Horse Racing: Arkansas Derby day recap: $41,000,000 bet, Nadal and Charlatan win Ky. Derby preps

[Preds Partisan]

Uggh, we're both home until at least mid-April we just found out. She needs the extra computer monitor I was using to stream races for her dual screen computer set-up. Booo.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Mahoning Valley (Ohio):

• Race 8: The $1 Pick 3 to end the day was massive at $3,508.30.
• Jay Bernardini placed for the 20th time at the meet, far and away the most. Against just six wins, the trainer is paying the bills as is often said.

Tampa Bay (Florida):

• Leslie Mawing, who is in his mid-40s, from South Africa and has shifted his tack from West Virginia to Minnesota to Washington state among other spots, won the first two races. I don't recall him being situated in Florida prior to this meet.

Gulfstream (Florida):

• Pick Six: The jackpot will begin in excess of $1,000,000.
• Elizabeth Dobles, who flew with War Story to the United Arab Emirates yesterday for the $12,000,000 Dubai World Cup later this month, sent out two horses and won with both. John Guarnere, an owner, said that Flavien Prat would replace Luis Saez, who refused to travel, on board War Story in Dubai. By the way, strong words from co-owner and New Jersey-born Glenn Ellis on his Twitter page:

​

Fair Grounds (Louisiana):

• Adam Beschizza had a riding triple.

Sam Houston (Texas):

• David Cabrera had a riding triple.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Tyler Gaffalione and Irad Ortiz, Jr. have opted NOT to go to Dubai (UAE) joining Luis Saez among the south Florida riding colony. Gaffalione will be replaced by Frankie Dettori in riding Sir Winston for Mark Casse in the $12,000,000 (U.S.) race held on March 28. That isn't a bad replacement.

Ortiz was supposed to ride Mucho Gusto for Bob Baffert in the same race. William Buick, who rides in Europe much of the time, picks up the mount.

Riders would have to face a 14-day quarantine upon return from Dubai.

One jockey whose tack is currently in Florida and who is going to Dubai is John Velazquez.

Separately, it appears Jose Ortiz will not ride the remainder of the meet at Gulfstream due to his wrist injury. He returned from the injury earlier than anticipated. I don't know if that means he re-aggravated it. However, he will NOT ride Independence Hall in the Florida Derby on April 4. Joel Rosario picked up the mount.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

The Maryland parties are playing it coy with the Breeders' Cup. Now that Laurel will get a face lift that could delay the interests of the massive event going to the track but also enhance its chances down the road.

With Gulfstream reducing its size to emphasize the casino and having no desire to host the Breeders' Cup, Stronach could push Laurel and maybe just maybe be an east coast option for the owners. Belmont, post-construction, will be a mighty powerful player if New York ever decides it wants to host again.

Meanwhile, Kentucky and California will alternate.

As far as sports betting in Maryland:

Bill Financing Project To Rebuild Pimlico, Laurel Awaits Governor’s Signature - Horse Racing News | Paulick Report

In another matter, the General Assembly March 18 also passed sports betting legislation, though more than 20 pages outlining implementation, eligible licensees, fees and tax rates were stripped from the final version. The Senate ended up passing an amended House version of Senate Bill 4 that authorizes a constitutional amendment ballot question in the November 2020 general election.
​

Back to racing and the tracks...

The Racing and Community Development Act of 2020, which authorizes financing for the rebuild of Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park, cleared the Maryland General Assembly March 18—the final day of an abbreviated session—and goes to Gov. Larry Hogan for consideration.

The legislation calls for the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue up to $375 million in bonds for the project through a combination of funds from the Racetrack Facility Renewal Account, the Purse Dedication Account, video lottery terminal payments to Baltimore City and money from the Maryland Lottery. The Act would take effect June 1 of this year.​

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Gulfstream (Florida):

