In an era when the sport of horse racing really only survives economically in its original hotbeds of Kentucky and the major coast circuits of New York, California, and Florida Canterbury Park took the 2009 Claiming Crown to new heights this year.
I have attended the event the past few seasons it has been held at Canterbury Park and it really has not had the blockbuster horses and jockeys to make it the spectacular it could be within the industry. Without any graded stakes acclimations for the six races with purses totaling $600,000 it has been difficult to draw national attention it needs. This season they successfully drew the best bunch of claiming horses in the nine years they have hosted the event. Some of the best horse racing circles in the country sent their equines to Shakopee, Minnesota for the races on July 25th. Leading money earning jockey Julien Leparoux was entered in four of the races. Additionally, he picked up a mount in the $100,000 Lady Canterbury. Rider of “2008 Horse of the Year - Curlin” Robby Albarado also made the trip to Canterbury for six mounts. The all-time wins leader for a North American jockey, Russell Baze was probably the biggest surprise to be added to the superstar jockey line-up assembled. Other notables included, Jamie Theriot, Frankie Torres, Rosemary Homeister Jr., Inez Karlsson, E.T. Baird, Jeremy Rose, M.Clifton Berry, Perry Compton, Josue Arce, Jeremy Collier, Berkley Packer, and Israel Ocampo.
The crowd was very big, loud, and very appreciative of the talent they witnessed at the track Saturday. The Claiming Crown Iron Horse was won by ‘Bright Hall’, ridden by Jamie Theriot and trained by legendary trainer Cody Autrey. The horse set the pace on the front end and the crowd roused him home in the first of the six great races.
The Youbet.com Claiming Crown Tiara, an eight and a half furlong race on Canterbury Park’s turf course was a head bobber right to the wire. ‘Love to Tell’ ridden by Francisco Torres and ‘Mizzcan’tbewrong’ ridden by Robby Albarado were neck and neck just about the entire stretch home. In the end the second betting choice ‘Mizzcan’tbewrong’ had the longer nose at the finish line.
The TVG Claming Crown Rapid Transit was the first sprint race in the event. All of the money came in on speedster ‘Grand Traverse’, trained by Tim Glyshaw and ridden by Jamie Theriot. After the start it appeared Theriot would be securing a double in lickity-split fashion, but “Russell the Muscle” thought otherwise. Slightly up from the 6-1 morning line, Russell Baze had ‘You’re My Boy Blue’ in a perfect spot sitting off the blistering fractions and proved to be much the best at a nice price ($16.20).
The Claiming Crown Express was a highly contested race on paper with no really standout on the morning lines or in the Daily Racing Form. Sitting slightly off the pace ‘Norjac’ one of Jeremy Rose’s mounts on the card looked like he had cleared the challengers, but the top connections of Julien Leparoux and Michael Maker for Ken and Sarah Ramsey bowled down the rest of field in the final furlong to make what was probably the most impressive closing move of the day.
The DRF Claiming Crown Glass Slipper was another sprint race eligible to horses who had started at a mid-level claming price since the beginning of 2008. I find this race one of the most interesting because the claiming prices that these horses run at is where you found probably the biggest diamonds in the rough. On paper it looked all about all-time leader in Claiming Crown wins for a trainer, Scott Lake’s mare ‘Met A Miner’. The horse looked to have the best speed of the group, but the California Connections of Baze and Mason struck lightning again. At big odds of 11-1 Russell Baze timed the front runner ‘Thunder and Belle’ perfectly. He blew by all competition and set the table for the biggest mutuel return of the meet. The $1 Superfecta exceeded $100,000.
The Bremer Banks Claiming Crown Emerald was probably the most intriguing race of the card. With thirteen entrants after a scratch it offered some of the most value for your money in Claiming Crown history. ‘Drivingmaxandmitzi’ winner of five straight turf races went off at over 6-1, G-1 Stakes winners were going off at 20-1+ and the most value in the race lied a Scott Lake entrant going off at an astonishing 17-1. However, none of them ran as fast as Gran Estreno (ARG) coming in from Chicago for stakes specialist Michael Stidham. E.T. Baird had the horse sitting just off the pace and in a field full of value, amazingly enough, the favorite won at 7-2.
The finale of the Claiming Crown was the Jewel. 2008 Claiming Horse of the Year, ‘Antrim County’ was entered after winning the Iron Horse event last year. He opened up as the 3rd choice off the morning line and offered plenty of value. All of the money came in on Furthest Land who had tackled Einstein, a notorius turf monster recently. He went off at a meeger 4-5 on the dollar and disappoint backers. He was completely empty entering the far turn as something went a miss. That left the rail open for Jeremy Rose and ‘Fancy Runner”. She got even with ‘Antrim County’ with about 50 yards to the finish line but was beaten in a very close photo.
