HorseRacing-selections.com Racing Blog

Well, the rainy weather has hit Southern California and it forced yet another cancellation of racing this past Saturday, perhaps one of the richest and important cards for horsemen. We can only hope that when the track moves to the Hollywood Park meeting in April that Santa Anita management will take care of the problem of this racing surface. ... With the state of the current economy is it of any surprise that the handle in the U.S. took another hit in January? No surprise here. As a matter of fact, all you need to do is see the Pick 6 carryover pools to know that the handle is down. In January of 2010, all-sources handle was down 12% from the same period last year. Handle declined from $1.042 billion to $917 million and purses declined from $70.7 million to $63.6 million. race days were also down 8% from 376 days in January last year to 346 days in January this year. This is something that has to level off soon or the industry is going to be in dire straights in coming months. Some would of course debate that day has already come. ... It's been a few weeks since our last blog so let's get caught up here!

The last few weeks in review at Santa Anita ... 

Racing at Santa on Wednesday (01/20), Thursday (01/21) and Friday (01/22) was canceled due to the track condition after several inches of rain fell.

Saturday's card (01/23) saw Kinsale King (8th) take the Grade II $150,000 Palos Verdes Handicap under Martin Garcia for trainer Carl O'Callaghan at $20.20. This was a good looking, gutty win by the gelded son of Yankee Victor and talk after was perhaps a trip to Dubai. 

Sunday's action (01/24)  saw the $60,000-added Sweet Life (4th) go to Rose Catherine at $3.40 for trainer Todd Pletcher under Garret Gomez. Winning for the second time in six career outings, the daughter of Speighstown (Gone West) found this field much more to her liking. She was last seen running up the track in the Grade I Hollywood Starlet. ... The $150,000 San Marcos (8th) fell to Loup Breton for the colorful trainer Julio Canani and was handled by Garret Gomez at $3.20. ...

Wednesday's card (01/27) was run without anything newsworthy to report.

Thursday's card (01/28) was run without anything newsworthy to report. Super High 5 carryover into Friday's card of $39,505.96.

Friday's card (01/29) was run without anything newsworthy to report. Pick 6 carryover in Saturday's card of $62,768.27.

Saturday's card (01/30) the Sunshine Millions Day saw Carnival Queen (1st) end her long drought under Garret Gomez for trainer Jack Carava. The 5-year-old mare ended a 0 for 12 skid and paid $11.60. ... The $200,000 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Sprint (6th) was taken by Quisisana for trainer Mike Puype under Rafael Bejarano at $15. ... The $300,000 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf (7th) was taken by the Thomas Proctor trained Tight Precision under Joel Rosario at $4.40 ... The $500,000 Sunshine Millions Classic (8th) went to Bold Chieftain, for trainer William Morey under Russell Baze. The Calbred son of Chief Seattle (Seattle Slew) paid $12.20.

Sunday's card (01/31) saw the Grade I $25,000 Santa Monica (8th) go to Gabby's Golden Gal at $25.20 for Bob Baffert under Martin Garcia. This was the daughter of Medaglia d'Oro's first win since winning the Grade I Acorn this past summer. Pick 6 carryover of $126,946.22 and Super High 5 carryover of $57,019.17 for Wednesday's action.

Wednesday's card (02/03) saw the Bob Baffert trained The Program take down the 7th race under Martin Garcia. The son of Harlan's Holiday kept alive his promise by posting the gutty nose win here, coming off three straight defeats.

Thursday's card (02/04) was run without anything newsworthy to report.

Friday's action (02/05) was run without anything newsworthy to report. Pick 6 carryover of $85,150.43 and Super High 5 carryover of $40,842.84 into Saturday's card.

Saturday's card (02/06) was canceled due to track conditions. Lost to the rain was the $65,000-added Leriodesanimaux Handicap, the Grade I $250,000 Las Virgenes, the $60,000-added Wishing Well II Handicap, the Grade II $150,000 Robert B. Lewis and the Grade II $20,000 Strub Stakes. These stakes races will be run on Saturday, February 13.

Sunday's card (02/07) saw the Grade II $150,000 San Antonio Handicap go to Richard's Kid for Bob Baffert and Garret Gomez. Overcoming a lot of ground late to post the win, the son of Lemon Drop Kid unleashed an explosive turn of foot late to post the win at $5.20.

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Sorry to hear about the passing of veteran turf/sports writer Larry Bortsien who passed away early Sunday after a brief illness. Bortstein had been hospitalized since last Saturday and was unconscious since. Funeral services are pending.

Long-time turf writer Larry Bortstein is unconscious and in critical condition at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, where he has been since Saturday night, according to his wife, Pat. Bortstein apparently suffered an aneurysm, and although still unconscious, Pat Bortstein said doctors remain hopeful.

A New York native, Bortstein currently covers horse racing for the Orange County Register and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

Our thoughts go out to Bortstein and his family and wish him a speedy recovery.

With all eyes on the Eclipse Awards announcements this evening, Santa Anita's Holiday race card for Monday was canceled due to "inclement weather." It seems Santa Anita's "all weather synthetic track" wasn't able to withstand the 1-1/2 inches of rain received since noon on Sunday and that certainly must have track management encouraged for the rest as the week as several new storm fronts will be moving through the area that are scheduled to bring even more rain through. While there were no cancellations last year due to the dry winter, it won't be that way this season as forecasters have predicted a wet winter for the southland. This is a situation that should never have happened and while the past and present membership of the CHRB can be blamed for all of this mandating these absurd synthetic tracks with no facts or studies before they were installed, the focus now has to turn to Santa Anita Management as to why the problem hasn't been corrected. It's been several years now and while they have tweaked the surface it has never been repaired for it to drain properly. This situation is an embarrassment to all and it's now time for horsemen, fans and everyone involved in the industry to demand answers from Santa Anita on what is planned to be done. ... One bright spot left over for the weekend is the two Graded Stakes wins by Chantel Sutherland who entering the weekend had never won a Graded Stakes. ... It was also learned this week that jockey Joy Scott has announced her retirement from riding and the 50-something year old jockey blamed declining business and financial problems for her leaving the game. ... Zenyatta is returning? Yes! After two retirement parties at two different southland tracks it was announced on Saturday that she would continue to race through 2010. Speculation had been building as the brilliant mare continued galloping after her last farewell bash at Oak Tree.

