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all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Steve Haskin
It looks as though the upcoming crop of Derby contenders will be the most stamina-laden in years, with powerful pedigrees, especially on the female side, in abundance.
Even with our two best 2-year-olds – Vineyard Haven and Midshipman -- off to Dubai, we still have a number of top-quality colts who look like Derby material, such as Break Water Edison, Old Fashioned, Pioneerof the Nile, Beethoven, Square Eddie, Hello Broadway, Capt. Candyman Can, Charitable Man, Giant Oak, Chocolate Candy, Big Drama, I Want Revenge, West Side Bernie, Atomic Rain, Believe in Hope, and Terrain among others. Most of these horses have solid 10-furlong pedigrees, eliminating one of the major question marks we are confronted with each year.
And then we have the next tier – horses who have not yet made a name for themselves in stakes competition, but who have a big shot to make the leap into Derby contention by next May.
In alphabetical order:
Brother Keith – Bobby Frankel is high on this son of Johar, who is inbred to Secretariat, Tim Tam, and the top-class broodmare Tamerett. He was impressive in his only start, a 2 1/4-length victory at Churchill Downs. He has basically a miler’s pedigree, but if he has the talent he should be able to get the mile and a quarter.
Danger to Society – He’s down in Florida with Kenny McPeek and is one to keep an eye on. The son of Harlan’s Holiday, who McPeek trained to win the Florida Derby and Blue Grass Stakes before having the horse taken away from him, has a ton of stamina in his female family and is inbred to Princequillo. His only start was a maiden victory at a mile at Churchill Downs and it was the kind of career debut you love to see. He came from off the pace and closed strongly in the stretch to win going away in an 11-horse field. His :47 4/5 work at Gulfstream indicates he should come out for his 3-year-old debut with guns blazing.
Idol Maker – Anyone who looks at his last start and sees a well-beaten fourth with no apparent excuse in the Remsen Stakes will have a tendency to dismiss him. But this is a talented colt, who unfortunately has had some attitude issues and was at times quite a problem child for J.J. Pletcher, who gave him his early training before sending him to his son Todd. His career debut at Belmont was impressive enough to forgive him for his effort in the Remsen, considering you never know what kind of mood he’s going to be in. He likely gets that attitude from his sire, Empire Maker, who also gives him a good deal of his ability. Maturity should help and he deserves another chance.
Imperial Council – It seems as if everyone has latched on to this horse. That may because he seems to have it all – pedigree, style, and professionalism. With only one start he hasn’t been tested for class, but the horse who finished second to him, American Dance, came back to finish third in the Remsen Stakes (gr. II), and the third-place horse, Professor Z, won his next two races and also figures prominently on this list. We’ll just have to wait to see if he’s worthy of all the rave notices, but there is little doubt this is a classy colt.
Indygo Mountain – It’s a shame he had to be scratched at the gate because of a hoof abscess, especially after that race was canceled the week before. So, he’s actually missed two races in the span of a week. Assuming he bounces back from this setback, he still must be considered a bright young prospect off his impressive maiden score. By A.P. Indy, he traces to Ribot twice in his female family through Pleasant Colony and Key to the Mint.
Majormotionpicture – He’s the West Coast version of Imperial Council, as all eyes will be on him when he makes his next start. He was impressive winning his career debut last August at Del Mar, showing a good deal of tenacity while racing down on the inside. By Action this Day, out of a Rahy mare, he is inbred close-up (3x3) to Roberto in his tail-male and tail-female family, so distance will be no problem.
Obligingly – Pletcher sent him to Calder to break his maiden by 11 1/2 lengths. It wasn’t the margin as much as the ease in which he did it. He probably didn’t beat much, and we don’t know how far the Officers want to run, so he has to show what he can do against better horses. He does have a solid female family.
Professor Z – There’s a lot to like about this son of Grand Slam, and he could give Zayat Stables a potent one-two punch on both coasts with Pioneerof the Nile. His last three races have been impressive and he keeps improving with each start. He had no trouble stretching out to two turns, romping in an allowance race at Aqueduct in early December. Grand Slam isn’t known as a stamina sire, but there’s plenty of stamina in his female family. He traces to Vaguely Noble and the great King Ranch producer Fairness, dam of Prove Out, Heartland and other top runners.
Quality Road – The word was out on this son of Elusive Quality before his career debut. Richie Migliore had been working him for a month for Jimmy Jerkens and was extremely high on him, but due to a prior commitment was unable to ride him. In a field of quality maidens, he went right to the lead, set a solid pace, and had no trouble holding off a top prospect in Toulouse Lautrec in 1:16 flat for the 6 1/2 furlongs. Although Elusive Quality sired Smarty Jones, his offspring need help on the female side, and this colt gets plenty of help from broodmare sire Strawberry Road and great-grandsire Alydar.
Sunday Blitz – If you like Old Fashioned you have to like this colt, who was beaten a nose by the Remsen winner in early October. He then came back and broke his maiden at Delaware Park at six furlongs. He has enough speed through broodmare sire Cherokee Run to be competitive sprinting, but he should get better as he stretches out. By the Forty Niner stallion Sunday Break, his maternal granddam is by Pleasant Colony and great-granddam is by the Nodouble stallion Singular. With Tom Rolfe in his sire line he is inbred 5x5 to Ribot.
Uno Mas – The son of Macho Uno was very impressive blowing by Friesan Fire in a one-mile allowance race at Fair Grounds to win going away by 2 1/4 lengths for Steve Asmussen. With Fappiano in his female family and being inbred 4x4 to Ta Wee, he has John Nerud written all over him.
Well Positioned – He was a red-hot commodity after his 14 1/4-length romp in an Aqueduct maiden race at a mile, but any subsequent deals following that race failed to materialize. He’s by Awesome Again, out of a Holy Bull mare, and his maternal great-grandsire is the 1 1/4-mile grade I winner Hail the Pirates, a son of Hail to Reason. He is a complete outcross, which could make him attractive to a number of breeders.