The import jockeys from around the country picked up mounts in the $100,000 Lady Canterbury Breeders’ Cup Stakes. With the possibility of running on the last weekend of October this year against the best in the business at Santa Anita, seven horses tackled the one mile task on the turf. All of the money came in on ‘Euphony’ a horse coming off six straight wins and some serious Beyer figures. Everything on paper pointed to this one being the best horse in the race and she may have been. The problem was other horses had prepped themselves into top shape to take care of business. ‘Happiness Is’, a Tom Proctor filly ridden by Rosemary Homeister Jr. was clear heading for home. Euphony moved forward and gave her all she could handle but that extra energy saved by Homeister Jr. on the first turn made the difference. She capped off a glorious race card with a nice 4-1 upset after taking a lot of late money.
Listening to each post race interview with the top jockey’s in America commenting on what it’s like to ride in Minnesota was exhilarating and awesome for salivating racing fans locally. We never get to see this kind of racing up close. We rarely get to see superior talent making their mark on our track. Typically, I have seen a lot of Minnesota-breds and/or connections get at least one win on the Claiming Crown card. Today there was not a single one. For the first time in my personal Claiming Crown history I felt Minnesotans got their money’s worth for the talent they saw. Impressive rides, perfect starts to every race, and legendary talent rode the horses.
It’s amazing what the Sampson family has done for a sport that was dead in Minnesota. The original owners of Canterbury Downs struggled within the state establishing an industry to compete with others. With the Card Club and hopefully a Racino in the future mix for Canterbury Park there is only room for more growth,
Maybe one day we will be able to shrink down our meet to one or two months like the major Summer Meets. Raising purse money, adding graded stakes races, and most of all attracting top talent.
If the State of Minnesota decides to give Canterbury and the citizens of this country the chance to be witness to one of the most underrated forms of entertainment there is to offer, we will really be in for a treat.
Wouldn’t it be nice to see this type of talent on a weekly basis? Wouldn’t it be nice to one day see a Minnesota bred compete in the Triple Crown? The only way to make this possible is to support Canterbury and urge your local officials to support a state operated Racino at Canterbury Park.
Saturday, July 25th, 2009 will go down in my horse racing diary as one of my favorite days of racing that I have been witness to. At my hometown track, there is nothing better than what went down in Shakopee this beautiful afternoon.
It’s true, LIVE A LITTLE FASTER at Canterbury Park.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Claiming Crown 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Claiming Crown
Canterbury Park's biggest day of racing in 2009 will be held July 25th. Top jockey's from around the country including Julien Leparoux, Robby Albarado, and Russell Baze will be riding for over $750,000 in purse money.Thoroughbred racing in Minnesota has continually grown over the past decade since the Sampson family inherited a track that drowned it debt when it intially opened. They have revived a sport and an American pasttime in Shakopee, Minnesota and the fact that we are witness to top racing this day is a miracle in itself. With other tracks throughout the country struggling to survive the support of other forms of gaming are the lifeblood to the industry in just about every state.
Canterbury Park's Card Club offers all of the traditional poker games including: Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. They have a Casino Games Room with Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Fortune Pai-Gow and more. What they really need are the support of slot machines. The Sampson family has put their time and effort into the industry in Minnesota. They have rebuilt a multi-million dollar indsutry in this state and until the economic downfall last Summer had been in the black just about every season. They have continued and continued to give back to the people of Minnesota who spend a lot of time and money at their racetrack and deserve the option of having slot machines. Many tracks have changed legislation over the past few years allowing slot machines for purse support.
Iowa's thoroughbred track Prairie Meadows survives with slot machines and takes away a lot of the quality horses that Canterbury deserves. With the addition of Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus, Minnesota it will most likely be even tougher on Canterbury moving forward in the next few years. The racing industry was barely surviving with a lone track and now with two times are going to get tougher. Although, they may race different breeds, they are still competing for business.It is tough realizing that a Company now owned by completely by a financial group (MTR Gaming is out, Southwest Casino Corp of Bloomington is out) can help an industry grow like Canterbury Park has. The Minnesota Racing Commission will most likely approve slot machines for both tracks when and if the state decides to change its gaming laws.
The only problem I see coming out of this would be the fact that Running Aces has not helped the economy of Minnesota and without local owners I don't know if it could ever benefit the state beyond another form of entertainment.Put simply, I would like to formally thank the Sampson family for bringing my favorite sport and racetrack into the limelight one day out of the year. Without any help for our state officials it is going to be tough making it last. For Canterbury Park the Claiming Crown probably does not generate a ton of money, but it sure does satisfy all of the local horse racing fans who want to see top racing back in Minnesota.I really hope the people of Minnesota and the state officials one day give you a chance to compete flourish.
NOTES:1. Wouldn't it be awesome to see CPHC buy out North Metro Harness Intiative, LLC and make it a single company entity in the state of Minnesota. They could alternate seasons and wouldn't have to fight each other for business. If the state would approve slot machines wouldn't it be nice to see both places owned by a local company. SUPPORT IT, URGE IT, LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN
Claiming Crown
Canterbury Park's biggest day of racing in 2009 will be held July 25th. Top jockey's from around the country including Julien Leparoux, Robby Albarado, and Russell Baze will be riding for over $750,000 in purse money.Thoroughbred racing in Minnesota has continually grown over the past decade since the Sampson family inherited a track that drowned it debt when it intially opened. They have revived a sport and an American pasttime in Shakopee, Minnesota and the fact that we are witness to top racing this day is a miracle in itself. With other tracks throughout the country struggling to survive the support of other forms of gaming are the lifeblood to the industry in just about every state.
