Owning Racehorses

Back in the Game...or Writer's Chair

2012-01-21T13:10:00.002-06:00

I go ahead and give the blog a fresh, new look and then promptly disappear for 3 weeks! What could possibly be going on that would keep me away 3 weeks missing the Eclipse Awards and a Tabby Lane race preview?

Turns out…a lot!

First off, let me say that it’s been tough to write the last few weeks. I’ve had some ideas and items that I wished to comment on but I simply could not get myself to sit down at the computer and write. It could be very well that I was a bit hungover after the Breeder’s Cup, the end of Tabby’s 2011 season, the launch of TURF and the holidays plus the seemingly non-stop search for a “real” job. No matter how hard I tried I could not bring myself to sit for any length of time and write anything of any value or substance.

I can’t honestly say that I’ve turned the corner in that regard, but a lot has gone on over the past few weeks to maybe reinvigorate me a bit.

Tabby Lane – On Saturday, Tabby Lane bounced back from a 5^th place finish in a $5,000 Starter Allowance with a stirring stretch running victory in an $8,000 claiming race at Tampa Bay Downs. Mid pack throughout, she looked defeated at the 3/16^th pole. Dean Butler shook her up and Tabs responded, making up nearly 6 lengths in the stretch for the neck win. With that win, Tabby passed a couple of milestones: she is now in a 3^rd place tie for most wins by an Even the Score progeny (9) and went over the $100,000 mark in career earnings.

Job Front – On January 30^th I’ll be starting with a new company as a business development manager. Though not in the racing industry, it will enable me to stay here in Minnesota. When I actually begin I’ll let you all know the company but I’m excited to remain here and be able to cover Canterbury for the Daily Racing Form next summer and, hopefully, for many summers beyond.

Vacation – This past week my wife and I spent some time on a beach. Along with the new job will come considerable travel requirements and this was an opportunity for us to get away and spend some quality time together before I start road warrior-ing it again. Turns out in the midst of our return flight was Tabby’s win! Listening to a six second voice mail from our trainer saying, “She just got up at the wire!” was a great way to be welcomed back to the frigid, sub-zero Minnesota chill – in fact perhaps the only way that could be considered great!

The Derby trail will start heating up soon, Tabby Lane is in good form and I’ll be spending quite a bit of time in hotel rooms again. It feels like things are getting back to “normal”. That should include regular posting!

A New Look, a Look Back, a New Year and Happy Birthday

2012-01-01T08:34:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to you all! I hope that your celebrations were wonderful and that 2012 brings you all you desire. Also, Happy Birthday to all our Thoroughbred friends. Officially they all turn another year older today, no matter their actual foaling date.

As a new year starts it pays to look back and see what 2011 brought us. As you also have noticed, it signals the launch of the new look of this blog. I felt that it was time to shake things up and give the space a fresh, new look. I look forward to your thoughts and comments as well as seeing what 2012 will bring to Tabby Lane, her possible stablemates and the racing world both here in Minnesota and the sport at large.

By all accounts Tabby Lane had a good 2011. She raced 12 times, winning four, placing once and earning just a shade under $33,000, but there were ups and downs and lessons to learn along the way. She won a quarter of her starts and it’s hard to ask for much more than that. She did it while racing safe and sound and for that I count my blessings.

Tabby’s Best Moment – Winning 3 of 4 at Canterbury. One of the joys of owning a racehorse is the ability to watch it run and, hopefully, win. Tabby made it to the winner’s circle three times in front of our eyes and the home crowd this year and it simply does not get any better than that.

Tabby’s Worst Moment – Discovering that for whatever the reason, Tabby hates Remington. For the second year in a row she completely laid an egg after moving to Oklahoma. In both cases, though this year much more than the previous, she headed into the Fall with a lot of promise and exited it with a lot of nothing.

Tabby’s Financial situation – Tabs was facing a deep hole after she ran her first race at Tampa Bay Downs in 2011. She was down over $4,000 since the claim. She finished 2011 at virtually dead even, making up that deficit and then some. However, it does draw into contrast how even in a successful year for a racehorse – and by any definition Tabby had a successful year – it’s difficult to make money campaigning a racehorse. You don’t get into this game to get rich so you better love it and have your eyes open going in.

Biggest Surprise – The Great Canterbury Park Shutdown of 2011. I would have never thought that the politicians in St. Paul would have ever allowed the state to shutdown over the budget and certainly didn’t think that it would last three weeks and jeopardize the entire season. It did give me great fodder for my maiden season writing for the Daily Racing Form but dealt Minnesota racing a blow that will be difficult to rebound from.

Best Comeback – Mac Robertson, who was trailing the trainer standings deep into the meet ended up winning the title going away by 8 by the time the final race was run. All season long was a battle between Canterbury Hall of Famer Bernell Rhone and Michael Biehler with Robertson stalking but not dominating the standings as he has in past years. The newly minted Canterbury Hall of Famer went on a tear the last four weeks of the meet and had the title all but secure by Festival Day.

Non-Race Race – Dean Butler annihilated the field for the top jockey award in 2011. He started hot, stayed hot and came back strong after the state imposed break to top the standings with 83 wins, distancing Derek Bell, a 2011 inductee into the Canterbury Park Hall of Fame, by 14 wins.

My Story of the Year – Based upon page views, the story on my trip to the auction and feedlot garnered a tremendous amount of traffic. To give you an idea, a run of the mill story usually grabs 60 pageviews in a day; if it’s picked up by The Paulick Report or Equidaily that may swell to a couple of hundred. This story wasn’t picked up by either but still pulled in over 600 pageviews.

Most Interesting Story – The ongoing saga of expanded gaming at the racetracks. A corollary is the sudden resignation of expanding gaming opponent Sen. Amy Koch (R) as majority leader and the elevation of Sen. David Senjem (R), a vocal proponent of racino, to replace her. This sets the stage for what will, in all likelihood, be the make or break year for racino – and possibly racing’s future – in Minnesota.

Minnesota Festival Day – Festival Day is always a fun day and, as usual, was a coronation of the best horses at low odds. The 2011 edition featured some real standout performances. Bella Notte’s swan song (whoops, not really) win was almost the cherry on the cake of her brilliant career. Heliskier and Keewatin Ice stamped themselves as the juveniles to watch as they turn three and head for the Canterbury 3 year old stakes next season. Tubby Time’s dominating performance in the Turf capped off a wonderful campaign that led to Horse of the Meet honors.

2011 was a year of ups and downs for Minnesota racing and Tabby Lane. We learned that Tabby dsilikes the surface at Remington so this season will be spent at Tampa and Canterbury before she heads for R&R, skipping the Oklahoma fall season. In Minnesota, we knew that racing and politics have always been intertwined, but this year the two intersected in a way to close down racing in the state altogether. Holes were exposed in the regulation and oversight of the sport here that needs to be addressed in the coming biennium to prevent the closure of a private business as a result of government gridlock.

A new year always starts off with hope and promise and 2012 is no exception. I wish you all a year filled with peace, love, happiness and a boatload of success!

One More Race Before 2012

2011-12-30T12:23:00.000-06:00

Tabby Lane, after a break of a couple of months, is back in action tomorrow. Unfortunately, the race drew pretty tough and she’s going to have her hands full. Drawing the outside post didn’t help matters either in the 7 Furlong $5,000 starter allowance over the main track.

She’s 12-1 in the morning line and here is how the field stacks up:

Blushing Juliet (Hinsley/Guidry) – Starting for her third barn since May. Had a good, tough win at $16,000 at Parx back in February but hasn’t visited the winner’s circle since though has hit the board at $5,000.

Nephila (Hogue/Allen) – 18^th start of the season. Last win was a 10 length romp in a $5,000 claimer at Penn National. Has hit the board relatively consistently in allowance company.

Motion Miss (Benning/Homeister) – This mare has been all over the place with her Beyer’s this season. Nice win at $16,000 at Calder before three deconstructions at the hooves of better. Last race, a $6250 starter found her last by 30+.

Crafty Tigress (Guciardo/Oro) – Reeled off four wins in five starts at Presque Isle while climbing through the $7500 claiming conditions before heading back to Ohio for a couple of state-bred races. First race back after a couple of months off.

Who Loves Ya Baby (Wasiluk/Delgado) – Picked up a win after a short break at $8,000 at Tampa. Starter is the next logical choice for a mare that can win between $5,000 and $8,000 and is always competitive. She bested Tabby by 3 back in May before the trip north to Canterbury.

Excellent Rate (Troche/Citron) – Hasn’t been competitive in her first two starts back after nearly a year off. Switches back to the main track and trying a starter to shake things up.

One Last Nitemare (Caramori/Rossi) – Kentucky import has been impressive at much higher levels. Second after the claim after being picked up for $32,000 then disappointing in new barn debut at Churchill in this type of race. Has wins at $20,000 and in $7500 and $10,000 starters this year. Six week freshener and back for a trainer that’s 17% with this type of layoff.

Whyprincesswhy (Ness/Goncalves) – Another coming in off of a brief freshener. Was in the exacta before the break in seven straight races ranging from $5,000 to $12,500 in PA, MD and OH while putting up Beyers better than anyone else in the field. Likes to be up close on or near the engine and may have some early company. Unless she’s pressed enough early, probably the one to beat.

TABBY LANE (RHONE/BUTLER)

This one sure shaped up to be a tough one and Tabby is probably a deserving 12-1 in her return. Her works coming back have been decent and she had a nice bullet work two back. There is always a question of fitness after a break which is why you see her at seven furlongs and not her mile-ish distance which we’ve found to be her best.

Whyprincesswhy certainly has the early speed and may be classy enough to wire the field. Fortunately for Tabby there is not a dearth of speed in here as Who Loves Ya Baby, Crafty Tigress and Motion Miss all will want to be there early. The key will be how close they can push Whyprinceswhy and how much Tabby has in the tank for the stretch run.

Not that closing is a guarantee either. Inside of Whyprincesswhy, One Last Nitemare will be charging late and has notched an 80 Beyer coming off the pace at Turfway in a $20,000 optional claiming race. While her best Beyers have been over the artificial surfaces, she’s been no slouch on the real dirt either, picking up wins in $7500 and $10,000 starters at Churchill. If Whyprincesswhy gets worked over early, One Last Nitemare is probably the choice in a stretch battle with Tabby.

I think this is a tough one for her to win, but she certainly has a chance to hit the board. That won’t keep me from rooting hard for her to pick up her 5^th win in 2011 and end a great year.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:16:00.000-06:00

As the year winds down, thoughts turn toward the new year, the Derby trail, a possible Triple Crown and, closer to home, what 2012 will bring to Tabby Lane and her possible stablemates. In the next week I'll take a look back at her season and the racing season in general but for today I look forward to celebrating the day with my family and friends. I wish the very best to you and yours whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, the winter solstice or just enjoy the season.

May the season bring joy and peace to the world - even if just for a few days.

Tabby's Back and Stallions for Sale

2011-12-16T09:08:00.000-06:00

TABBY’S BACK

Tabby Lane is back on track – literally. She’s had two works at Tampa Bay Downs since her 4 – 6 vacation after two mediocre starts at Remington Park. It’s become pretty obvious over the past two Oklahoma seasons that Tabs is not thrilled with the Remington Park surface. It happens. Nothing against the good folks at Remington – heck, Fizzy Pop did just fine there – but this is the corollary of the “horses for courses” adage: a horse that doesn’t care for a particular course!

