Ultimate Selector's Horse Racing Blog!

at 11:51 PM

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For the $100.00 Challenge action on Saturday!

John Halvorsen is up next for a spirited battle!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/175482-best-damn-capper-challenge-john-halvorsen-vs-ultimate-selector-sat-11-1-08-a.html

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at 11:49 PM

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Ultimate Selector! Wins round #14 of the Challenge!

With Profits of (-) $12.40 after 25 plays!

My Record is 8-6 in 14 Challenges so far!

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at 8:16 PM

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Oct 30th, 08
On the strength of riding four winners at the Breeders' Cup World Championships, jockey Garrett Gomez led all North American riders with $3,910,878 in purse earnings for the week ended October 28.

Gomez also won his third Bill Shoemaker Award as outstanding jockey at the Breeders' Cup. He won the award in 2005 and 2007.

The 36-year-old jockey's four wins on Friday and Saturday increased his total number of Breeders' Cup victories to eight. He won two races on the '05 and '07 cards.

On October 24, Gomez piloted Ventura to a four-length romp in the Sentient Flight Group Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

One day later, Gomez took the TVG Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile with Albertus Maximus, the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile (GI) aboard Midshipman, and the Sentient Flight Group Breeders' Cup Sprint (GI) with Midnight Lute.

Gomez also finished third with Whatsthescript (Ire) in the Breeders' Cup Mile (GI).

Last weekend's Breeders' Cup performances continues Gomez's remarkable comeback story. He entered rehab on October 29, 2003, and missed 21 months of racing because of personal issues, including substance abuse.

He currently leads all North American riders with $21,463,879 in purse earnings through Tuesday, nearly $7 million more than second-place Kent Desormeaux.

Born in Tucson, Arizona, Gomez resides in Duarte, California with his wife, Pam, and their four children.
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at 8:06 PM

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Jockeys' Leaderboard: Earnings

1. Garrett Gomez $21,687,734
2. Edgar Prado $15,842,450
3. Robby Albarado $15,817,450
4. Kent Desormeaux $14,576,853
5. Rafael Bejarano $14,179,666
6. John Velazquez $14,012,069
7. Alan Garcia $13,415,165
8. Ramon Dominguez $12,886,597
9. Javier Castellano $11,472,807
10. Eibar Coa $10,721,133

As of 10/27/08
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Jockeys' Leaderboard: Wins

1. Russell Baze 331
2. Ramon Dominguez 278
3. DeShawn L. Parker 277
4. Juan Acosta 270
5. Victor Lebron 247
6. Jose Lezcano 246
7. Seth Martinez 240
8. Eibar Coa 222
9. Rafael Bejarano 208
10.Eddie Castro 207

As of 10/27/08
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at 8:03 PM

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Alysheba, the 1988 Horse of the Year and champion older horse, was welcomed back to Kentucky on Friday by an enthusiastic crowd that gathered at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington to see the oldest living Kentucky Derby (G1) winner.

Kentucky-bred Alysheba was sent to the Horse Park as a gift to the American people from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah. After spending the first ten years of his stud career at William S. Farish’s Lane’s End in Versailles, Kentucky, Alysheba was purchased in February 2000 by Saudi Arabian Prince Miteb bin Abdullah and was sent to stand at the prince’s Janadriyah Stud Farm on the outskirts of the capital city of Riyadh.

Frank McGovern, Janadriyah’s general manager, attended the ceremony on Friday to turn the 24-year-old Alysheba over to John Nicholson, the Horse Park’s executive director. Prior to being shipped to the United States, Alysheba spent two months in quarantine at Nad al Sheba Quarantine Center in Dubai.

“His Majesty must indeed have a very big heart to be so concerned about the well being of Alysheba,” Nicholson said. “We are grateful that King Abdullah entrusted one of his favorite horses to the care of the Kentucky Horse Park as stewards of his gift to the people of the United States.

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at 7:57 PM

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Three Chimneys Farm announced their 2009 stud fees Oct. 31, and dual classic winner Big Brown will stand his first season for $65,000.

Robert N. Clay’s Three Chimneys Farm announced their 2009 stud fees Oct. 31, and the latest stallion to their line-up, Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Preakness (both gr. I) winner Big Brown, will command a fee of $65,000 for his first year at stud.

Big Brown, a son of Boundary, out of the Nureyev mare Mien, raced for IEAH Stable and Paul Pompa Jr. He is one of seven horses to win the Derby while undefeated. Smarty Jones, who also stands at Three Chimneys, and also won the Preaknsss, was unbeaten after his Derby score. Smarty Jones’ fee for 2009 is listed as “private.” He stood his first three seasons for $100,000.

Big Brown failed in his bid to become the 12th winner of the Triple Crown in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), but bounced back to win the Haskell Invitational Handicap (gr. I) at Monmouth Park in August, and won the Monmouth Stakes on turf. He was injured while preparing for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I). The 3-year-old was bred in Kentucky by Dr. Gary Knapp’s Monticule.

“Last year, he might have been a $75,000 to $80,000 first-year stallion, maybe even more than that,” said Three Chimneys president Case Clay. “It’s a reflection of the financial crisis going on around the world. The days of the $100,000 first-year stallion are gone…for now.
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at 12:00 AM

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For the $100.00 Challenge action on Friday!

In the irons is Pioneer for today!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/175187-best-damn-capper-challenge-pioneer-vs-ultimate-selector-fri-10-31-08-a.html

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at 11:58 PM

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SANTA ANITA OFFICIALS CLAIM THE MAIN TRACK WAS PLAGUED
THIS WINTER BY DRAINAGE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CUSHION TRACK SURFACE

bEN

by Larry Stewart

Santa Anita Park’s lawsuit against Cushion Track which alleged that the England-based company installed a faulty synthetic surface last year is proceeding on schedule, with the defendant facing a November 10 deadline to respond to charges.

“We won’t know what their real defense is until then,” said Frank DeMarco, general counsel for Los Angeles Turf Club Inc., which operates the racetrack.

DeMarco said on Thursday that Cushion Track’s initial response in August was to seek dismissal of the lawsuit on the grounds that Cushion Track was not under the jurisdiction of United States courts because it does minimal business in this country.

Los Angeles-based U.S. District Court Judge Florence-Marie Cooper denied the dismissal request on October 20, according to DeMarco.

Cushion Track, under the guidance of technical director Paul Harper, installed a synthetic track at Santa Anita in the summer of 2007 at a cost of nearly $11-million. Because of a drainage problem, Santa Anita lost an unprecedented 11 racing days during heavy rains in January and February, and only three of those lost days were made up.

Pro Ride, an Australian company owned by Ian Pearse, came in and made repairs, then completely overhauled the track during the summer. The new Pro Ride track got mostly favorable reviews during the recently concluded Oak Tree meeting, which included the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on October 24-25.

The lawsuit against Cushion Track names Harper and Philip Bond, an executive with parent company Equestrian Surfaces, as defendants. DeMarco said LATC is seeking a minimum of $8.4-million in damages, the cost of repairing what it claims was a faulty track.

Specific charges against Cushion Track include breach of contract, breach of warranties, and fraud. A claim of negligence by LATC was denied by Judge Cooper.

DeMarco said additional damages above and beyond the $8.4-million include revenue that was lost due the cancellation of race days.

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at 11:56 PM

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Live racing returns Oct. 31 at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course after the racing track was closed in September amid alleged surface issues.

The track, which traditionally races year-round, was closed Sept. 21 when work began on a project to put down a new racing surface. Horsemen at the time claimed the surface condition contributed to an increased number of catastrophic breakdowns, a charge track officials disputed, saying a planned renovation for 2009 was simply moved up in schedule.

The work was completed late last weekend and local training began on Oct. 27, the track reported in a news release. Nine races are scheduled for the Oct. 31 card, which has a first post-time of 6:45 p.m., EDT. Live racing is scheduled to run five nights a week, Tuesday through Sunday, for the remainder of the year, the release said.

Trainer Tim Ritchey, a perennial leader at Delaware Park, and conditioner of 2005 Preakness (gr. I) and Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Afleet Alex, will saddle 8-5 morning line favorite Bank of Dad in the $17,400 third race. The 3-year old gelding won for a $25,000 claiming tag on August 30 and drops to meet six $10,000 foes.

David Cora heads into the final two months of the 2008 campaign with 101 wins, 14 ahead of William Otero. Stephanie Beattie tops all trainers with 72 winners, two ahead of last year’s leader Murray Rojas.
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at 5:45 PM

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Ultimate Selector! Wins round #13 of the Challenge!

With Profits of + $23.30 after 25 plays!

My Record is 7-6 in 13 Challenges so far!

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at 2:55 PM

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For the $100.00 Challenge action on Thursday!

Hoss Fly is on deck & ready to Saddle Up!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/174926-best-damn-capper-challenge-hoss-fly-vs-ultimate-selector-thurs-10-30-08-a.html
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at 1:03 AM

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at 1:02 AM

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The Texas Racing Commission approved a request on Wednesday to move Sam Houston Race Park’s Thoroughbred dates to Retama Park as a result of damage that the Houston track suffered last month from Hurricane Ike.

Forty-three live dates that were previously scheduled to be run at Sam Houston will now be run at Retama in Selma, Texas. The remaining 12 dates scheduled for Sam Houston were canceled and will not be rescheduled.

“We are extremely disappointed that we had to cancel the Thoroughbred meet [at Sam Houston] this winter,” said Andrea Young, the track's chief operating officer. “However, we are proud of efforts made by the Texas Racing Commission, the horsemen, and our counterparts at Retama to preserve wintertime racing in Texas. We plan to support Retama in any way possible.”

The additional live dates will extend Retama’s current Thoroughbred meet through February 28, which will create 78 days of live racing at the track. The meet began on August 29.

Sam Houston’s meet was scheduled to be held over 65 days. Hurricane Ike’s strong winds and rainfall caused significant damage to the track’s grandstand, stables areas, and infield tote board.

Hurricane Ike slammed into the Texas coast on September 12 and forced Sam Houston to conclude the American Quarter Horse meet one week early and to suspend simulcasting operations for more than one week. Sam Houston will reopen for live racing on May 1, when the 16th American Quarter Horse meet begins.

“We look forward to returning to live racing in the spring,” Young said. “We will return even bigger and better.”