Canterbury Park's Card Club offers all of the traditional poker games including: Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. They have a Casino Games Room with Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Fortune Pai-Gow and more. What they really need are the support of slot machines. The Sampson family has put their time and effort into the industry in Minnesota. They have rebuilt a multi-million dollar indsutry in this state and until the economic downfall last Summer had been in the black just about every season. They have continued and continued to give back to the people of Minnesota who spend a lot of time and money at their racetrack and deserve the option of having slot machines. Many tracks have changed legislation over the past few years allowing slot machines for purse support.
Iowa's thoroughbred track Prairie Meadows survives with slot machines and takes away a lot of the quality horses that Canterbury deserves. With the addition of Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus, Minnesota it will most likely be even tougher on Canterbury moving forward in the next few years. The racing industry was barely surviving with a lone track and now with two times are going to get tougher. Although, they may race different breeds, they are still competing for business.It is tough realizing that a Company now owned by completely by a financial group (MTR Gaming is out, Southwest Casino Corp of Bloomington is out) can help an industry grow like Canterbury Park has. The Minnesota Racing Commission will most likely approve slot machines for both tracks when and if the state decides to change its gaming laws.
The only problem I see coming out of this would be the fact that Running Aces has not helped the economy of Minnesota and without local owners I don't know if it could ever benefit the state beyond another form of entertainment.Put simply, I would like to formally thank the Sampson family for bringing my favorite sport and racetrack into the limelight one day out of the year. Without any help for our state officials it is going to be tough making it last. For Canterbury Park the Claiming Crown probably does not generate a ton of money, but it sure does satisfy all of the local horse racing fans who want to see top racing back in Minnesota.I really hope the people of Minnesota and the state officials one day give you a chance to compete flourish.
NOTES:1. Wouldn't it be awesome to see CPHC buy out North Metro Harness Intiative, LLC and make it a single company entity in the state of Minnesota. They could alternate seasons and wouldn't have to fight each other for business. If the state would approve slot machines wouldn't it be nice to see both places owned by a local company. SUPPORT IT, URGE IT, LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
KENTUCKY DERBY CONTENDER UPDATE
After the first weekend where we really got to see some of the best three year old crop of 2009, there were a couple surprises in the bunch.
Quality Road bounced back in the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park in a very big way. Sitting just behind early speedster, This One's for Phil. The fractions were not extremely fast for the mile, but the half went in roughly :45 and that second quarter probably cost This One's for Phil his chance to make a statement. I wouldn't completely discount him after that effort following his 117 Beyer in the Sunshine Millions Sprint. Quality Road was one of the early favorites to make a run towards the Kentucky Derby and had hit a couple of obstacles prior to his victory this past Saturday. He looks primed to be the favorite in the Florida Derby if he decides to stay at Gulfstream to prep for the Derby.
Personally, I thought the run by Beethoven from dead last at the 3/4 pole was very impressive at Gulfstream. The track has had a front end bias for most of the meet and it did early in the day on Saturday. I haven't seen a horse make up that much ground in really and of the big races that have been run there. If he could get a better jockey than Borel aboard to keep him a bit closer I think Beethoven could really surprise some people in his next start.
SHAM STAKES
The Pamplemousse lived up to the hype and absolutely dominated the field at Santa Anita. The horses picking up the pieces did not seem overly impressive and I would not take any chances on the horses that picked up the pieces.
As far as The Pamplemousse goes, I am not overly excited about any of the West Coast three year olds and rarely do I ever take a chance on one in the Derby. I am very excited to see the showdown between Pioneerof the Nile and The Pamplemousse in the Santa Anita Derby, but I really don't expect that I am going to take a chance on any of these horses in the Derby.
I would really look to Oaklawn, Fair Grounds, and Gulfstream over the next month or so to see if anyone stands out in those prep races. I am looking towards the Arkansas Derby and Florida Derby to find my favorite.
Right now I believe it is too tough to call.
Quality Road bounced back in the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park in a very big way. Sitting just behind early speedster, This One's for Phil. The fractions were not extremely fast for the mile, but the half went in roughly :45 and that second quarter probably cost This One's for Phil his chance to make a statement. I wouldn't completely discount him after that effort following his 117 Beyer in the Sunshine Millions Sprint. Quality Road was one of the early favorites to make a run towards the Kentucky Derby and had hit a couple of obstacles prior to his victory this past Saturday. He looks primed to be the favorite in the Florida Derby if he decides to stay at Gulfstream to prep for the Derby.
Personally, I thought the run by Beethoven from dead last at the 3/4 pole was very impressive at Gulfstream. The track has had a front end bias for most of the meet and it did early in the day on Saturday. I haven't seen a horse make up that much ground in really and of the big races that have been run there. If he could get a better jockey than Borel aboard to keep him a bit closer I think Beethoven could really surprise some people in his next start.
SHAM STAKES
The Pamplemousse lived up to the hype and absolutely dominated the field at Santa Anita. The horses picking up the pieces did not seem overly impressive and I would not take any chances on the horses that picked up the pieces.
