Jockey Tommy Molina was caught stomping on his horse, Dancin In Rain, while in the starting gate. They said that the horse was being unruly and needed the reprimand - Hey all you standardbred trainers-owners-grooms, do you agree with his actions?
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Crys Dream Turns Into A Nightmare
JUST when you thought it was safe to go back in the water......Another positive test. And this time, it's the 2011 Elegant Image Winner, Crys Dream. I cannot begin to tell you how pissed off I am that this filly has been tainted. I remember my friend, Pull The Pocket, introduced me to her back in May, and probably he, like myself, thought, FINALLY, a horse that's going to make some noise. Well, she certainly made some damn noise today...but not the right kind. Now I'm not throwing the hammer down immediately on this team because their was minimal information given on what was found, but to find anything at all, is disturbing.
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As I type this blog post, I'm thinking about all the awesome articles that Pull The Pocket and View From The Racetrack Grandstand (among others) are putting out there in order for us, "dumber-than-a-stump-when-it-comes-to-wagering" kiddies to read about, with regards to understanding handles, takeouts, etc., and then I think, "What the hell for?" All this valuable info that these bloggers are giving us becomes virtually weightless when people in the industry CONTINUE to cheat. I mean, why don't we all just bet our hard-earned money on which owner/trainer will be the next ones caught? Screw betting on the actual race itself. Are we going to have to start re-naming races, to let's say, The Little Brown Jugging, or, The EPO North America Cup? And let me get this out there: I'm not a wizard when it comes to understanding the wagering game, by no means, but I would have to think that when these horses are all jacked up on "Mountain Dew", you're inadvertently screwing with the stats - the very stats one would use to determine handles, takeouts, etc.? Not only are they contaminating those stats, but they're falsifying best lifetime marks, track records, breeding bold lines, geesh, the list is endless! We see it all the time in stallion ads, " Breed to this sire, his best lifetime mark is 1:48.1'! Is it REALLY?? How can we be so sure - does that mean he just never got caught using? One has to ask themselves now.
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Does the punishment fit the crime?
Ok, this cheating stuff has been going on for a long time now, and Crys Dream isn't the first, and certainly won't be the last, but what types of reprimands should be enforced? Many people might not like my answer, but I say, "GET OUT - AND STAY OUT!" And if there was a vet involved in it, he can get the hell out too! I'm sorry, but I operate an off-the-track-standardbred rescue and I see first hand what illegal drug use and overages do to a race horse. If a trainer/owner cannot win on their own merit, and feel the need to pump their horses with anything from vodka to cobra venom, then a pharmaceutical job might be a better career choice for them (or a bartender, or zookeeper). We should have grooms in the barns, not chemists.
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Will the industry keep "shooting for the stars" the wrong way? What are we telling the general public about the way we practice ethics within our own industry? Hell, what are we teaching our kids - That just because it doesn't say you can't, means you can?
I originally wanted to create an upbeat blog post today; something funny, lighthearted, and entertaining, but I got tired of once again, trying to use make-up to cover yet another black eye the industry received today, and decided to talk open about it. And I'm not saying all owners and trainers play this way, because there are many that are clean and play by the rules, but it's the dirty ones who make headlines most of the time.
Let's set one thing straight though: It's not Crys Dream fault, she goes out on the track each time asked, and does a job. Hopefully, this will all come out of the wash and be a big misunderstanding, and that she was never positive on anything. That being said, if it is true, and she was positive on something illegal, we must remember that she was the innocent bystander in an industry that should be creating positive influences...not positive tests.
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire.
Does the punishment fit the crime?
Ok, this cheating stuff has been going on for a long time now, and Crys Dream isn't the first, and certainly won't be the last, but what types of reprimands should be enforced? Many people might not like my answer, but I say, "GET OUT - AND STAY OUT!" And if there was a vet involved in it, he can get the hell out too! I'm sorry, but I operate an off-the-track-standardbred rescue and I see first hand what illegal drug use and overages do to a race horse. If a trainer/owner cannot win on their own merit, and feel the need to pump their horses with anything from vodka to cobra venom, then a pharmaceutical job might be a better career choice for them (or a bartender, or zookeeper). We should have grooms in the barns, not chemists.
I originally wanted to create an upbeat blog post today; something funny, lighthearted, and entertaining, but I got tired of once again, trying to use make-up to cover yet another black eye the industry received today, and decided to talk open about it. And I'm not saying all owners and trainers play this way, because there are many that are clean and play by the rules, but it's the dirty ones who make headlines most of the time.
Let's set one thing straight though: It's not Crys Dream fault, she goes out on the track each time asked, and does a job. Hopefully, this will all come out of the wash and be a big misunderstanding, and that she was never positive on anything. That being said, if it is true, and she was positive on something illegal, we must remember that she was the innocent bystander in an industry that should be creating positive influences...not positive tests.
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, Casino Evil
So I figured for Saturday night I would peel myself away from watching HPItv in my garage and travel to one of my local harness tracks to do what? Watch HPItv via simulcast! I know, I know, not much of a social life, but what the hell. Needless to say, I missed the live racing portion for the night, so I wandered up to the betting area to look at who was racing, where at, and to also do a bit of people watching. To my surprise (or not to my surprise) there were a few scattered patrons sitting at the tables, programs in front of them, with pens either behind their ear, in their mouth, or tapping on the table to a beat that would make Neil Peart jealous. Most of the time, the beat of the pen would become louder and faster when the horses were about to cross the wire. Amusing. I found that in order to focus on one particular race, one would need a Whisper 2000, since all the volumes were at a level that kept making me lean forward with my head cocked sideways in order to hear the call. After about 4 races, and without a doubt, a future trip to the chiropractor, I realized that there were tiny TVs you could go sit at and watch a particular track, and yes, I cranked the volume on them, which got me a couple of sideways glances. Oh well. So I bet on one race, yes one, considering I wasn't really in the mood, but the 8 horse, Melvyn, in the 13th at the Meadowlands, really caught my eye. So my pick wins, does it in a best lifetime start, and my enormous $2 dollar win ticket paid $8. Big Whoop. My Ceasar cost me $7. (On a side note, they do make a great Ceasar, they drag it through the garden, topping it with olives, cucumbers, some unidentified green leaves, and a lime - God knows I needed a drink by this point). So another race starts at a different track, and about half way through it, an old guy, about three TVs down from me, starts getting louder and louder. He's all by himself, and he's completely out of his chair, hitting the side of the TV with his program like it's a whip. I quickly scanned the walls looking for a defibrillator, cause this guy is no doubt going to have a heart attack. I actually stopped watching my race just so I could watch the excitement 10 feet away. Now at this point he's yelling at the horse, yes yelling, like the damn horse and driver can actually hear him, and they're going to thank him personally when they cross the wire for all his guidance....hello! So the horse finishes the race, albeit 8th, and the next thing I know, the guy spews out a string of swear words the would make a truck driver blush! I honestly had to pick my jaw up off the floor because I never really seen someone act so abrasive when watching a race. And not only did he see me watching him, he actually nodded at me when all was said and done...so I tipped my Ceasar at him and said, "Maybe next time". Another sideway glance came my way, only this one had daggers. Thought it might be a good time to stroll over to the casino. So I enter the casino only to find the harmonious, and yet completely irritating noise of all the slot machines beginning to make my ears bleed, so I quickly sit at a Lucky 7. Bull crap. Nothing was lucky about that machine. As it swallowed up my money, I swear I could hear an evil laugh when it continuously rolled nothing but garbage. Enough of that sh#t, I went to the bar. Of course the TVs were humming away behind the bar, and of course, you couldn't hear them. So wouldn't you know it, with all my luck, they had a soccer game on! Yes, a SOCCER GAME, at a harness track! There were a few barflys that seemed to be remotely interested in it, so I waited for about an hour before I politely asked the bartender if they could switch ONE of the THREE