Horse Racing

2010 Belmont stakes Predictions

2010-05-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

Horse racing fans are eagerly waiting for 2010 Belmont Stakes event but big disappointment for the Super Saver, the Derby winner and Lookin At Lucky, the Preakness winner fans. The 2010 Belmont Stakes will be on June 5th at Belmont Park. This will be the 142nd running of the Belmont Stakes, and will be shown live on ABC and ESPN.

Trainer Dale Romans is hoping he can finally get to the top in the last leg of the Triple Crown on June 5 Belmont Stakes. Romans trains First Dude, who finished second in the Preakness on Saturday and will go on to the Belmont.

Horse Racing: Entries and Favorites of the 142nd Belmont Stakes

2010-05-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

142nd Belmont Stakes Horse Racing Betting Odds And Picks: The 2010 Belmont Stakes, last Triple Crown race of this year will be take place on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY.

With out 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and 2010 Preakness Stakes winner Lookin at Lucky won’t be in the field for the Belmont Stakes this year still plenty of excellent horses looking to win this race.

Dublin, who finished 7th in the Kentucky Derby and 5th in the Preakness Stakes also not participated in the Belmont Stakes. Another favorite Horse Paddy O’Prado as his run in the Triple Crown is over, finished sixth in Preakness Stakes after finishing third in the Kentucky Derby.

First Dude will be the favorite in the 142nd running of the Belmont Horse Race.

Entries for the 142nd running of the Belmont Stakes:

First Dude – 2nd in the Preakness Stakes
New Madrid – 6th in the Arkansas Derby
Game On Dude – 1st in the Lone Star Derby
Stately Victor – 8th in the Kentucky Derby
Stay Put – 5th in the Louisiana Derby
Uptowncharlybrown – 3rd in the Lexington Stakes
Yawanna Twist – 4th in the Preakness Stakes
Fly Down – 1st in the Dwyer Stakes
Ice Box – 2nd in the Kentucky Derby
Drosselmeyer – 2nd in the Dwyer Stakes
Spangled Star – 3rd in the Withers Stakes
Make Music For Me – 4th in the Kentucky Derby

Odds are a bit much on the First Dude as favorite in this horse racing @Sportsbook.

Triple Crown run ends for Paddy O'Prado

2010-05-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Vaction for the Paddy O’Prado as his run in the Triple Crown is over, finished sixth in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes after finishing third in the May 1 Kentucky Derby.

He will skip the June 5 Belmont Stakes and instead will be rested for five or six weeks before resuming his racing career.

In the past several years, there have been horses that have come to the Belmont after impressive runs at both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. This year, the Belmont will not have either horse that won the first two legs of the Triple Crown.

Super Saver winner of the Kentucky Derby and Lookin at Lucky winner of the Preakness Stakes already out of Belmont Stakes.

“Paddy came out of the race just great,” said Jerry Crawford of Des Moines, who manages the Donegal Racing partnership that owns Paddy O’Prado. “He has no problems at all.

“Right now, Paddy and his owners need a little rest. I think the horse is in better shape than the owners, but it’s been fun.”

The owners won’t be getting that much rest. They have to decide where Paddy’s racing future lies — on a dirt track or a grass one.

Paddy O’Prado won the Palm Beach Stakes on turf and was second in the Blue Grass Stakes on a synthetic surface before running on dirt tracks in the Derby and Preakness.

“The whole turf versus dirt question is one we have to tackle,” Crawford said. “ It would be nice to pick a surface and stay there.”

If Paddy O’Prado were to return to turf, he could be pointed for the $600,000 Virginia Derby on July 17.

He won’t run in the June 25 Iowa Derby, but that race is a possibility for his stablemate, Vow To Wager.

The Donegal partnership turned down offers before the Preakness from Kentucky breeding farms interested in buying a percentage of Paddy O’Prado’s breeding rights. “I think now that’s down the road,” Crawford said.

Paddy O’Prado was the first horse owned by Iowa residents to run in the Triple Crown since Blumin Affair in 1994, and both horses had the exact same results. Blumin Affair also finished third in the Derby, sixth in the Preakness and then missing the Belmont.

Horses that finish in the top three in the Kentucky Derby generally run well in the Preakness, but that didn’t happen Saturday. Not only was Paddy O’Prado sixth, but Super Saver’s eighth-place finish was the lowest by a Derby winner since Dust Commander was ninth in 1970.

Looking back on the Preakness, Crawford said Paddy O’Prado just didn’t run his race.

The plan was for jockey Kent Desormeaux to have Paddy O’Prado just off the lead going into the first turn, because the Pimlico surface had been favoring speed. Breaking from the No. 10 post, Paddy was six lengths behind and kept wide on the first turn. He made a mild run in the stretch to close from ninth to sixth.

“I just thought we were never in position to win the race,” Crawford said. “You had to be on or near the lead. Kent was in a no-win situation. If he had saved ground, he would have been even further back,. He tried to get position, and that kept him further outside.”

Crawford initially had planned to skip the Preakness and run in the Belmont, but changed his mind when Paddy O’Prado came out of the Derby still eager to run.

“I don’t have any (second thoughts),” Crawford said. “He trained so aggressively after the Derby, and he had such an unfortunate trip in the Derby that we felt like we had to do to the Preakness.”

Super Saver and Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky will also skip the Belmont. That leaves Ice Box, second in the Kentucky Derby, as the biggest name for the 11/2-mile race.

Horse Racing: Lookin At Lucky and Super Saver won't run Belmont

2010-05-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Another Big Event of this year Horse racing, 142nd Belmont Stakes will be held at Belmont Park on Saturday, June 5. After Finishing 2010 Preakness Stakes, Mike Pegram said that all he wanted to see was his horse, Lookin At Lucky, make the turn for home with a clear path ahead of him.

Kentucky Derby

The June 5 "Test of Champions" could also be the last day of racing in New York, including the prestigious Saratoga meeting slated to begin on July 23.

"We're about to find out if he's good enough," said Pegram. "He put his head down and the jockey put his head down, and he proved he was good enough.

"When they turned for home and had a clean trip, that's all you can ask for. (Jockey) Martin (Garcia) turned him home and I was confident right there, even though there were a few horses that looked like they might chase him down. This horse doesn't get chased down and he didn't."

Trainer Bob Baffert said Sunday that Lookin At Lucky would skip the Belmont Stakes. Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver also will not run in the final leg of the Triple Crown.

"If he was going for the Triple Crown, I'd take him to New York," Baffert said. "But I'm going to take him home to freshen him. ... I just want to have something for the fall."

Still basking in his third victory in a Triple Crown race -- the first two came in 1998 when Real Quiet won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes -- Pegram said Lookin At Lucky is unlikely to run the Belmont Stakes.

The Belmont, the final leg of the Triple Crown, is June 5. Pegram said Lookin At Lucky was due to fly home to California on Sunday, and odds were against him running the most demanding leg of the Triple Crown trilogy.

"He doesn't have anything else to prove," Pegram said. "But you never know. If the horse is doing good and running good, maybe we'll let him run. If not, we'll give him a couple of months off."

Lookin At Lucky next could run Aug. 1 at the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in New Jersey.

Pegram said any Triple Crown race victory is "special" and that Lookin At Lucky came to the Preakness with something to prove, just like the owner's previous Triple Crown race winner.

"When we came here with Real Quiet, people were saying he wasn't a deserving Kentucky Derby winner, and he proved them all wrong," Pegram said. "With Lookin At Lucky, he was the 2-year-old champion and he had something to prove after the Kentucky Derby, and all we asked for was a good trip and that's what he got."

Pegram said he's been confident in Lookin At Lucky, who went off at 5-2 odds, ever since he purchased the horse for $475,000 with co-owners Karl Watson and Paul Weitman last year.

"That comes from Baffert," Pegram said of the confidence. "I've know him for a long time and from the day we bought him, Bob said he was a great horse and had some great runs in him. Bob said he was ready to run and Lookin At Lucky proved it."

The 135th Preakness Stakes 2010 Results: Lookin at Lucky Finished

2010-05-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Lookin at Lucky is the Winner of Preakness Stakes 2010. After the successful Kentucky Derby 2010, the 135th Preakness Stakes 2010 will be held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Preakness Stakes 2010 Horse Race results were already out as the Preakness horse racing competition is already finished. Lookin at Lucky is the Winner of the Preakness Stakes 2010. Lucky rebounded from a disappointing performance in the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago. Congratulations to jockey Martin Garcia and trainer Bob Baffert. Both of you guys did a job well done!

For the other Preak Stakes Results 2010, First Dude and Jackson Bend joins Lookin at Lucky in the list of Preakness Stakes 2010 Winners. Congratulations to all the Preakness winners!

The 2010 Preakness Stakes betting odds

2010-05-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Preakness Stakes betting odds haven’t yet been finalized, but already Sports Betting is giving you a taste of the horse racing odds action that’s coming on May 15. While we have pony action all year round, you know that there’s nothing like Triple Crown betting. Can Super Saver win the second leg and set up a frenzied Belmont Stakes betting race? That remains to be seen. In the meantime, here’s a look at which jockeys have Preakness betting experience. Remember, not all of these horses have confirmed at the moment. These are the experienced jockeys who MAY be riding in the Preakness Stakes.

Calvin Borel (Super Saver odds) – He has one Preakness Stakes win under his belt, as well as a runner-up finish at the Triple Crown race. He’s one of the reasons Super Saver is a strong horse racing play.

Kent Desormeaux (Paddy O’Prado odds) – He is a two-time winner of the Preakness and is aboard a horse that had a good showing at the Kentucky Derby.

Javier Castellano (Aikenite odds) – Javier has a 2006 Preakness win under his belt, but isn’t aboard one of the field favorites this time around. Still, you have to respect a previous winner.

John Velazquez (A Little Warm odds) – John has 3 fifth place finishes in Preakness Stakes betting. He’s not expected to have a strong shot at winning, but at least the experience is there.

Mike Smith (Jackson Bend odds) – With 11 starts at the Preakness already under his belt, Smith does also have one win. He could be a big factor on May 15.

Robby Albarado (Hurricane Ike odds) – Robby has 8 starts at the Preakness Stakes, with his only win coming in 2007. You have to like experience.

Ramon Dominguez (First Dude odds) – Ramon has 7 Preakness races to his credit, with his best finish being in seventh place.

Edgar Prado (Yawanna Twist odds) – Edgar has an astounding 13 starts at the Preakness Stakes. He has finished fourth 4 times. You know he will be desperate for one more crack at the winner’s circle.

There are many more jockeys in the field, but none have the Preakness betting experience that this bunch has.

2010 Preakness Stakes Post Positions, Entries and Odds

2010-05-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

The count down started for 2010 Preakness Stakes. The second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown is set for Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The second jewel in the Triple Crown goes off on Saturday, as Calvin Borel and Super Saver look to be the first Triple Crown winning combo in 32 years.

Borel actually won the Preakness last year on Rachel Alexandra as an 8/5 favorite from the 13th post – the first horse to ever win from the outside post.

This year, Borel is aboard Super Saver, who came into the Kentucky Derby in the middle of the pack to take a spectacular win in the mud at Churchill Downs. Keep an eye on the weather for this weekend at Pimlico, as this horse loves to run in the slop.

Other notable contenders are the other top finishers at Churchill Downs, including Derby favorite Lookin at Lucky who starts from the 7th post position and and Paddy O’Prado who comes out of the 10th hole.

Here are the latest post positions and opening Preakness Stakes odds:

Post	Horse	Odds	Jockey
1	Aikenite	20-1	J. Castellano
2	Schoolyard Dreams	15-1	E. Coa
3	Pleasant Prince	20-1	J. Leparoux
4	Northern Giant	30-1	T. Thompson
5	Yawanna Twist	30-1	E. Prado
6	Jackson Bend	12-1	M. Smith
7	Lookin At Lucky	3-1	M. Garcia
8	Super Saver 5-2	5-2	C. Borel
9	Caracortado 10-1	10-1	P. Atkinson
10	Paddy O’Prado 9-2	9-2	K. Desormeaux
11	First Dude 20-1	20-1	R. Dominguez
12	Dublin 10-1	10-1	G. Gomez

2010 Preakness Stakes Live Odds, Preview and Predictions

2010-05-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Betting Guide2010 Preakness Stakes Live Odds and Betting Guide: The field has been lined up for this Saturday’s Preakness Stakes. While a maximum of 14 horses can race, it looks like a baker’s dozen made it through. Only five from the Derby are running: Super Saver, the Derby winner, Paddy O’Prado (3rd), Lookin at Lucky (6th), Dublin (7th), and Jackson Bend (12th).

This Saturday, May 15th the second leg of this year’s Triple Crown; the Preakness Stakes will be run at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland. Post time is scheduled for 6:15 P.M.
2010 Preakness Stakes Schedule

Date: Saturday, May 15th
Location: Pimlico Racetrack, Baltimore MD
Post Time: 6:15 P.M. (EST)
TV Network: 5-7 p.m. EDT NBC

The rest of the Preakness field rounds out with: Aikenite, Caracortado, Pleasant Prince, Yawanna Twist, Schoolyard Dreams, Northern Giant, Hurricane Ike, and First Dude. Borel rode Hurricane Ike to a win in the Derby Trial but then won the Derby with Super Saver. So he will face his old mount against jockey Robby Albarado.

The Preakness is a grade I stakes race for three year olds with a total prize purse of $1,000,000.

It is contested on a dirt track over a distance of 1 3/16th mile.

The field is limited to 14 entrants and as of now it appears that only a few horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby on May 1st have opted to enter this race. This opens the door for quite a few new faces to get their shot at glory on Saturday.

Kentucky Derby Odds 2010 Kentucky Derby Picks and Predictions

2010-04-30T02:36:00.000-07:00

Remember Affirmed? Yeah, neither do I, although I’ve read a bit about him. What about Big Brown…that guy I do remember…who cares you ask?

This week a lot of people and over the next two days, a ton more will be talking horse racing, specifically the Kentucky Derby and the ever elusive, but always romantic chase for the Triple Crown.

I love the Derby and jump in with both feet, playing all the Kentucky Derby Contests I can find, betting a bunch of Derby props and outright bets, plus spend most of the day sipping a cold beverage getting ready to scream at the TV for 2 minutes.

I’ve entered my picks in two great Free Kentucky Derby Contests:

Take a look:

1) $100,000 Triple Crown Contest

I play this one every year – it’s a great one that keeps you interested for the entire Triple Crown chase and there are cool prizes, cash and a shot at $100,000.

Remember, it’s FREE to enter!

2) Kentucky Derby “Pick The Winners”

And I like playing these Pick The Winners as well.

It’s dead easy to play and really adds to the excitement of the race and I could win a free $100.00.

Put your picks in here:

Saturday, May 1st marks the date for the 2010 Kentucky Derby. Check the Kentucky Derby Odds

And of course, it also marks the first stop for all potential Triple Crown Champions, a feat not accomplished since Affirmed took the Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes in 1978, more than 30 years ago.

Will this three decade dry spell end in 2010? Of course the answer to that is “unlikely”, but it could happen.

The last horse to come close was Big Brown in 2008 who took both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, but fell short in the Belmont.

Triple Crown Odds: Online sportsbooks have posted up odds on whether or not there will be a Triple Crown winner. If you think this is the year we finally see another one, a $100 wager will pay you back $500.00.