As far as The Pamplemousse goes, I am not overly excited about any of the West Coast three year olds and rarely do I ever take a chance on one in the Derby. I am very excited to see the showdown between Pioneerof the Nile and The Pamplemousse in the Santa Anita Derby, but I really don't expect that I am going to take a chance on any of these horses in the Derby.
I would really look to Oaklawn, Fair Grounds, and Gulfstream over the next month or so to see if anyone stands out in those prep races. I am looking towards the Arkansas Derby and Florida Derby to find my favorite.
Right now I believe it is too tough to call.
HANDICAPPING SELECTIONS - 03/04/2009 - Aqueduct
Race 1:
MOST LIKELY: #1 - Toga Tiger (5-2)
BEST VALUE: #5 - John's Jean (12-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #5 - John's Jean (12-1)
Race 2:
MOST LIKELY: #4 - Southern Days (2-1)
BEST VALUE: #3 - Quantifier (9-2)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #2 - Hot Chile Soup (10-1)
Race 3:
MOST LIKELY: #1/#1A - City Vicar/Kitty's Wish (7-5)
BEST VALUE: #2 - Angelic Timber (8-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #6 - Aces Rewards (20-1)
Race 4:
MOST LIKELY: #1/#1A - Catskill City/Rocknrollsong (9-5)
BEST VALUE: #5 - Mr. Joystick (8-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Glen (15-1)
Race 5:
MOST LIKELY: #6 - One in a romp (7-2)
BEST VALUE: #6 - One in a romp (7-2)
LONGSHOT PLAY: N/A this race
Race 6:
MOST LIKELY: #1 - Head Heart Hoof (5-1)
BEST VALUE: #3 - JT Moore (5-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #4 - Edashor (15-1)
Race 7:
MOST LIKELY: #2 - Gimmearoutine (3-1)
BEST VALUE: #9 - Blue Bullet (6-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Fire Marshal (15-1)
Race 8:
MOST LIKELY: #1 - Southern Missile (5-2)
BEST VALUE: #4 - Palmer's Approach (4-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: N/A this race
Race 9:
MOST LIKELY: #3 - Knot News (3-1)
BEST VALUE: #4 - Karakorumsweetheart (12-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #4 - Karakorumsweetheart (12-1)
MOST LIKELY: #1 - Toga Tiger (5-2)
BEST VALUE: #5 - John's Jean (12-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #5 - John's Jean (12-1)
Race 2:
MOST LIKELY: #4 - Southern Days (2-1)
BEST VALUE: #3 - Quantifier (9-2)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #2 - Hot Chile Soup (10-1)
Race 3:
MOST LIKELY: #1/#1A - City Vicar/Kitty's Wish (7-5)
BEST VALUE: #2 - Angelic Timber (8-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #6 - Aces Rewards (20-1)
Race 4:
MOST LIKELY: #1/#1A - Catskill City/Rocknrollsong (9-5)
BEST VALUE: #5 - Mr. Joystick (8-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Glen (15-1)
Race 5:
MOST LIKELY: #6 - One in a romp (7-2)
BEST VALUE: #6 - One in a romp (7-2)
LONGSHOT PLAY: N/A this race
Race 6:
MOST LIKELY: #1 - Head Heart Hoof (5-1)
BEST VALUE: #3 - JT Moore (5-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #4 - Edashor (15-1)
Race 7:
MOST LIKELY: #2 - Gimmearoutine (3-1)
BEST VALUE: #9 - Blue Bullet (6-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Fire Marshal (15-1)
Race 8:
MOST LIKELY: #1 - Southern Missile (5-2)
BEST VALUE: #4 - Palmer's Approach (4-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: N/A this race
Race 9:
MOST LIKELY: #3 - Knot News (3-1)
BEST VALUE: #4 - Karakorumsweetheart (12-1)
LONGSHOT PLAY: #4 - Karakorumsweetheart (12-1)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Handicapping Selections - 02/27/09 - Gulfstream Park
Race 1:
BEST BET: #2 - Disperse (5-2)
MOST VALUE: #7 - Red Hot Baroness (6-1)
LONGSHOT: #3 - Wild Envoy (15-1)
Race 2:
BEST BET: #11 - Mr. Dr. Professor (5-1)
MOST VALUE: #8 - Ethan the Monster (12-1)
LONGSHOT: #3 - Grand Gulch (12-1)
Race 3:
BEST BET: #4 - Beer Boy (3-1)
MOST VALUE: #3 - Skyebay (12-1)
LONGSHOT: #5 - Seminole Warrior (30-1)
