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Historic Hialeah Park Backing Into the Future

November 17, 2009 – 6:50 pm

Hialeah  Park, 84 years after its debut in the Roaring ’20s, is back from the dead and on track to hold the first of two meetings 48 hours after Thanksgiving.

It has been eight years since the last thoroughbred race was staged at the historic South Florida landmark. At one time Hialeah was known as “the most beautiful racetrack in the world” because of its grand architecture, fountains and statues besides exotic scenery and a magnificent turf course.

While the facility is a shell of itself today, scores of construction workers are laboring feverishly in double shifts repairing, landscaping and painting so the grand reopening can take place on Nov. 28.

All three floors of the clubhouse, including several restaurants, will be open to fans, but other parts of the facility will be closed as renovations continue.

Horses began arriving Nov. 12 and will be stabled in nearly 1,000 temporary stalls. This time, however, the stars are quarter horses – the first time such races are being staged in Florida since 1991 when Pompano Park harness track hosted such a meeting.

In March, the state issued a quarter-horse permit to Hialeah. In September, an application for racing dates was filed and recently approved.

Looking to the future with visions of thoroughbreds, a casino and poker rooms dancing in their heads, track officials requested a pair of 20-day meetings – November to December and January to February.

A very smart move since state legislators decided Hialeah could install slots after holding races during two calendar years. But that depends on Florida’s pending agreement with the Seminoles that would allow the tribe to continue offering blackjack and other card games in exchange for annual payments to the state.

John J. Brunetti, who has owned Hialeah since ’77, is confident the Legislature will find a way to let the track obtain slots even without a deal with the Seminoles.

Brunetti is hoping for an opening-day crowd of 7,500 to 10,000, but expects attendance to drop off considerably to  3,000 or less daily. Racing will run from Saturday through Tuesday.

I’m a bit worried about whether this gamble will pay off. First, Hialeah once again goes head-to-head with Calder Race Course the remainder of ’09 before taking on Gulfstream Park in ’10.

I recall that when it tried running head-to-head against Calder in the late fall of ’89, it was forced to throw in the towel not long afterward.

Secondly, quarter-horse racing is not exactly well known in South Florida – thoroughbred country. Will enough people show up for the track to break even?

In the summer of ’01, after Hialeah ended its last thoroughbred meeting in the spring, Florida racing was deregulated. Gulfstream responded by extending its ’02 meeting that opened in January while Calder started several weeks earlier than the usual late April start.

Unfortunately, Hialeah was left with a single uncontested racing day. It never reopened.

The track has been shuttered since May 22, 2001, when 3,280 fans atteneded the wake, including myself. I’ll never the winner of the 10th and final race was Cheeky Miss.

Hialeah for many years survived despite losing the lucrative middle racing dates and declining attendance, mainly because of simulcasting, which could resume in the future.

Quite a few suggestions were made to save the track that opened Jan. 25, 1925. Since Hialeah was always noted for its turf course, the first in the country built in ’33, one idea was to hold a Saratoga-type meeting, 30 days or so, featuring a turf festival. The powers that be didn’t go for it.

What I miss most is the ritual after the seventh race  — the flight of the flamingos.

After buying the track in ’30 and transforming it into the most visited South Florida tourist attraction, Joseph E. Widener imported a flock of Cuban flamingos to inhabit the infield and gardens. Some have been relocated, but many still reside in their sanctuary on the infield.

So at least for now Hialeah, with those magnificent birds, will have an audience. How long it lasts is the $64 million question.

By Greg Melikov | Posted in horses, news, online wagering, sports, sportsbook | Comments (0)

How to improve your poker game: Play Less Hands

November 16, 2009 – 1:31 pm

No Limit Texas Hold’em is a very complicated game that can be very difficult for beginners.

You get together with your friends every weekend and you lose your stack. You deposit a few bucks to an online site and you lose your bankroll. What seems to be the problem? Are you just that unlucky? Are you making bad calls or just taking bad beat after bad beat?

The truth is 95% of the world’s poker players probably feel the same way that you do. They just can’t seem to win. Is there a concept that could improve your game and turn you into a winner? You don’t have to be a professional poker player to become a winning player. If you can learn and apply certain basic poker principles your game should begin to improve and you will start to reap the rewards at the tables.

