Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

Gulfstream's ontrack business soars

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Less than one month into his first meet as president and general manager of Gulfstream Park, and Bill Murphy already has plenty to smile about. Business inside his building is up dramatically over corresponding figures from a year ago, and the best is yet to come. The Sunshine Millions is on tap this weekend, and a tremendous Donn Day program that will feature two Eclipse Award winners and the top 3-year-old prospect Nobiz Like Shobiz looms the following week.

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

Wrenice tries for six in a row

Wrenice has scared off the competition in Texas, so now she has come to Louisiana. A winner of her last five starts by a combined 40 lengths, Wrenice will make her two-turn debut Friday night at Delta Downs in the $50,000 Genesis.

The race is one of two stakes on the card, with 3-year-old colts also set to go two turns in the $50,000 Triple Sec.

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

Lots of changes since Mystic Ruler's last

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Mystic Ruler will have a new trainer and will be racing at a new track, but as long as he's got grass under his feet the lightly raced colt could be the horse to beat in Friday's $48,000 allowance feature at Gulfstream Park.

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

Pussycat Doll back in action

ARCADIA, Calif. - Nearly nine months after winning the Grade 1 Humana Distaff on the Kentucky Derby undercard, Pussycat Doll will make a comeback in Sunday's $250,000 Santa Monica Handicap, the nation's first Grade 1 race of the year.

The seven-furlong race for fillies and mares is over a distance at which Pussycat Doll specializes, but one that will not be her focus for 2007, trainer Bob Baffert said.

Baffert hopes to run Pussycat Doll around two turns as the season progresses, with the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Monmouth Park in October as a long-term goal.

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

Saratoga adds second twilight card

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Buoyed by a successful introduction of twilight racing on the last Friday of the 2006 Saratoga meet, the New York Racing Association on Wednesday announced the addition of a second twilight Friday for the 2007 season, which begins July 25.

The first twilight card is scheduled for the Saratoga meet's first Friday, July 27. The second twilight card, like last year, will be on the final Friday, Aug. 31. First post on both programs is 2:45 p.m.

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

Argentinisima getting pricier by the race

ARCADIA, Calif. - The silks keep changing, but the results have been the same for Argentinisima in recent starts. She continues to win claiming races for female sprinters.

Friday at Santa Anita, Argentinisima will attempt to win her third consecutive race for a different owner when she starts in an optional claimer over six furlongs, the second race on an eight-race program.

Argentinisima is likely to go favored, and set the pace, in a field of five. Along with Sweet Ambition, Argentinisima is eligible to be claimed for a price of $62,500.

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

R Big Stuff gets chance in Rattlesnake

He’s had to wait a little longer than expected, but R Big Stuff will get a chance to redeem himself on Friday. The top Arizona-bred 3-year-old, R Big Stuff was hoping to repair his tarnished reputation in the $40,000 Rattlesnake at Turf Paradise last Sunday, but when weather forced the cancellation of live racing that day, R Big Stuff had to stay in the barn.

But the Rattlesnake has been rescheduled, and Friday’s mile event for 3-year-olds has lured a field of 10. Post positions were redrawn but the field remains intact from Sunday’s original cast.

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

Silver Expression stakes her claim

Silver Expression made it three wins in five starts when she won last Saturday’s $125,000 La Senora Handicap, and she reinforced her status as the top New Mexico-bred 3-year-old filly – but it wasn’t easy.

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

Mary Anne Barron new racing secretary

Mary Anne Barron has been named the new racing secretary at Great Lakes Downs. Barron replaces Allan Plever, who is leaving after five seasons to pursue other options, according to track general manager Amy MacNeil.

Barron has been an owner-trainer at Great Lakes, and formerly trained at the now shuttered Detroit Race Course. She was an instrumental part of the management team that reopened the former Muskegon harness track as Great Lakes Downs in 1999 before returning to training. Barron also served as interim general manager at Great Lakes one year during the off-season.

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 00:00

A fresh start for More Than Regal

More Than Regal won four stakes at 3, but now must face older rivals.¶

More Than Regal was a four-time stakes winner last year at 3. He will be moving into a new division on Saturday night when he makes his first start of the year in the $100,000 Maxxam Gold Cup Handicap at Sam Houston Race Park.

“It’s his first time against older horses,” said Steve Asmussen, who trains More Than Regal for Vinery Stables. “I think it’s a good spot for him to get back in there and see what he can do.”