Saturday, December 03, 2011

Calder Concludes 2011 Tropical Meet

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (Dec. 2, 2011) – Calder Casino & Race Course concluded its 45-day Tropical Meet on Friday, Dec. 2, but year-round simulcasting, slot games, and live poker action at Studz Poker Club all continue seven days and nights each week.

The “Simulcast Season” at Calder from Dec. 3 through April 8, 2012 offers local horse racing fans the opportunity to enjoy their favorite wintertime tracks all in the comfort of Calder, with easy and free parking and admission.


The 2011 Tropical Meet again showcased the Florida Thoroughbred breeding industry with its renewal of the Florida Million on Nov. 12. The event, first held in 2002, features eight stakes races worth $1 million for registered Florida-breds and is held in conjunction with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Six Graded stakes were featured during the season, including two prestigious turf fixtures, the W.L. McKnight Handicap (G2) and La Prevoyante Handicap (G3), won by Musketier and Casablanca Smile, respectively. A recap of all the meet’s stakes winners is attached.

Jockey Luis Saez was the leading rider of the 2011 Tropical Meet. He rode 66 winners at the session, with Daniel Centeno in second place with 29 winners. Fernando Jara was third in the jockey standings with 27 winners.

The leading trainer of the Tropical Meet was Antonio Sano with 18 victories. Steve Dwoskin and Nick Canani each sent out 16 winners to tie for second in the trainer standings, while Jose Pinchin, Jose Garoffalo, and Eddie Plesa, Jr. came next, each with 12 winners in another very competitive Tropical trainers’ race.

The Tropical Meet leading owner’s trophy went to Frank Calabrese, whose horses won 19 races. Steve Dwoskin and Starship Stables tied for second place in the owner standings with 10 winners each; Jose Pinchin came in third with seven winners at the meet.

While the final day of the 2011 Tropical Meet was Dec. 2, Calder remains open seven days a week for full card simulcasting, slot games in the casino, and live poker action in Studz Poker Club.

The full line-up of simulcast tracks includes Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita, Aqueduct, Fair Grounds, Tampa Bay Downs, Oaklawn Park and more.

The slots action in the Calder Casino is seven days a week and open 24 hours on weekends. Admission and parking at Calder are free and valet parking is also available.

Studz Poker Club, conveniently located on the first floor of the grandstand, is open from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.