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at 12:56 AM

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Hollywood ADW Signal Limited; Purses Cut

Photo: Benoit

A stalemate between California horsemen and advance deposit wagering companies kept Hollywood Park's out-of-state signal unavailable on opening day of the track's fall season Oct. 29.

Hollywood Park, expecting a drop in handle due to the ADW dispute, immediately announced a 6.25% cut in overnight purses for its 40-day meet, effective Nov. 2. That's on top of an overnight purse slice of about 7% Hollywood made heading into the meet in anticipation of lower revenue due to an ailing economy.

“I am extremely disappointed that wagering on Hollywood Park races will not be available through account wagering outside California,” Jack Liebau, president of Hollywood Park, said in a statement. “This curtailment in account wagering will be economically harmful to everyone within the industry, and will be compounded by the tumultuous economic times in which we find ourselves."

During its broadcast of Hollywood Park's opening-day program, TVG -- the largest of the four account wagering companies licensed in the state -- made repeated announcements about the impasse. Commentators urged customers outside of California to contact the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the horsemen's representative, to protest the unavailability of interstate wagering via phone or Internet.

TVG, Youbet.com, XpressBet.com, and TwinSpires.com are all taking wagers on Hollywood Park races from California residents, but cannot accept bets from out-of-state customers until the issue is resolved. The horsemen and Hollywood Park had reached an agreement Oct. 10 for operation of the meet, including a new overnight and stakes purse schedule, but left the issue of host fees for interstate ADW open.

The TOC, which is part of the national Thoroughbred Horsemen's Group, wants a bigger share from the ADW companies for use of its interstate signal. Drew Couto, president of the TOC, said that so far, the ADWs have refused to negotiate in good faith. Couto said Hollywood Park overestimated the size of the purse cut needed as a result of the anticipated loss of revenue due to the dispute, which he put at 4.7%.

He also said TVG is "posturing" and "blaming others for its refusal to negotiate." He said TVG has used its potential sale as an excuse to avoid resolving the issue on its merits.

"We have spoken to TVG once in four months," Couto said. "TrackNet Media (representing XpressBet.com and TwinSpires.com), same thing, once in four months. If they believe that shows an intent to resolve this, they are sorely mistaken. We have made seven proposals to them, and we have not heard anything on any of them."

In a statement from TVG, company president David Nathanson said: “The TOC decision is bad for everyone involved in horse racing. Purses are being cut. Horsemen will lose money. Hollywood Park will lose revenue. Worst of all, this action hurts the fans when the industry needs them the most.”

Nathanson said TVG would be forced to cut back on its trackside programming while continuing to televise the races from the Inglewood track.

TVG was running an advertisement contending that if the contract TOC wants had been in effect for the spring/summer meet at Hollywood Park, it would have produced $500,000 less than what TVG paid under the existing agreement. "Horsemen, how is this in your best interest?" a narrator asks, then urges them to call Couto and the TOC to complain.

Couto was unimpressed. "If they want to lie to their patrons, then that's something they have to live with," he said.

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at 1:14 AM

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Frankie Dettori's trademark flying dismount after winning the Breeders' Cup Classic aboard Raven's Pass

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at 2:34 PM

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Back to the $100.00 Challenge action on Wednesday!

Howling Wolf is on deck & ready to swing away!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/174389-best-damn-capper-challenge-howling-wolf-vs-ultimate-selector-wed-10-29-08-a.html

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at 11:23 PM

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at 11:22 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimate Selector!

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Turf Paradise 8th Race ... #2 at 25-1 .. & .. #9 at 6-1
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Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #2 ... Pays ... $61.00 - 25.60

* My apologies & my bad on the Typo of the odds on the #2 on the original post! ...

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at 11:21 PM

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The racing schedule for Kentucky’s Thoroughbred racetracks will look familiar in 2009 with the possible exception of Ellis Park.

While Ellis Park requested and was approved for 48 days from July 4 through September 7, the Henderson, Kentucky track noted that it may have to race just four days a week during the meet. The move would require approval from horsemen.

Ellis owner Ron Geary explained that meets at Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park will overlap with Ellis for the first time. Both of those tracks have purses enhanced by expanded gaming and Geary fears that his track could come up short on horses.

“We don’t want to be running three-horse fields,” Geary said.

Geary said he will try to let the commission and horsemen know as early as possible about his final plans.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved racing dates for 2009 at its Monday meeting at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Lexington.

Churchill Downs is scheduled to race 52 days at its spring meet from April 25 through July 5. Both Ellis Park and Churchill Downs will offer racing on July 4 and 5.

Keeneland Race Course’s 15-day spring meet will run from April 3 through April 24 while its 17-day fall meet will begin on October 9 and end October 31.

Turfway Park’s winter/spring meet will start January 1 and continue through April 2. Its fall meet is scheduled for September 9 through October 8, and its holiday meet will run from November 29 through December 31. Turfway is scheduled to race 114 days.

Kentucky Downs will race six days from September 19 through September 29.

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at 11:19 PM

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Jockey Robby Albarado earned his first fall meet riding title and third overall (spring 2002 and 2004) with 22 wins. Albarado won three stakes during the fall - the Darley Alcibiades (GI) on Dream Empress, the Shadwell Turf Mile (GI) on Thorn Song and the Thoroughbred Club of America (GIII) on Indyanne - for a total of 41 Keeneland stakes wins. He ranks fourth amoung the track's all-time leading riders by stakes victories.
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at 11:16 PM

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An all-sources figure of $155,474,553 was wagered on the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park, which was the second year the event was conducted over a two-day period. Handle at last year’s event at Monmouth Park, which was the first to be run over two days, was $147,381,170.

Cup officials earlier said handle appeared a bit soft, primarily because of the national economy. Most racetracks have reported handle declines in the last six months.

Last year's two-day total handle on 11 races undoubtedly was impacted by poor weather at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. This year, it was a tad warm but sunny for both days and the card grew to 14 races for the first time.

The totals include a separate pool estimate of $5 million on wagering from Hong Kong, France, United Kingdom, Mexico, and Australia, and is based on results of previous years.

Total on-track full-card handle was $18,685,080, with $6,852,096 wagered on Friday and $11,832,984 on Saturday.

Friday’s attendance was 31,257 and Saturday’s was 51,331, combining for a total of 82,588.

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at 11:14 PM

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Photo: Reed Palmer

Reigning Horse of the Year Curlin returned to Churchill Downs Oct. 27 following a flight from southern California and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Oak Tree at Santa Anita.

Racing’s all-time earnings leader returned to the track around 5 p.m., EDT, and was led off a van by assistant trainer Scott Blasi as trainer Steve Asmussen looked on. The chestnut colt finished fourth Oct. 25 to Raven’s Pass in $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface.

Asmussen said Curlin came out of his setback in good shape, but immediate plans for his future have not been set. He said no decision has been made on whether Curlin’s unsuccessful bid to repeat last year’s Classic victory at Monmouth Park would be the last race of the colt’s stellar career.

“Absolutely not,” said Asmussen. “The only thing that has been discussed was his travel arrangements back here to Kentucky. We made it back, we’ll relate where he’s at now, walk him, pet on him a little while, give him a little lovin’, and leave it at that.”

Majority owner Jess Jackson of Stonestreet Stables could decide to send Curlin on to a new career as a stallion or continue with his career on the track. Asmussen is ready for the colt’s future to proceed with either decision.

“I have nothing but admiration for the horse,” he said. “You hate to see him get beat in any way, shape or form. Mr. Jackson’s quite the sportsman. He left a lot of money on the table to bring him back (to race in 2008) and he tried different things with him, like the turf in New York and the synthetic track there (at Santa Anita). The fans wanted to see him run and Mr. Jackson allowed that to happen.”

While decisions are being made on Curlin’s future, the colt will get to enjoy some relaxing days in Asmussen’s barn at Churchill Downs.

“Right now he’s going to walk from this trip,” he said. “We’ll discuss what’s going to happen. We could possibly put him under tack in the shed. We’ll just keep him happy.”

Curlin earned $255,000 for his fourth place finish in the Classic, which lifted his North American record for career earnings to $10,501,800. His career racing record stands at 11-2-2 in 16 races
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at 11:17 PM

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at 11:17 PM

at 6:43 PM

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Ultimate Selector! Wins round #11 of the Challenge!

With Profits of + $0.00 (Even) after 25 plays!

My Record is 6-5 in 11 Challenges so far!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/173762-best-damn-capper-challenge-bbyhill-vs-ultimate-selector-sun-10-26-08-a.html

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at 10:04 PM

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Final Re-Cap for all my Breeders Cup Race Selections!

Races Played = 14

Wins = 5_______36%

Place = 6_______43%

Show = 9_______64%

Overall Win Profits are UP! + $25.20 ... (per $2.00)

Overall Place Profits are Down (-) $5.80 ... (per $2.00)

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 9:59 PM

Conduit closes with a rush to win Turf - WITH VIDEO

Midnight Lute defends Sprint title - WITH VIDEO

Donativum wins Juvenile Turf thriller - WITH VIDEO

Private purchases dominate Juvenile - WITH VIDEO

Goldikova powers home in Mile - WITH VIDEO

Albertus Maximus takes Dirt Mile - WITH VIDEO

Desert Code upsets Turf Sprint - WITH VIDEO

Muhannak scores upset in Marathon - WITH VIDEO

Unbeaten Zenyatta wins Ladies’ Classic - WITH VIDEO

Kentucky-bred fillies sweep Ladies Day

Wide rallies a winning pattern on Cup Friday

Attendance up from '07 on Breeders’ Cup Friday

Forever Together rallies in F&M Turf - WITH VIDEO

Stardom Bound scores in Juv. Fillies - WITH VIDEO

Ventura decimates F&M Sprint field - WITH VIDEO

Maram fulfills destiny in Juv. Fillies Turf - WITH VIDEO

at 9:57 PM

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GARRETT GOMEZ

Jeff Coady/Coady Photography

Jockey Garrett Gomez was named the winner of the Bill Shoemaker Award as the outstanding jockey for the 2008 Breeders’ Cup World championships.

Gomez, who also won the award in 2005 and ’07, won four of the 14 races during the two-day Breeders’ Cup program.

Gomez kicked off the weekend with a four-length romp aboard Ventura on Friday in the Sentient Flight Group Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. He continued on Saturday with a three-win day, earning earning a clear triumph aboard Albertus Maximus in the TVG Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. He added a victory aboard Midshipman in the Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and capped the day with a win aboard Midnight Lute in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1).