Tabby hasn’t been pushed too hard, if at all, in her first two works back. We don’t have a race picked out for her yet since it’s so early in the process and we need to see how far back her ankle has come since the rest. If you recall, it wasn’t in bad shape, but it is vitally important in a racehorse and certainly could affect her performance and, of course, value as in racing level. No work can compare to the rigors of racing but so far so good. Again, for emphasis, I want to add that she has no structural damage and her discomfort was marginal at best, but we thought that a rest and evaluation was in order before we proceed – especially since she doesn’t run well in Oklahoma anyhow. We’ll know more in the next few weeks as her works get a bit more rigorous, but it’s nice to be back in action.

MTA STALLION AUCTION ENDS THIS EVENING

Tonight is the finale of the Minnesota ThoroughbredAssociation stallion auction. The bidding has been pretty good and there are close to 90 stallions to choose from. You can bid on-line, as well as at a cocktail reception this evening at Canterbury Park from 6:30 - 9:00 PM. The auction's on-line home is at www.thoroughlybred.com (just click on the link at the top of their homepage to the MTA Stallion Auction) and available to folks everywhere, not just here in Minnesota. Some of the stallion seasons available include seasons to Einstein, Monarchos, AP Warrior, Zanjero, Limehouse, Hold Me Back and Spring at Last. The bidding has been brisk and ends this evening at 9PM Central Time. Bid early, bid often and, most importantly, bid last!

"Luck" Sneak Peek Disappoints

2011-12-12T08:38:00.002-06:00

Though I haven't checked yet, I'm assuming that many racing bloggers and turf writers will be taking stock of the sneak peek of the new HBO drama, "Luck", which is set around a racetrack in southern California. I’ll weigh in with some of my impressions as a race fan, horse owner and big fan of HBO’s roster of dramas.

I watched the show with the folks in the “Twitterverse” which was absolutely fascinating. It was very interesting - and a lot of fun - to get instant feedback from many in the racing community. Hazarding a guess, I would say that the commentary seemed to be running about 2-1 against with a few folks “riveted” and thought it was “great” but most “disappointed” and thought it was downright “bad.”

I’m willing to see where it goes and, for the most part, I won’t put a bullet in a show after one episode but I have to say that after the pilot I find myself in the disappointed camp.

Some of my issues:

- There wasn’t a single character that I feel drawn to…or even like, yet. The Irish exercise rider seems like she might have some potential but no one else so far. Nick Nolte and Gary Stevens’ characters have some potential but the rest of the cast… I’m afraid that general consensus from the non-racing public will be “I KNEW that the racetrack was full of degenerates! And horses just die all time.” Never mind Dustin Hoffman's organized crime boss ("and the tracks are run by the mob!"). Sure I’ve run into some real characters on the backside, but mostly warm, caring folks who are insanely passionate about what they do and the animals they work with.

- To add a (b) to the above, there was a lot of racing insider lingo as well as classic (trite?) portrayal of racetrack denizens. My wife is on the periphery of the track because of me, so she understands more than the "layman" and she was turned off by the characters and the unexplained slang. And she is a BIG fan of most HBO dramas so she is in the target demographic wheelhouse and she wasn’t remotely drawn in.

- The racing was disjointed to me. The cutting of the race showed the stretch then the backstretch and then the stretch again. I understand that it’s hard to photograph a real race, but after the start there was too much space in between the horses – most likely to allow for movement and positioning. It appeared contrived.

- The breakdown. Did we really need to have a breakdown right off the bat? We have enough of that in real life, did we really need it in the very first episode?

- It may be early for this and may be addressed, but it’s been made clear that this is a track in California. As our Cal friends know, a casino at a track – or even in place of a track that is not Native American – can’t happen given the parameters of the agreement signed by Gov. Swartzenegger with the California Tribes. As part of a way to try and ease the budget crisis, the Tribes agreed to pay a portion of their casino proceeds to the state in exchange for exclusivity which amounts to billions of dollars. That money goes away if a non-Native casino is approved/built so the premise is a little shaky.

I didn’t hate the entire show. There were some portions of it that I did like.

- When the trainer tells Dennis Farina’s character (an Italian playing a Greek – close, but there are enough Greek/American actors that could have stepped in here…just sayin’) that the horse “will tell us” when he’s ready to run was fabulous and spot on. A good trainer can read the signs of his/her racehorse and know when the horse is letting them know it is time.

- Filming at Santa Anita is fabulous. It’s a gorgeous racetrack and the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains is breathtaking. The “color” shots of morning workouts are visually very appealing.

- There is the possibility that some of the story lines will grow on me. I know that the substance abuse tortured jockey story line may be a bit cliché, but I’m looking forward to that backstory and hoping that it’s a bit of an uplift. I thought Stevens did a great job in relating the pain the entire track community feels when a horse goes down. Nick Nolte’s character’s recognition that he may just have landed the once in a lifetime horse gave me something to look forward to, though the shadiness hinted at (“how they killed” his daddy) in the pilot has the potential to be off-putting.

- While I ripped some of the racing photography above, there was some of it that was great. Morning works were excellent and the race shot of the apprentice shooting the gap on the rail near the finish line was thrilling. THAT was very nicely done.

All in all, I’ll give it a shot after the first of the year but I’m predisposed to loving “Luck” and I’m not sure I even like it yet.

Just "Banning" Can't Be the End of the Line for Advocates

2011-12-05T08:00:00.006-06:00

Last week President Obama signed a bill (passed by a bipartisan coalition that passed the bill in the first place – please don’t let your own political biases let you lose sight of the fact that this had to pass both houses of Congress before it even reached the President’s desk) that authorized the hiring of slaughterhouse inspectors effectively reopening the horse processing business in the United States after years of a defacto ban on slaughter (no inspectors = no slaughterhouses). The outcry for animal rights advocates and horse people has been deafening. I’ve been reading on Facebook, Twitter, newspapers and magazines what a tragedy this development is. I don’t necessarily disagree, but there is one thing that I haven’t read beyond the outrage; the solution.

This is meant to be serious. I’m looking for real answers here, not “It’s so awful”; “They are beautiful”; “You can’t kill Black Beauty”, etc.

My question is:

Given the thousands of unwanted horses in this country right now, if the horses cannot be sent to slaughter – for human or animal consumption overseas – what happens to them?

I’m serious. I’ve been to the feed lots and seen these poor animals in the midst of starvation. Contrary to popular belief, 99.5% of them were NOT registered Thoroughbreds. Organizations that exist to help these animals are starved for cash and assistance. These animals are expensive to care for, even under the best of conditions. All the hollering that I have seen online and I understand it - the thought of Tabby Lane, Fizzy Pop or any other horses being sent to slaughter is almost unbearable to think about – none of it addresses the problem of what is to be done with all these horses.

If there is not enough money, not enough volunteers and a bad economy – what happens to the thousands of horses every year that are abandoned? By some estimates over 100,000 horses are being sent to Canada and Mexico. How do they all get saved?

Population control? Absolutely. Just because a horse has a uterus doesn’t mean it needs to be a mom.

More support for after racing programs? This is ongoing and growing. Racing is starting – starting – to do a better job taking care of its own. Ex-racers only account for a very small part of this 100,000. We’re just an attractive target because of the publicity and money involved, but more attention, giving and financial programs are being put into place to support and retrain ex-racers.

But what about the rest of the population? It’s easy to cry “STOP” but much more difficult to derive a solution.

I’m not advocating slaughter, mind you, but want to hear solutions over the clamor. All that has happened since slaughter was defacto banned in the US were more horses were exported to Canada and Mexico and left to starve to death in fields.

I’d like to hear some solutions along with the hand-wringing. “Winning” by re-banning slaughter isn’t enough. Sure, “advocates” could pat themselves on the back and talk of a job well done, but the problem of over-population didn’t disappear – only the end result. Moving the problem doesn’t solve the problem.

If you actually get lawmakers to change their collective mind on this issue, what happens to all the horses that you “saved”? They’re still going to slaughter, only somewhere else. Your job isn’t done; it’ll only be just beginning.

You didn’t solve the problem in the last five years, so what will you do if you get a second chance?

State Reps Gather at Canterbury Park for Fundraiser

2011-12-01T13:06:00.001-06:00

The key question among the group gathered at Canterbury Park yesterday for a fundraising event for the House Republican Caucus regarding was whether or not a special session of the legislature would occur before the next regular session (January 24, 2012). The only way the government can meet before the next regular session is if the governor calls them into session to debate a specific issue. In this case the issue would be funding for a new stadium for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.

Why would that matter to the horsemen and legislators gathered at Canterbury? One of the funding mechanisms suggested has been the placement of slot machines at Canterbury Park and Running Aces Harness Park. Though the idea of a “racino” is not a new one, it does seem as if this past year more serious consideration has been given to the idea as the state slides deeper and deeper into debt.

In an interesting bit of news, the budget projections, set to be released later today, appear to show that the state’s deficit has NOT increased but rather this biennium will actually show a surplus of over $800 million. Since this news was completely unexpected, it will be interesting to see just how both stadium and racino backers will be able to use this information. Of course this does not mean the state is out of the woods merely that the next year and a half will end in a surplus – all variables remaining the same.

Rep Tom Hackbarth (R) is the author of draft legislation for the establishment of a racino and has hedged his bets. While money would be set aside for the debt service on bonds floated for the Vikings stadium, it would also provide the mechanism for paying back our children the billions borrowed from future school monies to balance the last biennium budget. There would also be money for purses, the state and a new stadium for the St. Paul Saints. Regardless of the fate of the Vikings, the school shift WILL have to be paid back and the establishment of a $1.7 million fund for equine development (trails, non-profits, horse shows, 4H etc.) will help equine organizations all over the state, not just the racing industry. These additional codices could be what help to carry the bill – especially with the surplus projected.

Given the issues facing the legislature as they head into regular session, it’s a good bet that if a special session doesn’t occur, racino legislation – as well as the Vikings stadium – would go on the back burner.

Or disappear altogether.

A Different Take on Thanksgiving This Year

2011-11-23T10:45:00.000-06:00

In many ways, 2011 has really been awful yet in others it has been truly remarkable. On this day I usually write about what I’ve been thankful but instead of the usual (family, friends, trainer, jockey, horse, etc.), I’m going to go with what I’d like to be thankful for NEXT Thanksgiving.

A racino is open at Canterbury Park AND the ramifications to our Native American friends are next to nothing.
Tabby Lane stays healthy and gets on a roll at Tampa and Canterbury much the same as this year – but with a bit more purse money thrown in!
The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders’ Association looks after the little guy a bit more. As an example, see the next bullet.
States ease up a bit on the “registered security” requirement for small partnerships (in most states if you’re in a partnership and not registered as a security you’re violating the law – I know, right, but its true). The annual financial burden to meet this requirement when running a $10,000 claimer for a group of 9 people is onerous and prohibitive. (As an aside, if anyone knows how to better handle this, I’m all ears).
Racing and its partners learn to better market themselves. ESPN had part of the Breeders’ Cup telecast and there was not a lick of coverage on ESPN Radio leading up to the event. Nothing. A bump in ratings means more money for everyone – a little promotion or interview wouldn’t kill anyone.
The Breeders’ Cup develops a rotation between three or four tracks.
Maryland racing again becomes the jewel of the Mid-Atlantic.
Suffolk Downs picks up one of the slot licenses in Massachusetts.

And a few on a more personal level:

I’ve made a difference as a board member of the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association to which I was elected last week.
We have a few more horses in training and more folks involved in racing.
I have an agent that gets my work published.
I celebrate another summer as the Daily Racing Form and Midwest Thoroughbred Magazine writer covering Canterbury Park.
I’m either working full time on something I love (hard to imagine I haven’t been snatched up yet, huh?) or not having to in order to make a living!