If you think there is no way it happens, you’ll be laying odds of -1000 to bet that prop offer.

Kentucky Derby Odds: There are also a ton of other props and betting options for the Kentucky Derby.

For example:

- the odds of this year’s Kentucky Derby winner having an even-numbered saddlecloth are -115 and the odds of an odd-numbered winner are -125.

- The odds of the winners of the Preakness and Belmont Stakes having even or odd-numbered saddlecloths are -120.

- Lookin at Lucky has drawn Post 1 for Saturday’s race and is the odds-on favorite at +300 at online sportsbook Sportsbetting.com (and at the book at Churchill Downs as well).

However, the heavy betting favorites haven’t always justified their standing.

Through the Derby’s 136 years, the odds-on has only won 52 times while failing to take first place the other 84 times.

Lookin at Lucky is followed closely by Sidney’s Candy who is +550 to win for the Run for the Roses on Saturday, Sid’s Candy drew Post 20.

Awesome Act (Post 16) and Devil May Care (Post 11) are also horses that are garnering some buzz and are listed at +800 and +900 respectively.

Good luck with all your Derby bets @ at Kentucky Derby Gambling

2010 Kentucky Oaks Horse Race Betting Odds and Picks

2010-04-29T23:54:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Oaks Horse Race

Event: Kentucky Oaks
Founded: 1875
Venue: Churchill Downs
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Track Info: 1 1/8 mile
Notable Winners: Summerly, Lite Light, Flute

Held in Louisville, Kentucky, this year's Kentucky Oaks will take place on April 30, just a day before the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs is the perfect prelude to the Run for the Roses. The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I Purebred horse race for three-year-old fillies. The race presently covers 1 1/8 miles (1811 metres); carry 121 pounds (55 kg).

On May 19, 1875 the first race conducted by the Louisville Jockey Club and the founder of the race is Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. along with the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Oaks is closely associated with the Kentucky Derby, which is held the weekend following the Oaks every year and both races hosted at the United States' oldest continuously operating horse track. The winner of the Kentucky Oaks receives $500,000 and a garland of lilies.

The five spot fit in the wide range trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and jockey Rafael Bejarano considered favorable for the three-time Grade 1 winner.

Louisvillians once referred to the Oaks as "our Derby," implying that the Derby itself had become the domain of celebrities and out-of-town visitors. But now that perception has changed as the Oaks has become nearly as popular as the Derby. Attendance on "Oaks Day" is usually second only to Derby Day, surpassing attendance at the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, as well as the Breeders' Cup. Watch and Experience this great American horse race live.

The Kentucky Oaks has been run at four different distances:
• 1 1/2 miles (2414 metres) — 1875 to 1890
• 1 1/4 miles (2012 metres) — 1891 to 1895
• 1 1/16 miles (1710 metres) — 1896 to 1919 and 1942 to 1981
• 1 1/8 miles (1811 metres) — 1920 to 1941 and 1982 to present

But aside from the excitement of the horse race, crowds attending the historic event can assemble on the race track's infield and enjoy a host of musical performances, boardwalk games and sample some local fare.

Kentucky Oaks Betting Odds @kentucky derby gambling

2010 Kentucky Derby Horse Race Picks and Odds, Contenders

2010-04-29T23:52:00.000-07:00

Countdown started for the most prestigious horse race title in the world. Just 2 days left!! The 2010 Kentucky Derby Horse race is now on its 136th year and will takes place on May 1st 2010 at 5:00 pm ET. Just before one day to Derby, Another event Kentucky Oaks Day will also take place on April 30, 2010 at Churchill Downs.

Event: Kentucky Derby
Founded: 1875
Venue: Churchill Downs
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Track Info: 1 1/4 mile
Time: 5:00 PM ET On May 1st 2010.

Here is the full list of Kentucky Derby 2010 contenders. This time Yum! Brands are sponsoring the 136th Kentucky Derby (G1). A full field of twenty, 3 years old fillies runs 1 1/4 miles at Churchill Downs for the $2 millions Prize money. This year 22 horses went into entry box on Wednesday 28th April 2010, but 2 horses excluded by graded stakes earnings, Setsuko and Pleasant Prince. Another two horses thought to go in, Interactif and Endorsement, were not entered. Interactif will contest the American Turf (G3) instead of stay on turf on Friday. Endorsement suffered a lateral condylar fracture in his right front ankle during a workout. He will have surgery on Thursday and is expected to be out 3-4 months.

John Asher hosted the proceedings at the Secretariat Lounge in the clubhouse at noon, with racing Secretary Ben Huffman drawing the entry sheets and assistant secretary Dan Bourque drawing the numbers. Asher pointed out that Huffman shuffled the entry sheets, a reference to recent years when this step was forgotten and the names came out in alphabetical order. The "draft draw" was abolished this year and the draw was instead conducted in the traditional double blind method.

Lookin at Lucky, an unlucky third in a troubled trip in the Santa Anita Derby, will break from the rail under jockey Garrett Gomez for trainer Bob Baffert as the 3-1 favorite on the morning line announced by handicapper Mike Battaglia, and will race with blinkers off. Santa Anita Derby winner Sidney's Candy is the 5-1 second choice, but he drew the far outside post 20 for trainer John Sadler and jockey Joe Talamo. Three horses are tied at 10-1 third choice, Ice Box in post 2, filly Devil May Care in post 11 and adds blinkers, and Awesome Act in post 16.

The Kentucky Derby will be televised on NBC from 4-7:00pm EDT but you can watch most of the Derby card on ESPN from 1-5:00pm. Both networks will broadcast in HD this year. Free past performances for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are available from Daily Racing Form. The Kentucky Derby goes off at 6:24pm ET, carded as Race 11 of a 13-race card on Saturday May 1st.

Horse	Trainer	Dosage	Jockey	Odds
American Lion	Eoin Harty	3.57	Julien Leparoux	30-1
Awesome Act	Jeremy Noseda	3.57 *	Julien Leparoux	10:01
Backtalk	Tom Amoss	2.56	Miguel Mena	50-1
Conveyance	Bob Baffert	4.33	Garrett Gomez	12:01
Dean's Kitten	Mike Maker	1.15	Robby Albarado	50-1
Devil May Care	Todd Pletcher	2.53 *	John Velazquez	10:01
Discreetly Mine	Todd Pletcher	2.76 *	Javier Castellano	30-1
Dublin	D. Wayne Lukas	2.33 *	Rajiv Maragh	12:01
Homeboykris	Richard Dutrow Jr.	3.67 *	John Velazquez	50-1
Ice Box	Nick Zito	3.36	Jose Lezcano	10:01
Jackson Bend	Nick Zito	6.2	Jeremy Rose	15-1
Line of David	John Sadler	3	Jon Court	30-1
Lookin at Lucky	Bob Baffert	3.33 *	Garrett Gomez	3:01
Make Music for Me	Alexis Barba	3.31 *	Joel Rosario	50-1
Mission Impazible	Todd Pletcher	4.09	Rajiv Maragh	20-1
Noble's Promise	Ken McPeek	3.36 *	Rafael Bejarano	12:01
Paddy O'Prado	Dale Romans	1.2	Kent Desormeaux	20-1
Sidney's Candy	John Sadler	1.86	Joe Talamo	5:01
Stately Victor	Mike Maker	1.91	Alan Garcia	30-1
Super Saver	Todd Pletcher	3.00 *	Calvin Borel	15-1
Rule	Todd Pletcher	4.6	John Velazquez

online horse racing picks and odds @horse betting

Cheltenham 2010: No stopping Pause And Clause in Martin Pipe

2010-03-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

LAST year's Coral Cup third Pause And Clause returned to the scene of his career-best performance to give trainer Emma Lavelle her second Cheltenham Festival winner in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

Pause And Clause defied a welter burden to land the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle under Johnny Farrelly.

Emma Lavelle's 14-1 chance, third in the Coral Cup 12 months ago, travelled strongly throughout the contest and held the lead heading into the straight.

Nicky Henderson's Radium travelled as though he might pick him up but he blundered at the final flight and Pause And Clause stayed on well up the hill to score by three and a quarter lengths, with Clova Island third and Peveril fourth.

While David Pipe may not have won his father's race, at least Farrelly is attached to the Pond House yard.

Lavelle said: "He hasn't had his ground all winter and when I saw it was raining I thought 'please stop' but at least it was wet and he's got through it.

"He ran such a great race here last year in the Coral Cup. Today, he's galloped and he's jumped.

"Johnny has given him a fantastic ride. He just kept the momentum bringing him forward, the horse is so willing."

Cheltenham 2010: Pigeon Island wins Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase

2010-03-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

In a race billed as the ‘Decider’ between Kauto Star and Denman – both previous winners of the race, Imperial Commander showed it was not just about two horses as he bounded up the famous Cheltenham hill for a memorable victory. It was the culmination of four breathtaking days of racing.

Paddy Brennan and Nigel Twiston-Davies crowned a day to remember with a stunning victory for Pigeon Island in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase.

Favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle two years ago, he has found life over fences pretty tough.

However, he scraped in at the bottom of the handicap and not surprisingly ridden with supreme confidence, the 16-1 chance flew up the famous Cheltenham hill.

French Opera, saddled with top weight, made a bold bid under David Bass to come the race in the Henderson family and he was only a length and a quarter away in second.

Consigliere travelled well for a long way and finished third, with Cornas fourth.

Zenyatta Vs Rachel Alexandra at Oaklawn Park – American Horse Racing

2010-02-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

American horse racing fanatics will be hoping that a news conference on Thursday will see US champions Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta confirmed for a mouthwatering clash at Oaklawn Park in April.
The owner of Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra says his filly won’t run against Zenyatta in a $5 million race in Arkansas, but he’s proposing a three-race series in which the leading ladies will meet.
Jess Jackson says he has been in discussions with the president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and hopes details can be worked out with the owners of Zenyatta.
The two racing heroines would clash in one of the most eagerly anticipated races of all time and connections of Breeders Cup Betting -winning wondermare Zenyatta are known to be aiming their superstar at the Apple Blossom Handicap on April 3.
In a news release issued Wednesday, Jackson says if training and racing schedules as well as purse money can be worked out, the three races would “rival the Triple Crown.”

Jerry Moss, who co-owns Zenyatta with his wife Ann, was surprised by Jackson’s announcement, and told The Associated Press: “I have no idea what he’s even talking about. Which three races? And where? And when?”
A week ago, Oaklawn Park said it would boost the purse of the Apple Blossom on April 3 to $5 million from $500,000 if both horses competed.
Rachel won all eight of her starts last year, including victories against males in the Preakness Stakes, the Haskell Invitational and the Woodward Stakes. She was the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness.
Zenyatta was perfect in ‘09, too, and improved her career record to 14-0 by becoming the first female to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Check out the Horse Racing Betting Odds at SPORTSBETTING.com

Triple Crown 2010 Nominations – Total 366 Horse Nominated

2010-02-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

Led by Eclipse Award winners Lookin At Lucky and She Be Wild, a total of 366 horses have been made early nominees to the three Triple Crown races, it was announced late Saturday night by the Triple Crown racetracks, Churchill Downs, Pimlico, and Belmont Park.
All those 3-year-olds were made eligible for a $600 nomination fee due on Jan. 16. Horses can still be nominated, but for $6,000, at a second deadline on March 27. There are usually about a dozen horses nominated at the second deadline.

Regardless, the number of nominations will be down from recent years, reflecting the economic realities of the sport today. From 2001 through last year, more than 400 horses were nominated at the early deadline every year except for 2005, when 358 were early nominees from a crop that was affected by Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome in Kentucky.
Bet on Horses for 2010 Triple Crown Horse Racing at SPORTSBETTING.com
The Triple Crown nominations were put under a common form in 1986. Since that time, the early nominees have ranged from a high of 450 in 2007 to a low of 315 in 1990. A company called Triple Crown Productions administered the common forms through last year, and though that company has been disbanded, the racing departments of the three tracks continue to join forces to gather the nominations for the Triple Crown, according to Darren Rogers, a publicist for Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby.
The list of early nominations was released Sunday by Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on behalf of the tracks hosting the Triple Crown races.
Check out the 2010 Triple Crown Horse Betting Odds at SPORTSBETTING.com

Pennsylvania Commission Bans Michael Gill from Horse Racing at Penn

2010-02-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Betting Commission has ejected owner Michael Gill from racing at Penn National Race Course, claiming his participation would disrupt the orderly conduct of racing at the track.
Gill was notified late Tuesday afternoon by the commission that his horses will no longer be permitted to race at Penn National, located in Grantville, Pa., although Gill said from New Hampshire that he understood the ruling to mean his horses will still be permitted to race at Philadelphia Park.

Gill said on Monday that he planned to get out of racing in the wake of the controversy that stemmed from two of his horses breaking down at Penn National, but he still planned to race horses at the track this week.

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The commission ruling came at the conclusion of their investigation into recent breakdowns of Gill’s horses at Penn and some 24 hours before the Wednesday card was to begin. Part of the ruling reads that Gill’s further participation “will jeopardize the orderly conduct of the race meet” and that “your presence and continued participation has been inconsistent with the best interest of racing.”

Eric Schippers, spokesman for Penn National Gaming, said, “We plan to comply fully with this, and we’re pleased the commission took such swift action to our request to investigate this matter.”

Gill met at length Saturday at Penn with officials and veterinarians from the track to address the situation that existed since the breakdown of Laughing Moon on Jan. 23. Gill said he was informed at the Saturday meeting that necropsies ordered by the track for Laughing Moon and for Melodeeman, who also suffered a catastrophic breakdown Jan. 21 at Penn, uncovered no wrongdoing.

Check out the upcoming Triple Crown Horse Racing Betting at SportsBetting.com.

Triple Crown 2010 – Piscitelli will miss 2010 Triple Crown Horse Racing

2010-02-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

William C. Schettine’s Grade 3-placed winner Piscitelli will be sidelined for at least 90 days after sustaining a leg injury in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) on January 23 at Gulfstream Park.

Trainer Richard Sacco said the three-year-old Victory Gallop colt will be out of training from February through April, which would eliminate him from consideration for this year’s Triple Crown Horse Racing.
Piscitelli faded after setting the pace and was eased by jockey Kent Desormeaux in the Holy Bull. The colt’s right hind limb appeared to be injured following the race and digital X-rays were taken of his hocks, stifles, and fetlocks by Luis Castro, D.V.M.

Piscitelli subsequently was then sent to Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, Florida, for further evaluation. A bone scan revealed an injury to his right hind cannon bone.

“Piscitelli has a deep bone bruise at the bottom of his right hind cannon bone,” Castro said. “Although it is painful, horses with this injury can make a complete recovery with 90 days rest.”

It says that he will miss this year’s Triple Crown Horse Racing.
Piscitelli won his second start, a one-mile maiden special weight race in July at Monmouth Park, prior to a third-place finish in the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3) on September 5 at Arlington Park.

He then finished fifth in the Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland Race Course and fourth in the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita Park to cap his 2009 season.

Overall, Piscitelli has won one of six starts with a second- and a third-place finish, and has earned $181,570. He is out of Grade 2-placed stakes winner Rayelle, by Relaunch.