TVs to a horse race. You would think that I asked them to cut off their freakin' arm and serve it to me on a platter! The look I got was pure HORROR! How dare I ask for them to change it to a program that had horses on it! Yet all the damn walls of this particular casino have harness racing murals, featuring really bad paintings of harness drivers that looked as if they were all wearing extremely dreadful toupees, with faces appearing to have a bad case of the albinos! Needless to say, they proceeded to tell me that they don't get HPItv in the casino. Seriously? You have a thousand TVs, not more than 100 feet away in the betting area, all happily displaying horse racing, and YOU don't have HPItv in the casino bar? I quickly asked them if they could just switch it to channel 477....and wouldn't you know it... low and behold....voila....HORSE RACING! Now I don't think I was being unruly because I wanted them to flip the tele on to a horse race...do you? Chapter two. The next bit of crap that came out of the bartender's mouth really made me laugh, (and trust me, I knew full well that from this point on they were going to be spitting in my drinks). So the one girl flys over from across the bar area as if she were demonically possessed, and belches out, and I quote, "The OLGC doesn't want us to put horse racing on the TV because the casino patrons are here for the slots, and other sports, not the horses!" Now listen, after I cleaned the pea soup off me, I SWEAR that I choked on my beer because some came out of my nose when she said that. That had to be THE dumbest comment to ever get uttered out of a harness track's casino employee! Ok, I get that if there's a high profile game on, like game 7 of the Stanley Cup, or the Daytona 500, or the World Series, sure, you wanna share it with the patrons, but when a town with a population of 20 is playing soccer against another town with a population of 20, can you not manage to squeeze the one smaller TV to horse racing? (Well, maybe the soccer game held a bit more weight than that, but...) Anyways, she made damn sure that when I went to the lady's room she switched my little horse racing program over to a movie. Yep, now she had it on The Green Mile...Yayyyyyy!!!! So let me get this straight: The patrons are NOT here to watch horse racing, and apparently they're no longer here to watch ANY sport, but are here to watch a 1999 film featuring Tom Hanks? Are you effing kidding me? Oh, and she conveniently said that she thought I had left for the night and that's why she changed it. Yes, cause I always pay for a full beer and then leave immediately! Duh! THEN she asks me to fill out a comment card. So I did. Thankfully you don't have to put your name on it, and if I were a betting lady, odds are she looked at it, then threw it directly in the garbage! I think I'll wait a while to go to that casino again...if I'm allowed... they may have my picture on the wall with a red line through it!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Friday, June 24, 2011
A "Hoof" In The Right Direction!
Let's face it, our athletes' career span in the racing industry is unfortunately not as long as, let's say, Wayne Gretzky's or Brett Favres'. Most of the time, a star racehorse never has the opportunity to gain a huge fan following due mostly to one of three scenarios: being shuttled off to the breeding barn, injury, or maybe an over-seas aquisition. Names like Curlin, Rachel Alexandra, Sportswriter, Street Sense, and Somebeachsomewhere, only graced our lips and stayed in our minds for brief moments in time. If we're lucky, we'll see their triumphs on page 14 or 15 in a Sport's Illustrated magazine, and if we're really lucky, we'll see their images grace a cover or two of other mags. Now I think we all remember when Secretariat pulled off a trifecta of his own when he copped the cover of Newsweek, Time, and Sports Illustrated, all in the same week, but that was 38 freakin' years ago...almost 40 years!!
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Rachel Alexandra had a two-page spread in Vogue, and Barbaro was in Vanity Fair due to his extreme fight and determination to overcome a catastrophic event that happened in the 2006 Preakness Stakes. I think if anything, Barbaro's plight brought out the industry's "dirty little secrets" and threw them head-first into full public view. Many issues such as horse slaughter and drug use and overages (to name a few) are now being reviewed in order to protect our athletes. A step in the right direction indeed, unfortunately, it took a horse and his injury to do it, not a Triple Crown win. Triumphs never seem to invoke change...but tragedies do.
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We have to admit though, that much like their post positions, a race horse's career is definitely numbered. So what can we do to grasp an audience, and actually keep them interested and involved in the industry long enough to have an on-going following? For one, when a fan asks a driver or a jockey for a freakin' autograph, they should do it....no question. Along with the horses, we're the ones paying for your damn purses, so stop snubbing us like we're pieces of sh#t. I realize you have other drives and other mounts, but c'mon, just scribble something on my program, it can look like one of my doctor's prescriptions, I don't care, just acknowledge me. I remember going to the 2007 Kentucky Derby, and Calvin Borel had JUST dismounted Street Sense and was heading back to the jock's room. Their was a whole line of us standing there, and one by one, he signed each and every program, bypassing the questions from the press, but welcoming chat with his fans. THAT'S GOOD PUBLICITY! In fact, that day, pretty much all the jockeys stopped and greeted their fans, so that was good.
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I guess my original reason for this blog post was based on what I seen this morning on the Standardbred Canada website. The title for the article was: Big Jim Entourage Contest at GRR. Now THIS is cool , and at the same time, is an excellent idea on how to involve the public. Here's the article in it's entirety:
"Big Jim will headline the Canada Night festivities at Grand River Raceway on July 1 and the Elora, ON track is offering 20 fans the opportunity to be part of the Big Jim Entourage. Ten lucky winners and a guest will be drawn from online entries to join Big Jim, driver Phil Hudon, trainer James ‘Friday’ Dean and owner Jim Carr for an exclusive Meet ‘N Greet and a winners’ circle photo following the pacer’s trip around the track following race three (approximately 8:15 p.m.). Winners will also receive an autographed poster, a photo of their winners’ circle experience, a $10 gaming voucher (18+) and a Big Jim SurPrize Pack. For more information and to access the contest form, click here. Big Jim will be onsite from 6:30 – 8:30 on July 1 and souvenir posters will be available with the purchase of the first 500 Grand River Raceway programs. Other Canada Night festivities include free Canada Night birthday cake (while supplies last) in the main lobby, and a special guest appearance by mascot extraordinaire Jersey Boy, from the Casie Coleman Stable, at The NEIGHbourhood kids’ program under the Tarmac Tent. The usual Fun & Frivolity Friday Night offerings include Harness Racing Bingo between the races and the Bouncy Pony Stakes after Race 10.
A few reservations for July 1 are still available for Grand River’s $11.99 buffet in the Captain’s Quarters tiered dining room and can be confirmed by calling (519) 846-5455 ext. 288."
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Hell, have a silent auction to sit outside the stall of the 2011 Pepsi NA Cup winner, Up The Credit, and watch him eat his hay, while you and a guest dine in the aisleway of the damn barn eating McDonalds. Who cares. Do something. Involve, involve, involve. All in all, the industry must look for ways to invite a new set of people into it's world. The betting public will always be there, so we must now "lengthen our hobbles" to encourage reach, and then we must allow ourselves to move forward.
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire.
Rachel Alexandra had a two-page spread in Vogue, and Barbaro was in Vanity Fair due to his extreme fight and determination to overcome a catastrophic event that happened in the 2006 Preakness Stakes. I think if anything, Barbaro's plight brought out the industry's "dirty little secrets" and threw them head-first into full public view. Many issues such as horse slaughter and drug use and overages (to name a few) are now being reviewed in order to protect our athletes. A step in the right direction indeed, unfortunately, it took a horse and his injury to do it, not a Triple Crown win. Triumphs never seem to invoke change...but tragedies do.
We have to admit though, that much like their post positions, a race horse's career is definitely numbered. So what can we do to grasp an audience, and actually keep them interested and involved in the industry long enough to have an on-going following? For one, when a fan asks a driver or a jockey for a freakin' autograph, they should do it....no question. Along with the horses, we're the ones paying for your damn purses, so stop snubbing us like we're pieces of sh#t. I realize you have other drives and other mounts, but c'mon, just scribble something on my program, it can look like one of my doctor's prescriptions, I don't care, just acknowledge me. I remember going to the 2007 Kentucky Derby, and Calvin Borel had JUST dismounted Street Sense and was heading back to the jock's room. Their was a whole line of us standing there, and one by one, he signed each and every program, bypassing the questions from the press, but welcoming chat with his fans. THAT'S GOOD PUBLICITY! In fact, that day, pretty much all the jockeys stopped and greeted their fans, so that was good.