Race 4:
BEST BET: #6 - Notecard (6-1)
MOST VALUE: #8 - Clash of Arms (8-1)
LONGSHOT: #3 - Perfect Officer (12-1)
Race 5:
BEST BET: #3 - Golden Weeked (5-1)
MOST VALUE: #4 - Granizo (BRZ) (6-1)
LONGSHOT: N/A
Race 6:
BEST BET: #2 - Fortyninegeorgest (4-1)
MOST VALUE: #6 - Weekend Pass (10-1)
LONGSHOT: N/A
Race 7:
BEST BET: #4 - Mount Wilton (5-2)
MOST VALUE: #9 - Armament (8-1)
LONGSHOT: #7 - Big John G (20-1)
Race 8:
BEST BET: #4 - Bordeaux Bandit (8-1)
MOST VALUE: #5 - The River Mon (10-1)
LONGSHOT: #8 - Sun Scorpion (20-1)
Race 9:
BEST BET: #11 - Stomp (7-2)
MOST VALUE: #4 - Answer Man (6-1)
LONGSHOT: #7 - Ourwingman (10-1)
BEST BET: #2 - Disperse (5-2)
MOST VALUE: #7 - Red Hot Baroness (6-1)
LONGSHOT: #3 - Wild Envoy (15-1)
Race 2:
BEST BET: #11 - Mr. Dr. Professor (5-1)
MOST VALUE: #8 - Ethan the Monster (12-1)
LONGSHOT: #3 - Grand Gulch (12-1)
Race 3:
BEST BET: #4 - Beer Boy (3-1)
MOST VALUE: #3 - Skyebay (12-1)
LONGSHOT: #5 - Seminole Warrior (30-1)
Race 4:
BEST BET: #6 - Notecard (6-1)
MOST VALUE: #8 - Clash of Arms (8-1)
LONGSHOT: #3 - Perfect Officer (12-1)
Race 5:
BEST BET: #3 - Golden Weeked (5-1)
MOST VALUE: #4 - Granizo (BRZ) (6-1)
LONGSHOT: N/A
Race 6:
BEST BET: #2 - Fortyninegeorgest (4-1)
MOST VALUE: #6 - Weekend Pass (10-1)
LONGSHOT: N/A
Race 7:
BEST BET: #4 - Mount Wilton (5-2)
MOST VALUE: #9 - Armament (8-1)
LONGSHOT: #7 - Big John G (20-1)
Race 8:
BEST BET: #4 - Bordeaux Bandit (8-1)
MOST VALUE: #5 - The River Mon (10-1)
LONGSHOT: #8 - Sun Scorpion (20-1)
Race 9:
BEST BET: #11 - Stomp (7-2)
MOST VALUE: #4 - Answer Man (6-1)
LONGSHOT: #7 - Ourwingman (10-1)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Handicapping Selections - 02/27/09 - Aqueduct
Race 1:
BEST BET: #1 - Zegarra
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Devi
Race 2:
BEST BET: #3 - Here I Go Again
LONGSHOT PLAY: #2 - He's A Lumberjack
Race 3:
BEST BET: #2 - Weekend Action
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Call Michael
Race 4:
BEST BET: #1 - Precious Pride
LONGSHOT PLAY: NONE - Use #4 for 2nd
Race 5:
BEST BET: #1 - Hi Daddy
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Put it in Play
Race 6:
BEST BET: #2 - Melody Queen
LONGSHOT PLAY: - #3 - Wheelinandealin
Race 7:
BEST BET OF THE DAY: #2 - Magical Devotion
LONGSHOT PLAY: #1 - Brock N Roll
Race 8:
BEST BET: #5 - Distorted Passion
LONGSHOT PLAY: #4 - Labadeel
Race 9:
BEST BET: #5 - Special Trip
LONGSHOT PLAY OF THE DAY: #1 - Sinister Storm
BEST BET: #1 - Zegarra
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Devi
Race 2:
BEST BET: #3 - Here I Go Again
LONGSHOT PLAY: #2 - He's A Lumberjack
Race 3:
BEST BET: #2 - Weekend Action
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Call Michael
Race 4:
BEST BET: #1 - Precious Pride
LONGSHOT PLAY: NONE - Use #4 for 2nd
Race 5:
BEST BET: #1 - Hi Daddy
LONGSHOT PLAY: #3 - Put it in Play
Race 6:
BEST BET: #2 - Melody Queen
LONGSHOT PLAY: - #3 - Wheelinandealin
Race 7:
BEST BET OF THE DAY: #2 - Magical Devotion
LONGSHOT PLAY: #1 - Brock N Roll
Race 8:
BEST BET: #5 - Distorted Passion
LONGSHOT PLAY: #4 - Labadeel
Race 9:
BEST BET: #5 - Special Trip
LONGSHOT PLAY OF THE DAY: #1 - Sinister Storm
Sunday, February 22, 2009
ROAD TO KENTUCKY - WEEK 3
Race 1:
My Selection: #1 - Deb Doright
RACE RESULTS: #7 - Presentee broke from the outside at 6-1 and went gate to wire relatively easy. I would have never selected the #1 at odds of 0.50 on the dollar. Over bet and not close. #3 and #8 rounded out the trifecta both at odds of near 5-1.
POINTS EARNED: 0
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1612
Race 2:
My Selection: #6 - Mary's Message
RACE RESULTS: Big favorite #2 - Silken Creek went straight to the front but wilted in the stretch. My selection #6 with Adolfo Morales aboard pounced and a couple longshots, #4 and #7 ran up into second and third.