While the holiday has become associated with Pilgrims and, to some, the beginning of the persecution of the Native peoples of North America, please remember that in a time of deep national division President Lincoln established the national holiday we celebrate today. It’s a time of healing, peace, unity and love. My best wishes to you all for this and much, much more.

Canterbury Awarded 2012 Dates

2011-11-18T06:13:00.000-06:00

The Minnesota Racing Commission approved Canterbury Park’s request for dates for the 2012 season. Racing will commence again on Preakness weekend and run through the Labor Day holiday for a total of 62 racing days.

Also up for discussion at last night’s meeting was a reduction of the allowable limit of the painkiller Phenylbutazone (Bute) from 5 micrograms (mcg) per milliliter to 2 mgc. Approval of the lower level would follow the adoption of similar regulations by the California Horse Racing Board this past summer.

Personnel from the new Equine Development Fund were also scheduled to present findings on the benefit of a racino to the state of Minnesota’s racing industry. While this is akin to the reverend preaching to the choir, it is a necessary step in the process.

The following is the text of the press release from Canterbury Park:

Shakopee, MN -- Canterbury Park received approval from the Minnesota Racing Commission on Thursday to conduct a 62-day thoroughbred and quarter horse race meet in 2012. The meet will begin Friday, May 18 and run through Monday, September 3. Thursday and Friday racing will begin at 7:00 p.m. with weekend and holiday racing beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Featured race days in 2012 will include the 19th renewal of the Minnesota Festival of Champions, a day dedicated to the best race horses bred in the state, and the second annual Fillies Race For Hope, a day of races exclusively for fillies and mares that will benefit Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation. Dates for those events will be announced in January along with a complete stakes schedule.

“The 2012 race meet will closely resemble the meet we ran this year, minus the state government shutdown that caused Canterbury and the horse owners, trainers and breeders to lose 20 days of business,” track president Randy Sampson said.

“While the shutdown and loss of revenues had a negative impact on next season’s purses, it is necessary to offer sufficient racing opportunities so that Canterbury continues to attract enough horses to make the meet a success,” Sampson said.

See you in 183 days!

Taking Stock of the Breeders' Cup - Wagering

2011-11-06T09:26:00.000-06:00

Breeders’ Cup weekend is always interesting. You can count on upsets and a stirring performance or two. It also kicks off the beginning of racing’s ‘hot stove’ season when we start talking about the next year’s Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown series, but more about that later in the week. This is all about assessing the selections for BC11. Below are my notes from the two days. I thought about distilling it down and/or polishing it a bit, but there is some charm to the unvarnished notes.

It’s always interesting how the mood can swing through the ups and downs of handicapping. You can’t win ‘em all and you can’t bet them all and you can’t let your emotions get the best of you. You pick your spots and try to score, however when you write a blog, or publicly handicap, you have to have an opinion on everything so you pick them all and hope you do well. For the two day card, I was abysmal. For the races I actually wagered, I was excellent. Ultimately when you wager it’s about making money and I was fortunate that my poor overall percentage didn’t translate into a money losing weekend, mostly due to the trifecta and exacta in the Juvenile on Saturday.

Here is the recap.

DAY 1

Juvenile Sprint – Not a tough pick and not a particularly profitable one, but a win is a win and Secret Circle felt like a gimme and ran like he was one. Batting 1.000 so far for the Breeders’ Cup!

Juvenile Fillies Turf – I like Stephanie’s Kitten a lot and when my mom mentioned that we should bet on her because my beloved little sister’s name is Stephanie, the world of handicapping and hunching collided. She ran like a champion, claimed the led in the lane and went on to victory at 6-1. LOVE 6-1s. Still batting 1.000. This game is easy!

Filly & Mare Sprint – I was taking a stand against favored Turbulent Descent and was spot on. The only problem was my choice, Switch, started the race a bit too far back and could only close as far as second. Still, if you bet her across the board you still won money. Interestingly, my throw in horse for third, Musical Romance, turned out to be the 20-1 winner! 2 for 3 with a second, making money in every race. Does it get any better?

Juvenile Fillies – Again I tried to take a stand against the favorite and this time I wasn’t nearly as successful. My Miss Aurelia ran like the favorite and did a nice job. I said that “if she can rate, she could be deadly”. She did and she was. My second choice ran second but my top choice, Northern Passion, finished up the track. 2 for 4. .500 still isn’t bad.

Filly & Mare Turf – 27-1 Perfect Shirl wins and there was no way on God’s green Earth I would have had her. My choice, favored Stacelita, gets shellacked and finishes second to last. 2 for 5 and the percentages are not looking near as good. One race left and I’m going heavy on Royal Delta.

Filly & Mare Classic – Co favorite and my top choice Royal Delta sat off the pace, ran when asked and drew off to an easy victory. She was 2-1, but I’ll take 2-1 all day long.

Finishing stats for Day 1: 6 races, 3 wins and 1 second with a positive ROI on the day. Makes me feel pretty good going into Day 2.

DAY 2

Marathon – My choice, Cease, was in a great spot all the way around and charged to the lead heading through the final turn. And then it was over…he faded and 41-1 Afleet Again took the kickoff race. I look back over the PPs and I STILL can’t find a reason to bet Afleet Again. Race one – off the board.

Juvenile Turf – Finale was finished from jump. He got off a bit slowly and rather than take back a bit and fall in behind the top 3 sprinters, it appeared as if Velasquez was indecisive on whether to tuck in or go. By the time he decided to take back he was already five wide for nearly half the race and it was all over but the shouting as Finale predictably faded down the stretch. Two races, two off the board finishes.

Sprint – Big Drama got away four wide and stayed there. It looked as if jockey Ramon Dominguez thought better and tried to hold him a bit and track the top 3 but all it did was kill any chances he had of winning the race. Three races in the books and top choice off the board in each. Fortunately I do have Amazombie in the Pick 3.

Turf Sprint – I hate five furlong turf races but it turns out that it got me my first win of the day. Regally Ransom was in good position throughout and when the time came he kicked on and was able to hold on for the win. It wasn’t a big price win but a win nonetheless.

Dirt Mile – And we regress back again to a top choice fading out of contention when the real running started. Prior to the race it was reported on ESPN that Steve Assmussen had real concerns about the stickiness of the track and Wilburn’s ability to handle it. Turns out he was right. In excellent position throughout, when it was time to run, Wilburn went the wrong way. One for five today with only four left.

Turf – In the immortal words of Steven Tyler, “same old story, same old song and dance, my friend”. Await the Dawn set the pace and showed that his Arc mess was exactly where he is right now. Second choice Sea Moon, and my wager at post time, was able to stay up for second and made a bit of money, but the only choice that matters is the public one, and it was a dog. Insult to injury: had all Euro tris and supers and Brilliant Speed blows up those wagers as well. Stay tuned for Union Rags, Gio Ponti and Havre de Grace to spit the bit in the lane as well. I hate days like this one. Six in the books and only one winner.

Juvenile – Box it and we got the exacta and trifecta but the straight up win was disrupted by Javier Castallano being kept with Union Rags four to five wide throughout the entire race. Otherwise, this race shaped up exactly like I had thought. Creative Cause finishes third. Cashed plenty in this race and that matters. Batting average is not helped at all, though, and officially the count is 1 for 7 with a second and two races to go. ROI, thanks to the $46 exacta and over $200 tri is excellent.

Mile – In a very messy stretch run, Goldikova failed in her attempt to win four in a row. The winner was 64-1 Court Vision. Unlike some other boxcar winners, I can see this one. After some time off he closed like a freight train in his last and was eligible to improve. He was beaten last out by the second place horse, Turallure, so if you liked one, you may have had them both with Turallure at 30-1. THAT was a helluva exacta (over $2,000 for $2)! Goldikova had some issues in the stretch and probably should have been disqualified but she got the superstar call (think smaller strike zone for superstar hitters or Peyton Manning getting more roughing the passer calls) and stayed up for third. I don’t blame them for making the non-call. It was close enough to let it go, though with my money across the board on Gio Ponti and the two big longshots finishing 1-2, I probably would have got my money back on the show price as he finished fourth and stood to get moved up. After all the drama, another off the board finish and the tally is 1 for 8 with a second. Ugh. On to the Classic.

Classic – The buildup was all about Uncle Mo and Havre de Grace which I thought was silly since there was no way that Uncle Mo was going to get a mile and a quarter. I did think that filly was something special, but when the lights were on and pressure cranked up she was as flat as a pancake. She was in good position all the way around and was simply flat. Mo was engaged early for about a mile, but when the real running began he went the wrong way. The really impressive performance came from Game on Dude who shot to the front and only relinquished the lead in the final strides to Drosselmeyer. Drosselmeyer and Court Vision are both Breeders’ Cup champions…go figure. And the nightmare of a day concludes with only one winner in 9 races but thankfully the exotics in the Juvenile prevent the day from being an ROI disaster but I barely keep earnings positive – but at least it was positive.

DAY 1 – 6 races: 3 wins, 1 second

DAY 2 – 9 races: 1 win; 1 second

TOTAL: 15 races: 4 wins, 2 seconds. 26% win with 40 in the money. Not great but the ROI with the exotic wagers was pretty good at a plus 27% of dollars wagered (every $100 wagered returned $127). Again, pick your spots and hammer it when you feel confident. Don’t be afraid to pass – there is always another race!

I’m going to let the dust settle for a few days and then be back later in the week with some observations from the 2011 Breeders’ Cup.

Championship Saturday

2011-11-05T10:27:00.000-05:00

With a good day one in the books (6 races – 3-1-0; more detailed analysis tomorrow)) attention focuses to day two of the Breeder’s Cup and an orgy of handicapping and racing. Nice championship races are on the docket today culminating with the showdown between Uncle Mo and Havre de Grace in the Classic, though that is far more than a match race.

My first plan was to head down to Canterbury Park to watch the races there with the outstanding staff and fans, but I am exhausted from driving 22-hours over the past 2-days and will instead be fixated to the television coverage of the event. The thought of driving another 40 minutes today is simply too daunting!

Best of luck everyone!

Marathon

The day kicks off with the Marathon. With a purse of only $500,000 is it any wonder that we breed for speed and not stamina? No one particularly stands out to me in this one so it may be worth taking a stab at a longer shot here. Could be a nice paying trifecta to start the day.

1. Cease – In a field where there is no standout, I like this one. He may have made a premature move in last but dig in and was game throughout. This is a big step, but none of the others are come in on fire. I’ll take a stab here.

2. Birdrun – After a 2 ½ month break perhaps a flat last race was to be expected. Brooklyn winner may have needed his last and could step up here.

3. Brigantin – Euro will get the distance; in fact, he’s been running much longer, but questions abound on handling the dirt.

Juvenile Turf

These lightly raced two year olds always can bring a surprising jump up or regression next out which makes them so much fun to handicap. Trying to predict who may do what as they grow and stretch out is art as much as science.

1. Finale – Undefeated since moving to the turf his last is a bit deceptive. While he was all out to win it at the end, he had recovered from a bad start and was hustled to contention. Still won pulling away.

2. Shkspeare Shaliyah – Hasn’t had a bad effort yet and stepped up to graded stakes company from his maiden win without batting an eye.

3. Coalport – mile and a sixteenth may have been a bit much, but seems to love the distance.

Sprint

After going a bit deeper to find some value in the first two races, I’m seduced by the chalk in the Sprint.

1. Big Drama – Defending champ has been used judiciously this season and to good effect going to 2 for 2 with a “dramatic” 120 Beyer 2 back. Was merely out for exercise in his last while cruising to a win.

2. Jackson Bend – I’m not thrilled with the cutback to 6 furlongs, but he has been way too good to ignore and does have speed.

