NEW YORK - It is not surprising that a bill has been introduced in the New York Legislature that would institute an astronomical increase in the takeout on New York racing. Such a measure has been expected for months from the state's OTB corporations, which perpetually support such increases since they would be the primary beneficiaries.
ARCADIA, Calif. - Last Sunday morning, as millions of Americans settled into their breakfast traditions of flapjacks and huevos rancheros, they turned to their favorite strips in the Sunday funny pages.
Some folks stick with "Peanuts" and "Beetle Bailey." Others need their dose of "Garfield" and "Marmaduke." Then there is "Dilbert," which appeals to just about anyone who has ever worked for a living.
NEW YORK - The rich World Cup card Saturday is a monument to the spectacular racing achievements of Dubai's ruling Maktoum family. A tiny patch of desert that few people in racing had even heard of a generation ago is now the site of the world's richest race, and the $6 million purse for the main event has prompted the two best dirt horses on the planet, Pleasantly Perfect and Medaglia d'Oro, to travel a great distance for a Breeders' Cup Classic rematch.
ARCADIA, Calif. - Horse racing, like most American sporting endeavors, prides itself on being shielded from the outside world. Political upheaval and social strife tend to evaporate once inside the grandstand gates.
Of course, that's the point. Sports are supposed to relieve tedium, vent stress and nurture vicarious fantasies. What good are these toys - the Final Four, the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby - if not to provide escape?
TUCSON, Ariz. - It wasn't just a bad dream after all.
It was reality.
For more than two years now, I have been hearing the voice of Bill Eadington ringing in my ears, almost like tinnitus, warning of the economic dangers threatening racing in the legislatures of America.
ARCADIA, Calif. - Jason Orman knelt in the shavings of stall 16 in Santa Anita's barn 1C and carefully applied thick standing bandages to a set of legs that more closely resembled a stand of tall pines.
"There's not much you can make him do," Orman said in answer to a question about handling the beast that towered above. "The other day, when he was getting shoes, he decided he wasn't going to pick up his foot. So we just waited until he changed his mind."
Welcome to the world of Rock Hard Ten.
NEW YORK - It is an ancient, if not entirely honorable, racetrack tradition for someone to sneak through a good thing on a derby day undercard, whether it's the Kentucky Derby or the Kamloops Derby. It's the biggest day of the meeting, the track is filled with once-a-year racegoers, and everyone's attention is distracted by the main event. In other words, it's a perfect day for a putover.
ARCADIA, Calif. - It is not true that American racing writers are subject to fines and sanctions during March and April if they fail to deliver at least one paragraph each day of news, analysis or speculation about the relative abilities of the current Kentucky Derby crop.
It only seems that way.
Apologies, then, for straying from the script and offering these few items that contain neither of the words "Nick" nor "Zito." We'll get back to that on Monday.
ARCADIA, Calif. - It was the race that would never end. An eternal mile and one-half. On and on they slogged, sinking deep into the Santa Anita turf, until all but one gave up the ghost and staggered home.
The survivor - okay, winner - of the 2003 San Luis Rey Handicap was Champion Lodge, who ended up winning by six lengths in 2:33.48, more than 10 seconds slower than the Santa Anita course record. (For those who think the 2:23 mark might be a fluke, it was set by Fiddle Isle in 1970 and equaled by John Henry 10 years later.)
NEW YORK - A Fountain of Youth in 1:42.71. A Florida Derby in 1:51.38. These are times that try men's souls, especially if they try to convert them to meaningful speed figures.
A thoroughly confusing Kentucky Derby prep season reached a nadir of clarity with the first Grade 1 race for the division, last Saturday's Florida Derby, and not just because a 37-1 shot ended up getting his picture taken.