“The prognosis for soundness and a full recovery is excellent, and we are thankful to have the opportunity to race this talented colt again in the future,” Sacco said. “Hopefully, we will be ready for races like the Haskell [Invitational Stakes (G1)], [Shadwell] Travers [Stakes (G1)], and Pennsylvania Derby (G3) toward the end of summer and early fall.”

Check out this year’s Triple Crown Betting Odds at SportsBetting.com.

Horse of the Year Winner Rachel Alexandra goes back to work

2010-02-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

Rachel Alexandra goes back to work: Rachel Alexandra, the newly crowned horse racing betting Horse of the Year, had her first official work of the year Sunday, worning four furlongs in 52 seconds at Fair Grounds Race Track in New Orleans.

2009 Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra posted her first breeze at Fair Grounds, Sunday morning with regular exercise rider Dominic Terry in the irons going a half-mile in: 52.

Reguarl exerice rider Dominic Terry was on board the 4-year-old filly, who won all eight of her starts last season.

“I even asked for a touch slower but for her that’s just physically impossible,” said Scott Blasi, the assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, after the work. “Dominic did a good job. He had to trick her into going that slow but right now that’s what’s best for her.

“It was a perfect work,” he said. “We’re not out to impress anybody at this point. I’m happy with how manageable she is, how happy she is being out there. Looking at her body motion, she’s happy with what she’s doing.”

Check out Kentucky Derby Betting News at SportsBetting.com

The plan is for Rachel to breeze on a weekly basis from now on but the day will depend on the weather and track conditions.

Of course, what everyone wants to know now is when Rachel will meet Zenyatta, the top older mare from last year. There are no plans right now but it seems inevitable they will meet sometime this year.

Fans were hoping to see the two compete in the upcoming Apple Blossom (GR I) at Oaklawn Park on April 3rd, but that is hardly unlikely.

Check out Latest Horse Betting News and Results

2010 Kentucky Derby Contenders: Jackson Bend - Kentucky Derby 2010

2010-01-25T02:09:00.000-08:00

Jackson Bend is the newest of our 2010 Kentucky Derby contenders and this is one of the entries you’ll want to keep a close eye on.

The 2010 Kentucky Derby horse racing betting future odds are up and you can get 18/1 on Jackson Bend right now. You’ll want to take that before this weekend’s race because it’s very possible that Jackson Bend becomes the favorite if he wins the Holy Bull Stakes.

This is the one horse amongst the 2010 Kentucky Derby contenders’ potential field that produced the fastest Beyer speed figure for two turns in North America as a 2-year old, and you have to put Jackson Bend up at the top of the list along with Looking at Lucky and Buddy’s Saint.

Jackson Bend stumbled to 2nd in his first race, but has since reeled off 5 straight victories at Calder. This horse can flat out fly and proved he’s deserves to be amongst the favorites for the 2010 Kentucky Derby Betting after stumbling badly at the start of the In Reality before coming from way back to seize victory.

The Gulfstream race has Jackson Bend as the favorite, and this will be a great test to see exactly where this 3-year old fits into the Kentucky Derby picture. Other premier contenders such as Aikenite and Piscitelli are also involved and we’ll have our picks and predictions up on the day of the race.

Check out the previews for the rest of our 2010 Kentucky Derby Betting contenders before checking out the full early Kentucky Derby odds on the potential entries.

US Horse of the year result announced tonight – Rachel Alexandra vs Zenyatta

2010-01-18T03:07:00.000-08:00

US Horse of the year result @ Horse Racing Betting: The results of the most highly anticipated Horse of the Year vote ever taken will be announced tonight at the Eclipse Awards banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Will the winner be Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta?

Each horse won every one of her races in 2009 – eight for Rachel Alexandra including five Grade 1 events and three against male opponents and five for Zenyatta including four Grade 1 events and the Breeders’ Cup Classic against males.

There were 232 ballots returned for the Eclipse Awards, the yearly honors for 10 divisions of thoroughbreds, one of steeplechasers and five of humans. Voters are either members of the National Turf Writers Association, employees of the Daily Racing Form or representatives of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, which includes horse betting track racing secretaries and workers at its statistical arm Equibase.

Comparing the merits of racing’s two superstars isn’t easy, and not because they didn’t race against each other.

Rachel Alexandra dominated races restricted to 3-year-old fillies in 2009, setting margin-of-victory records in both the Kentucky Oaks (20 1/4 lengths) and the Mother Goose Stakes (19 1/4 lengths).

Zenyatta’s body of work as a 5-year-old mare in 2009 wasn’t quite as impressive, because she didn’t race outside of the synthetic tracks in California and her four victories before the Breeders’ Cup Classic came against the same fillies and mares she always beats. She also enjoyed at least four weeks between each start.

The Eclipse champions are determined through voting by NTWA members, Daily Racing Form employees, NTRA-member designates and Equibase personnel, who vote for the top three in each category. Winners are based solely on first-place votes, with second- and third-place votes used to determine finalists. The exception is the Horse of the Year race. In a rule change this year, voters chose just one horse.

Read US Horse of the year news @ Horse Racing Betting

Belmont Stakes Betting – 2010 Belmont Stakes Horse Racing

2010-01-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

2010 Belmont Stakes Betting: The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes race held every June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The Belmont Stakes race is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, following five weeks after the Kentucky Derby, and three weeks after the Preakness Stakes.

It is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old colts and geldings carrying a weight of 126 pounds (57 kg) and for fillies with a weight of 121 pounds (55 kg).

Because of its distance and status as the race that can make or break a Triple Crown champion, the Belmont Stakes has been the venue for some of the most famous moments in American racing.

The 2010 Belmont Stakes Horse Racing will be held at Belmont Park, New York. The date of 2010 Belmont Stakes Horse Racing Betting will start on June 5, 2010.

The Belmont Stakes, the final and most demanding leg of the Triple Crown, is named after August Belmont who had been a leading banker and racing man of the 19th century. He was also the first President of the Jockey Club in 1867. In 1869, August Belmont took first and second money with his own Fenian and Glenelg.

Belmont Stakes Information

Location: Belmont Park, Elmont, New York, United States

Inaugurated: 1867

Race type: Thoroughbred

Website: belmontstakes.com

Race information

Distance: 1½ miles (12 furlongs), Track Dirt, Left-handed

Qualification: 3-year-old

Weight: Colt/Gelding: 126 lbs (57.2 kg)

Filly: 121 lbs. (54.9 kg)

Purse: US$1 million

Bet on 2010 Belmont Stakes Betting at Sportsbetting.com

Wolverhampton Horse Racing Live Streaming – Wolverhampton Handicap 8 Jan 2010

2010-01-08T03:30:00.000-08:00

Wolverhampton Horse Racing Live Streaming at Bet on Horses: WOLVERHAMPTON’S twilight meeting scheduled for Friday has been abandoned.

WOLVERHAMPTON officials will hold an inspection at 8.30am on Friday for its meeting that afternoon.

There was four inches of snow on the track and, although that has been cleared, the track was declared still unraceable after an inspection at 2pm on Thursday.

A spoksewoman at the course said: “The snow has been removed from the track, and we are working the track, and we will have another look in the morning.”

An inspection was held on Thursday at 2.30pm, and although the snow covering the track had been cleared, the course was still unraceable, which led to officials holding another inspection on Friday morning.

Conditions had improved again, but compacted lumps of snow and ice proved the course’s downfall, as clerk of the course Fergus Cameron explained.

Watch Wolverhampton Horse Racing Live Streaming at Horse Racing Betting

He said: “Significant improvement has been made to the track, however, there are still a number of fairly large compacted lumps of snow and ice in the track, and with temperatures not expected to get above freezing today there’s not sufficient evidence that things will improve.”

The next meeting at the course is on Monday and Cameron is hopeful of racing taking place then.

“Going forward, with temperatures expected to rise over the weekend we’d be fairly optimistic of racing on Monday,” he added.

Find out what the prospects are for forthcoming fixtures in Britain and Ireland with our at-a-glance table

Watch Wolverhampton Horse Racing Live Streaming at Horse Racing Betting

Southwell Horse Racing Handicapping January 7, 2010 Thursday

2010-01-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

Southwell Horse Racing Handicapping at Bet on Horses: WITH Thursday’s three jumps fixtures already abandoned in Britain and Ireland and inspections planned for the all-weather cards at Lingfield and Kempton, racing is at least expected to take place at Southwell, the remaining meeting of the day.

Southwell’s clerk of the course, Roderick Duncan, said the card was certain to go ahead, with determined trainers from across the country making their way to the fibresand track on Wednesday afternoon.

Duncan said on Wednesday afternoon: “I’m absolutely confident we’ll race tomorrow. We had substantial snowfall early this morning and we set to work clearing the track.

“We then began clearing the public areas and access roads at 6am and they are now clear. We’ve had horses galloping today and all the reports we’ve had are that the ground is riding well.”

Southwell Horse Racing Handicapping at Bet on Horses

Kempton and Lingfield’s ‘all-weather’ race meetings on Thursday have been called off due to a potential shortage of ambulances at the courses.

Southwell goes ahead, but Saturday’s card at Ffos Las, featuring the Welsh Champion Hurdle, has also fallen victim to the freezing weather conditions.

Saturday’s fixture at Leopardstown, near Dublin, and Monday’s meetings at Taunton and Ayr are off.

It is likely there will be no jump racing over the next seven days.

Thursday’s meetings at Ludlow and Huntingdon were earlier victims of the big freeze.

Lingfield’s Thursday card was one of the additional fixtures provided by the British Horseracing Authority to make up the shortfall, along with Southwell (Friday) and Kempton (Saturday).

Check out the Horse Racing Betting fixtures for January 7th’s Southwell Horse Racing

NEWS: (Gambling) Online Horse Betting Odds Now Legal in Illinois- Horse Bet

2009-10-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

Horse Betting Odds: Gamblers wanting to play the ponies can now do so without leaving the comfort of their home after the Illinois Racing Board today gave permission to three companies to host online horse betting.

The decision means gamblers can place bets on horses through approved Web sites or by phone, interactive television or mobile devices. Previously, wagers could only be placed at a track or at an off-track betting parlor. Both have seen a decline in business in recent years.

Horse Bet: Online Betting could be available as soon as Wednesday, since all three companies already have systems set up to handle Internet betting in other states. Racing board officials said they hope the changes will make it easier for people to place bets, while also attracting a younger, Web-savvy clientele.

Gamblers must register with a company online before they will be allowed to place bets.

While state law allows 18 year olds to gamble, two of the companies offering online betting require participants to be 21. Each transaction will be taxed 1.75 percent, which the board estimates could generate an extra $1 million a year for state coffers. Remaining profits will be split among tracks and purses for horsemen.

The legislation was pushed through by Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago. He had long wanted to legalize online betting and got the political muscle to do so after he took over leading the Senate earlier this year.

Baffert and Silverbulletday inducted into Hall of Fame

2009-08-17T02:18:00.000-07:00

Eclipse Award winning trainer Bob Baffert and champion filly Silverbulletday were among those inducted Friday into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame. Also enshrined were former Horse of the Year Tiznow, jockey Eddie Maple, steeplechase trainer Janet Elliot and steeplechase horse Ben Nevis II.

Retired jockey and Hall of Fame member Chris McCarron was the guest speaker at the induction ceremony.

Baffert is a three-time winner of the Eclipse Award as outstanding trainer, capturing the award three consecutive years beginning in 1997. The 56-year-old trainer has earned more than $135 million in his career, which includes eight Triple Crown race wins, seven Breeders' Cup victories and 10 champions.

For more check out bet on horses at SPORTSBETTING.COM.

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Online Horse Betting Is Passionate Gambling

2009-08-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite like it! The auditory sensation of racing hooves and the little jockeys that are praying for a triumph is the rush that many feel the need. There is more while, the money. People earn and lose a lot of money at the end of each horse race. The only people that make money every day are the bookies, no matter in what amount.

The first horse race track laid in Long Island, NY. This is where in the history from where horseracing began. In 1750, the Jockey Club founded and it is the father of all horse racing clubs in the world at present. It is thrill, which attracts people in the world of horseracing. Once they get there, it becomes a combination of both thrill and the money, mainly the desire to earn some money in your sportsbook.

It is not an easy task to win money by betting on horseracing. There are various types of bets you can place on horse racing events. Familiarizing yourself with these kinds of bets will assists you to be more successful as a bettor. Before even placing your wagers, you need to do your preparation on the horses so that you can earn money. You should have a look at reports on individual horses to watch what their performance has been like.

For More info Horse betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Horse Betting - Three Strategies to Beat the Races

2009-08-13T04:03:00.000-07:00

Picking winning horses is a strategy people have been trying to figure out and master to beat the races. Though there is no magical formula to win, experts from HorseHats.com suggest that there are several strategies along with persistence and hard work to identify horses that may lead to a winning race at Horse betting.

• One strategy suggests analyzing horses that come up short in the end of their previous race but demonstrate a steady speed during the race. Many people bet on a horse that held a steady pattern of speed with the theory that it was an off race and they may improve in their next run.

• Another theory states to look horses with the lowest odds predicted to win and beat that they will win. The theory is that experts are following horses during their training period, which spreads among betters. They then do not bet on the horse until the game so it deters people from thinking the horse has a chance.

• The surface of the track may also be a factor in how people bet. The theory states that a horse's performance is related to the type of track they race on, noting that dirt race tracks provide physical limitations and may case the horse to slide more. A switch to turf track is associated with less discomfort and likely be project a steady and strong race. Betters believe that knowing where horses previously raced, especially if going from turf to dirt, may be associated with a stronger horse who can handle various terrain as opposed to those who only run dirt races.

For More info Horse Betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Why Betting on Horse Racing Online is Better - Horse betting

2009-08-12T02:04:00.000-07:00

Betting on horses has the potential to make an ordinary Joe a millionaire in no time, whereas on the other hand it can also turn the picture the other way round. So make sure you are prepared for all the uncertainties that come as a package with this fun game.

If you have been betting on horses for years and are well aware of the tricks of the trade then maybe it's time that you try out online betting on racing horses. There may be several reasons why one would like to go for online betting. Here we are not much interested in knowing the reasons but you surely want to know the benefits associated with it. Therefore, in the following paragraphs we will be discussing some of the advantages of online horse betting.

Let's take a quick look at the benefits:

The benefit that tops the list is that you don't need to go to the tracks in person for betting on your favorite horse. You can be sitting at home or anywhere in the world, for that matter and still be able to bet and earn money right from comfort of your sofa.

By availing online betting, you have the access to bet on any race across the country and at any given point of time. This is another very big advantage of online betting. Suppose you want to bet on a horse, racing for a particular race in a different part of the country, you don't need to travel to that place just to bet. You can sit wherever you are, get on to the net and start betting.

For More info Horse betting

Horse Racing Betting Online Versus a Day at the Races

2009-08-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

On those occasions it is very hard to remember the golden rule. Then there are the people who scream and yell for their horse and sometimes even get into a shouting match with others in the crowd. It can be harrowing to visit the track.

But you can't inspect the horses well or watch them in the paddock or post parade as well as you can at the track. For sight handicapping, there is nothing like being there. You may also meet some friends or like-minded people at the race track that you wouldn't meet while perched in front of your computer. For thinking quietly and watching the odds, home is probably the best place to be in your sportsbook.

