FORT ERIE, Ontario - Trainer Tony Alderson has been taking a keen interest in a couple of guys working around his barn on the Fort Erie backstretch.
The younger of the two is Sandspit, an 11-year-old gelding. The other is Alderson's son, Jeffrey, a fast-maturing 17-year-old.
Sandspit, winner of the Puss N Boots Cup here the last two years, is scheduled to return to the races on Sunday in an about seven-furlong turf allowance and would be making his first start since last Oct. 16.
Jockey Tim Doocy said Friday that the injuries he sustained in a morning training accident last winter at Oaklawn will probably force his retirement, but he wants to see how he continues to progress in his physical therapy before making a final call on his career. Doocy, 54, has made great strides in his rehabilitation since fracturing his left kneecap, ankle, and tibia on Dec. 7.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Lowther Street heads a strong field of older horses in Sunday's featured race at Hastings. Patrons will have to get here early to watch the races, which begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
The feature is worth getting up for. Among the 10 horses entered in the 1 1/16-mile $50,000 optional claimer are Krazy Koffee and Trick of the North. Krazy Koffee was the local horse of the year in 2008, and Trick of the North won six races last year, including the Grade 3 Premiers.
Penn National Gaming Inc. has sued its partner in a harness track and several off-track betting parlors in New Jersey, claiming that board members representing the partner have blocked efforts to build an off-track betting parlor in the southern part of the state.
After initially saying Acorn winner Champagne d'Oro would run next in the Mother Goose on June 26, trainer Eric Guillot has altered course and decided to shorten up the filly to six furlongs and target the Grade 1 Prioress at Belmont on July 4.
Guillot said his major target for the summer with Champagne d'Oro is the Grade 1 Test, a seven-furlong race at Saratoga on Aug. 7. Guillot felt the Prioress was a better progression to the Test than the Mother Goose, which is run at 1 1/16 miles around one turn.
ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The Zadracarta, an overnight turf stakes for fillies and mares, will be run at the new distance of seven furlongs here Saturday.
And that change, from the Zadracarta's previous six-furlong distance, could have a major impact on some of the leading contenders for the $100,000 race.
Malcolm Pierce, who trains Mullins Beach, is concerned about his 4-year-old filly going seven furlongs in her first start since Oct. 16.
WHO'S HOT
Chantal Sutherland was the riding star of the week of June 9-13, when she won aboard 10 of 24 mounts (41.7 percent). She ranks third in the jockey standings at the meet, behind Patrick Husbands and Eurico Da Silva.
Trainer Ross Armata had a very productive week, winning with 3 of his 5 starters, which included two tallies with 2-year-olds. Other hot trainers included Paul Buttigieg (2 for 5) and Roger Attfield (3 for 11).
WHO'S NOT
GET SERIOUS WASN'T KIDDING
The Grade 3 Monmouth Stakes seemed like a perfect spot to take a shot against the speedy Presious Passion. He was making his first start since Dubai, which has resulted in a "bounce" for many horses. The race was at 1 1/8 miles, which is a little shorter than he wants to go. Trainer Mary Hartmann has bigger things in mind for him this summer, such as the Grade 1 United Nations. Finally, Get Serious, a speed-type just like Presious Passion, was on the rail.
WHO'S HOT
Zenyatta finally got beat, or so it appeared with one furlong remaining June 13 in the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap. St Trinians had kicked away from Zenyatta, a 6-year-old mare carrying 129 pounds to her rival's 120. Then Zenyatta turned on the jets. She smoked the final eighth in about 11.50 seconds, collared St Trinians late, and was pulling away at the wire. The margin was a half length; it was Zenyatta's third consecutive Vanity win and 17th victory without a loss.