POINTS EARNED: 198
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 198
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1810
Race 3:
My Selection: #6 - Dbl Ott
RACE RESULTS: My selection broke terrible and never got into the race. Cassie Papineau got the favorite out and won easily by 6 or so lengths. #1 and #3 ran into second and third at short odds.
POINTS EARNED: 0
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 198
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 198
Race 4:
My Selection: #6 - Nautical Candy
RACE RESULTS: I got a terrible trip from J.Rivera as he usually gives his horses. Vergara and #4 - Latino Summer one relatively easily as favorite. #3 and #8 rounded out the tri at short prices
POINTS EARNED: 0
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 198
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1810
Race 5:
My Selection: #3 - Woody's Bluff
RACE RESULTS: I should have went with my second choice #1 - Vikkilee after I found out the scratches. My choice never got rolling under Eikleberry. Came in a very formful 4,6,1
POINTS EARNED: 0
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 198
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1810
Race 6:
My Selection: #7 - Louder
RACE RESULTS: Big favorite won again easily as they usually do down at TUP. Gate to wire relatively easily M. Hernandez brougth in #2 home for second and #7 rounded out tri.
POINTS EARNED: 32
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 230
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1842
Race 7:
My Selection: #1 - Albacore Bob
RACE RESULTS: #5 - Mayor Marv trained by Baffert won in hand on the front end and it wasn't even close. Second choice #6 - Hidden Bounty ran second and Eikleberry brought home the #7 for third.
MY POINTS: 0
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 230
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1842
Race 8:
My Selection #8 - Peter's Charity
RACE RESULTS: #8 went gate to wire by a head the entire way. Impressive win for having horse flanked the entire way around the track. Chalk #2 ran second. Longshot #9 ran third.
POINTS EARNED: 174
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 404
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 2016
Race 9:
My Selection: #9 - Last Cowboy Song
RACE RESULTS: My longshot gave me a lot of hope going into the final furlong dueling with the leader. Quit at the top of the stretch and 9-1 longshot of the day #8 rolled up on the outside for victory. #5 and #3 rounded out the prices.
POINTS EARNED: 0
THIS WEEK'S TOTAL: 404
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 2016
My Selection: #1 - Deb Doright
RACE RESULTS: #7 - Presentee broke from the outside at 6-1 and went gate to wire relatively easy. I would have never selected the #1 at odds of 0.50 on the dollar. Over bet and not close. #3 and #8 rounded out the trifecta both at odds of near 5-1.
POINTS EARNED: 0
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1612
Race 2:
My Selection: #6 - Mary's Message
RACE RESULTS: Big favorite #2 - Silken Creek went straight to the front but wilted in the stretch. My selection #6 with Adolfo Morales aboard pounced and a couple longshots, #4 and #7 ran up into second and third.
POINTS EARNED: 198
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 198
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1810
Race 3:
My Selection: #6 - Dbl Ott
RACE RESULTS: My selection broke terrible and never got into the race. Cassie Papineau got the favorite out and won easily by 6 or so lengths. #1 and #3 ran into second and third at short odds.
POINTS EARNED: 0
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 198
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 198
Race 4:
My Selection: #6 - Nautical Candy
RACE RESULTS: I got a terrible trip from J.Rivera as he usually gives his horses. Vergara and #4 - Latino Summer one relatively easily as favorite. #3 and #8 rounded out the tri at short prices
POINTS EARNED: 0
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 198
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1810
Race 5:
My Selection: #3 - Woody's Bluff
RACE RESULTS: I should have went with my second choice #1 - Vikkilee after I found out the scratches. My choice never got rolling under Eikleberry. Came in a very formful 4,6,1
POINTS EARNED: 0
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 198
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1810
Race 6:
My Selection: #7 - Louder
RACE RESULTS: Big favorite won again easily as they usually do down at TUP. Gate to wire relatively easily M. Hernandez brougth in #2 home for second and #7 rounded out tri.
POINTS EARNED: 32
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 230
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1842
Race 7:
My Selection: #1 - Albacore Bob
RACE RESULTS: #5 - Mayor Marv trained by Baffert won in hand on the front end and it wasn't even close. Second choice #6 - Hidden Bounty ran second and Eikleberry brought home the #7 for third.
MY POINTS: 0
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 230
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 1842
Race 8:
My Selection #8 - Peter's Charity
RACE RESULTS: #8 went gate to wire by a head the entire way. Impressive win for having horse flanked the entire way around the track. Chalk #2 ran second. Longshot #9 ran third.
POINTS EARNED: 174
THIS WEEK'S POINTS: 404
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 2016
Race 9:
My Selection: #9 - Last Cowboy Song
RACE RESULTS: My longshot gave me a lot of hope going into the final furlong dueling with the leader. Quit at the top of the stretch and 9-1 longshot of the day #8 rolled up on the outside for victory. #5 and #3 rounded out the prices.