The first golden principle is to stick to premium hands which means play fewer hands. Out of all the starting hands in poker the following five are considered the best:

1. AA
2. KK
3. QQ
4. AK (suited)
5. JJ

These premium hands should always be played from any position strongly as long as you take into consideration the action ahead of you.  Players in general should be folding 80% of their starting hands and only playing the best of the best.

Be selective in the hands that you play as a beginner, always pay attention to your position and you should begin to see a gradual improvement in your game!! As you play more you will gain more experience and thus add more starting hands to your arsenal. Keep your game simple and your starting hands simpler.

Best of luck at the tables,

Max Sullivan

By Max Sullivan | Posted in casino, online wagering, poker, sports, sportsbook | Comments (0)

Greg Melikov’s Horses to Watch

November 16, 2009 – 1:12 pm

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should improve significantly or do well next time out, won five times, ran second four and finished third once since Oct. 11. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your betting strategy.

AQUEDUCT
Chestoria: Raced sixth more than 13 lengths behind after a half-mile, launched three wide bid entering stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up 6 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 12; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 4/5.

Kissa Melissa: Bloke slowly, raced seventh and last 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals at the quarter pole, rallied belatedly from third in stretch to make up 4 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on a sealed muddy surface Oct. 29; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

Saginaw: Sprinted clear on rail, led by two lengths after a half-mile, steadily increased margin to six lengths in stretch and cruised in hand to win by 11 ½ lengths at a mile on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 28. (Sprinted clear soon after the start, led by three lengths after a half-mile, drew off in stretch and won by 6 ¼ lengths in hand at a mile on a sealed sloppy surface Nov. 14.)

Fortissi More: Raced more than five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, entered stretch three wide, exchanged bumps with winner and finished second beaten a nose at a mile and 70 yards on a good surface Oct. 12 at Philadelphia Park.

Ranger James: Broke 10th and last, raced ninth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung out from eighth pole losing ground on far turn, advanced to fifth in stretch, rallied to make up more than three lengths and gained second by a nose at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Sept. 20. (Raced 12th and last more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide on final turn to gain lead in upper stretch and won by a length under steady urging at 1 ¼ miles on the turf Oct. 11.)

CALDER

Can’t Stop the Lite: Broke alertly from the outside 12 post, raced more than five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, closed well from fourth three wide in stretch to make up 4 ¾ lengths and gained second by a head at seven furlongs on Nov. 13.

Ms. N. Tarsia: Broke poorly, raced 12th and last early, advanced to 11th more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied between rivals from fourth to make up more than three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 25. (Broke awkwardly 10th and last, raced sixth more than six lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, saved ground on turn, angled out in stretch, rallied from four to take command inside the eighth pole and drew off to win by 4 ¾ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 15.)

Catreign: Bumped with third-place finisher at start, raced 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied along rail in stretch to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and ran second beaten three-quarters of a length at five furlongs on Oct. 1.

Paizano: Sprinted to a clear lead of five lengths after the first quarter mile, increased margin to seven lengths in stretch and drew off to win under wraps by 11 ¼ lengths at six furlongs in 1:11 3/5 on Sept. 17.

Whatta Light: Raced more than four lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, swung out for the drive losing ground, rallied in stretch to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at five furlongs on Sept. 3.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Jimanator: Squeezed at start, raced 10th more than 11 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced five wide from seventh into stretch, closed well to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a length at a mile on Nov. 5; ran final quarter in 23 1/5.

Apple Charlotte: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, blocked and steadied in upper stretch, dropped to 11th, recovered quickly, closed like a rocket to make up more than 10 ¼ lengths and gained second by a nose at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 1.

FAIR GROUNDS

Belfast: Broke eighth and last, trailed by more than 8 ½ lengths after a half-mile, came five wide into stretch, brushed with rival late and finished second beaten a head at about a mile on the turf Nov. 6

HAWTHORNE

Songanddancelady: Broke slowly from the outside 9 post, raced seven lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, swung six wide into stretch, rallied late from sixth to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 30.

Country Zip: Raced more than 12 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, angled in for stretch run, made up nearly three lengths and finished third beaten a neck and a length at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 22.