So what it comes down to is what kind of experience you want and how serious you are about winning. It also might depend upon your mood and financial situation. It is a personal choice but I do recommend you occasionally visit the track rather than always betting online, even if internet betting is more convenient. It is good to keep in touch with horse racing and never lose sight of the fact that it is a real event and takes place outdoors in a natural setting and those factors must be considered when picking winners.

For More info Horse Racing Betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Horse Betting System Basics Make a Bookie Poorer Today!

2009-08-10T02:31:00.000-07:00

Horse racing is synonymous with betting. Many people bet purely for the fun of it; looking at the name of the horse, the name of the jockey, or even obtuse ideas such as the birthday of the jockey. Some people take the betting on races a lot more seriously though, and many earn a living doing it. The top tipsters often have a horse betting system they follow religiously.

Here are some of the essential things you should consider if you want to create a successful horse racing betting system:

Distance

The distance when referred to horse racing is how far the horses have to run in order to reach the finishing line. The distance is a crucial factor that you have to weigh up before you pick out the horse that you will lay a bet on. Horses are no different to people. Some are blessed with great stamina and can run for miles and miles. Some have great speed, but can only keep the speed up for short distances. Each horse will have a preferred distance, and it will be your job to know what a particular horse's favoured distance is. before laying a bet on it.

Number of Runners

The number of runners in a race is also a very important element to consider when betting. A horse's chance of winning is significantly influenced by the number of contenders in a race. If the field is big, then there is more risk of either accidental contact or blocking of a path through the field. It is more difficult to choose which horse will do well in the race where there are so a lot of runners in a race.

For More info Horse betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Horse Betting off track- Increase Horse Betting Compass

2009-08-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

Horse betting is a billion dollar turnover industry. It means that each time a horse runs and market fancies it, it might just be carrying quite a lump sum on it. Though this has brought a fair amount of swindling in the business, it has also taken the sport to a new arena altogether. Betters agree that the fairness of sport is still manifest and that they get plenty of chances to make a largesse.

A gamble can be wagered in many ways. It can be done on track. There is a bookmaker's ring in each racecourse. Gambling fraternity can select their horses in the paddock and rush to the ring to place their bets. Similarly, there are totalisator counters which take computerized bets and deliver immediate dividends.

Apart from these, there are two important ways you can place your bets. First one is through the off-track counters spread all over your city. Horse Betting is regulated and you can put heavy odds. The only issue is that totalisators do not plug huge volumes so a heavy betting may result in the minimization of dividend. Better idea to place a higher bet is to run to the bookmakers.

For More info Horse betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Winning UK Horse Betting Racing System - online sportsbook

2009-08-06T02:19:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a profitable UK horse betting racing system? The truth is, there are so many racing systems on the internet, but to find a real and profitable one can be very difficult. Approximately 99% of punters around the world lose money on horse racing, and if it were so easy to find a good horse betting racing system, that percentage would not be so high now.

But do you know that there are a couple of real and profitable horse betting racing systems out there, buried amongst thousands of racing systems? I have always had a passion for horse racing and loved to study them, therefore testing racing systems is one of my favorite activities. I never test with real money for new racing systems until I am very sure that they work. A good UK horse betting racing system should contain a set of clearly written instructions which requires almost no discretion on the user's part to implement.

If you have a good enough understanding of the dynamics and probability of different outcomes in horse racing, it is possible for you to create your own horse betting racing system. When I first started exploring the possibilities of making money from horse racing, many times I would find myself testing and tweaking different theories from different racing systems

For More Check out online sportsbook at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Horse Racing Betting - The Risk Free Way

2009-08-05T02:17:00.000-07:00

You may or may not of heard of all this talk about been a change to horse racing betting where you can bet on horse races risk free.

Yes that's right, Risk Free!

Now this isn't some bogus system that gives you one horse that is guaranteed to win, it isn't even like normal gambling. It's more like trading as you are betting on more than one horse in a race even all of them.

I hear you saying how can I make money betting on every horse in the race?

Because of the competition between bookmakers and now the rise of Betfair there prices are all over the place. One horse can be 4/1 with one bookmaker and 7/1 with another.

Every bookmaker is trying to get customers by giving away free bets, the best prices etc. They do this by making a couple of horses in a race better priced and then advertising it. If every bookie does this you can make a profit very easy.

The idea is that you place the right amount of money at the right prices so that no matter what horse wins the race, you make a profit.

For More Check out Horse racing Betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Horse Betting-Bart views 13th Cup with 11-horse team

2009-08-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Viewed spearheads an 11-horse team for trainer Bart Cummings who is aiming to win Australia’s most famous race for the 13th time in November.

Cummings’s other headline entries are AJC Australian Derby winner Roman Emperor, AJC Australian Oaks runner-up Think Money, VRC St Leger runner-up Precedence and 2007 Queensland Derby winner Empires Choice.

On Tuesday a total of 230 horses were entered for the Melbourne Cup and 227 for the Caulfield Cup, down significantly on last year’s entries of 297 and 282 respectively.

A reflection of the global economic downturn was the drop from 66 to 43 international nominations for the spring racing carnival’s three major races with 39 overseas entries for the Melbourne Cup, 18 for the Caulfield Cup and 11 for the Cox Plate.

Racing Victoria’s racing operations chief Leigh Jordon said that while numbers were down for the Cups the quality had held up well.

“All the main players are represented,” Jordon said.

He said global powerhouse Godolphin was as keen as ever after winning last year’s Caulfield Cup with All The Good.

For more check out Horse Betting.

Horse Betting-Longshot Perfect Shower captures stunning Breeders" Stakes victory

2009-08-03T02:24:00.000-07:00

Perfect Shower, a 46-1 longshot, captured a stunning win in the 119th running of the $500,000 Breeders' Stakes on Sunday, giving trainer Attfield a record-setting eighth victory in the third and final jewel of Canadian thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.

"No, I don't bet," a beaming Attfield said with a chuckle when asked if he had put any money down on his horse.

That's unfortunate because Perfect Shower became the longest-priced winner in Breeders' Stakes history, easily surpassing Social Wizard, which won in 1981 as a 20-1 longshot and paid $43.70.

Perfect Shower paid a whopping $95.30, $34.80 and $13.60 in winning the 1 1/2-mile event in 2:29.39 on a firm turf. Second-place finisher Guipago, a 29-1 longshot who was 1 3/4 lengths behind, returned $23 and $11.90. Reservoir took third in the 13-horse betting field, paying $5.90.

"Roger told me this morning he can't lose," Jones said, tongue firmly in cheek. "I saved him until the end.

For more check out Horse Betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM.

Online Horse Racing Betting Is Passionate Gambling

2009-07-31T02:37:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite like it! The auditory sensation of racing hooves and the little jockeys that are praying for a triumph is the rush that many feel the need. There is more while, the money. People earn and lose a lot of money at the end of each horse race. The only people that make money every day are the bookies, no matter in what amount.

The first horse race track laid in Long Island, NY. This is where in the history from where horseracing betting began. In 1750, the Jockey Club founded and it is the father of all horse racing clubs in the world at present. It is thrill, which attracts people in the world of horse racing betting. Once they get there, it becomes a combination of both thrill and the money, mainly the desire to earn some money.

It is not an easy task to win money by betting on horse racing betting. There are various types of bets you can place on horse racing betting events. Familiarizing yourself with these kinds of bets will assists you to be more successful as a bettor. Before even placing your wagers, you need to do your preparation on the horses so that you can earn money. You should have a look at reports on individual horses to watch what their performance has been like.

For More Check out Horse Racing Betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Proven Strategy For Horse Betting - Preakness Betting

2009-07-30T02:13:00.000-07:00

Everyone will have a different horse betting strategy. Not every strategy will work for everyone. Two factors that come into play when determining what strategy you should use, is how seriously you are willing to play, and the amount of experience you have with preakness betting.

If you do not frequently bet on races, or infrequently watch or visit the races, you are considered a casual bettor, and would therefore not need a formal horse betting strategy. If you are more about the excitement of the races, rather than being too worried about winning, then stick to the small wagers and simple bets.
If you are an avid horse betting fan, on the other hand, you will want advice applicable for frequent and more sophisticated play involving greater amounts of money. Two things are key in horse betting strategy in preakness betting. They are information and discipline. You will need the most up to date and accurate information possible about the horses and the track, becoming aware of any variable that could change your calculations.

Most important is sticking with your picks and betting system, no matter what the crowd is doing. Remember that you are the professional there, and everyone should be following your lead, instead of you following theirs. Too many times have I seen someone changing their mind and then feeling terrible when their original pick wins. Consistency and discipline is needed, if you are to win more frequently and limit your losses.

For More Check out Preakness Betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Looking For a Horse Racing Betting System - Horse Betting

2009-07-29T02:20:00.000-07:00

So I believe that betting must be an issue for you? Do you want me to show you a horse betting racing system that will actually work for you?
Understand this, picking successful bets is very simple. It only takes one successful strategy and you are there making a handful of good bets!
Well before exposing to you what worked for me over the many years of trial and error let's start with some basic techniques that will make you a successful gambler.
First of all your mindset is your key to success! You must know what you want to achieve from betting on horses.

Second, do not follow the hype. So many bets fail just because people believe that hyped up bets will succeed. All your bets must be an educated choice and I will show you how to make these bets.
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Horse Racing Betting Tips - How to Really Make Some Money at Horse Betting

2009-07-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

Betting on horses is a fun and very fast method of making a little bit of extra cash but it is not as easy as it looks. Horse racing betting tips are two a penny and trawling through all the information relating to them is quite daunting.
One of the first points to remember is not to bet on the favourite horse. Yes I know its the favourite for a reason but from a betting perspective it might not be the best bet for you.
Don't launch yourself on a betting fest until you have some knowledge of the types of races and bets available. There are numerous ways of betting on horses and forearmed is forewarned.
When first starting to place bets you should not be too ambitious especially if you haven't got to grips with the terminology yet. Go for a horse with odds of about 8/1. This way if it wins (yes they do win!) you will get a nice payout but if it loses you won't be wondering what your going to eat for the next week.
Horse racing and betting is a risk and to minimize that risk you must familiarize yourself with the types of bets, rules and regulations. It is imperative that you understand horse racing systems before you attempt to use them.
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Nakatani passes Pincay, isn't finished - Bet on Horses

2009-07-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

DEL MAR - Corey Nakatani passed his idol, Laffit Pincay Jr., and moved into second place on the all-time list for Del Mar stakes victories Saturday.

But he's hungry for more.

Nakatani, a Covina native, now is setting his sights on Chris McCarron's record 134 stakes victories at the seaside track.

"I'm 38 years old," Nakatani said after guiding 14-1 long shot Global Hunter to a one-length victory over Awesome Gem in the $350,000 Grade I Eddie Read Stakes. "I'm not that old, so I feel like I'm in my prime. I know what I'm doing on the horse's back, and hopefully I can get the horsemen on my side and give me the opportunity to break that record of McCarron's. I think I can do it."

Nakatani tied Pincay with a win in the CTBA Stakes for 2-year-old fillies Friday, and it took him less than 24 hours to record No. 96 and give trainer A.C. Avila the first Grade 1 win of his career since coming to the U.S. from Brazil in 1973.

Now that he's healthy and fixed an admitted attitude problem, Nakatani hopes he can return to winning jockey titles and winning the top Southland stakes races on a regular basis.

While he was sitting atop Global Hunter in the winner's circle, track announcer Trevor Denman informed the on-track crowd of 20,379 it was Nakatani's third win of the afternoon, something that hasn't happened with great frequency since his last Del Mar riding title in 2004.

For more, check out Bet on Horses at SPORTSBETTING.COM.

Irish Horse Racing Betting: The Galway Festival 2009

2009-07-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

It's funny to think that up until the 1950s, the Galway meeting lasted a mere two days! Some would say that a week is too long and I do admit to getting a little weary by the time Friday comes around. Nonetheless, it's a great social occasion and a great excuse to have a few pints and a bet - so I'm looking forward to next week immensely.

Wednesday sees the first of the big races; The Galway Plate (a handicap chase) where the Paul Nicholls trained Roby De Cimbre has shot to the top of the betting and now trades at 5.0. Nicholls took this race last year with Oslot and when you consider Nicholls' strike-rate when sending horses to Ireland (48% in the last six years), it's not hard to see why punters have latched on to the six-year-old.

For more, check out Bet on Horses at SPORTSBETTING.COM.

Horse racing's future on line - Horse Betting

2009-07-22T22:10:00.001-07:00

While designed to thrash out issues relating mostly to New South Wales racing, several Victorians will attend the meeting on Friday week.

Moonee Valley Racing Club chairman Bob Scarborough, Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners' Association chairman David Moodie and multi-millionaire owner and breeder Jon Munz will join a host of prominent NSW breeders who called the meeting.

Arrowfield Stud principal John Messara, Coolmore's Tom Magnier and Gerry Harvey, one of the country's biggest owner-breeders, are among the NSW-based signatories.

The meeting will focus on the issues that are potentially threatening racing's future, with corporate bookmakers' fees to the industry pivotal.

Corporate bookmakers and Racing NSW are embroiled in a legal battle over what is a fair and equitable payment method: turnover, as Racing NSW insists, or gross profits, as corporate bookmakers claim.

A court decision is not expected until November, but its ramifications will flow to Victoria, where corporate bookmakers pay a product fee of 10 per cent of gross profits -- a figure bumped up to 15 per cent during the spring carnival.

According to the invitation, the reductions in prizemoney recently announced in NSW could spread to other states if the issue is not addressed.

For more, check out Horse Betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Horse racing's future on line - Horse Betting

2009-07-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

Betting Horse Racing Online - Preakness Betting

2009-07-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

so you don’t live anywhere near a racetrack. No problem! Today, betting horse racing online at tracks around the world has never been easier. The sites we’ll talk about are well-established, legal, secure, and can provide much of the same experience you would get if you were at the track in Preakness Betting…without leaving home!

The basics of betting horse racing online are fairly straightforward. Typically, you register with one of these sites, make a deposit, and your winnings and losses are credited or debited from your account. Some betting horse racing online sites require the payment of a monthly subscription fee that is often waived if your betting exceeds a certain amount per month. Since you are betting horse racing online live, all the race conditions, types of bets, and so forth are exactly the same, although some sites do not pool their bets with the pari-mutuel pool. You can watch the odds being updated as they are on the track, with minimal delay. With some sites, your bet is added to the overall betting pool, along with all other wagers from around the online world and those made live at the track. Some of these sites even allow you to wager and check results via cell phone text messaging.

Betting horse racing online has three drawbacks. First, watching live races on a tiny window on your computer leaves much to be desired. While you watch and listen to the same feed that is being broadcast on the monitors at the track and OTB parlors, it can be difficult to see. If you are a serious handicapper, one option is to install a satellite television system in your home. Dish Network broadcasts TVG and Horse Racing TV. These channels are not available on most cable systems, and free equipment deals may be available for first time subscribers. Monthly rates for the Dish Network are $40-$50 per month.

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Racebook Betting Online - Horse Betting System Basics Make a Bookie Poorer Today!

2009-07-19T23:46:00.000-07:00

Horse racing is synonymous with betting. Many people bet purely for the fun of it; looking at the name of the horse, the name of the jockey, or even obtuse ideas such as the birthday of the jockey. Some people take the betting on races a lot more seriously though, and many earn a living doing it. The top tipsters often have a horse betting system they follow religiously.

