Is there such a thing as two knee jerk reactions equaling a right? I ask this inane question because it appears to be the hope of the California horse racing industry as it grapples with which surface to race on: dirt or synthetics.
Richard Eng
The Arlington Million has not lost its shine as one of the prime stakes races. The racing festival built around the Million helps puts the spotlight on Arlington Park, one of the most fan-friendly, best-run racetracks in the country.
If there was any doubt about the glamour division in horse racing, this weekend will settle it. The best of the 3-year-olds, including all three winners of the Triple Crown events, will be showcased on the East Coast.
The future of horse handicapping tournaments is not as rosy as it was. What was once a slam dunk win-win scenario between the host casino or racetrack and the horseplayers has come undone. And it’s the players’ fault.
A few years ago, Monmouth Park management was criticized for paying appearance fee money for star 3-year-old horses to run in the Haskell. As far as I was concerned, they didn’t need to apologize, or even defend themselves, for an aggressive business tactic.
The $700,000 Hollywood Gold Cup lacks star power, but it quietly might be one of the best betting races of the year. The Saturday feature is headed by a tepid 4-1 favorite in Parading among 13 starters. Still, there is intrigue galore around the race on and off the track.
Las Vegas figures to be brimming with holiday tourists this weekend. I suspect some will be placing bets in race books, many for the first time.
Jess Jackson, owner of Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra, announced this week that the filly would not run in the Breeders’ Cup this fall at Santa Anita because of its synthetic surface.
The one sure thing in horse racing is there are no sure things. This was proven again by Indian Blessing in the Desert Stormer Handicap at Hollywood Park on Sunday.
Of all the post-Triple Crown wrapup stories, the one I like best is seeing where the three classic race winners came from. Each spring, one typically looks to 3-year-olds who were stabled in California, New York and Florida, and from the big-name trainers.
The Triple Crown is a grueling five-week campaign that few horses go through nowadays. In fact, Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Flying Private will be the only horses to race in the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes this year.
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