The week in review at Santa Anita ...

Wednesday's card (01/13) saw Jeranimo (7th) win the $46,000-added allowance feature race under Brice Blanc for trainer Michael Pender. The 4-year-old colt by Congaree upset the favored Total Bull who was second. Jeranimo paid $6 for the win.

Thursday's card (01/14) saw Monzante take the $56,000-added allowance feature race for trainer Mike Mitchell. Ridden to victory by Garret Gomez, the son of Maria's Mon paid $4 for the win and added to his career bankroll of $475,274.

Friday's card (01/15) saw Heavenly n' Free light up the tote at $103.40 for trainer Suzanne Rodriguez and jockey Flavien Prat, the new apprentice jockey from France. Prat was winning for the first time in 12 mounts and Rodriguez was 0 for 22 in 2009. The next highest longshot was 7/1 so that just goes to show how lightly regarded Heavenly n' Free was when they entered the gate. ... Pick 6 carryover of $69,988 into Saturday's card.

Saturday's card (01/16) saw Amen Hallelujah take the Grade II $150,000 Santa Ynez for trainer Richard Dutrow and jockey Chantel Sutherland. Sutherland was winning her first Graded Stakes race and Amen Hallelujah was winning for the 3rd time in seven starts. Race favorite She's Funomenal looked horrible in this race, after winning her first two starts of her career... Papa Clem returned to his old self and took the $150,000 Grade II San Fernando for trainer Gary Stute and jockey Tyler Baze. Papa Clem returned $5 for the win and was winning for the first time since the Grade II Arkansas Derby back in April 2009. ... Super High 5 carryover for Sunday of $49,601.39.

Sunday's program (01/17)  saw Pretty Unusual take the Grade II $150,000 El Encino under Chantel Sutherland for trainer Barry Abrams. The winner paid $61.40 and provided Sutherland her second graded stakes win of her career, both coming over the weekend. With Abrams as her trainer, look for Pretty Unusual to come back rather quickly.

Monday's Holiday card (01/18) was canceled due to the inclement weather.

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It may only be $7,000 but we were quite glad to see that track management has lowered the claiming tag at the bottom of the barrel for claiming races. We have for sometime wondered why track management doesn't lower the lower-end of the claimers to encourage out-of-town shippers for coming in and helping fill the cards at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, etc. ... Is it only us or does it seem like slow economic times are forcing trainers, owners, etc. to run their horses more? We have already seen a situation where a horse has run three times at the current Santa Anita meeting and several with two starts. That's a lot of racing for these horses in a short period of time.

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Stardom Bound, champion 2-year-old filly in 2008 will make her return Sunday at Santa Anita in the Grade II $150,000 El Encino Stakes for trainer Richard Dutrow. Stardom Bound has been seen twice since winning the Santa Anita Oaks last March and has been training well for her return. ... Trainer Bruce Headley may have a nice 'new face' in his stable with the debut win by Pink Blossom, winning her debut from the rail going 7 furlongs. Watch for her next time she surfaces. ... Jockey Corey Nakatani has purchased a home in Kentucky and will relocate there to ride in the springtime after spending time riding at Oaklawn Park.

The week in review at Santa Anita ...

Wednesday's card (01/06) saw Kettle River take the 6th race for trainer Eoin Harty under Brice Blanc and was impressive in doing so. Paying an overlayed price of $23.40, the son of Congaree was beating some heavy weights from the Bob Baffert barn, The Program and Quiet Invader as well as the impressive Hawaiian Springs from the Kathy Walsh stable.

Thursday's action (01/07) saw Warrens Summergold win his debut in the 5th race at $24.80. Besides their namesake, Benjamin C. Warren, is anyone else growing tired of all these "Warren" horses?

Friday's card (01/08) was run without anything newsworthy to report. Pick 6 carryover of $76,179 to Saturday's card as well as $40,777 in the Super High 5 pool for Saturday. A rare carryover these days for the Santa Anita Pick 6 which has only carried twice since opening day.

Saturday's card (01/09) saw the $65,000-added Paseana Handicap (6th) go to St. Trinians under Joel Rosario for trainer Mike Mitchell. Paying $5.60 to her backers, St. Trinians is now undefeated from three starts in the U.S. ... The Grade II $150,000 San Pasqual Handicap (8th) fell to Neko Bay who returned $12.40 for trainer John Shirreffs under Mike Smith. Neko Bay was rebounding from a third place finish in the Grade III Native Diver last out.

Sunday's card (01/10) saw Flashmans Papers win the 7th at $6 for trainer Ben Cecil. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, the 4-year-old son of Exceed was winning his fifth lifetime start from 23 career starts and this colt likes this course. ... The Grade III $100,000 Santa Ysabel was taken by the promising Crisp (8th) for trainer John Sadler. The daughter of El Corredor paid $9.20 and looked good in her win while keeping her undefeated streak alive.

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Lava Man's connections are finally off the cool-aide and announced this morning that Lava Man is retired for good. The ill-fated return was a last place finish and the geldings connections are now looking at either the Champion former claimer become a stable or out riding horse or perhaps as a hunter-jumper. We think the best option would be for him to remain at the track as a out riding pony. That way, he could remain active and still somewhat in the racing game and visible to race fans in the morning. Now, that would be a happy ending. ... Sorry to hear about the passing of Clutch Player, a promising 3-year-old trained by Bob Baffert who got sick on Friday and was rushed to the Chino Valley Equine Hospital. The cause of death was a form of Pneumonia. Clutch Player was owned by Shah Kaleem and was undefeated from one career start. He had won his debut at Hollywood Park on December 19. ... Julius "Cotton" Tinsley was found dead Monday after he suffered an accident in the Mountains above San Bernardino. Tinsley, 81, was reported missing from his Arcadia home New Years Eve by his wife and was located Monday morning 300 feet down a ravine. Tinsley had trained horses for 54 years before his retirement in 2000. Funeral services are pending. ... Gio Ponti breezed this past Saturday at Santa Anita in :36.60, the first time he has been seen since his runner-up effort in the Breeders' Cup Classic. ... Life Is Sweet was back on the track Sunday morning following her scratch from the feature race on Saturday. Life Is Sweet reportedly had cramps and "tied up" resulting in her being declared Saturday morning.

