Articles posted February 7, 2003

Gygistar Returns in Deputy Minister Handicap

• February 7, 2003
• Thoroughbred Racing, Handicapping

Gygistar makes his eagerly anticipated return to the races in Sunday's $100,000 Deputy Minister Handicap (gr. III) at Gulfstream Park.

Composure, Elloluv Meet Again in Sunday's Las Virgenes

• February 7, 2003
• Thoroughbred Racing, Handicapping

Composure will seek to avenge her loss to Elloluv in December's Hollywood Starlet in Sunday's $200,000 Las Virgenes (gr. I) at Santa Anita.

Mineshaft Rolls Into Whirlaway Handicap

• February 7, 2003
• Thoroughbred Racing, Handicapping

Mineshaft brings a three-race winning streak into Sunday's Fair Grounds feature race, the $125,000 Whirlaway Handicap (gr. III). The son of A.P. Indy will face eight rivals in the 1 1/16-mile test for older horses.

Man Among Men Upsets Empire Maker in Sham Stakes

• February 7, 2003
• Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown

Man Among Men tracked the early leaders, rallied on the second turn to gain the lead, then easily held off heavily favored Empire Maker in the stretch to win the restricted $81,000 Sham Stakes by a length Friday at Santa Anita.

Martinez Earns Third Winner of the Day Aboard Battle Won

• February 7, 2003
• Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown

Battle Won put in a sustained drive under jockey Willie Martinez to win a contentious maiden special weight race for 3-year-olds Friday at the Fair Grounds.

Joint TRA-HTA-RTC Convention March 13-14

• February 7, 2003

A management panel discussion on current racing issues, that will for the first time bring together leaders of the four major racing ownerships groups, highlights the joint meeting of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA), Harness Tracks of America (HTA), and Racetracks of Canada (RAC) to be held at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, Fla. on March 13-14.

TVG To Air Viewers' Choice Awards

• February 7, 2003

The most memorable moments and individuals of the 2002 racing season, as selected by TVG viewers, will be announced when the third annual TVG Viewers' Choice Awards is broadcast Feb. 17 on a live 90-minute program from 8:30-10 p.m. (ET).

Mystic Lady Makes Last Start Saturday

• February 7, 2003
• Thoroughbred Racing

Mystic Lady, an eight-time stakes winner in her career, will be making her final start when she runs in Saturday's $100,000 Sabin Handicap at Gulfstream Park. The fillies and mares stakes will be contested at 1 1/16 miles.

Steve Haskin's Derby Watch: Week 3 (Revised Feb. 7)

• By Steve Haskin
• February 7, 2003
• Thoroughbred Racing, Handicapping, Triple Crown

With the loss of Vindication, Kafwain is suddenly trainer Bob Baffert's big gun. The impressive winner of the San Vicente, Kafwain has also assumed the position at the top of Steve Haskin's contenders' list.

Notice from bloodhorse.com

• February 7, 2003

Due to circumstances beyond our control, users of bloodhorse.com and other electronic features of Blood-Horse Publications may experience service interruptions over the next couple of days.

Sligo Bay Returns in Tanforan Handicap

• February 7, 2003
• Thoroughbred Racing, Handicapping

Grade I stakes winner Sligo Bay hopes to tune up for the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap with a victory in the $100,000 Tanforan Handicap at Golden Gate Fields Saturday.

Youbet.com Reports Record Monthly Handle

• February 7, 2003

Online wagering firm Youbet.com announced Thursday that monthly handle for January totaled more than $20 million, representing the largest monthly handle since the company began accepting wagers in 1997.

Pari-Mutuel Pull-Tab Proposal in Indiana Lacks Unanimity

• February 7, 2003

Legislation to legalize pari-mutuel pull-tabs could mean solid footing for Churchill Downs-owned Hoosier Park and upstart Indiana Downs, all interest groups in Indiana are not in agreement at how the bill is structured.

Mary Lou Wootton, Bred Silver Charm, Dead

• February 7, 2003

Mary Lou Wootton, who bred Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner and champion Silver Charm, died in her sleep Feb. 3