Jimmy Got Even: Broke slowly eighth and last, trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied five wide from fifth in stretch, made up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 11; ran final quarter in 24 1/5. (Raced sixth and last early, moved to fifth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, finished well making up nearly 3 ½ lengths and ran second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Oct. 24.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Cadillac: Broke slowly ninth and last, raced seventh more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for drive, closed fast to make up more than 5 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on the turf; ran final quarter in 22 2/5.

Living Our Dream: Raced fifth more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied wide to fourth entering stretch, closed fast outside to make up about a half-dozen lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile on the turf Oct. 8 at Santa Anita. (Set pace, led by 1 ½ lengths after a half-mile, drifted out a bit in stretch in deep stretch and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 13.)

LAUREL PARK

Harvest Lisa: Broke alertly from inside post, taken back to fifth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, closed steadily in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 30.

Wohali: Raced fourth early, steadied in traffic, dropped to fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung wide in mid-stretch after losing ground, steadied in fourth on heels of winner, rallied to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Oct. 14. (Raced third more than two lengths behind after three-eights of a mile, rallied wide into stretch and finished second by a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 14.)

High Hill: Raced seventh more than eight lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, angled five wide for the drive, closed willingly in stretch from fifth to make up 6 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at 5 ½ furlongs on a good surface Sept. 30.

MEADOWLANDS

Hello Andrew: Raced fifth early, dropped to seventh and last more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, came five wide into stretch and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 3; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

Sweettalkinjerome: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth and last eight lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground after six furlongs, rallied three wide into stretch, made up nearly five lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on Oct. 13; ran final four furlongs in 48 2/5. (Bumped at break, tracked pace in fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, made a three wide move into stretch and rallied to finish second beaten a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on Oct. 29.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Kudu: Raced seventh and last more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out very wide for the drive and rallied from fifth in stretch to gain second by a nose at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 6.

Cuvee Rouge: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, lost several lengths entering stretch, closed willingly to make up 5 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Aug. 11. (Broke alertly, gained lead by a half-length after a half-mile, shook loose in stretch and won by 4 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on a good surface Oct. 31.)

RETAMA PARK

Ladybug Too: Raced more than three lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, moved out in upper stretch and gained third by a length at six furlongs on Oct. 24. (Raced more than three lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, swung five wide in upper stretch and rallied from fourth to win by a head at six furlongs on Nov. 5.)

Jeff Kentucky: Raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, eased out to pass rival approaching quarter pole, moved inside of third-place finisher in upper stretch, rallied from third to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and caught leader at wire to win by a head at a mile on Sept. 17. (Raced more then four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, angled out in mid-stretch and finished third beaten a length for second at a mile on Oct. 16.)

SANTA ANITA

Lookin At Lucky: Broke sixth from outside post 13, carried wide on first turn, checked after being bumped repeatedly, dropped from seventh to 10th more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, circled five wide into stretch from ninth to fifth, brushed with winner, made up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 7.

TURF PARADISE

Frenchie’s Fast: Tracked pace five lengths behind in third after a half-mile, rallied late in stretch to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov.1.

Stressless: Raced seventh and last early, moved to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied outside to make up more than 2 ½ lengths in the stretch and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on Oct. 25.

WOODBINE

Lomaki: Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, hustled to third in stretch, rallied between rivals to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile on a soft turf course Oct. 31.

By davidl | Posted in horses, news, sports, sportsbook | Comments (0)

My Take on the 26th Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita

November 5, 2009 – 2:27 pm

Here are my picks for the 26th Breeders’ Cup starting with Friday:

$500,000 Marathon, 1 ¾ miles: None of the 10 horses has gone this far. Nite Lite, Cloudy’s Knight and Mastery show the best recent form. But I’m passing.

$1 Million Juvenile Fillies Turf, a mile: My exacta box is Smart Seattle, Lisa’s Kitten and Tapestry, all winners at the distance.

$2 Million Juvenile Fillies, 1 1/16 miles:  Blind Luck and Always a Princess, 1-2 in the Oak Leaf on the Pro-Ride, will battle it out. There’re in the first leg of my Pick 3.

$2 Million Filly and Mare Turf, 1 ¼ miles: Forever Together, aiming to repeat, and Pure Clan possess best running style and haven’t been off the board in graded stakes during the year. The latter is 3 of 5 at the distance. I’m tossing in Connie and Michael, impressive maiden winner at Keeneland.