POINTS EARNED: 0
THIS WEEK'S TOTAL: 404
OVERALL CONTEST POINTS: 2016
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Handicapping Selections - Aqueduct 02-20-2009
Race 1:
MOST LIKELY: #7 - Democrat Taxes (4-1) - Finished 3rd
BEST VALUE: #5 - Linda's Baby (12-1) - Finished 5th
OVERRATED: #1 - Blushing Juliet (2-1) - WON
Race 2:
MOST LIKELY: #5 - Touchof Perfection (3-1) - WINNER
BEST VALUE: #1 - AP Grace (15-1) - 3rd/4th
OVERRATED: #2/#2B - It'sallaboutus/Sister Kathleen - 6th/7th
Race 3:
MOST LIKELY: #5 - Globalization (4-1) - WINNER
BEST VALUE: #2 - Windication (12-1) - 4th
OVERRATED: #3 - Hurricane Heat - LAST (6th)
Race 4:
MOST LIKELY: #7 - A.P. Light (5-1) - WINNER
BEST VALUE: #4 - Caffre Cat (12-1) - 2nd
OVERRATED: #1 - Grif's Corner - 4th
Race 5:
MOST LIKELY: #9 - Successful Sara (4-1) - WINNER
BEST VALUE: #7 - Fort Carillon (5-1) - 3rd
OVERRATED: #6 - Big Shadow - 5th
Race 6:
MOST LIKELY: #4 - Kaptain (3-1) - 2nd
BEST VALUE: #6 - Perfect Precision (8-1) - 4th
OVERRATED: #1/#1A - Path to Success - 9th
Race 7:
MOST LIKELY: #1 - Kokoro (7-2) - 2nd
BEST VALUE: #4 - Smokin' Stephanie (10-1) - 6th
OVERRATED: #5 - Luau Bay - LAST (8th)
Race 8:
MOST LIKELY: #4 - Gimmearoutine (6-1) - 4th
BEST VALUE: #8 - Southern Spirit (12-1) - 7th
OVERRATED: #1 - Tax Man - 8th
Race: 9
MOST LIKELY: #9 - Melody Queen (4-1) - 4th
BEST VALUE: #5 - Christine's Design (6-1) - 6th
OVERRATED: #3 - Sage the Rage - WON
MOST LIKELY: #7 - Democrat Taxes (4-1) - Finished 3rd
BEST VALUE: #5 - Linda's Baby (12-1) - Finished 5th
OVERRATED: #1 - Blushing Juliet (2-1) - WON
Race 2:
MOST LIKELY: #5 - Touchof Perfection (3-1) - WINNER
BEST VALUE: #1 - AP Grace (15-1) - 3rd/4th
OVERRATED: #2/#2B - It'sallaboutus/Sister Kathleen - 6th/7th
Race 3:
MOST LIKELY: #5 - Globalization (4-1) - WINNER
BEST VALUE: #2 - Windication (12-1) - 4th
OVERRATED: #3 - Hurricane Heat - LAST (6th)
Race 4:
MOST LIKELY: #7 - A.P. Light (5-1) - WINNER
BEST VALUE: #4 - Caffre Cat (12-1) - 2nd
OVERRATED: #1 - Grif's Corner - 4th
Race 5:
MOST LIKELY: #9 - Successful Sara (4-1) - WINNER
BEST VALUE: #7 - Fort Carillon (5-1) - 3rd
OVERRATED: #6 - Big Shadow - 5th
Race 6:
MOST LIKELY: #4 - Kaptain (3-1) - 2nd
BEST VALUE: #6 - Perfect Precision (8-1) - 4th
OVERRATED: #1/#1A - Path to Success - 9th
Race 7:
MOST LIKELY: #1 - Kokoro (7-2) - 2nd
BEST VALUE: #4 - Smokin' Stephanie (10-1) - 6th
OVERRATED: #5 - Luau Bay - LAST (8th)
Race 8:
MOST LIKELY: #4 - Gimmearoutine (6-1) - 4th
BEST VALUE: #8 - Southern Spirit (12-1) - 7th
OVERRATED: #1 - Tax Man - 8th
Race: 9
MOST LIKELY: #9 - Melody Queen (4-1) - 4th
BEST VALUE: #5 - Christine's Design (6-1) - 6th
OVERRATED: #3 - Sage the Rage - WON
Sunday, February 15, 2009
What this blog is intended to do?
As I will continue to update http://drdansdailydose.blogspot.com regularly for all of the friends and customers I made at Running Aces., the Canterbury Report is going to be intended for the new friends I hope to make at this track.
I usually only go to Canterbury on Saturday's, but am going to start making an effort to make it their more often. My goal is to be working their this Summer and I hope everything works out, so I can establish myself with a company who actually CARES about their employees.
The simulcasting staff and marketing team at Canterbury headed by Jeff Maday is elite and I hope to establish a good, working relationship with them.
This industry needs new flavor and I bring that to the table. I have proven it to everyone I use to work with and the older horse players who looked for new ways to make money at the track.
Please contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and I hope you all enjoy the blog. Contribute as much as you can. I will post as often as I can over the next few months leading up to the Derby.
Best wishes, stay healthy
Dan Adams
adam0487@umn.edu
I usually only go to Canterbury on Saturday's, but am going to start making an effort to make it their more often. My goal is to be working their this Summer and I hope everything works out, so I can establish myself with a company who actually CARES about their employees.
The simulcasting staff and marketing team at Canterbury headed by Jeff Maday is elite and I hope to establish a good, working relationship with them.
