tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393Sun, 27 May 2012 19:58:36 +0000Del MarMountaineerLaurel ParkGio PontiWest Virginia DerbyTurf sprintsCoilPeter PanStakes RacesHANAWeekend HandicappingWoodwardBest PalsAqueductTraversBrigandBelmont ParkFair GroundsHastingsSanta AnitaStay ThirstyCharles Town ClassicDeclaration of Horseplayer IndependenceFountain of Youthhorse racingPacific ClassicTurf RacesBreeders CupKeenelandHoney FoxHollendorferTurf RoutesOaklawnDerby contendersSaratogaRebel StakesBaffertHandicappingthe clockerSprialHawthorneTampa Bay Derbyroute racesPARXSecret CircleGulfstream ParkGraded RacesKentucky DerbyTurfway ParkKeertanaWestchesterMile RacesWoodbineChurchhill DownssprintsSam HoustonArlington Millionhttp://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/noreply@blogger.com (HANA)Blogger794125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-8153007109894630633Sat, 26 May 2012 18:30:00 +00002012-05-27T02:24:53.699-04:00Earlier today, a fellow horseplayer sent me an email with a link to the following article at the New York Time Horse Racing Blog. From Sid Gustafson at the New York Times Horse Racing Blog - Alkalinization, Lasix and Milkshaking: A Veterinarian’s View: http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/alkalinization-lasix-and-milkshaking-a-veterinarians-view/ "The more Lasix, and the closer it is http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/alkalinization-lasix-and-milkshaking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-789754261767826557Tue, 22 May 2012 01:02:00 +00002012-05-24T13:11:38.429-04:00I received an email earlier today from Gary K., a horseplayer who was betting the Thistledown card on Monday 05/21/2012. Here, unedited, are Gary's comments: I thought you might be interested in one of the all time best examples of lack of pool integrity which occurred today (May 21, 2012) at TDN 5. It highlights both the problem of past-post odds change AND the influence of robotic wagering http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/monday-05-21-2012-tdn-r5.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-7201405179696609564Thu, 17 May 2012 14:09:00 +00002012-05-17T10:58:11.082-04:00A buddy of mine who lives in the Philadelphia area called me up yesterday. I hadn’t heard from him in a while. Of course we talked about racing. For as long as I’ve known him, his favorite track has been Delaware Park. He was excited, as he always is this time of year, because opening day at Delaware Park was this past Saturday. He mentioned that horses in the Jamie Ness barn had been running http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/trainer-jamie-ness-14-for-16.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-5647990535369330176Mon, 14 May 2012 20:07:00 +00002012-05-14T16:07:25.712-04:00From the Bloodhorse: We’re excited to offer our players the lowest Pick 4 takeout rate and the second-lowest Pick 3 takeout rate in North America,” Canterbury Park president Randy Sampson said in a release. “We understand that players are price-sensitive and have many options as to where to bet their wagering dollar. “It’s our hope that this lower takeout makes Canterbury Park the place to http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/its-official-canterbury-park-cuts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-8904326430112091045Sun, 13 May 2012 13:51:00 +00002012-05-13T09:51:40.935-04:00Weekend HandicappingHANAGraded RacesWoodbineroute racesThe Peter Pan (G2) turned out to be an interesting race yesterday.  Right To Vote took off and ran some blistering fractions and didn't quit.  Mark Valeski ran his race pressing the pace and then taking control from the outside at the eighth pole to win it.  Interestingly, Mark Valeski went off at 6/5 which isn't a bad price considering Teeth of the Dog scratched. I would have thought Mark http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/weekend-handicapping-wait-til-dawn.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-5517926035125794873Sat, 12 May 2012 13:30:00 +00002012-05-12T09:30:32.769-04:00Weekend Handicappinghorse racingHANAPeter PanGraded RacesBelmont ParkHandicappingToday at Belmont, we have the Peter Pan (G2) for 3YO going a mile and an eighth for a purse of $200,000.  Their are 11 going forward and it's a race loaded with speed.  There are a lot of colt's here to like, all lightly raced and most are multiple winners.  The other two challenges with this group is most have never gone this distance, and how much upside do they still possess? That makes it http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/weekend-handicapping-mark-valeski-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-6798084595869324288Fri, 11 May 2012 01:33:00 +00002012-05-10T21:33:41.968-04:00Last summer, the inept government of the State of Minnesota completely shut down over all too familiar political petty bickering that inevitably ends up hurting the very people they were elected to serve. Canterbury Park was one such entity harmed by the shutdown through no fault of their own as they are regulated by the Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC), which is a state agency. Even though http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/canterbury-park-wants-your-business.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-8820705839560864905Wed, 09 May 2012 16:17:00 +00002012-05-09T12:19:52.668-04:00 Two Great Ladies, Zenyatta & Caroline On Monday, Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue's Caroline Betts took to the microphone on Eye On Gaming's weekly radio show (link to listen here). Caroline, a professor of Economics at USC, has been a long time advisor to us at HANA (see our interview with her here). She talked takeout and racing of course, and you can't help but learn something http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/this-saturday-at-hollywood-park-sounds.