$1 Million Filly and Mare Sprint, 7 furlongs: Ventura just might be the Best Bet of the two-day event seeking to repeat and is 3 of 4 at the distance. She looked sharp working in October. The danger: Informed Decision, 6 for 6 on synthetic surfaces. It completes my Pick 3.

$2 Million Ladies’ Classic, 1 1/8 miles: Favorites 3-1 or less have won 18 of 25 times, mostly likely accounting for the small fields. With Zenyatta opting for the Classic, Careless Jewel is the morning line 2-1 favorite to beat. It’s catch the filly if they can, but I’m not sure who will.

Saturday’s selections:

$1 Million Juvenile Turf, a mile: Interactif goes for third in row on turf. Outside 11th post means clean trip is vital. But colt appears class of the field.

$1 Million Turf Sprint, 6 ½ furlongs: Three returnees include defending champ Desert Code. But Diamondrella has scored in last five grass sprints and should catch California Flag, who won two in a row at Santa Anita before fading to 10th last year; same scenario Saturday. Gotta Have Her is 3 for 3 at the distance at Santa Anita since March. Exotics box or first Pick 3 leg.

$2 Million Sprint, six furlongs: No running style has dominated, but there’s been only five wire-to-wire victories while nine turned for home in front. I’m bucking the trend with Zensantional, but adding closers Gayego and Capt. Candyman Can in exotics.

$2 Million Juvenile, 1 1/16 miles: Nineteen winners were among top three wagering choices. Endurance is key factor.  Morning line 8-5 favorite Looking At Lucky, bred to route, seeks fifth straight on synthetics and is my selection despite No. 13 post. Toss in longshots Pulsion and Eskendereya for exotics.

$2 Million (Turf) Mile: Only Lure in ’92 was in front at every call. My vote goes to closers Court Vision, ’08 third-place finisher Whatsthescript and Justenuffhumor giving defending champ Goldikova all she can handle with maybe all four in final Pick 3 leg.

$1 Million Dirt Mile: Frankly, I haven’t a clue. Best credentials belong to Irish-bred Mastercraftsman, who scored on synthetic surface across the Atlantic last out after taking six turf contests. Best American performers on California sythenics are ’08 Juvenile champ Midshipman, Neko Bay and Chocolate Candy. I’m leaning toward skipping this contest.

$3 Million Turf, 1 ½ miles: Fourteen invading British Isles-European horses have been victorious. Class and form often point to the winner. My exacta box: Irish-bred Conduit, ’08 winner; Spanish Moon, 3 of 4 at the distance in France, the UAE and England; and front-running Florida-bred Presious Passion, four-time winner in past eight grass routes.

$5 Million Classic, 1 ¼ miles: Only four horses triumphed from the inside three posts, including Ghostzapper in ’04, who became only the second wire-to-wire winner since Black Tie Affair in ’91. My trifecta key is unbeaten Zenyatta going for 14 straight and outstanding turf performer Gio Ponti on top, with Belmont champ Summer Bird and Pacific Classic winner Richard’s Kid underneath.

By Greg Melikov | Posted in football, news, online wagering, sports, sportsbook | Comments (0)

Horses to Watch

November 3, 2009 – 6:04 pm

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should improve significantly or do well next time out, won six times, ran second four times and finished third three times since Sept. 10. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your betting strategy.

AQUEDUCT

Kissa Melissa: Bloke slowly, raced seventh and last 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals at the quarter pole, rallied belatedly from third in stretch to make up 4 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on a sealed muddy surface Oct. 29; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

Saginaw: Sprinted clear on rail, led by two lengths after a half-mile, steadily increased margin to six lengths in stretch and cruised in hand to win by 11 ½ lengths at a mile on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 28.

CALDER

Ms. N. Tarsia: Broke poorly, raced 12th and last early, advanced to 11th more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied between rivals from fourth to make up more than three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 25.

Chinsegut Bay: Raced seventh early, dropped to eighth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, caught in traffic on far turn and upper stretch, rallied along rail to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Oct. 16.

Catreign: Bumped with third-place finisher at start, raced 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied along rail in stretch to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and ran second beaten three-quarters of a length at five furlongs on Oct. 1.

