Wed, 03/13/2002 - 00:00

Houghton thinking Chicago summer

Jockey Terry Houghton made a successful visit to Sportsman's Park last Saturday, winning on both of his mounts, including Secret Romeo in the Lost Code Handicap. It was so rewarding for Houghton, the leading rider at Tampa Bay Downs this winter, that he is considering switching his base from Great Lakes Downs to Chicago for all or part of this summer and fall.

Wed, 03/13/2002 - 00:00

Beulah Park track report

GROVE CITY, Ohio - The hottest horse on the grounds this winter at Beulah Park is also one of the oldest.

On Sunday, the 11-year-old gelding Yarny's Star scored his third straight victory in a 30-day period for owner-trainer Kerny Hancock by defeating a field of $7,500 claimers. Rex Stokes III has been aboard for all three of the wins. Overall, Yarny's Star has 22 career victories - 21 of them at Beulah - and has earned more than $210,000.

Wed, 03/13/2002 - 00:00

Delta Downs track report

VINTON, La. - With four more weeks remaining in the mixed meeting, six track records have been lowered between the Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses.

The latest record to fall was the 22-year-old mark of 1:38 for a mile, set by Norm's Promise. This past Sunday, Freon Flier ($3.20) eclipsed the previous time, defeating a good group of allowance rivals by five lengths in 1:37.52.

Wed, 03/13/2002 - 00:00

Fonner Park track report

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - Leaping Plum's seven-year streak of victories in the Grasmick Handicap may have ended this year, but the 11-year-old gelding continued another streak last Sunday and gained some revenge in the process.

Wed, 03/13/2002 - 00:00

Sunland Park track report

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. - Beehay equaled a 39-year-old track record of 1:15 for 6 1/2 furlongs on the way to his third stakes win of the meet in Saturday's $33,700 Bill Thomas Memorial Handicap.

Owned by John Bidwell and Carl Dyer, Beehay paid $15, largely because of his effort in the Curribot Handicap in his previous start. Beehay, who is trained by Dyer, is now in the running for horse of the meet honors with a month left in the season.

Wed, 03/13/2002 - 00:00

Florida Derby draws 11 entrants

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Eleven 3-year-olds, including a few surprise entries, were entered Wednesday for the $1 million Florida Derby, which will be run for the 51st time Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

As expected, the field for the Grade 1, 1 1/8-mile race is headed by Booklet and Harlan's Holiday, the respective one-two finishers in both the Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth Stakes. But three horses who had not been announced as probable starters also were entered: Smooth Jazz, Monthir and Peekskill.

Wed, 03/13/2002 - 00:00

Stephentown out of Florida Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Stephentown was not entered in the Florida Derby Wednesday because of a minor injury incurred during a routine gallop Tuesday at Gulfstream Park, said trainer Tony Reinstedler.

"He jammed up his shoulder," said Reinstedler. "It's the kind of thing that he'll be fine by Monday, but unfortunately, the Florida Derby is Saturday. It's really nothing serious, but the bottom line is you have to take care of the animal."

Tue, 03/12/2002 - 00:00

Prado's star rising among jockey elite

Bill Denver/Equi-Photos
Edgar Prado, on Derby horse Harlan's Holiday, and McPeek at Gulfstream Tuesday morning, getting ready for Saturday's Florida Derby.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Edgar Prado is taking the long view. Even if he does not win the Florida Derby on Saturday aboard Harlan's Holiday, the fact Prado was hand-picked to ride the colt means very much to him.

"When people start thinking of you, out of so many good riders, that makes me feel very fortunate, very lucky," Prado said Tuesday, minutes after working Harlan's Holiday at Gulfstream Park. "I want to step forward in my career, and this is a good step."

Tue, 03/12/2002 - 00:00

Eight new horses break into the lineup

Eight additions and deletions have been made among the 23 individual betting interests in Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which opens Thursday at racetracks and wagering outlets throughout the U.S.

The new horses are Blue Burner, Easy Grades, Essence of Dubai, Mayakovsky, Perfect Drift, Showmeitall, Sunday Break, and Yougottawanna. None is expected to rank among the Pool 2 favorites.

The Pool 1 horses who are not in the Pool 2 lineup are Cappuchino, Fonz's, Grey Beard, King's Consul, Maybry's Boy, Pelirojjo, Political Attack, and Stephentown.

Tue, 03/12/2002 - 00:00

Bigger tests lie ahead for Belterra

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Even if she wins - as the vast majority of horseplayers will be expecting her to do - the more demanding tests apparently will have to wait for Belterra, who will be an overwhelming favorite here Friday in the $250,000 Bonnie Miss Stakes.

Ms Brookski, upset winner of the Davona Dale Stakes in her last start, is the most accomplished rival set to face the unbeaten Belterra in the Grade 2 Bonnie Miss, the premier race for 3-year-old fillies each winter at Gulfstream.