I guess my original reason for this blog post was based on what I seen this morning on the Standardbred Canada website. The title for the article was: Big Jim Entourage Contest at GRR. Now THIS is cool , and at the same time, is an excellent idea on how to involve the public. Here's the article in it's entirety:
"Big Jim will headline the Canada Night festivities at Grand River Raceway on July 1 and the Elora, ON track is offering 20 fans the opportunity to be part of the Big Jim Entourage. Ten lucky winners and a guest will be drawn from online entries to join Big Jim, driver Phil Hudon, trainer James ‘Friday’ Dean and owner Jim Carr for an exclusive Meet ‘N Greet and a winners’ circle photo following the pacer’s trip around the track following race three (approximately 8:15 p.m.). Winners will also receive an autographed poster, a photo of their winners’ circle experience, a $10 gaming voucher (18+) and a Big Jim SurPrize Pack. For more information and to access the contest form, click here. Big Jim will be onsite from 6:30 – 8:30 on July 1 and souvenir posters will be available with the purchase of the first 500 Grand River Raceway programs. Other Canada Night festivities include free Canada Night birthday cake (while supplies last) in the main lobby, and a special guest appearance by mascot extraordinaire Jersey Boy, from the Casie Coleman Stable, at The NEIGHbourhood kids’ program under the Tarmac Tent. The usual Fun & Frivolity Friday Night offerings include Harness Racing Bingo between the races and the Bouncy Pony Stakes after Race 10.
A few reservations for July 1 are still available for Grand River’s $11.99 buffet in the Captain’s Quarters tiered dining room and can be confirmed by calling (519) 846-5455 ext. 288."
Hell, have a silent auction to sit outside the stall of the 2011 Pepsi NA Cup winner, Up The Credit, and watch him eat his hay, while you and a guest dine in the aisleway of the damn barn eating McDonalds. Who cares. Do something. Involve, involve, involve. All in all, the industry must look for ways to invite a new set of people into it's world. The betting public will always be there, so we must now "lengthen our hobbles" to encourage reach, and then we must allow ourselves to move forward.
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Here's My Rant in a Nutshell About The NA Cup
In Thursday's blog post, I mentioned that there were only three horses in the NA Cup lineup that have raced under the 1:50 mark...and guess what...that was the win, place, and show ticket. Up The Credit-Roll With Joe-Big Jim. Ahhh....if betting were only that easy. Of course I went with 2-3-4-5, pegging Up The Credit to take the win (I didn't dare want to get burned twice by not picking that horse), but Powerful Mist, Big Bad John, and Shadyshark Hanover decided not to show up, or if they did, they just got outraced. Much like the Kentucky Derby, the North America Cup is the best of the best three-year-olds, and it is VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE to pick an exacta, let alone a trifecta and a super (well at least for me anyways). Here's my problem with Mohawk's race card for the night. This is one of the biggest races, if not THE biggest race for harness horses, and when race 7 came along on Saturday night on HPItv, it played out like any other race on the card. What the hell? I'm sorry, but NBC picked up the broadcast for this year's Kentucky Derby and the program started at 4:00pm and ended at 7:00pm. I know, I know, it's the Derby, but why doesn't the harness industry magnify the NA Cup? The purse is 1.5 million!! It's not like it's a "run what you brung" race at a freakin' country fair! We didn't get to see any background on the entrants, no pedigrees, no photos, no driver history, no stories about how so-and-so's owner went through ups and downs to get their horse there? Am I missing something here? And don't get me started on all the DEAD AIR there was during post parades, and driver warm-ups...Can they not utilize that time to actually inform people on what the hell is going on? For crying out loud, tell us what the damn horse is wearing as far as equipment goes! ANYTHING would be better than dead air! Tell us how many times the horse took a sh#t that day, who cares, give us SOMETHING! Not everyone knows what a murphy blind is, or a shadow roll. I don't know how many times my friends asked me why is that horse wearing that? What's that on his nose? What's that bar on the horse's neck for? GEESH!! Is it my job to explain all the mechanics of this industry...or is it the industry's job? If you want more people to tune in, then EDUCATE them!
The camera rolled through the paddock about 5 minutes before the Cup and we see the horses standing there.....THAT'S IT...the commentators didn't really even talk. YAWN! If they're only going to gear their programming to the bettor, how are other people suppose to ever become involved in harness racing? Throw the race at the end of the card, hell, throw it in the same time slot as the Derby, starting it at 1:00pm and ending it at 7:00pm, then at least you can give the Cup the time it deserves! If I were Pepsi, I'd be pissed off!
Anyways, I'm not ranting because I lost on my super, I'm ranting because it was a huge disappointment...we got to see the replay of the Cup, then it was on to the next race like it was nothing.
The camera rolled through the paddock about 5 minutes before the Cup and we see the horses standing there.....THAT'S IT...the commentators didn't really even talk. YAWN! If they're only going to gear their programming to the bettor, how are other people suppose to ever become involved in harness racing? Throw the race at the end of the card, hell, throw it in the same time slot as the Derby, starting it at 1:00pm and ending it at 7:00pm, then at least you can give the Cup the time it deserves! If I were Pepsi, I'd be pissed off!
Anyways, I'm not ranting because I lost on my super, I'm ranting because it was a huge disappointment...we got to see the replay of the Cup, then it was on to the next race like it was nothing.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
This Is The Only Time I Will Choose A Pepsi Over A Coke!!
The 2011 Pepsi North America Cup is upon us, so let's take a peek at the contenders:
Sire: Western Ideal
Dam: Bold Pink-Big Towner
Driver: Phil Hudon
Life Summary: 14-8-2-3
Pacer: 1:49.1 ($1,077,580)
Comments: His sire's a monster, and so is he, so don't count him out!
Sire: Western Terror
Dam: Cantbuymehappiness-Pacific Rocket
Driver: Jody Jamieson
Life Summary: 10-6-2-0
Pacer: 1:49 ($173,440)
Comments: This horse is NOT a fluke, plus he has the stamina to close.
Powerful Mist
Sire: Powerful Toy
Dam: Misty Speed-Matts Scooter
Driver: David Miller
Life Summary: 23-13-4-3
Pacer: 1:50.2 ($398,537)
Comments: He stole the show when he raced against Big Jim, so keep him on your radar.
Dam: Misty Speed-Matts Scooter
Driver: David Miller
Life Summary: 23-13-4-3
Pacer: 1:50.2 ($398,537)
Comments: He stole the show when he raced against Big Jim, so keep him on your radar.
Sire: Western Hanover
Dam: Trulyawork Of Art-Artsplace
Driver: Brett Miller
Life Summary: 13-11-2-0
Pacer: 1:50.2 ($320,318)
Comments: They don't call him "Big" and "Bad" for nothing!
Shadyshark Hanover
Sire: Cams Card Shark
Dam: Shady Past-No Nukes
Driver: Tim Tetrick
Life Summary: 16-5-6-2
Pacer: 1:50.4 ($605,332)
Comments: Been stalking the win for a while now, this could be his chance to shine!
Dam: Shady Past-No Nukes
Driver: Tim Tetrick
Life Summary: 16-5-6-2
Pacer: 1:50.4 ($605,332)
Comments: Been stalking the win for a while now, this could be his chance to shine!
Rockabillie
Sire: Rocknroll Hanover
Dam: Be My Guest-Albatross
Driver: Brian Sears
Life Summary: 15-2-4-2
Pacer: 1:53.4 ($75,045)
Comments: Not always in the winner's circle, but he has a big heart!