Paizano: Sprinted to a clear lead of five lengths after the first quarter mile, increased margin to seven lengths in stretch and drew off to win under wraps by 11 ¼ lengths at six furlongs in 1:11 3/5 on Sept. 17.

Qureall: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 6 ½ furlongs after three-eighths of a mile, steadied soon after entering turn, checked again when trapped behind rivals at the quarter pole, angled out for room in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and gained second by 3 ¼ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on Sept. 6. (Grabbed lead by a head after a quarter mile, increased margin to a length after a half-mile and drew off in stretch to win by 5 ¼ lengths under urging at seven furlongs on Sept. 18.)

Whatta Light: Raced more than four lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, swung out for the drive losing ground, rallied in stretch to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at five furlongs on Sept. 3.

CHARLES TOWN

Ready for Bear: Raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground and dropped to fifth in stretch, rallied to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 13 at Delaware Park.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Apple Charlotte: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, blocked and steadied in upper stretch, dropped to 11th, recovered quickly, closed like a rocket to make up more than 10 ¼ lengths and gained second by a nose at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 1.

DELAWARE PARK

Proud Moment: Encountered traffic early, raced seventh more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, fanned five wide into stretch, blocked a bit, altered course, rallied from fourth and closed fast to finish second beaten a length at six furlongs on Sept. 19. (Raced 5 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, advanced to third in stretch and closed fast to win by 4 ½ lengths at a mile and 70 years on Oct. 13.)

HAWTHORNE

Country Zip: Raced more than 12 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, angled in for stretch run, made up nearly three lengths and finished third beaten a neck and a length at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 22.

Jimmy Got Even: Broke slowly eighth and last, trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied five wide from fifth in stretch, made up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 11; ran final quarter in 24 1/5. (Raced sixth and last early, moved to fifth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, finished well making up nearly 3 ½ lengths and ran second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Oct. 24.)

Last Wompas: Pressed pace in third a head and a half-length behind after a half-mile, dueled late in stretch and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Sept. 3 at Arlington Park. (Unruly in gate, broke sixth and last, zipped to front right away, led by a head after a half-mile, increased margin to two lengths in stretch and won by three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Sept. 25 at Arlington Park.)

Crater Maker: Raced third early, dropped to fifth 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split horses on far turn, closed gap in stretch to make up four lengths and finished second by a length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Aug. 14 at Arlington Park. (Went right to the front, led by a length after a half-mile and prevailed by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Sept. 10 at Arlington Park.)

LAUREL PARK

Wohali: Raced fourth early, steadied in traffic, dropped to fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung wide in mid-stretch after losing ground, steadied in fourth on heels of winner, rallied to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Oct. 14.

High Hill: Raced seventh more than eight lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, angled five wide for the drive, closed willingly in stretch from fifth to make up 6 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at 5 ½ furlongs on a good surface Sept. 30.

Palace Wizard: Raced to the front right away, led by 1 ½ lengths after a half-mile, gave way grudgingly in stretch and held second by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/8 miles on Oct. 2. (Raced fourth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground to sixth after six furlongs, rallied to third in stretch, flattened out and retained the show by 5 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 17.)

MEADOWLANDS

Most Wanted Affair: Raced fifth and last more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied three wide to third in stretch, finished well outside making up nearly 3 ½ lengths and ran second beaten a head at a mile on Oct. 20.

Sweettalkinjerome: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth and last eight lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground after six furlongs, rallied three wide into stretch, made up nearly five lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on Oct. 13; ran final four furlongs in 48 2/5. (Bumped at break, tracked pace in fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, made a three wide move into stretch and rallied to finish second beaten a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on Oct. 29.)

Joaquin Memphis: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved to fourth going wide into stretch, made up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Oct. 1; ran final quarter in 24 seconds. (Raced seventh and last more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came wide into stretch to fifth, rallied mildly to finish third beaten a head for place at six furlongs on Oct. 12.)

OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

Living Our Dream: Raced 10 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, came three deep into stretch, made up nearly four lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on the turf Oct. 8; ran final four furlongs in 47 2/5.

Get Funky: Broke alertly from outside 10th post, raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, came wide losing a couple of lengths into the stretch, rallied to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at 6 ½ furlongs on the turf Sept. 30.

