Mohawk: Thursday 7/16 Analysis
Garnet Barnsdale's analysis of the Thursday 7/16 card at Mohawk Racetrack.
Garnet BarnsdaleJul 14, 2015
Garnet Barnsdale's analysis of the Thursday 7/16 card at Mohawk Racetrack.
Robert Evans, the chief executive at Churchill Downs Inc. for eight years until his resignation last year, will retire as the company’s executive chairman of the board effective Sept. 30 of this year, the company announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Bold Summit has a chance to control the pace in Thursday’s eighth race, an optional $12,500 claiming first-level allowance for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs.
The Japan Racing Horse Association select sale closed Tuesday with record returns in the yearling market, a slightly muted weanling market, and significant activity from a prominent U.S. buyer and by notable U.S. pedigrees.
The Pizza Man won the 12-furlong Stars and Stripes on Saturday, the local prep for the $350,000 American St. Leger, a race The Pizza Man won last year, but Rich Papiese, co-owner and breeder of The Pizza Man, said after the victory it was more likely the gelding would try the Arlington Million than attempt a second St. Leger win on Aug. 15.
Lone Star Park has requested a 50-date Thoroughbred meet for 2016, according to an application made to the Texas Racing Commission. The track has asked to open on April 7 and run through July 17.
Connections of Walk Close, who won the Modesty Stakes by a half-length on Saturday, are weighing options for the improving 4-year-old filly. But Mango Diva, the runner-up in the Modesty, is a likely starter next month in the Grade 1 Beverly D. Stakes on the Arlington Million card.
Jim Byers will call the races for the final week of the Lone Star meet, which runs from Thursday night through Sunday afternoon.
Gantry, the Grade 2-winning sprinter who has earned more than $850,000, makes an appearance in the sixth race Thursday at Louisiana Downs.
On turf, especially, Beyer Speed Figures sometimes can sometimes understate how well a horse has run. The Beyers are based on final time, and when a grass race like the American Derby here this past Saturday unfolds at a crawl, it’s just not possible to run fast, even with a Beyer Figure accounting for the relative speed of the course.