The week in review at Santa Anita ...

Wednesday's card (12/30) saw a dull effort by the heavy favorite Sidney's Candy in today's second race. Perhaps bouncing off his impressive maiden win back in August at Del Mar, the son of Candy Ride deserves another look at when next seen. ... Take Control made his debut in the 3rd race a winning one and the son of A.P. Indy paid a nice $7.60 under Martin Garcia. It seems that Bob Baffert has yet another promising colt in his already loaded stable.

Thursday's card (12/31) was run without anything noteworthy to report here.

Friday's card (01/01/10) saw In the Slips take the $65,000-added Blue Norther (3rd) at $2.80 for trainer Jeff Mullins. Making her second career start in the U.S., the 3-year-old filly by More Than Ready looked good in her win and should be followed in her next start. ... How good has Life by R R got since she switched barns following her claim back in November. She has now won 2 of her last three for the Doug O'Neill stable. her last win came at the $20k level at $17.60. ... The $100,000 Sensational Star Handicap (9th) fell to Compari for trainer Martin Jones. ... Pick 6 carryover of $115,261.19 into Saturday's card.

Saturday's card (01/02) saw a promising debut win by Distorted Dave for trainer John Sadler under Tyler Baze at $22.20. The son of Distorted Humor rallied very gamely along the rail for the off the pace win. ... The Grade II $150,000 San Gorgonio Handicap (8th) was taken by Cat by the Tale at $7.60 under Joel Rosario. Trained by Neil Drysdale, the trainer was ending a long Grade win drought with this mares win today. ... Super High Five carryover of $65,552 into Sunday's card.

Sunday's card (01/03) saw the $60,000-added Kalookan Queen Handicap (3rd) go to the Bruce Headley trained Free Flying Soul at $3.60. Ridden by Mike Smith, the 5-year-old mare by Quiet American was winning for the fifth time in 10 career starts and looks to have a brite 2010 ahead of her off this win. ... The Grade III $100,000 Monrovia Handicap (7th)  went to Tuscan Evening in yet another game win by the Jerry Hollendorfer trained mare. She returned $5 to her backers.

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We have to take our hats off to Santa Anita for a fantastic opening day and week at the Great Race Place! Opening Day at Santa Anita was the place to be! Free Calendars, Zenyatta posters and the Great Lady herself, Zenyatta was in attendance to bid her fans a farewell as she begins a new career as a broodmare. The attendance figures of over 35k wasn't too shabby either. Now, lets just hope that the synthetic course can hold up to the wet weather. ... We now have to express our disappointment and concern with the connections of Lava Man who brought back the 8-year-old gelding from a nearly two year retirement. Quoted before his return by trainer Doug O'Neill that they wouldn't keep racing Lava Man if he wasn't up to it, his last place finish on Sunday would indicate that. However his connections were quoted Monday as saying he may make his next start in January. We have been dead against his return from the beginning and are saddened to see he's back in training and racing. Enough is enough and it's time to end the madness. ... Speaking of madness, how about California Flag, the winner of the 2009 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint being sent to Dubai after a dull effort in the Hong Kong Sprint? Trainer Brian Koriner has been quoted in the DRF on Tuesday as saying that California Flag has "lost some weight" since his Hong Kong effort but that he'll make the trip to Dubai for the March 27th race. Amazing. ...

The week in review at Santa Anita ...

Saturday's card (12/26) saw the Grade III $100,000 Sir Beaufort (7th) fall to the heavy favorite, The Usual Q.T. who was winning his sixth straight for his connections. Trained by James Cassidy, the gelded son of Unusual Heat was ridden as usual by Victor Espinoza. The Usual Q.T. paid $2.80 to his backers. ... The Grade I $300,000 La Brea (8th) was won nicely by Evita Argentina for her sixth career win. Trained by John Sadler and ridden by Joel Rosario, the daughter of Candy Ride paid a nice $10.40 for her win. ... M One Rifle took the $300,000 Grade I Malibu (9th) and was ridden well for his wire to wire win by Mike Smith. The son of One Man Army paid $16.20 for the win and was winning for the 4th time in eight career efforts for trainer Bruce Headley who ended the geldings three race losing streak here.

Sunday's card (12/27) saw Bullfighter (1st) take the opener at $2.60. Any doubts that Bob Baffert won't have a good meeting  is being answered right now by the red hot trainer. Martin Garcia rode the winner who calls Artax daddy. ... Kid Edward (2nd) looked good breaking his maiden here and should be followed as he continues through his conditions now. Trained by James Cassidy and ridden by David Flores, the winner paid $7. ... Irrefutable made his debut a winning one for trainer Bob Baffert with jockey Garret Gomez in the irons. The son of Unbridled's Song (Unbridled) looked every much the part of the favorite as he seemed to still be green in his win. He returned $4.60 for his win. ... The Grade II $150,000 San Gabriel Handicap (7th) was taken by Proudinsky for trainer Humberto Ascanio at $5.60. This was an impressive win by the 6-year old.

Monday's card (12/28) saw the $65,000-added Eddie Logan (7th) go to Macias who was winning for the red hot Bob Baffert stable at $7.40. Ridden by Victor Espinoza, the son of Purge has now won three races from 5 career races.