3. Amazombie – Californian is venturing out for the first time in his career but has been very sharp at home and especially over the Santa Anita dirt.

Turf Sprint

Would have loved to have seen the King Leatherbury trained Ben's Cat in here, but that was not to be. A full field of 14 should make for an interesting 5 furlongs over the Churchill lawn and I’m sure that California Flag will figure out a way to make this race a nightmare for me just like the last three years!

1. Regally Ready – love the way he has been improving since the layoff. Gelding seems to be peaking at just the right time.

2. California Flag – I thought he might have been done after that poor effort in July, but had an excuse in his comeback race and scored nicely in the Grade 3 Morvich. I’m sure he’ll find a way to punish me again in the BC!

3. Hoofit – I like the way that this horse has behaved since arriving in the US and I always pay attention when a horse in good form is supplemented to a big race. That’s a lot of dough to hand over if you don’t think your horse can win.

Dirt Mile

I like to call this race the “Classic Was Too Tough So We Went to the Mile” race. It is quite the field and should be a fun one to watch unfold.

1. Wilburn – won 3 in a row starting with a $35K Optional Claiming, then a small stakes and then beating several in here in the Gr 2 Indiana Derby while earning a career best Beyer. There is enough speed in the race for him to chase and will be a bear in the lane.

2. Shakleford – I think this may be his best distance and could certainly win it all.

3. Trappe Shot – Will love the added distance. If the stamina is there could close last to win it all.

Turf

Will the Euros keep dominating this race? Yeah…probably… I have a soft spot for Brilliant Speed, the 3-year old I saw during some time off at gorgeous Live Oak Plantation but I don’t think he has enough to take this group here. Interestingly we’ve got fillies in here, a bunch of Euros who all rate highly and some Americans hoping for the best. I willingly admit this is a race that I’ll watch and not wager since I’ve had little luck betting the invaders in these type of races over the years.

1. Await the Dawn – I’ll throw out the Arc and go with prior form which has been excellent.

2. Sarafina – Filly has been very impressive

3. Sea Moon – May wager on this one to win for some value. Rough trip in last and will need to fire his best against older for the first time, but certainly possible.

Juvenile

The home race of the winter book favorite for the Derby, though most probably NOT the next Derby winner.

1. Union Rags – Given his performances and Beyer it’s hard to bet against him. I think if you get 2-1 that it shows on the ML it’ll be a gift.

2. Hansen – Sure he hasn’t run against great, but he’s absolutely destroyed those he has faced. Also could get loose on the lead and that could be trouble for the favorite.

3. Creative Cause – Has done little wrong and already chalked up two graded stakes wins including the Grade 1 Norfolk last out.

Mile

GOLDIKOVA! She’s looking for a four-peat in here and, if she does it, will set a mark that is unlikely to be broken for a long time for consecutive BC victories. Additionally my soft spot for claimers is being poked in here by Compliance Officer, claimed for $25,000 earlier in the year and now shows up in the BC. I think both can be beaten, however, though I’ll be rooting for Goldi no matter who the choice is.

1. Gio Ponti – This is the year he finally gets his BC victory after losses to both super mares, Zenyatta and Goldikova. Comes into the race well and ready to roll. He shouldn’t be as far back this year and Goldi may be a bit vulnerable as opposed to past years. And in the end everyone can say, "Well, if Goldi couldn't do it, I'm glad Gio Ponti won!"

2. Goldikova – She may be vulnerable but she is very impressive and if she doesn’t win will surely get a piece.

3. Strong Suit – Has been excellent in Europe and maybe just a step below these right now as a 3-year old, but we could be watching next year’s winner.

Classic

We can talk all we want about the last few years not producing any male superhorses and the domination of the two super-mares, but this race is a roll call of any horse that has done anything in the last couple of years. Suburban and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner, Flat Out; 2010 Belmont winner Drosselmeyer; 2011 Belmont winner Ruler on Ice; 2010 Kentucky Derby runner up, Ice Box; Santa Anita Handicap winner, Game on Dude; Jim Dandy and Travers winner Stay Thirsty; phenomenal filly Havre de Grace; Hollywood Gold Cup winner, Headache; 2-year old champion Uncle Mo; and European invader, the well-traveled and winner of over $2 million this year So You Think, are all involved in this event.

I can’t remember when the event boasted so many champions though this may have more to do with the fact that there has not been a single real standout this past season and everyone feels they have a shot.

1. Havre de Grace – Hard to ignore that she spanked the trendy choice, Flat Out, two back and came within a nose of being undefeated this year. The fact that she has finished second twice at a mile and a quarter is my only concern here.

2. Flat Out – Been working up a storm and the distance is certain to not be an issue. The one post might be, but barring issues at the start, he should be there at the end.

3. To Honor and Serve – Of the three year olds in this race, he’s the one I like the most. Uncle Mo may have distance limitations while Stay Thirsty may have peaked while To Honor and Serve seems to keep getting better.

Championship Friday

2011-11-04T05:29:00.000-05:00

It’s Breeders’ Cup time again and Tabby Lane was nice enough to require some rest and relaxation to give me time to focus on the event this year. I’ll be finishing the drive home from Massachusetts today so I’ll be unlikely to catch all the races on the Friday card but that won’t keep me from picking them and trying to get back on track after a mediocre year with the BC last year.

I’m mixing some value with some chalk and hoping that I hit the right combination!

Good luck everyone and see you tomorrow for picks for Championship Saturday. I’m going to hit the road and try not to make a left turn here in Indiana!

Juvenile Sprint

The last thing in the world we need is to encourage more early speed from juvenile horses and not let them develop the stamina necessary to maintain a long and healthy career, but here we are…

1. Secret Circle – Not a great bet with value, but hasn’t been asked to run yet and has been stunning while going 2 for 2.

2. Jake Mo – need SOME value in the exacta and I love the way this horse tried to rate last out with moderate success. Black mark? This race is a big step up from what he’s been used to.

3. Vexor – Had the measure of several in here already and should be able to rate off of a quick early pace. Has the stuff to win.

Juvenile Fillies Turf

There should be plenty of speed in this race and a cavalry charge finish.

1. Stephanie’s Kitten – love the way she has been improving every race and like to come off the pace. She’ll need to step it up in here but looking for some wagering value.

2. Somali Lemonade – unbeaten and impressive.

3. Elusive Kate – Euro form is excellent and certainly will have a say in the outcome.

Filly & Mare Sprint

1. Switch – Solid prep for this one, returns to a distance that she loves and has rivaled the favorite as far as Beyer’s go.

2. Turbulent Decent – LOVE this filly but need to take a stab since she may be below even money at post time. Absolutely the one to beat.

3. Musical Romance – Honestly, just a throw in since I believe the top two are really the only choices in this one.

Juvenile Fillies

Several excellent undefeated fillies in this one. Makes you wonder if the recent spate of filly domination is ready to continue next year as this group moves forward.

1. Northern Passion – Barn is 23% turf to dirt and last year I got my head handed to me when turf/synthetic form held up over the dirt. Would have liked to have seen better dirt works but like the running style for the way this race shapes up.

2. Weemissfrankie – Undefeated and fought hard for the wins. She’ll be coming late and hard.

3. My Miss Aurelia – Has been uber-impressive in victory this year and hasn’t really been asked. A lot of speed in this race and first time around two turns. If she rates she could be deadly but could also easily burn out at a low price. Simply no value.

Filly & Mare Turf

No reason at all to think that the Euros won’t keep dominating in the turf events here.

1. Stacelita – Has been very impressive in America and has barely broken a sweat. The extra distance won’t bother her and her running style is well suited. While she lost to Announce in Europe rather handily, I like that she’s been acclimated to here regardless of recent studies regarding jet lag.

2. Announce – Should like the distance and is a threat for top honors.

3. Dubawi Heights – Only loss this year has been to the top choice. The lead may be too much to maintain against these but should handle the distance better than Nahrain and hold for the 3^rd spot.

Filly & Mare Classic

Yup – I’m still resisting the “Ladies” Classic label. Havre de Grace in the Classic has opened this one up and made it an interesting race with the top 3 choices having all beaten the each other at times this season.

1. Royal Delta – Great race two back, has the running style for this field and though dominated last out by Havre de Grace, she was clearly second best.

2. Plum Pretty – speed, speed and more speed. If she gets loose she may run away and hide on this field, but I think the top choice will get the measure of her.

3. It’s Tricky – Not where she was earlier in the season and a step behind the top two.

Time Off for Tabby Lane

2011-10-31T08:03:00.000-05:00

The Remington track came up muddy for Tabby Lane’s last race. Sloppy is okay for her, but heavy, sticky mud is a problem – she hates it. Before we even got started I had a sinking feeling but I was hoping for the best.

Tabby was positioned right where we wanted her to be down the backside: fourth place about six lengths off the lead. As they bent through the turn for home, when she was to make her move, she started sliding back. She was going the wrong way and she was getting there in a hurry. She didn’t appear to be hurt but she fell further behind. She seemed to regain her footing in the lane though it was WAY too late at that point.

I watched on my PC via the Remington feed and was beside myself watching the race. Right out of the gate she was fighting jockey Dean Butler to settle down and I was very concerned. She seemed to settle a bit on her way down the backside but she wasn’t making up any ground in the mile and 70 yard race. The class level, $10,000 claiming, seemed to be perfect for her but she wasn’t being competitive.

I gave about 10 minutes after the race before I called our trainer, Bernell Rhone, to get Dean’s take on the race. She ran fine through the straights, he said, but had difficulty on the turns – like she was experiencing some soreness. Oh-oh.

The vet came by the barn a few days later and gave her front end the once over and sure enough; there was soreness in the front ankles. It wasn’t horrible and there is no damage, but given her performance in the last two races we decided to give her some treatment and time. Clearly we could have dropped her to $5,000 and pushed on with her, but that’s not fair to anyone – especially Tabby. So now she’ll be off for a while and come back at Tampa, probably not until after the first of the year. I’m hopeful that she can come back as strong as ever and maintain her class level but we won’t know that until we get her back in training. For right now, she’ll some time to be a horse and enjoy the R & R.

Dancing With the Racing Secretary

2011-10-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

It’s been an interesting couple of weeks behind the scenes in Tabby-land. She’s doing fine but trying to get her into a race of our choosing was a bit tough. The goal was to slide her down a notch to $15,000 claiming but after 5-days straight of the race not filling as an extra on the overnight sheet (sheet of entries for the races plus a list of races added to the condition book as possible races for the following race day’s entries) I was excited to see a $5,000 Starter Allowance.

A starter allowance, as a refresher, is a race for horses that have started for “X” claiming price or lower, usually for the span of a year/18 months. In the above case it would be for horses that have run for a $5,000 tag and that would be perfect for her. Theoretically you want to be competitive at 2x the starter price to have a shot at winning and Tabs has won at $10,000 this year already – twice in fact. However the race only got to 6 possible starters. It was going to possibly brought back as an extra the next day but then two horses backed out and entered a $10,000 claiming race. That killed any possibility of the starter coming back as an extra and gave us a choice: run at $10,000 or wait.

Waiting didn’t seem to make much sense. The race we really wanted, the starter allowance, wasn’t going to be back any time soon. The claiming price we wanted, $15,000, just spent nearly a week not receiving enough entries. The only real option was to go at $10,000. Ultimately, I think, that’s her proper level. Her PPs show a win at $15,000 but that’s a bit disingenuous since it was a race where the ‘open’ horses were in for $10,000 and any Minnesota breds were in for $15,000. On the PPs it looks like a $15,000 race when, in reality, it was only a $10,000 race for her. Each time she’s tried to move past the $10,000 level in the last year she’s been strongly rebuffed, losing at Canterbury by 11+ lengths in a $16,000 race and here at Remington by 10+ lengths in a $20,000 race. It’s not like she’s the top choice in here either, she’s 9/2 in the morning line, the third choice. And probably fair at that.