A few others to keep an eye on are Stimulus Plan, who ran a big race to finish a fast-closing third in the Boyd Gaming’s Delta Jackpot; awesome tail-female family through mother and daughter Searching and Admiring and Bold Lad, a name you don’t see much any longer…Gresham, who overcame a troubled trip to win an allowance race at Churchill Downs; Prince Charming, who showed a good deal of potential in two races at Belmont before turning a poor effort in the Nashua Stakes (gr. II). He deserves another chance…Friesan Fire, who was the beaten favorite at Fair Grounds and has been underachieving. One has to question his premature move to the lead approaching the half-mile pole. Don’t throw him out just yet. Two others at Fair Grounds who bear watching are Silver City and Au Moon.
A few points regarding the CashCall Futurity (gr. I). From a standpoint of time and final fractions it was a good race, but the Hollywood Cushion Track was playing extremely fast, so times are not that much of an issue. Although you can’t fault the winner, Pioneerof the Nile, who ran a game race and looks likes a classic horse, he was being hard-ridden a long way out to catch two horses who were running each other into the ground, one of whom -- his stablemate Ventana -- was running as if he were his rabbit. It was assumed the son of Toccet would rate stretching out for the first time, but he was rushed to the lead and eventually was run off his feet, finishing last. Runner-up I Want Revenge, who ran a bang-up race rallying from between horses to just get nipped at the wire, will get better as he goes longer, being by Stephen Got Even out of a Roy mare. Chocolate Candy was impressive, racing wide the entire way and closing well after circling the field. He also will relish longer distances. Bittel Road had every chance turning for home after breaking from the 10-post and racing wide, but didn’t change leads and ran evenly late. He may be a better grass horse, but it’s too early to give up on him for next year’s California Derby preps.
So, all in all, this was an excellent gauge for next year, with the first three finishers all looking like strong classic contenders, and Bittel Road running well enough to keep his classic-trail hopes alive. All four horses, however, still have to prove themselves on dirt.
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Tracks Could Lose Revenue in Fed Inquiry
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all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Blood-Horse Staff
Federal inquiries into allegations that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich traded and sold political favors for personal gain could derail a state law requiring casinos to share their revenue with the horse racing industry, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
A bill that Blagojevich signed into law Dec. 15 requires the state’s four highest-grossing riverboat casinos to give 3% of their revenue to the horse racing industry. The provision is estimated to be worth as much as $30 million a year, and by law is divided 60% for purses and 40% for tracks.
According to the Journal, a federal affidavit includes allegations that the governor pressured horse racing officials for a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for his signature on the most recent revenue-sharing legislation. Blagojevich signed the bill six days after he was arrested for allegedly trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat.
Revenue at both Thoroughbred and Standardbred tracks have declined since casinos began operating in Illinois in the 1990s. Casinos have argued the reason is because horse racing’s appeal as a sport is fading. After years of lobbying, a law was passed in 2006 that required the casinos to share their revenue, but the racetracks haven’t seen a nickel because of legal challenges. Casinos filed a suit that argued the law violated the state constitution. In June, the Illinois State Supreme Court ruled against the casinos, which intend to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, an estimated $80 million collected under the provisions of the 2006 law sits in an escrow account.
The Journal reported that state campaign-contribution records show the Maywood and Balmoral harness racetracks, owned by a group controlled by Illinois racing veteran William H. Johnston Jr. and his sons William III and John, gave $95,000 to Blagojevich from 2002 through 2007.The tracks’ lobbying group, Racing Association of Illinois, also contributed $65,000 from 2002 through 2007. State records also show that these same tracks in May 2007 hired AM3 Consulting Ltd., the lobbying firm of Alonzo Monk, Gov. Blagojevich’s former chief of staff,
Balmoral Treasurer F. Phillip Langley told the Journal that he never had a conversation with Monk or any lobbyist about giving a contribution to Blagojevich. He also said he hadn’t been contacted by federal investigators. Langley did say the formula within the new law for distributing casino dollars to the racetracks would provide Balmoral and Maywood a combined $3.5 million annually.
Click here to read the full story.
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Blood-Horse Staff
Federal inquiries into allegations that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich traded and sold political favors for personal gain could derail a state law requiring casinos to share their revenue with the horse racing industry, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
A bill that Blagojevich signed into law Dec. 15 requires the state’s four highest-grossing riverboat casinos to give 3% of their revenue to the horse racing industry. The provision is estimated to be worth as much as $30 million a year, and by law is divided 60% for purses and 40% for tracks.
According to the Journal, a federal affidavit includes allegations that the governor pressured horse racing officials for a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for his signature on the most recent revenue-sharing legislation. Blagojevich signed the bill six days after he was arrested for allegedly trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat.
Revenue at both Thoroughbred and Standardbred tracks have declined since casinos began operating in Illinois in the 1990s. Casinos have argued the reason is because horse racing’s appeal as a sport is fading. After years of lobbying, a law was passed in 2006 that required the casinos to share their revenue, but the racetracks haven’t seen a nickel because of legal challenges. Casinos filed a suit that argued the law violated the state constitution. In June, the Illinois State Supreme Court ruled against the casinos, which intend to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, an estimated $80 million collected under the provisions of the 2006 law sits in an escrow account.
The Journal reported that state campaign-contribution records show the Maywood and Balmoral harness racetracks, owned by a group controlled by Illinois racing veteran William H. Johnston Jr. and his sons William III and John, gave $95,000 to Blagojevich from 2002 through 2007.The tracks’ lobbying group, Racing Association of Illinois, also contributed $65,000 from 2002 through 2007. State records also show that these same tracks in May 2007 hired AM3 Consulting Ltd., the lobbying firm of Alonzo Monk, Gov. Blagojevich’s former chief of staff,
Balmoral Treasurer F. Phillip Langley told the Journal that he never had a conversation with Monk or any lobbyist about giving a contribution to Blagojevich. He also said he hadn’t been contacted by federal investigators. Langley did say the formula within the new law for distributing casino dollars to the racetracks would provide Balmoral and Maywood a combined $3.5 million annually.
Click here to read the full story.
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
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Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Gulfstream Banking on 2009 Meet Changes
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by Jim Freer
Gulfstream Park is hoping that a move to a five-day race week will help produce larger fields and attract more live fans and other bettors on days that have proven more popular than its newly-dark Mondays.
The weekend of Dec. 20-21, Gulfstream posted its 2009 calendar on its Web site. That schedule shows the track will open Jan. 3, as it previously announced, and run 79 days through April 23. Gulfstream’s first condition book, online for several weeks, also shows five-day weeks.
