Beach Memories (Miller, 4-1)
6 - Lonewolf Currier (Tetrick, 10-1)
9 - Odds On Equuleus (Campbell, 8-1)
4 - Sunshine Beach (Brennan, 5-2)
Lucky the Wonder Dog: #9, Odds On Equuleus
Must Read
If you haven't yet read PTP's column from yesterday, you need to read it now. While it is written with the Ontario situation in mind, who are we kidding? This is a question which sooner or later will face every racing state in the United States, the only exception being there may not be money from the states to 'transition'. Both standardbred and thoroughbred (and even quarter horse) interests better be planning for the next phase of their evolution, otherwise there won't be an evolution, there will be extinction.
I understand the next phase is likely downsizing and while it would be great if everyone who wanted to work in racing was able to, it is not reality. People will be downsized out of jobs in racing and while it is distasteful, a strategy of holding on to the status quo at all costs is going to cause everyone to lose their jobs. I am not suggesting anyone pick and choose who goes and who stays; let economic realities decide that question. However, the unpleasant fact some people will no longer be involved in racing should not keep keep the industry from working on the future.
I understand the next phase is likely downsizing and while it would be great if everyone who wanted to work in racing was able to, it is not reality. People will be downsized out of jobs in racing and while it is distasteful, a strategy of holding on to the status quo at all costs is going to cause everyone to lose their jobs. I am not suggesting anyone pick and choose who goes and who stays; let economic realities decide that question. However, the unpleasant fact some people will no longer be involved in racing should not keep keep the industry from working on the future.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Questions, We Have Questions
I know shipping costs are high but is this an excuse to throw eight divisions of the Pennsylvania All Stars (for two year old trotting fillies) down horseplayers throat on Friday night? Was it really that long ago when stakes conditions used to say something to the effect if more than three divisions of a race were needed racetrack management had the right to conduct additional divisions on the next racing night? Not that this phenomenon is unique to Pocono Downs. New York for the same reason now cards their NYSS and Excelsior Stakes for the same age, sex, and gait on the same racing program. Nothing worse than having the first eight races at Monticello on Thursday evening for two year old pacing fillies. You have to get to race nine before you see an overnight event.
But then, when you are racing for slot money does it really matter if you put on horrible race cards? It is more important to save horsemen money on shipping costs than putting on a decent mix of races for your wagering public.
While we are at it, how do you come up with the name "Pennsylvania All Stars" for two year olds, especially since many of them are making their first starts of their career? Wouldn't "Pennsylvania Hopefuls" be a more accurate name?
Why are horseplayers responding to classified racing at the Meadowlands? When you see a race condition Fillies & Mares Non Winners of $2,801 Last 5 Starts AE: Non Winners 4 PM Races or $20,000 Lifetime AE: Non Winners 1 PM Race in 2013 with 12 or more starts or Non Winners $1 Last 3 Starts being carded at Vernon Downs which will be in the past performance lines next week as FMNW2801L5 the answer becomes obvious.
I am not criticizing the racing secretaries for putting together races like this; with a horse shortage which is only going to get worse in the years ahead, you need to do what you have to in order to put eight horses on the gate. Maybe if most horsemen wouldn't kick and scream how they don't like a racing secretary classifying their horses, instead of a racing secretary writing conditions like above really a work of art), we would instead see a race like C3/C2 handicap instead.
I realize it isn't copyrighted, but there is something wrong with having Miracle Mile races at Tioga Downs. Miracle Mile races should be restricted to Vernon Downs, the track which known as the Miracle Mile. I know this doesn't rise to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors, but wouldn't it be better if these races were called 'Tioga Tangos' instead?
Why if there is a shortage of horses that they throw the girls in the boys do some tracks like Running Aces not offer an allowance to the girls such as NW2 (NW3 F&M)? Yes, there are races for fillies and mares there but unfortunately, not all the female horse fit those conditions forcing them to race against the boys on an even footing.
Why can't harness racing scribes write articles for fans and separate articles for those within the industry? I will be the first one to admit I could care less about the parentage of a particular horse. My eyes roll when I come to the part of the article where they talk about so and so coming from the third crop of Joe Plug. What concerns me is what is on the past performance lines, not the breeding lines. Do you think the Posttime Show in Delaware would be so highly rated if they made the show for those in the industry? Hardly.
What is it going to take to get Billy Parker Jr. into the Hall of Fame? More importantly, when is Heather Vitale going to get into the Communications Corner at the Hall of Fame.
Finally, why have my selections of late been so horrible? I wish I knew. I'll be making some selections on some upcoming stakes in a blog entry tomorrow. I am thinking of letting Lucky, the wonder dog, make his guest selections (win only) this week. He can't do any worse than I am doing.
Have a great Fourth of July everyone.
But then, when you are racing for slot money does it really matter if you put on horrible race cards? It is more important to save horsemen money on shipping costs than putting on a decent mix of races for your wagering public.
While we are at it, how do you come up with the name "Pennsylvania All Stars" for two year olds, especially since many of them are making their first starts of their career? Wouldn't "Pennsylvania Hopefuls" be a more accurate name?
Why are horseplayers responding to classified racing at the Meadowlands? When you see a race condition Fillies & Mares Non Winners of $2,801 Last 5 Starts AE: Non Winners 4 PM Races or $20,000 Lifetime AE: Non Winners 1 PM Race in 2013 with 12 or more starts or Non Winners $1 Last 3 Starts being carded at Vernon Downs which will be in the past performance lines next week as FMNW2801L5 the answer becomes obvious.
I am not criticizing the racing secretaries for putting together races like this; with a horse shortage which is only going to get worse in the years ahead, you need to do what you have to in order to put eight horses on the gate. Maybe if most horsemen wouldn't kick and scream how they don't like a racing secretary classifying their horses, instead of a racing secretary writing conditions like above really a work of art), we would instead see a race like C3/C2 handicap instead.
I realize it isn't copyrighted, but there is something wrong with having Miracle Mile races at Tioga Downs. Miracle Mile races should be restricted to Vernon Downs, the track which known as the Miracle Mile. I know this doesn't rise to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors, but wouldn't it be better if these races were called 'Tioga Tangos' instead?
Why if there is a shortage of horses that they throw the girls in the boys do some tracks like Running Aces not offer an allowance to the girls such as NW2 (NW3 F&M)? Yes, there are races for fillies and mares there but unfortunately, not all the female horse fit those conditions forcing them to race against the boys on an even footing.
Why can't harness racing scribes write articles for fans and separate articles for those within the industry? I will be the first one to admit I could care less about the parentage of a particular horse. My eyes roll when I come to the part of the article where they talk about so and so coming from the third crop of Joe Plug. What concerns me is what is on the past performance lines, not the breeding lines. Do you think the Posttime Show in Delaware would be so highly rated if they made the show for those in the industry? Hardly.
What is it going to take to get Billy Parker Jr. into the Hall of Fame? More importantly, when is Heather Vitale going to get into the Communications Corner at the Hall of Fame.
Finally, why have my selections of late been so horrible? I wish I knew. I'll be making some selections on some upcoming stakes in a blog entry tomorrow. I am thinking of letting Lucky, the wonder dog, make his guest selections (win only) this week. He can't do any worse than I am doing.
Have a great Fourth of July everyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)