Roll With Joe
Sire: Cams Card Shark
Dam: Classic Wish Armbro Emerson
Driver: Randy Waples
Life Summary: 12-4-3-1
Pacer: 1:49.3 ($227,740)
Comments: Could be the "silent sleeper", so don't let the post position scare you!
Dam: Classic Wish Armbro Emerson
Driver: Randy Waples
Life Summary: 12-4-3-1
Pacer: 1:49.3 ($227,740)
Comments: Could be the "silent sleeper", so don't let the post position scare you!
Eighteen
Sire: Cams Card Shark
Dam: Dream of Mimi-Dream Away
Driver: Paul MacDonell
Life Summary: 15-2-2-3
Pacer: 1:52.1 ($73,040)
Comments: He's made it to the Cup so he could be an upsetter?
Dutch Richman
Sire: Richess Hanover
Dam: Fox Valley Estella-Sportsmaster
Driver: Scott Zeron
Life Summary: 9-6-2-1
Pacer: 1:51.2 ($156,901)
Comments: He's lightly raced and in the money 100% of the time, he's worth a look!
Foreclosure N
Sire: Rocknroll Hanover
Dam: Pleasing Package A-Fake Left
Driver: Sylvain Filion
Life Summary: 14-5-1-3
Pacer: 1:52.1 ($246,907)
Comments: Don't let the 10 hole intimidate you, this horse has a nice stretch drive!
Obviously a tough race to call since all these horses are worthy of their appearance. If we look strictly at best lifetime marks within the NA field, we see that Big Jim (1:49.1), Up The Credit (1:49), and Roll With Joe (1:49.3), have each raced under the 1:50 mark, but which one of these horses are still fresh? Big Jim received his best lifetime mark on June 4, 2011, in the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes, however, it wasn't fast enough to beat Up The Credit, who placed first in that race with a 1:49.0, which ironically, is where Up The Credit made his best lifetime mark too. This particular race had a finish of: 1. Up The Credit; 2. Big Jim; 3. Powerful Mist, with Up The Credit having the 5 hole, Big Jim had the 2 hole and Powerful Mist, the 7 hole. That same night, Roll With Joe was also in the 2nd string of the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes, and won his division, while receiving his best lifetime mark of 1:49.3. The order of finish was; 1. Roll With Joe; 2. Betterthancheddar; 3. Shadyshark Hanover; 4. Eighteen; 5. Foreclosure N. Roll With Joe had the rail, Betterthancheddar had the 8 hole, Shadyshark Hanover had the 4 hole, Eighteen had the 6 hole and Foreclosure N had the 2 hole. Now I realize at this point you may be extremely confused as to where I'm heading with all these stats, but when all is said and done, is this race similar to the Kentucky Derby, where it's almost in it's own league as far as betting? How many times has the favorite lost the Kentucky Derby? Dialed In was a huge disappointment in this year's derby, and we never even heard the name Animal Kingdom throughout the entire NBC broadcast. With that being said, who should we pick for our win, place, and show ticket in this year's North America Cup? Can we play out the race in our minds? Who's going to set the pace, Foreclosure N in the 10 hole? There are some variables we should look at:
1. All horses are in the retention barn.
2. Did any of the horses come out of their qualifying races less than perfect? (Minor ailments?)
3. Any equipment changes for this particular race?
4. Who has the speed in this race?
5. Who has the best post? Why did Powerful Mist choose the 3 hole?
While we can rack our brains with stats upon stats, when it comes right down to it, we can only guess the outcome, so here goes;
2-Up The Credit
3-Powerful Mist
4-Big Bad John
5-Shadyshark Hanover
Here's the entire card for Mohawk on June 18, 2011: Pepsi North America Cup Night
Here are some of my other picks for that night:
Race 3: Crys Dream-Seducedbychocolate-Beatgoeson Hanover
Race 4: Bestofbest Hanover-Custard The Dragon-Mystician
Race 5: Soulful Delight-Blue Porsche-Sim Brown
Race 6: Alexie Mattosie-Won The West-Silent Swing
Race 9: Monkey On My Wheel-See You At Peelers-Pretty Katherine
Good Luck To All!!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Going Bananas Trying to Pick Winners!
Race 1. I picked Catch a Dragon, Lady Terror and Private Joke. Private Joke broke stride, and Catch A Dragon and Lady Terror would have came 1-2 if the wire was on the turn for home. Bust.
Race 2. My favorite gal pal, Lukes Sophie, looked like she was bobbing for apples coming down the backtsretch. You couldn't help but think she's going lame; she placed a poor 4th. Even the commentator could see it when he said, "Jamieson is trying to finesse Luke's Sophie around that turn". I would think that she may need a "once over" at Ilderton? My second choice, Fitness Girl, scratched, and Eagle Canada finished a respectable 2nd.
Race 3. That was an easy ticket: Crys Dream won handily.
Race 4. Of course the racing Gods were really pissing me off at this point, so what did they do to me in race 4? Scratched my pick, Holiday Shopper. But I did get a chuckle looking at the winner, Cheap Motel, who resembles one of the Budweiser Clydesdales...she's built like a barn, but can handle herself well around the track.
Race 6. The Mohawk handicappers were weighing heavy on Panagler, but I truly believed Bunny In The Bank would clean their clocks pulling the 6 post. NOT! Damn it all....all the tougher to swallow because Panagler ran a beautiful race, and she's pretty to boot!
Mohawk-Saturday Night-June 11, 2011
Race 1. I flipped my mouth off in Friday's blog post about how Blue Porsche was in the race and yada, yada, yada....well I should have shut up and listened! I just couldn't get away from Mr. Joe Sixpack; he was three for three ITM going into this race, had a nice post, and a great driver, how could I not lean on this guy? Placing 3rd is not going to cut it for me.
Race 2. I knew hooves down See You At Peelers was going to win this, and she did, while my second pick, Honky Tonk Woman came 4th. (More of my hair was now pulled out!)
Race 3. Big Jim was in this race and I KNEW he wouldn't win it; I feel he's a bit tired, so with that being said, I picked Bestof best Hanover, competely overlooking Powerful Mist. I'm definitely not a seasoned bettor at this point.
Race 4. Yep. The racing Gods are completely screwing with my head, as I thought Up The Credit's win last week was a fluke...Nope, it wasn't. I picked Grams Legacy, who fell so far back in the race I thought he was headed to the concession stand for a freaking pretzel! I believe he was disqualified and in all honesty, I hope he's ok.
Race 6. I bet a long shot here, Dutch Richman, and he came in third, but so did Foreclosure N in a dead heat. Oh well, I'll take it. My other two picks, Mystician and Keystone Velocity decided that they would rather be riding horses in this race, placing 5th and 7th. (More of my hair on the floor!)
Race 7. The horse I picked in this race, Soulful Delight, seems to always be a bridesmaid and never a bride, as she came in 2nd in this race too. (She place 2nd last time out by a whisker hair) I'm sure pretty soon she'll get to the altar!
Race 10. FINALLY I WON SOMETHING, albeit by a neck....My pick, Alexie Mattosie put me back into the betting game with some confidence. Ok, ok, I know it's only one race out of a thousand, but who the hell cares!
Race 11. Boy, if there was a prize for picking 3rd place finishers, I'd definitely win it. While I thought Monkey On My Wheel would slip to the wire out front, she had to settle for "show", BUT, it was a very close finish, with the winner racing in 1:51, and Monkey On My Wheel finishing in 1:51:1....!!
As far as my pick in the 2011 Belmont Stakes.....I chose Brilliant Speed and of course, he placed THIRD!! UGH!!
I will not give up on this betting "thing", so stay tuned for my picks for the North America Cup, which will take place this Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Mohawk!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!!!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Everybody's Working For The Weekend, no wait, Everybody's RACING ON The Weekend!!