In recent years, Tuesday has been the only dark day most weeks at the Hallandale Beach, Fla., track.
“Mondays have not been as successful as we hoped, and we expect this year’s change will enable the horse population to be used more efficiently,” Gulfstream racing secretary Doug Bredar said Dec. 22.
Gulfstream averaged 8.65 horses per race in 2008.
"Getting larger fields and carding races with quality horses should make the meet very attractive to horsemen and appetizing for the horse players as well," Bredar said.
Bredar is entering his first season as Gulfstream racing secretary after serving as Harrah's Louisiana Downs’ racing secretary the past two years. He worked at Gulfstream from 1985 through 1997 as a placing judge and stakes coordinator. He also has been racing secretary at Turf Paradise and Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, and assistant racing secretary at Hollywood Park.
Bredar said his career has helped him gain an understanding of what Gulfstream can offer to trainers and winter racing fans. For stakes racing, that includes what he calls “a comprehensive program with progression as far as purse money, distances, and conditions,” for dirt and turf races for 3-year olds and for older horses.
Gulfstream will have 31 graded stakes in 2009. Bredar expects average daily purses including stakes will be $325,000 -- compared with $306,000 in 2008.
As always, the racing world will focus on Gulfstream’s program for 3-year olds on the trail to the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). In September, Gulfstream raised eyebrows among some horsemen and fans when it released a revised Derby preps schedule.
The Florida Derby (gr. I) remains at 1 1/8 miles and will be run March 28 -- its regular spot since 2005. But Gulfstream cut the race’s purse from $1 million to $750,000, saying it planned to move more money into overnight purses.
In a significant distance change, Gulfstream shortened the Fountain of Youth (gr. II) from 1 1/8 miles to a mile. That race will be run Feb. 28, keeping its spot four weeks ahead of the Florida Derby.
Gulfstream shifted the Holy Bull (gr. III) to Jan. 31, a traditional date for that 3-year old prep, and carded it at 1 1/8 miles. In 2008, the race was April 12 at 1 3/16 miles. The goal was to attract trainers seeking late graded-stakes earnings and a distance race three weeks before the Kentucky Derby.
The 2009 schedule makes the Holy Bull “an early stakes for trainers whose newly-turned 3-year olds are ready for routes,” Bredar said.
Gulfstream cannot run a 1 1/16 mile race on its 1 1/8-mile dirt track. That configuration impacts the schedule for 3-year old prep races, Bredar said.
Two early one-turn stakes also should be looked at in the 3-year old progression, he said. Those races are the non-graded Spectacular Bid at six furlongs Jan. 3 and the Hutcheson (gr. II) at seven furlongs Jan. 30. In addition to being targets in themselves for sprinters, Bredar believes the two races “are an opportunity for horses that are behind to get ready for routes.”
For those horses, the one-mile Fountain of Youth can be a progression toward later two two-turn stakes, he said.
Gulfstream likely will have several 1 1/8 mile allowances for 3-year olds, helping trainers whose horses are at different stages of progression, Bredar said.
One factor in his schedule-making is that only one horse, Robert S. Evans’ Elysium Fields, ran in both the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby in 2008. At least for one year, trainers apparently did not look at the Fountain of Youth as a Florida Derby prep, Bredar said.
The list of 2009 3-year olds training at Gulfstream or at parent Magna Entertainment Corp.’s Palm Meadows Training Center includes Well Positioned, Charitable Man, Breakwater Edison, Beethoven, Capt. Candyman Can, and West Side Bernie. Bredar expects that Big Drama, who swept Calder Race Course’s Florida Stallion Stakes series, also will run in Gulfstream stakes.
In another change, Gulfstream has graded stakes on three Fridays and has reduced its number of Saturdays and Sundays with multiple graded stakes. The Friday graded stakes are set for Jan. 30, Feb. 20, and March 27. Gulfstream expects the three-day stakes weekends will be popular with many horsemen and other racing fans that are in southeast Florida for vacations, Bredar said.
For the Jan. 24 Sunshine Millions, Gulfstream will have the $1-million Sunshine Millions Classic at 1 1/8 miles for 4-year olds and up. That is one of eight Sunshine Millions stakes that rotate between Gulfstream and Santa Anita Park. The races are restricted to Florida-breds and California-breds.
Prospects for large stakes-day handles increased Dec. 22 when Gulfstream and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association agreed to an advance deposit wagering contract for 2009. Lack of contracts with most major ADWs was a major factor in Calder’s sharp 2008 handle decline and other problems.
“Fans throughout the country will know that they can bet on Gulfstream races from their homes,” Gulfstream spokesman Mike Mullaney said. “This (ADW agreement) eliminates the possibility of a distraction going into meet.”
Fans who come to Gulfstream will find that the former parking lot area west of the clubhouse/casino building remains a construction zone. Gulfstream has October 2009 as its target for completing construction of the retail complex of its Village at Gulfstream Park.
On racing days, construction work will be done only in areas near Federal Highway, the property’s western boundary, that are not close to the walking ring or other areas for horses, Mullaney said. Despite the recession, Bredar and Mullaney said Gulfstream is optimistic about 2009 because of its racing product.
“We hope our cards will be eye-opening and too good for people too pass up, whether they are betting at the track or from home.” Bredar said.
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Jim Freer
Gulfstream Park is hoping that a move to a five-day race week will help produce larger fields and attract more live fans and other bettors on days that have proven more popular than its newly-dark Mondays.
The weekend of Dec. 20-21, Gulfstream posted its 2009 calendar on its Web site. That schedule shows the track will open Jan. 3, as it previously announced, and run 79 days through April 23. Gulfstream’s first condition book, online for several weeks, also shows five-day weeks.
In recent years, Tuesday has been the only dark day most weeks at the Hallandale Beach, Fla., track.
“Mondays have not been as successful as we hoped, and we expect this year’s change will enable the horse population to be used more efficiently,” Gulfstream racing secretary Doug Bredar said Dec. 22.
Gulfstream averaged 8.65 horses per race in 2008.
"Getting larger fields and carding races with quality horses should make the meet very attractive to horsemen and appetizing for the horse players as well," Bredar said.