Here are some of the essential things you should consider if you want to create a successful horse racing betting system:

Distance

The distance when referred to horse racing is how far the horses have to run in order to reach the finishing line. The distance is a crucial factor that you have to weigh up before you pick out the horse that you will lay a bet on. Horses are no different to people. Some are blessed with great stamina and can run for miles and miles. Some have great speed, but can only keep the speed up for short distances. Each horse will have a preferred distance, and it will be your job to know what a particular horse's favoured distance is. before laying a bet on it.

For More Check out Racebook Betting Online at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Horse Betting With Earns $1800 for a Day - Bet on Horses

2009-07-16T23:52:00.000-07:00

It is possible that you make a small income by betting or punting on horse racing?. If you would like to make a steady and continuous income on horse betting, you need to have a highly disciplined approach. If you follow this unique scientific refreshing approach, you can make 1800$ a day with horse betting. This approach is not about making a few freak wins in a month or some lucky pick everyday on horse betting. It is a consistently moneymaking approach, day after day and week after week from horse betting.

Placing a bet on favorites is not a safe and secure all the time. Select certain favorite horses and put them through certain rules before making an investment on them. It eliminates the risk factor the horse would be carrying. If a horse passes the rules then it has absolute certainty of winning and betting on it would be secure investment. This approach would ensure a strike rate of 90 to 96% wins in horse betting. Many punters spend several hours on researching; this approach helps you spend less than 15 minutes on research of horses.

This approach helps even beginners to make cash on their first horse betting. This is no magic of making money. It is a powerful strategy, which is to be used day after day and bank piles of money. This secret weapon would make you earn 1800$ a day with horse betting by placing bet on your favorite horses. This system does not make millions of dollars overnight, but has been proved that many people are making excellent steady income daily.

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Lay Betting - Bettors Become Bookies - bet on horses

2009-07-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

For a long, long time sports bettors were limited to only being able to bet on a particular horse, team, player, etc winning with a betting company. The only way you could bet on a selection not winning was by backing all the other outcomes of an event.

In the instance of a horse race, this would mean having to back every other horse other than the one that you thought was going to lose, which as I am sure you can appreciate, is an extremely monotonous affair. Imagine covering forty odds horses in the Grand National just so you could bet that one wouldn't win!

With the advent of the internet, and the sports betting exchange, all of this has changed - for the better. These days, if you want to bet on a selection not winning you can! Simply pay a visit to a betting exchange like Betfair or Betdaq, and you will find a huge number of punters willing to bet against you that the horse, or team, or whatever will win.

So this is lay betting and is basically the opposite of backing. Essentially what you are doing by laying a bet is taking the place of the bookmaker, whose position this usually is.

For More Check out bet on horses

Picking Profitable Bets on Horse Racing Betting

2009-07-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

Making money betting on horses starts with the bet and ends with the bet. A lot is written about the horses, the races, jockeys, trainers, etc. While all these horse racing factors are important, if you really want to make money playing the horses, there are certain bets you need to find and take advantage of to make sure you end up with a bigger bankroll than you started with.

Just as there are profitable wagers there are also bad bets that should be avoided. Let's take a look at both kinds.

First of all, let's talk about bad horse racing bets. If you want to find a bad bet, just search online for the stories about big upcoming races. You will find them on the popular horseracing websites. While they are interesting to read and inform us of all the drama and the richness of horseracing, they also tout the best horses and handicap the races to pieces. By the time the racing pundits are done, anyone and everyone knows all they need to know about the race.

The horses will be bet down to ridiculous odds and you will find little value in the pools. Let's face it, our job as handicappers is to find imbalance, meaning to find a horse that is worth 2-1 but is going off at 3-1. That is the whole game, though it certainly is no easy task. You will very rarely find such situations in big or highly touted races (the recent Belmont being an obvious exception).

So if you are looking for good horse racing bets, the opposite applies, shun the big races and look for the everyday races, whether claimers, allowance, maiden and don't shy away from the smaller venues. You will find a horse by a little known trainer that is starting in a claiming race may be a better bet than that highly touted million dollar wonder in the Grade 1 race. The more scrutiny a race receives the less likely you will find a winner flying under the radar.

The best bets in horse racing are usually never spotted by a public handicapper and will be the product of you knowing the trainers and track better than the crowd.

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A Genuine Winning Horse Racing System @ Horse Betting

2009-07-14T01:33:00.000-07:00

Does a genuine winning horse racing system really exist?

Unlike casinos, where long-term playing is guaranteed to benefit the house, horse-racing betting can be favorable to the player. However, only a very small percentage is also profitable long-term. Why is that?
Like every sport betting, people are getting excited and they just keep betting without being entirely sure of the result. If you want to win at horse racing betting you have to restrain yourself from placing unreasonable bets.

There are many online systems that promise to be "winning horse racing systems." But only a few are genuine. But only a very few of them can be considered genuine.

Whether you decide to follow any of those online systems or not, I would like to share some advice with you.
Collect as much past data as possible, and try to find some online databases. This way you can determine yourselves who the favorite is, which is pretty much what the bookmakers do.

If you don't have a lot of spare money, please do not get addicted to horse racing. Like any other similar systems, playing desperately will almost certainly lead to economic disaster. Play systematically and methodically. Don't let your feelings and your rushes overtake you.

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Making Money With The Top Horse Betting Strategies

2009-07-10T02:35:00.000-07:00

Have you always wanted to make money with top horse betting strategies? Do you wish you could place a bet, double your money, and do it all over it again? There is a way and you can be placing profitable bets in no time if you have the top horse betting strategies. Here are three tips to finding the top horse betting strategies.

Horse Betting Strategies1:

You need to find a horse betting product that will teach you how to choose bets that will be profitable. You have to pick a product with a guarantee so that you can try it out with a few smaller bets before you place any real bets that are large enough to make you real money.

Horse Betting Strategies2:

Choose a product that includes strategies that make sense. It is not always good to go with new strategies that are not proven. The strategies that have been time tested and proven are always the best so make sure you pick a product that includes horse betting strategies that have been used for many years.

For More Check out Horse Betting at SPORTSBETTING.COM

Horse betting - GP Downs hopes to turn a profit in 2009

2009-07-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

After missing the opening weekend of racing, Nikeela Black didn't think winning her second Grants Pass Downs leading jockey crown was realistic.

But coming down to the final two races of the meet, Black trailed Luis Torres by just two wins.

Sure enough, Black won those two, including a come-from-behind victory over Torres in the last race.

For the 24-year-old rider from Kennewick, Wash., it was her second title in her five years riding at GP Downs.

"When I missed the first weekend, there wasn't any pressure on me," said Black. "Leading rider wasn't even a goal of mine. I didn't think I had a shot."

Entering the final day, Black held a 13-12 lead over Torres in wins. But Torres took command by winning four of the first eight races, while Black managed one victory.

Going into the last two races, Black still had a mathematical chance to tie Torres, but she wasn't too confident about her chances.

"I knew I had a really good shot on Lucky Thirteen in the next to last race," explained Black, "but I wasn't so sure about the next one."

Black was correct as the overwhelming favorite Lucky Thirteen won the ninth race by five lengths.

In the 10th race, a 5-furlong claimer for fillies and mares, Torres was in the No. 1 post position aboard Chocolate Starr, while Black was next in the gate with Flexible Loyalties.

When Flexible Loyalties got cut off going into the first turn, Black's hopes faded. But the horse didn't give up.

"When (Flexible Loyalties) showed me she was game, I asked her on the back side," said Black. "I caught (Chocolate Starr) on the final turn and put my head down and kept riding."

Flexible Loyalties rallied for a 1-length victory over Torres on Chocolate Starr, giving Black a share of the riding title as the nine-day season came to an end.

Torres, who tied a track record with seven winners on Father's Day, finished with 16 victories on 68 mounts.

Black got her 16 wins on 61 rides. Black's horses won $36,855 in purse money — the most of any jockey.

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Horse trainer Dutrow suspended 30 days

2009-07-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has suspended trainer Rick Dutrow 30 days after a horse he trained tested positive for twice the allowable level of Clenbuterol in 2008.

The Commission voted 6-5 to hand down the 30-day penalty to Dutrow, who had been intially suspended for 15 days. The vote followed a 6-5 vote to uphold the original 15-day suspension.

In addition, Dutrow will have to return all the earnings from Salute the Count, who finished second in the $100,000 Aegon Turf Sprint.

Dutrow has 10 days to file an appeal.

He was the trainer for Big Brown, who was the winner of both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2008.

Clenbuterol is a drug that allows for greater lung capacity; it has similar properties to steroids. Under horse racing rules, a violation regarding Clenbuterol could result in a suspension of up to 60 days and a loss of purse.

The Commission also approved a 15-day suspension of trainer Greg Fox, whose horse Iam Classic Quality tested positive for glycopyrrolate .

Dark horse races to watch in 2010

2009-07-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

The big Democratic waves of the last two cycles have brought with them several seats that seemed implausible to switch at this point in the off-year. But even that far in advance of the 2010 contest, a few unlikely targets have emerged.

The Hill takes a look at the Top 10 dark-horse races to keep an eye on:

McCaul was technically a lower-tier Democratic target in 2008, but that was really only because his opponent, former TV judge Larry Joe Doherty (D), was raising money like gangbusters.

Doherty really didn’t have the right profile, and he wound up losing by a pedestrian 11 points — the exact margin of the presidential tally in the district. Now, Democrats have another big-money candidate, with businessman Jack McDonald raising $300,000 in the first quarter. We’ll see if he has the right profile, but the fact that he is vice chairman of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce suggests he might. The party has already put McCaul near the top of its target list.

For more about Horse Race Bet check out SPORTSBETTING.COM.

Hong Kong gamblers get five extra horse racing days to bet on

2009-07-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong - Hong Kong will get five extra race days per season in an effort to reverse a fall in gambling revenue caused by the global financial crisis, officials announced Sunday.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club which organizes the city's world-famous races said the government gave permission to add five race days and 15 telecasts of overseas races for people to bet on.

The extra races come after total turnover for the 78 days in the season that finished last week was down 110 million dollars to 8.6 billion US dollars.

The twice-weekly horse races in gambling-mad Hong Kong are key sources of tax revenue for the former British colony's government.

Betting on horse races, along with betting on soccer matches through the Hong Kong Jockey Club and a weekly government-run lottery, are the only legal forms of gambling in the city of 7 million.

2008/2009 Hong Kong Racing season ends In spectacular Fashion

2009-07-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

The 2008/09 racing season ended on a high note at Sha Tin on Wednesday as more than 63,000 racing fans flocked to the racecourses for the season finale, while a number of top horses and horsemen were honoured in the Champion Awards Presentation for their outstanding achievements in the season.

Total betting turnover for the 78 race meetings this season amounted to HK$66.82 billion, representing a decrease of HK$865 million compared with last term. The estimated racing betting duty due to the Government also slipped by two percent to HK$8.119 billion. Total attendance, however, has remained stable at 1,927,000 this season.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said he was pleased with the season's turnover figure in the light of the economic downturn. But he appealed to the Government to consider giving the Club more flexibility, so as to assist it in keeping its competitiveness against offshore and illegal operators.

"I wish the Government and the community would agree that the Club has the mandate to provide horse racing and betting entertainment for Hong Kong people, and this is, afterall, beyond making surplus," he said. By channeling gaming demand and betting revenue into tax contribution, the Club enables Hong Kong people to enjoy a low level of income tax rate. "However, this can only be done if our operating framework becomes more flexible in relation to racedays and simulcast overseas races."

"The current tax rate of at least 72.5 percent on gross margin is five times higher than in Britain. Having such a high betting tax rate has made our task very difficult in the light of maintaining competitiveness, thereby weakening our ability to vie with illegal bookmakers and operators," Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges stressed.

As the racecourses are one of the tourist attractions and favourite destinations, the Club sees it important to provide world-class entertainment and racecourse facilities for visitors and local race goers. To maintain its status as one of the world leaders in the sport of horse racing and entertainment, the Club believes that it is crucial to enhance its standard of racing, the racecourse facilities and customer services. However, these critical business investments would not be made possible without a sustainable income.

While racing turnover dropped by one per cent in the current season, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges warned that further falls in racing turnover could still be around the corner, as cutbacks in consumer spending often followed some months behind an economic downturn.

He also stressed that the fall in horse race betting turnover and its operational surplus was not a one-off issue that would have no effect on the Club's long-term viability, as some might suggest. "Horse racing is a way of life in Hong Kong, and a business for Hong Kong as a whole. The sustainability of horse racing business is not only vital for the Club but also for a wider interest of the community,"

"We see our mandates meaningful and exciting to make significant contribution to employment and to our charities and community beneficiaries not only for a short term, but also in the medium and long run," he emphasised.

Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges hoped the Club's proposal for adding five racedays and 20 overseas simulcast days could soon be approved by the Government and legislature. "These extra racedays and simulcasts will not only bring extra tax revenues to the public coffers, but can also create thousands of new jobs as well as protecting existing jobs and benefit more needy people through the Club's charitable projects," he said.

"But while we are determined to sustain our racing business and secure its growth and future development, we will remain very mindful of not encouraging more gambling in the community."

In the Champion Awards presentation today, veteran stayer Viva Pataca finally secured the coveted Horse of the Year title in his fourth consecutive year as a leading contender. He was also named Champion Middle-Distance and Champion Stayer after his spectacular victories in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and Citi Champions & Chater Cup, and his runner-up finish in the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

Prolific miler Good Ba Ba retained his Champion Miler title with his outstanding successes in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile and Citi Stewards' Cup.

Hong Kong runners performed well on the international front with Ricky Yiu-trained Sacred Kingdom conquering the KrisFlyer International Sprint in Singapore in May. This international success earned him the Champion Sprinter title as well as the local racing fans' vote as Most Popular Horse of the Year.

South African rider Douglas Whyte was crowned Champion Jockey for the ninth time, while he also won racing fans' vote as Most Popular Jockey of the Year.

Apart from enjoying the afternoon's 11 exciting races, Sha Tin racegoers received the free gift of a Most Popular Horse 2008/09 Season figurine set on entering the racecourse. They were also treated to a variety of special on-course programmes like a racing silks parade and a post-race show, at which popular local singers George Lam and Vincy bade farewell to another successful season.

The 2009/10 racing season will commence on 13 September with a variety of special programmes being planned to mark the Club's 125th anniversary. "I look forward for a meaningful and prosperous season next term," Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.

Michigan Racing Commissioner Christine White takes post with the Obama administration

2009-06-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

Michigan Racing Commissioner Christine White has resigned to take a post with the Obama administration.

White said her resignation is effective Friday. On Monday, she’ll become Michigan state executive director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. White will be based in East Lansing.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in a news release announcing White’s role, said she has “a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama administration’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America.”

White, who in January 2005 was appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to be racing commissioner, had previously held several USDA positions, including assistant deputy administrator for farm programs in the Farm Service Agency, and state executive director of the Michigan Farm Service Agency office.

White said she is “honored to have been chosen” as part of the Obama administration team and said “agriculture is near and dear to my heart, having grown up in the agricultural industry.”

She said that “as for leaving horse racing, it has many challenges, both with the national economy and especially with the Michigan economy.” White said she hopes the industry can be viable.

Megan Brown, deputy press secretary for Granholm, said the governor congratulates White on her appointment, wishes her the best and thanks her “for all the terrific work she’s done here.”

