Newsletter

Oak Tree Meet

Parx Racing Cotillion

Hoosier Park

Jim McKay Maryland Million Day

Thoroughbred Racing Action

Harness Stakes Action
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Oak Tree Meet
Now at Hollywood Park

The new name takes a little getting used to – Oak Tree at Hollywood Park.

For 40 years, Oak Tree at Santa Anita was an autumn fixture on the Southern California racing calendar. The race meeting was a springboard for California’s best horses trying to reach the Breeders’ Cup and the season that cultivated the California Cup into one of the nation’s showcase days for statebreds.

All that shifts to Hollywood Park for the first time this year when the Oak Tree meeting opened Thursday night for a 22-day season through October 31^st.

The meeting is a mix of the Oak Tree elements – a concentration of stakes races in the first two weekends that are preps for the Breeders Cup and the California Cup program on Oct. 30 – along with Hollywood Park’s traditions – night racing on three Thursdays and three Fridays, all featuring concerts after racing, designed to attract a younger audience. Instead of the Santa Anita Pro-Ride, horses will race on the Hollywood Cushion Track.

There is an undefeated two-time champion and bonafide racing star appearing Saturday when the mighty Zenyatta attempts to stretch her unbeaten streak to 19 races in the $250,000 Lady’s Secret Stakes for fillies and mares.

In 2008 and 2009, Zenyatta won the Lady’s Secret Stakes at Oak Tree as a prep to victories in the 2008 BC Ladies’ Classic and 2009 Classic, the first time that a female had defeated males in that race. Both of those Breeders’ Cup races were at Santa Anita, but this year’s event will be held at Churchill Downs.

Typical of past Oak Tree meetings, this fall’s first two weekends are dominated by preps for the Breeders’ Cup races. There are six graded stakes at Hollywood on Saturday and Sunday, and three on the weekend of October 9^th thru the 11^th.

Zenyatta’s appearance in the Grade 1 Lady’s Secret will be the focus of Saturday’s program, which features three other Grade 1 stakes – the Goodwood, Norfolk, and Yellow Ribbon.

The first graded stakes of the season is Thursday’s $100,000 Sen. Ken Maddy Handicap, a Grade 3 for fillies and mares over six furlongs on turf. At Santa Anita, the race was run over about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course, but six furlongs is the maximum distance for turf sprints at Hollywood Park.

The race has drawn a strong field of nine, including three 2010 stakes winners – Bonifacio, Dotsy Jean, and Unzip Me. The Maddy is the eighth race on a nine-race program that begins at 7:05 p.m. Pacific.

Unzip Me figures to be favored. Trained by Marty Jones, Unzip Me has won 6 of her last 7 starts with her only loss in that span a third against males in the Robert Kerlan Handicap here over six furlongs on turf in July.

As strong as Unzip Me looks, Jones also trains the capable Dotsy Jean, who has won 5 of 7 starts on Hollywood Park’s turf course, including the Culver City Stakes on July 2. Unzip Me is a threat from the front, while Dotsy Jean is best as a stalker.

Jones is one of three trainers with two runners in the race. John Sadler starts Alpha Kitten and Minute Limit, while Mark Glatt runs Czechers and Reba Is Tops. Craig Dollase starts Bonifacio, who won the Daisycutter Handicap over five furlongs on turf at Del Mar in August.

Parx Racing Cotillion
Blind Luck Looks Best

Blind Luck, whose inspiring rags-to-riches story has garnered a sizable fan base, is looking to add a eighth graded stakes victory to her resume in the Grade 2 Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing at Philadelphia Park. The daughter of Pollard’s Vision will face four foes in the 1 1/16-mile Cotillion for sophomore fillies, which is slated for 4:58 p.m. EDT.

Blind Luck is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, who bought her privately off the track as a 2-year-old and races her in partnership with Mark Dedomenico, John Carver, and Peter Abruzzo. Never finishing off the board, Blind Luck owns a record of 9-2-2 from 13 starts, for earnings of $1,878,712.

The chestnut filly is by far the most accomplished contender in the Cotillion field, with grade I victories in this year’s Las Virgenes, Oak Leaf, Kentucky Oaks, and Aug. 21 BetFair TVG Alabama last out. Blind Luck scored additional grade II wins in this year’s Fantasy and Delaware Oaks, and as a 2-year-old captured the Hollywood Starlet and Oak Leaf Stakes.

Bred in Kentucky by Fairlawn Farm, she is out of the Best of Luck mare Lucky One. Carrying top weight of 124 pounds, Blind Luck will break from the rail under jockey Joel Rosario.

