Thursday, August 02, 2007

Gold and Roses, Shakespeare’s Return, Highlights Spa Program

Saratoga Springs, NY--August 2, 2007

Dear Diary,

In terms of the way news eventually reaches our desk, today New York State settled all family business.

First, Gov. Eliot Spitzer vetoed legislation that would have made it easier for racetracks and OTBs to allow rebates, citing that the bill was poorly drafted and confusing, making implementation difficult.

Ever see an IRS form?

Spitzer is somewhat correct in that even the bill’s sponsors say there is no clear standard. Apparently, setting one is out of the question.

The governor thinks the bill unnecessary because the State Racing and Wagering Board already had given permission to NYRA and NYCOTB to conduct rewards programs. But it goes beyond just the rewards programs.

Rewards can take many shapes and sizes. You can reward customers with a bonus on their winnings, provide services and merchandise, or lower takeout. Politically, that last idea wouldn’t sit well with the OTBs and the counties. And the governor has an approval rating that now might be even lower than Mr. Bush’s.

Mr. Spitzer said he’d like to help the tracks compete with other betting platforms, but that such needs should be tempered with a need to enact necessary laws that can be understood.

Clearly, this was no time to be proactive.

The governor did, however, sign the measure that provides the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association with an increased share of the purse fund, from 1% to 2%. Good news for the benevolent work horsemen provide their backstretch workers.

* * *

At last, relief is the on the way for horseplayers!

TrackNet Media Group, the new strategic alliance formed by Churchill Downs Inc. and Magna Entertainment will now offer rebates to bettors currently doing business with two betting companies; Elite Turf Club and Racing and Gaming Services.

There’s a small catch, however: Your personal handle for the year must be one million dollars!

You read that correctly.

Of the announcement, an RGS spokesman said he was happy his company would do whatever it could to help the tracks. What he really meant was we’re happy that our clients will still be able to bet on races from Churchill Downs, Gulfstream, Santa Anita, Fair Grounds and Pimlico.

* * *

The SRWB also approved a measure that would make pre-and post-race blood samples permanent as well as approving new tests to detect total carbon dioxide levels. Both measures are meant to deter “milkshaking,” a process that helps rid the body of CO2.

Also, it no longer will be possible to use more than one medication in the same syringe, a measure the SRWB hopes will avoid contaminated samples. Suspensions will also be accompanied by fines of $2,500 per day for the duration of the suspension.

Finally, authorities appear to be getting serious. Here’s hoping.

In an unrelated ruling, mutuel clerks will no longer be able to bet while on the job, either on the live or simulcast product.

Appearances do matter.

* * *

Trainer Roy Sedlacek received a 15-day suspension and $1,000 fine when his horse, The Village Vicar, tested positive for Acepromazine, a depressant. The Village Vicar finished second in the fourth race at Belmont Park, June 8th.

According to a poll presently being conducted on the Thoroughbred Times website, horseplayers, responding to the effective lowering of takeout to 11.4% at the upcoming Laurel meet, said they would be inclined to wager on those races, 53% to 46%.

You’ll have to do better than that, people.

First Race: Rum Squall received a well timed move from Xavier Aizpuru to take the opener, the Jonathan Kiser Novice, an overnight stakes for the up-and-over set.

Second Race: Two special-weight juveniles making their debuts received strong betting support and one of them won it. Irish Smoke, bet early and late, stormed down the three path to take the lead from longshot first-timer Syriana’s Cat inside the sixteenth pole and drew off like a nice filly; follow her progress. Runnerup, meanwhile, hails from a good second-out barn; note. Constance, heavily bet but a gate scratch at Belmont Park, was the favorite again but was used hard chasing the pace while wide throughout. She should benefit from the race.

The John Morrissey: Gold and Roses is just a damn good state-bred sprinter, taking this overnight stakes in 1:16.01, drawing off beneath a confident Garrett Gomez. Field tried to pin Tom Bush trainee to the fence but GG bulled his way up to battle for the lead on the backside. That was the dance. Bush said the next start is likely the General Douglas MacArthur when racing returns downstate, September 7th. While not quite as big as the negative pool created by Street Sense, Gold and Roses attracted $186K out of $209K in show wagers.

Fourth Race: Doesn’t Bill Mott get beat anymore? After his big day Wednesday, he wins with Queen Joanne making her three-year-old debut; another winner for owner Ahmed Zayat who‘s having a big meet himself. She looked good sprinting home late and likely will handle preliminary allowance types next out. Impressionism finished well late and won’t be a maiden long; bet back. Co-favorite A. P. Test has hindered by her outside draw under these conditions; follow.

Fifth Race: Sugarless and Square Dancing were battling it out in midstretch until the latter began to dominate. Emphatically.