Bredar is entering his first season as Gulfstream racing secretary after serving as Harrah's Louisiana Downs’ racing secretary the past two years. He worked at Gulfstream from 1985 through 1997 as a placing judge and stakes coordinator. He also has been racing secretary at Turf Paradise and Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, and assistant racing secretary at Hollywood Park.
Bredar said his career has helped him gain an understanding of what Gulfstream can offer to trainers and winter racing fans. For stakes racing, that includes what he calls “a comprehensive program with progression as far as purse money, distances, and conditions,” for dirt and turf races for 3-year olds and for older horses.
Gulfstream will have 31 graded stakes in 2009. Bredar expects average daily purses including stakes will be $325,000 -- compared with $306,000 in 2008.
As always, the racing world will focus on Gulfstream’s program for 3-year olds on the trail to the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). In September, Gulfstream raised eyebrows among some horsemen and fans when it released a revised Derby preps schedule.
The Florida Derby (gr. I) remains at 1 1/8 miles and will be run March 28 -- its regular spot since 2005. But Gulfstream cut the race’s purse from $1 million to $750,000, saying it planned to move more money into overnight purses.
In a significant distance change, Gulfstream shortened the Fountain of Youth (gr. II) from 1 1/8 miles to a mile. That race will be run Feb. 28, keeping its spot four weeks ahead of the Florida Derby.
Gulfstream shifted the Holy Bull (gr. III) to Jan. 31, a traditional date for that 3-year old prep, and carded it at 1 1/8 miles. In 2008, the race was April 12 at 1 3/16 miles. The goal was to attract trainers seeking late graded-stakes earnings and a distance race three weeks before the Kentucky Derby.
The 2009 schedule makes the Holy Bull “an early stakes for trainers whose newly-turned 3-year olds are ready for routes,” Bredar said.
Gulfstream cannot run a 1 1/16 mile race on its 1 1/8-mile dirt track. That configuration impacts the schedule for 3-year old prep races, Bredar said.
Two early one-turn stakes also should be looked at in the 3-year old progression, he said. Those races are the non-graded Spectacular Bid at six furlongs Jan. 3 and the Hutcheson (gr. II) at seven furlongs Jan. 30. In addition to being targets in themselves for sprinters, Bredar believes the two races “are an opportunity for horses that are behind to get ready for routes.”
For those horses, the one-mile Fountain of Youth can be a progression toward later two two-turn stakes, he said.
Gulfstream likely will have several 1 1/8 mile allowances for 3-year olds, helping trainers whose horses are at different stages of progression, Bredar said.
One factor in his schedule-making is that only one horse, Robert S. Evans’ Elysium Fields, ran in both the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby in 2008. At least for one year, trainers apparently did not look at the Fountain of Youth as a Florida Derby prep, Bredar said.
The list of 2009 3-year olds training at Gulfstream or at parent Magna Entertainment Corp.’s Palm Meadows Training Center includes Well Positioned, Charitable Man, Breakwater Edison, Beethoven, Capt. Candyman Can, and West Side Bernie. Bredar expects that Big Drama, who swept Calder Race Course’s Florida Stallion Stakes series, also will run in Gulfstream stakes.
In another change, Gulfstream has graded stakes on three Fridays and has reduced its number of Saturdays and Sundays with multiple graded stakes. The Friday graded stakes are set for Jan. 30, Feb. 20, and March 27. Gulfstream expects the three-day stakes weekends will be popular with many horsemen and other racing fans that are in southeast Florida for vacations, Bredar said.
For the Jan. 24 Sunshine Millions, Gulfstream will have the $1-million Sunshine Millions Classic at 1 1/8 miles for 4-year olds and up. That is one of eight Sunshine Millions stakes that rotate between Gulfstream and Santa Anita Park. The races are restricted to Florida-breds and California-breds.
Prospects for large stakes-day handles increased Dec. 22 when Gulfstream and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association agreed to an advance deposit wagering contract for 2009. Lack of contracts with most major ADWs was a major factor in Calder’s sharp 2008 handle decline and other problems.
“Fans throughout the country will know that they can bet on Gulfstream races from their homes,” Gulfstream spokesman Mike Mullaney said. “This (ADW agreement) eliminates the possibility of a distraction going into meet.”
Fans who come to Gulfstream will find that the former parking lot area west of the clubhouse/casino building remains a construction zone. Gulfstream has October 2009 as its target for completing construction of the retail complex of its Village at Gulfstream Park.
On racing days, construction work will be done only in areas near Federal Highway, the property’s western boundary, that are not close to the walking ring or other areas for horses, Mullaney said. Despite the recession, Bredar and Mullaney said Gulfstream is optimistic about 2009 because of its racing product.
“We hope our cards will be eye-opening and too good for people too pass up, whether they are betting at the track or from home.” Bredar said.
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Colonel John Tops Malibu Field
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by Blood-Horse Staff
WinStar Farms’ Colonel John, a multiple grade I winner in 2008, tops the seven-horse field entered for the $250,000 Malibu Stakes (gr. I), the traditional opening day feature on the Dec. 26 card at Santa Anita Park in California.
Trained by Eoin Harty, Colonel John won the Travers Stakes (gr. I) and Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) this year and also scored in the grade III Sham Stakes. Overall, the son of Tiznow has won five of 10 career starts and earned $1,468,830. Co-highweighted at 123 pounds in the seven-furlong Malibu, Colonel John will be making his first start since finishing sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I).
Also assigned 123 pounds was M375 Thoroughbreds and Suarez Racing Stable’s Golden Spikes, who will be making his first start on the West Coast for trainer Marty Wolfson. He arrives with a 4-3-0 record in 13 races and earnings of $383,095. His most notable victory was achieved in Calder’s grade II Carry Back Stakes at six furlongs in July. Joel Rosario will be aboard for the first time.
Also in the Malibu field are Georgie Boy, a leading Triple Crown candidate earlier this year before being sidelined by a hind end injury; 2007 Hollywood CashCall Futurity (gr. I) winner Into Mischief, Bob Black Jack, winner of the Sunshine Millions Dash and a close second to Colonel John in the Santa Anita Derby; Guns On the Table; and Nownownow, winner of the 2007 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.