Unfortunately I will not be making the trip to Remington this race (probably adding to her chance to win) since I will be leaving for Massachusetts on Thursday to spend time with family. I will be intently watching on the Remington Park live feed, however!

Here are the entries for the race. $10,000 claiming going a mile and 70 yards over the main track Saturday night, Race 7:

1 – TABBY LANE (Rhone/Butler) 9/2

2 – Unhaltered (Rulland/Kimes) 10-1 – After starting her season 3-3 at Will Rogers Downs, she took a few months off and came back way over her head here at Remington. Dropping in to probably closer to where she belongs, she’ll look to be out front early and set the pace.

3 – Frontier Franny (Rhone/Escobar) 8-1 – Tabby easily defeated her stablemate in their last race at Canterbury. Since then she has been in 2 $10,000 races here at Remington and has been beaten soundly in each, though in her last she was much closer to the pace before fading heading into the stretch.

4 – Multifaceted (Hartman/Birzer) 2-1 – Your morning line favorite. She was two in a row, one at Prairie Meadows and one in her last conditioned (non-winners of 3 lifetime) claiming race at $10,000. She won that one with ease an notched a lifetime best Beyer of 75. She doesn’t need the lead but should be close to it. Meeting multiple winners is a pretty tough step up, but she looks to be capable and will be tough to beat.

5 – Xiano (Irwin/Quinonez) 4-1 – She’s been a bit flat since her return from being laid off most of the year but her Beyers have remained consistent around 62 in all her races since last summer. Her last looks worse than it was considered she may have been 3^rd by 11 but the winner won by 10 ¾ at this level. If Multifaceted can’t repeat her last performance, Xiano will be there.

6 – Miss Alfeet Alex (Lozano/Velazquez) 5-1 – Scorched with Tabby in her last at $20,000 and hasn’t shown a lot since her layoff though she’s been running at much higher levels. Now racing at the lowest level of her career so far, she’s either going to respond or losing has simply become too much of a habit for her.

7 – Sarava’s Sensation (Ashauer/Joubert) 15-1 – She moved up to $10,000 from $5,000 coming over from Prairie Meadows and showed little in both.

8 – Oh So Noticed (Milligan/Murphy) 15-1 – She’s moving up after being beaten by 5 ½ a notch lower. She’s stretching out and while her pedigree says she should be ok at this level, she didn’t hit the board in her one distance try.

As always, I ask myself how Tabby can win this race. I would prefer not to see her so close to pace as she was in her last. I can understand the move two back because Canterbury’s main track was clearly biased toward early speed and she was also clearly the best horse in the race. Historically she’s been a one run horse and in her last she was simply fried when the time came for her to go. In this case there should be some early speed and if she’s about 5 back sitting 4^th or so down the backside behind relatively fresh fractions, I will be a very happy camper heading into the turn for home.

Gaming Overhaul Needed in Minnesota

2011-10-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

An overhaul of gaming is needed in Minnesota. As the state budget issues worsen and the economy shows little sign of markedly improving, additional revenues are going to be needed to keep the state running. Spending cuts alone will not make the budget work – the cuts would need to be too deep. Racino has been mentioned in many places are a large part of the answer and that may be correct, but I think a complete look at gaming in Minnesota needs to be looked at and fundamental changes need to be made.

Upfront, I want to say that I’m not going to deal with percentages to the state or any other breakdown. I’m not even going to advocate for the use of any funds be it for the general fund, Vikings stadium or any other purpose.

There needs to be a look at all three prongs of gaming in Minnesota: Charitable pull tabs in bars, Native American and racetrack.

First the easy part: get rid of paper pull tabs. This system is way too easy to cheat and too difficult to monitor. There is a finite pool and when certain jackpots are hit, they are marked off a sheet that is publically displayed. At some point the remaining tickets could be “positive”, if you will. That is, the remaining number of pull tabs can all be purchased and guarantee the buyer a profit. For that you’d have to know how many cards remain – and there are individuals that do know this number. The possibility for corruption is great and relatively easy.

Replace the paper pull tabs with electronic forms which would provide a total pool for several million potential outcomes, making the system impossible to cheat. Each bar or organization would be limited to 3 machines connected by a central system run by the state lottery. The Lottery will then be in charge of the charitable distribution of the proceeds. Local referendums should be conducted as part of a primary or general election to determine if municipalities want them in their community. The replacement of paper pull tabs with electronic versions are overdue, better regulated and serves to limit gaming since an unlimited number of patrons can buy pull tabs while on 3 machines can be occupied at a time. Any bar or charity on the up and up should have no real issue with this change and, in fact, should welcome it.

Now the tougher part, getting the Native American Bands in Minnesota and the racetracks on the same page in regards to gaming. Let’s get a few things out of the way first:

- The gaming monopoly enjoyed by the Bands is not guaranteed. There are no provisions in the compacts that promises that there will never be any competition for the gambling dollar;

- The State can want money from the Bands all they want but their compact does not provide for any of it. The compacts can be reopened only with the mutual consent of the parties. Can anyone tell me why in the world any of the Band’s would want to reopen a compact? I wouldn’t.

I try not to take sides on this issue. I worked in gaming for a long time here in Minnesota (and may again) so the Bands here have been my customers and are my friends. Conversely I’ve owned racehorses and been involved in the industry one way or another on and off for nearly 25 years and love it dearly. Is there a way that both sides can benefit from gaming reform? I think that there is.

I hate to do this to my friends at Running Aces, but you’re out. Southwest Casinos built this place with the express goal of getting slots while, in fact, the building of the Park probably did more to unify opposition to the idea of racino than anything else. When slots were only being discussed at Canterbury it was hard for the northern Bands, whose casinos generate considerably less revenue than the southern Bands, to jump on board to the defense of their fellow Natives in Shakopee. The Mdewakanton Sioux, operators of Mystic Lake and Little Six Casinos, are the wealthiest Band in the state and the per capita payouts are tremendously high due to the success of the casinos and relatively small size of the Band. However, once Running Aces came into the picture that all changed. Now there was a threat to the Mille Lacs Band’s two successful casinos, Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs as well as the potential of the trickle-down effect unemployment would have on the rural counties where they are located. It was easy then for the Mdewakanton to back off and let the Mille Lacs Band lead the assault on racino because, quite simply, the Mille Lacs story is much more compelling.

Limit the number of slots at Canterbury. Yup, sorry to you all as well. No monumental gaming palace, but why not a slot venue? Especially in Shakopee. Gamblers will have a choice between Mystic, Little Six and Canterbury. It almost lends itself to a great joint marketing campaign. When gamblers don’t win at one place, what do they do? Move on to the next one. Where in Minnesota would be the only place that you could actually do that if the track got slots? Shakopee, that’s where.

What’s the right number, though? That’s a good question and I would peg the high end at 2,000 with 1,500 probably being a fair number. That’s a good size casino and would produce enough revenue to revitalize the horse industry, build the equestrian park that is sorely needed here and generate generous amounts of cash for the state while still providing a bit of subsidy for Running Aces – you can’t leave them totally high and dry.

But what about the Bands? What do they get out of this deal? Well, first of all get rid of the ridiculous “video only” gaming requirement in the state and let the Bands have mechanical reels as well as the table games that they are currently barred from offering: craps and roulette. Why not? Additionally, shed the maximum payback requirement.

According to the terms of the compact between the state and the tribes…the minimum and maximum payouts are regulated as follows: video poker and video blackjack - 83% to 98%, slot machines - 80% to 95%, keno - 75% to 95%. Each tribe is free to set its machines to pay back anywhere within those limits and the tribes do not release any information regarding their slot machine percentage paybacks. (taken from the American Casino Guide).

This limitation is ludicrous and only harms the players. If I operated a casino in Wisconsin or Iowa I would advertise in Minnesota that my place offers “slots so loose they are illegal in Minnesota!” Open it up and let competition reign.

Finally, restructure the technical standards that the Bands have to follow in the state. The standards are so archaic and hard to change that as the gaming industry is moving toward more server based applications for gaming and leading edge computer technology, Minnesota lags behind. The state should simply adopt the latest Gaming Laboratories Inc.’s (GLI) technical standards. Once a new set of standards is GLI approved, they are approved in Minnesota. This isn’t a radical step and, in fact, mirrors most gaming jurisdictions that do not have their own testing lab (which I would adamantly oppose as a waste of taxpayer money, by the way).

The Bands would then get more games and more leeway in the way they can build their business. And, by the way, keep revenue sharing out of any discussion. The state is getting its money from the racino.

I admit that this isn’t perfect for everyone – it’s not meant to be. What it’s meant to do is be as perfect as possible for the taxpayers of Minnesota while still providing something for three groups most affected by gaming legislation.

Ultimately if everyone could get together and talk about this, much could be accomplished for the state and its residents. A comprehensive look at gaming in this state is necessary before we move forward on anything. A little bit to everyone could very well mean a lot for the state of Minnesota.

Working Class Breeders' Cup Hero

2011-10-07T10:14:00.001-05:00

When you get into the claiming game you get into it with your eyes wide open. You hope to be able to move a horse up a rung or two, win some races and have some fun. If you’re putting together a partnership – when you’re responsible for other people’s money as well as your own – you sell the fun, not the return. We all know what a tough game this is to turn a dollar in, witness the old joke:

How do you make a small fortune in horse racing?

Start with a large one!

That being said, any owner will be lying if they say that they don’t dream about taking a horse they claimed and having it end up being a champion. We all know that Seasbiscuit ran for a claiming price and in August Caracortado won the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile after starting life as a $40,000 maiden claimer, but one of my favorite claim stories is Furthest Land (Smart Strike- Flagrant - Rahy).

Furthest Land started his racing career in Florida in December 2007, winning in his second start in a maiden special weight at Calder. From there he moved up to allowance/optional claiming company where he had a tough go of it and the decision was made to try and soften things up and run for a tag. After two consecutive second place finishes in $35,000 non-winners of two races at Belmont, Furthest Land was claimed from owner/breeder Catherine Wills and trainer Christophe Clement by Michael Maker and owners Kent and Sarah Ramsey. Then the fun began.

Right off the claim, Maker won three in a row with Furthest Land after he switched him to turf and stretched him out, marching up the allowance steps. His first try in a stake, the Tampa Bay, appeared to bring him back to reality, finishing 7^th, but he bounced right back in a $100,000 optional claiming race over Keeneland’s synthetic surface. Emboldened, Maker took a giant step and entered him in the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs and again the gelding faltered, finishing 8^th of 9 behind Einstein.

Furthest Land’s first stake win came in Indiana in the off the turf Golden Bear in his next start off the Woodford as the odds on favorite and set a new mile and 70 yard track record – over a sloppy track!! Then it was on to Canterbury Park to take on other former claimers in the 2009 $138,000 Claiming Crown Jewel. This was the first time that I saw him live and he was impressive. The dark bay gelding was well muscled and obviously in great condition.

When a national trainer comes to your local track you tend to gravitate toward his or her stock. It’s not that they necessarily do a better job shaping up their horses – we have our share of sharp horsemen at Canterbury – but the stock they start with is of such high quality it’s a real pleasure to see. Furthest Land played the part of the odds on favorite right up until the time he crossed the wire 4^th. After the high of the Golden Bear, the Jewel was a letdown. What it really was, though, was a bump on the dirt road. His next two starts made him my hero and the living embodiment of what we dream of when we claim a horse.