“I enjoyed all of them,” Gomez said. “Any time you end up in the winner's circle and especially on a day like today, it just gives you an amazing feeling. You know, I was glad to win one, and I was wanting to win more coming into today. When I got my first one today, I thought, ‘Here we go, maybe we'll get lucky and get another one.’ Then another one rolled over, and I ended up winning another one. And it was like, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ “

Gomez became the first rider in the 25-year history of the Breeders’ Cup to ride more than two winners. He now has eight career wins in the event, tied for fifth with Racing Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens.

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at 9:57 PM

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Keeneland Race Course concluded its 17-day fall meeting on Saturday with handle declines compared with last year but posted near-record on-track attendance.

The total on-track attendance of 239,117 is the second-highest fall meet figure in Keeneland history, trailing only the 239,296 set last year. The average daily attendance of 14,065 was nearly identical to last year’s 14,076 average.

A fall meet Friday record crowd of 22,052 watched and wagered on the races on college scholarship day on October 10. The meet’s single-day high attendance of 24,241 was set on October 18.

“We are thrilled with all the positives to come out of the fall meet, especially considering it was conducted during one of the toughest economic periods in U.S. history,” said Keeneland President Nick Nicholson. “We enjoyed a month of unusually mild weather, strong on-track attendance, the best trainers and jockeys in the world, and some very rewarding special events, such as Make-A-Wish day and military and family day. We absolutely have the best fans in the world, and their energy is what makes Keeneland so special.”

On-track wagering on live racing totaled $19,065,818, an 8.3% decline from last year’s total of $20,790,718. All-sources handle on Keeneland, which included on- and off-track wagers, was $109,487,996, a 17.8% decrease from $133,210,885 in 2007.

The average daily all-sources handle on Keeneland was $6,440,470 compared with $7,835,934 last year.

The race for leading trainer went down to the final day of the meet. Mike Maker finished with nine wins to clinch his first Keeneland training title. Ken McPeek finished second with eight wins.

Jockey Robby Albarado had 22 wins to earn his first Keeneland fall meet riding title. Albarado previously won spring meet riding titles in 2002 and ’04.

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at 7:16 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Golden Gate 8th Race ... #2 at 9-1 .. & .. #4 at 7-2

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Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #2 ... Pays ... $23.40 - 11.80

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at 1:22 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Breeders Cup! - Marathon!

Santa Anita 1st Race ... #5 at 11-1 .. & .. #4 at 6-5

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Here it comes ...

Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #5 ... Pays ... $26.80 - 10.80

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 11:41 PM

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Free Past Performances! Here ya go! & Best of Luck!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/173685-pp-breeders-cup.html

Breeders Cup races only!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/173287-live-breeders-cup-selections-fri-sat-10-23-24-08-a.html#post1626732

All races!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/173839-live-selections-sat-10-25-08-a.html?posted=1#post1633988

Ultimate Selector!

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at 11:38 PM

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All Times are eastern standard times!

Oct 25 ABC - 1:10 pm - Breeders' Cup Marathon
Oct 25 ABC - 1:50 pm - Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
Oct 25 ABC - 2:30 pm - Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile
Oct 25 ABC - 3:15 pm - Breeders' Cup Mile Grade I
Oct 25 ESPN - 3:55 pm - Breeders'Cup Juvenile Grade I
Oct 25 ESPN - 4:35 pm - Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
Oct 25 ESPN - 5:15 pm - Breeders'Cup Sprint Grade I
Oct 25 ESPN - 6:00 pm - Breeders'Cup Turf Grade I
Oct 25 ESPN - 6:45 pm - Breeders' Cup Classic Grade I
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at 11:35 PM

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ZENYATTA

Photo by Z/Matt Barton

by Ed DeRosa

Zenyatta punctuated both an undefeated season and the first-ever Ladies' Day championship program with an emphatic 1 1/2-length victory in the $1,832,000 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) on Friday at the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita Park.

Jerry and Ann Moss’s four-year-old Street Cry (Ire) filly swept wide around the far turn and had no problem disposing of seven opponents in the $2-million race. Cocoa Beach (Chi) rallied from the inside to be second with her Godolphin Stable stablemate Music Note another 1 1/2 lengths back in third.

The win was Zenyatta’s ninth in as many starts. Despite her 1-to-2 odds, trainer John Shirreffs said he only expressed confidence in her victory when the race went official.

“When she hits that next gear, she’s just something else,” Shirreffs said of Zenyatta’s move around the far turn. “That was Zenyatta’s race. I didn’t count on victory until she crossed the wire, though.”

Longshot Bear Now set the pace in the 1 1/8-mile race through fractions of :23.71, :48.08, and 1:11.08 before yielding to the Godolphin horses. Zenyatta, with Racing Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith aboard, quickly pounced on them turning for home and surged past under a hand ride to prevail in 1:46.85 on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface.

“I was second best today, it’s as simple as that,” jockey Ramon Dominguez said after Cocoa Beach failed to keep pace with Zenyatta in the lane. “Zenyatta’s a special filly.”

Music Note's jockey Javier Castellano agreed and said that his filly ran well but was no match for Zenyatta in the stretch.

Depending on what reigning Horse of the Year Curlin does in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Saturday, Zenyatta could receive some consideration for the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year with champion older female honors all but wrapped up.

“I think it's not in our hands, to tell you the truth. Obviously, we've been reading about the possibility,” Jerry Moss said of Horse of the Year speculation. “Look, we're just thrilled that she's won this race, and she seems to be at the top of her division rather firmly. I mean, to have, if I may say it, a champion, is a pretty ultimate thrill for us.”

Bred in Kentucky by Maverick Production Ltd., Zenyatta improved to nine wins in as many starts and boosted her earnings to $2,144,580. A half sister tio multiple Grade 1 winner Balance, she is out of the winning Kris S. mare Vertigineux.

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at 7:57 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Retama 3rd Race ... #10 at 11-1 .. & .. #4 at 5-2

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Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #10 ... Pays ... $24.40 - 7.20

Ran 3rd on the #4 ...
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at 4:50 PM

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Booo Yaaa!!!
Winner! on the #8 ... Pays ... $23.10 - 8.50

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at 2:59 PM

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Best of Luck!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/173608-live-selections-fri-10-24-08-a.html

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at 12:28 PM

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Here ya go! & Best of Luck!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/173685-pp-breeders-cup.html

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at 11:57 PM

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This year I will again be posting my free "Live" selections at Eye on Gambling (E.O.G) in the horse forum. Please feel free to drop by & say hello or just play any of my plays you like to!
I will post some words of wisdom to help you out in this fast paced "Live Play" action.

Here's the link & Best of Luck to you all on these exciting 2 days of Racing!

Ultimate Selector!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/173287-live-breeders-cup-selections-fri-sat-10-23-24-08-a.html#post1626732

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at 11:54 PM

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CURLIN

Adam Coglianese/NYRA photo

by Jeff Lowe

The stage is set for the richest two days in racing history after 159 horses received entry on Tuesday for the expanded Breeders’ Cup World Championships program on Friday and Saturday at Santa Anita Park.

Fittingly, the all-time North American-raced earner, Curlin, will be at the center of the fray as the 7-to-5 favorite on the morning line for the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), which will cap 14 races worth a total of $25.5-million.

Curlin’s presence exemplifies the ‘X’ factor for Santa Anita’s new synthetic Pro-Ride surface, which will be showcased in the eight Breeders’ Cup races on the main track.

The Smart Strike colt has trained at Santa Anita for nearly a month, but trainer Steve Asmussen still considers the surface a huge question mark as Curlin seeks to join Tiznow as the only two-time Classic winner.

“The percentage of horses that do their best on synthetic I think is questionable, and that’s what we’re waiting to see,” Asmussen said on Tuesday.

Asmussen said he had a similar question in his mind prior to Curlin’s turf trial in the Man o’ War Stakes (G1) on July 12, which resulted in his lone defeat since last August.

“[It is] a similar feeling,” Asmussen said. “Identical, no; similar, yes. … We’re talking about Curlin because of his accomplishments on the dirt, so of course that is where all the questions come from.”

Curlin drew post position nine in a field of 12 for the Classic, which has an even more confounding makeup with five-time Group 1 winner Duke of Marmalade (Ire), English and Irish classic winner Henrythenavigator, and Group 1 winner Raven’s Pass all switching from the turf for their North American debuts.

The pace scenario also is a potential hurdle for Curlin following the defections of two of the speedier candidates, Grade 1 winners Mast Track and Well Armed, to the TVG Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

“Absolutely,” Asmussen said of a concern over a lack of pace. “You start concerning yourself with everything from this point on. Like we say, we worry about what we can control. Curlin is in capable hands with [jockey Robby Albarado]. He knows him best from that position.”

Undefeated Grade 1 winner Zenyatta is the shortest-price on the morning line for any of the Breeders’ Cup races at 3-to-5 for the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1), the marquee event of the first Ladies’ Day card on Friday.

Zenyatta will bid for her eighth straight victory in a deep field of eight that includes Ginger Punch and Hystericalady, who finished first and second in a tight finish last year when the race was called the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

“This is a very high-quality field and it’s going to be a great race,” said John Shirreffs, the trainer of Zenyatta for owners Jerry and Ann Moss. “All these races against Grade 1 horses are never easy.

“I’ve had a lot of nice horses and some really nice fillies,” Shirreffs continued. “Usually a horse has something of an Achilles heel, something that may bother them. With Zenyatta, she never has those kind of things. She does everything so well. … How could you not be excited? This filly is 3-to-5, undefeated, all the media wants to know about her, talk about her. It’s just so exciting to be around a horse going into a race like this.”

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at 6:34 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimate Selector!

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Hawthorne 9th Race ... #11 at 13-1 .. & .. #1 at 8-1
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Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #1 ... Pays ... $21.20 - 9.60
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at 5:33 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimate Selector!

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Belmont 9th Race ... #3 at 15-1
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Booo Yaaa!!! & Yahtzee!!!

Winner! ... Pays ... $34.00 - 15.00

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 11:12 PM

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http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/images/pdfs/2008-BC-pre-entries.pdf

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at 11:11 PM

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Here is the Breeders Cup Television Schedule.
All times listed are Eastern Time.

