Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Only one prep for top Oaks pair

ETOBICOKE, Ontario − Resentless and Roan Inish each enter Sunday's $500,000 Woodbine Oaks at 1 1/8 miles with one start this season, having finished one-two in the seven-furlong Fury Stakes here May 1.

Resentless, trained by Ian Howard, did not get another prep race because she fell ill. Roan Inish's trainer, Carolyn Costigan, elected to train her filly up to the Woodbine Oaks.

Resentless and Roan Inish, arguably the top two Canadian-bred fillies on the grounds last season, were highly regarded Woodbine Oaks candidates coming into the 2010 meeting.

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Zenyatta lands in post 5 for Vanity

Zenyatta has drawn post 5 in a field of six for Sunday's $250,000 Vanity Handicap, where the 6-year-old mare will be attempting to stretch her unbeaten streak to 17 races. The rest of the field, in post position order, is Miss Silver Brook, St Trinians, Zardana, Will O Way, and Cherryblossommiss.

Zenyatta will be ridden by Mike Smith, who will make a public appearance to discuss the mare's career in the Hollywood Park paddock at noon Saturday.

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Alpha Kitten appears back in form

Alpha Kitten may have regained the form that made her a graded stakes winner in 2009.

That is trainer John Sadler's opinion as Alpha Kitten nears Saturday's $60,000 Desert Stormer Handicap at Hollywood Park.

After she finished second and third as the favorite in two starts at Santa Anita earlier this year, Sadler is confident that Alpha Kitten can win the Desert Stormer, which is run over six furlongs for fillies and mares.

"I think she's the best horse," Sadler said. "She's been training really well."

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Timing key for Santa Anita track

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - An expected replacement project for Santa Anita's main track later this year may lead to changes in the location of everyday training for hundreds of Thoroughbreds in Southern California after the conclusion of the Del Mar meeting on Sept. 8.

Dennis Mills, chief executive officer of Santa Anita parent company Magna International Developments, said Thursday that the track is exploring options for its current main track, a Pro-Ride brand synthetic surface that failed to drain sufficiently last winter during heavy rain.

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Embur's Song heads Woodbine Oaks lineup

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Embur's Song, an impressive winner of her only two starts, has been made the 9-5 favorite by Woodbine oddsmaker Ernie Peri for Sunday's $500,000 Woodbine Oaks. Trained by Todd Pletcher and to be ridden by Garrett Gomez, Embur's Song will begin from post 6 in the field of eight Canadian-bred fillies for the 1 1/8-mile Woodbine Oaks.

A 13 1/4-length maiden winner in her seven-furlong debut at Keeneland on April 17, Embur's Song shipped here five weeks later to defeat older fillies and mares in a first-level allowance at 1 1/16 miles.

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Woodbine roundup

WHO'S HOT

Leading rider Patrick Husbands led all jockeys during the nine racing days from May 26-June 6, winning on 11 of 51 mounts. Other hot jocks during that time were Emile Ramsammy (10 for 48), Luis Contreras (7 for 25) and Emma Wilson (7 for 30).

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Hollywood roundup

WHO'S HOT

Trainer Mike Mitchell is on a tear. In a three-week span from May 19 through June 6, he won 10 races from 15 starters and rocketed to the top of the standings. Mitchell entered the June 9 card with 16 wins from 39 starters. His return on investment for each $2 win bet was $2.66. Doug O'Neill ranked second at the meet with 15 wins from 100 starters and a $1.23 ROI.

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Monmouth roundup

ALEXANDER'S THE NAME

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Churchill roundup

WHO'S HOT

Jockeys

With many riders out of town last week, wins were spread around quite a bit. From May 31, Memorial Day, to June 6, Robby Albarado won the most races, 5 from 23 mounts. Three jockeys - Miguel Mena, Corey Lanerie, and Calvin Borel - closely followed with four wins.

Thu, 06/10/2010 - 00:00

Calder roundup

WHO'S HOT

Jockeys Luis Saez and Manoel Cruz continue to separate themselves from the rest of the pack this meeting. Saez won a dozen races during the week ending on Memorial Day, taking a seemingly commanding lead in the standings. But that advantage quickly evaporated after Cruz captured eight races in a three-day span last week, including four Friday and three Sunday.