My Wait is Nearly Over...

NYRA is switching races to my beloved inner track this weekend, and praying that they can have the main track back in shape for a heavy stakes schedule over Thanksgiving weekend. Many thanks to Alan over at the Left at the Gate for the tip off.

"After discussions with our trainers and jockeys and our director of racing surfaces, it was decided that this was the best course of action to give the main track a chance to recover from the effects of recent adverse weather," said Bill Nader, New York Racing Association Senior Vice-President and COO. "There is a forecast for heavy rain tonight and into the morning, and we want to do all that we can to make sure the main track is ready for next week's HolidayFest program."

NYRA promises races will return to the main track Wednesday, November 22, but we shall see. NYRA's financial cushion isn't the only thing that's deteriorating, according to recent comments from John Passero, NYRA's director of racing surfaces. The main track's clay base has deteriorated, creating problems when the surface gets wet.

Passero said over the years that the clay base has migrated into the cushion, "and it's changed the properties and the way it reacts. It's all in the way it reacts," he said. "I think this is a huge issue. The material has to be the type of material that will hold together when it's wet, and this does not hold together. That's the bottom line."

The actual bottom line is that it would cost $3 million to tear up the main track and put in a limestone-based surface, and $12 million to replace the main track with a synthetic surface, Passero told the Daily Racing Form. NYRA officials say they don't have the money to do anything about it. "Without that (slot) revenue stream here, we are in Chapter 11 protection, and he's talking about overhauling the track," said Bill Nader, NYRA senior vice president. "Right now, it's up to him and his staff to really keep the track in the best possible condition and hope we don't get hit with 3 1/2 inches of rain."
NYRA.COM: Main Track Closed

A Good Week to Be (a) Democrat

First Congress, then the Senate, and today the sweep extends to the 7th at the Big A . A victorious Democrat (paying $5.40 to win) was closely followed by Building a New Era (for a $12.60 exacta). Democrat "prevailed after a prolonged drive," according to Equibase's footnotes in the race chart. Sometimes these things just write themselves. (And thanks to wifey for pointing this one out.)

NYRA Results: Aqueduct (11/11): Race 7

Equibase chart (direct download from Equibase.com)

Rove was "Outrun" on Election Day

Rove took some beating at Churchill Downs on Election Day. Trainer William Brumley lost with Rove--a 4-year-old gelding (and no relation to Bush political advisor Karl Rove, according to the Wall Street Journal)--in the second race at Churchill Downs on Election Day at 37-1 . He finished dead last in the maiden claiming race.

Unlike the human Rove, the equine version has raced six times and never won. Provoking still more grins among the politically minded horse set is that the winner of the race was none other than a chestnut colt named…Special Interest.

And the Equibase comment line for Rove in the race chart simply says "Outrun." Brilliant race and political commentary wrapped up in one. Congrats to the Churchill chart caller for what has to go down as one of the sharpest chart calls of all time.

WSJ Washington Wire Blog: Rove the Horse Also Loses
Equibase chart: Churchill; Nov. 7; Race 2 (direct download from Equibase.com)

Bye, Bye, Bernardini...

Hey, Bernardini, you just finished second in the Breeders Cup' Classic! Where are you going now?

"I'm going to Darley World!"

I guess Sheik Mo is just like any other Thoroughbred owner.

Two days after finishing second in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic, the 3-year-old colt was retired Monday and will stand at stud at Sheik Mohammed's Darley farm. Darley, one of the world's largest breeding operations, said on its Web site that Bernardini's stud fee is $100,000.

AP: Classic runner-up Bernardini retired

Invasor (He's the Best!) and Some Thoughts on ESPN's Coverage

Congrats to Invasor and my sincere thanks for recouping at least part of the bankroll on BC Day.

ESPN's handling of the races was generally competent. A show of horses in the post parade would have been nice, but their core team of analysts is strong and a big improvement over NBC. Jerry Bailey has made a seamless move behind the mike and offers sharp, insightful commentary. Bailey's animated pre-race breakdown of what to look out for in the Classic was dead-on apart from Lava Man's misfire. The core on-air ESPN racing crew (Moss, Bailey, Edwards, Goldberg, and Mayne) are racing fans and their enthusiasm and knowledge show and strengthen the broadcast without them seeming too much like homers or hucksters.
Randy Moss could easily anchor the telecast, but kudos to Chris Fowler for setting the scene, keeping things moving, and knowing when to get out of the way. The inclusion of British turf analysts for commentary on the invaders was welcome except for that mutton chops boor. ESPN kept the broadcast on a high level, giving viewers credit as bettors, racing fans, or interested viewers. NBC often seemed to be targeting people who might watch a race once every few years.
The broadcast did well on the Pine Island breakdown. I thought the obit graphic [Pine Island: 2003-2006] and the melancholic background music was a bit over the top (I actually gasped when they showed it), but I applaud them for reporting what was happening quickly, accurately, and not sugarcoating the tragedy.