While Awesome Maria’s resume doesn’t compare to Blind Luck’s, the daughter of Maria’s Mon  has proven to be versatile in her five career starts, winning stakes on both dirt and turf. Awesome Maria captured the 2009 Matron Stakes and was second to Devil May Care in that year’s Frizette. In her only start this year, the gray or roan filly won the Riskaverse Stakes on turf at Saratoga.

Kentucky homebred Awesome Maria, who is trained by Todd Pletcher for E. Paul Robsham Stables, will stretch out to 1 1/16 miles for the first time in the Cotillion. Switching back to the dirt for the race, Awesome Maria is looking to step up her game and notch her first grade I victory. She will break from post 2 under Eibar Coa.

Following a series of heartbreaking near misses in stakes company the Cotillion may just be Havre de Grace’s time to shine. The filly finished second by a neck, a nose, and a neck respectively in this year’s Go For Wand, Delaware Oaks, and Alabama. The Cotillion would be the perfect opportunity for Havre de Grace to seek revenge on Blind Luck, who bested her in the latter two races.

Trained by Anthony Dutrow for Fox Hill Farms, Havre de Grace has earned $240,175 from her six career starts. She will break from the outside post under regular jockey Jeremy Rose.

Bonnie Blue Flag, a stakes-winning, Grade 1 placed Mineshaft filly, and winner Absinthe Minded round out the Cotillion field

Hoosier Park
Indiana Derby Day

Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky arrived at Hoosier Park in preparation for the Grade II $500,000-added Indiana Derby this Saturday in fine form. The Indiana Derby will highlight a 14-race program that includes seven stakes races. A total of $1 million in purses will be distributed, setting an all-time record for most money on one Thoroughbred racing program in the state of Indiana.

Trained by Baffert, Lookin At Lucky, who won the 2010 Preakness Stakes, walked in the shed row before being placed in his stall. The Smart Strike colt immediately rolled a few times and was feeling good following the trip.

Lookin At Lucky, who won the 2010 Preakness Stakes, has drawn post six in the nine-horse lineup. Ridden by Martin Garcia, the Smart Strike colt has three wins in five starts this year and purse earnings of more than $2.7 million, making him the richest horse to ever compete in the 16-year history of the Indiana Derby. At odds of 5-2, Lookin At Lucky has been selected as the early morning line favorite.

Joining Lookin At Lucky as an early contender is Thiskyhasnolimit, trained by Steve Asmussen. The Sky Mesa colt has two wins in four starts this season and comes to Hoosier Park off a win in the $300,000 Smarty Jones Stakes at Philadelphia Park. Earlier this year, Thiskyhasnolimit finished second in the Grade III $250,000 Iowa Derby. Jamie Theriot will ride from post two at odds of 7-2.

Selected as the third choice on the morning line is Uareoutlaw, making his first start in the United States. Trained by Mike Maker, the Brazilian-bred son of Christine’s Outlaw has three wins in six starts this year. Victor Lebron will ride from post four at odds of 4-1.

The entire Indiana Derby field, in post position order with jockey and odds is:  Dabossman (Nelson DeSouza, 20-1), Thiskyhasnolimit (Jamie Theriot, 7-2), Worldly (Francisco Torres, 6-1), Uareoutlaw (Victor Lebron, 4-1), Indy Bull (Fernando De La Cruz, 20-1), Lookin At Lucky (Martin Garcia, 5-2), Litigation Risk (Shawn Bridgmohan, 10-1), Nacho Friend (Carlos Marquez Jr., 5-1), and St. Maximus Gato (Eduardo Nunez, 12-1).

Baffert will also start a filly in the Grade II $200,000-added Indiana Oaks. Always A Princess has only one start in 2010, which was a win at Del Mar in early September. The daughter of Leroidesanimaux finished fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies last year at Santa Anita. Garcia will also ride Always A Princess, who has drawn post six in the seven-horse lineup.

The Oaks will lead into the Derby as the 11^th race on the card with an approximate post time of 5:26 p.m. EDT. A total of seven has been set for the Oaks field, which is listed in post position order with jockey: Seeking The Title (Robby Albarado), Fuzzy Britches (Victor Lebron), Harissa (Carlos Marquez Jr.), W W American (Leandro Goncalves), Shakaleena (Fernando De La Cruz), Always A Princess (Martin Garcia), and Ash Zee (Shawn Bridgmohan).

In addition to the Derby and the Oaks, the $100,000-added Michael G. Schaefer Mile will be contested as the 10^th race. The field of 10, in post position order with jockey, includes:  Sundarban (Goncalves), Diferentkindagreat (Orlando Mojica), Demarcation (Francisco Torres), Z Humor (Shawn Bridgmohan), Jardim (Jon Court), A Diehl (Jamie Theriot), Nomorewineforeddie (Derek Bell), Racing Bran (Leandro Goncalves), Hoosier Kingdom (Camillo Pitty), and Omniscient (Robby Albarado).