It's around this time every year that my heart starts beating a little faster after each weekend of racing because I know the NA Cup is just around the corner! So let's get right to it....but first, I want to make mention of Standardbred Canada's FANTASTIC idea of creating a Harness Racing Fan Club, which will be the ONLY official harness racing fan club in North America. JOIN, JOIN, JOIN...that's all I can say! You can find out more details here: I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club
Now, back to racing.....LET'S GET IT ON!!
Mohawk-Tonight-June 10, 2011
Race 1. F&M-Pacers-$25,000 Purse: Now most punters out there are not going to be too keen on my selections, but then again, I don't care. I like the 2, Catch A Dragon; she's ITM 56% of the time, has a nice pp, and one hell-uv-a driver to boot. However, she needs to keep an eye out for the 6, Lady Terror, who also ranks 56% ITM, loves the outside posts and has legendary driver, Rick Zeron on the lines. To finish up my trifecta I'm going with the 5 horse, Private Joke; lightly raced, but is not camera shy when she really wants to grind those gears.
Race 2. 3-Yr-Old Fillies-Trotters-$35,000 Purse: No funny business happening in this race, all horses are in the retention barn prior. That being said, I cannot, and will not, give up on my all time favorite gal, the 1 horse, Lukes Sophie. You could put lead in her wheels and you'll have a hard time out-maneuvering this filly. She's on top of her game at the moment. But that's not saying she won't have some competition, and that's coming from the 5 horse, Eagle Canada; gotta LOVE the 5 hole. Tying it up in a neat little bow, I threw in the 3 horse, Fitness Girl. She's lightly raced in 2011, her sire is Muscles Yankee, she'll have a new driver tonight with Macdonell, and you know the old saying, "Everything happens in three's", so hopefully the 3 hole will catapult her into the money.
Race 3. 3-Yr-Old Fillies-Trotters-$35,000 Purse: Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy: Winning it should be Crys Dream and then whoever finishes the race after that about 5 minutes later. Enough said.
Race 4. F&M-Pacers-$12,500 Purse: What woman doesn't like to shop? Well, for one, I hate it, but in this race I'm weighing in heavy on the 8 horse, Holiday Shopper. This Camluck gal has had a bit of Badluck recently when it comes to having her picture taken, but she does well when she draws a hell of a long way away from the rail; she's 50% ITM and I really like Jason Brewer as her guide.
Race 6. F&M-Pacers-$19,000 Purse: The 6 horse still has my eye in this race, Bunny In The Bank; even though last time out he drew post 9 and ran like a bag of sh*t, I'm still supporting him. And how could you not like Chris Christoforou? ChrisChris is what I like to call him, it's easier.
Mohawk-June 11, 2011
Race 1. 3-Yr-Olds-Trotters-$30,000 Purse: Now look, I realize Blue Porsche is in this race and yada, yada, yada, but I'm leaning on the Striking Sahbra phenome, the 4 horse, Mr. Joe Sixpack; he's 3 for 3 ITM and Jody Jamieson is as fit as this horse's name, so that's all folks.
Race 2. 3-Yr-Old Fillies-Pacers-$35,000 Purse: All kiddies are in the retention barn before this race and while the 2 horse, See You At Peelers, seems to be breathing high quality oxygen during a race, I really like the 1 Horse, Honky Tonk Woman; she's been in the money each time out and she likes an inside post. Plus I like when the Rolling Stones sang this song!
Race 3. 3-Yr-Old Elims-Pacers-$50,000 Purse: Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE Big Jim and as far as his driver, well, he's just dreamy, but back to reality. Now let's get real here folks, Big Jim has been worked hard getting to where he is and I'm not saying he's lame, or tired, but man, this horse gets on the track and gives it his all each time out. Racing weekly can definitely take it's toll, which is why I'm heading to the 5 horse, Bestofbest Hanover; he's ITM 3 out 4 times out, has a pretty post, and Moiseyev KNOWS he's racing against Big Jim.
Race 4. 3-Yr-Old Elims-Pacers-$50,000 Purse: While I put Up The Credit ahead of Big Jim last week, I'm not so sure it wasn't the racing Gods playing head games with me, so this time out, I like the "under the radar" horse, in the 4 post, Grams Legacy. He's not the favorite, but neither was Mine That Bird when he won the Kentucky Derby at 50-1 odds! Betterthancheddar and Shadyshark Hanover round out my tri.
Race 6. 3-Yr-Old Elims-Pacers-$50,000 Purse: Going a little outside the box here and taking the 5 horse, Dutch Richman-a WAY out in left field pick, I know, but I think Tim Tetrick can give this horse some confidence. The 1 horse, Mystician and the 3 horse, Keystone Velocity round out the rest for me.
Race 7. 1 Horse, Soulful Delight-She got robbed of first last time out by about a whisker hair, but when she draws the inside, she can control the field like a pro.
Race 10. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, and DOUBLE LOVE the 3 horse, Alexie Mattosie; Nice post, nice driver, and nice morning line odds.
Race 11. The 2 horse, Monkey On My Wheel should leave the field going bananas, when they can't figure out how she went so fast!
Well folks, that's who and what I'm betting on this weekend and DON'T forget about the Belmont Stakes on Saturday!! You can view the entries here: The 2011 Belmont Stakes
My pick: The 5 Horse, Brilliant Speed
Good Luck To All!!!
Stay safe, and keep your hooves on the ground and keep reaching for the wire!!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
It's Like Trying To Find An "Illegal" Needle In A Haystack
Why illegal drug use and overages have become increasingly popular in the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing world…
You could probably start this article with the line that should end it: The Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industry needs a National Governing Sanctioned Body to organize them. We already know the basic rules of horse racing - they’re clear and concise, and are followed regularly on any given race day. However, many owners and trainers still push the envelope with their barns, relying less and less on pedigree, old fashioned hard work, patience, and devout training methods, and instead, try to find a “quick fix” for a “quick win”. There’s an old adage in many professional sport rule books that reads, “Just because it doesn’t say you can’t, doesn’t mean you can”. This sentence seemingly gets abused on a daily basis throughout Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries, mainly in the area of allowable substances. And speaking of allowable substances: How many times has an owner thrown up his hands saying that he was unaware that his trainer was using a banned substance or an overage of a legal substance on his horse? Or a trainer saying that he was out of state when his assistant trainer was in charge of the horse? Owners and trainers definitely need to be held accountable for inappropriate actions, and should be required to take standard courses themselves to be deemed suitable and knowledgeable. We’ve all heard the saying, “First time caught it’s the fault of the trainer and owner, second time caught, it’s the fault of the industry.”
Every year thousands of potential thoroughbred owners travel to OBS (Ocala Breeder’s Sale), The Fasig-Tipton auctions, and the Keeneland auctions in Lexington, Kentucky, to peruse potential stock for their barns. Many prominent owners and trainers look at yearlings for their genetic potential to compete on a variety of surfaces due to the growing popularity of synthetic racetracks, the increase in turf purses, and the addition of million dollar “Super Derbys”. Quite simply, some are looking for the next “Big Thing”. The snag: Horses are not “things”, and should not be considered a “throw-away” society. They are living and breathing creatures, who think, who know, and who feel.
The standardbred and thoroughbred competition is becoming greater and greater each year, and trainers are being pressured to produce results or have their barns emptied. Nowadays it takes nothing more than a hand shake to have a horse shipped coast to coast for a race within a day, sometimes within hours, without any regard to the emotional well-being of that horse. The race is on, literally, and this one’s not on the track. The Thoroughbred industry is spending millions of dollars developing tests to detect steroids and other designer drugs believed to be used in horses. This, along with The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, who noted that approximately $30 million a year is spent on post-race equine drug testing, with that figure being split among 38 jurisdictions and 18 laboratories.
Is that $30 million (plus) a year to ensure that people are not cheating?
