[bc_video_id:288404:]OZONE PARK, N.Y. – If one were to drive the 771 miles from Aqueduct to Churchill Downs, the route would include a trip over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, an imposing double-suspension structure that leads from Brooklyn to Staten Island and points south and west.
PHOENIX – Why Not Be Perfect looks to cement his status as the top route horse at Turf Paradise as the 6-year-old carries high weight of 124 pounds in Saturday’s $35,000 Wildcat Handicap. Despite his success this meet, Why Not Be Perfect didn’t exactly scare away the opposition as eight signed on to challenge the likely heavy favorite in the 1 3/8-mile grass event.
Also on Saturday’s program is the $35,000 Arizona Stallion Stakes. The 7 1/2-furlong grass event for 3-year-olds conceived by a stallion standing in Arizona drew a field of six.
Craig Braddick, formerly of Zia Park, has been named the new announcer at Thistledown in North Randall, Ohio. Braddick will also co-host a daily television show at Thistledown and work with the marketing department on promotions for Thistledown’s new slots casino, which opens April 9.
The 120-day Thistledown racing season opens April 19 and will continue through Nov. 17. Thistledown is owned by Caesars Entertainment. The new racino will house more than 1,000 video lottery terminals.
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Assured Victory should appreciate the return to Aqueduct's main track in Friday’s nominal $51,000 optional claiming feature going a mile.
Assured Victory hasn’t won on dirt since March 29, 2012, when he rolled to a six-length victory in a $25,000 claimer going seven furlongs on the main track.
Assured Victory raced three times on the inner track with a second and two thirds.
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Funnys Approval, My Wandy’s Girl, and Withgreatpleasure, the top three finishers from the Grade 2 Barbara Fritchie Handicap, comprise half the field entered for Saturday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Ruffian Handicap at one mile.
The Ruffian is carded as the fourth race on the card.
Funnys Approval recorded a 21-1 front-running shocker in the seven-furlong Barbara Fritchie, her fourth consecutive victory since being switched to the dirt by trainer Jose Lopez.
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Trainer Todd Pletcher has a pretty strong hand for the Kentucky Oaks with Dreaming of Julia, Unlimited Budget, and Silsita.
Saturday, Princess of Sylmar could earn her spot in the Oaks in the Grade 2, $250,000 Gazelle Stakes at 1 1/8 miles.
Princess of Sylmar has won four consecutive races by a combined 38 3/4 lengths. She won the Busanda by 7 1/2 lengths and the Busher by seven lengths.
Texas Bling on Wednesday put in his penultimate work for the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby on April 13, going five furlongs in 1:01.60. Trainer Danele Durham said his final prep would come Tuesday, with plans for a three-furlong blowout at Oaklawn.
Texas Bling worked under jockey Calvin Borel, with Oaklawn head clocker Jim Hamilton carrying him through fractions of 12.80 seconds for the opening eighth of a mile, 25.20 for the first quarter, and 38.40 for three furlongs. Hamilton had the horse’s final quarter in 23.20 and had him galloping out six furlongs in 1:14.40.
ARCADIA, Calif. - The California Horse Racing Board has lifted a ban on the use of feed products made by Purina Mills at its Turlock, Calif. plant. The ban was instituted after the company’s products resulted in 48 positive tests statewide for the banned medication zilpaterol last month.
According to a statement released by the racing board on Wednesday, Purina executives have given assurances that their feed no longer contains zilpaterol, which is used to build mass in livestock. The racing board reported that independent testing at UC-Davis found no zilpaterol in samples.
ARCADIA, Calif. - The Santa Anita Derby is the richest of five stakes on Saturday’s 11-race program, and one of four graded stakes.
Beholder, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2012, will be heavily favored to win the $300,000 Santa Anita Oaks for 3-year-old fillies over 1 1/16 miles. Trained by Richard Mandella, Beholder’s biggest threat could be stablemate Spellbound, who makes her stakes debut.
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – After recording consecutive Grade 2 stakes victories in Southern California, Sahara Sky has shipped cross-country seeking Grade 1 glory in Saturday’s $400,000 Carter Handicap, one of four undercard stakes on the 12-race Wood Memorial program.
Sahara Sky, trained and owned in part by Jerry Hollendorfer, drew post 4 and is the 120-pound starting highweight in a field of seven that includes Discreet Dancer, Fort Loudon, Brigand, and Saturday’s Charm.