Jim McKay Maryland Million Day
25^th Running this Saturday

This Saturday, Laurel Park will host the 25th running of an event that has become one of the nation’s best known single days of horse racing excitement – Maryland Million Day. Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim McKay originally proposed the concept and remained Chairman of the Board until his death two years ago.

Envisioned as a local version of the Breeders Cup, Maryland Million was so popular with both fans and horsemen and the 2010 event attracted 110 entrants to the eleven race program. First post for the $1.05 million day is 12:35 p.m. EST..

In the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic at 1 1/8 miles, a wide-open field of eight could face the starter including the 2008 champion.  Maryland Jockey Club handicapper Frank Carulli has tabbed In the Juice as the 5-2 morning line favorite. The son of Rock Slide has won two straight, including an impressive score in an allowance test here on Sept. 11. The Jerry Robb trainee has finished on the board in five consecutive starts.

Cuba, who won the Classic two years ago and finished second in 2009, has been made the co-fourth choice at 5-1. Claimed by trainer Greg Sacco two weeks ago at Monmouth Park for Maryland native Dan Eubanks of Rising Sun Racing Stable, Inc., the 9-year-old son of Not For Love has won one time in nine tries this year.

Regal Solo (4-1), who won the 2007 Maryland Million Nursery, was claimed by Damon Dilodovico thirteen  months ago for this spot and the gelding responded with a third place finish. This year, the son of 1996 Preakness winner Louis Quatorze has just two starts, a victory at Delaware Park in early August and a fourth place finish behind In The Juice here on September 11^th.

Not Abroad (9-2) has been first or second in nine of 13 career starts, including a second in the Maryland Juvenile Championship at Laurel last December. Nick Petro rides the 3-year-old son of Not For Love for his brother Mike.

Regal Warrior (5-1) has had a consistent 3-year-old campaign with five in the money finishes in seven starts. Trained by Mike Trombetta, the son of Louis Quatorze spent his summer at Saratoga with a fourth in the Curlin Stakes and a third in the Pleasant Colony Stakes.

Dale Capuano captured the 2006 Classic with Due, at odds of nearly 10-1, for Rob Ry Farm and Jayne Marie Slysz. In Saturday’s main event, Capuano will saddle Northpoint Costas (12-1) for the same ownership group. The son of Bowman’s Band won the Deputed Testamony Stakes on the Preakness day undercard and has a 9-3-2-1 record during his 4-year-old campaign.

Movin’ Out (12-1) has won two of his last three starts, both at Philadelphia Park, including the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association Classic on Sept. 11. Eric Camacho will ride the son of Diamond for trainer Keith Lebarron.

Trainer Tim Keefe cross entered Eighttofasttocatch (20-1) in the Classic and $100,000 Maryland Million Turf. Keefe indicated the son of Not For Love will run in the Turf. All four of his 2010 starts have been on the grass.

The Classic is the 10th race on the program with a post time of 5:55 p.m. EST.

Here is a capsule of the other ten races on Saturday’s program.

$100,000 Lassie (1st race)

Seven 2-year-old fillies are entered, headlined by multiple stakes winner Twelve Pack Shelly, who broke the 4 ½ furlong record at Laurel in her debut in April.

$100,000 Nursery (2nd race)

Eleven 2-year-olds will start, including Steady Warrior, the son of 2002 Nursery winner Cherokee’s Boy.

$50,000 Starter Handicap (3rd race)

With probable favorite Northpoint Costas likely for Classic this becomes a wide-open affair.

$100,000 Distaff (4th race)

Defending champion All Giving, 2009 Maryland Million Oaks winner Love That Dance and graded stakes winner Blind Date headline the field of eight fillies and mares.

$100,000 Turf Sprint (5th race)

Eleven are entered including defending champion Natural Seven, 2008 winner Kosmo’s Buddy, who beat the boys two years ago, millionaire Heros Reward and undefeated Ben’s Cat.

$100,000 Sprint (6th race)

Defending champion Roaring Lion and 2008 winner Celtic Innis appear to be the strongest runners in the field.

$100,000 Turf (7th race)

Ten evenly-matched grass specialists are entered.

$100,000 Oaks (8th race)

Lil Kiara and Ben’s Boots, who were 1-2 in last year’s Lassie, top the field.

$100,000 Ladies (9th race)

Eleven turf specialists will compete, including defending champion Talkin About Love and the consistent Love’s Blush from the Rodney Jenkins stable.