Stunningly: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came three deep into stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Aug. 8 at Del Mar. (Raced eighth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up 2 ¼ lengths and gained second by 2 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 16.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Cherokee Champion: Raced more than three lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch, split rivals, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 18.

Fortissi More: Raced more than five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, entered stretch three wide, exchanged bumps with winner and finished second beaten a nose at a mile and 70 yards on a good surface Oct. 12.

Minor Issues: Stalked pacesetters in fourth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied mildly in stretch and gained second by 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 10. (Pressed pace less than three-quarters of a length behind in third after a half-mile, moved to second three wide for the drive, but couldn’t catch winner and finished second by 1 ¾ lengths at a mile on Oct. 25.)

RETAMA PARK

Ladybug Too: Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eights of a mile, angled out six wide in mid-stretch, closed willingly to make up 2 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length for place at five furlongs on the turf Oct. 16. (Raced more than three lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, moved out in upper stretch and gained third by a length at six furlongs on Oct. 24.)

Calirose: Raced fifth more than six lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, moved outside from fifth in stretch, closed fast to make up 5 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at five furlongs on the turf Oct. 15,

Triofield: Raced nine lengths behind in 10th after a half-mile, saved ground for the drive, angled out in stretch, closed fast from ninth to make up more than 7 ½ lengths and finished fourth beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a neck at 7 ½ furlongs on Oct. 2.

Jeff Kentucky: Raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, eased out to pass rival approaching quarter pole, moved inside of third-place finisher in upper stretch, rallied from third to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and caught leader at wire to win by a head at a mile on Sept. 17. (Raced more then four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, angled out in mid-stretch and finished third beaten a length for second at a mile on Oct. 16.)

TURF PARADISE

Taint That a Cat: Raced fifth more than 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, angled five wide for the drive, made up nearly 3 ½ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 26.

Stressless: Raced seventh and last early, moved to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied outside to make up more than 2 ½ lengths in the stretch and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on Oct. 25.

WOODBINE
Honour Fulfilled: Raced 13th early, dropped to 14th and last more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, blocked in 12th by rival at top of the stretch, angled out at eighth pole, finished full of run making up more than two lengths and ran second nosed out at 6 ½ furlongs Oct. 21.

Lady’s First Cat: Raced 12 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up more than three lengths and gained third by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on Sept. 25. (Reared at start, raced four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied six wide in stretch and closed fast to win by a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on Oct. 18.)

Becky’s Kitten: Broke sharply, but raced ninth early, dropped to 10th and last more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out four wide on far turn, advanced to fifth in stretch, rallied between rivals to make up four lengths and gained second by a nose at a mile on the turf Sept. 19; ran final quarter in 24 seconds.

Beaujelais Nouveau: Chased pace in fifth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide on turn to third in stretch and finished second beaten a length at seven furlongs on Sept. 24. (Broke eighth and last, pressed pace in third less than three-quarters of a length behind after a half-mile, rallied to take lead in stretch and drew off to win by 2 ¾ lengths ridden out at seven furlongs on Oct. 31.)

By Greg Melikov | Posted in horses, news, online wagering, sports, sportsbook | Comments (0)

How Racing Surfaces Are Playing at Santa Anita

November 3, 2009 – 12:03 pm

The 2008 Breeders’ Cup saw no runner going wire to wire in any of the 14 races at Santa Anita Park on the Pro-Ride surface or the grass in sprints or routes.

Only Midshipman led after a half-mile after breaking slowly and went on the win the BC Juvenile at 1 1/16 miles by 1 ¼ lengths.

The son of Unbridled’s Song came the closest to bucking the trend last fall during the Oak Tree meeting when only 5 percent of the first 14 winners led all the way at the distance before the two-day event.

Midshipman, after missing the Triple Crown season this year because of an injury, goes in the Dirt Mile on Saturday, Nov. 7, against a formidable full field that will include Mastercraftsman, Cowboy Cal, Regal Ransom, Bullsbay, Chocolate Candy and Pyro, the only returnee hoping to improve his sixth-place finish.

Last year, 18 percent of 11 winners were in front at every call at a mile on the main track before the BC races.

Albertus Maximus on that same Saturday afternoon, Oct. 25, rallied from ninth more than six lengths after six furlongs, angled out five wide from fifth for the drive and scored by 1 ¼ lengths.