One weak spot, however, was the call of the races by Trevor Denman. Street Sense's explosive move around the turn and Borel's brilliant scoot up the rail in the Juvenile went without mention until he was well clear of the field and near the finish line.
Denman rightly noted that Bernardini was laboring on the backstretch but then seemed ready to award him the victory when Bernadini took the lead at the top of the stretch. It was clear Bernardnini was in deep at the the top of stretch. Castellano was all over him, still asking for more, and had gone to the whip at the top of the stretch. Bernardini's races from the Preakness on have looked like public workouts and the contrast in the Classic was notable if not noted.

Invasor to Upset in the Classic

CLASSIC
INVASOR (#11; 5-1) wins as the other Maktoum takes the Classic. I loved the Whitney win and think he gets the best of this field today. The layoff doesn't bother me all that much against this field.
I was looking for a way to justify a win bet on George Washington but couldn't do it with the flop of Ballydoyle stablemate Dylan Thomas on the dirt in the Jockey Club Gold Cup last month. GW doesn't embarass himself here but won't get past Invasor. Suave gets a saver bet here--he's a cut below Classic caliber but I just like to watch him run. My good wishes will him to a third-place finish here. Premium Tap, with Kimmel/Prado behind him, close out a Bernadini-less superfecta.
Bernadini has faced a combined 13 competitors in his last three races, and now has 12 gunning for him today. He's faced short, crappy fields. There isn't much in the Classic today but I think there's enough in here to wear Bernardini down despite what the odds say.

Good luck to all.

Cacique Takes the Turf

TURF.
CACIQUE (#6; 4-1) ekes out another thriller over English Channel in the turf. Cacique has kept it close in each of six straight Gr. 1's run this year (2 wins, 3 places, and a fourth place finish where he only lost by a neck). Cacique is a full brother to BC Filly & Mare turf champions Banks Hill and Intercontinental. English Channel takes a backseat to Cacique here, and local boy Rush Bay (3 wins in 4 CD races) has run well in his last two races, both at 1-1/2 miles, and could get a piece here at a huge price.

Breeders' Cup Mile & Distaff

Mile.
Irish-bred ARAAFA (#3; 9-2) takes the mile with J.R. aboard. Second-best to Ballydoyle superstar George Washington in the QEII at Ascot in late September. The U.K. Guardian's Ron Cox thinks that Rob Roy is a mile hero in waiting and about ready to put one over on us Americans at a very nice price. I'll take him second in here. Bobby Frankel has me a bit scared with Badge of Silver. The horse hasn't run since New Year's Day and tries turf for only second time. Frankel usually has them cranked and ready even off very long layoffs. I think he'll be in the mix and +is worth a play if he drifts much above 12-1.

DISTAFF
PINE ISLAND (#2; 5-1) is shaping up as Shug McGaughey's latest filly & mare superstar. Dam Matlacha Pass is a full-sister to Shug's 2005 distaff winner Pleasant Home. Two wins and two place in four G1's this year, and I think she takes another step forward here. Round Pond looks to be working well (or so they say on The Works) and should get a piece here. Fleet Indian's eight-race winning streak stops here but she'll hang on for third.

Any Other Big News in Racing This Week?

Well, NYRA did it and filed for bankruptcy yesterday, citing New York State's failure to turn over a $19 million as well as the state's hold up of NYRA's installation of VLTs and the Big A. More importantly, perhaps, the filing may prompt a court to decide whether the state or NYRA who owns the land at Aqueduct, Belmont, at Saratoga.

William Nader, a NYRA spokesman, tells the Blood-Horse that the land claims issue was not the driving force behind the bankruptcy filing. Still, he said, "Rather than let it be litigated in the media or even to have lawmakers and NYRA continuing to disagree at least this gets the issue before a judge.'' Nader added that NYRA would have filed for bankruptcy protection long ago if the matter was only about resolving the land claims.

NYRA places the blame squarely on delays by the state. “It is unfortunate, and frankly, inexplicable, why the State Lottery Division could not work out the details necessary to get the VLT construction underway at Aqueduct,” said C. Steven Duncker, Chairman of the NYRA Board of Trustees. “It is all the more mystifying given the fact that VLTs have been put in operation at eight non-NYRA tracks around the state,” he added. “VLTs at Aqueduct represent cash flow to our industry, the continuation of New York Racing—the premier brand in North America—and over $400 million per year for the State’s budget for education, $60 million for the Lottery, and $50 million for purses and breeders awards."

Alan offers a round up on the matter over at Left at the Gate.

Blood-Horse: NYRA Seeks Bankruptcy Protection from Court
NYRA.COM: NYRA Seeks Chapter 11 Protection

F&M Turf, Sprint

F&M Turf.
SATWA QUEEN (#9; 12-1). I'll go with an invader at a price to win here. She's been within two lengths of the winner in nine of ten career races (with 4 wins, 4 places) while keeping some very classy company in Europe. Her last two have been excellent including a second in the Prix De L'Opera. Lasix should help. Underneath, I'm a big fan of Film Maker and have to include her. She will be in the mix and should go off much higher than the listed 6-1 morning line. Wait a While has come alive on the turf but I'd need more than the 3-1 morning line to bite against some very accomplished elders. She'll get a small piece here.