Next up was back to polytrack and the Grade 2 Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park where he stalked the early pace and ground out his first graded stakes win. This impressive victory over the synthetic surface – he was now 2 for 2 on the surface - earned him a trip to the Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile (run over synthetic that year at Santa Anita). I didn’t even have him in my top three in my Breeder’s Cup preview post and I was dead wrong – as were most people as he went postward at 21-1!

"I sat on the rail right behind the leader (Midshipman). It opened up at the quarter-pole. I found room to strike, and that was it," jockey Julien Leparoux said reviewing the race. "He always runs big on synthetics. It was not an easy win to have, but he ran big."

Should I have had him? In hindsight, on the synthetic surface, he was a tremendous overlay at 21-1 after the Kentucky Cup performance. It was one of the few bets that I’ve been happy to lose over the years. Let’s face it, the Ramseys and I don’t have a lot in common, but Furthest Land was like Tabby Lane and Fizzy Pop and so many others in one respect: he was a working class horse running for a tag.

The odds are strong against me ever having a Breeders' Cup winner, but watching Furthest Land fueled that dream forever. I’m still not sure if that’s something I should be thankful for or not!

Welcome to the World, TURF!

2011-10-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Today marks the launch of a new venture: TURF. TURF is an international collection of horse racing bloggers. We represent a diverse group of writers, passionate about the sport of horse racing. The group is made up of noted turf writers, horse owners, health specialists, trainers, fans, handicappers and pedigree analysts from three continents. While we are small we hope to make a big impact on the world of thoroughbred racing.

Given the diversity of the group we hope that through our home page we can provide a landing place that racing fans as well as insiders will want to check with every day in order to get varied opinions on issues and events in racing. Additionally, the group has a Facebook page that will provide additional interaction with readers. Through the use of various social media the level of interactivity between writers and readers should be high enabling both parties to benefit from the relationship.

For the launch of the group this week, many members’ posts will feature the Breeders’ Cup as subject matter. For example, later this week this blog will feature a post on Furthest Land, a $35,000 claim that went on to fame as winner of the Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile – a dream that all of us hold when we get into this business. Bloggers will continue to move forward writing about their own interests in racing and there will always be something new to read though the occasional “theme week” with enable us to tackle an issue or even collectively and from varying viewpoints.

Please bookmark the home page, follow the group on Facebook, circle your favorites on Google+ and interact with individual writers on Twitter. Visit often and leave comments – I know all of us look forward to interacting with other racing fans!

Members of TURF are:

Valerie Grash (Foolish Pleasure/FilliesFirst)

Dana Byerly (Green But Game)

Jessica Chapel (Railbird)

Teresa Genaro (Brooklyn Backstretch)

Ted Grevelis (Owning Racehorses)

Kevin Martin (Colin’s Ghost)

Steve Zorn (The Business of Racing)

Sid Fernando (Sid Fernando + Observations)

Keith McCalmont (Triple Dead Heat)

Gina Rarick (Gallop France)

Chris Hernandez (Giving My Ten Cents)

Fran Jurga (Hoof Blog/The Jurga Report)

Bill Pressey (ThoroEdge)

Alastair Middleton Horse Racing in Korea

Sue Dalebroux (Post Parade)

Alan Mann (Left at the Gate)

Frank Vespe (That’s Amore Stable)

Gene Kershner (Equispace)

Anthony Falbo (The Turk)

Kate Hunter (Keiblog)

Remington Debut Not Exactly as Planned

2011-09-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

We pushed Tabby Lane this last start to see exactly what we had after she picked up four wins in her last six starts. I was thinking $15,000 – as opposed to the $10,000 we claimed her for – but Bernell Rhone, our trainer, thought that maybe a push toward $20,000 may be in order since she had been so sharp recently in the starter allowances she’d been winning. We have room on the downside from there, she’s still eligible for the starter conditions and if there was ever a time to see where she was at, this was it so up we went.

We had a scratch in the race, cutting the field to seven. The scratch, Going Okie, was a good one from our perspective. She was dropping in from $35,000 and stood to be a real threat down the stretch. There was a nice balance of speed, stalkers and closers in the race which set it up for a fair run. All evening (we were in the 7^th race) there didn’t appear to be any real bias in the racetrack. Speed held if it was the best and didn’t if it wasn’t – another good sign.

She came into the paddock at Remington looking good. I received several texts from folks back home that reinforced my own impression of her (an overview of my day at Remington will follow later this week) as well as my handicapping partner for the evening, Michael Devery’s opinion as well. At this point I’m feeling pretty good. Sure, she was 12-1 on the board, the second longest choice, but everything was pointing to a good effort.

When the gates opened, Tabby broke extremely alertly from the outside post. She hustled up to the outside and stalked the leaders. I was concerned, but not overly considering that she used this similar style in her last outing. At the half mile pole she advanced to 3 ½ lengths of the two leaders, but by the ¾ mark she was done. Jockey Dean Butler said when he came back that she was real game early but after six furlongs when the lead horses started pulling away from her and she couldn’t keep up, she quit. She steadily faded out of the race from through the last quarter mile of the race. Ultimately she finished 7^th and last, beaten by about 10 ½ lengths.

It wasn’t exactly the outcome I was hoping for. In fact, it wasn’t even close. As I mentioned in the race preview, I knew it was tough, but I was hoping she would hit the board – and that didn’t come close to happening.

She came back well after the race, though, and my hope is that this one defeat didn’t take too much heart out of her. You may recall from last summer that once she started losing she spiraled rapidly. We’ll come back in three to four weeks at a lower level and we’ll see where her head is at. Physically she was fine going into the race, but it could be that she was a bit rusty. She’s used to going about once a month and she was off for five weeks between races this time. She’ll have no excuses next time.

Meet Debut at Remington Park

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tabby Lane finally got a race to fill at Remington this Friday night. The condition book had two substitute races in it: a $20,000 claiming race and a $10,000 Starter Allowance. My preference was the Starter. I really don’t care about the tag, I just thought that the starter might be an easier spot. $20,000 is a pretty good jump up in class for our girl from where she has been running, but the starter did not fill so straight claimer we go.

The field is only eight, but it is a pretty good quality field and if we wanted to stretch her a bit, we’re going to get our chance on Friday night in race seven. The race is over the main track and will go a mile and a sixteenth.

1 – Veillit’ (Hartman/Compton): This filly has been claimed out of her last four races all over California. If she goes here (she’s entered at Zia Park on Saturday). She’s got some early speed from the inside and last won at Hollywood in June in an $8,000 claiming race.

2 – Miss Afleet Alex (Lozano/Laviolette): As a betting opportunity, I kind of like this horse here. Her last two starts over the turf were nothing special, but she doesn’t appear to be a turfer anyway. She won nicely over the dirt at right about this level before getting trounced in a stake at Prairie Meadows and then trying the turf at Remington. Now she’ll be back on the dirt and back at a level where she appears to fit. She’ll come off the pace and be dangerous in here I think.

3 – Tez Sivitri (Rhone/Hamilton): Tabby’s stablemate and upset Minnesota Distaff Classic Champion by over 9 lengths, she ran very well over the Remington Park turf last year at this level and higher. Her season was pretty uneven this season until the huge win in the distaff. If that was a signal that she’s back to her old form, she’ll be another one flying late and tough in here.

4 – Why Wonder Why (Engel/Berry): Big winner last out in a $5000 Starter in his Remington debut. Could be a bit over her head in here, but – like most of the starters in here – her Beyers’ fit just fine. She has some early speed and hopefully will challenge the inside horse as well as EZ Time a bit further out.

5 – Going Okie (Pish/Joubert): Won in her last race of last season a notch above here. Her comebacker, at the same level, was a bit flat but only finished a length back over the turf. Back to the dirt and drops a rung. She’s a Remington only horse and had done well with that strategy so far.

6 – Dixieland Baby (Davidson/McNeil): Has only one win in the last year over the lawn at Hoosier but has been competitive on the dirt. The one win was an allowance win as well. Her Remington seasonal bow was less than impressive, though she did stalk the leaders for a while before fading so with improved fitness she could be a bit more competitive while dropping one rung in class.

7 – E Z Time (Engle/Quinonez): A huge winner after a summer break, winning by just under 11 lengths in a $10,000 claiming race without really being asked while posting a career best 81 Beyer. A repeat of that front running performance here and it’s all over but the shouting.

8 – TABBY LANE (Rhone/Butler)

Tabby has won 3 of her last 4 and 4 of her last 6. The last couple of races she wasn’t all out and so we know that there is more in the tank. The question that will be answered in this race, is just how much is left in that tank. She’ll be off the pace early, we know that – her stalking trip last out notwithstanding. She should like the added sixteenth as well. The class factor, though, is going to be where it gets decided. If she can handle this group is going to come down to how well she can compete against horses that have been racing at $35,000 as opposed to $10,000/$16,000. There should be some pace and Dean should have her out of trouble, the rest is going to be up to her.

Racehorses, Responsibility and Heroines

2011-09-19T08:00:00.013-05:00

Off the Track Thoroughbreds - playing, sound and adoptable at the MNRRP

I went to my first non-racehorse auction the other night with Annie Ringwelski and Jen Selvig of the Minnesota Retired Racehorse Project (MNRRP). Our mission, well, their mission, was to try and identify off the track thoroughbreds (OTTBs) and do what they could to bring them into the program and get them rehabbed, retrained and placed in a good home. For some background on the MNRRP, you can go back in this blog or visit theirs at www.retiredracehorses.blogspot.com.

The night started simply enough. I arrived at the wrong building and waited. I texted Annie, knowing that she would be the first to arrive, and told her where I was. What I didn’t admit was I had a knot in my stomach. I didn’t know what to expect and my biggest fear was that there would be OTTBs there from the recently concluded Canterbury meet. Even bigger was that I would recognize them and that they would have come from a trainer or owner that I knew. I expected horrible conditions and cramped quarters. Basically I feared the absolute worst.

When I got to where I was supposed to be, I surveyed the auction. The arena was clean and tidy. Stall space was nothing special, in fact I would consider it quite cramped, though the horses were only in for the auction and then moving on. Picture your standard racetrack stall and chop it into thirds and there you go.

One special section was set aside for “loose horses”. These would not be presented in the ring or ridden in to show off their skills. These were horses that, if they struck your fancy, you could buy cheaply at the end of the auction as they ran loose. If not, they were destined for the slaughterhouse. They were run through the ring quickly and were kept in makeshift pens. Three pregnant mares were together as were several yearlings with one elderly and emaciated pony and a couple of adults. All were sold to dealers except the pony who was taken home by Annie’s daughter Daria who spent her own money to save her. It’s not many nearly 13-year olds with that kind of compassion and heart.

Ginger the Pony, saved by Daria!

The auction was an all-breed auction but our hunt was very specific – we were on the lookout for OTTBs. Because the Canterbury and Prairie Meadows meets had just ended there was the very real possibility that some racers would have fallen through the cracks and ended up here, thankfully that was not the case...at least not here.

One of the first people we bumped into after entering the auction was a gentleman that had purchased horses with assistance from Project in the past. He had an OTTB, though not purchased through the program, entered in the sale. It had a stifle issue and he knew he wouldn’t get much for her but was going to send her through anyhow. I freely admit that I don’t know the motivation, but it certainly appeared by his body language that he was surprised to see Annie there. My guess is that he felt “caught” and that prompted him to withdraw her, though I could be wrong. MNRRP will now market the horse for him and make sure it gets placed in a good home – much better than a slaughterhouse. Victory number one. (She was privately sold this weekend as a hunter/jumper prospect.)