Brown said an interim director will be named for White’s office.

White leaves as the state’s horse racing industry tries to cope with the loss of live racing days mandated after Granholm cut the racing commissioner’s office $3.8 million budget by $1.4 million.

Because the office provides the personnel to oversee live racing at Michigan’s five horse tracks, the number days had to be cut. Track owners have been negotiating a deal to use some of their purse money to fund some of the lost race dates.

Horse Racing Picks and Odds June 28th 2009

2009-06-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Horse Racing Picks and Odds June 28th 2009: Churchill Downs free play for Sunday: 6th Horse racing Plays- #6 Yikes- Won here last out for her third win over this track and was coming off a 4 month layoff. She always brings her best and is hard to beat at this level. Horse racing picks and Odds 6-3-4.

Arlington Park Race 9: #2 Officer Frank- Came in from SA to run back with ILL bred runners. He won his career debut here by 9 in hand before trying tougher on the west coast. He will make an easy lead and should coast in coming off a good stake effort. Horse racing Picks and Odds 2-5-3.

Hollywood Park free play Race 3: #4 Souvenir Slew- Won his first start of the year for 16k beating today's favorite #3. He then moved up to allowance company and after breaking slow finished a good second. He drops 10lbs with the good apprentice rider and the weight will make the difference. Horse racing Odds and Picks 4-3-1

Belmont Park Race 5: #4 Barbie Girl looks to be a player in this turf dash on the stretchout, first race off the claim, and first trip on the grass. She should be a player even if this event is moved to the main track. She has been heavily bet in her first two career tries. Horse racing Picks and Odds 4-7-10-3.

Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra win impressively

2009-06-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

Unbeaten Zenyatta and Preakness Stakes winner Rachel Alexandra thrilled racing fans on different coasts Saturday with memorable performances in Grade I stakes that only enhanced their reputations as the best horses in training.

Rachel Alexandra, the 3-year-old filly who conquered the boys in the Preakness, faced only two horses in the $270,000 Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park. It wasn't a race -- it was an annihilation. The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro, carrying 121 pounds, won by 19 1/4 lengths over Malibu Prayer under jockey Calvin Borel in a stakes-record time of 1:46.33 for 1 1/8 miles.

Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

2009-06-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

As a native of New Jersey, I had the displeasure of witnessing a once-proud horse racing industry deteriorate. The third-biggest circuit in the country in terms of quality and pari-mutuel handle didn't go away overnight; it took about 25 years.

New Jersey racing is doing that now, minus a one-time showplace that's now a strip-mall and condo haven, and another crumbling track that races only six days a year. But politics, and the Atlantic City casino lobby, have thus far stymied racing industry proaction.

I don't care for slot machines. I can remember putting a few dollars into one at Mountaineer several years ago. I ended up walking over to the simulcast area a few minutes later. Enough of that.

When it comes to gambling, I've always leaned toward the "social" games--blackjack, for instance, and of course, pari-mutuel wagering.

Slots don't do it for me, but I don't have a problem with them. If people are entertained by them, have at it. I do derive some benefits, however, in the form of nicer surroundings and upgraded food and beverage service at racetracks that have the money to make such improvements because of slots.

While I'm pretty sure I understand why New Jersey racing can't gain any traction, I'm at a loss when it comes to Kentucky, where horse racing and breeding are deeply imbedded in the fabric of the state. Is it really possible one legislator and a few Wizard of Oz types that call shots from behind a curtain really control the industry's destiny? I try, but I just can't fathom it.

Opposition to gambling is fine--if you are truly opposed to gambling. If so, why isn't legislation introduced to ban the lottery, charitable gaming, and yes, even pari-mutuel wagering?

Let's take it one step further. Why doesn't the Kentucky legislature ban tobacco? They'd be keeping me, an "addict," from continuing to make a stupid decision--smoking cigarettes. How about banning alcohol? We all know that, like gambling, it's dangerous when abused.

I lean heavily conservative in my views, but I don't put gambling on the same level as abortion. I also believe party-line voting flies in the face of reason and democracy.

Gaming at racetracks is far from a panacea. I've seen and written about the negative far too many times. One thing I've noticed, however, is it never has been done properly in my view. Slots revenue can be really beneficial in a state that truly values its horse racing and breeding industry. I'm a skeptic, but I still haven't gotten the impression racing would take a back seat to slots in Kentucky given current ownership of the tracks and the way they are operated.

Rachel Alexandra Towers over Mother Goose Field

2009-06-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Leading three-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra, heads a field of five females for Saturday's $300,000 Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park. The three-year-old fillies will fight it out over 1 1/8 miles on Belmont's main track.

Owned by Jess Jackson and Harold McCormick, the Preakness Stakes winner will start from post three with Calvin Borel returning for the ride. Three weeks ago Borel was aboard Mine That Bird in the Belmont Stakes when the gelding finished third.

Rachel Alexandra destroyed the competition in the Kentucky Oaks this year by better than 20-lengths. Currently on a six race winning streak, the three- year-old has career earnings of $1,618,354 with eight wins in 11 starts. In 2009 alone the filly has won more than $1.4 million.

"She gave a brilliant race last time," Jackson noted. "She's tested, healthy and ready to run." During a teleconference on Wednesday, Jackson hinted at some of the possible races his filly could compete in after Saturday.

Horse Race-Does the KY Legislature Really Understand Racing?

2009-06-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

It was a cringe moment, and not the first.

During his June 22 presentation before the Kentucky Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, David Edmunds of the Family Foundation, in an attempt to show how bad gaming is, discussed how casino owner Louis DeNaples lost his license in Pennsylvania. Edmunds associated DeNaples with horse racing and called his operation the "Mt. Airy racetrack."

Wrong on both counts. Mt. Airy is a resort in the Pocono Mountains. DeNaples has nothing to do with racing in Pennsylvania.

Edmunds also failed to mention DeNaples lost his license temporarily. He was indicted for lying to investigators about mob ties, but the charges were dropped in April.

Earlier this year, during a hearing in the Kentucky House Licensing and Occupations Committee, The Innovation Group, working on behalf of the horse industry, gave out incorrect information pertaining to where Kentucky's tax rate on gaming fits in with other states.

In both cases, not one legislator questioned the mistakes. Not one legislator appeared to even know they were mistakes. Yet, votes were taken on public policy based on this information.

On June 22, Republican Sen. Charlie Borders, who voted against sending legislation to authorize racetrack VLTs to the Senate floor, said all 138 members of the General Assembly are committed to helping Kentucky's horse industry. The only plan he discussed is one that would increase taxes to support purses.

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to increase the pari-mutuel tax on out-of-state wagers. In effect, it would raise takeout, thus increasing the tax on bettors, a racing industry no-no. It also would put Kentucky tracks at a disadvantage in the simulcast marketplace.

Legislators probably don't know that, but they should if they are going to vote on such a plan.

I can count on two hands the number of legislators I've seen at Turfway Park in the past five years. Turfway races about 110 days a year and basically carries the year-round circuit in Kentucky. Start taking away pieces of that, and the dominoes start falling.

Maybe members of the General Assembly need to visit the place for some hands-on experience. Maybe they need to talk to horsemen and others who rely on Turfway and other tracks for year-round employment.

It wouldn't hurt, because clearly they need an education on the issues and the facts. Maybe it's time for a legislative horse industry summit. We need to find out just how important the horse industry is to Kentucky--in both houses of its legislature.

For more details about Horse betting check out SPORTSBETTING.COM.

Horse Race-Breeders Cup-"Win and You're In" returns for 2009

2009-06-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

A total of 62 races have been scheduled as part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" program for this year. Racetracks in seven countries will participate in the program where winners of designated races gain automatic entry into Breeders' Cup races.

"In our continuing efforts to maximize the global popularity and competition of the World Championships, we have expanded this year's Breeders' Cup Challenge series to more racing venues for our horsemen and fans," said Breeders' Cup president and CEO Greg Avioli.

"The Breeders' Cup Challenge creates increased international awareness on a weekly basis from July through October for the world's great horse races and for the outstanding horses that will be competing in the Championships." Foreign races from England, Ireland, France, Australia and Hong Kong are now included in the Breeders' Cup Challenge. The first of the 12 overseas events was the Champions Mile in Hong Kong in April won by Sight Winner. The win earned Sight Winner a starting spot in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile on the turf.

This year's Breeders' Cup World Championships will be held November 6 and 7, during the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita Park, the first time a track will host the event two straight years.

Kentucky Derby-Owners Reject bid To Buy Mine That Bird

2009-06-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Derby champ Mine That Bird will remain in the care of trainer Chip Woolley for the foreseeable future after an offer to purchase the three-year-old has been rejected by his owners.

Woolley stated Friday that Mark Allen of Double Eagle Ranch and Dr. Leonard Blach of Buena Suerte Equine declined the purchase offer for Mine That Bird.

Mine That Bird went to the Churchill Downs oval Friday morning with regular exercise rider Charlie Figueroa.

Woolley plans to keep the gelding at Churchill Downs four more weeks before shipping to Mountaineer Park for the West Virginia Derby on Saturday, August 1.

"I'd like to get him up there (Mountaineer Park) early enough to have two breezes over the track," Woolley said. "We may leave around (July) 16th or 17th to give him time to gallop once there before he works." "I have had limited experience running horses at night, but if I had one running, I'd like them to see the lights. I took a horse to Remington Park one time for trials and he never had seen lights. When he went to the gate, he was just looking up and when they sprang the latch he was not ready. The whole way down the lane he had his head up and never straightened it out to look ahead." Mine That Bird won the Run for the Roses as a 50-1 longshot. Two weeks later he fell a length short of winning the Preakness Stakes when the filly Rachel Alexandra led wire-to-wire.

In the Belmont Stakes the gelding made a valiant effort only to finish third to his half-brother Summer Bird.

Top Jockey Gets Last Minute Ride

2009-06-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Just two weeks before this Sunday's Queen's Plate race, jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson – the 2007 winner – found herself without the most crucial element.

She didn't have a horse Race betting.

Southdale, the mount she'd been planning to ride, came second in the May 31 Plate Trial, but was injured in the race, ruling him out of the June 21 competition.

"He was one of the top choices [to win]," said the 27-year-old decorated jockey from Brampton, Ont.

Wilson and her agent, Mike Luiders, scrambled to secure a second horse, My Bad, but the day after the duo came together, that mount, too, suffered an injury.

Less than two weeks from race day, Wilson didn't panic.

"Injuries happen. Horses are athletes and things come up. It's the way it works," she said, noting her agent "hustled" to come up with plan C.

And did he ever.

When the starting gates burst open on Sunday, Wilson will be atop El Brujo, who, according to Wilson, is a "definite contender" for the top prize – the esteemed Queen's Plate title and the $1 million that comes with it.

For more details about Horse check out Online Horse Racing picks.

2009 ASCOT GOLD CUP BETTING TIPS PART ONE

2009-06-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

The showpiece of the 2009 Royal Ascot is set to run tomorrow at 3:45 as some of the hottest flat racers in England will do battle over an epic 2 miles 4 furlongs to contest the 2009 Ascot Gold Cup.

We have some very interesting stories happening here and there is no doubt that the race itself will contain a considerable amount of drama and excitement for all involved.

For more details about Horse check out Horse Race Betting.

Racetrack could Reopen In December

2009-06-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

A historic Florida racetrack known for its flock of flamingos could open again as soon as December, the son of the park's owner said Monday.

Hialeah Park, which was built in the 1920s and had its last live race in 2001, will begin quarter horse racing in December if possible or in early 2010, said John Brunetti Jr.

The park's planned reopening is a result of a gambling bill Florida's governor signed Monday and a change from two years ago when the park's owner said racing would likely never return.

Britons asked for for view on possible £10.50 horse levy

2009-06-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Do Britons want to pay a £10.50 horse tax?

The British Horse Race Society is seeking the views of members on the possibility of a horse tax being imposed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of a wider livestock strategy for funding the response for tackling animal disease outbreaks.

Defra is currently consulting the wider livestock industry on what it calls a new independent body for animal health - a modern governance and funding structure for tackling animal diseases.

The proposals include:

* A new body for animal health in England, with a chief executive and an independent board including representatives from the livestock industry, which will take on everything that Defra currently does in relation to setting animal health policy except for animal welfare;

* Compulsory registration of livestock keepers and a levy to provide an additional source of funding to contribute initially to dealing with exotic disease outbreaks.

The latter would cover all main species of farmed livestock, but the consultation asks for views whether horses should be included in the new funding arrangements.

If extended to include horses, the proposed levy fee is £10.50 per horse.

A look back: Mine That Bird: Taught some lessons in the Triple Crown

2009-06-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

As we close the book on another scintillating Triple Crown season, let’s take our hats off one more time to the courageous little gelding Mine That Bird. He made fools of all who so easily dismissed his Kentucky Derby chances, and on that day and over the next five weeks he demonstrated what guts and determination really are. He gave us an overpowering reminder that nothing is guaranteed in racing, even with horses that (seemingly) can’t possibly win. Those of us who gave him absolutely no shot the second day in May were seriously humbled. The few who did have faith in Mine That Bird at the KentuckyDerby looked like geniuses that day, and should be commended.

The time span in which this horse was transformed in people’s minds from one that had no business running in the Derby, to the solid favorite for the Belmont Stakes Betting just five weeks later, has been astounding.

And as Mine That Bird lagged some thirty lengths behind the leader early in the Derby, not many could have been surprised. But suddenly, into the far turn, a dirt-spattered little horse was scurrying up the rail and inhaling runners so fast that they didn’t seem to even be on the same track with him. The enigma seemed to scoff at a hole barely the width of himself between the rail and another horse, and plowed through without hesitation to culminate his assault on the leaders. “Who is that?” everyone seemed to shout at once. As the pint-sized Pegasus continued skipping over the track, struck the front, and broke the hearts of horses battling on so bravely in his mighty wake, television viewers received no help. It seemed he traveled so quickly that NBC announcer Tom Durkin didn’t even catch the move, and when he did the great commentator scrambled and fumbled to discern who it was himself. When he finally did utter Mine That Bird’s name, some thought he must be mistaken. But as the bold number eight became visible on the winner’s saddlecloth, fans looked down at their programs and discovered to their shock that the name had not been miscalled. By some mischievous whim of the racing gods, the 50-1 throwout had not only won the Derby, but had demolished the field.

By the time the Belmont rolled around five weeks after the gelding made his presence known to the world, he was doing so well that Calvin Borel guaranteed a victory. And many people believed he was justified. But, win or lose, Mine That Bird had produced the most dramatic rise from perceived goat to highly respected racehorse in memory. Things didn’t quite work out at Belmont, but he put in another fantastic effort, and cemented his newfound reputation of outstanding competitor.

Mine That Bird and his team have been far and away the greatest story and characters of the 2009 Triple Crown season.

Mine That Bird's effect on local horse racing unclear

2009-06-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

The local horse racing betting community hopes when the excitement evaporates they'll discover a tangible long-term benefit: a graded-stakes race at Sunland Park.

The park has petitioned the American Graded Stakes Committee to consider the Sunland Derby for years to no avail. Mine That Bird finished fourth in this year's version, placing better at all three Triple Crown races. Now, Sunland Park publicity director Eric Alwan said the race could become graded within a year.