Clearly, both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industry have the need for a national governing sanctioned body to organize it as mentioned at the beginning of this article. Ficticiously speaking, The National Association of Horse Racing, (NAHR) would mandate a level playing field for all racetracks, with a manageable schedule that includes a stricter approach to their security and to training centers in the area of drug use. In addition, it would serve to provide proper before, during and aftercare of all racehorses, and guarantee that the industry’s employees are valued appropriately - far more than they are at present, but that’s another article.
The bottom line with substance abuse in both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industry should be a simple one: No second chance for illegal drug use offenders. Sound too harsh? Look at a racehorse that’s been physically and emotionally obliterated with illegal drugs. By the way, you’ll probably have to go to your closest feedlot to find him—and yes, that too, is another article.
You could probably start this article with the line that should end it: The Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industry needs a National Governing Sanctioned Body to organize them. We already know the basic rules of horse racing - they’re clear and concise, and are followed regularly on any given race day. However, many owners and trainers still push the envelope with their barns, relying less and less on pedigree, old fashioned hard work, patience, and devout training methods, and instead, try to find a “quick fix” for a “quick win”. There’s an old adage in many professional sport rule books that reads, “Just because it doesn’t say you can’t, doesn’t mean you can”. This sentence seemingly gets abused on a daily basis throughout Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries, mainly in the area of allowable substances. And speaking of allowable substances: How many times has an owner thrown up his hands saying that he was unaware that his trainer was using a banned substance or an overage of a legal substance on his horse? Or a trainer saying that he was out of state when his assistant trainer was in charge of the horse? Owners and trainers definitely need to be held accountable for inappropriate actions, and should be required to take standard courses themselves to be deemed suitable and knowledgeable. We’ve all heard the saying, “First time caught it’s the fault of the trainer and owner, second time caught, it’s the fault of the industry.”
Every year thousands of potential thoroughbred owners travel to OBS (Ocala Breeder’s Sale), The Fasig-Tipton auctions, and the Keeneland auctions in Lexington, Kentucky, to peruse potential stock for their barns. Many prominent owners and trainers look at yearlings for their genetic potential to compete on a variety of surfaces due to the growing popularity of synthetic racetracks, the increase in turf purses, and the addition of million dollar “Super Derbys”. Quite simply, some are looking for the next “Big Thing”. The snag: Horses are not “things”, and should not be considered a “throw-away” society. They are living and breathing creatures, who think, who know, and who feel.
The standardbred and thoroughbred competition is becoming greater and greater each year, and trainers are being pressured to produce results or have their barns emptied. Nowadays it takes nothing more than a hand shake to have a horse shipped coast to coast for a race within a day, sometimes within hours, without any regard to the emotional well-being of that horse. The race is on, literally, and this one’s not on the track. The Thoroughbred industry is spending millions of dollars developing tests to detect steroids and other designer drugs believed to be used in horses. This, along with The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, who noted that approximately $30 million a year is spent on post-race equine drug testing, with that figure being split among 38 jurisdictions and 18 laboratories.
Is that $30 million (plus) a year to ensure that people are not cheating?
Clearly, both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industry have the need for a national governing sanctioned body to organize it as mentioned at the beginning of this article. Ficticiously speaking, The National Association of Horse Racing, (NAHR) would mandate a level playing field for all racetracks, with a manageable schedule that includes a stricter approach to their security and to training centers in the area of drug use. In addition, it would serve to provide proper before, during and aftercare of all racehorses, and guarantee that the industry’s employees are valued appropriately - far more than they are at present, but that’s another article.
The bottom line with substance abuse in both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industry should be a simple one: No second chance for illegal drug use offenders. Sound too harsh? Look at a racehorse that’s been physically and emotionally obliterated with illegal drugs. By the way, you’ll probably have to go to your closest feedlot to find him—and yes, that too, is another article.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Standardbred Terms & Terminology
Below are some of the terms I use when describing my favorite sport in the world. These are by no means regulated, or assigned to/with any outfit or organization involved in standardbred racing...
'Bred Head
['bred - head]
a term used to describe a person who thoroughly enjoys standardbred racing; they may possess uniques skills such as excessive drinking, partying, and swearing; these skills are heightened if they actually own a racehorse.
Blind Turtle
[blind - turtle]
a term used for a racehorse that apparently has no clue as to where the finish line is due to lack of speed, but ultimately crosses the wire during the next race's post parade.
Dragged It Through The Hardware Store
[dragged - it - through - the - hardware - store]
a term used to describe a trotter or a pacer that is wearing way too much equipment that normally can be found at places like Lowes or Home Depot. The dead give-away is the half-cut black tile drain that is apparently used to keep the horse's neck in an upright position to promote proper wind intake and outtake.
Peeler Call
[peeler - call]
a term used to describe the urging of a horse during a race via an extremely loud whistling noise made by the driver. Usually done down the backstretch when no ORC judge can hear it; sometimes done at all points of the race cause the ORC just doesn't care.
The Cory Hart Syndrome
[cory - hart - syndrome]
an '80's reference used to describe a trainer, driver, or owner who constantly wears dark sunglasses at every racing event (even at night) to portray the fact that he is a high profile individual with copious amounts of cash. Usually found in and around the track stables commenting about how they nearly purchased Somebeachsomewhere, but couldn't agree on price. May also be found alone near the betting window when no one else wants to listen to them.
Cold Coffee Supporter
[cold - coffee - supporter]
a term used to describe a person that attends a horse racing event with the intent of only ingesting beer. Absolutely no gambling is involved and usually by the 9th race the person has lost complete interest in anything remotely related to racing due to outright drunkenness. Can normally be seen being guided into the back seat of a friend's car and left passed out until the 12th race is complete.
Lucky Strike
[lucky - strike]
the term used when a driver whips under the arch or shaft of the sulky during a race and doesn't get caught.
Shadow Roll
[shadow - roll]
a term used to describe an illegal substance that ultimately is created and smoked out of public view.
A Murphy Blind
[murphy - blind]
a term used for a person who attends a racing event but is completely unknowledgeable with horse racing and it's lingo. During a race, they can be heard using sentences such as, "Protect your zone!" and "I hope that driver is wearing his seatbelt!" Other terms used are: jockey; wagon; and pit lane.
Breaking Wind
[breaking - wind]
a term used to describe a horse that continuously breaks stride; can also be used if the horse "dumps out" during a race.
A Fred Astaire
[fred - astaire]
a term used to describe a horse that refuses to stand still in the winner's circle; can be found tap dancing from side to side, swinging his head, and dragging his paddock groom half-way back to the barn. Usually keeps his stall in complete disarray and if given the chance, will tear your shirt off when you pass by.
Horse Trailer
[horse - trailer]
a term used to describe the previews of an owner's favorite horse related movies.
Racing Action Side Notes:
The Casual Breeze (Race 5) (Race 8) is tonight at Mohawk; Look at Lukes Sophie, Crys Dream, Extraordinaire, and Peach Martini to continue their successful 2011 campaigns. In Race 10 watch Dreamfair Eternal battle it out with the Casie Coleman contender, Western Silk! A fantastic night of harness racing! You can view the entire card here
Good Luck Everyone!!!
'Bred Head
['bred - head]
a term used to describe a person who thoroughly enjoys standardbred racing; they may possess uniques skills such as excessive drinking, partying, and swearing; these skills are heightened if they actually own a racehorse.
Blind Turtle
[blind - turtle]
a term used for a racehorse that apparently has no clue as to where the finish line is due to lack of speed, but ultimately crosses the wire during the next race's post parade.
Dragged It Through The Hardware Store
[dragged - it - through - the - hardware - store]
a term used to describe a trotter or a pacer that is wearing way too much equipment that normally can be found at places like Lowes or Home Depot. The dead give-away is the half-cut black tile drain that is apparently used to keep the horse's neck in an upright position to promote proper wind intake and outtake.