Sixth Race: Raceland did all the work but Irish Majesty got the money. Raceland raced Little Cliff into defeat in a torrid duel then battled the winner only to succumb well inside the final sixteenth; bet back, with sufficient recovery time. He’s a Pioneer had a good trip until stacked up four across the track in mid-far turn; note.

Seventh Race: Not often you see a two-speed number in a two-turn turf race. But Tiverton went to the front, setting a controlled pace throughout. Stalked all the way by Loconia, the latter outgamed the leader in deep stretch for Team Motion/Dominguez. Santa’s Gold finished well late with a wide rally, but had little chance to make an impression when the leaders were finally set down.

Eighth Race: Shakespeare’s simply a pretty amazing racehorse. He showed no rust despite returning from an October, 2005 layoff for new trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, outkicking a sharp and talented Art Master in deep stretch, missing the inner turf track record for a mile by 3/5s of a second. Don’t mean to be skeptical but will await his next start, presumably vs. better, which will be a true indication of where he currently stands physically. Today certainly was a remarkable first step.

Ninth Race: Southern Prince simply bottomed out the field, harness style; :22.75 and :44.42, racing 5-½ furlongs on very firm turf in 1:01.60, running to his works. The second speed, Storm N Lightning, finished second for the live Schosberg barn as favorite Metro Meteor finished a willing third.

Bias Report: Track fast, no discernable bias. Turf firm, played honestly.


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Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Polytrack Trouble In Paradise; Mott, Desormeaux Star At Spa

Saratoga Springs, NY--August 1, 2007

Dear Diary,

There’s trouble in paradise, the West Coast version, anyway. Or, you could look at it another way: Del Mar’s loss is Saratoga’s gain.

Two planes loaded with classy horses from the Ahmed Zayat stable are shipping from Del Mar to Saratoga because Zayat is displeased with the inconsistent nature of the newly installed Polytrack surface at Del Mar.

Zayat believes, as do many other horsemen, that there’s a vast difference between how the surface plays in the mornings as compared to when the temperatures heat up in the afternoons.

“No one is against safety,” Zayat told Hank Wesch of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “You need a surface that is both safe and maintains the integrity of racing. You can’t take the speed out.”

Battle lines are being drawn. Those who have no problem with the surface are saying it’s the speed-crazy trainer of Zayat’s horses, Bob Baffert, that’s the problem.

“He has to learn to train on it just like the rest of us,” said rival trainer Mike Mitchell. “And I’m no genius about it… I don‘t hear anyone other than Bob complaining.”

Baffert has won seven training titles at the track where the rubber meets the surf.

But Baffert’s not alone. Although he hasn’t complained, trainer John Sherriffs entered his speedy A P Xcellent--second by a nose to Lava Man in the Hollywood Gold Cup on Cushion Track most recently--on the turf rather than on the Polytrack surface that’s been cutting the legs out from under speed horses.

Richard Migliore, in town last weekend to ride Fairbanks for Todd Pletcher in the Whitney Handicap, loves Del Mar, but doesn’t like the Polytrack surface either. He is, however, a fan of Hollywood Park’s Cushion Track.

Polytrack’s record for safety at Del Mar has been impressive and that is the first order of business. There were 18 breakdowns at Del Mar last year, 10 during the running of races. There have been no significant injuries reported so far this year.

Zayat has shipped 25 horses out of the Del Mar barn area with most of them headed here. Consequently, Baffert will be a bi-coastal trainer for the next five weeks.

Truth is that no two Polytrack surfaces are created equal. Turfway Park and, to a certain extent, Woodbine, has played more honestly than the versions installed at Keeneland and now Del Mar.

While there were some issues with Cushion Track at the end of the recent Hollywood meet, that surface clearly has been the most fair in terms of running style, more closely resembling the American style or racing where speed is king.

Not an inveterate West Coast player myself, my personal handle at Hollywood last winter was much higher than it ever had been, such was the honest nature of Cushion Track racing. Santa Anita strongly considered converting to Polytrack but decided to install Cushion Track in time for its Oak Tree fall meet. Wise choice, especially since it brings continuity to the Southern California circuit in greater Los Angeles.

The difference between the Polytrack surface from morning to afternoon might as well be the difference between night and day. It’s fine in the mornings until the Southern California sun turns Polytrack into a kind of rubber soup.

While artificial surfaces have virtually eliminated sloppy tracks, weather still can wreck havoc. Some trainers on occasion have resorted to applying cooking spray and other lubricants to a horse’s foot to help their runners gain traction.

Safety is a primary concern, of course. But as Zayat says, so is the integrity of racing. Natural elements are one thing. But surfaces themselves should not possess a natural bias that favors one running style over another.

Yes, it’s a learning process for everyone. We’ve all heard the spin. But no trainer, no matter how gifted, can train a horse one way in the morning and expect similar results over virtually a different surface.

