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Articles posted May 14, 2009
Headlines and features from the Thoroughbred industry
Haskin's Preakness Report: Rachel on Display
There was little new activity Thursday morning, although Pioneerof the Nile did have his first feel of the Pimlico track. Rachel Alexandra went unseen, walking the shed at around 4:30, but did show up for all to see in the afternoon, schooling in the paddock before the fourth race.
Shapiro Probe Should Wrap Up Next Week
An Inglewood police investigation focused on former California Horse Racing Board chairman Richard Shapiro for allegedly vandalizing the vehicle of his longtime antagonist Jerry Jamgotchian should be wrapped up during the week of May 18, according to a lieutenant in the department.
Pimlico Gets 'Provisional' Accreditation
Pimlico Race Course has received "provisional" accreditation from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance because not all documents tied to an inspection were submitted. The documents deal with drug-testing and compliance standards; officials said there are no safety issues at the track.
Dynaforce Return Part of Preakness Undercard
Grade I winner Dynaforce makes her 2009 bow for Bill Mott in the Gallorette Handicap (gr. III), while Lael Stables' Ready Set looks best in the William Donald Schaefer Stakes (gr. III). The pair of $100,000 events are part of a graded stakes bonanza on Preakness Day at Pimlico May 16.
Jiosa Jazz, Johannesburg Colt Work Fast
A Read the Footnotes--Herat's Goldengirl colt named Jiosa Jazz and a Johannesburg--Kitty Carson colt tied for the fastest quarter-mile work May 14 during the second and final session of the under tack show for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale of 2-year-olds in training. Both juveniles covered the distance in :21 4/5 over the track at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Md.
TOBA to Conduct Three-Day Breeding Clinic
The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced that it will hold a Thoroughbred Breeding Clinic in Lexington May 29-31.
Distance Could Suit Taqarub in Hirsch Jacobs
Taqarub, Checklist, and Yano, all graded stakes-placed in their last starts, lead a field of nine 3-year-old sprinters looking to take their games to the next level in the $100,000 Hirsch Jacobs Stakes (gr. III) May 16 at Pimlico.
DuPont Distaff: Darley Duo Tops Slight Field
Darley Stable's tandem of Sea Chanter and Skylighter look best in a seven-horse field entered for the $150,000 Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes (gr. II) at Pimlico May 16. The options could narrow, though, if Sea Chanter and another well-regarded entry, Striking Tomisue, run instead in the Shuvee Handicap (gr. II) at Belmont Park the same day.
HRRN to Have Exclusive Breeders' Cup Rights
The Breeders' Cup and Horse Racing Radio Network announced an agreement for HRRN to become the exclusive national radio network for the 2009 and 2010 Breeders' Cup World Championships.
Canterbury Park Reports Lower Profit
The parent company of Canterbury Park reported a smaller first-quarter profit May 13, blaming current economic conditions and increased competition at the racetrack located in Shakopee, Minn.
Pennsylvania Horsemen React to Gaming Bill
The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association responded May 14 to legislation introduced in the state that would permit video lottery terminals at additional venues. The state's racing purses have grown considerably in the past few years with revenue from slots at the racetracks.
Artax to Stand in Brazil
Artax, champion sprinter of 1999, will stand the Southern Hemisphere breeding season at Dr. Adriano Quadros' Haras Henrique Waihrich in Brazil.
Colonial Downs Owner Reports Higher Profits
The owner of Colonial Downs reported May 14 an increased first-quarter profit of $3.1 million, helped by the improved performance of its racing subsidiary.
MGM Mirage Back in Big A Casino Hunt
MGM Mirage is back in the hunt to develop New York City's only legal casino with word emerging May 14 that it has joined forces with two other entities trying to win the bid for a sprawling new gambling facility at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Bob Baffert Preakness Interview
Steve Haskin talks with Bob Baffert about his Preakness entrant, Pioneerof the Nile, and the competition.
Intrigue Abounds in Preakness 134
A field of 13 is set to line the gates at Pimlico Race Course May 16 for the 1 3/16-mile classic. It is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Preakness Stakes in recent memory.
Plop Go the Birds: Alibi or Omen?
The week leading up to the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Ahmed Zayat, owner of Pioneerof the Nile, was hit in the head by bird droppings. The owner saw it as a positive and believed his colt had a good chance in the Derby; little did he know what was to come.
Preakness News Minute - 05/14/09
Steve Haskin reports from the Alibi Breakfast Thursday morning at Pimlico. Download the Preakness Contenders Pedigree Profiles here.
Report: State Could Put Del Mar Up for Sale
Del Mar Fairgrounds is one of several prominent state-owned properties that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposes selling to help cut into a $15-billion budget deficit, according to a published report.
Orientate Colt Shines in F-T Midlantic Work
An Orientate colt worked a quarter mile in :21 2/5, which was the fastest time for the distance, during the May 13 first session of the under tack show for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale of 2-year-olds in training in Timonium, Md.
Choisir Colt Tops Scone Sale in Australia
A Choisir-Strawberry Mirn colt brought Aust$68,000 (approximately $51,893 in U.S. funds) to top the 60th annual HTBA William Inglis & Son Scone yearling sale in Australia May 14. Trainer Paul Perry purchased the colt from Broad Crossing.
Woolley: Pimlico Surface 'Looks Super'
The chance of rain and potential for a wet racing surface don't bother trainer Bennie "Chip" Woolley Jr. But he said dry and fast conditions wouldn't hurt the chances of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird.
'Rachel' Walks Pimlico, to School in Paddock
Rachel Alexandra, the impressive Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner and 8-5 morning-line favorite for the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), walked the shedrow at Pimlico Race Course the morning of May 14 and was expected to school in the paddock later in the day, according to assistant trainer Scott Blasi.
Preakness Forecast: Rain,Thunderstorms
If the forecast is accurate, winner Mine That Bird and other horses that competed in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) may face a similar off track in the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Preakness News Minute - 05/13/09
Steve Haskin reports on the day's arrivals and the draw.
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