Peeler Call
[peeler - call]
a term used to describe the urging of a horse during a race via an extremely loud whistling noise made by the driver. Usually done down the backstretch when no ORC judge can hear it; sometimes done at all points of the race cause the ORC just doesn't care.
The Cory Hart Syndrome
[cory - hart - syndrome]
an '80's reference used to describe a trainer, driver, or owner who constantly wears dark sunglasses at every racing event (even at night) to portray the fact that he is a high profile individual with copious amounts of cash. Usually found in and around the track stables commenting about how they nearly purchased Somebeachsomewhere, but couldn't agree on price. May also be found alone near the betting window when no one else wants to listen to them.
Cold Coffee Supporter
[cold - coffee - supporter]
a term used to describe a person that attends a horse racing event with the intent of only ingesting beer. Absolutely no gambling is involved and usually by the 9th race the person has lost complete interest in anything remotely related to racing due to outright drunkenness. Can normally be seen being guided into the back seat of a friend's car and left passed out until the 12th race is complete.
Lucky Strike
[lucky - strike]
the term used when a driver whips under the arch or shaft of the sulky during a race and doesn't get caught.
Shadow Roll
[shadow - roll]
a term used to describe an illegal substance that ultimately is created and smoked out of public view.
A Murphy Blind
[murphy - blind]
a term used for a person who attends a racing event but is completely unknowledgeable with horse racing and it's lingo. During a race, they can be heard using sentences such as, "Protect your zone!" and "I hope that driver is wearing his seatbelt!" Other terms used are: jockey; wagon; and pit lane.
Breaking Wind
[breaking - wind]
a term used to describe a horse that continuously breaks stride; can also be used if the horse "dumps out" during a race.
A Fred Astaire
[fred - astaire]
a term used to describe a horse that refuses to stand still in the winner's circle; can be found tap dancing from side to side, swinging his head, and dragging his paddock groom half-way back to the barn. Usually keeps his stall in complete disarray and if given the chance, will tear your shirt off when you pass by.
Horse Trailer
[horse - trailer]
a term used to describe the previews of an owner's favorite horse related movies.
Racing Action Side Notes:
The Casual Breeze (Race 5) (Race 8) is tonight at Mohawk; Look at Lukes Sophie, Crys Dream, Extraordinaire, and Peach Martini to continue their successful 2011 campaigns. In Race 10 watch Dreamfair Eternal battle it out with the Casie Coleman contender, Western Silk! A fantastic night of harness racing! You can view the entire card here
Good Luck Everyone!!!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Anyone Got Bubble Wrap?
As some of you may (or may not) know, I own and operate a 50 acre off-the-track standardbred rescue facility called New Horizons Equine Center, which is located in the heart of standardbred country. I'm located about an hour from Windsor Raceway, Western Fair Raceway, about 25 minutes to Hiawatha, 10 minutes to Dresden Raceway and about 2 hours to Clinton. Currently there are six horses that reside here and five of them came directly from the racetrack a little more than 2 years ago. Some came with substantial injuries and some came with minor ones. The point is, after some down time, they are now all in good shape and in good health. I must admit, when I first started this facility there were many things I was unsure about. Being in Southwestern Ontario, we get quite the volatile weather; sometimes hail, strong winds, cloud bursts, etc, so for them to be outside day and night, well, let's say I was not extremely comfortable with that. I always thought that something would happen to one of them due to some outside force....like the time Stewie Griffin went for groceries...
Come on, admit it, some of you trainers and owners out there are terrified to leave your horses out overnight, especially before a race! But look at it this way; You leave them in for a week, then decide to let them out to blow off some steam, and what happens? Well, they'll be so damn excited to breathe the air that they very well could get themselves into a bit of trouble...like the time Peter Griffin tried Red Bull for the first time...
Horses are afraid of two things: Things that move, and things that don't move, so by letting them out on a daily basis, you're allowing them to experience the world around them. And if you've taken the time to buddy up the ones that get along together, you shouldn't have any horse coming back to the barn looking like he just took on Chuck Liddell in the octagon! The proof is in the proverbial pudding when the racing world was introduced to Finnish-born Riina Rekila, who has proven that her techniques win races. The 29-year-old had a career year in 2010 with a pair of star three-year-old fillies, Random Destiny and Christiana Hanover. In a recent article from Standardbred Canada, she dishes about some of her secrets to success;
'Rekila and her husband, Esa Lahtinen, decided it was time to leave Finland. After some research, they determined Ontario was the place for them with its attractive purses, quality horses and strong grassroots program. When she set up her stable in Campbellville in 2007, she figured, "why fix what isn't broken." The successful training techniques she used in Finland proved to work just as well in Canada. One secret to her success is that her horses stay out in the paddock for extended periods of time. "They are not out 20 minutes,” the conditioner explained. “It can be six hours if it’s daytime. Or nighttime, it can be 15 hours. They have shelter, warm water in the winter, hay, and we feed them four times a day.”
I guess after operating this facility for approximately 4 years now, I'm more relaxed when it comes to letting my horses truly be horses. Geesh, if we take that away from them we are no longer racing a horse, but racing our own insecurities....and how can we possibly get to the winner's circle that way?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
"Chalking" One Up To Experience....
I have finally started learning (or trying to learn), the art of the "pick" when it comes to wagering on horses. I have been reading a blog called Pull The Pocket for quite a while now, and though many times I feel a little bashful when it comes to commenting, or even adding my two cents, (the blogger is extremely intelligent when it comes to wagering et al), I decided to pull off my proverbial blinkers and really delve deep into the betting world. Past experiences of trying to pick the winning horse in a specific race was really me just looking at a name and somehow, remembering that name in the winner's circle recently. Call it having a photographic memory, I don't know, but all in all, I really wasn't wagering, just remembering. Some bettors would rather be lucky than be good, but I think it's possible to be both. Remember, these horses are living, breathing creatures, who, like you and I, have good days and bad. So why is it that some horses race spectacular one night, then a week later race like one of my "off-the-track-too-slow-for-the-starting-gate-standardbred-rescue-horses"? Is it an undisclosed injury; poor equipment choices; improper shoeing (or losing a shoe during the race); bad post position; unfavorable drive? The list is probably endless as to why the poor performance. I recently posed this question to my friend at Pull The Pocket, and without a doubt, he said that all these variables could factor in as to why this particular horse, on this particular night, performed less than desirable. I call it racing like a "blind turtle", and for the most part, I tend to come up with other racing terms that probably the industry has not heard of yet (more on those terms later). So what can a "newbie" like myself do to sharpen their skills at picking the big winner, and hopefully down the road, pick the trifectas and superfectas? What would I look at? Here's my two cents, or as I like to call it, "Handicapping For Dummies":
1. Speed - Let's say a horse goes in 1:54.4 last time out; you look at the race program for the evening and he's now up against horses that went in 1:56 and higher their last time out, so what do you do? Bet him, right? Well, no, not really, the fastest horse coming into the race doesn't necessarily win this time out. Again, we have to go back to a few variables, like post position, driver changes, equipment changes, track conditions, etc. Don't get me wrong, the overall times will certainly aid in separating the contenders from the pretenders, but we should still look over other factors in this particular race.
2. Driver - They say that Walter Case Jr. could make a bad horse look good, well, then we need to keep this in mind when we see a particular driver on a horse. I tend to like when I see a driver on the same horse each time out. This tells me that he has some type of working relationship with the owner/trainer and more importantly, with the horse itself. I have a friend that put a new driver on his pretty decent horse, only to have the driver come back and tell him, "Wow, I didn't expect your horse to do that! Sorry about placing dead last!" This can be quite discouraging when you're betting on your friend's horse and end up losing based on a driver's varying amount of knowledge of that horse. Their just isn't enough time in between races for a trainer to try and give tips about his/her horse to the new driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, drivers that do well get their pick of the better horses and people often bet based on the driver alone. Not something I would do, but definitely something to take note of. If he's in the winner's circle alot, can thread the eye of a needle safely and accurately during a race, and can get his/her horse to give it their all, then focus on this entry.
