Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

Running Tide to skip Long Branch

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Running Tide, undefeated in five career starts, was expected to run at Monmouth in the Grade 3, $100,000 Long Branch Breeders' Cup Stakes on Saturday, but trainer Rodney Jenkins said Wednesday that the horse would run instead in the Grade 2 Ohio Derby at Thistledown on July 20.

Running Tide, coming off a victory in the Grade 3 Leonard Richards at Delaware June 8, would have been favored to continue his streak in the Long Branch, a prep for the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational Aug. 4.

Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

River Downs track report

A potential star is emerging from the River Downs jockey colony, a20-year-old apprentice named John McKee. Through Tuesday's card, McKee was tied for fifth in the standings with 41 wins, three of them coming on last Saturday's eight-race program.

A resident of Hamersville, Ohio, and a second-generation rider, McKee is a natural lightweight at 90 pounds. McKee's agent, Eddie Campbell, booked mounts for another star apprentice at River Downs, Steve Cauthen, in 1976.

Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

Lincoln track report

LINCOLN, Neb. - Three riders were injured here on Saturday and Sunday.

Megan Ludlow went down on Saturday after picking up the mount on Flyin Brian at the last minute. Flyin Brian pitched Ludlow head first to the ground as they left the saddling area. She was taken away by ambulance and missed the remainder of the weekend, and Wednesday morning she was awaiting a doctor's clearance to resume riding.

Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

Great Lakes track reoprt

MUSKEGON, Mich. - Born to Dance retained her dominance over her contemporaries here when she defeated six 3-year-old Michigan-bred fillies in the $45,000 Plymouth Stakes on Saturday evening.

Born to Dance, owned by Ro Parra and trained by James Jackson, was kept just off the pace by leading rider Terry Houghton before being asked for her run. The 2001 Michigan horse of the year, Born to Dance easily took over from the pacesetter, Bad Thing, and widened through the stretch.

Bad Thing finished second and Baklava finished third.

Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

Fairmount track report

Trainer Tom Dorris, who was a regular here during the 1980's before moving north to become a force on the Chicago circuit, was on hand Saturday night to saddle Tejano Honey ($3), who won the $25,500 Ruffian Stakes. Tejano Honey won by more than 10 lengths with virtually no urging from Tommy Pompell. The win gives Tejano Honey, a 3-year-old filly bred by Dorris, a 5-2-2 record. The victory was her second in a stakes. She won the All Sold Out Stakes here last fall.

Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

Evangeline Downs track report

LAFAYETTE, La. - Beginning with One Tough Raiser's victory in the $100,000 Shine Young Futurity on the Fourth of July, and continuing with the Marathon Series on Friday and the start of the Quarter Horse season on Saturday, it was a busy week here.

One Tough Raiser, a son of I'ma Hell Raiser, kept his perfect record intact in the Shine, sprinting clear soon after the start under Steve Bourque and winning by just over two lengths in 59.40 seconds for the five furlongs. Trained by Kearney Segura, he has yet to be headed in his three-race career.

Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

Canterbury track report

SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Trainer Edward Ross Hardy once again dominated the Canterbury Park Quarter Horse meet, which concluded last Sunday. Hardy won 16 races from 45 starts to lead the standings. He also won some of the races that counted the most.

He won two stakes last weekend when Capone's Vault captured the Grade 3, $38,300 Northlands Futurity and One Rare Bug powered clear in the Grade 3, $26,350 Canterbury Park Derby.

Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

Field shapes up for Ohio Derby, now in July

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio - The Grade 2, $300,000 Ohio Derby has been moved back to its traditional mid-July date after being run on Sept. 29 last year. The Ohio Derby drew only six starters last year, prompting it to be moved to July 20 this year.

Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

Parting returns in Silver Spur BC after failing at 1-5

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Parting is out for revenge. She finished second at 1-5 last month in a division of the $122,500 Texas Stallion Stakes, and she returns Sunday in the $100,000 Silver Spur Breeders' Cup at Lone Star Park.

Parting won her first career start, June 3, by 12 lengths, earning an 84 Beyer Speed Figure. She made her stakes debut one race later in the Texas Stallion Stakes, and went out quickly in the 5 1/2-furlong race. She ran the opening quarter in 21.76 seconds before being overtaken in the stretch by Tiffany Jennifer.

Wed, 07/10/2002 - 00:00

Late arrivals have stalls nearing capacity

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - It's a strange thing, having a partner as a rival. But with the closing of the Churchill Downs meet Sunday, Arlington's battle to put out a good product just became easier.