This year at a mile, 37 percent of 19 winners won on the front end with early speed performing best and inside the place to be, according to Brisnet.com. When it comes to 1 1/16 miles. 19 percent of 26 winners went wire to wire. Closers again did well while racing inside was preferred.

Stalking was the most successful running style at many races leading up to last year’s two-day event. This year it’s a bit mixed.

For example, last year from Sept. 24 to Oct. 11, only 12 percent of 32 winners led at every call of the six furlongs. The number jumped to 27 percent with inclusion of the next 11 races. Stalkers and breaking from mid-post positions were best.

Midnight Lute got off a bit slowly in the ’08 Sprint, stalked the pace fifth more than three lengths back after a half-mile of the six furlongs and ran down Fatal Bullet in the stretch to repeat by 1 ¾ lengths. Fatal Bullet is the only returnee.

In 47 races at the distance this year, 21 percent of winners were on the front end. Closers again did well while best posts were in the middle and outside.

Of last year’s four BC routes on the turf, the winner closest to the pace after six furlongs was Goldikova in the Mile. The filly was 1 ½ lengths and a head behind in third after six furlongs, dropped to fourth in the stretch, but gained the lead with a quick burst of speed to win by 1 ¼ lengths.

The only returning challenger to take on the defending champ is Whatsthescript, who trailed in the stretch before rallying from 11th to finish third 43 ¾ lengths behind.

For the 41 races on the grass in ’09, only 17 percent of winners went wire to wire.

Desert Code came roaring from more than 10 lengths behind in 11th after a half-mile to register a half-length victory in the Turf Sprint at 6 ½ furlongs.

Three sprinters that finished off the board are hoping to defeat the defending champ this year: Fleeting Spirit, fourth; Get Funky, ninth; and California Flag, 10th.

In 24 sprints on the grass during the current meeting, 25 percent of winners led at every call.

By Greg Melikov | Posted in horses, news, sports, sportsbook | Comments (0)

Why Rush Limbaugh Wasn’t Allowed To Join The NFL

October 28, 2009 – 1:14 pm

Can anyone rich enough to buy an NFL team simply go out and buy one? Don’t bet on it. You are what you eat, some nutritionists say. For players, team owners, the media, and perhaps for even the sports betting public, you may be what you say. Rush Limbaugh creates controversy with what he says. It’s his job. He has made a fortune and created a media empire saying outrageous things that infuriate liberals and empower conservatives. The art of being successful in radio is riling people up and getting them to call in. This builds an audience. When ESPN added Limbaugh to its Sunday morning pregame show, Sunday NFL Countdown, a two-hour marathon that often seemed to be almost as long for some sports bettors as the NBA season, the hope was that millions of his fans would blindly follow him to ESPN. Limbaugh didn’t disappoint viewers or his critics and he made big headlines. But they weren’t exactly the kind that ESPN wanted and Limbaugh was soon off the air. When Limbaugh announced recently that he would become one of the owners of an NFL team, one expert in the world of sports betting knew a long shot when he saw one.

Dick Wells, a sports analyst at youwager.com, one of the most respected sportsbooks in online gambling, explains: “It’s not about Republicans versus Democrats, racial prejudice, or even Limbaugh’s opinions. It’s about money. Follow the money and you’ll get the real story.” As Wells sees it, Rush would have only been a limited partner in the Rams organization, and supposedly would have had no say in the direction of the club, daily operations, or in any decisions regarding personnel or team members. When Dave Checketts, the sports businessman leading the group effort to purchase the National Football League franchise dumped the controversial conservative talk show host, his formal public statement wasn’t quite as clear. He said Limbaugh’s involvement in their group had become a “complication and a distraction.”

Criticism against Rush Limbaugh reached a high point with the ESPN remarks, and some of the other colorful things that Limbaugh has said over the years on his radio show finally added up to go way over the total, just days after Limbaugh disclosed his intent to buy a minority interest in the Rams. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had already responded with his own criticism of the infamous ESPN comments, after Limbaugh claimed on air that the media favored Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb because it wants a black quarterback to succeed. Here’s what Rush actually said: “McNabb is overrated … what we have here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback can do well—black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well.”

Rush didn’t say Donovan McNabb was a bad quarterback because he is black. He said that the media has mistakenly overrated McNabb because he is black.