And we still have not learned anything about the extent of soft tissue injuries, reportedly more prevalent on artificial tracks than on conventional surfaces. Further, there’s much empirical data suggesting that horseplayers have not found the means to make the proper adjustments.

And that’s a group the industry might want to listen to. They vote with their dollars.

First Race: All wagers on even money favorite Rumspringa were refunded when it was discovered he was in the grasp of an assistant starter at the break. Jockey Ramon Dominguez was unseated but unhurt. Meanwhile, the loose horse impeded Sweet Grass Creek twice and forced Kent Desormeaux aboard Explosive Count to check approaching the quarter pole; follow both, Sweet Grass Creek in particular.

Second Race: Experience counted in baby race for maiden claimers, Double Or Nothing getting D. Wayne Lukas off the duck at the meet. Fuffy made strong late move down the center of the track beneath Jorge Chavez for Jamie Sanders, a good runnerup effort; note.

Third Race: Over-bet Trendy Lady was raced into defeat by Fast Deal, who placed gamely behind Cuaba, a strong late runner from down the center of the track; Bill Mott having a strong meet. Meanwhile, third finisher Veneti finished well too late and should benefit from the effort; bet back under similar conditions.

Fourth Race: Rasta Farian withstood interference and still out-gamed Sweet Ransom, who was subsequently, and justifiably, disqualified; second winner of the meet for Michael Matz, both on turf. No excuses for loose leader Beau Dare, who has shown little development since turning four; note…

Fifth Race: Dallas Stewart improved on his good record with second-time starters as Georgetown justified his low odds in debut. Burgenland came from far back beneath Garrett Gomez for the place; two two-year-old starts for Sanders and two seconds. Well backed Elusive Schemes was rank in the post parade; note.

Sixth Race: Pegase Jim finished strongly to take short turf sprint, pacesetting Tourn Again holding gamely. Lemon Shore finished well too late, third; follow. Wild Quake chased the pace while racing wide throughout; note.

Seventh Race: The next time someone asks what was the last horse you saw break through the gate before the start and win, tell them it was Tight Grip on the grass at Saratoga. The fastest horse on performance figures finished smartly from off the pace to win his turf debut. Kaishu was used up alternating on the lead; note. Peace Mon finished very well too late, just missing; bet back vs. state-bred maidens.

The Fleet Indian: First of two overnight stakes and the smart money was, well, smart. Showing no aversion to a second turn, Lauren’s Tizzy stalked the leader, moved easily to the lead at headstretch and blew the race open, driving hard to the finish. Shady Lane finished strongly too late for the place; note.

The De La Rose: It was only an overnighter but know that Fantastic Shirl’s going to win something important this season. It could come here, a course she obviously loves, or at the mile distance which she loves more than this course. She absolutely flew home beneath Johnny V. who guided her brilliantly between horses to beat me, er, Amansara, in the final strides. Four-year-old Fantastic Light filly really coming into her own for McLaughlin; follow her progress. Meanwhile, the runnerup should benefit from her first start of the year for George Weaver; bet her back, too.

Tenth Race: Did we mention Mott was having a great meet? He had Ruban Bleu tight off the brief freshening and Desormeaux rated her brilliantly in front, giving him a riding triple. Tears I Cry raced well enough with the aluminum pad on. Prom Party lost ground on the backside but had no pop when the test came in a disappointing performance.

Bias Report: Track fast, no discernable bias. Turf (very) firm, played honestly.


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Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Record Whitney, Big Prices, Big Business and Retirement Highlight Week 1

Saratoga Springs, NY--July 30, 2007

Dear Diary,

Not reporting on the races today. But will be betting on the races today; I have not yet taken leave of my senses. Much to reflect on in memorable opening week of Saratoga 139.

Before the meet began, we talked about the weird vibe in the air opening day eve. Consider all this and you decide:

Tom Durkin did an unusually good job at warming up the opening-day crowd. This year’s fan rendition of “They’re Off At Saratoga” was a loud, heartfelt chorus. But soon after the favorite entered the stretch on a clear lead in that first race, Moussoud took a bad step and subsequently was euthanized.

Air in, air out, of the red-and-white striped balloon.

The next morning, Moussoud’s trainer Graham Motion called David Jacobson to apologize and offer his condolences. Jacobson had claimed the seven-year-old from Motion for $35,000 and, according to rule, owned him once the horse left the starting gate.

Although the backstretch is a tight-knit community, it’s doubtful Motion and Jacobson knew each other personally. Jacobson thought the turf specialist would be his best claim this year and believes the horse simply took a bad step.

Such courtesy and empathy between racetrack rivals is a little weird, right?

Not sure the first race set the tone but toward the end of Week 1, favorites were winning at a paltry 21 percent and Todd Pletcher had won only two races. Somehow these events don’t seem to be mutually exclusive. Both will do much better in the weeks ahead. Pletcher already is up to four winners.