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It's a rarity but there is a nice break between the now concluded Hollywood Park meeting and the upcoming Santa Anita meeting of five days. This will give horsemen, horses and race fans a nice break and a chance to recharge their batteries for the upcoming Santa Anita meeting. Maybe, just maybe, there will be a nice card on opening weekend with some full fields. But that should last perhaps a day or two as we are sure Santa Anita will run 10 race cards on the weekend and we'll be back to the same 5-6 horse fields that we saw at Hollywood Park. ... Hollywood Park concluded their 27-day fall meet with lower numbers. Overall handle was down 4.3% and ontrack handle was lower by 11%. Ontrack attendance was also down 3%. Congratulations to meet leaders. Joel Rosario took the jockey race with 37 winners and John Sadler took the trainers race with 15 wins. ... Without trying to be too negative we wonder if anyone has already come up with a over/under on race days missed due to the synthetic track at 'Anita not draining during the rainy weather that is forecast? The track has already been closed once to training due to drainage issues earlier this month. ... I want Revenge is reportedly back on the comeback trail as the colt has begun jogging at a farm in Kentucky over the weekend. Sources claim the colt is still well away from his return. The week in review at Hollywood Park ... Thursday's card (12/17) saw Compari (7th) win for the third time in his brief 4 start career for trainer Martin Jones under Garret Gomez. The son of Redatlore seems to have a decent future ahead of him and the cal-bred has now banked over $200k. ... Friday's card (12/18) saw Price (2nd) win in his debut at $25 for trainer Howard Zucker under Joe Talamo. The gelded son of Even the Score (Unbridled's Song) had been working well in the a.m. and wasn't facing all that much in his debut to not be given a look at here. ... Midwesterner (6th) took his second in a roll and it seems the 6-year-old gelding has a new lease on life with two wire-to-wire wins, back to back. Michael Baze rationed his speed this afternoon and paid a nice $12. Saturday's card (12/19) saw Exfusion (7th) grab "two quarters" leaving the gate here and won't be seen for awhile as he's sidelined. The promising son of Tiznow should be followed once he does return and it's expected that Jerry Hollendorfer will take his time with him.  ... The Grade I, $750,000 CashCall Futurity went to Lookin At Lucky for trainer Bob Baffert under Garret Gomez. The promising son of Smart Strike probably should still be undefeated as his trip in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile was brutal. Look for Baffert to start paving the way to Kentucky now. Sunday's card (12/20) saw Blind Luck (9th) take down the Grade I, $405,250 Hollywood Starlet in very impressive fashion. The daughter of Pollard's Vision paid $5.60 and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. Rafael Bejarano was aboard the fillies win and she should be heard from again off this win. See you on opening day at Santa Anita and don't forget to take us with you! http://www.horseracing-selections.com

Well it seems there is a better than average chance that Santa Anita will once again experience some drainage problems with the ill-plagued synthetic course when the track opens it's doors Saturday, December 26 for the 85 day meeting. This past week, the track had to cancel training and limit the next day to jogging only due to drainage problems. Track President Ron Charles was quoted as saying the track had received 5 1/2 to 6 inches of rain last week, and then an additional 3 inches in a period which ended Sunday morning. Wow! That seems like an aweful lot of rain and according to weather and rain gauges around the county, Charles figures were way off, nothing close to the just less than 10 inches that supposedly fell. Making the situation much worse than it really was, it seems the issue of draining problems has already been discussed as an issue by track management. ... Why does track management continue to card 10-race cards when there is a horse shortage in California? With small fields already, why not cut back a race or two per day to allow larger fields during the week and perhaps on weekends? Wouldn't it be better for everyone, including race fans if the average race had 8-9 entrants or more instead of the usual 5-6 that is what they are averaging now? ... Glad to hear Tyler Baze will be back for the start of Santa Anita. Baze has been nursing a broken finger. The week in review at Hollywood Park ... Wednesday's card (12/09) saw Malibu Rum (2nd) win in his debut at $100.80 for trainer Paula Capestro under Agapito Delgadillo. The gelded son of Kela had some average works before his debut win. Thursday's action (12/10) saw Tenacious Tina (7th) win for the second time in her career to remain undefeated for trainer Clifford Sise. The 2-year-old daughter of Benchmark was handled by Mike Smith and paid her backers $2.80 for the win. Friday's card (12/11) saw the card run without anything noteworthy to report. Saturday's card (12/12) saw the Grade III $100,000 Native Diver go to Mast Track under Rafael Bejarano for trainer Humberto Ascanio. Winning for the first time in seven 2009 starts, the son of Mizzen Mist will no reside in the barn of John Sherriffs through a private purchase after the Native Diver win. Mast Track returned $8.20 for the win. Sunday's action (12/13) saw the promising two-year-old filly She's Funomenal keep her unbeaten streak alive with a win in the $50,000-added Ifyoucouldseemenow. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and ridden by Joel Rosario, the daughter of Fusachi Pegasus is now 2 for 2 and paid $2.60 to her backers. Good luck at the races this week! Don't forget to bring us with you when you head to the track! Sign up for winners now by visiting http://www.horseracing-selections.com

Cold and chilly start to the week of racing with only nine days of racing left at Hollywood Park. Where does the time go? This is the time of year that many folks begin looking at the opening of Santa Anita. But first things first and one question mark remains before horseman start loading stock onto trailers. How will Lava Man look on Saturday in the $100,000 Native Diver? We have already voiced our concern in bringing back the gelding to race since his retirement was announced in July 2008 and while we still would keep the gelding on the farm if he was ours, trainer Doug O'Neill continues to say he's doing well and wants to be on the track. We shall see how he does. ... Even in her retirement, Zenyatta continues to work in the mornings and posted a :50.40 drill on Monday morning as she gears down for the breeding shed in early 2010. Trainer John Shirreffs stated she's working to "take off the edge" and that there are no plans in bringing her back.

The week in review at Hollywood Park ...