• Race 2: Pete Aiello's call on the comfortable win by the 3-to-5 chalk "He has distance....he has social distance."
• Race 3: I think that is the first North America win for the rider Luis Quiroz. He is not a 10-pound bug which means he likely rode elsewhere, I am sure we will find out soon.... Update: He is Panamanian and that is indeed his first win in North America.
• Race 4: A 40-to-1 bomber, the longest shot on the board, schooled the competition in his lucky 13th start. The win paid $82.80. The $2 double was a lofty $939.
• Race 5: A $54.60 winner. The $1 daily double was a gigantic $1,120. The $.50 Pick 3 was a gargantuan $6,489. The $.50 Pick 5 paid over $52,000.
• Race 6: The $.50 Pick 3 was prodigious at $2,159.
• Edgar Prado has 10 rides the next three days including two late today. He has 7.055 lifetime wins just two behind legendary rider Angel Cordero for 8th all-time in North America.
• Jose Ortiz: Will not ride the remainder of the meet (ends early April) due to a wrist injury.
• Tyler Gaffalione: Will not ride as this is the first of five racing days in which he is suspended.
• Rider changes: I counted 13 changes, many associated with the two riders mentioned.
• Free live stream: Live Stream | World-Class Thoroughbred Horse Racing | Gulfstream Park

Oaklawn (Arkansas):

• Today's entries: Entries for Thursday March 19, 2020 | Oaklawn Racing Information | Oaklawn Racing and Gaming - Since 1904 - Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Robertino Diodoro has won twice. he is in a close battle with Karl Broberg for second most wins by a trainer this year in North America.
• Reeve McGaughey, son of Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey, registered his first win as a trainer

Fair Grounds (Louisiana):

• Today's entries and past performances: https://www.fairgroundsracecourse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/FG-3-19-1.pdf
• Race 1: Jack Gilligan, who suffered a nasty injury in January including a broken collarbone and two broken eye sockets but who returned about a week ago, won for the second time in 48 starts this year. It was his first win since January 10. He also won the finale today.

Golden Gate (California):

• Today's entries: Daily Racing Form | Horse Racing Entries | Live Odds & Scratches

 

[GKJ]

Sounds like Aqueduct is shutting down

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Sounds like Aqueduct is shutting down

NYRA suspends live racing at Aqueduct Racetrack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that live racing at Aqueduct Racetrack will be suspended until further notice due to changing circumstances in the racing community relative to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

A backstretch worker who lives and works at Belmont Park tested positive this morning for the coronavirus. Following NYRA's Preparedness and Response Plan, the worker has been quarantined since developing symptoms the morning of Friday, March 13. His roommate was also quarantined at that time.

NYRA's Preparedness and Response Plan Committee has established clear protocols and processes following the most up-to-date health guidance established by the New York State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

"This individual and his roommate have been in isolation since prior to racing last Friday and as such did not travel to Aqueduct for live racing," said NYRA CEO and President Dave O'Rourke. "We are working with the County and State departments of health to ensure proper quarantine and sterilization practices will continue to be followed moving forward.​

 

[GKJ]

Sean Payton has tested positive for CV and was at Oaklawn this last weekend. I don’t know if they had shut down but if they didn’t they certainly will now

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Sean Payton has tested positive for CV and was at Oaklawn this last weekend. I don’t know if they had shut down but if they didn’t they certainly will now

They are racing now.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Interesting that Laurel has published a full and deep card for Saturday. The track is currently closed. Perhaps they are anticipating a change in government policy or simply taking entries.

Small purses but 115 horses entered:

Race #	Purse	Race Type	Distance	Surface	Starters	Est. Post (ET)
Race 1	$15,000	Claiming	5 1/2 Furlongs	Dirt	10	1:10 PM
Race 2	$29,000	Starter Optional Claiming	1 Mile	Dirt	7	1:42 PM
Race 3	$15,000	Claiming	1 Mile	Dirt	16	2:13 PM
Race 4	$15,000	Claiming	1 Mile	Dirt	7	2:43 PM
Race 5	$29,000	Starter Optional Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	8	3:13 PM
Race 6	$18,000	Maiden Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	16	3:42 PM
Race 7	$15,000	Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	8	4:12 PM
Race 8	$42,000	Allowance	1 Mile	Dirt	10	4:42 PM
Race 9	$23,000	Claiming	About 1 1/16 Miles	Dirt	7	5:12 PM
Race 10	$47,000	Allowance Optional Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	8	5:43 PM
Race 11	$28,000	Starter Optional Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	8	6:12 PM

[TBODY] [/TBODY]
[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Well now...

Laurel bans out-of-state shippers in response to coronavirus

Laurel Park in Maryland on Thursday closed its backstretch to all shippers other than horses stabled at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and will scratch all horses that are stabled at other tracks for the race cards scheduled for Friday and Saturday, the state’s horsemen group said in an alert to its members.