SPRINT
BORDONARO (#6; 3-1) is very fast and has won 8 of his last 10. Those last ten races collectively are simply amazing. Too bad his competitors can't read the pp's or they'd be scared. I toyed with the idea of putting Allen Jerkens' War Front on top as a 'value' play but can't get past that awful case of seconditis that has plagued the horse this year (six races: one win, five places). Too Much Bling will help light up the triple here for me. I don't like the favorite Henny Hughes at all. He's run a light three-race campaign this year facing four, eight and three other entrants, respectively. He's never faced a challenge and I'm betting he'll crash and burn here.

Circular Quay in the Juvenile

I'll go chalky here with CIRCULAR QUAY (#9; 5-2). Two wins at Churchill already and I'm betting he's another who will move forward off a decent race on the Keeneland Polytrack. CQ's daddy Thunder Gulch won the Derby at Churchill in 1995, and this home-bred should allow Team Tabor to forget about that $16 million flushed down the toilet for at least one afternoon. (I try not to make a habit of betting names, places, hunches, or numbers but I stayed a half block off Circular Quay in Sydney during my honeymoon last year. A kindly ticket taker at one of the Sydney ferries actually laughed at me when I pronounced it Circular 'Kay.' And now I get to laugh at Todd Schrupp and everyone else at TVG when they mispronounce it. That trip was during Preakness week and I remember walking around the area looking for an Internet cafe on a very early Sunday morning to get the race results. I now expect Garret Gomez and Todd Pletcher to add to my fond memories of Circular Quay.) Underneath, I'll go with Principle Secret and and try and add some value with long, long, shot UD Ghetto (I seem to remember Mike Smith having some previous success with 50-1 shots on one of Churchill's previous big race days).

Cotton Blossom to Win the Juvenile Fillies

I like COTTON BLOSSOM (#7; 10-1) to win the juvenile fillies. First, kudos to NTRA for making some key preps available at Racereplays.com and via podcasts. Cotton Blossom ran wide throughout the Alcibiades and got a bit of the business at the top of the stretch. I'm also hoping she didn't really fully take to the Polytrack at Keeneland that day making a decent performance better than it looked. I think she gets lead early and doesn't look back. And we're getting 10-1 m/l on Pletcher-J.R. Go, Baby Go! I'll take Adhrhythm and Cash Included underneath. Adhrhythm is fast, has a win at a mile and a sixteenth and gets a big jockey upgrade to Prado. Cash Included has impressed under C.Dollase but comes up a dollar short.

Beyer not Buying Sheik's M.O.

Andrew Beyer pees in the punch bowl french toast casserole during Breeders' Cup week by sticking it the Maktoums (or Maktums as he likes to call them) in the Washington Post, saying they are bad for the sport.

Most wealthy people in the sport won't spend money in a fashion that makes them appear foolish or vulgar. The Maktums are unfettered by such constraints.At a time when the populations of Arab countries are seething with resentment against their own leaders, the rulers of Dubai don't hesitate to engage in self-indulgence on a gargantuan scale. They are unembarrassed that this money is derived from the natural resources of their country -- resources that, in a democracy, would belong to the nation.

He chronicles their free-spending ways (apart from the insane amounts spent at the yearling sales)

After Discreet Cat won the fastest 2-year-old maiden race at Saratoga last summer, Mohammed bought him for a staggering $6 million. After Henny Hughes won a stakes race by 15 lengths, Rashid bought him for $4 million. After Invasor won the Uruguayan Triple Crown, running for peanuts in his home country, Hamdan bought him for $1.4 million. None of these purchases required special insight or judgment -- just the willingness to pay an outlandish price. Buying up all the competition is not exactly sport as most people define it. It's as if George Steinbrenner stocked the New York Yankees with every high-priced free agent and then, worried that he might not win the pennant, bought the Boston Red Sox, too.

Beyer also sees a darkside to their potential dominance of the sport.

Perhaps it is unfair to criticize the Maktums because they play the game more aggressively than anybody else. Perhaps the criticism smacks of xenophobia. But their domination of U.S. racing will harm the sport in an important, if intangible, way.
While thoroughbred racing has declined in popularity, it has had one saving grace. The human stories associated with the game -- particularly the Triple Crown series -- have commanded keen public interest. Funny Cide's pursuit of the Triple Crown thrilled America because a syndicate of middle-class citizens owned the gelding. Smarty Jones's rags-to-riches saga was similarly compelling. Unbridled's victory touched the nation because TV cameras showed trainer Carl Nafzger hugging the frail, 92-year-old owner and telling her, tearfully: "You've won the Kentucky Derby, Mrs. Genter! I love you!" These are the events that give horse racing a tenuous hold on the affections of the American public.
If the sheiks owned Funny Cide or Smarty Jones or Unbridled or any future classic winner, interest in those horses would be minimal. Certainly, Bernardini has generated little attention, despite his brilliance as a racehorse. The sheiks are remote figures. Their advisers, managers and trainers are organization men. To outward appearances, theirs is a joyless operation. When the ruler of Dubai finally fulfills his goal and wins his first Kentucky Derby, nobody is going to hug him and exclaim, "You've won the Kentucky Derby, Sheik!" And few people will cheer because he has succeeded in buying the game.