Wednesday's (12/02) card saw Live Sunday's take down the 7th race to win his fifth race in a roll and this win, like his last, was a hard gutty victory. The Charles Jenda trained gelding has now won five of nine career races and was given a nice ride by veteran jock Alex Solis and returned an overlayed $12 for his win.

Thursday's (12/03) card saw Saucey Evening take down the winners share of the $50,000 Starine under Jose Valdivia for trainer Graham Motion. The daughter of More Than Ready paid $23.20 for the win and was winning for the fourth time from 12 trips to the gate.

Friday's (12/04) card saw Free Flying Soul (3rd) win the $50,000 Winter for trainer Bruce Headley at $4.20. Ridden nicely by Mike Smith, the 4-year-old filly by Quiet American rarely runs a dull one and should be followed at Santa Anita as she's already proven she likes that course.

Saturday's (12/05) action saw Zardana (8th) win the Grade II $150,000 Bayakoa for trainer John Sherriffs under Victor Espinoza at $24 in a good looking win. Look for the daughter of Crimson Tide to resurface again soon at Santa Anita.

Sunday's (12/06) card saw Rummysecret War light up the tote at $216.40 for trainer Oscar Garcia under jock Silvio Amador, winning for the first time from 23 Hollywood Park mounts. The win here set the table for the Pick 6 carryover into Wednesday's card. ... Kinsale King looked impressive winning the Grade II $100,000 Vernon O. Underwood for trainer Carl O'Callaghan and jockey Martin Garcia. The winner paid off at $16.40. ... Pick 6 carryover into Wednesday's card of $114,725.

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Zenyatta, the most popular horse in the state of California made an appearance at Hollywood Park on Sunday as the track gave away CD's and posters of her accomplishments on the race track. Also making appearances were Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger who was largely booed from the on-track crowd of 9,814. Thankfully, his appearance was limited. Is it just us or can he be understood when he speaks by anyone? Also looking like a fool was TVG commentator Ken Rudulph who who hosted the event. Rudulph and his cronies should try a stint on the comedy channel where the antics would be more appreciated. ... Summer Bird who was scratched from the Japan Cup will undergo surgery for a nondisplaced hairline fracture in his right front cannon bone. If all goes well, Summer Bird could return to racing in 2010. ... After a "warm welcome" at Hollywood Park on Sunday, it seems that Gov., Arnold Schwarzenegger thinks California racing needs help. "The horse racing business is struggling" said the muscleman. "We have to find ways to generate significant finances which is something I want to do before I leave office." Great. That's all we need is to have him sticking his nose into an industry that is already overflowing with idiots and people that don't have a clue as to what's going on and needed. Thanks Arnold. We'll just be happy when you leave office.

The two weeks in review at Hollywood Park ...

Wednesday's card (11/18) saw Life by R R (5th) win as the final horse in training by the late Bobby Frankel. An emotional winners circle crowd assembled as the winner paid $5.

Thursday's card (11/19) saw Loup Breton (7th) take the 1 1/8th mile turf event for trainer Julio Canani as the invading son of Anabaa (Danzig) was ridden to his $3.60 win by Garret Gomez. Canani should get some use out of this guy and he should be followed up the ladder, through his connections on this circuit. ... Company Secret (8th) rang the bell here at $114.80 going wire to wire under Maggie Carter for trainer Rafael Martinez.

Friday's card (11/20) saw Dislitleliteomine (5th) win at $97.40, the second straight day that has produced a boxcar longshot. Ridden by Jose Valdivia and trained by Jorge Periban, the daughter of Singletary (Sultry Song) was winning for the first time in four lifetime starts.

Saturday's card (11/21) saw Do What U Dare make his anticipated debut in the 5th. Well supported at the windows, the son of Kitten's Joy (El Prado) looked to need his debut run and finished up the track well beaten. Give him another look next time out. ... American Lion (8th) appears to be for real after his facile win here at $3.40. Trained by Eoin Harty and ridden by Julien Leparoux the son of Tiznow looked impressive and should be followed as the two-year-old has some talent.

Sunday's card (11/22) saw Bickersons take home the winners share of $100,000 Moccasin. Trained by Kelly Breen, the two-year-old daughter of Silver Deputy (Deputy Minister) redeemed herself from a dull Breeders' Cup effort back on November 6th. She returned $9 to her backers.

Week # 2 ...

Wednesday's card (11/25) saw Life by R R come back and win the 3rd under Michael Baze for new trainer Doug O'Neill. Life by R R was the final starter in the late Bobby Frankels name that was claimed by his new connections out of that race. He's now won two straight. ... Warren's Jitterbug (6th) probably should have broke her maiden here as the favorite in her 7th career start had it not been for her antics before the race in the starting gate. If you can stomach it, she probably is a wager in her next start.

Thursday's card (11/26) the Thanksgiving Day card was run without anything noteworthy to report. Pick 6 carryover of $57,763 into Friday's card.

Friday's card (11/27) saw Primadonna Pearl (2nd) run up the track yet again for trainer Roger Stein under Joe Talamo. We have officially seen enough of this filly now and wonder if trainer Stein is thinking the same thing since claiming her for $20k in Washington and bringing her down south. ... Nice maiden win by Good Tidings at $10.80 (3rd) and the daughter of Came Home (Gone West) paid $10.80. ... Pinkarella looked impressive in her return in the 8th race at $5.60. Last seen vs. the likes of Stardom Bound and Carlsbad, she was a gift at 9/5 here. ... The Citation, Grade I $300,000 handicap was taken by Fluke at $20. Given a perfect ground saving trip here under Joe Talamo, one has to wonder if Talamo would have got through had he been riding against the old timers such as Pincay, Pierce, Toro, Cordero, etc. We doubt it and probably Talamo would have landed in the lake in the infield had he tried such a move inside, between horses. Just another sign of the times.

Saturday's card (11/28) saw the Grade II $100,000 Generous go to Who's Up for trainer Kathy Walsh, ridden by Victor Espinoza. The winner paid a nice $21.80 for the win and was winning for the second time in her 4 race career. ... The Grade I $300,000 Matriarch was won by Ventura at $3.20 in her final start before shipping off to begin her new career as a broodmare. The daughter of Chester House ends a nice career, winning ten races from 21 starts.