Before falling off the Derby trail earlier this year, Georgie Boy reeled off three successive graded stakes victories that began with the grade I Del Mar Futurity and was followed by grade II events -- the San Vicente and San Rafael Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Kathy Walsh for George Schwary, Georgie Boy returned to action in Oak Tree’s $133,000 Damascus Stakes as the 7-5 favorite Oct. 25. But the California-bred son of Tribal Run had to settle for fourth behind victorious Into Mischief. With a 4-2-1 record in eight starts, the bay gelding has produced earnings of $503,634.
The lightly-raced Into Mischief is scheduled to make his final career start in the Malibu before heading for stallion duty in Kentucky . He has never finished worse than second in five career starts and has earned $547,080 for owner B. Wayne Hughes. In addition to defeating Georgie Boy when taking the seven-furlong Damascus by two lengths, Into Mischief registered a 13-1 upset by 1¼ lengths over Colonel John in Hollywood Park ’s CashCall Futurity at 1 1/16 miles last December. Victor Espinoza rides the Harlan’s Holiday colt. Into Mischief is trained by Richard Mandella, who has won a record four runnings of the Malibu.
After capturing the California Breeders’ Champion Stakes by 6¼ lengths on last year’s opening day at Santa Anita, Bob Black Jack proceeded to win the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash by 3½ lengths. He most recently finished 1½ lengths behind victorious Johnny Eves when a close fifth in Hollywood Park ’s grade III Vernon O. Underwood Stakes Nov. 27 following a six-month sabbatical. David Flores rides for trainer James Kasparoff. With a 3-2-1 record in nine starts, Bob Black Jack has banked $444,925 for owners Jeff Harmon and Tim Kasparoff.
Malibu Stakes (gr. I), Purse: $250,000 Distance: Seven Furlongs Surface: All Weather Track
1. Into Mischief (KY), 119, Victor Espinoza
2. Colonel John (KY), 123, Garrett K. Gomez
3. Bob Black Jack (CA), 119, David Romero Flores
4. Golden Spikes (KY), 123, Joel Rosario
5. Nownownow (KY), 115, Joseph Talamo
6. Guns On the Table (KY), 117, Rafael Bejarano
7. Georgie Boy (CA), 119, Edgar S. Prado
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Blood-Horse Staff
WinStar Farms’ Colonel John, a multiple grade I winner in 2008, tops the seven-horse field entered for the $250,000 Malibu Stakes (gr. I), the traditional opening day feature on the Dec. 26 card at Santa Anita Park in California.
Trained by Eoin Harty, Colonel John won the Travers Stakes (gr. I) and Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) this year and also scored in the grade III Sham Stakes. Overall, the son of Tiznow has won five of 10 career starts and earned $1,468,830. Co-highweighted at 123 pounds in the seven-furlong Malibu, Colonel John will be making his first start since finishing sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I).
Also assigned 123 pounds was M375 Thoroughbreds and Suarez Racing Stable’s Golden Spikes, who will be making his first start on the West Coast for trainer Marty Wolfson. He arrives with a 4-3-0 record in 13 races and earnings of $383,095. His most notable victory was achieved in Calder’s grade II Carry Back Stakes at six furlongs in July. Joel Rosario will be aboard for the first time.
Also in the Malibu field are Georgie Boy, a leading Triple Crown candidate earlier this year before being sidelined by a hind end injury; 2007 Hollywood CashCall Futurity (gr. I) winner Into Mischief, Bob Black Jack, winner of the Sunshine Millions Dash and a close second to Colonel John in the Santa Anita Derby; Guns On the Table; and Nownownow, winner of the 2007 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.
Before falling off the Derby trail earlier this year, Georgie Boy reeled off three successive graded stakes victories that began with the grade I Del Mar Futurity and was followed by grade II events -- the San Vicente and San Rafael Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Kathy Walsh for George Schwary, Georgie Boy returned to action in Oak Tree’s $133,000 Damascus Stakes as the 7-5 favorite Oct. 25. But the California-bred son of Tribal Run had to settle for fourth behind victorious Into Mischief. With a 4-2-1 record in eight starts, the bay gelding has produced earnings of $503,634.
The lightly-raced Into Mischief is scheduled to make his final career start in the Malibu before heading for stallion duty in Kentucky . He has never finished worse than second in five career starts and has earned $547,080 for owner B. Wayne Hughes. In addition to defeating Georgie Boy when taking the seven-furlong Damascus by two lengths, Into Mischief registered a 13-1 upset by 1¼ lengths over Colonel John in Hollywood Park ’s CashCall Futurity at 1 1/16 miles last December. Victor Espinoza rides the Harlan’s Holiday colt. Into Mischief is trained by Richard Mandella, who has won a record four runnings of the Malibu.
After capturing the California Breeders’ Champion Stakes by 6¼ lengths on last year’s opening day at Santa Anita, Bob Black Jack proceeded to win the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash by 3½ lengths. He most recently finished 1½ lengths behind victorious Johnny Eves when a close fifth in Hollywood Park ’s grade III Vernon O. Underwood Stakes Nov. 27 following a six-month sabbatical. David Flores rides for trainer James Kasparoff. With a 3-2-1 record in nine starts, Bob Black Jack has banked $444,925 for owners Jeff Harmon and Tim Kasparoff.
Malibu Stakes (gr. I), Purse: $250,000 Distance: Seven Furlongs Surface: All Weather Track
1. Into Mischief (KY), 119, Victor Espinoza
2. Colonel John (KY), 123, Garrett K. Gomez
3. Bob Black Jack (CA), 119, David Romero Flores
4. Golden Spikes (KY), 123, Joel Rosario
5. Nownownow (KY), 115, Joseph Talamo
6. Guns On the Table (KY), 117, Rafael Bejarano
7. Georgie Boy (CA), 119, Edgar S. Prado
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
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Monday, December 22, 2008
Vacare Goes Out a Winner in Dahlia 'Cap
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Jack Shinar
Odds-on choice Vacare gave trainer Christophe Clement his 1,000th lifetime win in her final career start when she rallied in the homestretch to win the $150,000 Dahlia Handicap (g. IIT) (VIDEO) on closing day of the Hollywood Park Autumn Meet Dec. 21.
