Wed, 06/01/2022 - 10:22

Suffolk Downs fire puts simulcasting on hold

Barbara D. Livingston
A fire Monday night at Suffolk Downs forced the closure of simulcast operations. The track is hoping to reopen in time for the June 11 Belmont Stakes.

Simulcasting operations at Suffolk Downs in East Boston, Mass., are on hold after a late-night fire destroyed the track’s television control room and other facilities, according to the chief executive of the company that runs the track.

Tue, 05/31/2022 - 12:05

Tom's Regret targets Fasig-Tipton Debutante Stakes

Debra A. Roma
Tom's Regret wins the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes on May 5 at Churchill Downs.

ARCADIA, Calif. – Tom’s Regret, the undefeated filly who beat males in the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes on May 5 at Churchill Downs, is likely to have her next start in the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Debutante on June 18 at Santa Anita.

Trainer Jorge Periban said in May that Tom’s Regret was under consideration for the Grade 3 Schuylerville Stakes on July 14 at Saratoga, but said over the weekend that the Fasig-Tipton Debutante at five furlongs for 2-year-old fillies is a revised goal.

Tue, 05/31/2022 - 11:56

Los Alamitos adjusts start date for Los Angeles County Fair meet

Los Alamitos has altered the racing dates for its upcoming Los Angeles County Fair season and will begin the three-week meeting on June 25, one day later than expected.

Track officials said last week that the season will cover nine days of racing – June 25-26, July 1-4, and July 8-10. In a meeting with the California Horse Racing Board in May, Los Alamitos officials indicated the season would start June 24.

Tue, 05/31/2022 - 11:51

St Anthony points to Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar

Vassar Photography
St Anthony rallies to win the $75,900 Alcatraz Stakes at Golden Gate Fields.

St Anthony will have his first appearance in a stakes in Southern California in the $100,000 Oceanside on July 22 at Del Mar after winning his stakes debut in Sunday’s $75,900 Alcatraz for 3-year-olds at a mile on turf at Golden Gate Fields, trainer Neil Drysdale said.

The Oceanside Stakes is run at a mile on turf for 3-year-olds and is the top race on opening day of the Del Mar summer meeting.

Tue, 05/31/2022 - 11:17

Trainer Robert Gerl suspended 20 years

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Robert Gerl of Palgrave, Ontario, has been suspended 20 years and fined $100,000 by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for multiple medication violations.

Tue, 05/31/2022 - 09:03

Belmont Stakes: Creative Minister, Ethereal Road get back to work

Emily Shields
Creative Minister, third in the Preakness, worked a half-mile in 48.37 seconds on Tuesday at Belmont Park.

ELMONT, N.Y. – Creative Minister, third in the Preakness on May 21, and Ethereal Road, winner of the Sir Barton Stakes on the same day, returned to the work tab Tuesday morning as they prepare for a start in the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes here June 11.

Mon, 05/30/2022 - 21:54

Santa Anita mandatory pick six pays $889

ARCADIA, Calif. - The 20-cent Rainbow pick six paid $889 to 4,595 ticketholders at Santa Anita on Monday, a day with massive interest caused by a mandatory payout.

The bet began with a carryover of $588,484. Bettors added $4,584,692 on Monday.

The pick six covered the fifth through 10th races. The winners were Count Again ($7), Warren’s Queen Bee ($4.80), Isola Mia ($4), Recall and Reload ($6.40), Mubtadaa ($6.20) and Ocean Road ($12.20).

Mon, 05/30/2022 - 17:53

Aint He Tempting sets fastest qualifying time for Ed Burke Futurity

Aint He Tempting was a feisty colt before and during the last of 10 divisions of the Ed Burke Million Futurity trials at Los Alamitos on Sunday.

Aint He Tempting reared in the gate, settled down, and then proceeded to spend more of his energy in a positive way, winning the 350-yard race by two lengths in 17.641 seconds. Aint He Tempting set the fastest qualifying time for the $1 million final on June 19.

Mon, 05/30/2022 - 16:33

Rich Strike turns in strong work between races; leaves for Belmont on Tuesday

Coady Photography
Rich Strike worked five furlongs in 59 seconds between races at Churchill on Memorial Day and then galloped out strongly. He was timed going six furlongs in 1:12.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Rich Strike had his second and final workout between the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes when breezing five furlongs in 59 seconds between races Monday at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Eric Reed watched the work from atop the five-furlong clocker’s stand on the Churchill backside. Rich Strike was ridden by regular exercise Gabriel Lagunes over a freshly harrowed track rated fast.

Mon, 05/30/2022 - 14:51

Clement mulls options for two impressive turf-sprint winners

Susie Rashier/NYRA
Big Invasion draws away to a 3 1/4-length victory in the Paradise Creek, earning a 93 Beyer Speed Figure.

ELMONT, N.Y. -- In a span of an hour Sunday at Belmont Park, trainer Christophe Clement had two turf sprinters turn in exceptionally strong performances.

The 3-year-old Big Invasion successfully stretched out to seven furlongs by winning the $100,000 Paradise Creek Stakes by 3 1/4 lengths over Asymmetric. He ran seven furlongs in a quick 1:20.34 over a firm turf and earned a 93 Beyer Speed Figure.