Sunday's card (11/2) saw Bailmeoutbugsy take the 3rd race to remain undefeated for trainer R B Hess and jockey Joe Talamo. Talamo has been aboard the son of Old Topper for both his wins. ... The Grade III $100,000 Miesque (5th) was taken by The Mailet for trainer Bruce Levine and jockey Joel Rosario at $25.40. ... The Grade I $300,000 Hollywood Derby was won by The Usual Q.T. at $11.40 for trainer James Cassidy and was winning his fifth straight race for his current connections. He's never been better and the son of Unusual Heat (Nureyev) should be followed up the ladder as it seems he's got more wins left in the tank judging off this current win. ... Pick 6 carryover of $249,255 and a Super High 5 carryover of $38,102 into Wednesday's card.

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Trainer Robert Frankel has been rumored for months to have been ill and on deaths door. Not seen at the race track in months, he was said to have been sick and handling his stable of horses from his home. So it was of no surprise to have heard of his passing this morning. He was discharged from the hospital this weekend so that he could spend the remaining hours at his home at his request. He was a great trainer who over the years trained some great horses. Click on this link to read DRF story on his life. http://drf.com/news/article/108964.html ... With the 2009 Breeders' Cup in the books, winter has begun to set in here in Southern California. It was quite nice to have had a little break of four days between Oak Tree and Hollywood Park.

The week in review at Hollywood Park ...

Friday's opening day card (11/13) saw the opening day card run without anything noteworthy to report.

Saturday's card (11/14) saw Bestdressed (8th) take home the winners share of the $75,000 On Trust Handicap purse for trainer John Sadler under Joel Rosario. Winning for the 6th time in 38 lifetime starts, the gelded son of Lit de Justice ended a winless drought of eight straight races.

Sunday's card (11/15) saw trainer Jerry Hollendorfer unleash a potential good one in the 7th race with She's Funomenal under Joel Rosario who's off to a good start at the meeting. The daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus drew off for an easy win, but was no secrets at the window as the filly paid $5. Follow this one up the ladder. Pick 6 carryover of $86,204 into Wednesday's card.

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Many race fans including myself had thought Rachel Alexandra was a lock for 2009 Horse of the Year. Until Saturday. Zenyatta was just as impressive leading up to the Breeders' Cup Classic. A perfect 13 for 13 in her lifetime. But instead of having beaten the boys, Zenyatta had taken her turns on the same old fillies and mares, basically in her own backyard. That all changed Saturday when she took on perhaps the best ever Classic field and toyed with them, geared down and drawing away at the finish. Now, we have a legitimate Horse of the Year race and both the filly and the mare are worthy of winning the award. It's really a shame both can't as they have both have done so much for the sport of racing. If we had a vote, well, we need to really think on this one but after Saturday, we'd have to go for Zenyatta. ... "We love the Breeders' Cup," when asked by a friend about the two days of racing, the full fields and the quality of racing. But we love the $12k claimers just as much and just wish that we had the same 11-12 horse fields we had on Friday and Saturday. Besides, the $12k claimers are perhaps easier to handicap because you know going in that there are simply some horses that just can't win. Due to either physical limitations or trainers prepping for a race in two weeks or so, in the Breeders' Cup races everybody is trying to win "that" race. Plus, you have invaders and shippers from all over which you haven't seen race. New riders, new faces, trainers, owners, etc. It makes for tough handicapping to be sure and lots of time invested trying to watch video tape. While it's far from easy handicapping the Breeders' Cup, there are rewards if you are correct as the payoffs tend to be inflated with generous mutuel pools. But when all is said and done after the two days it was fun. But bring us back the $12.5 claimers! ...

The week in review at Oak Tree ...

Wednesday's action (11/04) saw Connemara (7th) take home the winners share of the $40,000-added Allowance race purse under Garret Gomez for trainer Todd Pletcher. The invading son of Giant's Causeway is now 2 for 2 and seemed to handle the synthetic course once again just fine. Perhaps this colt will remain in SoCal. The winner paid $3.40.

Thursday's card (11/05) saw trainer Bob Baffert unveil Gilded Gem (1st), a daughter of Smarty Jones who was making her debut under Victor Espinoza. This filly paid a nice $15.20 and should be followed down the road as she won nicely and perhaps has a bright future ahead of her. ... Ever a Friend (7th) looked awesome in his return win here under Tyler Baze for trainer Mike Mitchell. In his first start since May 2008, the 6-year-old gelded son of Crafty Friend paid $4 to his backers and should be heard from again.

Friday's card (11/06) Breeders' Cup Ladies Day saw Life Is Sweet (8th) take down the Grade I $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic under Garret Gomez. Without the presence of Zenyatta, 'Sweet paid an astounding $18.20.

Saturday's card (11/07) saw California Flag (3rd) take down the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at $8.80 for trainer Brian Koriner under Joe Talamo, who is the second youngest jockey to win a Breeders' Cup race. ... The day belonged to her connections and Zenyatta who took the Grade I $5,000,000 Breeders' Cup Classic under Mike Smith for trainer John Shireffs. Remaining undefeated at 14 for 14, this was probably the last time this star daughter of Street Cry will be seen on the race track. What a way for her to go out.

Sunday's card (11/08) closing day at Oak Tree saw Paddy's Magic (7th) keep his win streak alive at $5.40 for trainer Howard Zucker under Joel Rosario. The gelded son of Wild Zone has now won two straight and made his turf debut here a winning one. The $58,000-added Cascapedia (8th) went to Kays and Jays for trainer Mike Mitchell. The invading daughter of Macho Uno from Florida was ridden by Joel Rosario to pay $5.40 to her backers.