After a couple of tough losses this fall, Vacare went out a winner with a one-length tally over Gotta Have Her in the 1 1/16-mile grass event for fillies and mares. The 5-year-old Lear Fan mare, a grade I winner in 2006, is to be retired to breeding. The well-traveled bay retires with eight wins in 14 lifetime starts, all on turf, and earnings of $1,213,706.
“Chris got his thousandth winner,” assistant Nicholas Bachalard said. “Actually he had a thousand yesterday at Tampa, but the filly was disqualified. Vacare’s been a great filly for us and she’s retiring after this race. She has been great to be around and has been a great race mare for us, maybe a touch unlucky at some times. She had a great career and we will miss her dearly.”
Clement, a 43-year-old native of France, formerly worked as an assistant to Shug McGaughey in the United States and Luca Cumani in England. A three-time winner of the Beverly D. (gr. IT) with England's Legend (2001), Royal Highness (2007) and Mauralakana (2008), his other top stakes winners have included Trampoli, Dynever, Danish, Coretta, Honor Glide, Relaxed Gesture, Dedication, Forbidden Apple, In Summation, Rutherienne and Gio Ponti.
He took over conditioning Vacare for owners Jon and Sarah Kelly from Chris Block in 2007. The Dahlia was Vacare's third grade II victory since being transferred to Clement. In her only other Hollywood Park start, she finished third in the 2007 Gamely (gr. IT0.
In the Dahlia, Vacare, under Jose Valdivia Jr., saved ground from her rail post the entire way while stalking the pacesetter In My Glory and Gotta Have Her with Green Lyons on her outside. Vacare had a head of steam coming off the far turn and appeared she would lack racing room in the stretch. Valdivia was up in the stirrups as Vacare advanced on the leaders, but they got a break when Green Lyons veered out coming into the stretch. That opened up room for Vacare, who was angled three wide for the stretch run. She reached even terms with Gotta Have Her and In My Glory approaching the sixteenth pole and proved best under moderate encouragement. The final time was 1:43.17 on firm going.
"At the quarter pole, I didn't see any other horses coming up to keep me in the pocket, so I thought why wheel out right here?” Valdivia said. “I knew she would be there for me when I called on her. I'll tell you what, those two in front never quit running. My filly just ran them down and she really had to pick up the tempo to do it. I've always felt she was a grade I caliber filly and she showed her class today. She's such a pleasure to ride. I'm going to miss her a lot, but at least she goes out a winner."
Gotta Have Her, ridden by Richard Migliore, edged the stubborn In My Glory and Martin Garcia by a half-length for second. In My Glory, making her graded stakes debut for trainer Efrain Mianda, carved soft fractions of :24.84, :50.06 and 1:14.57 and stayed around in a game try at odds of 18-1.
The victory was the fourth in five lifetime starts at the 1 1/16-mile distance for Vacare, who won the grade II Palomar Handicap at the trip this summer at Del Mar. She followed that effort with a second-place finish in Oak Tree's Yellow Ribbon (gr. IT) at Santa Anita Sept. 27, just three quarters of a length behind Wait a While. In the Oct. 24 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) one month later, Vacare was in striking distance of the victorious Forever Together but was out-kicked late. She wound up fifth, beaten two lengths for it all.
In winning the Dahlia, Vacare raced in partnership with the Kellys, Helen Alexander, Don Cimpl and Jim Witz, et al. Lothenbach Stables bred the winner, who is out of Appealing Storm, by Valid Appeal.
Vacare carried top weight of 122 pounds and paid $3.60, $2.60 and $2.40, topping a $2 exacta worth $11.60. Gotta Have Her, who also ran second to Vacare in the Palomar for trainer Jenine Sahadi, returned $3.60 and $2.80 as the 7-2 second choice. In My Glory was $5.40 to show.
"She ran great,” Migliore said of the runner-up. “I thought we had it but the winner just ran a little better. I'm very proud of her. She deserves to win a graded stakes. I just hope she gets one soon.”
It was 3 1/4 lengths to I Can See in fourth, followed by Lady Digby, Green Lyons, Belle Allure and Don't Forget Faith. A full field was reduced by the scratches of Place de L'Etoile, Sensational Love, Valbenny and Storybook.
Horse Jockey Win Place Show
1 Vacare Jose Valdivia, Jr. $3.60 $2.60 $2.40
5 Gotta Have Her Richard Migliore $3.60 $2.80
10 In My Glory Martin Garcia $5.40
EXOTIC PAYOFFS:
$2.00 Exacta (1-6) $11.60
$2.00 Trifecta (1-6-11) $89.80
Order of Finish
Finish Horse Jockey Trainer
1 Vacare Jose Valdivia, Jr. Christophe Clement
2 Gotta Have Her Richard Migliore Jenine Sahadi
3 In My Glory Martin Garcia Efrain Miranda
4 I Can See Aaron T. Gryder Steve Knapp
5 Lady Digby Garrett K. Gomez H. Graham Motion
6 Green Lyons (IRE) Joel Rosario Neil D. Drysdale
7 Belle Allure (IRE) Corey S. Nakatani Rupert Pritchard-Gordon
8 Don't Forget Faith Alonso Quinonez Clive Cox
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Jack Shinar
Odds-on choice Vacare gave trainer Christophe Clement his 1,000th lifetime win in her final career start when she rallied in the homestretch to win the $150,000 Dahlia Handicap (g. IIT) (VIDEO) on closing day of the Hollywood Park Autumn Meet Dec. 21.
After a couple of tough losses this fall, Vacare went out a winner with a one-length tally over Gotta Have Her in the 1 1/16-mile grass event for fillies and mares. The 5-year-old Lear Fan mare, a grade I winner in 2006, is to be retired to breeding. The well-traveled bay retires with eight wins in 14 lifetime starts, all on turf, and earnings of $1,213,706.
“Chris got his thousandth winner,” assistant Nicholas Bachalard said. “Actually he had a thousand yesterday at Tampa, but the filly was disqualified. Vacare’s been a great filly for us and she’s retiring after this race. She has been great to be around and has been a great race mare for us, maybe a touch unlucky at some times. She had a great career and we will miss her dearly.”