The ban on ship-ins became effective immediately, the alert said. Although Laurel began banning spectators last week due to the impact of the coronavirus impact, the track is continuing to run.

“The decision is part of a series of precautionary and safety measures put in place by The Maryland Jockey Club and Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association given the coronavirus situation,” the alert said. Laurel and Pimlico are operated by The Maryland Jockey Club, which is a subsidiary of The Stronach Group.

Laurel has a 10-race card scheduled for Friday and an 11-race card scheduled for Saturday. The alert said that owners will now be banned as well, and that racing will continue to be conducted “with access severely limited to essential racing personnel only.”

According to the alert, the MTHA board of directors has also voted to reduce the amount of the purse bonus going to fifth place from 4 percent to 3 percent, and reduce the purse bonus going to horses that finish sixth through last from 4 percent to 2 percent. Total purses will remain unchanged, the MTHA said.​

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

This is the latest running tab in the U.S. from what I compiled...

Among the states where racing is ongoing:

• Kentucky (multiple changes and more could be made)
  • Turfway: Jan. 1 - Mar. 28
  • Keeneland: Apr. 2 - Apr. 24 [canceled]
  • Churchill Downs: Apr. 25 - Jun. 27
  • Ellis Park: Jun. 28 - Sep. 6 [contemplating additional summer dates; currently will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday]
  • Churchill Downs: Sep. 1 - 5 [Kentucky Oaks,Sep. 4; Kentucky Derby, Sep. 5]
  • Kentucky Downs: Sep. 7, 9-10, 12-13, and 16 [was Sept. 2 - 13]
  • Churchill Downs: Sep. 16 - 27
  • Keeneland: Oct. 2 - 24
  • Churchill Downs: Oct. 25 - Nov. 29
  • Keeneland: Nov. 6 - 7 [Breeders' Cup host]
  • Turfway: Dec. 2 - 31
• California (No racing changes at Santa Anita or Golden Gate)
• Florida (exception: Gulfstream on March 20)
• Arkansas (on schedule to race through closing day on May 2)
• West Virginia
• Texas (ongoing at Sam Houston. Lone Star scheduled to open April 16)
• Oklahoma (ongoing at Remington park and Will Rogers Downs)

Among the states where racing has been changed or canceled at least temporarily:

• Kentucky (Keeneland, the entire meet which was scheduled for April 2 - 24)
• Louisiana
  • Fair Grounds closed early, March 21
  • Louisiana Downs postponed its April 8 opener
  • Evangeline Downs ended its meet
• New York (closed temporarily as of March 20)
• Maryland (closed temporarily as of March 20)
• Pennsylvania (Penn National closed temporarily; Parx could re-open March 28)
• New Mexico (closed temporarily)
• Arizona (Turf Paradise closed early. Arizona Downs could hold a summer meet)
• Nebraska (Fonner Park is closed temporarily but will re-open March 23)
• Indiana (closed temporarily)
• New Jersey (opening day has changed from May 2 to May 23)
• Illinois
  • Arlington is scheduled to open April 27 but there are other documented issues.
  • Hawthorne canceled its spring meet many months weeks ago in order to build a $450 million casino/sports betting facility. However, harness racing is ongoing.
  • Fairmount appears to be closed until March 30. The southern Illinois track -- roughly 13 miles east of St. Louis, MO, generally runs twice a week this time of the year.
• Ohio
  • Mahoning Valley (Youngstown area) closed through at least March 27.
  • Thistledown (Cleveland area) is scheduled to run April 29 – October 22.
  • Belterra (Cincinnati) Live Racing is scheduled to run April 24 - September 25.

Tracks in states that conduct seasonal meets (late spring/summer/fall) have not made statements that I saw.

• Delaware
• Washington
• Iowa
• Virginia
• Wyoming (Wyoming Downs' opening day remains July 4)
• Colorado (Arapahoe's 0pening day remains May 23)
• Minnesota (Canterbury runs May 15 - Sept. 12 and that is still on schedule)

Did I miss any? Possibly.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Irad Ortiz, Jr., who won twice today and is the defending Eclipse Award winner for Jockey of the Year, announced on Twitter he is suspending his availability to ride effective immediately as a precaution due to the ongoing virus.

Rajiv Maragh has done the same.

Aidan O'Brien, who is based in Europe, will not ship to Dubai.