This industry needs new flavor and I bring that to the table. I have proven it to everyone I use to work with and the older horse players who looked for new ways to make money at the track.
Please contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and I hope you all enjoy the blog. Contribute as much as you can. I will post as often as I can over the next few months leading up to the Derby.
Best wishes, stay healthy
Dan Adams
adam0487@umn.edu
THE CANTERBURY REPORT
As I move forward with my career in the horse racing industry I am looking to make a stamp on thoroughbred racing in Minnesota. Some people call me Dr. Dan, some people just Dan. It's pretty obvious that pari-mutuel wagering is suffering everywhere in the country. There is talk of Hollywood Park closing following their meets in 2009. They handle millions of dollars a day compared to Canterbury's less than a million handle. Canterbury Park has established itself over the past decade and has some of the best racing in the midwest. It is too bad the state has not not permitted them to install slot machines to save the sport. It's tough to compete with the other midwest tracks that have slot machines because horsemen would rather race for higher purse amounts at those tracks. Therefore, we do not get the horses we could possibly be getting. There is no reason in this size of a metro area that we can't compete with Arlington in the Summer. The amount of money that is gambled by Minnesotan's at Native American casino's is astounding and if just a percentage of that went to the horse racing industry it would be well worth the risk by the state.
Canterbury Park has done so much for the economy here in Minnesota since the Sampson family inherited it in the early 1990's. They have done exactly what the original owners could not, they have established an industry within the state. Minnesota does not breed horses like other states, but it has many people at work, making an income and that is exactly what this economy needs.
Running Aces in the Columbus, MN has made no attempts to grow the standardbred industry in Minnesota. They could ask for tax breaks due to their millions of dollars in losses, but I would not give it to them. I tried as a low-level employee to inform as many people as I could that if they did not improve their relationship with the racing industry in Minnesota than they would never succeed. The same thing happened to Canterbury Downs back in the 1980's. As a new track, I tried to instill a lot of the information that I had from what I learned at Canterbury Park. Their management team is oblivious to what's going on around them. They have one thought on their mind and it is the "Card Room". Granted that it is the primary source of income, but they are negligent to the horseplayers that come in and spend thousands every week. They have not established one, big player because they don't listen. There mutuels manager is young and has an ego that would get most people fired. He knows nothing about racing and nothing about Minnesota. When they let me go, they lost their one chance for survival. I can't believe that Running Aces will make it past 2010. They through a lot of money into the place without a thought about horse racing. The set-up is terrible. If Canterbury Park paid for self-wagering systems they would have no benefits over going to Canterbury. Now that Running Aces has established their points system I am hoping Canterbury will take the next step in ordering the same systems from Scientific Games. Many of the major horseplayers like them because they do not have to wait in lines and can get a printout for all their bets made at the end of the day. Other than that Running Aces has nothing comparable to what Canterbury offers the everyday horseplayer. They don't have a race-replays machine, they don't have an information booth, they rely on their tellers to know everything about racing when it's not their job, their only decent handicapping tournaments were created by me, basically they have nothing to entice you to go there.
Summed up shortly, GO TO CANTERBURY PARK..... The Best and Brightest Simulcasting Facility in Minnesota. Hands Down
Canterbury Park has done so much for the economy here in Minnesota since the Sampson family inherited it in the early 1990's. They have done exactly what the original owners could not, they have established an industry within the state. Minnesota does not breed horses like other states, but it has many people at work, making an income and that is exactly what this economy needs.
Running Aces in the Columbus, MN has made no attempts to grow the standardbred industry in Minnesota. They could ask for tax breaks due to their millions of dollars in losses, but I would not give it to them. I tried as a low-level employee to inform as many people as I could that if they did not improve their relationship with the racing industry in Minnesota than they would never succeed. The same thing happened to Canterbury Downs back in the 1980's. As a new track, I tried to instill a lot of the information that I had from what I learned at Canterbury Park. Their management team is oblivious to what's going on around them. They have one thought on their mind and it is the "Card Room". Granted that it is the primary source of income, but they are negligent to the horseplayers that come in and spend thousands every week. They have not established one, big player because they don't listen. There mutuels manager is young and has an ego that would get most people fired. He knows nothing about racing and nothing about Minnesota. When they let me go, they lost their one chance for survival. I can't believe that Running Aces will make it past 2010. They through a lot of money into the place without a thought about horse racing. The set-up is terrible. If Canterbury Park paid for self-wagering systems they would have no benefits over going to Canterbury. Now that Running Aces has established their points system I am hoping Canterbury will take the next step in ordering the same systems from Scientific Games. Many of the major horseplayers like them because they do not have to wait in lines and can get a printout for all their bets made at the end of the day. Other than that Running Aces has nothing comparable to what Canterbury offers the everyday horseplayer. They don't have a race-replays machine, they don't have an information booth, they rely on their tellers to know everything about racing when it's not their job, their only decent handicapping tournaments were created by me, basically they have nothing to entice you to go there.
Summed up shortly, GO TO CANTERBURY PARK..... The Best and Brightest Simulcasting Facility in Minnesota. Hands Down
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