Clement, a 43-year-old native of France, formerly worked as an assistant to Shug McGaughey in the United States and Luca Cumani in England. A three-time winner of the Beverly D. (gr. IT) with England's Legend (2001), Royal Highness (2007) and Mauralakana (2008), his other top stakes winners have included Trampoli, Dynever, Danish, Coretta, Honor Glide, Relaxed Gesture, Dedication, Forbidden Apple, In Summation, Rutherienne and Gio Ponti.
He took over conditioning Vacare for owners Jon and Sarah Kelly from Chris Block in 2007. The Dahlia was Vacare's third grade II victory since being transferred to Clement. In her only other Hollywood Park start, she finished third in the 2007 Gamely (gr. IT0.
In the Dahlia, Vacare, under Jose Valdivia Jr., saved ground from her rail post the entire way while stalking the pacesetter In My Glory and Gotta Have Her with Green Lyons on her outside. Vacare had a head of steam coming off the far turn and appeared she would lack racing room in the stretch. Valdivia was up in the stirrups as Vacare advanced on the leaders, but they got a break when Green Lyons veered out coming into the stretch. That opened up room for Vacare, who was angled three wide for the stretch run. She reached even terms with Gotta Have Her and In My Glory approaching the sixteenth pole and proved best under moderate encouragement. The final time was 1:43.17 on firm going.
"At the quarter pole, I didn't see any other horses coming up to keep me in the pocket, so I thought why wheel out right here?” Valdivia said. “I knew she would be there for me when I called on her. I'll tell you what, those two in front never quit running. My filly just ran them down and she really had to pick up the tempo to do it. I've always felt she was a grade I caliber filly and she showed her class today. She's such a pleasure to ride. I'm going to miss her a lot, but at least she goes out a winner."
Gotta Have Her, ridden by Richard Migliore, edged the stubborn In My Glory and Martin Garcia by a half-length for second. In My Glory, making her graded stakes debut for trainer Efrain Mianda, carved soft fractions of :24.84, :50.06 and 1:14.57 and stayed around in a game try at odds of 18-1.
The victory was the fourth in five lifetime starts at the 1 1/16-mile distance for Vacare, who won the grade II Palomar Handicap at the trip this summer at Del Mar. She followed that effort with a second-place finish in Oak Tree's Yellow Ribbon (gr. IT) at Santa Anita Sept. 27, just three quarters of a length behind Wait a While. In the Oct. 24 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) one month later, Vacare was in striking distance of the victorious Forever Together but was out-kicked late. She wound up fifth, beaten two lengths for it all.
In winning the Dahlia, Vacare raced in partnership with the Kellys, Helen Alexander, Don Cimpl and Jim Witz, et al. Lothenbach Stables bred the winner, who is out of Appealing Storm, by Valid Appeal.
Vacare carried top weight of 122 pounds and paid $3.60, $2.60 and $2.40, topping a $2 exacta worth $11.60. Gotta Have Her, who also ran second to Vacare in the Palomar for trainer Jenine Sahadi, returned $3.60 and $2.80 as the 7-2 second choice. In My Glory was $5.40 to show.
"She ran great,” Migliore said of the runner-up. “I thought we had it but the winner just ran a little better. I'm very proud of her. She deserves to win a graded stakes. I just hope she gets one soon.”
It was 3 1/4 lengths to I Can See in fourth, followed by Lady Digby, Green Lyons, Belle Allure and Don't Forget Faith. A full field was reduced by the scratches of Place de L'Etoile, Sensational Love, Valbenny and Storybook.
Horse Jockey Win Place Show
1 Vacare Jose Valdivia, Jr. $3.60 $2.60 $2.40
5 Gotta Have Her Richard Migliore $3.60 $2.80
10 In My Glory Martin Garcia $5.40
EXOTIC PAYOFFS:
$2.00 Exacta (1-6) $11.60
$2.00 Trifecta (1-6-11) $89.80
Order of Finish
Finish Horse Jockey Trainer
1 Vacare Jose Valdivia, Jr. Christophe Clement
2 Gotta Have Her Richard Migliore Jenine Sahadi
3 In My Glory Martin Garcia Efrain Miranda
4 I Can See Aaron T. Gryder Steve Knapp
5 Lady Digby Garrett K. Gomez H. Graham Motion
6 Green Lyons (IRE) Joel Rosario Neil D. Drysdale
7 Belle Allure (IRE) Corey S. Nakatani Rupert Pritchard-Gordon
8 Don't Forget Faith Alonso Quinonez Clive Cox
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Florida Issues Steroid Rules
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Jim Freer
The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering on Dec. 18 announced the issuance of new rules on use of anabolic steroids for race horses in the state.
The new rules ban the use of several specific steroids, and will take effect on Dec. 30. Thus, Florida is meeting the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association’s American Graded Stakes Committee’s deadline for states to have steroid rules in place for their racetracks to retain eligibility for graded stakes.
The Florida DPMW also adopted new rules on toe grabs, which also will take effect Dec. 30. The toe grab rules are in line with those that the Graded Stakes Committee and The Jockey Club recommended and which the Association of Racing Commissioners International and the Racing and Medication Consortium adopted this year.
The steroid and toe grab rules will apply to Calder Race Course, Gulfstream Park, and Tampa Bay Downs.
As recommended by the Racing Medication Consortium, Florida will allow a 90-day grace period, beginning Dec. 30, before the steroid penalty enforcement begins. If an anabolic steroid overage is found during this grace period, the DPMW will notify and warn the trainer.
The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association recommended the phase-in period. The phase-in will help trainers adjust to the changes and alleviate some early concerns about timing for detection of steroids that have been legal, said Kent Stirling, the Florida HPBA’s executive director.
The DPMW based its new rules partly on recommendations it received at two workshops with members of the Florida HBPA, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, racetrack officials, and veterinarians.
“It is important that Florida has joined other states in adopting these rules,“ said David Roberts, director of the Florida DPMW. “We are making sure that horses are not running on illegal substances that could harm them, or lead to incidents where the riders could suffer harm.”
The major thrust of Florida’s new rules is that no Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids shall be permitted in test samples collected from racing horses, except for the major metabolites of stanozolol, nandrolone, and the naturally occurring substances boldenone and testosterone at concentrations less than the following thresholds:
* Stanozolol or 16β-hydroxystanozolol – 1 nanogram per milliliter in urine for all horses regardless of sex.