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Mine That Bird drilled five furlongs in 1:01.49 with Joe Talamo in the irons Monday morning and by all accounts the 3-year-old colt looked much better and comfortable today than he had leading up to his last race, The Goodwood Stakes last month. Clockers were impressed today and perhaps a big effort is forthcoming on Saturday. Also, drillers on Monday included Colonel John, getting five furlongs in :59.22 and Richard's Kid got his 5 furlongs in 1:01.11. Connections of all three Classic entrants were happy with the moves.

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The Breeders' Cup post position draw is set for Tuesday and of course all eyes are set on the classic. Still no official word as to if Zenyatta will go in the Ladies Classic on Friday or the Classic on Saturday. Zenyatta drilled on Saturday and was impressive while working in 1:12.40 with regular rider Mike Smith aboard. Rumors have been circulating all week that the mare will go in the Classic.

The week in review at Oak Tree ...

Wednesday's card (10/28) saw the card run without anything noteworthy to report.

Thursday's card (10/29) saw the card run without anything noteworthy to report.

Friday's card (10/30) saw Hermione's Magic (7th) win for the second time from four starts in the U.S. for trainer Kathy Walsh under Garret Gomez. The 3-year-old filly is a cut below the best around these parts but the daughter of Systematic is quite capable of paying her way and should be followed. Pick 6 carryover into Saturday's card of $74,471.


Saturday's card (10/31) saw the card run without anything noteworthy to report.

Sunday's card (11/01) saw trainer Bob Baffert turn lose a nice 4-year-old in the 2nd race under Rafael Bejarano at $4.60. The son of Fusaichi Pegasus turned in a sharp maiden win in his debut from the rail and should be followed off this maiden win. ... The $58,000-added Anoakia was taken by Crisis of Spirit at $2.80 for Bob Baffert under Mike Smith. Another nice 2-year-old from the Baffert stable. ... When You Can Dream took down the 4th race it was the 4th win in a roll for trainer Bob Baffert.

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With a little over two weeks remaining, the 2009 Breeders' Cup is fast approaching. All eyes are on what Breeders' Cup race the Champion Zenyatta will run in. ...Is it true that Breeders' Cup officials are happy with the result of the World Series matchups? Not having a California or L.A. based team in the Series is rumored to have the Breeders' Cup officials smiling.

The week in review at Oak Tree ...

Wednesday's card (10/21) saw Pemba At U.T.K. (4th) run his 0'fer streak to 18 now as a  maiden. Perhaps his connections need to try this colt on the lawn? Being by Skimming (Nureyev) you would have thought this would have been tried already! Interesting. ... Nice win here by Obrigado (7th) at $6.40 for trainer Neil Drysdale and jockey Joel Rosario. The Grade III winner was allowed to go off at a nice price here and looked good winning in this much softer spot than he had been in recently.

Thursday's card (10/22) saw a Pick 6 carryover of $54,959 carry into Friday's pool.

Friday's card (10/23) saw Bel Air Sizzle take down the 7th race at $15.80. The Barry Abrams trained runner was given a well timed ride here by Joe Talamo and was winning for the 6th time in 28 lifetime starts.

Saturday's card (10/24) saw the Grade III Harold Ramser Handicap (8th) go to April Pride under jock Garret Gomez for trainer James Cassidy. The winner paid a nice $17.80 to her backers and was winning for the second time in the U.S. since her arrival here for Great Britain. This was her third career win from 14 lifetime starts.

Sunday's card (10/25) saw Raidng Party win the first race at $3.80. Trained by Mike Mitchell and given a well timed ride by Joel Rosario, the daughter of Orpen should be followed down the road now as this filly is sharp now.

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It's no secret we are having a slow Santa Anita meeting. Hitting just below 20% for winners, we have also blanked in the late Pick 4 department all of which we are hoping to reverse this week. Wednesday's card looks pretty promising. ... Jockey Kyle Kaenel has announced his retirement this morning, following a spill resulting in injuries at Fairplex Park. With a broken collar bone and injured wrist, Kaenel was advised by doctors that if he sustained another spill and injuries similar in nature, he may be confined to a wheel chair the rest of his life. It was also said that Kaenel sustained some minor nerve damage and injuries to his back and spine area.

The week in review at Santa Anita ...

Wednesday's card (10/14) saw Marcello (3rd) win for the second time in his career with a good looking win here under Garret Gomez. Trained by Bob Baffert, the son of Johannesburg (Hennessy) beat a pretty decent allowance field and should be followed up the ladder off that impressive win. ... Carryover in the Super High 5 pool for Thursday of $29,051.40.

Thursday's card (10/15) saw nothing newsworthy to report here. Pick 6 carryover of $47,855 into Friday's card.

Friday's card (10/16) saw another disappointing effort by No Ka Oi (1st) who we thought could break through here. The 6-year-old mare is now 0 for 12 this season and appears to be really off her game right now for trainer Jack Carava.

Saturday's card (10/17) Via Verde (4th) broke his maiden nicely at $3 for trainer John Sadler under Joel Rosario. The 2-year-old son of Cherokee Run (Runaway Groom) proved quite gritty down the lane to repel his rivals. We get the feeling he could go on with a pretty decent career on the lawn off this win and should be followed through his conditions. ... The Grade III $100,000 Senator Ken Maddy Handicap (8th) was taken by Gotta Have Her who was winning her second in a roll for trainer Jenine Sahadi under Tyler Baze. The daughter of Royal Academy (Nijinsky II) got a ground saving ride at the rail by Baze who seems to have a way with her.

Sunday's card (10/18) saw Shadow of Illinois (5th) win again for his 9th career win from 39 lifetime starts. The 9-year-old gelding is ultra sharp right now and trainer Anthony Saavedra has down a wonderful job keeping this veteran cal-bred together. Lets give credit to veteran rider Alex Solis who also seems to have a way with this guy. ... The $60,000 Lure was won by Blue Chagall for trainer Julio Canani under jockey Garret Gomez. Returning $6.80 to his backers, the 4-year-old gelding was winning for the 4th time in 15 career efforts.