Oct 24 ESPN2 - 3:35 pm - Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
Oct 24 ESPN2 - 4:15 pm - Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
Oct 24 ESPN2 - 4:55 pm - Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies G1
Oct 24 ESPN2 - 5:35 pm Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf G1
Oct 24 ESPN2 - 6:15 pm - Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic G1

Oct 25 ABC - 1:10 pm - Breeders' Cup Marathon
Oct 25 ABC - 1:50 pm - Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
Oct 25 ABC - 2:30 pm - Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile
Oct 25 ABC - 3:15 pm - Breeders' Cup Mile Grade I
Oct 25 ESPN - 3:55 pm - Breeders'Cup Juvenile Grade I
Oct 25 ESPN - 4:35 pm - Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
Oct 25 ESPN - 5:15 pm - Breeders'Cup Sprint Grade I
Oct 25 ESPN - 6:00 pm - Breeders'Cup Turf Grade I
Oct 25 ESPN - 6:45 pm - Breeders' Cup Classic Grade I
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at 8:41 PM

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at 8:38 PM

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at 6:21 PM

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Today I take on Brewers in 7! ...

My record is 5-4 going into the 10th round of the Challenge!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/172303-best-damn-capper-challenge-brewers-7-vs-ultimate-selector-wed-10-22-08-a.html#post1621076
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at 5:20 PM

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Sam Houston Race Park will cancel the 2008/2009 Thoroughbred meet due to damages sustained by the facility as a result of Hurricane Ike. The storm's high winds and rainfall caused significant damage throughout the property including the facility's grandstands, stable area and the large infield tote board.
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at 5:17 PM

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CURLIN

Photo by Z

by Jeff Lowe

Monday is generally workout day for the top horses in trainer Steve Asmussen’s barn, and there was no deviation five days out from the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) as Asmussen sent out Curlin and Student Council for their final serious preparations for North America’s richest race.

Curlin breezed four furlongs in :49.60 in his third workout on Santa Anita Park’s synthetic Pro-Ride surface. The Smart Strike colt was back to his normal routine after breezing in between races at Santa Anita on October 13.

Asmussen is methodically trying to cover all the bases in preparing Curlin for an attempt at a repeat win in the Classic with the added twist of a surface change.

“I’m just gathering all the information I can,” Asmussen said several times on Monday morning.

Asmussen’s devotion to detail is nothing new, but the stakes are especially high as Curlin gets a chance to add to his sparkling resume by joining Tiznow as the only two-time Classic winner.

“That’s the task at hand and that’s what we’re here for,” Asmussen said. “The huge variable is to do it on a different surface.”

Asmussen, assistant trainer Scott Blasi, and exercise rider Carlos Rosas have all been encouraged with what they have seen so far, particularly in Curlin’s level of comfort since he arrived at Santa Anita on September 28.

Curlin was the first three-year-old since Tiznow to win the Classic, and Asmussen feels he has matured physically and in his approach to racing during the last year.

“[He has] a lot better understanding of what the game is,” Asmussen said. “Last year, he was very raw but tremendously talented. It looked like [jockey Robby Albarado] was doing a lot of guiding, a lot of navigation for him. This year, he seems to understand the races a lot better. … He’s just matured from somewhat of a gangly teenager to a full-blown professional.”

The Classic will be Student Council’s first start in 62 days since a fifth-place finish in the Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) on August 24 and his last race before he retires to owner Ro Parra’s Millennium Farms in Lexington for the 2009 breeding season.

The six-year-old Kingmambo horse won last year’s Pacific Classic on the synthetic Polytrack surface at Del Mar, and he scored his lone victory this year in the Pimlico Special Handicap (G1) on the dirt at Pimlico Race Course.

Asmussen said Student Council was “more than a handful” in breezing four furlongs in :48 on Monday.

“He seems extremely sharp coming off a 60-day layoff,” Asmussen said. “He’s sharpened up tremendously and has been very strong. I feel like he’s sitting on a huge race. He looks great and has been going over the ground very well. He does have a Grade 1 win on a synthetic track to fall back on, so you’re sure he’s going to perform at his best.”

On Tuesday, Asmussen confirmed that Pyro will start in the TVG Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile instead of the Classic.

Pyro finished second from post 12 as the favorite in the Indiana Derby (G2) on October 4 at Hoosier Park. The Pulpit colt finished tenth as the even-money favorite in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) in his only previous start on a synthetic surface. He breezed four furlongs in :51.20 on Monday.

“The synthetic surface is a huge question mark with him because, of his disappointing Blue Grass," Asmussen said.."But, one thing we found with the synthetics is that Polytrack isn't Pro-Ride and we'll go from there.”

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at 3:01 PM

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at 2:57 PM

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Sandy Hawley after winning the Living Legends race aboard Tribal Chief.
Photo: Benoit

Sandy Hawley may have won the Living Legends race on Tribal Chief against seven fellow Hall of Fame former riders, but nobody had more fun than Julie Krone and Chris McCarron.

“I want to do this again,” Krone said shortly after finishing fifth on Major Smoke.

McCarron said the Living Legends race re-ignited his passion for riding the way competing in other celebrity races never has.

“That was such a blast,” said McCarron. His mount, Waafi, bled and finished next to last, but that didn’t bother McCarron. “I beat (Angel) Cordero. That was my only goal.”

Fans lined up earlier in the day to get autographs from the eight riders—Hawley, Krone, McCarron, Cordero, Jerry Bailey, Gary Stevens, Pat Day, and Jacinto Vasquez—and the three Hall of Fame ambassadors—Laffit Pincay Jr., Eddie Delahoussaye, and Jorge Velasquez. The day even brought out racing’s newest Hall of Fame jockey member, as Milo Valenzuela joined the others in the winner’s circle.

“I love the fans here,” said Hawley, who rode in Southern California for 20 years. “Even when you lose, they never get very upset with you. It’s great to be back.”

The eight jockeys competed in a seven-furlong allowance/optional claiming race for California-breds. Bailey and Dee Dee’s Legacy were the morning-line favorites, but by post time, Hawley and Tribal Chief were the 3-1 choice.

Hawley got a noisy ovation from fellow Canadians in the walking ring.

“We have about 10 people with us here,” Hawley said, “and there are several Canadians in town with Breeders’ Cup horses.”

McCarron, Stevens, and Krone, none long gone from the California jockey ranks, received boisterous ovations from fans lining the walking ring.

Tribal Chief is a front-runner for trainer John Sadler, and Hawley rode to instructions, putting the 4-year-old gelding on the lead when the gate opened. Bailey closed some ground around the turn and into the stretch, but then Hawley opened up, winning by 6 1/2 lengths in 1:21.03

David and Herb Alpert own Tribal Chief. David and his wife, Merryl, were in the winner’s circle to receive the trophy.

“This is our Kentucky Derby,” Merryl Alpert said.

“This means a lot to us,” added David Alpert, “because Sandy Hawley back in 1977 won three races in a row for us on Hello Hostess, in April, May, and June. Noble Threewitt was our trainer.”

The win went onto Hawley’s permanent record, moving him from 6,449 victories to 6,450.

“I always hoped to get to ’50, but I never thought I’d do it,” said Hawley.

Though the riders ranged in age from Cordero’s 65 to Krone and Stevens’ 45, once the jockeys donned silks again, in many cases it looked as if they had never been away.

After the jockeys brought their mounts back to be unsaddled, McCarron feigned exhaustion.

“I need water,” he yelped, pretending to be rubber-legged. In fact, he has been staying in shape getting on horses in Kentucky, where he runs a school for prospective jockeys.

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at 2:55 PM

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My Pal Charlie won the Super Derby, one of the highlights of the 2008 Louisiana Downs meet.
Photo: Lou Hodges, Jr.

Bucking the national trend, Louisiana Downs posted gains at the close of the 2008 meet. According to a release from the track, the race meet posted increases in handle of 6% on-track, 2% off-track and 2.5% overall.

Fueled by an increase in field size, solid growth in on-track wagering, marketing partnerships with wagering providers, and a near-record Super Derby card, Louisiana Downs posted numbers in the black across the board.

The racing product featured some of the largest fields in the country. The average horse-per-race grew this year to 9.3 from 8.8 last year. Since 2004, field size at Louisiana Downs has grown steadily.

"Our racing signal is growing nationally because of consistently large fields and the value it offers to handicappers," said Mark Midland, vice president of racing operations. "We appreciate the response of the horsemen to our racing program."

Interest in the Louisiana Downs product was strong locally as well.

"Our fans were excited about Louisiana Downs racing and responded accordingly," said Midland. "We saw increases in attendance and handle on our Super Saturday cards, the big national days of racing and Super Derby Day."

Now in the third year of a marketing partnership, Youbet.com posted increases on Louisiana Downs racing once again. The online provider doubled their handle on Louisiana Downs from 2005 to 2007, and grew by another 10% in 2008. Louisiana Downs also reached an agreement with TVG network in late July, and the racing network's average handle jumped by 105% each day.

The meet highlight was My Pal Charlie scoring a definitive win in the Super Derby over the talented Macho Again and Forest Command. The Al Stall-trainee will start next in the $1-million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita Oct. 25.

The Super Derby day handle of $7,139,542 was the second highest of all time in the 35-year history of Louisiana Downs.

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at 12:33 AM

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Today I take on Triple Threat! ...

My record is 5-3 going into the 9th round of the Challenge!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/171653-best-damn-capper-challenge-triple-threat-vs-ultimate-selector-sun-10-19-08-a.html

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at 12:30 AM

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Ultimate Selector! Loses round #8 of the Challenge by $0.20!

Flamingo Kid Wins in a Photo finish by a slim nose!

Record is 5-3 in 6 Challenges so far!
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at 7:52 PM

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Here is the thread for all the contest rules!

Best of Luck!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/171946-announcing-bet-jamaica-1-200-breeders-cup-contest-eog-friday-10-24-saturday-10-25-a.html?posted=1#post1610265
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at 12:15 PM

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Today I take on Flamingo Kid! ...