UPDATE: Gulfstream has canceled Friday's card in order to implement health-related protocol; however, it appears the track will re-open for Saturday's card.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

@Preds Partisan

*** REVISED TODAY ***

This is Kentucky's schedule for 2020. The state has five tracks that operate T-bred racing. The tracks worked together, not always an easy issue in the Commonwealth, which means that three tracks will be operating during the first week of September though not simultaneously.

Sept 5-6-7: three dates, three tracks. Ellis Park's closing day on Sunday, Sept. 6 will be squeezed between the Kentucky Derby and the opener at Kentucky Downs which is arguably the most popular meet for ultra-serious handicappers. My guess is Ellis will change those last few days especially since it is scheduled to run on both Sept. 4 and 5 which would be opposite the Oaks and Derby, respectively.

As of right now, Kentucky Downs and Churchill Downs are both operating on September 16 from what I see.

• Turfway: Jan. 1 - Mar. 28
• Keeneland: Apr. 2 - Apr. 24 [canceled]
• Churchill Downs: Apr. 25 - Jun. 27
• Ellis Park: Jun. 28 - Sep. 6 [contemplating additional summer dates; currently will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday]
• Churchill Downs: Sep. 1 - 5 [Kentucky Oaks,Sep. 4; Kentucky Derby, Sep. 5]
• Kentucky Downs: Sep. 7, 9-10, 12-13, and 16 [was Sept. 2 - 13]
• Churchill Downs: Sep. 16 - 27
• Keeneland: Oct. 2 - 24
• Churchill Downs: Oct. 25 - Nov. 29
• Keeneland: Nov. 6 - 7 [Breeders' Cup host]
• Turfway: Dec. 2 - 31

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Interesting that Laurel has published a full and deep card for Saturday. The track is currently closed. Perhaps they are anticipating a change in government policy or simply taking entries.

Small purses but 115 horses entered:

Race #	Purse	Race Type	Distance	Surface	Starters	Est. Post (ET)
Race 1	$15,000	Claiming	5 1/2 Furlongs	Dirt	10	1:10 PM
Race 2	$29,000	Starter Optional Claiming	1 Mile	Dirt	7	1:42 PM
Race 3	$15,000	Claiming	1 Mile	Dirt	16	2:13 PM
Race 4	$15,000	Claiming	1 Mile	Dirt	7	2:43 PM
Race 5	$29,000	Starter Optional Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	8	3:13 PM
Race 6	$18,000	Maiden Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	16	3:42 PM
Race 7	$15,000	Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	8	4:12 PM
Race 8	$42,000	Allowance	1 Mile	Dirt	10	4:42 PM
Race 9	$23,000	Claiming	About 1 1/16 Miles	Dirt	7	5:12 PM
Race 10	$47,000	Allowance Optional Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	8	5:43 PM
Race 11	$28,000	Starter Optional Claiming	6 Furlongs	Dirt	8	6:12 PM

[TBODY] [/TBODY]
[TBODY] [/TBODY]

My initial suspicion has now been confirmed...

https://www.paulickreport.com/news/...r-governor-issues-maryland-unites-initiative/

Laurel Park and the Rosecroft harness track in Maryland are suspending all racing, effective immediately and until further notice, after Gov. Larry Hogan announced a “Maryland Unites” initiative aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19.

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association distributed news of the shutdown on Friday morning on its text message alert system. The move came less than 24 hours after protocols were tightened that would, among other things, block the shipment of horses into Laurel from anywhere other than the Maryland Jockey Club's other Thoroughbred track, Pimlico Race Course.

The initiative from Hogan limits gatherings to 10 people, closes shopping malls, restricts access to the BWI Marshall Airport terminal and urges the use of transit for essential travel only.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Friday, March 20, 2020

• TELEVISION: New York through America's Day at the Races verifies that Fox Sports 1 (3:00-6:30 pm ET) and Fox Sports 2 (1:30-3:00 pm ET) will be aired as scheduled. Without Aqueduct operating, apparently others track will be aired.