It didn’t matter that there were sports writers who agreed with him. As soon as they heard about the Rams bid, some NFL players said they could never play for the man if he bought the team. Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts stated in interviews during the NFL owners meetings that he doubted Limbaugh would win approval from the required three-quarters of the league’s owners. “Over the last twenty years, officials on twenty-three of the thirty-two NFL clubs have donated more money to Republicans than Democrats,” says Wells at youwager.com. So why wasn’t a group with a majority of Republicans willing to wager on Rush, a powerful spokesperson for the party? “NFL owners still value business more than anything else,” according to Wells. “When they saw Rush Limbaugh trying to join their exclusive club, they were probably afraid he might be another Marge Schott, someone who could cause more trouble than he’s worth. Someone who could cost them big dollars in the end.” So there you have it. The Money. A First Fidelity company, youwager.com has been called the sportsbook that “pays like a bank” since it began several years ago. Apparently, a business that operates like a bank understands the true value of money.

By Joe Pienso | Posted in casino, football, online wagering, sports, sportsbook | Comments (0)

Breeders’ Cup Firsts in the Cards for 26th Renewal

October 28, 2009 – 1:10 pm

Breeders’ Cup officials, not to be outdone by President Obama, have decided this is the year of change for the 26th renewal of the World Thoroughbred Championships.

Early on two fan friendly changes were made. First, tickets to the BC races at San Anita Park during the Oak Park meeting were made available online for the first time.

Secondly, those hard-to-read purple saddlecloths were pulled in favor of the more sensible variety of colors used at North American tracks. Naturally, the purple saddlecloth with the traditional No. 10 remains. In addition, sponsors of specific races will still display their logos.

The switch was made, BC officials said, after consulting with a fan advisory council and bettors across the U.S. and Canada.

There’s also a new betting wrinkle involving the Pick 6. There will be another one on the first BC program. The $500,000 Marathon was shifted to Friday, Nov. 6, to lead off five consecutive contests for females while the Pick 6 ends with the $2 million Ladies’ Classic.

The Pick 6 on Saturday, Nov. 7, starts with the third of eight BC races, the $1 million Dirt Mile, and ends with the $5 million Classic.

“We believe that the schedule of six championships races on Friday and eight on Saturday will provide better balance to the program and greater betting opportunities for the fans,” said Kenneth Kirchner, president of FalKirk International and BC wagering consultant.

There are two possible firsts involving female runners committed to BC races.

“I’m going to run Lethal Heat in the Ladies’ Classic on Friday and down the hill on Saturday,” Barry Abrams told BloodHorse.com. “They do it in other countries.”

But no horse has attempted two races since the BC expanded to two days in 2006. Lethal Heat did race twice within seven days in early October, finishing second both times in routes at Santa Anita.

On Oct. 3, she ran against the boys in the $200,000 California Cup Classic, beaten 1 ½ lengths by Bold Chieftain at 1 1/8 miles. On Oct. 10, she was 1 ¼ lengths behind undefeated Zenyatta in the $300,000 Lady’s Secret at 1 1/16 miles.

The 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Unusual Heat, has a record of 6-2-5 in 16 starts, but hasn’t won on the grass in four outings since July in ’2008. She was third against the girls back in January at Santa Anita at the same distance as the $1 million Turf Sprint, about 6 ½ furlongs, against males on Nov. 7.

Abrams is counting on Zenyatta going in the Classic against the boys on that Saturday giving Lethal Heat a better chance of winning the Ladies Classic 24 hours earlier.

But the Zenyatta camp is keeping every one guessing about whether the 5-year-old will defend her Ladies Classic title or opt for the Classic on Nov. 7. The daughter of Street Cry would make history if triumphed in the big one. She’d become the first to take two different BC races.

Asked if Zenyatta could compete with males in the richest BC race after taking the Lady’s Secret, trainer John Shirreffs said, “I don’t think there’s any indication that she couldn’t. But there’s absolutely no reason to rush into that decision now.”

The decision will be made by Shirreffs along with Jerry and Ann Moss, who own Zenyatta, and Shirreffs’s wife, Dottie, racing manager for the Mosses. She likely will be pre-entered in both contests. Final entries are due on Nov. 3.

By Greg Melikov | Posted in horses, news, online wagering, sports, sportsbook | Comments (0)