My record is 5-2 going into the 8th round of the Challenge!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/171431-best-damn-capper-challenge-flamingo-kid-vs-ultimate-selector-sat-10-18-08-a.html

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at 6:50 PM

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I just want to let you all know this week I will be doing some tributes of some Breeders Cup Classic races & horses from the past! The first one I have done is Cigar in a few videos below.
I will try to do what I can in between my day long challenges of the Ultimate Selector! $100.00 Challenge contest. If anyone has a request of a Breeders Cup race please feel free to let me know & I will try to hunt it down.
Also we are having a $1,200 give away contest at E.O.G. on the Breeders Cup!
I will give you more of the details as I get them. You may visit or even register at E.O.G. to post in the Horse forum as well. We have alot of fun & look forward to new posters joining in on the fun. Yes, please use me (U.S.) as your referrer when you sign up! I will post the forum link here for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask me or contact me at anytime!
My e-mail is in my Profile but I will go ahead & also post it here for all.

donjuan1652000@yahoo.com

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/

Regards,
Ultimate Selector!
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at 6:25 PM

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Two-time Eclipse Award winner John Velazquez rebounded from a frightening spill on October 3 to win a pair of graded stakes races and lead all North American riders by purse earnings with $459,749 for the week ended October 14.

In his first day back riding competitively after spending October 3 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Velazquez guided Alwajeeha to victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (GI) on October 11 at Keeneland Race Course.

One day later, he won the Bryan Station Stakes (GIII) aboard Cowboy Cal at Keeneland.

"I'm very blessed that nothing really serious happened to me," Velazquez said. "Thanks to Keeneland and everybody at the hospital, they treated me very well and they really took good care of me."

Velazquez's mount, Tap Dancing, fell over another horse during the seventh race on opening day at Keeneland on October 3. He was released from the hospital the following day, but did not return to action until October 11.

Velazquez, 36, won his 4,000th career race on September 28. Velazquez's mounts this year have amassed $11,875,895 in purse earnings, which ranks sixth among all North American-based jockeys through Tuesday.

He won four consecutive New York riding titles from 2001 through '04 and was honored by the New York Turf Writers Association with the Eddie Arcaro Award as outstanding jockey in 2001, '02, '03, and '05.

Velazquez has won 357 graded stakes victories among 4,010 career wins through Tuesday. He has seven grade I wins this year, two of which came aboard Indian Blessing.

Origianlly from Puerto Rico, Velazquez lives in West Hempstead, New York, with his wife, Leona, and their two children.
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at 6:15 PM

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Some of Cigar's Greatest Moments!

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Cigar wins the 1995 Breeders' Cup Classic at Belmont Park.
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1996 Woodward Stakes - Cigar's final career victory.
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at 4:50 PM

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Ultimate Selector! Wins round #7 of the Challenge!

With Profits of + $31.10 after 25 plays!

My Record is 5-2 in 7 Challenges so far!

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at 4:24 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Pick #25

Laurel 7th Race ... #1 at 8-1

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WoW what a move in deep stretch to get up & Win!

We end the day just like we started it with a ...

Winner! ... Pays ... $20.00 - 7.60

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 3:56 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Pick #20

Louisiana 3rd Race ... #5 at 9-1

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Booo Yaaa!!!

Wire to Wire Winner! ... Pays ... $23.60 - 12.00

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at 2:40 AM

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at 2:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimate Selector!

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Charles Town 5th Race ... #6 at 9-1 .. & .. #5 at 2-1
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Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #6 ... Pays ... $25.60 - 8.00

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 2:36 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimate Selector!

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Meadowlands 7th Race ... #4 at 11-1 .. & .. #2 at 10-1
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Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #2 ... Pays ... $22.60 - 8.00
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at 2:34 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimate Selector!

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Retama 4th Race ... #6 at 6-1 .. & .. #3 at 9-1
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Whooo Hoooo!!!

Winner! as it came 3-6 ... Pays ... $19.40 - 8.20

The #6 .. Paid .. $6.60
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at 7:23 PM

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My record is 4-2 going into the 7th round of the Challenge!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/171205-best-damn-capper-challenge-kz-bolt-vs-ultimate-selector-fri-10-17-08-a.html
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at 7:18 PM

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In what promises to be a unique edition of the Breeders’ Cup, a total of 210 pre-entries were announced Oct. 16, with 180 horses pre-entered for the 14 races, to be run at Santa Anita on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24-25.

After an expansion of the Breeders’ Cup program from eight races to 11 in 2007, another three races were added for 2008, raising the total purses to $25.5 million. On opening day, all five Breeders’ Cup races will be strictly for females, culminating with the $2-million Ladies Classic (gr. I), formerly the Distaff.

The marquee name on Friday will be the undefeated Zenyatta, who could be odds-on in the Ladies Classic. Saturday’s headliner will be the reigning Horse of the Year, Curlin, who will be attempting to join Tiznow as the only two-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I). The Breeders’ Cup will be run for the first time this year on a synthetic surface (Pro-Ride). While Curlin has won on fast dirt tracks and sloppy tracks, and run well on turf, he has never run on a synthetic surface. He did, however, turn in a powerful work at Santa Anita Oct. 13 between the fourth and fifth races.

This year’s Breeders’ Cup also features a record seven former Breeders’ Cup winners. Last year’s winners looking to make it back-to-back victories are Curlin, Midnight Lute (Sprint), Kip Deville (Mile), Indian Blessing (Juvenile Fillies), and Ginger Punch (Distaff). Better Talk Now (2004 Turf) and Red Rocks (2006 Turf) are also back.

Because of the number of races, a total of 30 horses pre-entered in more than one race. Of the 14 races, seven were oversubscribed, with 21 pre-entered in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, and 19 in the Filly & Mare Sprint, the Juvenile Turf, and the new Turf Sprint.

The Breeders’ Cup received its first bit of good news on the night of Oct. 15 when the Los Angeles Dodgers were eliminated from the playoff race, preventing an unfortunate conflict with the Word Series.
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at 7:16 PM

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EDGAR PRADO

Photo by Z, courtesy of Keeneland

by Jeff Lowe

Jockey Edgar Prado has picked up the mount on Travers Stakes Presented by Shadwell Farm (G1) winner Colonel John for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), trainer Eoin Harty said on Wednesday.

Prado replaces Garrett Gomez, who already had committed to ride Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) winner Go Between in the Classic.

Gomez guided Colonel John to victories in the Sham Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park in March and in the Travers by a nose over Mambo in Seattle on August 23 at Saratoga Race Course.

Harty and Colonel John’s owner-breeder, WinStar Farm, opted to bypass another start after the Travers in order to have him fresh for the Classic.

The Tiznow colt worked six furlongs in 1:11.40 handily on Tuesday at Santa Anita.

“I think he’s in top shape,” Harty said. “He had a good workout yesterday; it wasn’t particularly overtaxing. He’s got one more work before race day and he should be very fit and very ready.”

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at 7:10 PM

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Curlin
Photo: Benoit

The court-appointed receiver managing the minority ownership in Horse of the Year Curlin said the sealed-bid process established Oct. 15 to possibly sell the 20% interest in the champion colt will go forward, despite a motion filed in attempt to halt it.

Sylvius H. von Saucken, a Cincinnati attorney who is part of the assigned receivership managing the business affairs of Midnight Cry Stable’s operating entity, Tandy LLC, told The Blood-Horse Oct. 16 he has full court authority to go forward with the process, which will be marketed by Keeneland.

“We have a Sept. 25 court order authorizing the receiver of Tandy LLC to enter into and engage a sealed-bid process,” he said. “Since Sept. 25, the receiver has been actively engaged in working to provide this opportunity to the rest of the industry.”

Von Saucken said he was not swayed in any way by a motion asking to set aside the order, which was signed by Franklin County Special Judge Roger Crittenden. The judge is presiding over the Kentucky state civil lawsuit against Midnight Cry’s principals, attorneys Shirley Cunningham Jr. and William Gallion.

“That does not stop the proceedings,” von Saucken said of the motion, which was filed Oct. 10 by attorney Andre Regard. “Mr. Regard knows how to stop this, and that is by appealing to the appeals court. Judge Crittenden made that clear to anyone who attended the hearing (where he signed the order).”

Regard’s motion, which was criticized by Curlin’s majority owner Jess Jackson’s Stonestreet Stables, revived previous claims that the court has no authority to establish a receiver for the collection of a judgment from a limited liability company. A judgment of $42 million, which has been appealed, was previously entered against Cunningham, Gallion, and others, in the civil action brought by former clients of the attorneys involved in the fen-phen class-action lawsuit.

"Failure of this court to follow the law ... taints this entire proceeding and questions the authority of the court to even allow for a potential sale of any interest in Curlin," the motion said, further asserting the management of Tandy resides with Cunningham and Gallion.

But von Saucken said he sees no reason not to go forward with the sealed-bid process, which will run through Nov. 5.

“This is a process to establish a value for this great horse,” he said, claiming the receiver consulted various industry experts to determine the best way to handle the controversial sale. “The best result possible would be to get Curlin out of the legal process.”

Von Saucken said there are three important sale conditions to which bidders must acknowledge: the receiver has the right to accept or reject any bids, Stonestreet Stables has the right of first refusal on any bid, and the final bid must be approved by the court.

If a bid is deemed appropriate, von Saucken said it would first be submitted to Stonestreet Stables, which could match any offer and gain 100% control of Curlin. Any successful bid would then have to be approved at a hearing conducted by Crittenden, where objections by any party to the lawsuit would be heard.

Von Saucken said proceeds from the sale would likely be held and managed by the receiver until the appeal of the $42-million judgment is resolved.

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at 7:07 PM

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Ultimate Selector! Losess round #6 of the Challenge!

My Twin Brother Anderon Whooped me today!

Record is 4-2 in 6 Challenges so far!
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at 8:22 PM

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Ok here we go with the 6th Round Challenge of the Best Damn Capper!

This challenge is between My Twin Brother - Anderon & Ultimate Selector! ...

This could be a showdown to the very end! ...

Let's Spank home all the Big Winners!

Best of Luck BRO!

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http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/170839-best-damn-capper-challenge-anderon-vs-ultimate-selector-thurs-10-16-08-a.html

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at 7:53 PM

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Ultimate Selector! Wins round #5 of the Challenge!

With Profits of $ (-) $2.60 after 25 plays!

Record is 4-1 in 5 Challenges so far!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/170442-best-damn-capper-challenge-mr-sanders-vs-ultimate-selector-wed-10-15-08-a-2.html?posted=1#post1601138
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at 11:32 PM

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at 10:59 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimate Selector!

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Mountaineer 10th Race ...
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$2.00 Tri Key The ... #4 w/ All / All

$2.00 Tri Key The ... #6 w/ All / All

Cost is ... $288.00
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Booo Yaaa!!! . & . Yahtzee!!!