$50,000 Distaff Starter Handicap (11th race)

Fourteen horses are entered in the one-mile test, including defending champion Serenadia.

Thoroughbred Racing Action
Weekend Racing Action

Watch these and more all on BetAmerica.com.

Friday – October 1

• Turf Paradise: Bienvenidos Stakes, $25,000, 3&up, 8f.

Saturday – October 2

• Delaware Park: Blue Hen Stakes, $75,000, 2yo f, 8.5f.
• Hawthorne: Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap – G2, $250,000, 3&up, 10f.
• Hawthorne: Robert F. Carey Memorial Handicap – G3, $100,000g 3&up, 8f (turf).
• Hollywood Park: Yellow Ribbon Stakes – G1, $250,000, 3&up, f/m, 10f (turf).
• Hollywood Park: Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Stakes – G1, $225,000, 3&up, 9f.
• Hollywood Park: Lady’s Secret Breeders’ Cup Stakes – G1, $225,000, 3&up, f/m, 8.5f.
• Hollywood Park: Norfolk Breeders’ Cup Stakes- G1, $200,000, 2yo, 8.5f.
• Hoosier Park: Indiana Derby – G2, $500,000, 3yo, 8.5f.
• Hoosier Park: Indiana Oaks  – G2, $200,000, 3yo f, 8.5f.
• Hoosier Park: Michael G. Schaefer Mile Stakes, $100,000, 3&up, 8f.
• Hoosier Park: Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Stakes, $70,000, 3yo, Indiana-bred, 8.5f.
• Hoosier Park: Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Stakes, $70,000, 3yo f, Indiana-bred, 8.5f.
• Hoosier Park: Indiana Futurity, $70,000, 2yo, Indiana-bred, 6f.
• Hoosier Park: Miss Indiana Stakes, $70,000, 2yo f, Indiana-bred, 6f.
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Classic, $150,000, 3&up, 9f.
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Distaff , $100,000, 3&up, f/m, 7f.
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Ladies, $100,000, 3&up, f/m, 9f (turf).
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Lassie, $100,000, 2yo f, 6f.
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Nursery, $100,000, 2yo, 6f.
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Oaks, $100,000, 3yo f, 8f.
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Sprint, $100,000, 3&up, 6f.
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Turf, $100,000, 3&up, 9f (turf).
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Turf Sprint, $100,000, 3&up, 5.5f (turf).
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Distaff Starter Handicap, $50,000, 3&up, f/m, 8f.
• Laurel Park: Maryland Million Starter Handicap, $50,000, 3&up, 8f.
• Monmouth Park: Princeton Stakes, $60,000, 3yof, 6f.
• Northlands Park: Sales Stakes, $50,000, 3&4yo, c/g, 8f.
• Northlands Park: Sales Stakes, $50,000, 3&4yo f, 8f.
• Parx Racing: Cotillion Stakes – G2, $750,000, 3yo f, 8.5f.
• Parx Racing: Alphabet Soup Handicap, $75,000, 3&up, Pennsylvania-bred, 8.5f (turf).
• Pinnacle Race Course: Farer Belle Lee Handicap, $50,000, 3&up, f/m, 8.5f.
• Pinnacle Race Course: Frontier Handicap, $50,000, 3&up, Michigan-bred, 9f.
• Thistledown: Best Of Ohio Distaff, $75,000, 3&up, f/m, Ohio-bred, 9f.
• Thistledown: Best Of Ohio Endurance, $75,000, 3&up, Ohio-bred, 10f.
• Thistledown: John W. Galbreath Memorial Stakes, $75,000, 2yo f, Ohio-bred, 8.5f.
• Thistledown: Juvenile Stakes, $75,000, 2yo, Ohio-bred, 8.5f.
• Thistledown: Best Of Ohio Sprint, $50,000, 3&up, Ohio-bred, 6f.

Sunday – October 3

• Hollywood Park: Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship – G1, $250,000, 3&up, 10f (turf).
• Hollywood Park: Oak Leaf Breeders’ Cup Stakes – G1, $200,000, 2yo f, 8.5f.
• Hollywood Park: Louis R. Rowan Stakes, $55,000, 3&up, f/m, 6.5f.
• Zia Park: Chaves County Stakes, $60,000, 3&up, f/m, 8f.

