Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Aclassysassylassy set for comeback

MIAMI - With all the talk around here this past week centering on In Summation and Running Lass and the possibility that both could sweep their divisions of the Florida Stallion Stakes, it's easy to forget that the elusive feat was accomplished just a year ago by a little bitty filly named Aclassysassylassy.

Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Rhone runners dangerous at Remington

Last week at Remington Park, a notable trainer trend developed: Pay attention to horses Bernell Rhone sends out on turf. He saddled Couple Whiles to win her fourth race in her last five starts in a turf allowance last Saturday night, then on Monday took down the richest turf race of the meet when Dontbotherknocking captured the $125,000 DeBartolo Memorial.

Rhone has moved 15 horses to Remington, and has gone 2 for 4 with turf starters this meet.

"This is my first year at Remington in about 10 years," he said. "I'm based out of Minnesota, then I race the winter in Tampa."

Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Canterbury Park track report

Canterbury Park concluded its 2005 meeting on Labor Day with mixed returns. While average daily attendance increased for the ninth consecutive year, betting handle declined in several categories.

The 2005 Canterbury Park race meeting was shortened to 68 days as a result of a cancellation on the second-last day of the meet, but it still attracted 348,804 fans for an average daily attendance of 5,129, a 3 percent increase over last year's 67-day meet.

Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Columbus track report

Monday's win by Lali's Cat ($23) in the $10,650 Labor Day Handicap gave leading trainer David Anderson his fourth win of the day at Columbus.

Ope ($6) opened the win spree with a six-length romp against fellow 2-year-olds in the third race, a maiden special weight event. Anderson followed up by saddling Bumpitee ($9.60) to win the sixth and Bella La Ghosi ($7.80) to win the eighth.

Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Evangeline Downs track report

Premier Dance's victory in Monday's $100,000 Lafayette Stakes capped a busy week of action at this southern Louisiana oval. A rare Sunday evening card resulted in a six-day week that saw longshot Misty Glo ($38) pull off an upset in Saturday's Matron Stakes.

Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Finger Lakes track report

Classic Pack managed to set a stakes record, yet earned only a modest Beyer Speed Figure, in Monday's $248,400 New York Breeders Futurity at Finger Lakes.

Under Pablo Fragoso, Classic Pack romped by 9 1/4 lengths while covering the six furlongs in 1:09.85, breaking the record of 1:10.40 set by Mello Roll in 1997.

As an indication of how fast the track was playing on Labor Day, Classic Pack was awarded a 76 Beyer, 7 points lower than he earned for his maiden win at Belmont Park.

Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Great Lakes Downs track report

Track owner Magna Entertainment Corp. has requested 105 dates for Great Lakes for 2006, similar to this year's schedule. The season started late this year, beginning on May 16, but next year's request includes an opening day of May 6, Kentucky Derby Day. The track is expected to race Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays until Nov. 8.

The state racing commission will have a hearing in mid-October for Michigan's seven racetracks, and will grant dates by Nov. 1.

Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Prairie Meadows track report

Prairie Meadows has reached an agreement with the Iowa Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association over the purse structure and dates for 2006.

Under the agreement, which must by approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, Prairie Meadows will conduct 90 days of live racing in 2006. A 45-day Thoroughbred meeting beginning in April would be followed by a 45-day mixed meeting from July to mid-September.

Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Retama Park track report

Bart Evans's success as a breeder, owner and trainer is not limited to racehorses like Almost Certain, with whom he won the $100,000 Ketel One El Joven last Saturday night at Retama. Evans also raised and rode polo star Chicaboom, who in 2000 was inducted into the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame.

Evans, inducted in 2001 for his playing skills, has retired from riding in polo matches and now operates a racing stable. He has 14 horses at Retama, including homebred stakes winners Almost Certain and Wishingitwas, who are half-brothers.

Wed, 09/07/2005 - 00:00

Thistledown track report

Some of the best older sprinters in Ohio will battle in Friday's $40,000 Honey Jay Stakes at Thistledown.

Ben's Reflection is the one to beat in the six-furlong stakes. Trained by Michael Nance for M.Y. Stables Inc., Ben's Reflection has a 2-2-1 record from six starts this year. He most recently beat open starter handicap horses here Aug. 19, coming from just off the pace while being timed in 1:10 for six furlongs.