Winner! as it came 6-7-4 ... Pays ...

$5,928.00

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 9:49 PM

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CURLIN

Benoit & Associates photo

by Jeff Lowe and Larry Stewart

Horse of the Year Curlin received the go-ahead on Tuesday to seek a repeat victory in the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

Majority owner Jess Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen finalized their plan a day after Curlin breezed for the second time on Santa Anita Park’s Pro-Ride surface. Curlin has never raced on a synthetic surface.

“Everything is a go,” Jackson said. “I’m very pleased that he is going to run, and we’ll love to see the competition. I hope that everybody will come and we’ll have a full field.”

Tiznow is the only two-time Classic winner, scoring in 2000 at Churchill Downs and in ’01 at Belmont Park. He also was the last three-year-old to win the Classic until Curlin ran away with last year’s edition on a sloppy track at Monmouth Park.

Curlin finished second in the Man o’ War Stakes (G1) on the turf at Belmont on July 12 in his only start on something other than conventional dirt. Whether he will be at his best on Pro-Ride in the Classic remains a question, Jackson said.

“That’s totally uncertain at this point,” Jackson said. “It’s a bit faster than any surface we have run on, and I worry a bit about that because that shortens the distance, in effect, which gives more horses with less durability a chance to compete well against him.”

Jackson and Asmussen had been reluctant all year to point Curlin to another start in the Classic. Jackson said, “Been there, done that,” at one point, but he also openly voiced his preference for the Classic to be run on a conventional dirt track.

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at 9:48 PM

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Jockey Mike Smith has been selected to appear in a TV series about how jockeys live when they are not totally focused on racing to the finish line.

Smith, a resident of Sierra Madre is currently filming at his townhouse to show that in spite of the rigors of circuit riding and the tough regime required of all sports figurres, there is time to socialize with friends. Filming began Sunday evening. During the show he will serve, among other things, the Pinot Noir wine he and fellow jockey Alex Solis are involved with.

According to Paul Boese, the director of the series slated to run on cable television's Animal Planet in January, at least one of the episodes will show Smith entertaining friends at his place. The January scheduling, according to Boese, is to increase interest in the Breeders' Cup race to be held at Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia.

Smith, 43, has been aboard mounts in the last several Kentucky Derbies, winning on Giacomo in 2005. He has 10 Breeders' Cup wins to his name.

Breeders Cup World Championships will come to Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia on October 24 and 25. The Arcadia Chamber of Commerce anticipates more than $5 million in revenues will be added to the event.
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at 9:46 PM

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Photo:

New York is joining other states in cracking down on steroid use in horse racing, state regulators announced Oct. 14.

“For the sake of the betting public, we want to do everything in our power to ensure that racing runs on a level playing field,” said John Sabini, chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, in a statement. “By imposing rigid new limits on four steroids and banning all others, New York is taking a leadership role in promoting integrity in racing. The message to owners and trainers should be clear: If you flaunt our steroid rules, you will be held accountable.”

The new rules go into effect Jan. 1.

Officials were unveiling details about the new effort Oct. 14, but the rules will set new threshold levels for four steroids that are now permitted – and allow only one of those to be permitted in horse racing. The rules affect: stanozolol (Winstrol), one nanogram per milliliter of urine; boldenone (Equipose), for male horses other than geldings; 15 ng/ml; nandrolone (Durabolin), one ng/ml; and testosterone, 20 ng/ml in geldings and 55 ng/ml in fillies and mares.

There will be penalties to trainers – the agency has a maximum fine of $5,000 per violation – and suspensions for violation of the rules.

The rules – which can be found at the racing agency’s web site, www.racing.state.ny.us -- affect all Thoroughbred and Standardbred tracks in the state.

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at 10:51 AM

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Ok here we go with the 6th Round Challenge of the Best Damn Capper!

This challenge is between My Twin Brother - Anderon & Ultimate Selector! ...

This could be a showdown to the very end! ...

Let's Spank home all the Big Winners!

Best of Luck Anderon!

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http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/170839-best-damn-capper-challenge-anderon-vs-ultimate-selector-thurs-10-16-08-a.html

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at 10:43 AM

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My record is 3-1 going into the 5th round of the Challenge!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/170442-best-damn-capper-challenge-mr-sanders-vs-ultimate-selector-wed-10-15-08-a.html

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at 7:06 PM

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Photo: 2007 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Big Brown will be retired after suffering an injury to his right front foot on Monday during a workout at Aqueduct.

The focus leading up to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) has been on Curlin’s uncertain participation, but dual classic winner Big Brown ended up being the key defector on Monday when he sustained a career-ending injury to his right front foot.

The Boundary colt grabbed a quarter while breezing on the Aqueduct turf in company with Kip Deville, last year’s NetJets Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) winner.

Michael Iavarone, co-president of majority owner IEAH Stables, said Big Brown came out of the workout with a three-inch chunk missing from the bulb of his foot.

The injury would require approximately 60 to 90 days to heal. IEAH and partners had already reached a deal in May for Big Brown to begin his stud career in 2009 at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Kentucky.

“I’m devastated today,” Iavarone said. “It was everything that an owner could have dreamed of, to have a match-up between [Big Brown and Curlin] and actually own one of them. I felt going into it that we didn’t have a lot to lose, we had a lot to gain. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t get our horse there in the right way. Words can’t really put it in its right place.”

Big Brown has battled foot problems throughout his career, most famously with a quarter crack in the left front prior to his failed Triple Crown bid in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 7. Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. insisted afterward that Big Brown’s performance had nothing to do with the foot problem.

Dutrow estimated last month that Big Brown had endured five quarter cracks since last September. He missed 45 days of training this winter, including the entire month of January, because of a quarter crack in the right front, the same foot he injured on Monday. Iavarone said Big Brown had been fine physically in his preparation for the Classic.

“He worked great, and when he came out of the work, I was smiling, I walked back across the track, and I saw Rick had this look on his face of devastation and I couldn’t believe it,” Iavarone said. “He told me that he thought we were in big trouble with Big Brown. … It caught me by surprise. We usually have to watch everything this horse does. He had been going so good for us over the last four weeks, that the last thing we were expecting was for him to have an injury.”

Big Brown retires with the Belmont as his lone defeat in an eight-race career, highlighted by a 4 ¾-length victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) and a 5 ¼-length score in the Preakness Stakes (G1). He also won the Florida Derby (G1) by five lengths, the Haskell Invitational Handicap (G1) in his first start since being pulled up in the Belmont, and the Monmouth Stakes on September 13 in a turf prep for the Classic.

**********************************************************************************

Dual classic winner Big Brown has been retired after sustaining an injury during a workout at Aqueduct the morning of Oct. 13.

The winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) had worked in company with Kip Deville over the turf course, with the stablemates finishing together in final time of 1:12 4/5 for six furlongs.

Afterward, it was determined that the colt had grabbed a quarter on the inside of the right front foot. The injury and subsequent retirement means the highly anticipated showdown between he 3-year-old colt and reigning Horse of the Year Curlin will not take place in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I).

"Big Brown has been retired," said Michael Iavarone, co-owner of IEAH Stables. "He not only tore the bulb off his foot, but half the foot was torn off. We did everything we could to get to the Breeders' Cup. It's devastating. And what makes it even worse is that he worked great."

“We are disappointed that Big Brown will not be able to compete in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic but are glad to hear that he is expected to make a full recovery from the injury he sustained earlier today," Greg Avioli, president and CEO of the Breeders' Cup, said in a statement.

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at 11:00 PM

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This is the Biggest Win payoff I have ever seen on a $2.00 ticket! In Louisiana's 1st race today ...
The biggest one I have seen prior to this & I witnessed it in person at Aksarben years ago was $333.00 ... WoW this was truly a 99-1 shot!

Race: 1 Win Place Show

1st 9 Cato $367.20 134.20 53.20
2nd 8 Popnhammer 6.20 4.40
3rd 1 Lil Tramp 7.40
4th 6 Daphne's Magic

$2 Exacta 9-8 $1418.00
$2 Trifecta 9-8-1 $11,938.00
$2 Superfecta 9-8-1-6 $210,057.60

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at 9:24 PM

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Congratulations to Horse-Handicapping.net! they are off the ground running!

Please feel free to visit & check out this wonderful site as it grows & becomes better everyday!

http://horse-handicapping.net/

The Horse Handicapping.Net link is posted in my Race Cafe under Media/Publications!

Best of Luck to you Horse Handicapping .net!

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at 8:14 PM

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Jockeys' Leaderboard: Earnings

1. Garrett Gomez $17,349,894
2. Robby Albarado $14,730,305
3. Edgar Prado $14,434,306
4. Kent Desormeaux $13,622,993
5. Rafael Bejarano $12,821,810
6. Alan Garcia $12,540,079
7. Ramon Dominguez $11,820,405
8. John Velazquez $11,417,146
9. Javier Castellano $10,733,951
10. Eibar Coa $10,022,537

As of 10/06/08
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Jockeys' Leaderboard: Wins

1. Russell Baze 314
2. Ramon Dominguez 264
3. DeShawn L. Parker 259
4. Juan Acosta 257
5. Seth Martinez 241
6. Victor Lebron 239
7.Jose Lezcano 221
8. Eibar Coa 207
9. Daniel Centeno 196
10.John Velazquez 191

As of 10/06/08
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at 8:13 PM

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Last Friday, on opening day of the fall meeting, Keeneland debuted the Jockey Health Information System, a databse that was created to maintain jockey's updated medical histories so they are immediately accessible to emergency personnel at racetracks throughout the country. That same day, Keeneland made use of the system when John Velazquez was injured in a spill in the 7th race.

One of the first jockeys to sign up for the system, Velazquez was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center. He was accompanied by a copy of his medical records, which also were faxed.

The creation and development of the Jockey Health Information System featured collaboration among InCompass Solutions, Inc., The Jockey Club Technology Services, Inc., the Jockeys' Guild, Keeneland and Dr. Barry Schumer, Keeneland's Medical Director who developed the original concept and consulted on the project. The system is a module of the InCompass Race Track Operations software, which nearly every racetrack in the United States uses.

Once a jockey receives a username and password from InCompass, he or she can enter and update personal health information, such as broken bones, surgeries, illnesses and medications, in the database.

"Thus far, the riders have uniformly thought this was a great idea," Schumer said. "I've been pleased with the response from the riders.