Harness Stakes Action
This Weekend’s Stakes Action

Watch and Wager on these fantastic Harness stakes races this week;

Friday – October 1

• Indiana Downs: Hal Dale, $15,000, H&G, CDN Open Pace
• Freehold: NJ Futurity, $45,000, 3yo, Open Trot
• Freehold: NJSS GA, $10,000, 2yo, Filly Trot
• Northfield Park: Ohio SS, $15,000, 2yo, Filly Pace
• Northfield Park: Ohio SS, $15,000, 2yo, Filly Trot
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 2yo, C&G Pace
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 2yo, C&G Trot
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 2yo, Filly Pace
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 2yo, Filly Trot
• Rideau Carlton: OSS Gold finals, $130,000, 2yo, Filly Trot

Saturday – October 2

• Flamboro Downs: OSS Gold Finals, $130,000, 2yo, C&G Trot
• Freehold: NJ Futurity, $75,000, 2yo, Open Pace
• Freehold: NJ GA, $10,000, 3yo Open Pace
• Northfield Park: Ohio SS, $15,000, 2yo, C&G Pace
• Northfield Park: Ohio SS, $15,000, 2yo, C&G Trot
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 4yo and up, Mare Trot  
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 4yo and up, Mare Pace  
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 4yo and up, Open Trot  
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 4yo and up, Open Pace  
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 3yo, C&G Pace
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 3yo, Filly Trot
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 3yo, C&G Trot  
• Pocono Downs: Breeders Crown, $25,000, 3yo, Filly Pace
• Saratoga Raceway: NYSS LC, $30,000, 3yo, C&G Trot
• Saratoga Raceway: NYSS LC, $30,000, 3yo, C&G Pace
• Saratoga Raceway: NYSS LC, $30,000, 3yo, Filly Trot
• Saratoga Raceway: NYSS LC, $30,000, 3yo, Filly Pace

Sunday – October 3

• Rideau Carlton: OSS Grassroots, $24,000, 3yo, Filly Pace

Pennsylvania Derby at Parx

Louisiana Derby

Delaware Park’s Kent Stakes

Pocono Downs

Thoroughbred Racing Action

Harness Stakes Action
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Pennsylvania Derby at Parx
$1,000,000 Race Draws Small Field

This Saturday, the Grade II -$1 million Pennsylvania Derby will be run has a small field for such a high valued event. The nine-furlong race is the season’s marquee event at Parx Racing, formerly known as Philadelphia Park. The race was moved from its previous Labor Day date this year so that it no longer has to compete with the Travers Stakes at Saratoga.

The morning line favorite looks to be First Dude, who is tagged at 8-5.Some might say the colt is deserving of that status since he has hit the board in five consecutive grade I races. Or, others might feel the morning-line is a bit audacious since he has won just one time in 10 career starts.

Either way, because of his front-running style, First Dude should be a factor in the Pennsylvania Derby, which drew a small but formidable field of seven. Exhi, an improving 3-year-old colt trained by Todd Pletcher, was installed as the 5-2 second choice, while A Little Warm, winner of the Jim Dandy, was made the 3-1 third choice. His connections may or may not run the colt.

If A Little Warm does go, the third through sixth-place finishers of the Travers all return for the Pa. Derby. The wild card in the race is Morning Line, who scored by 11 lengths last out in a first-level allowance race at Saratoga and will be making his stakes debut for trainer Nick Zito.

First Dude was third in the Travers, the third straight time he has finished in that position. The son of Stephen Got Even was also third in both the Haskell Invitational  and the Belmont Stakes, which followed a runner-up effort in the Preakness and a third-place finish in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes.

Trainer Dale Romans has assigned Robby Albarado to ride First Dude, replacing Ramon Dominguez. Albarado has ridden the bay colt once, last fall in his second career race. Breaking from post 6, First Dude will carry only 114 pounds, 12 less than he toted in the Travers and eight pounds less than Exhi, A Little Warm, and Afleet Again, who was fourth in the Travers. Despite winning just once, First Dude has earned $662,160.

Exhi had a four-race win streak snapped in West Virginia Derby last out when finishing second by a length in a good effort. The Maria’s Mon colt won stakes in each of his previous four starts–all of them on synthetic surfaces–including the grade II Lexington Stakes at Keeneland in April.

Exhi will also get a new rider, Javier Castellano, who replaces Albarado. The bay colt has had four works at Saratoga since the West Virginia Derby. He will break from the rail.

A Little Warm solidified his status as a top 3-year-old when winning the July 31 Jim Dandy by 1 3/4 lengths for his first graded stakes win. He stalked the pace in the Travers before tiring to finish fifth. The Stormin Fever colt is 4-4-0 from 10 starts with earnings of $638,880.

A Little Warm broke his maiden at Philly Park last November in his fourth start, romping by more than 10 lengths going six furlongs. Like Exhi, he enjoys running near the pace and could get a stalking trip behind First Dude and Morning Line. Though John Velazquez was named to ride both A Little Warm and Morning Line, Dutrow said Garrett Gomez would be aboard A Little Warm if he goes.

