Trainer Brad Cox has two leading 3-year-old turf fillies, Fionn and Destino d’Oro, aimed toward the Dueling Grounds Oaks next month at Kentucky Downs. He has a third horse in the same division, Yes It Tiz, headed toward favoritism in the co-featured eighth race Friday at Ellis Park.
The Indiana Derby, trainer Brian Lynch believes, does not define the route capabilities of the 3-year-old colt Big Truzz, and after an eye-catching victory in the 1 1/2-turn Ellis Park Derby on Aug. 10, Big Truzz will get another shot in a true route next month.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – At first glance, it appears a bit odd. Chancer McPatrick, winner of the 1 1/8-mile Curlin Stakes here last month, is cutting back in distance while Strategic Focus, third in the Curlin, is stretching out.
Upon further review, however, it makes sense. Chancer McPatrick is a perfect fit for the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens at seven furlongs, while Strategic Focus is an interesting player in a short field assembled for the Grade 1, $1.25 Travers at 1 1/4 miles.
In response to Illinois' per-bet tax on sports betting, Circa Sports is implementing a $10 minimum wager requirement on its Illinois customers.
Circa's action comes on the heels of other sportsbooks in Illinois now requiring minimum betting amounts, though Circa's $10 amount is significantly higher than any so far.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – A victory following an equipment change, an affinity for the local turf course, and with a jockey enjoying a terrific meet, Awesome Czech has the look of a strong contender in a competitive renewal of Friday’s $150,000 Yaddo Stakes for New York-bred females at Saratoga.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The 2-year-old filly Iron Orchard lived up to her expensive purchase price and short odds when she won a restricted maiden race by 5 1/2 lengths at Saratoga on July 3. On Friday, Iron Orchard will be heavily favored to make it 2 for 2 when she runs in another restricted race, the $150,000 Seeking the Ante Stakes for New York-bred 2-year-old fillies going six furlongs at Saratoga. She is the 4-5-morning-line favorite in a field of six.
DEL MAR, Calif. – It’s all about wagering on Friday at Del Mar.
First post is 3 p.m. for a mundane card with four maiden-claiming races, three claiming or starter races for winners, and a maiden turf sprint for 2-year-olds. Quality aside, handicappers will seek the same objective as always – parimutuel nuggets.
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The post time for Friday racing has been pushed back to 4:30 p.m. due to a renovation project on the backstretch portion of Woodbine’s main turf course.
The outside lane 4 will be in use for the three inner turf events on Friday’s eight-race card, which is the reason for having eight also eligibles in the 7 1/2-furlong opener. The body of the $15,000 maiden-claiming race has eight, including the lightly raced El Diablito, who is making his first turf start.
Raging Fury, a Florida-bred gelding trained by Nolan Ramsey, has been plugging away at the same statebred allowance level for the better part of a year without a victory. He may finally have the upper hand in the eighth race at Gulfstream Park on Friday, a seven-furlong dirt race for 3-year-olds and up.
“I think he’s probably better a little bit shorter, but we were coming off a layoff and I really didn’t want to wait another month for them to card the race,” Ramsey said. “Figured we should take our shot while we can. We’re going to change our tactics a little bit.”