"We've probably assigned user names and passwords to over 30 riders thus far through four days of racing. About half of them have filled out health forms. It's a great first step."

In late April, Keeneland accounced the concept, and Schumer worked with InCompass on the design. Keeneland is the first track in the United States to make use of the system.

"Once we test drive it here for the next couple of weeks, it's going to be sent out nationwide," Schumer said. "We want riders who are at Keeneland and go elsewhere to have their information accessible at any track."
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at 7:46 PM

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Ultimate Selector! Wins round #4 of the Challenge!

My Challenge record is now 3-1 ...

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/169568-best-damn-capper-challenge-gamblin-mike-vs-ultimate-selector-sun-10-12-08-a.html

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at 11:13 PM

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http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/169568-best-damn-capper-challenge-gamblin-mike-vs-ultimate-selector-sun-10-12-08-a.html

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at 11:11 PM

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Ultimate Selector! Wins round #3 of the Challenge!

With Profits of $10.80 after 25 plays!

Record so far is 2-1 in 3 Challenges so far!
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at 11:50 PM

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http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/169557-best-damn-capper-challenge-ball-wonder-vs-ultimate-selector-sat-10-11-08-a.html?posted=1#post1586056

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at 11:45 PM

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It all came down to the last play of the night as my #6 horse ends up 4th after being with the front runners!

It was a Good battle to the end! ...

Congratulations to RPG as he moves into the 2nd round!

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at 11:41 PM

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at 11:35 PM

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http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/169418-best-damn-capper-challenge-uncle-bob-vs-ultimate-selector-fri-10-10-08-a.html

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at 9:42 PM

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Handle Dives Almost 10% in Third Quarter

Photo: Evan Hammonds

Handle on races in the United States sharply dropped 9.85% in the third quarter of this year, clearly in keeping with a trend that began in early 2008.

Purses, meanwhile, dropped 2.37%, perhaps a sign that the bump provided by gaming machines at racetracks is beginning to level off. The number of race days—individual programs at all tracks—fell 1.29%.

The “Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators” were reported Oct. 9 by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Equibase, which release them each quarter. The numbers reflect handle in the U.S. and Canada on U.S. Thoroughbred racing, as well as U.S. purses.

Comparisons are made with the same quarter from the previous year. Industry officials have generally blamed the decline in handle on economic conditions in the U.S., and the current state of the financial market in the U.S. and beyond figures to dent fourth-quarter results as well.

For the nine months that ended Sept. 30, wagering was down 5.75% compared with 2007, while purses dropped 0.04% and race days were off by 0.87%.

“Our industry’s difficult year continued during the summer as a harsh economy and other factors continued to negatively impact business,” NTRA president and chief executive officer Alex Waldrop said in a statement.

Following an Oct. 8 press conference to announce Churchill Downs as host of the 2010 Breeders' Cup World Championships, Churchill Downs Inc. president and chief executive officer Bob Evans noted even casinos around the country are reporting declines in play, which for the most part is discretionary spending.

"You don't usually see the gambling industry suffer drops (in business)," Evans said. "You're seeing the same thing in horse racing. People don't have to go to the track."

The numbers aren’t a surprise given declines in business at two major summer meets: Del Mar and Saratoga. The trend continued into the fall at other meets; even Keeneland, despite ideal weather, was down double digits for its opening weekend.

Wagering for the third quarter of 2008 totaled $3,489,171,872, down from $3,870,348,046 last year. Purses totaled $350,636,880 versus $359,154,213 in the third quarter of 2007. There were 1,913 race days compared with 1,938 last year.

For the first nine months of 2008, wagering was $10,754,907,211; it was $11,411,642,388 the first nine months of 2007. Purses were $891,938,358, down from $892,336,110. Race days totaled 4,786, down from 4,828.

All handle figures include worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races as well as separate-pool wagering in Canada on U.S. races, officials said.

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at 9:13 PM

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Ultimate Selector! Wins round #1 ...

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/169131-best-damn-capper-challenge-wod-vs-ultimate-selector-thurs-10-9-08-a.html

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at 10:56 PM

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Ok here we go with the 2nd Round Challenge of the Best Damn Capper!

This challenge is Goin down between Uncle Bob & Ultimate Selector! ...

Let's put on our Blinders & head for the Wire!!

Best of Luck to you Uncle Bob!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/169418-best-damn-capper-challenge-uncle-bob-vs-ultimate-selector-fri-10-10-08-a.html?posted=1#post1579403
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at 8:22 PM

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Ok here we go with the 1st Challenge of the Best Damn Capper!

This 1st challenge is Goin down between Wod & Ultimate Selector! ...

Best Damn Capper of 2008!
Let's get it on & spank home some Winners!

Best of Luck to you Wod!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/169131-best-damn-capper-challenge-wod-vs-ultimate-selector-thurs-10-9-08-a.html
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at 8:20 PM

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JOHN HENRY STATUE

Photo by Z

The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington unveiled a bronze statue that memorializes two-time Horse of the Year John Henry on Wednesday during a special ceremony in front of the Horse Park's Hall of Champions.

Wednesday was the one-year anniversary of the death of the Ole Bob Bowers gelding. John Henry was euthanized at age 32 due to problems associated with kidney failure.

Shelley Hunter, executive director of the American Academy of Equine Art, created the sculpture of John Henry, which is half the actual size of the horse. Donations to help cover the cost of the statue can be made by contacting Bill Oster, a volunteer at the Hall of Champions, at johnhenrymemorial@yahoo.com.

A 1990 inductee into the Racing Hall of Fame, John Henry was named Horse of the Year in 1981 and ’84. He concluded his eight-year racing career in ’84 with $6,591,860 in purse earnings and 39 wins in 83 starts. The temperamental gelding also was a four-time Eclipse Award winner as champion turf male and earned champion older male honors in ‘81.

at 8:18 PM

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by Jeff Lowe

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships will return to Churchill Downs for a record seventh time in 2010, both parties confirmed on Wednesday.

Churchill previously was the site for the Breeders’ Cup in 1988, 1991, ’94, ’98, 2000, and ’06. The Louisville track has accounted for six of the seven largest crowds in Breeders’ Cup history, including a record 80,452 fans in 1998.

The 2006 Breeders’ Cup drew 76,132 fans and produced event records for on-track handle ($18,259,971) and total handle ($140,332,198). Churchill officials complained about the revenue split after the ‘06 event.

Churchill originally proposed to host the Breeders’ Cup in 2009 and at least one more time before 2016, but Breeders’ Cup Ltd. opted for an unprecedented two-year stay at Santa Anita Park in 2008 and ’09.

New York Racing Association President Charles Hayward said in early September that NYRA reached a handshake agreement with Breeders’ Cup Ltd. this spring for Belmont Park to be the site for the 2010 World Championships.

According to Hayward, Breeders’ Cup decided to go with Churchill instead this summer without offering NYRA a chance to respond.

Churchill and Breeders’ Cup Ltd. had been mum on plans for the 2010 event until Wednesday morning, when they convened for an official announcement at the Louisville racetrack.

“We are delighted to be returning the Breeders’ Cup to Churchill Downs and to our great supporters in Kentucky and throughout the region,” Breeders’ Cup Chairman Bill Farish said. “Churchill Downs has proven to be an outstanding Breeders’ Cup venue and is extremely popular with our horsemen and fans from around the world.

“Churchill will also provide an extraordinary site for our expanded two-day program of the Championships. We appreciate the efforts and enthusiasm displayed by Bob Evans and his management team in our agreement to bring the Breeders’ Cup back to Churchill Downs and continue an ongoing partnership that has been of great benefit to the Breeders’ Cup, Churchill Downs and the racing and breeding industry.”

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at 8:13 PM

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The 2008-09 Sam Houston Race Park meet probably won't make its Nov. 28 start date given extensive damage sustained by the track during Hurricane Ike, according to chief operating officer Andrea Young. Officials in Texas are studying alternatives should that be the case.

“We’ve asked questions about our ability to have construction during a live meet,” Young said during the Oct. 7 meeting of the Texas Racing Commission. “Decisions have to be made in everyone’s interest, and this impacts a lot of people other than us at Sam Houston.”

Hurricane Ike struck the Texas Gulf Coast Sept. 13 and prompted the cancellation of the final two days of Sam Houston’s Quarter Horse meet and the loss of eight days of simulcasting.

“We were able to reopen simulcasting in what I would call a contained environment,” Young said. “We are in the process of determining options for the roof between a significant repair and complete reconstruction. The dorm rooms will either be gutted or demolished to start over.”

Track officials estimate the cost to repair Sam Houston will be more than $10 million. The grandstand roof physically lifted off the structure, compromising every seam and screw in the portion that remained, and the barn area, especially dorm and tack rooms, suffered significant flooding and water damage.

The racing surface lost about an inch of material, but much of that was able to be salvaged. The pump house has been rebuilt, and the destroyed track lights will be replaced quickly.

“It will be challenging to have live racing given the scope of repairs,” Young said.

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at 7:14 PM

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Breeders’ Cup Ltd. revised its wagering options on Tuesday to include superfecta wagers on all 14 races during the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on October 24-25 at the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park.

The superfecta wager will be offered with a ten-cent minimum. In a press release last week, Breeders’ Cup Ltd. said it did not plan to offer superfecta wagering for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1).

“We heard the fans loud and clear and recognize that they would be better served if we reinstated the ten-cent superfecta betting on the two Classic races,” said Ken Kirchner, who oversees wagering programs for the Breeders’ Cup.

Other betting options include a $3-million Ultra Pick Six on October 25, a Breeders’ Cup pick six on October 24 with a carryover provision into Saturday if necessary.

There also will be Super High Five wagering on the two Classic races. The early pick four on October 25 features a $1-million guarantee and the late pick four has a $2-million guarantee.

The race order for the two-day event will be announced on October 16.

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at 7:13 PM

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JOHN HENRY

A bronze statue that memorializes two-time Horse of the Year John Henry will be unveiled at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on Wednesday, the one-year anniversary of the death of the 32-year-old Ole Bob Bowers gelding.

The permanent memorial will be dedicated during a special ceremony that starts at 3:30 p.m. EDT in front of the Horse Park's Hall of Champions, John Henry's home prior to his death on October 8, 2007. John Henry was euthanized due to problems associated with kidney failure.