* Boldenone – 15 nanograms per milliliter in urine of male horses other than geldings. No
boldenone shall be permitted in geldings or female horses.
* Nandrolone – 1 nanogram per milliliter in urine of geldings or females; or 45 nanograms per
milliliter of metabolite, 5α-oestrane-3β,17α-diol in urine of male horses other than geldings.
* Testosterone – 20 nanograms per milliliter in urine of geldings, 55 nanograms per milliliter in urine of females. Samples collected from male horses other than geldings will not be tested for testosterone.
If tests show any of those drugs were administered within 30 days prior to a race or in some cases within 45 days, trainers are subject to penalties.
Under the new rules, detection of banned steroids would remain a Class IV violation with penalty of a fine of up to $250. For a second violation within a 12-month period, maximum penalties are a fine of up to $500. For a third or subsequent violation within a 12-month period, the maximum penalties are a fine of up to $1,000, and a suspension of license up to 30 days.
The Florida DPMW is preparing proposed rules with tougher penalties on trainers' positive tests for certain drugs, such as steroids, and tougher penalties on all drug classifications.
At a minimum, the DPMW will propose to follow the RCI Model Rules and make steroids a Class III drug. Florida’s current penalties for a Class III violation start with a fine of up to $500 for a first violation. For a second violation within 12 months of a previous violation, maximum penalties are a fine of up to $750 and a suspension of up to 30 days.
For a third offense within 24 months of the second offense, maximum penalties are a fine of up to $1,000 and a suspension of up to 60 days.
The DPMW believes the rules will enable trainers and veterinarians to administer steroids for therapeutic or other reasons during periods when horses are given breaks from racing. Roberts noted that the Racing Laboratory at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, which administers drug tests, believes that 30 to 45 days is the usual time frame for steroids to withdraw from horses’ systems.
“It is not a problem to be using them that far before bringing a horse back (racing),” he said. “We need to show the betting public that horses are not racing on them.”
Florida’s new toe grab rules prohibit toe grabs with a height greater than two millimeters, bends, jar calks, and any other traction device worn on the front shoes of Thoroughbreds while racing or training at a Florida pari-mutuel facility.
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Jim Freer
The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering on Dec. 18 announced the issuance of new rules on use of anabolic steroids for race horses in the state.
The new rules ban the use of several specific steroids, and will take effect on Dec. 30. Thus, Florida is meeting the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association’s American Graded Stakes Committee’s deadline for states to have steroid rules in place for their racetracks to retain eligibility for graded stakes.
The Florida DPMW also adopted new rules on toe grabs, which also will take effect Dec. 30. The toe grab rules are in line with those that the Graded Stakes Committee and The Jockey Club recommended and which the Association of Racing Commissioners International and the Racing and Medication Consortium adopted this year.
The steroid and toe grab rules will apply to Calder Race Course, Gulfstream Park, and Tampa Bay Downs.
As recommended by the Racing Medication Consortium, Florida will allow a 90-day grace period, beginning Dec. 30, before the steroid penalty enforcement begins. If an anabolic steroid overage is found during this grace period, the DPMW will notify and warn the trainer.
The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association recommended the phase-in period. The phase-in will help trainers adjust to the changes and alleviate some early concerns about timing for detection of steroids that have been legal, said Kent Stirling, the Florida HPBA’s executive director.
The DPMW based its new rules partly on recommendations it received at two workshops with members of the Florida HBPA, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, racetrack officials, and veterinarians.
“It is important that Florida has joined other states in adopting these rules,“ said David Roberts, director of the Florida DPMW. “We are making sure that horses are not running on illegal substances that could harm them, or lead to incidents where the riders could suffer harm.”
The major thrust of Florida’s new rules is that no Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids shall be permitted in test samples collected from racing horses, except for the major metabolites of stanozolol, nandrolone, and the naturally occurring substances boldenone and testosterone at concentrations less than the following thresholds:
* Stanozolol or 16β-hydroxystanozolol – 1 nanogram per milliliter in urine for all horses regardless of sex.
* Boldenone – 15 nanograms per milliliter in urine of male horses other than geldings. No
boldenone shall be permitted in geldings or female horses.
* Nandrolone – 1 nanogram per milliliter in urine of geldings or females; or 45 nanograms per
milliliter of metabolite, 5α-oestrane-3β,17α-diol in urine of male horses other than geldings.
* Testosterone – 20 nanograms per milliliter in urine of geldings, 55 nanograms per milliliter in urine of females. Samples collected from male horses other than geldings will not be tested for testosterone.
If tests show any of those drugs were administered within 30 days prior to a race or in some cases within 45 days, trainers are subject to penalties.
Under the new rules, detection of banned steroids would remain a Class IV violation with penalty of a fine of up to $250. For a second violation within a 12-month period, maximum penalties are a fine of up to $500. For a third or subsequent violation within a 12-month period, the maximum penalties are a fine of up to $1,000, and a suspension of license up to 30 days.
The Florida DPMW is preparing proposed rules with tougher penalties on trainers' positive tests for certain drugs, such as steroids, and tougher penalties on all drug classifications.
At a minimum, the DPMW will propose to follow the RCI Model Rules and make steroids a Class III drug. Florida’s current penalties for a Class III violation start with a fine of up to $500 for a first violation. For a second violation within 12 months of a previous violation, maximum penalties are a fine of up to $750 and a suspension of up to 30 days.
For a third offense within 24 months of the second offense, maximum penalties are a fine of up to $1,000 and a suspension of up to 60 days.
The DPMW believes the rules will enable trainers and veterinarians to administer steroids for therapeutic or other reasons during periods when horses are given breaks from racing. Roberts noted that the Racing Laboratory at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, which administers drug tests, believes that 30 to 45 days is the usual time frame for steroids to withdraw from horses’ systems.
“It is not a problem to be using them that far before bringing a horse back (racing),” he said. “We need to show the betting public that horses are not racing on them.”
Florida’s new toe grab rules prohibit toe grabs with a height greater than two millimeters, bends, jar calks, and any other traction device worn on the front shoes of Thoroughbreds while racing or training at a Florida pari-mutuel facility.
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
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