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-6976755472784053567Tue, 08 May 2012 14:42:00 +00002012-05-08T10:42:50.603-04:00Derby weekend is a refreshing reminder of what is great about this sport: Pageantry, high quality racing, parties, and a festive atmosphere with something for everyone. It also serves as a nice, albeit brief diversion from the everyday reality of the politics, business, and institutional level of inaction that threatens this sport we love. Unfortunately, the industry won't see most of the http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/shine-comes-off-rose-after-derby-week.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-3227151174751289355Sun, 06 May 2012 13:38:00 +00002012-05-06T09:38:28.940-04:00Weekend Handicappinghorse racingHANAWoodbinesprintsHandicappingThe wonderful story from yesterday's Derby was not only Doug O'Neill getting his first Derby win, but for Mario Gutierrez showing all the jockey's out there that with hard work and a good agent you can make it out of the small tracks (Hastings) and hit the big time. He rode the perfect race yesterday, getting I'll Have Another in the right place off the pace, clear of trouble and then laid into http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/weekend-handicapping-paso-doble-dances.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-3358194275289555035Sat, 05 May 2012 12:04:00 +00002012-05-05T08:04:16.319-04:00Churchhill DownsWeekend Handicappinghorse racingHANAKentucky Derbyroute racesHandicappingThe first Saturday in May has arrived and I had promised myself that I wasn’t going to handicap the Kentucky Derby.  In fact, I took the entire week off from blogging at my site to avoid it, and when all said and done, I can’t resist the temptation to pick the winner.  Before I begin, I will say that most of the entrants have the ability to win this race, and as we know, when you have fields thishttp://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/weekend-handicapping-derby-day-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-1263973724192176332Thu, 03 May 2012 14:37:00 +00002012-05-03T10:37:49.647-04:00Want to share your opinions with others via an internet chat? Want to hear from some solid pro players on how they're tackling the Derby? Tomorrow night at 8PM you can, and we hope to see you there! HANA (The Horseplayers Association of North America) is very pleased to make the following special event announcement: HANA KY Derby Day Card Conference Call: When: 8:00 pm Eastern - Fri May 4, http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/derby-call-in-chat-friday-at-8.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-4198001102811249840Wed, 02 May 2012 19:31:00 +00002012-05-02T15:31:49.950-04:00Pull the Pocket: Horseplayer Bible? I Think That's Long Gone: http://pullthepocket.blogspot.ca/2012/05/horseplayer-bible-i-think-thats-long.html We don't see a horseplayer bible any longer. We're seeing, in my opinion, an industry megaphone. And that's everything the Daily Racing Form editorially never was. Sid Fernando on twitter recently said along this topic line (paraphrasing), 'http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/05/pull-pocket-horseplayer-bible-i-think.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-6073386545191775229Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:32:00 +00002012-04-30T11:34:48.693-04:00You've probably seen a news item for today that Congress is conducting hearings for Race Day Meds. What you may not know is that a Bill has been introduced in both the US Senate and the US House of Representatives that would amend the Interstate Horse Racing Act. The Bill would eliminate race day meds and establish a "three strikes and you're out" penalty system for violators. The text of the http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/congressional-hearings-for-race-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-6169836480373643316Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:27:00 +00002012-04-29T21:13:42.643-04:00HANA (The Horseplayers Association of North America) is very pleased to make the following special event announcement: HANA KY Derby Day Card Conference Call: When: 8:00 pm Eastern - Fri May 4, 2012 Attendee Dial-in #: (712) 432-1001 Attendee Access Code: 469962956# We at HANA have assembled the following panel: John Doyle - 2011 NHC Tournament Champion, Professional Horseplayer Bob Gregory http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/derby-conference-call-scheduled-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-6129541567997397157Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:17:00 +00002012-04-29T09:17:53.087-04:00Weekend HandicappingStakes Raceshorse racingHANAWoodbinesprintsHandicappingToday we head north to Woodbine to look at the 57th running of The Fury.  It's a seven furlong race for 3YO fillies (Ontario bred) and the purse is  $150,000.  There is a field of eight and as I write this no scratches.  Most will have Mark Casse's #2 Northern Passion as the favorite and suspect she will go off as such.  She did have a good 2YO campaign, and her best efforts were on turf. Howeverhttp://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/weekending-handicapping-fury-at.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-8267651772649311631Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:23:00 +00002012-04-28T08:23:53.352-04:00Weekend HandicappingStakes Raceshorse racingHANAWestchesterGraded Racesroute racesBelmont ParkHandicappingToday we have the 84th running of the Westchester (G3) at Belmont.  