A little later as we perused the stalls and the kill pen we found a tattooed Thoroughbred. Jen ran the tattoo through The Jockey Club database and we discovered that the horse was a 9-year old gelding named Money Train. Money Train raced in Ohio and West Virginia and was able to win three races: a maiden and two allowances before starting to have trouble winning at the $5000 claiming level at Mountaineer. He was retired soon thereafter and went through the rehabilitation program at New Vocations in Lexington, KY.

He was placed with Bailey Saylor of Minnesota. Here is the description of that relationship straight from the New Vocations website:

Adopter Barry Saylor of Minnesota and Thoroughbred gelding “Money Train” aka “Cash” have covered over 395 miles of terrain in 2009 competing in endurance rides of 25-60 miles in length. He even plans to do a 100 mile ride next year! According to Barry, he could not ask for a better horse than “Cash”. He has the whole package for a sport that demands a lot from a horse. He is the best OTTB that he has ever had. He has the attitude; loves to go down the trail even at the 50 mile mark, takes care of himself on the trail, and has the physical attributes to enable him to accomplish the miles and stay sound. “I can’t keep track of the compliments that I get on how gorgeous he is when we pass someone going down the trail. He has stolen my heart with his personality, intelligence and his drive. He is a wonderful animal. Thank you for making our being together possible.”

The note that was left at the auction house for the horse gave some background about his endurance riding capabilities as well as a general description of his exemplary behavior.

Just after Money Train was identified, it was his turn to get sent through the ring. We literally ran back to the arena and jumped into the stands just in time for the bidding to begin. Initially the only bid was from a kill buyer and that was Annie’s signal to get into action. The bidding was raised a few times but there was only two-way action. Once the price got too high for the kill buyer to make a profit, the horse was property of the MNRRP - $210.

It was exhilarating. Victory number two. Sure, the gelding through the ring was just one, but it was a racer and a well-trained one at that. He certainly didn’t deserve to be dumped here. The goal of the program now will be to get him to a qualified new home as soon as he is ready. Considering he had been off track for a while in another discipline “Cash” will hopefully have a short stay since his down time to recover from the racetrack is non-existent. Still, work will have to be done with him in order to prove his soundness and readiness to move on. The adoption fee should cover his costs and provide a bit extra to be able to help another OTTB, giving the program the ability to grow and help more horses in need. If there is one thing that is certain in this world of the OTTB: there is more supply than help available.

I was Tweeting (@tlgrevelis, if you’re interested in following) as the experience was unfolding and Caroline Betts of the Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue immediately sent a response to a Tweet that she was sure Cash was a New Vocations horse. I was able to send a note to New Vocations through Facebook, giving them the heads up and the next day they were able to get in touch with Annie to give her his specifics. They were thankful that we were there and were able to prevent him being sold by the pound.

During the walk through the kill pen – excuse me, the loose horse pen – I spotted a large paint, possibly part Saddlebred. He was magnificent. He had one of the most beautiful heads I’d ever seen and he was very tall, over 16 hands high. He looked regal and totally misplaced in that pen. He allowed himself to be patted and seemed friendly, but as with the other kill pen…loose horse pen…horses, you never know what you’re getting.

The saved part Saddlebred paint and yours truly at the farm.

There was something about him, though, that gnawed at me. He wasn’t an ex-racer, so he couldn’t be a program horse so I resigned myself to the fact that this guy was getting shipped south, but he ate at me. There is a lot I’m still learning about judging a horse, but something with him just didn’t feel “right”. The next day we tried to raise enough money to buy him back from the kill buyer. Thanks to various friends and the networking available through social media, we were able to post his bail. I’m looking forward to helping out with him as he moves forward. I’m sure you’ll read more about him in this space as time goes by. While I was thrilled to pieces to get him out of there and a shot at a good life, what it led to was even more disturbing and was right in the Project’s wheelhouse.

When he was being picked up at the feed lot, a pen was discovered with five Thoroughbreds and another outside. All of the five still had their racing plates on.

These horses were purchased off the track by a known dealer who likes to say he has “a good riding home” for them, forks over a couple of hundred bucks and away they go to Mexico or Canada. Donating your Thoroughbred to the Project or another program can get you a $5000 tax credit. Selling to the dealer gets you $200 cash. Is it really worth it?

An outpouring of support from some of the local horse community, most notably from Minnesota Thoroughbred Association Board President Scott Rake among others, enabled the Project to save several of the horses, though it was already too late for one and an unraced Kansas bred. These horses are now in the program and can be read about at the MNRRP blog.

The entire experience was a roller coaster ride. The heartbreaking discovery of the OTTBs at the auction; the exhilaration of being able to save them for new careers; the high of knowing that no thoroughbreds fell through the cracks only to be brought crashing down to Earth the next day finding six in the feed lot; the last minute reprieve for the four, but not being able to save the other two. This was just two days in my life – this IS the life of the MNRRP.

The strength and dedication of these women is phenomenal. The deep well of compassion they possess tempered by the harsh reality that you can’t save them all is admirable and remarkable. Quite frankly, anyone who wants to own a horse – racehorse or otherwise – should have to experience what I did. They should have to see the pregnant mares that will be slaughtered along with their unwanted and unborn foals. They should see the fear in the eyes of the weanlings who never asked to be born and will only live a short and brutal life anyway. They need to see the starving and emaciated ponies that were simply discarded. Reckless breeding and even more reckless ownership needs to be avoided. A look at the harsh reality of what can happen "after" would promote more responsible ownership in all phases of equine activity.

It's important to recognize that while racing gets a bad rap, out of the 110 or so horse in the feed lot for shipment, only five were ex-racehorses. The remainder were dumped by owners involved in other disciplines or had them as pets. Even at the auction we only found 2 OTTBs compared to the hundreds run through the ring. Racing may not be perfect, but it is far from the largest cause of the problem.

If you’re in the game – an owner, trainer or even a fan, support your local organization that helps to retire these horses to another life and career. As a reminder, in Minnesota you can reach the MNRRP at 612-384-6908 or send a donation to MNRRP C/O Annie Ringwelski, 3850 182nd St E, Prior Lake, MN 55372.

Canterbury: That's a Wrap

2011-09-15T10:51:00.000-05:00

With the conclusion of the 2011 Canterbury Park season, it’s time to take a look back, both from our perspective and a bit big picture.

Professionally speaking, the summer could NOT have been better as I’ve outlined in my previous post. Tabby Lane ran four times here this summer and won three. She won on the grass and she won over the dirt. If not for the need to be checked up in her losing effort, she probably would have hit the board. As it was she came in fourth behind Avenue Sister and Monslewn, a couple of very nice fillies. In fact, Avenue Sister came back to win the HBPA Mile later in the summer after a third place finish in the Lady Canterbury.

Tabby’s stat line for the summer was: 4 Starts 3-0-0 $21,720. No matter how you slice it, that’s a successful summer, especially when you consider her lost summer of 2010 when she finished a distant second once. She took the group from a deficit to about where we were when we claimed her. All in all, that’s not bad.

I made a strategic error with her however. After her last race we faced a decision to either ship her to Remington or try and get one more race in at Canterbury. We opted for Remington for reasons outlined in a previous post. I was wrong. A $25,000 Optional Claiming race did fill on Labor Day here in Minnesota and we would have been in the think of it. It would have been quite the step up, but Bernell says that Tabs is as sharp as she’s ever been for us right now. I want to test her against better and rolled the dice that Remington would be the way to do that. While it still may be, the timing would have been better to stay at home so I whiffed on that one.

Personally, while unemployment is a huge burden and pretty damn stressful, it enabled me to spend time with my children in a way I haven’t in a very long time. I was here during the day for them and, for Forrest especially who was here for nearly 2 months, we were able to log a lot of quality time. Ben accompanied me to the track a few times and hung out in the press box. The first time was a quiet Thursday night, the next was a busy Saturday with Dark Star entertaining from his spot on the couch. Ben enjoyed that trip a lot more than the first.

At the racetrack, if you follow this blog at all you are familiar with the trials and tribulations that faced Minnesota racing this summer. The largest hit was the government shutdown that forced the track to close for 21 days putting a bullet in the head of 12 race dates, though six of those were worked in later in the meet including a bonus weekend of racing tacked on to the end of the schedule. It’s debatable how much the shutdown cost the track. Some estimates have placed it at a million dollars a week, others at a million dollars for the shutdown period. However you slice it, its real money. The biggest attendance and handle weekend of the season, Independence Day, was wiped out and there is no way to get a weekend like that back. The actual impact probably won’t be known until Canterbury files their next quarterly report.

The shutdown, however, will still loom as preparations begin for the 2012 racing season. The loss of dates will affect horsemen’s purses next season. “It is likely we will have to run fewer race days or offer lower purses,” said track president Randy Sampson. “Neither option is good for the racing industry or the state of Minnesota.

Looking at the data, though, there is a lot to like about the Canterbury Park season.

Average daily attendance was up 5% to 6,143 people which once again set a track record. People love their racing here and certainly enjoy a night at the Park (not The Downs, by the way, but that’s a rant for another time). On track handle was up slightly per card, 0.8%, this year over 2010 as well, though not close to any records. Import handle, the amount of money bet on Canterbury from off track sources was up a very healthy 6.3%. Some of this may be due to the fact that the Thursday evening cards ran late and Canterbury was the only track running for several races each night. This was certainly reflected in the tote board. That can’t account for all of it, however, and maybe the folks that tuned in on Thursdays came back to bet later in the weekend as well. Maybe there is a way to tweak next year’s schedule to try and take advantage of this phenomenon? Make sure that the late Thursday cards are popular races that push up field size, for example.

“Overall the numbers are encouraging,” Sampson said. “Fans continue to enjoy horse racing and that shows in the attendance increase.”

No day was that statement more true than Minnesota Festival of Champions Day. A record Festival crowd of 11,214 showed up to see the best Minnesota breds in training compete for the state bred divisional titles. It was a gorgeous day and the crowd was enthusiastic and even bet pretty well. As it should be it was the highlight of the meet and showcased some pretty bright stars.

Tubby Time, owned by Jeff Larson and trained by Mack Robertson, stamped himself as one of the best we’ve seen on the grass in a very long time. Cam Casby’s Polar Plunge, victim of a horrendous trip in the Minnesota Oaks, is 3 for 4 in her career and was the best 3-year old filly at the meet. Nomorewineforeddie, winner of the Minnesota Sprint Championship, earned a lifetime best 96 Beyer speed figure in that race, his only win of the season. That said, if ‘Eddie could stay consistent, he shows flashes of being a brilliant speedster and the Sprint win was a great performance. If Heliskier stays healthy, he may be one of the best Minn breds ever if he can build on this 2-year old season.

Getting to see Atta Boy Roy race in the Shot of Gold was a treat. Rusty Shaw may have wrapped him up a bit early, but he still won with ease. I don’t know if there is a better conformed horse in training right now; he is simply a thing of beauty. My hat is off to Valerie Lund for racing him here so we could see him up close.

Speaking of Lund, I could not be more pleased with the impression she made here in Minnesota – at least on me. She is engaging, friendly, open and during the shutdown, when she could have walked away and no one would have blamed her, she came front and center to be an example of how the shutdown affected the track and horsemen. She advocated for the Racino and was there to answer questions that anyone might have had for her. This isn’t her home base and she’s not a long timer here either, but she’s got a lot of class and I hope we see her back again.

While the shutdown lorded over the track like a shadow, there certainly were beams of light. Talks continue of a racino bill but there has been talk for years now and it has almost become white noise. Maybe it gets rolled into a stadium bill. Maybe it dies on the vine and the lobbyists continue to make their retainer while racing suffers. Maybe there is a way that the Tribes, track and state can work together for the good of all. I think that there is a way, but I’m not talking…yet.