Morning Line first turned heads when breaking his maiden by eight lengths at Monmouth Park June 27th in his third start. The Tiznow colt finished runner-up in an allowance race on July 31st at Saratoga before annihilating rivals in another allowance start on August 21st, this one at nine furlongs. Both of the wins came in front-running fashion.

Afleet Again will be trying for his first win since taking the one-mile Withers at Aqueduct in April. Since then, he was third in the Spend a Buck Stakes, second in the Pegasus, fifth in the Haskell, and fourth in the Travers. Locally trained by Robert Reid Jr., he won an allowance race on the slop at Philly Park in January. Completing the field is New York-bred Friend Or Foe and Severe Weather.

Not in the field is highly-touted Trickmeister, the undefeated Rick Dutrow Jr. trainee who won the Barbaro Stakes in July. Originally targeting the race, Trickmeister will instead undergo a bone scan, according to Daily Racing Form, after the connections were unhappy with how he came out of his latest work.

Louisiana Derby
A Hurricane Moves In

Hurricane Ike touched was made the 9-5 morning-line favorite for Saturday’s Grade 2, $500,000 Super Derby. He is the speed of a six-horse field that also includes the undefeated Golden Moka and fellow Southern California invader Distorted Economy.

The Super Derby is the richest race of the Louisiana Downs meet and will be one of eight stakes worth a total of more than $1 million on Saturday’s card. There will be a $100,000-guaranteed pick four on races 9-12, with the sequence to include the Super Derby.

Hurricane Ike, who won the Grade 3 Derby Trial at Churchill Downs in May, will break from post 4 under Joel Rosario.

Distorted Economy, who also is in from Hollywood Park, drew post 6. He was third in the $100,000 El Cajon at Del Mar in his last start Sept. 3. Trainer Neil Drysdale has given the mount to Patrick Valenzuela.

Golden Moka, winner of the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes who is invading from Canada, will break from post 5. He is to be ridden by Anthony Stephen and was scheduled to fly in Thursday.

The field, from the rail with riders, is Ricky Tick, Marlon St. Julien; Arctic Comet, John Jacinto; Apart, Jesse Campbell; Hurricane Ike; Golden Moka; and Distorted Economy.
Arctic Comet was a surprise entrant Wednesday and also was cross-entered in the $50,000 Unbridled.

Wando Redd, who had been under serious consideration for the Super Derby, will instead remain sprinting and point to the $250,000 Gallant Bob at Parx Racing on October 9th, according to trainer Jorge Lara.

Delaware Park’s Kent Stakes
Interactif and Grand Rapport to Battle Again

Saturday, Delaware Park will host the Grade II -$250,000 Kent Stakes, a 1 1/8-mile turf event for 3-year-olds. Nine are slated to run. In the Kent, Interactif and Grand Rapport will meet again, after dueling in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes.

In the August 13th Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga, odds-on choice Interactif prevailed by a nose over Grand Rapport, who was sent off at 9-1. Trainer Gary Contessa is excited about Earle Mack’s Grand Rapport and he is looking forward to a rematch with Interactif.

In his only other start this year, Grand Rapport won a nine-furlong turf allowance at Monmouth Park on July 16th.  Last year, after breaking his maiden in his career debut on the dirt at Saratoga, was unplaced in both the Futurity at Belmont and Remsen at Aqueduct.
He sports a career record of 2-1-0 from five starts with earnings of $112,139. Ramon Dominguez, a five-time Delaware Park leading jockey (2003-06 and 2008), will be returning to the racetrack for the first time this season for the mount.

The likely favorite is Interactif, will bring a career record of 4-3-1 from 11 starts with earnings of $563,350 into the Kent Stakes. His victory in the Hall of Fame Stakes was his first of the year and broke a six-race losing streak.

Previously he ran second beaten 1 1/2-length in the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. Last year, the Todd Pletcher trainee won the With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga and Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland before closing his 2-year-old campaign by finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita.

Workin for Hops will also make his presence felt. In his most recent outing  he  ran third, beaten two lengths by division leader Paddy O’Prado, in the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park. Previously, the Michael Stidham trainee won the American Derby at Arlington, the Arlington Classic, and Grindstone Stakes at Fair Grounds.

Also in the race is Lael Stables’ Lentenor, who is looking for his first win since breaking his maiden in January at Gulfstream. The full brother to Barbaro is trained by Michael Matz.

Pocono Downs
Breeders Crown eligibles racing

The Friday night’s race card at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will be featuring horses eligible for the 2010 Breeders Crown that the Northeastern Pennsylvania oval will be hosting October 9th.