​

• Tampa Bay (12:45 pm)
• Fair Grounds (1:30 pm)
• Oaklawn (2:30 pm)
• Santa Anita (4:00 pm)
• Golden Gate (4:15 pm)
• Turfway (6:15 pm)
• Charles Town (7:00 pm)
• Remington Park (7:00 pm)
• Sam Houston (7:45 pm)
• Los Alamitos (9:00 pm)
• Cal Expo (9:10 pm)

all times are Eastern Time (ET)

Aqueduct (New York):

• Closed: Announced yesterday. Next racing date is unknown. Also, no training allowed on Sundays beginning March 29.

Laurel (Maryland):

• Closed: Announced this morning. Next racing date is unknown.

Gulfstream (Florida):

• Closed: Announced last night. The track will re-open tomorrow.

Open:

Tampa Bay (Florida):

Fair Grounds (Louisiana):

Oaklawn (Arkansas):

Golden Gate (California):

Santa Anita (California):

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

As mentioned a few days ago, Oaklawn has now confirmed that the Arkansas Derby will move from April 4 to the original date of the Kentucky Derby on May 2.

Chatter is Del Mar -- yes, Del Mar -- may add a Derby prep race to its summer schedule.

 

[GKJ]

As mentioned a few days ago, Oaklawn has now confirmed that the Arkansas Derby will move from April 4 to the original date of the Kentucky Derby on May 2.

Chatter is Del Mar -- yes, Del Mar -- may add a Derby prep race to its summer schedule.

Wonder if Parx moves the PA Derby if/when the Preakness postpones

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

My guess is there will be a clearer picture at Parx if the track re-opens on Saturday, March 28. Many racing schedules will see adjustments it seems. There is a great unknown and not just about horse racing. But I wonder if purses will be affected. I have yet to see if the Arkansas Derby will continue to be a $1,000,000 race. That'll probably be lowered since it isn't as significant Ky. Derby prep as it was a few days ago.

UPDATE: Down to $750,000.

Wonder if Parx moves the PA Derby if/when the Preakness postpones

Michelle Yu mentioned the Travers could be a Ky. Derby prep. I never thought of typing that sentence in my life.

 

[Preds Partisan]

Thanks for the updates on the schedule MSE, easier to get the info through here than pouring over various websites.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Thanks for the updates on the schedule MSE, easier to get the info through here than pouring over various websites.

You are welcome.

I am trying to get this Kentucky meet schedule confirmed. I am told that both Ky. Downs and Churchill won't race on Sept. 16 but I see nothing to invalidate what I see. I guess CD could opt not to race on the 16th but imagine if they go under the lights for that meet's opener while Ky. Downs concludes its meet that afternoon.

How long of a ride is it between the tracks?

 

[Preds Partisan]

Two hours driving.

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

As far as Saturday's racing:

Fox Sports 1: 1:30 - 6:30 pm ET -- multiple tracks
Fox Sports 2: 6:30 - 7:30 pm ET -- multiple tracks
NBCSN: 4:00-8:00 p.m. ET -- multiple tracks, TVG coverage

Louisiana Oaks (5:15 pm ET) and Louisiana Derby (5:49 pm) from Fair Grounds (New Orleans) CANCELED​

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Two hours driving.

I am told Churchill's original September (16 - 27) dates may be revisited. Therefore, Ky. Downs and Churchill Downs may or may not be operating together on Sept. 16. I doubt two tracks operate the same time within a day, but perhaps two tracks at different times (CD at night?) on the same day could occur -- I would imagine it has happened with Turfway under the lights but maybe you have a better recollection of that.

 

[GKJ]

They haven't actually moved the Preakness yet, have they?

NBC is also cancelling their TVG coverage for today:

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

T-bred racing (QH and other forms not listed)

Canceled:

03/21/2020	Aqueduct (NY)	Entire Card, Races 1-9
03/21/2020	Laurel Park (MD)	Entire Card, Races 1-11
03/21/2020	Mahoning Valley (OH)	Entire Card, Races 1-9
03/21/2020	Penn National (PA)	Entire Card, Races 1-8
03/21/2020	Sunland Park (NM)	Entire Card, Races 1-10

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Operating:

Charles Town (WV) 7:00 pm ET
Fair Grounds (LA) 12:00 pm ET
Golden Gate (CA) 3:45 pm ET
Gulfstream (FL) 12:45 pm ET
Oaklawn (AR) 2:05 pm ET
Sam Houston (TX) 7:45 pm ET
Santa Anita (CA) 3:30 pm ET
Tampa Bay (FL) 12:35 pm ET
Turfway (KY) 6:15 pm ET​