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The connections of Zenyatta announced on Monday morning that they were delaying a decision for as long as possible on what race to run Zenyatta in next as they map out her course in the Breeders' Cup. Perhaps a start in the Ladies Classic on Friday or a start in the Classic vs. the boys on Saturday. Her connections announced it's possible she could be pre-entered in both races until the final decision is made. Of course we'd love to see her start vs. the boys on Saturday to see what she is really made of and we strongly feel she'd be able to handle 'em off what we have seen. Heck, she'd even have home court advantage over a track she adores. ... For those that thought Barry Abrams has a screw loose the trainer himself may have confirmed it Sunday when he announced his mare, Lethal Heat may run in the Breeders' Cup on back to back days. Yes, you heard us correctly. Abrams may run in the Ladies Classic on Friday and then wheel Lethal Heat back on Saturday in the Turf Sprint. "I'll probably run her in both" he stated on Sunday. If he does this, Lethal Heat who is 6 for 16 with career earnings of $655,988 may end her career on Breeders' Cup weekend. Sad story indeed from a trainer that obviously is taking advantage of huge purse money and a huge score without weighing what the end result may be to his horse. ... Rain is falling in Southern California on Tuesday A.M. and we hope that it will tighten up the Pro-Ride synthetic course a bit. The track, once again this season has been a bit hard to predict with both trainers and jockeys not real happy with the surface. ... Could it be that Mine That Bird is another 50/1 horse that won the Kentucky Derby and won't go on to win another race like Giacomo did? We hope not but by judging the way he ran in the Goodwood over the weekend people are talking about it. We hope not. We have grown rather fond of the connections who have displayed nothing but class since the Derby win and hope that perhaps he'll try a regular dirt surface next time.

The week in review from Oak Tree ...

Wednesday's card (10/07) saw the Julio Canani trained Black Bear Island (7th) make his local debut as the odds on favorite and fail to kick it in as expected. The result was a dull try resulting in the trainer having to go back to the drawing board for his next start.

Thursday's card (10/08) was run without anything newsworthy to report.

Friday's action (10/09) saw Tribul Witch (3rd) improve some more for trainer Julio Canani under Jose Valdivia but exits the race as a maiden still. The daughter of Tribal Rule (Storm Cat) is still as green as grass and her lugging in and shifting about cost her the win here. ...  Pick 6 carryover of $78,530 and Super High 5 carryover of $31,739 into Saturday's pool.

Saturday's card (10/10) saw Magical Fantasy take down the Grade I $300,000 Yellow Ribbon. Trained by Paddy Gallagher and ridden by Alex Solis, the winner paid $4.40 and added to her career bankroll of over $859k. ... The $350,000 Grade I Goodwood was taken by upsetter Gitano Hernando for trainer Marco Botti and returned $38 to his backers. The 3-year-old son of Hernando took to the synthetic course and held off a late rally from Colonel John. Mine That Bird was never involved while making a mild late rally. ... The Grade I $300,000 Lady's Secret was won by Zenyatta who is now a perfect 13 for 13. Her connections are now eying both Breeders' Cup Classics and will make a last minute decision as to what race she'll go in. ... Two day Super High 5 carryover of $136,726.23 into Sunday's pool.

Sunday's card (10/11) saw the Grade I $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship go to Presious Passion at $4.60. The invading son of Royal Anthem (Theatrical) won impressively over the turf course and added to his impressive bankroll of over $1.85 million. he is trained by Mary Hartmann. ... The Grade I $300,000 Ancient Title was won by Gayego for trainer Saeed bin Suroor under Garret Gomez. gayego was winning for the 7th time in 13 lifetime trips to the gate and paid $4.40 to his backers.

Monday's special Holiday card (10/12) saw Zardana take the $60,000-added Swingtime under Victor Espinoza for trainer John Shirreffs. Returning $5.80 to her backers, the daughter of Crimson Tide was notching up career win number 6 from 15 lifetime starts. ... The $65,000-added Louis Rowan was won in impressive fashion by Free Flying Soul under Mike Smith for trainer Bruce Headley. Returning to her backs $5.40, this classy lady by Quiet American is now 3 for 7 lifetime and should be followed up the ladder off this impressive win.

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Wagering in the U.S was down 1% when compared with September 2008 figures. Total wagering was down $883.4 million from last year. Not surprising in this economic climate to be sure. Purse distribution was also down 6.1% the same period.

Oak Tree week in review ...

Wednesday's card (09/30) saw California Flag take down the Grade III $100,000 Morvich Handicap (8th) under jockey Joe Talamo for trainer Brian Koriner. The 5-year-old gelding will be seen next in the Breeders' Cup if all goes as planned and he returned $5.20 to his backers. Pick 6 carryover of $87,781.03 into Thursday's card and $32,651.87 into the Super High 5 pool thanks to Spartan jet winning the nitecap at $157.60.

Thursday's card (10/01) carried over $278,277 into Friday's Pick 6. Now a two day carryover.

Friday's card (10/02) had a later post of 2:00 P.M. and saw $31,822 carry into the Super High 5 pool for Saturday. Otherwise, nothing else newsworthy to report.

Saturday's card (10/03) was California Cup Day and attendance, handle and purses were down of course due to economics. The CTBA (California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association) needs to re-think this day and perhaps make an adjustment next year if they want to continue putting on this California day of racing. With short fields being offered and the lowest total attendance ever, it's safe to say interest is dwindling. Bold Chieftain took down the 6th race, The $200,000 California Cup Classic at $10 for trainer William Morey and jock Russell Baze. The son of Seattle Slew was winning for the 13th time in 31 lifetime efforts.

Sunday's card (10/04) saw Lookin At Lucky win the 8th race, the Grade I Norfolk Stakes for trainer Bob Baffert and jock Garret Gomez. returning $3.60 for the win, the son of Smart Strike (Mr. Prospector) is on the road to the Breeders' Cup, and perhaps a date in May 2010 for the Kentucky Derby. This is one nice and very talented colt.

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