In the second half of the Daily Double, all six horses in the Open Trot for 3-year-olds are eligible for the upcoming Breeders Crown. That field includes Ultimate Crown, a winner of $534,000-plus in purses this season, Cantab It All, Boinga, Rap’s Legacy, Celebrity Madonna and Wingbat.

The third race trot for 2-year-old colts and geldings has a field of six Breeders Crown eligible horses. This field includes Gimme A Good One, Johnny B Kemp, Winuendo, The Evictor, Way Back When and Glide To Victory. Jimmy Taker will be in the sulky with Johnny B Kemp, a winner of two of six starts in 2010.

Ms Malicious, Honky Tonk Woman and Rockratese are three of the Breeders Crown eligible horses racing in the fifth race. All three are 2-year-old pacing fillies. Ms Malicious has earned more than $165,000 this season with a 1:53.2 win at the Meadowlands. Honky Tonk Woman won in 1:52.3 at the Meadowlands and has amassed more than $209,000 this season.

Andover The Top, Global Desire, Sweet Love, Ms Mulligan, Epona Blue Chip and Fitness Girls will be featured in the 2-year-old filly trot and all are eligible for the Breeders Crown. Monte Gelrod trains Andover The Top, who had a breaking problem in her appearance at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on September 8. She won at the Meadowlands with a time of 1:55.3.

Thoroughbred Racing Action
Weekend Stakes Action

Friday – September 24

•    Fairplex Park: Palomares Stakes, $50,000, 3yo f, 8.5f.

Saturday – September 25

•    Albuquerque: New Mexico State Fair Breeders Stakes, $40,000, 3yo, New Mexico-bred, 8.5f.
•    Calder Race Course: Judy’s Red Shoes Stakes, $50,000, 3yo f, 8.5f (turf).
•    Calder Race Course: Needles S, $50,000, 3yo, 8.5f (turf).
•    Calder Race Course: Brave Raj Breeders’ Cup Stakes, $50,000, 2yo f, 8.32f.
•    Calder Race Course: Foolish Pleasure Breeders’ Cup Stakes, $50,000, 2yo, 8.32f.
•   Delaware Park: Kent Breeders’ Cup S (gr. IIIT), $200,000, 3yo, 9f (turf).
•    Fairplex Park: Las Madrinas Stakes, $50,000, 3&up, f/m, 8.5f.
•    Fairplex Park: Pomona Derby, $50,000, 3yo, 8.5f.
•   Louisiana Downs: Super Derby (gr. II), $500,000, 3yo, 9f.
•    Louisiana Downs: Louisiana Stallion Stakes, $100,000, 2yo f, Louisiana-bred, 7f.
•    Louisiana Downs: Louisiana Stallion Stakes, $100,000, 2yo, c/g, Louisiana-bred, 7f.
•    Louisiana Downs: Sunday Silence Breeders’ Cup, $75,000, 2yo, 8.5f (turf).
•    Louisiana Downs: Happy Ticket Breeders’ Cup, $50,000, 2yo f, 8.5f (turf).
•    Louisiana Downs: River Cities, $50,000, 3&up, f/m, 8.5f (turf).
•    Louisiana Downs: Temperence Hill, $50,000, 3&up, 6f.
•    Louisiana Downs: Unbridled, $50,000, 3&up, 8.5f (turf).
•   Parx Racing: Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II), $1,000,000, 3yo, 9f.
•    Parx Racing: Turf Amazon Handicap, $200,000, 3&up, f/m, 5f (turf).
•    Presque Isle Downs: Fitz Dixon Jr. Memorial Juvenile Stakes, $100,000, 2yo, 6.5f.
•    Presque Isle Downs: H.B.P.A. Stakes, $100,000, 3&up, f/m, 8.32f.
•    Presque Isle Downs: Presque Isle Debutante, $100,000, 2yo f, 6f.
•    Remington Park: Remington Park Turf Sprint Stakes, $50,000, 3&up, Oklahoma-bred, 5f (turf).
•    Retama Park: Darby’s Daughter Texas Stallion Stakes, $100,000, 2yo f, 6f.
•    Retama Park: My Dandy Texas Stallion Stakes, $100,000, 2yo, c/g, 6f.
•    Retama Park: Sha Tin: Ski Roundtop Trophy Stakes, $25,000, 4&up, 24f (turf).
•    Suffolk Downs: John Kirby Stakes, $50,000, 3yo, Massachusetts-bred, 8.32f.