"There's been a tremendous infusion of emotion and excitement and a lot more interest in racing in New Mexico." Alwan said Sunday. "We're going to be on the radar of the national racing scene from here on out, I would think."

Alwan said Mine That Bird and Bloomfield trainer Bennie "Chip" Woolley Jr. injected financial vigor into an already-burgeoning decade for New Mexico horse tracks, packing out two of the state's prominent locales, including SunRay Park in Farmington, for simulcasts of all three Triple Crown races.

2009 Belmont Stakes Winner is Summer Bird

2009-06-10T22:17:00.001-07:00

Jockey Kent Desormeaux, who finished second twice before at the Belmont Stakes, wins the 2009 Belmont Stakes riding Summer Bird. The other bird, Mine That Bird, hung back for most of the race and then made an early move — maybe a bit too early — to push for the lead but ended up taking third place and still in the money. Dunkirk finished in second place.

"He was fighting it just a little bit, " jockey Calvin Borel said on Mine That Bird. "I didn't want
to fight him too much."

Summer Bird, the 11/1 odds to win the 2009 Belmont Stakes, becomes the surprise winner of the Belmont Stakes betting and denies jockey Calvin Borel his own 'Triple Crown.'

"I had an armchair ride until I found some room. said winning jockey Kent Desormeaux "Well, I found some room."

Bred by owners Kalarikkal and Vilasini Jayaraman out of the mare Hong Kong Squall and a daughter of 1990 Preakness winner Summer Squall, Summer Bird has raced only four times in his entire career.

Don't blame Borel for Belmont Stakes loss

2009-06-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

The blame game has begun following Saturday's Belmont Stakes in which Mine That Bird and jockey Calvin Borel finished third to Summer Bird and Kent Desormeaux. People are piling on Borel for what is being perceived as a poor ride.

Since there has not been a Triple Crown winner since 1978 special attention must be given to the 1 1/2 mile Belmont Stakes betting. Borel was going after his own personal Triple Crown this year with victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness on two different horses.

It's justified to blame Borel for not having a mount earlier in Saturday's Belmont Park program.

It would have been helpful for him to get the feel of the track prior to the $1 million event. However, no preliminary race gives any rider an insight into the extra-long Belmont Stakes.

These days 1 1/2 mile races are extremely rare in thoroughbred horse betting racing. The horses that ran in the Belmont Stakes never had a race that long and probably never will again.

Also, Belmont Park is 1 1/2 miles in circumference. meaning it poses an unusual configuration compared to the normal one-mile oval.

Horse Bet:Rachel Alexandra first in final three-year-old Poll

2009-06-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

Rachel Alexandra, winner of the Preakness betting Stakes, remained in first-place as the votes were tabulated for the final NTRA three-year-old poll of 2009.

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird finished second with Belmont Stakes champ Summer Bird in third.

Undefeated in five starts this year, Rachel Alexandra received 18 of 19 first- place votes for a total of 189 points.

The filly had been a unanimous selection since her victory in the Preakness.

Mine That Bird garnered one first-place vote in the final poll with 171 points following his third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes Betting to Summer Bird.

With his victory in the Belmont Stakes, Summer Bird entered the poll in third- place with 140 points.

Rounding out the final three-year-old poll are Musket Man, Dunkirk, Quality Road, Pioneerof the Nile, I Want Revenge, Charitable Man and Papa Clem.

Santa Anita Handicap winner Einstein edged Rachel Alexandra in the ongoing general poll of thoroughbreds. Einstein received four first-place votes for 161 points, five points more than the filly, who got five first-place votes.

Dubai World Cup winner Well Armed is third with three first-place votes and 156 points. Reigning female champion Zenyatta received 154 points for the fourth spot while topping all with seven first-place votes.

Mine That Bird remained in fifth-place with 95 points.

Completing the top ten are Bribon, Gio Ponti, Fabulous Strike, Forever Together and Summer Bird.

Horse racing cuts will hurt state

2009-06-08T01:36:00.000-07:00

The $1.4 million saved would have paid for track veterinarians, equine drug tests and track stewards to umpire races. Without it, 101 horse-racing dates across Michigan are to be canceled, including all in August and September, said state racing commissioner spokeswoman Liana Bennett, whose job ended Friday due to the cut.

Officials in towns with tracks said the cut actually works against a balanced budget because it will slice state income from a 3.5% tax on Simulcast wagers, in which track fans bet on horse races running elsewhere. The tax raised $7.45 million last year.

Jockey Calvin Borel rings opening NYSE bell

2009-06-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

Two days before the running of the 141st Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, jockey Calvin Borel was given the honor of ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Borel, along with Kentucky Derby winning trainer Chip Woolley, was at the NYSE Thursday morning in honor of Saturday's $1 million Belmont Stakes. Also in attendance were Mark Allen and Dr.

Leonard Blach owners of Kentucky Derby champ and Belmont hopeful Mine That Bird, three-time leading New York trainer Gary Contessa and representatives of the New York Racing Association.

While this will be the first Belmont Stakes that Borel will compete in, he is quite familiar with the 1 1/2 mile oval.

Triple Crown contest on Betting The Belmont Stakes

2009-06-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

June 3, 2009 - With only 10 horses running, sports betting on the Belmont Stakes is being spread across the board and Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird has already made yet another worst-to-first move, only this time it’s been on the online sportsbook betting board.

The third leg of the US Triple Crown is at the gate and Belmont Stakes betting is starting to gather steam. Horse racing has enjoyed a good run this summer and it began with Mine That Bird’s surprise victory at the 135th Kentucky Derby in early May.

After a race day scratch to I Want Revenge, favorites to win the Derby included Pioneer of the Nile (5-to-1), Friesan Fire and Dunkirk, with odds set at 6-to-1 each. Mine That Bird was listed at most online sportsbooks, including SPORTSBETTING.com, as a 50-to-1 longshot but an incredible performance resulted in one of the biggest upsets in Derby history.

Mine That Bird was originally scheduled to make his Triple Crown debut at Belmont where his sire, Birdstone, upset Smarty Jones back in 2004. It placed some pressure on trainer Bennie “Chip” Woolley Jr. to enter Mine That Bird at the Preakness Stakes and not wanting to spoil the party, Chip and his pony made the ride to Pimlico.

Oddsmakers faced a difficult decision setting numbers at the Preakness when Calvin Borel, the jockey that rode Mine That Bird across the finish line at Churchill Downs, opted to ride Rachel Alexandria at the Preakness. Borel and Rachel Alexandria got the win, Mine That Bird was second and now the field is set for the most demanding leg of the Triple Crown.

The course at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York is 1 and ½ miles (2.41 kms), roughly 20-percent longer than the first two legs of the Triple Crown. Thus, the list of entries is smaller and bettors that watched the first two races will not recognize a few of the names.

Charitable Man (11-to-4), Brave Victory (15-to-1), Miners Escape (15-to-1) and Luv Gov (25-to-1) will all be making their Triple Crown debut.

Virginia-bred Charitable Man is based out of Elmont and has won both of his starts at Belmont Park, earning him plenty of attention from horse racing bettors in the know. He is the son of 1999 Belmont Stakes champion Lemon Drop Kid and although Charitable Man suffered an injury late last season that caused him to skip the Derby, handicappers are expecting the horse to run strong right from the gate.

Other than Mine That Bird (17-to-10), up to five other horses that raced the Derby are expected to run at Belmont. Top picks are Dunkirk (11-to-4), Chocolate Candy (8-to-1) and Summer Bird (12-to-1).

For those who prefer to put the rider before the horse, Borel has confirmed a spot back on Mine That Bird for Belmont and is looking to become the first jockey to win all three races aboard two different horses.

A word of caution for the superstitious bettor: Following their final pre-race workout together this week, Borel called his shot, guaranteeing victory at Belmont.

Now that’s enough to make any bettor nervous.

Check out the best Horse race betting Triple Crown free contest on the web at SPORTSBETTING.com and add to the fun of the Belmont Stakes with a shot at big cash and other cool prizes.

Rachel Alexandra extended rest

2009-06-02T23:17:00.000-07:00

Preakness Stakes winner Rachel Alexandra is currently stabled at Churchill Downs while her owners and trainer contemplate her next start.

The three-year-old filly will be held out of Saturday's Belmont Stakes with no definite race on her schedule. This year she is perfect in five starts winning along with the Preakness, the Kentucky Oaks, Fair Grounds Oaks, Fantasy and Martha Washington Stakes.

She has a record of 8 career wins in 11 starts and has earned $1,618,354.

Triple Crown for Calvin Borel?

2009-06-02T02:20:00.000-07:00

Never in the history of horse racing has a jockey won the Triple Crown on two different horses. Calvin Borel could claim that distinction if Mine That Bird wins the Belmont Stakes.

Borel piloted the 50-1 longshot to victory in the Kentucky Derby, but chose to ride the filly Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. Some folks thought it was an odd choice since it's extremely rare for a jockey to get off the Derby winner in racing's second leg of the Triple Crown. However, it should be pointed out that Borel was not Mine That Bird's regular rider.

When Jess Jackson purchased Rachel Alexandra and entered the filly in the Preakness, it was almost a forgone conclusion that the two-time Kentucky Derby winning jockey would stay with her. After all, he had ridden Rachel Alexandra in her previous five efforts going all the way back to November of 2008.

Rachel proceeded to win the Preakness by a diminishing length, with Mine That Bird (with Mike Smith aboard) rallying for second. The public clamored for the rematch in the Belmont Stakes.

Rachel Alexandra to skip Belmont Stakes

2009-05-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

Preakness Stakes winner Rachel Alexandra will not run in the Belmont Stakes on June 6, co-owner Jess Jackson said Friday in a statement.

Jackson said in the statement that the three-year-old filly deserved a rest, havingwon fiveraces -- the Preakness, the Kentucky Oaks, Fantasy Stakes, Fair Grounds Oaks and Martha Washington Stakes -- this year.

"We know the media and many fans would have liked to see her run in the Belmont Stakes -- we feel the same. But all of us sincerely interested in the horse must agree that we only want to see her run when it is best for her," Jackson said in the statement, issued on behalf of the horse's co-owners, Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick. "While she is in great shape, having strong works, and recovering well from her amazing performances, we feel Rachel deserves a well-earned vacation." As a result, jockey Calvin Borel, who rode Rachel Alexandra to the win at the May 16 Preakness, is free to ride Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the Belmont Stakes.

Borel guided Mine That Bird, which had 50-1 odds, to an upset victory at the May 2 Derby before riding Rachel Alexandra. Mike Smith rode Mine That Bird to a second-place finish at the Preakness, but is committed to ride elsewhere on the day of the Belmont.

Betting on Gambling

2009-05-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

Lexington, KY - Until only recently, Keeneland has held the issue of expanded gaming at arm's length, its officials readily expressing concern about the increasingly perilous state of the horse racing industry, but refraining to take a public position in favor of gaming as one solution.

Then came the recession and with it, a tipping point. In an interview with Tom Martin, Keeneland president Nick Nicholson cited a litany of threats to the industry, ranging from the bankruptcy of key tracks and declining trends in attendance to a shortage of Thoroughbreds. But none, he said, compare with the peril posed by increasingly aggressive competition from states enhancing racetrack purses with revenues generated by expanded gaming.

Talkin' Horses Podcast with Chip Woolley

2009-05-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

Bennie chip woolley took the long road to success in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands.

Despite a broken leg sustained in a motorcycle accident, Woolley loaded up his Ford pickup truck and Turnbow trailer and drove cross-country with a little gelding named Mine That Bird to contest the Run For the Roses. Overlooked by the media during Derby week, Mine That Bird paired with Churchill Downs-based jockey Calvin Borel to post one of the most stunning upset victories in Derby history, winning by 6 ¾ lengths. The payoff of $103.20 was the second-highest in the 135 runnings of the classic.

The win, and especially the brilliant ride by Borel, generated a whirlwind of publicity for Woolley, who was a rodeo rider before migrating into training Quarter Horses in New Mexico. He has recently been transitioning into training Thoroughbreds, although there are still some Quarter Horses among his stable that totals about 25 horses.

For more details check out Horse racing picks.

We May Still Get a Triple Crown Betting Winner in 2009

2009-05-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

He won the 2009 Kentucky Derby with Mine That Bird, then the 2009 Preakness Stakes atop Rachel Alexandra. A win at the Belmont Stakes will make jockey Calvin Borel the first jockey to win the Triple Crown since Steve Cauthen in 1978.

As of Monday, jockey Calvin Borel has yet to decide on whether he will ride Mine That Bird or Rachel Alexandra at the 2009 Belmont Stakes on June 6th at Belmont Park. Borel's indecision comes as little surprise as it has not yet been determined if the Preakness Stakes winner will be running in the Belmont.

Mine That Bird's co-owners Mark Allen and Dr. Leonard Blach are being patient with Borel and are holding off on their decision as to who will ride the Derby winner at the Belmont.

"We will hold off on naming a rider out of respect for Calvin," said trainer Bennie Woolley Jr. “He won the Derby for us. He deserves the time it takes to make the right decision."

Strong racing base has served top horses well

2009-05-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird hardly had flashed under the wire in their stirring Preakness showdown, before Birdie's trainer Chip Woolley announced he was heading straight for the Belmont.

All the evidence indicates a horse needs a strong foundation of racing, preferably across two seasons, to withstand the hard demands of the Triple Crown chase. In that regard, no horses came to the Preakness as well equipped as Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexandra.

But at the Pimlico barns last week, D. Wayne Lukas, the legendary trainer, promoted again his long-held opinion that the distances and timing of the Triple Crown races need to be changed.

2009 Preakness Stakes Results and Payouts

2009-05-22T03:26:00.000-07:00

Rachel Alexandra became the first filly since 1924 to win the second jewel in US horse racing'

Triple Crown holding off a charge by Kentucky Derby-winner Mine That Bird.

Calvin Borel had piloted +5000 favored Mine That Bird to the Kentucky Derby triumph, but elected to switch to Rachel Alexandra for the one million dollarPreakness when new owner Jess Jackson decided to test her against colts.

This time Mine That Bird's charge fell short by one length.

Rachel Alexandra went off as the +180 favorite in the 13-horse field, and became the first horse to win the Preakness from the number 13 post.

She paid $5.60, $4.60, and $3.60. Mine That Bird returned $6.60 and $4.80, while Musket Man paid $5 to show.

The winner earned US$660,000 from the purse of $1.1 million.

Preakness and Derby champs take to track

2009-05-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

Preakness Stakes winner Rachel Alexandra and Kentucky Derby champ Mine That Bird both hit the track at Churchill Downs Wednesday morning. The three-year-olds galloped at the historicracetrack.

Rachel Alexandra galloped for a mile in her initial work since becoming the first filly in 85 years to capture the Preakness Stakes. Scott Blasi, chief assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, said Rachel Alexandra would stand in the starting gate before she gallops on Thursday. She will go to the track around 7:15 A.M. (et). The filly is scheduled to work on Monday, May 25.

Mine That Bird was playful during his Tuesday trip to the track.

For more details about horse race check out horse betting

Rematch in Belmont not a certainty

2009-05-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

Rachel Alexandra Basking In Glory Of Win

BALTIMORE - Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird, the first two finishers in a thrilling, historic Preakness Stakes on Saturday here at Pimlico, are headed back to Churchill Downs in the same order, but the order of their next starts may be reversed.