It's for 3YO and upwards going a mile for a purse of $150,000.  There is a field of 7 entered (no scratches at this writing) and it's a highly contentious group.  Anyone of them has a shot at winning this one, three are coming off the bench and we have a couple of G1 winners.  Since it's a short field I will focus on the three http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/weekend-handicapping-its-boys-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-4790675036732772196Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:29:00 +00002012-04-22T09:29:17.636-04:00The lesson learned yesterday in the Sixty Sails at Hawthorne is not to ignore Donnie Von Hemel horses! She's All In ran a great race  and we should have seen it.  In looking back at her PP's it was obvious she was ready to go, but I let the lack of distance cloud my judgement.  I even had Von Hemel, 27% stakes win circled and let it get away.  I won't say never again, for I know I will overlook http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/weekend-handicapping-atlantic-hurricane.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-1377112422043547329Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +00002012-04-21T09:01:52.075-04:00Weekend HandicappingStakes Raceshorse racingHANAHawthorneroute racesHandicappingToday on a beautiful crisp spring day I thought it would be nice to cover a race in my hometown of Chicago.  At Hawthorne, is the 34th running of the Sixty Sails Handicap (G3), purse of $200,000 for fillies and mares, 3YO and upwards.  There is a field of nine entered (no scratches as of this writing) going a mile and an eighth.  It has drawn ladies from all over the Midwest and East Coast, http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/weekend-handicapping-sixty-sails-at.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-1261929348114778313Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:59:00 +00002012-04-18T18:03:16.303-04:00Our crew at HANA harness sure is passionate about the sport. Not only have they begun a handicapping contest for members and fans to follow, they've started to talk some handicapping. Top handicappers like Scott Alberg and Bob Pandolfo talk overrated and underrated harness angles in the latest HANA Harness Blog instalment. We'd like to thank the standardbred community for running the press http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/hana-harness-boys-get-it-rolling.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-2255986087900563431Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:55:00 +00002012-04-15T08:55:58.372-04:00Weekend Handicappingthe clockerhorse racingHANAWoodbineHandicappingWhat can we say about Caixa Eletronica, our darkhorse selection for the Charles Town Classic. It wasa great race for him and Pletcher prepped him perfectly for it. I tip my hat to Duke of Mischief, I didn't think he would hold his own against this field and proved me wrong!  Today we head over to Woodbine and will look at the 114th running of the Woodstock for 3YO going 6 panels for $150,000 http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/weekend-handicapping-menlo-castle-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-2341103952052427752Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:52:00 +00002012-04-14T08:52:55.949-04:00Weekend Handicappingthe clockerhorse racingHANACharles Town ClassicHandicappingIt's not often we get a big race out of Charles Town. So today with a $1,000,000 on the line we will take a look at the 12th Race, the 4th running of the Charles Town Classic (G2).  There is a field of 13 as of this writing and they will be going a mile and an eighth over the dirt course. What makes this race interesting is that all are shipping in, in fact, I think only three of them have ever http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/weekend-handicapping-tackleberry-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-3313880929482484756Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:04:00 +00002012-04-12T16:04:54.856-04:00<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/little-balmoral-shows-them-how-its-done.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-622438650893173608Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:41:00 +00002012-04-08T09:41:09.506-04:00Turf RoutesGulfstream ParkWeekend Handicappingthe clockerStakes Raceshorse racingHANAYesterday in the Bayshore we had two or three live horses that looked solid to win that feature, and Trinniberg proved me wrong on my "bounce" concerns and nailed a wire to wire win.  I look forward to seeing him race again and hopefully he moves up the Graded ladder.  Today, we go down I95 to Gulfstream for the 10th race, Wait A While stakes for a purse of $70,000.  It's a turf affair for http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/weekend-handicapping-wide-open-field-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484410456100254393.post-7821840896028625359Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:55:00 +00002012-04-07T09:55:21.769-04:00Weekend Handicappingthe clockerhorse racingHANAAqueductGraded RacesWe had a nice double last weekend.  Hit It Rich won the Orchid on Saturday, followed by Nate's Mineshaft taking the New Orleans Handicap.  Both paid handsome returns, Hit It Rich paid $7.40 and Nate's Mineshaft returned $20.80! Now if we could do that every weekend, right?  Today, we are at Aqueduct and going to look at a sprint race for 3YO's.  It's the Bayshore Handicap (G3) going 7 furlongs http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/2012/04/weekend-handicapping-hardened-wildcat.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (HANA)0