Sunday – September 26

•    Albuquerque: Dessie & Fern Sawyer Futurity, $40,000, 2yo f, New Mexico-bred, 6f.
•    Albuquerque: George Maloof Futurity, $40,000, 2yo, c/g, New Mexico-bred, 6f.
•    Albuquerque: New Mexico State Fair Handicap, $40,000g, 3&up, 9f.
•    Albuquerque: Con Jackson Claiming Handicap, $10,000a, 3&up, 14.5f.
•    Emerald Downs: Gottstein Futurity, $42,500, 2yo, 8.5f.
•    Fairplex Park: Ralph M. Hinds Pomona Handicap, $75,000g, 3&up, 9f.
•    Monmouth Park: NATC Futurity, $200,000, 2yo f, 6f.
•    Monmouth Park: NATC Futurity, $200,000, 2yo, 6f.

Harness Stakes Action
This Weekend’s Stakes Action

Friday – September 24

•    Freehold: Charles Smith, $100,000, 3yo, C&G Trot
•    Freehold: NJSS GA, $100,000, 3yo, Filly Trot
•    Hazel Park: MICH SS, $10,000, 2yo, C&G Trot
•    Hazel Park: MICH SS, $10,000, 2yo, Filly Pace
•    Hazel Park: MICH SS, $10,000, 3yo, C&G Pace
•    Hazel Park: MICH SS, $10,000, 3yo, Filly Pace
•    Meadows: Keystone Classic, $100,000, 3yo, C&G Pace
•    Northfield Park: Ohio SS, $15,000, 2yo, Filly Pace
•    Vernon Downs: Conway Hall, $200,000, F&M Trot
•    Vernon Downs: Kindergarten, $10,000, 2yo, C&G Trot
•    Vernon Downs: Kindergarten, $10,000, 2yo, Filly Trot
•    Yonkers: NYSS, $200,000, 2yo Filly Trot

Saturday – September 25

•    Balmoral: Orange & Blue, $12,500, 2yo, C&G Pace
•    Balmoral: Orange & Blue, $12,500, 2yo, Filly Pace
•    Balmoral: Lorna Propes, $12,500, 3yo & up, F&M Pace
•    Balmoral: Tony Maurello, $12,500, 3yo & up, Pace
•    Balmoral: Pete Langley Memorial, $12,500, 3yo, C&G Pace
•    Balmoral: Grandma Ann, $12,500, 3yo, Filly Pace
•    Freehold: NJSS, $12,500, 2yo, C&G Pace
•    Freehold: NJSS, $12,500, 2yo, Filly Pace
•    Freehold: NJSS GA, $10,000, 2yo,C&G Pace
•    Hazel Park: MICH SS, $10,000, 2yo, C&G Pace
•    Hazel Park: MICH SS, $10,000, 2yo, Filly Trot
•    Hazel Park: MICH SS, $10,000, 3yo, C&G Trot
•    Hazel Park: MICH SS, $10,000, 3yo, Filly Trot
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $200,000, 2yo, C&G Trot
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $200,000, 2yo, Filly Trot
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $200,000, 2yo, C&G Pace
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $200,000, 2yo, Filly Pace
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $200,000, 3yo, C&G Trot
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $200,000, 3yo, Filly Trot
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $200,000, 3yo, C&G Pace
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $200,000, 3yo, Filly Pace
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $100,000, Aged H&G Pace
•    Indiana Downs: Indiana SS, $100,000, Aged Mare Trot
•    Tioga Downs: NYSS LC, $12,500, 3yo, C&G Pace
•    Tioga Downs: NYSS, $200,000, 3yo, C&G Trot
•    Vernon Downs: NYSS, $200,000, 2yo, C&G Pace

Sunday – September  26

•    Balmoral: Lady Ann Reed, $12,500, 3yo, Filly Trot
•    Balmoral: Sumac Lad, $12,500, 3yo, C&G Trot
•    Red Mile: KYSS, $300,000, 2yo, C&G Pace
•    Red Mile: KYSS, $300,000, 2yo, C&G Trot
•    Red Mile: KYSS, $300,000, 2yo, Filly Pace
•    Red Mile: KYSS, $300,000, 2yo Filly Trot
•    Red Mile: KYSS, $300,000, 3yo, C&G Pace
•    Red Mile: KYSS, $300,000, 3yo, C&G Trot
•    Red Mile: KYSS, $300,000, 3yo, Filly Pace
•    Red Mile: KYSS, $300,000, 3yo Filly Trot
•    Scarborough Downs: Maine Sire Stakes, $80,000, 2yo, C&G Pace
•    Scarborough Downs: Maine Sire Stakes, $80,000, 2yo, Filly Pace
•    Scarborough Downs: Maine Sire Stakes, $80,000, 2yo, Open Trot