“Now that we have a year of grieving and adjusting, we will begin a new era—one of celebration for a remarkable life and an exciting legacy,” said John Nicholson, the Kentucky Horse Park's executive director. “This will be a day of joy. With his memory to inspire us, we plan to launch other legacy events in John Henry’s name which will make life better for people and horses. We believe this is the best way to honor John Henry and what he meant to each of us, by accomplishing a lot of good on behalf of others.”

Shelley Hunter, executive director of the American Academy of Equine Art, created the half life-sized sculpture of John Henry. Donations to help cover the cost of the statue can be made by contacting Bill Oster, a volunteer at the Hall of Champions, at johnhenrymemorial@yahoo.com.

A 1990 inductee into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame who was named Horse of the Year in 1981 and ’84, John Henry concluded his eight-year racing career in ’84 with $6,591,860 in purse earnings and 39 wins in 83 starts. The temperamental gelding was also a four-time champion turf male and earned champion older male honors in 1981.

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at 3:43 PM

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Here is the link for the $100.00 Challenge schedule!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/169054-best-dam-capper-schedule-rules.html

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at 1:21 PM

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**Note!**

Deadline for signing up to play in the $100.00 Challenge has come & Gone! There are 28 players participating in the contest! ... A new thread will be posted by tonight on the date of the matchups. I will have the link poseted here as well as soon as it is up!.

Best of Luck to everyone!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/169054-best-dam-capper-schedule-rules.html
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at 7:50 PM

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**Note!**

Get signed up if you have not already! ...

Deadline for signing up to play in the $100.00 Challenge, is Tomorrow (Tues) by 1:00 pm!

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at 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Mountaineer 10th Race ...

$2.00 Tri Key the ... #9 w / All / All

$2.00 Tri Key the ... #6 w / All / All

Cost is ... $224.00

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Easy Winner! as it came 9-6-7-10 Dead Heat for 3rd ...

Trifecta Pays ... 9-6-7 ... $207.00

Trifecta Pays ... 9-6-10 ... $258.60

For a total of ... $465.60

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 2:23 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Zia 1st Race ... #6 at 3-1 .. & .. #3 at 12-1

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Booo Yaaa!!!

Wire to Wire Winner! on the #3 ... $27.00 - 11.80

Ran 3rd on the #6 ...
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at 11:59 AM

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JOHN VELAZQUEZ

NTRA photo

Jockey John Velazquez was released from the University of Kentucky Medical Center on Saturday, one day after a frightening spill in the seventh race at Keeneland Race Course.

“He checked out of the hospital this afternoon and is scheduled to go home to New York tomorrow,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. “He is pretty sore, but all X-rays were negative and it is up to him when he rides again.

“He is going to rest up and hopefully be back riding soon. He will not be riding tomorrow.”

Velazquez’s mount, Tap Dancing, fell over Whacka Whacka, ridden by Jamie Theriot, who clipped heels with Rapid Mon in early stretch of the 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race.

The riders lay on the track for several minutes before they were taken by ambulance to the first-aid room.

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at 11:47 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Retama 8th Race ...

$2.00 Tri Key the ... #4 w / All / All

$2.00 Tri Key the ... #10 w / All / All

Cost is ... $288.00

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Yahtzee!!! ...

Winner! as it came 10-3-9 ... Pays ... $2,034.00

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at 10:52 PM

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Peppers Pride is all alone in the record books with her 17th consecutive win.
Photo: Pitt/Zia Park photo

Undefeated Peppers Pride put herself in the record books when she defeated an allowance field at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M., for her 17th consecutive victory Oct. 4.

The 5-year-old New Mexico-bred mare broke the North American modern-day Thoroughbred record for consecutive wins that she held jointly with Citation, Cigar, Mister Frisky and Hallowed Dreams.

Peppers Pride was ridden to victory in the $38,200 six-furlong optional claiming allowance race by Carlos D. Madeira, who has been aboard for all of her races. Sent off at odds of 1-5 against five rivals, she stalked the pace in third before challenging for the lead on the turn. Three wide coming into the stretch, she opened up a clear lead in the lane and held sway over Silver Expression by 1 3/4 lengths.

Peppers Pride, a homebred daughter of Desert God, is owned by Joe Allen and trained by Joel Marr. She is scheduled to be retired at the end of the year and is expected to race at least once more, in the New Mexico Cup Filly/Mare Championship at Zia Park Nov. 9.

Peppers Pride increased her career earnings to $884,585. All of her wins have come against state breds, including 12 stakes victories.
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at 12:53 AM

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at 12:33 AM

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$100.00 Cash to the Winner!

No Entry Fee!

There is a deadline to enter the Contest ...

Please read the rules very carefully!

Thanks & Best of Luck to everybody!

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at 12:29 AM

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John Velazquez
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Jockey John Velazquez, a two-time Eclipse Award winner as the nation's leading rider, was transported to the trauma unit at the University of Kentucky Medical Center Oct. 3 with injuries suffered when his mount fell in the seventh race at Keeneland.

Velazquez was able to move his extremities and remained conscious, according to Dr. Barry Schumer, Keeneland’s medical director.

Velazquez was involved in a two-horse spill that occurred at the top of the stretch in a maiden special weight. The accident occurred when Whacka Whack, ridden by Jamie Theriot, clipped heels with Rapid Mon and went down with more than a furlong to run in the 6 1/2-furlong race for 3-year-olds. Tap Dancing and Velazquez were unable to avoid the fallen horse and went down as well.

Velazquez lay motionless on the track for several minutes following the accident before being placed on a stretcher and removed. Theriot walked to first aid where he was evaluated and cleared to ride by medical personnel.

Whacka Whacka and Tap Dancing got up and galloped off. Neither was seriously injured, according to track veterinarians.

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at 12:26 AM

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Robby Albarado's strong ride aboard Curlin in Saturday's Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (GI) led the Smart Strike colt to the winner's circle and into the history books as the all-time leading North American-raced earner.

Albarado has been aboard Curlin for all but one of the colt's 15 career starts, including his narrow victory over Street Sense in the 2007 Preakness Stakes (GI) at Pimlico Race Course, his emphatic 4-1/2-length win in the slop in the '07 Breeders' Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (GI) at Monmouth Park, and a dominant 7-3/4-length triumph in the $6-million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-GI) in March at Nad al Sheba racecourse.

Four of Albarado's five Grade I victories this sason have come aboard Curlin. Albarado's other Grade I win was with Einstein (BRZ) in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (GI) on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Albarado ranked fifth by purse earnings for the week ended September 30 with $482,800.
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at 12:25 AM

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Zanjero won the 2008 Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park's Fall meet.
Photo: Pat Lang

Turfway Park closed its 2008 fall meet with declines in all-sources and on-track handle, the Florence, Ky., track reported Oct. 3.

Wagering on Turfway races from all sources fell 20.2% to $42,596,033, or a daily average of $1,936,183 for the 22-day meet. On-track wagering totaled $2,642,594, or $120,118 in daily average, down 18.3% compared to the same period last year.

The track presented 214 races compared to 222 last year, with high winds resulting from the remnants of Hurricane Ike forcing the cancellation of eight races on Sunday, Sept. 14.

“Unfortunately, our handle for the fall meet tracked very closely to many other racetracks whose recent meets closed with declines across the board,” Turfway president and chief executive officer Robert N. Elliston said in a statement.

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at 12:22 AM

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Here is the Thread you will need to sign up for t0 play in the Contest.

The start date has been announced!

No Entry Fee!

There is a deadline to enter the Contest ...

Please read the rules very carefully!

Thanks & Best of Luck to everybody!

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at 11:01 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Mountaineer 10th Race ... #5 at 14-1 .. & .. #7 at 10-1

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Booo Yaaa!!! & Yahtzee!!!

Winner! on the #5 ... Pays ... $39.00 - 12.20

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 10:39 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Charles Town 8th Race ... #6 at 4-1 .. & .. #9 at 7-1

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Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #9 ... Pays ... $21.00 - 9.20
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at 7:08 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Turf Paradise 8th Race ... #9 at 9-1 .. & .. #3 at 17-1

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Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #9 ... Pays ... $27.40 - 5.80

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 12:49 AM

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2007 Breeders Cup Sprint - Midnight Lute!

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2007 Breeders' Cup Classic!

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at 10:59 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Retama 8th Race ... #7 at 12 -1 .. & .. #4 at 16-1

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Booo Yaaa!!! & Yahtzee!!!

Winner! on the #7 ... Pays ... $31.00 - 7.60

Ran 4th on the #4 ...

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)
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at 1:44 PM

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Here is the Thread you will need to sign up for t0 play in the Contest.

The start date has been announced!

No Entry Fee!

There is a deadline to enter the Contest ...

Please read the rules very carefully!

Thanks & Best of Luck to everybody!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/167304-sign-up-thread-best-dam-capper-challenge.html

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at 1:27 PM

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Jockeys' Leaderboard: Earnings

1. Garrett Gomez $16,925,219
2. Edgar Prado $13,678,041
3. Robby Albarado $13,672,015
4. Kent Desormeaux $12,980,613
5. Alan Garcia $12,252,014
6. Rafael Bejarano $11,920,438
7. Ramon Dominguez $11,293,067
8. John Velazquez $11,239,957
9. Eibar Coa $9,797,544
10. Javier Castellano $9,381,530

As of 09/29/08
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Jockeys' Leaderboard: Wins

1. Russell Baze 312
2. Ramon Dominguez 259
3. DeShawn L. Parker 255
4. Juan Acosta 247
5. Seth Martinez 241
6. Victor Lebron 236
7.Jose Lezcano 210
8. Eibar Coa 204
9. Daniel Centeno 192
10.Kendrick Carmouche 187

As of 09/29/08
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at 10:19 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Woodbine 8th Race ... #4 at 9-1 .. & .. #11 at 6-1

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Booo Yaaa!!!

Winner! on the #4 ... Pays ... $21.90 - 10.30
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at 9:01 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSelector!

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Fresno 10th Race ... #1 at 5-1 .. & .. #2 at 14-1

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Booo Yaaa!!! & Yahtzee!!!

Winner! on the #2 ... Pays ... $35.20 - 6.20

(click on Blue Arrow to see original post)

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at 12:34 PM

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Here is the Thread you will need to sign up for t0 play in the Contest.

The start date is announced!

Please read the rules very carefully!

Thanks & Best of Luck to everybody!

http://forums.eog.com/horse-racing/167304-sign-up-thread-best-dam-capper-challenge.html

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