NORTH RANDALL, Ohio - When patrons pull into the parking lot at Thistledown, they are greeted with a brand new look that is much more inviting. Similar improvements have been made throughout the plant, creating a cheerier atmosphere.

ELMONT, N.Y. - Bobby Frankel said he has always wanted to stretch Aldebaran out in distance, and he may give him that opportunity in the Grade 1, $750,000 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs on June 14.

Aldebaran captured the most prestigious victory of his career Monday, winning the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap by a neck over Saarland at sloppy Belmont Park. The victory was the second Grade 1 for Aldebaran this year and pushed his career earnings to $1,413,517 for Flaxman Stable.

AUBURN, Wash. - It will be Hayden Storm's early speed against Thunder Zoot's closing kick in Thursday's featured sixth race at Emerald Downs, an $8,000-to-$7,000 claiming event for older horses at a mile.

While Hayden Storm and Thunder Zoot have contrasting running styles, they share a fondness for the one-mile distance. Hayden Storm owns a career mark of 14-5-2-3 at a mile, while Thunder Zoot has a record of 13-6-2-3 at the distance.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Continuing her campaign against her own division, Azeri is expected to defend her title in the $250,000 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park on June 21, trainer Laura de Seroux said.

Monday, de Seroux reported that Azeri emerged from her victory in Saturday's Milady Breeders' Cup Handicap at Hollywood Park in good shape and has returned to San Luis Rey Downs in northern San Diego County, de Seroux's base.

"Whoever has to walk her has had a tough time keeping up," she said.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Pertuisane has to win Thursday's second race at Hollywood Park just to keep pace with two fillies she beat in an optional claimer on May 2.

In her California debut and victory on May 2, Pertuisane rallied from fourth to finish a half-length in front of Chiming and 3 1/2 lengths in front of Runaway Pro.

Last weekend, Chiming won the Yerba Buena Breeders' Cup Handicap at Bay Meadows and Runaway Pro won an allowance race at Hollywood Park.

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Picketers greeted fans arriving at Bay Meadows for the big Memorial Day card on Monday.

The members of the Save Bay Meadows Citizens Group were not protesting but were trying to elicit help to prevent the demolition of the track, which was erected in 1934. They picked the right day to build support. Attendance was 10,157, the largest crowd at Bay Meadows since 10,632 on Labor Day 1995.

AUBURN, Wash. - Ema Bovary has done her best to disguise her superiority over the local fillies and mares, spotting her rivals several lengths in both appearances at Emerald Downs, but talent like hers isn't easy to hide.

SEATTLE, Wash. - Spokane's Playfair Race Course will not open for live racing as planned in 2003 and the track's simulcast operations, which were suspended pending negotiations with horsemen and the owner of the property, will remain closed.

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Purses for overnight races at Lone Star Park will be reduced approximately 9 percent beginning June 5 because of declines in attendance and handle, the track announced Tuesday.

Lone Star will also adjust purses on six of its stakes starting June 28.

OCEANPORT, N.J. - The rain that deluged the Northeast coast the entire Memorial Day weekend will likely wash off the turf races at Monmouth Park until Saturday or Sunday, track racing officials said Monday.

"We can only hope that the sun comes out," said Robert Kulina, Monmouth's vice president of racing. "You need sun and wind. That's the only thing that will dry it out."