Business, meanwhile, has been absolutely booming. Handle figures for both on-track live handle and total handle from all sources were up markedly every day. What’s unusual is that churn is most often effected by the rate of winning favorites.

But despite an endless parade of longshots, the crowd kept right on sending it in. And somebody kept on hitting the Pick Six. There was only one carryover, into the Monday program. It was hit, paying $146,000-plus. Weird.

Attendance is up, too. The “Win And You’re In” Breeders’ Cup promotion not only entertained a national television audience for two hours last Saturday but put fannies in the seats, too. The gate was higher than last year even though the Whitney was moved up a week. Traditionally, Saratoga is still an August, not a July place to be. Twilight Friday, too, was an unqualified success.

Through the first week, attendance is up 14 percent, on-track handle 20 percent and all sources betting revenue increased 13 over last year’s totals with only one extra race carded, 58 to 57.

“The weather’s been good, we’ve had no races come off the turf [there were four last year] and field size has been large,” explained NYRA President Charles Hayward. Indeed, there have been 42 more betting interests than there were last year.

Meanwhile, the pre-race Whitney storyline was which horse was capable of stepping up to lead the handicap division in the wake of Invasor’s retirement. His name is Lawyer Ron, who, as a four-year-old and now in the care of Pletcher, has moved way up on performance figures. He did so again Saturday in a track record performance.

Whether Lawyer Ron did or did he not set a track record was the most beaten dog in Saratoga during Week 1. The time was just too fast, it didn’t make sense, said the racing paper of record.

Minutes following the Whitney official, Daily Racing Form staffers charged into Hayward’s office insisting the time of 1:46.64 was wrong. NYRA had placing judge and official course timer Stephen Foster time in three times off the television monitor before the next race was run. The clocking fell into line every time.

The next morning, Pletcher timed it off a replay monitor and verified it as correct. And it’s not like he had a vested interest. His Left Bank already owned the nine furlong mark set in 2004.

Another DRF writer weighed in, too, timing the race off a computer replay. Must have used a super-duper fast modem to insure there would be no glitches. Sure enough, the time had to be wrong. After all, a Grade 1 filly on the same card raced the distance in 1:49.19. That individual then reversed his position after re-timing the race from a TV replay.

Foster was back at it again on Monday, only this time before representatives of Equibase, Daily Racing Form and the New York Turf Writers‘ Assn. The posted time checked out within a couple of hundredths on two sets of watches and it was agreed that the new standard of 1:46.64 was accurate and would be recognized.

All this could have been avoided, of course. Grade 1 filly Ginger Punch was a half length behind a six furlong pace of 1:12.83 in the Diana. Lawyer Ron was 1-½ lengths behind at the three-quarters that went in 1:10.28. Consequently, while running a slower final time, Ginger Punch actually raced her final three-eighths 3/5s of a second faster than Lawyer Ron! That should have been sufficient subjective evidence.

Maybe next time the frame of reference will be Moss Pace instead of Beyer Finals. Until then, arrogance must be its own reward.

Sunday’s Jim Dandy was big fun. Street Sense is a very popular colt and who doesn’t love Calvin Borel? Except, momentarily perhaps, his brother Cecil, who phoned Calvin in the jock’s room after the race and called him out. “Why didn’t you switch sticks to your left hand when he was getting in? You rode him like a bug boy.”

Cecil had better be careful. He could lose his best groom with remarks like that.

Now all must await the results of Sunday’s Haskell to know whether there will be a Preakness redux with Curlin in the Travers, presented by the New York Lottery, whose takeout really needs lowering!

As for Curlin showing up in the Midsummer’s Derby, I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Rags To Riches is back in training! She galloped at Belmont Monday and will ship to Saratoga Tuesday. Pletcher will decide in about a week whether she’ll be ready for the Alabama, August 18th. It’s great having her back, and no small surprise given recent HRI reports.

Saratoga is, of course, synonymous with juvenile racing and we’ve seen a few promising maiden breakers; Sargent Seattle, War Pass and J Z Warrior, to name three.

If there was one disappointing element it was the retirement of jockey Jose Santos who, at 46, will be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame one week after making his retirement official. Santos fractured his spine in five places in a Feb. 1 spill. “The doctor said there would be an 80 percent chance I could wind up in a wheel chair if I continued to ride. I‘m extremely grateful for the career I‘ve had.”

According to Equibase figures, Santos rode 4.083 winners, 331 of them graded stakes including 91 Grade 1s, total purses of over $187 million and, of course, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness aboard the highly celebrated stable pony, Funny Cide, in 2003.

“He might not be the best horse I’ve ever ridden,” said Santos in the Saratoga press box Monday, “but he’s on top of the list. When a jockey wins the Kentucky Derby that becomes his favorite horse. Now we’re both retired.”


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