As the frost starts to lift this morning here in Minnesota, my thoughts turn to 2012. Where will I be and what will I be doing and what will the state of Minnesota racing be? These are big questions that need to be answered in my life and the life of racing here. The next few months will be telling for both of us.

2011 Canterbury Park Divisional Champions

· Horse of the Year- Tubby Time (owner: Jeff Larson; trainer: Mac Robertson)

· Older Horse - Tubby Time (owner: Jeff Larson; trainer: Mac Robertson)

· Grass Horse – Tubby Time (owner: Jeff Larson; trainer: Mac Robertson)

· Older Filly or Mare – Sheso Dazzling (owner: Eric Von Seggern and Kurt Kindschuh; trainer: Mac Robertson)

· Three-Year-Old Colt or Gelding – Wild Jacob (owner: Stanley Mankin; trainer: Stanley Mankin)

· Three-Year-Old Filly – Polar Plunge (owner: Camelia Casby; trainer: Gary Scherer)

· Two-Year-Old – Heliskier (owner: Marlene Colvin; trainer Mac Robertson)

· Sprinter – Just Jebicah (owner: Lonnie Arterburn and Ron Stolich; trainer: Lonnie Arterburn)

· Claimer – Just Jebicah (owner: Lonnie Arterburn and Ron Stolich; trainer: Lonnie Arterburn)

· Quarter Horse – Cruzin the Wagon (Terry and Mary Louise Pursel; trainer Brent Clay)

Thank You, Canterbury Park

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Usually this space, on the first day after the conclusion of the Canterbury Park live meet, you get all the facts and figures and my ruminations on the season. That will come soon enough, but this summer at Canterbury Park has done something for me that nothing has over the past six years of living here: it has made Minnesota home.

Wherever I have lived in the past, I have been able to assimilate. I bleed Boston and New England – that will never change - but when I lived in the DC area, I loved the museums, battlefields and culture and felt like a Marylander. In Las Vegas I became a UNLV fan, as did my kids. Even when living on Guam I felt a connected to the land and people (tano y chamoru for those of you “in the know”). No matter what I tried here in Minnesota, that didn’t happen. When people asked, I was “from” Massachusetts or Nevada, but I “lived” in Minnesota.

That changed this summer and I have a lot of people to thank for that.

In no particular order:

David Miller and Jim Dunleavy. My friend David, bloodstock agent and Equibase chart caller, helped me get involved in Minnesota racing which led to Fizzy Pop, this blog, Tabby Lane and, ultimately, a recommendation to Jim, an editor at the Daily Racing Form that got me this freelance gig. Jim gave me a shot and it worked out well enough that if I’m around, I’ll do this gig again next year. Thank you, both.

Jeff Maday, Andrew Offerman, Angela Hermann, Paul Allen, Kate Ulrich, Jim Wells and Bruce “The Oracle” Meyer. The Canterbury Park press box team welcomed me in and, after I proved not to be a real doofus, made me part of the family. While the night of the shutdown was depressing, being with this group made it bearable and, in fact, will stay with me as one of the best memories – not for the event, but for the camaraderie. They were also silly enough to put a microphone in my hand and put me in front of a camera. I loved it like you read about and thank them for the experience. I’m going to miss this crew terribly and hope that my next “real” job enables me to be back with them next year – and for years to come.

Annie Ringwelski and Jen Selvig (Minnesota Retired Racehorse Project). These ladies helped me discover a passion for helping retiring racehorses that I never knew I had! I even made a deal – I help them write grants and wrangle up money and I’ll be taught to ride and take care of a horse. Ladies, I so got the better end of that deal! I mean, it’s not curling, but still… Thank you and you all I won’t miss too much – we’ll be seeing a lot of each other as we move forward. I promise to try and get there once a week to help out, until a “real” job gets in the way.

Jay & Willa Dailey, Mary Malkerson, Kris Reinman, Tom & Jan Aguilera, Kay King and other owners and MTA members I’m sure I’m inadvertently missing. Getting to know you all better this year was the gem of the summer and something I’ll always have. Thank you.

As always, I can never, ever thank Bernell & Cindy Rhone, Dean & Leann Butler and all the barn help for all they’ve done for our horses over the years and especially the patient and near miraculous job they did turning Tabby Lane around. But they are even better people than they are horsepeople and that’s what makes them special.

Of course, Tabby Lane. I visited Tabby nearly every race day of the meet. Sometimes we shared dinner – well, she ate while I yapped. She always took breaks to nuzzle, though, and I appreciate it. She taught me that horses have very distinct personalities and that hers was dazzling. When I’d come by she would stick her head out of her stall and push her forehead up against my chest and I’d nuzzle with her and we’d talk. She’s a great listener and I love her dearly. This business may have other plans, but I hope that I get to retire her someday. She’s a keeper.

Ultimately while what I got paid for covering racing probably barely covered my gas for the summer, it gave me much more than that. Thank you to all I have mentioned and those that I forgot for doing something in a summer that living here for six years didn’t: I’m now “from” Minnesota (I’m still a Boston sports fan, let’s not get crazy) and finally feel a sense of belonging. Thank you for the best summer of my adult life.

Now we’ll see if I can stay.

Working With Andy Beyer

2011-09-07T10:24:00.001-05:00

I was reading a story in the Daily Racing Form by Andy Beyer about a gentleman in Nevada diagnosed with pancreatic cancer trying to beat the odds and live long enough to make it until the National Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas. Reading the story reminded me of an episode I had with Beyer in college back in the mid-1980’s.

I was a senior at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. My best friend, Paul Mooney, and I would make trips to play the races throughout New England when we had the opportunity. Back in the 80’s there was a dearth of handicapping information out there so you grabbed what you could find and latched onto it. For harness racing at Lewiston and Scarborough it was Ainslie’s Complete Guide to Harness Racing while for Thoroughbreds it was Beyer’s Picking Winners.

I had just come off of spending a year in Washington, DC spending my “year abroad” at George Washington University and Beyer’s column in the Washington Post was must reading. While he covered racing from a national perspective he also covered the Laurel/Pimlico scene in great detail. There were columns on track biases, equine stars and trainers, owners and jockeys. I couldn’t get enough Andy Beyer and I wrote one of only two pieces of fan mail I ever wrote in my life (the other was to Mel Blanc when I was in high school – quite the combo, huh?).

In my letter to Beyer I told him how much I enjoyed his work in the paper as well as paperback. I thought that the possibility of following horses every day was my idea of heaven and asked him: how do I get to be you when I grow up?

Beyer’s answer came back hammered out on a manual typewriter and hand signed: “You don’t want this gig.” Or something to that effect. I don’t have the response anymore, lost over time in my moves around the country and the world, but I will always remember the advice he gave me: get a real job and follow the horses in my spare time. He said that betting horses and writing about them wasn’t easy and that it didn’t pay particularly well, unless you got lucky.

I followed that advice. I graduated from college, attended graduate school at Maryland (and Pimlico & Laurel) and had a series of “real jobs” until getting laid off this past December. Thanks to the recommendation of a friend, I picked up a freelance job for the summer covering Canterbury Park for the same Daily Racing Form that Beyer calls home. His advice is still spot on. The gig is a lot of fun but I won’t get rich doing it. However while I’m looking for a “real job” I am living the dream and – technically speaking only – working with my hero while I’m doing it.

I have never met Andy Beyer and the odds are pretty good that I never will. I tried hard to follow his advice though the years yet when all was said and done, at least for now anyway, I ended up under the same masthead.

I promise, Andy, I AM looking for a “real job”…unless I get lucky!

Minnesota Festival of Champions Day

2011-09-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

The crowd of the year turned out for the event of the year at Canterbury Park yesterday. The 18^th Minnesota Festival of Champions, the state championships of racing, was contested before a Festival record crowd of 11, 214. The rain held off until the end of the card and the seven stakes races were decided. Here is a brief recap of the day.

Minnesota Distaff Sprint

What was thought to be the swan song for Bella Notte was a winning one. Outbreaking the field and continuing onward for the win, Bella Notte leaves the track a Minnesota champion. “We’re thrilled. It’s a great way to the end the season,” said owner Gretchen Eaton. After two strong races, it is unclear now whether the 7-year old mare will be retired.

Minnesota Sprint

Nomorewinforeddie, whose last win came in this race last season, made it back to back sprint championships with an impressive wire-to-wire performance. Jockey Dean Butler found himself in front early and never looked back. “I thought that there would be a little bit of pressure,” Butler said. “He was doing it so easy.” He easily did it to the tune of a 5 length victory.

Northern Lights Futurity

Heliskier lived up to his billing as he coasted to victory in the 2-year old male stake, simply blowing the field away by 10 and probably could have won by 20 if jockey Derek Bell so chose. When asked if thoe horse felt like more of a sprinter or could go long, Bell said, “He’ll be able to do anything you want with him. He’s very talented and will be a lot of fun next year.”

Owner Marlene Colvin, whose late husband, Bun Colvin, broke the colt himself and passed away earlier this year, said touchingly, “My husband broke him. He told me, ‘Marl, this is the one’.”

This one's for you, Bun.

Minnesota Classic

Black Tie Benny, attempting to be the second horse to sweep the Futurity, Derby and Classic, unfortunately bowed a tendon and was eased under the wire. Former stablemate, Jaival, claimed last time out by Valerie Lund out of the Bernell Rhone Stable, stormed through the lane to take command and win by four lengths.

“This is the first Minnesota bred I’ve ever had,” said Lund. “He had been training marvelously and we gave him a chance in here.”

Minnesota Turf

The heaviest favorite of the day, Tubby Time, looked like he could have been beaten in the lane as Mack’s Blackhawk, caught in a pace battle early, battled strongly into the stretch but finally tired, succumbing to Tubby Time in final 16^th of a mile. With the win, Tubby Time has marked himself as the clear favorite for 2011 Canterbury Horse of the Year – quite frankly I’m not sure which other horse would get my vote. I just don’t think Tabby’s wins were quality enough!

Northern Lights Debutante

The parade of favorites continued with the Cam Casby bred and owned Keewatin Ice overcoming a slow start and some traffic issues to charge past pacesetter Jills Summer Raine. Keewatin Ice remains undefeated in two starts and sets up as an early contender for the 2012 Minnesota Oaks.

Minnesota Distaff Classic

Odds on favorite, Sheso Dazzling could have been expected to win by nearly 10-lengths. Instead, it was the unheralded Tez Savitri, owned by Kissoon Thoroughbreds and trained by Bernell Rhone, who closed mightily through the lane to draw off and win by 9 ½ lengths at 10-1, the longest price of the Festival Day stakes. Ironically, Classic winner Jaival was bred and owned by the Kissoons and trained by Rhone before being claimed away by Eight Ender Stables LLC and trainer Valerie Lund, so the victory was especially sweet.

As the rain came down to end the day, 35-1 longshot Dancehall Roxie broke her maiden and sent a lucky few in the crowd home with a big payoff. For the most part, the Festival races were a bit chalky until the end, but the performances, especially by Heliskier, were very strong. Mac Robertson trained three winners on the day, upping his Festival Day lead in wins to 17 while Derek Bell, riding all three Robertson winners, pushed his total to 23. While attendance was up, handle was as well. Year over year on track handle for Festival Day was up nearly 18% - and in 2010 there was one additional race on the card. Just goes to show you, when you put on a good show, folks will STILL come out to the racetrack.

Congratulations to all the winners and to the folks at Canterbury Park for a job very well done.