Thu, 05/24/2007 - 00:00

Wolfson has three ready for stakes

MIAMI - Trainer Marty Wolfson will have all angles covered, both quality- and quantity-wise, when it comes to Saturday's $50,000 Sara's Success Stakes on the grass at Calder.

Wolfson, who ran off a streak of five consecutive victories over a three-day span here last weekend, has entered three members of his turf-rich barn in the 7 1/2-furlong Sara's Success. The trio consists of Silver Charades and El Bank Robber, who own the highest and second-highest last-out Beyer Speed Figures in the lineup, and the 3-year-old Snow Cone.

Thu, 05/24/2007 - 00:00

Victory the best medicine

BOSSIER CITY, La. – Nothing like a win to help ease the pain.

Trainer Pat Mouton, who underwent surgery for a bad back on May 7, undoubtedly could be seen grimacing a bit when he was putting the saddle on Cort’s P. B. for last Saturday’s Big Earl Stakes. A little more than a minute and three seconds after the latch was sprung for the 5 1/2-furlong sprint for Louisiana-breds, Mouton was noticeably lighter on his feet. Cort’s P. B. crossed the wire almost five lengths in front, coming within .20 of the track standard, set in 1994 by Fighting K.

Thu, 05/24/2007 - 00:00

Earlier start leads to full barn area

Arapahoe Park in Aurora, Colo., has made some key changes to its racing program for its 36-date mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses that opens on Saturday. The season will run through Aug. 12.

Arapahoe has moved 10 of its 36 stakes races to Mondays, and is beginning its meet a few weeks earlier than usual. The new start date has resulted in a full barn area.

Thu, 05/24/2007 - 00:00

Mike Fox's victory lands him Plate role

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - A second-level allowance race on a Wednesday evening here at Woodbine may not seem like such stuff as Queen's Plate dreams are made on.

But that's the path that will be followed by Mike Fox, who defeated older rivals over 1 1/16 miles and should make his next appearance in the $1 million Queen's Plate on

June 24.

"I was impressed," said Ian Black, who trains Mike Fox for D. Morgan Firestone. "They were tough enough older horses. I thought it was a good performance."

Thu, 05/24/2007 - 00:00

Trainers praise Santa Anita choice

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - The announcement Wednesday that Santa Anita will install a Cushion Track synthetic surface this summer was met with approval among trainers at Hollywood Park, a venue that has received strong support from horsemen since installing a similar surface last summer.

Thu, 05/24/2007 - 00:00

Alberta Derby next stop for Ookashada

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - According to trainer Toni Cloutier, Ookashada came out of his win Monday in the $55,389 Jim Coleman Province Stakes at Hastings in excellent shape and will be pointed to the $125,000 Alberta Derby at Stampede Park on June 16.

Thu, 05/24/2007 - 00:00

Massachusetts Handicap to return this fall

The Massachusetts Handicap will be back on the schedule this fall at Suffolk Downs as the track's new majority owner, Richard Fields, continues the push to revive the flagging East Boston track.

Since taking over controlling interest on Suffolk's board in March through his Coastal Development LLC, Fields's focus has been on restoring optimism regarding the track's future. Business had been stagnant at Suffolk for years, and its signature race has had to be canceled three out of the last four years.

Thu, 05/24/2007 - 00:00

Alexander shifts horses to Reed

Elisabeth Alexander, the prominent owner-breeder, has turned some horses over to local trainer Eric Reed. According to Reed, Alexander "wanted to concentrate on local racing, and was impressed with our new training center." Reed and a partner recently opened the Mercury Training center in Lexington, Ky. Reed saddled his first winner at River Downs in 1982, at the age of 17. A total of 15 to 20 horses were moved to his care.

Wed, 05/23/2007 - 00:00

Santa Anita chooses Cushion Track

Santa Anita will install a Cushion Track synthetic surface this summer, track president Ron Charles said on Wednesday.

As a result of the track's long-awaited decision, the two major Los Angeles racetracks will have the same type of synthetic surface. Hollywood Park installed a Cushion Track in September 2006, the first California track to install a synthetic surface.

The Santa Anita synthetic track will be used for the first time at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting that begins on Sept. 26. The project has an estimated cost of $8 million.

Wed, 05/23/2007 - 00:00

Smitty's Sunshine to hit road again

Smitty's Sunshine, who picked up her fifth straight win last month in the $111,000 Mamzelle at Churchill Downs, has returned to her Louisiana Downs base and is now being pointed for the $100,000 Distaff Turf Sprint Handicap at Calder Race Course. The five-furlong turf race is part of the track's Summit of Speed program on July 7.

"That's her distance," said her trainer, Morris Nicks.