3. Win-Place-Show - Consistency is definitely something we should look at with regards to picking our horses for the evening. Look for horses that have proven themselves each time out; they don't necessarily had to have won each race, but being in the money is a horse worth leaning on. Watch out for horses that continuously "break stride" in a race, they could be a high-risk pick, and don't for one minute think that this time they'll prove everyone wrong and win the race with flying colors and pay out on long-shot odds. The odds are huge for a reason. If they're breaking all the time, something else is wrong, and we're not at the track to figure out just what that problem is. Could be trainer, equipment, injury...the list is endless.
4. Post Position - I think I remember seeing somewhere that more races were won out of the 2 hole than any other post position. Well, that may be so, but I've also seen the 7 hole win many a race, even though it apparently is the "taboo" post on some racetracks. I've seen trainers actually scratch a horse just because they pulled the 7 post, ahem, you didn't hear that from me, the horse was apparently sick! Obviously posts 1-5 are decent lines coming off the gate, but some horses can drive off the gate quite well regardless of where they're placed, and if they're in posts 6 and up, you better take note of that. Also, as we spoke about drivers earlier, experienced ones can make a horse perform magic tricks, so keep a mental note of that as well.
5. The Odds Board - It's ten minutes before the race is about to start, you've done your wagering homework, and to your surprise, you look at your pick, then up at the odds board, and damn it all, everyone else is going for a completely different horse. What gives? Well, several things. Did the board favorite have an influential equipment change, thereby enticing the bettors to favor them? Did the horse have a race day driver change to a more prominent driver? Did the horse switch shoes, going from steel to aluminum or vice versa in order to accomodate a track condition and promote speed and handling? Were there any scratches in the race that would eliminate a "road block" contender and put the favorite in a better striking position? Look at anything and everything, even the post parade. I remember watching Shackleford in the post parade at this year's Preakness Stakes, and man, was he ever sweating up a storm, but it was a clear sweat, not a foamy sweat. He went on to win the race, (with a hard-charging Animal Kingdom on his tail), but the sweat on Shackleford did not mean he was in poor shape. Sure, he may have been excited, but to me it was a clear indication that he was ready to race and going to give it everything he had. So, post parades are important when determining your picks.
Well, for now, this is what I'm going to use to get me started in the wagering game, and while I'm sure there are many other factors to look at, this is a good start for me, considering the only factor I used when determining whether or not Curlin would win the Preakness in 2007, was that he "dumped out" in the post parade.....See, post parades are important to look at!
If anyone would like to add or subtract from this, please feel free to do so, and please go easy on me as I am new to the game but would still like to win a $16,000 $1 Superfecta some day!
Here are my picks for this weekend's race card at Mohawk, where Big Jim and Phil Hudon will be!
Race 1. 6-Soulful Delight
Race 2. 10-Mystical Haze
Race 3. 3-Prodigal Seelster/Up The Credit/Big Jim
Race 4. 2-First Rate Shark
Race 5. 6-OK Boromir
Race 6. 3-Lil Bit Lil Bit
Race 7. 2-On The Radar
Race 8. 6-Parkhill Fantasia
Race 9. 4-Shadyshark Hanover
Race 10. 6-Ideal Race
Race 11. 9-Martha Maxine
Good Luck To All!!!
1. Speed - Let's say a horse goes in 1:54.4 last time out; you look at the race program for the evening and he's now up against horses that went in 1:56 and higher their last time out, so what do you do? Bet him, right? Well, no, not really, the fastest horse coming into the race doesn't necessarily win this time out. Again, we have to go back to a few variables, like post position, driver changes, equipment changes, track conditions, etc. Don't get me wrong, the overall times will certainly aid in separating the contenders from the pretenders, but we should still look over other factors in this particular race.
2. Driver - They say that Walter Case Jr. could make a bad horse look good, well, then we need to keep this in mind when we see a particular driver on a horse. I tend to like when I see a driver on the same horse each time out. This tells me that he has some type of working relationship with the owner/trainer and more importantly, with the horse itself. I have a friend that put a new driver on his pretty decent horse, only to have the driver come back and tell him, "Wow, I didn't expect your horse to do that! Sorry about placing dead last!" This can be quite discouraging when you're betting on your friend's horse and end up losing based on a driver's varying amount of knowledge of that horse. Their just isn't enough time in between races for a trainer to try and give tips about his/her horse to the new driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, drivers that do well get their pick of the better horses and people often bet based on the driver alone. Not something I would do, but definitely something to take note of. If he's in the winner's circle alot, can thread the eye of a needle safely and accurately during a race, and can get his/her horse to give it their all, then focus on this entry.
3. Win-Place-Show - Consistency is definitely something we should look at with regards to picking our horses for the evening. Look for horses that have proven themselves each time out; they don't necessarily had to have won each race, but being in the money is a horse worth leaning on. Watch out for horses that continuously "break stride" in a race, they could be a high-risk pick, and don't for one minute think that this time they'll prove everyone wrong and win the race with flying colors and pay out on long-shot odds. The odds are huge for a reason. If they're breaking all the time, something else is wrong, and we're not at the track to figure out just what that problem is. Could be trainer, equipment, injury...the list is endless.
4. Post Position - I think I remember seeing somewhere that more races were won out of the 2 hole than any other post position. Well, that may be so, but I've also seen the 7 hole win many a race, even though it apparently is the "taboo" post on some racetracks. I've seen trainers actually scratch a horse just because they pulled the 7 post, ahem, you didn't hear that from me, the horse was apparently sick! Obviously posts 1-5 are decent lines coming off the gate, but some horses can drive off the gate quite well regardless of where they're placed, and if they're in posts 6 and up, you better take note of that. Also, as we spoke about drivers earlier, experienced ones can make a horse perform magic tricks, so keep a mental note of that as well.
5. The Odds Board - It's ten minutes before the race is about to start, you've done your wagering homework, and to your surprise, you look at your pick, then up at the odds board, and damn it all, everyone else is going for a completely different horse. What gives? Well, several things. Did the board favorite have an influential equipment change, thereby enticing the bettors to favor them? Did the horse have a race day driver change to a more prominent driver? Did the horse switch shoes, going from steel to aluminum or vice versa in order to accomodate a track condition and promote speed and handling? Were there any scratches in the race that would eliminate a "road block" contender and put the favorite in a better striking position? Look at anything and everything, even the post parade. I remember watching Shackleford in the post parade at this year's Preakness Stakes, and man, was he ever sweating up a storm, but it was a clear sweat, not a foamy sweat. He went on to win the race, (with a hard-charging Animal Kingdom on his tail), but the sweat on Shackleford did not mean he was in poor shape. Sure, he may have been excited, but to me it was a clear indication that he was ready to race and going to give it everything he had. So, post parades are important when determining your picks.
Well, for now, this is what I'm going to use to get me started in the wagering game, and while I'm sure there are many other factors to look at, this is a good start for me, considering the only factor I used when determining whether or not Curlin would win the Preakness in 2007, was that he "dumped out" in the post parade.....See, post parades are important to look at!
If anyone would like to add or subtract from this, please feel free to do so, and please go easy on me as I am new to the game but would still like to win a $16,000 $1 Superfecta some day!
Here are my picks for this weekend's race card at Mohawk, where Big Jim and Phil Hudon will be!
Race 1. 6-Soulful Delight
Race 2. 10-Mystical Haze
Race 3. 3-Prodigal Seelster/Up The Credit/Big Jim
Race 4. 2-First Rate Shark
Race 5. 6-OK Boromir
Race 6. 3-Lil Bit Lil Bit
Race 7. 2-On The Radar
Race 8. 6-Parkhill Fantasia
Race 9. 4-Shadyshark Hanover
Race 10. 6-Ideal Race
Race 11. 9-Martha Maxine
Good Luck To All!!!
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