Rachel Alexandra, who added the Preakness to her Kentucky Oaks win 15 days earlier, left Pimlico early Sunday morning for a flight to Kentucky. After seeing her off from the stakes barn, her trainer, Steve Asmussen, said he would consult with majority owner Jess Jackson before deciding where to run the filly next.

Asmussen said no decision had been made on whether to run Rachel Alexandra on June 6 in the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown. But Asmussen did allow on Sunday morning that he didn't "feel the urgency" to run her in the Belmont like he did the Preakness.

"That thought crosses my mind," Asmussen said. "I like the sound of 'front-runner for Horse of the Year.' "

Asmussen said Rachel Alexandra had come out of the Preakness well. He expected her to return to the track at Churchill Downs on Wednesday, and have her next workout on May 25.

"I'm very pleased with her," Asmussen said. "She's very special."

By contrast, Mine That Bird is a definite for the Belmont. After winning the Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird turned in another strong effort in the Preakness. He was scheduled to travel by van with his trainer, Chip Woolley, back to Churchill Downs on Monday. Woolley said he was eager to run in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont.

"I don't know if it's as much the distance as it is the track," Woolley said. "It has wider, sweeping turns. This track, with his running style, it doesn't set up as well for him. Once he got into the stretch and got clear he came running. But on the turn, horses stack up."

Woolley said Mine That Bird's legs were "clean as a whistle" despite him having to check sharply to avoid traffic at the quarter pole.

"If he'd have had a little cleaner run, he might have had a chance of beating her," Woolley said. "But with a horse who comes from last, there's always a concern you're going to hit traffic. And we can't change his running style, because then he won't finish. He didn't get the trip. My horse ran a great race. He just got beat."

Woolley said he likely would leave Churchill Downs for Belmont Park the Monday or Tuesday of Belmont week. He said he was leaning toward vanning to New York, but said there was a chance he could fly "because it's a little longer trip."

Of the remaining Preakness runners, only fourth-place finisher Flying Private is certain to come back in the Belmont.

Big Drama, who was fifth, is going to Monmouth Park, where his main summer goal will be the Haskell Invitational, trainer David Fawkes said.

The Haskell also has been the next major objective stated by trainer Derek Ryan for Musket Man, who finished third in the Preakness. Ryan said after the Derby that Musket Man would run in the Preakness or the Belmont, but not both.

Papa Clem, who was sixth, is heading back to California and will be freshened until the summer, trainer Gary Stute said.

General Quarters, who was ninth, will return to Churchill Downs and not contest the Belmont, Tom McCarthy, his owner and trainer, said Sunday morning.

Friesan Fire, who finished 10th, also will get a brief vacation.

"We're not pushing Belmont way," trainer Larry Jones said Sunday.

The Belmont field is expected to include Chocolate Candy, Dunkirk, Mr. Hot Stuff, and Summer Bird - all of whom ran in the Derby and skipped the Preakness - as well as Triple Crown newcomers Charitable Man, Gitano Hernando, and Miner's Escape.

Betting On The 135th Kentucky Derby

2009-05-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of the year again with the Run for the Roses set for this Saturday at Churchill Downs.
“I Want Revenge” is currently the odds-on favorite at +250 for the Kentucky Derby.

For more details about horse betting check out horseracing betting

Kentucky Derby Matchups

2009-05-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

Calvin Borel was the jockey who rode Mine That Bird to victory at the Kentucky Derby but he won’t be riding the same horse at this weekend’s Preakness Stakes.

Borel will be atop odds-on fave Rachel Alexandra at Pimlico in Baltimore on Saturday and what is more intriguing than Mine That Bird vs. Borel?

You can wager on that matchup and other in the Preakness Stakes matchups section.

Rachel Alexandra No. 1 Amongst 13

2009-05-15T02:53:00.000-07:00

There will be 13 horses vying for the Preakness Stakes this weekend at Pimlico race course in Baltimore, Maryland and Rachel Alexandra is listed as the odds-on favorite.

The filly was listed at -125 yesterday before positions were drawn and is now listed at +150.

Rachel Alexandra drew post 13.

Preakness Stakes Picks

2009-05-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

By Mike Gratton

Preakness Stakes Picks and Betting Advice:

As the field at The Kentucky Derby turned for home at the top of the stretch, Mine That Bird was still nothing more than a blip on the radar. In fact until the final lengths, his name had only been called once and it was more of token gesture than anything else. When the dust settled, though, at odds as high as 50-to-1, Triple Crown betting saw one of its biggest upsets ever on May 2 and it has given oddsmakers a lot to think about as The Preakness betting gathers steam.

Part II of the U.S. Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes is a 1 3/16 mile race run each year on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Nicknamed the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” – Maryland’s state flower, online sportsbooks are already reporting higher than average betting activity as race day draws near. At least a part of that has to be accredited to the unexpected finish at Churchill Downs.

The Preakness odds has a much different look to it than horse racing handicappers were projecting just a few weeks ago and as the trainers roll in for light workouts at the track, it’s worth circling a few numbers.

Listed as the early favorite, odds for Rachel Alexandra jumped Monday when Hull withdrew from the race. Paying 4-to-5, Rachel Alexandra would be the first filly to run in the Preakness in a decade and her track record in 2009 suggests this could be where she makes a name. Rachel Alexandra last ran on May 1 at the Kentucky Oaks, winning by more than 20 lengths!

Adding to the attraction is the fact that jockey Calvin Borel has signed on to ride Rachel Alexandra at Pimlico. Borel just happens to be the man that was aboard Mine That Bird on May 2 when it crossed the finish line at The Kentucky Derby. Worth noting is that the last filly to win the Preakness was Nellie Morse – in 1924.

Originally slated to skip this event, Mine That Bird’s (Preakness odds at 3-to-1) performance at The Derby made the colt’s trip to Baltimore a must. Trainer Bennie Woolley Jr. insists he is not thinking about the prospective Triple Crown, which wraps up June 6 when the third leg is run at the Belmont Stakes, but said it wouldn’t be fair to the horse to at least not take a shot.

Triple Crown bettors at SPORTSBETTING.com seem to agree. This sportsbook is reporting action on Mine That Bird “to win” is already high and win or not, it is expected that the colt will be involved in the majority of exactor betting. Jockey Mike Smith, winner of the Kentucky Derby in 2005 aboard Giacomo, will get the mount Saturday.

Other three-year olds near the top of the list are Musket Man (5-to-1) and Papa Clem (6-to-1). Handicappers are also keeping a close tab on Pioneer of the Nile, the horse that entered the Derby as the overall favorite and finished second.

A much smaller field of 19 than the Derby, it looks as if there will be 12 horses racing at Pimlico. While winning all three legs of the Triple Crown has not been accomplished since 1978, eleven horses have won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in the past 30 years and with added pressure it will make Mine That Bird’s run an exciting one.

Odds for Triple Crown betting are up and matchups are being released at online sportsbooks daily. And just in case anyone was wondering about lightning striking twice, the longshot for the Preakness is Tone It Down. Currently SPORTSBETTING.com has the horse listed with odds of 50-to-1.

Author: Mike Gratton placed his first wager on a horse race in the mid-80s. It was a 2-1 horse to show… and it came in fourth. Mike has progressed to be a successful horse racing handicapper and sports betting mind over the years. He loves to impart the knowledge he has garnered over the years in his articles focused on helping others with their sports betting and horse handicapping.

There's no stopping Rachel Alexandra

2009-05-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Reporting from Baltimore -- Rachel Alexandra, the 3-year-old filly that stormed out of the Kentucky Oaks with an aura of invincibility, almost certainly will run in the Preakness on Saturday.

Her path as a $100,000 supplemental entry was cleared over the weekend when Mark Allen, co-owner of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, and Ahmed Zayat, owner of Derby runner-up Pioneerof the Nile, backed away from a plan that would have diverted her from the race.

Horseracing Betting Briefing: 10 - 17 May

2009-05-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

Longchamp

2:25 Poule d'Essai des Poulains

The French 2000 Guineas dates back to 1883 and is a race of the highest class. Amongst the leading contenders this year are the fancied Naqoos and Jim Bolger's Vocalised.

3:00 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches

Alain De Royer-Dupre has saddled the last two French 1000 Guineas winners and has an interesting candidate in Doriana this time round but Luca Cumani's Nell Gwyn winner Fantasia is likely to go off favourite.

3:35 Prix de Saint-Georges

This Group Three five furlong contest is the first of a quartet of top French sprints that culminate with the Prix de l'Abbaye at the Arc meeting in October.

Leopardstown

3:55 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial

Unlike many of the various Derby workouts at this time of the season, this Group Two has an excellent record of producing top class staying contenders, ranging from winners of the English and Irish Derbies to the Arc.

4:25 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial

Run over a mile, many who win here go on to do well in the Irish 1000 Guineas and there should be plenty of promising young fillies on show.

5:25 Amesthyst Stakes

An interesting Group Three run over a mile, it usually attracts a small field of older milers who have proven short of the very top class.

Wednesday May 13

York

2:40 Tattersalls Musidora Stakes

Regarded as one of the main Oaks trials, this classy Group Three race for fillies is run over a little further than ten furlongs.

3:10 Duke Of York Stakes

Traditional starting point for the Group class sprinters, this always attracts a large field of high class animals for a cavalry charge along the straight and galloping six furlongs.

Naas

7:20 Blue Wind Stakes

Named after the double Oaks winner of 1981, this is an interesting Group Three race for fillies and mares, run over ten furlongs.

Thursday May 14

York

2:10 Middleton Stakes

An intriguing ten furlong Group Three confined to older fillies and mares, this usually features a small field.

2:40 Dante Stakes

The most prestigious Derby trial of all, with an impeccable recent record in finding leading contenders for Classic glory and whichever colt triumphs here is certain to shorten dramatically in price for the Epsom showpiece.

Friday May 15

York

1:40 Marygate Stakes

A Listed contest confined to two year old fillies, this race can sometimes unearth a serious contender for the Queen Mary Stakes at the Royal meeting.

2:10 Jorvik Stakes

A really solid Heritage handicap over twelve furlongs, this will feature the usual mix of seasoned handicappers and progressive younger horses.

2:40 Yorkshire Cup

An ever popular Group Two, this fourteen furlong test is the first target of the season for the very best stayers and is undoubtedly the centrepiece of the final day

3:10 Michael Seely Memorial Fillies Stakes

A Listed event run over a mile for promising three year old fillies

Newbury

2:20 Caernarvon Stakes

A six furlong Listed sprint confined to three year olds that may showcase a sprinting star or two of the future.

2:50 Swettenham Stud Fillies Trial Stakes

The last of the recognised Oaks trials, this is a Listed contest over ten furlongs for three year old fillies.

Hamilton

7:30 Glasgow Stakes

This is a race that at one time was run as a Derby trial at the York meeting. It now represents a chance to shine for those three year olds likely to be found wanting at the very top level.

8:35 Braveheart Stakes

A decent Listed event over twelve furlongs that usually attracts a good field of handicappers.

Saturday May 16

Newbury

2:05 Aon Stakes

A classy Listed race run over just further than thirteen furlongs and likely to feature a handful of decent stayers

2:40 Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes

Always one of the early season highlights, this Group One is usually a fiercely contested gallop with no hiding place as a field of all-aged top class milers battle down the middle of the wide Berkshire track

3:10 Aon London Gold Cup

This middle distance handicap invariably attracts a big field and can offer some useful pointers for the King George V at the Royal meeting.

Racing returns to Kingman

2009-05-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

KINGMAN - A perfect Mother's Day gift this weekend may be a winning ticket at Hualapai Downs.

The 43rd year of horse racing will be held at the county fairgrounds in Kingman for the only weekend of 2009. In the past, the county held horse racing event two weekends each year. Because of the economy, the fair association decided to hold one weekend of racing instead of canceling the racing season, Mohave County Fair Association Board of Directors Chairman Ray Lyons said.

Racing begins at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds. The gates open for the public at 11 a.m. each day. Admission is $4 for people 12 years old or older, $3 for children 7 to 11 and free for children under 6 years old. Parking is $1.

There will be eight races each day and pari-mutuel betting starts about 20 minutes before the first race. Wagering includes daily doubles, usually the first two races of the day, quinellas and trifectas. Betting is restricted to adults 21 years or older. About 800 to 900 race fans attend the races each year.

The races are split with 60 percent of the races include quarter horses and 40 percent of the races include thoroughbreds.

Thoroughbreds run longer races, from four furlongs to 11/8 mile. Each furlong is 1/8 mile. Quarter horses generally run shorter races of 250 to 500 yards. Most of the horses and jockeys come from the local circuit throughout the state with horses also coming from California, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.

NBA Playoffs -Is King James Ready To Take The Throne

2009-05-07T01:48:00.000-07:00

The NBA has tried really hard to find a replacement for Michael Jordan.

Fellow Tar Heel alums Jerry Stackhouse and Vince Carter were flashes in the pan.

Shaquille O’Neal is a shadow of his former self, Kobe Bryant, as of yet, has failed to win a title without the aid of O’Neal and then there is LeBron James.

James has been working his way up the NBA hierarchy and could be primed for the big breakout in this year’s playoffs. ‘Bron was just named the NBA MVP for 2009 and as it stands, he has his Cleveland Cavaliers in good position to win this year’s NBA title as well.

The sports betting community knows how popular Lebron James has become, the odds and lines on the Cleveland Cavaliers keep getting higher and higher. Betting on Cleveland means bettors have to deal with some pretty high lines, and that has been the case in the playoffs, as the NBA lines put up on the Cavaliers are often flirting with double digits.

There will also be extra incentive for Cleveland to win a title with James on the roster the next two years as the “King” is one of the deep crop of players who will be free-agents in 2010. Sports betting sites and online sportsbooks have some interesting NBA prop wagers on the betting board related to Lebron’s free agency.

One book, SPORTSBETTING.com, has James listed at -155 to be on the Cavs’ roster for the start of the 2010/2011 season and the prop odds are +115 that he’ll be playing somewhere else.

With only four teams left in the Western Conference, there are four possible opponents that Cleveland could face should they go all the way.

SPORTSBETTING.com also have a very unique betting option, called Prospective Bets. You can wager on any possible NBA playoff matchup. You can bet on Game 1 of the NBA final between the Cavaliers and the Lakers….and you can bet it today. If it doesn’t happen, no sweat, you get your money back.

If LeBron James and company make the finals and face Kobe and Lakers the prospective Game 1 line would see the Cavs listed as 4.5-point home faves.If they played the Rockets for the NBA title, Cleveland would be a prospective 7.5-point home fave for the final series opener and ditto if they met the Denver Nuggets.

The prospective Game 1 line if the Dallas Mavericks and Cavs battled for the title would see Cleveland favored in double-digits at -10.

This is the only online online sportsbook in the world offering these unique options.

The Cavs won and covered in Game 1 of their second round series vs. Atlanta. While no one is giving Atlanta much of a chance, they might be able to cover a few of the NBA odds put up on them in these games.

The Cavs are also a very reliable bet at home ATS in the month of May going 9-4 ATS dating back to 1999 and more recently have gone 5-0 ATS in its last five games in that month.

However, the best team during the NBA’s regular season has struggled ATS against the Atlanta Hawks and their ilk, which would be teams from the Southeast division, going 4-12 ATS in their last 16 vs. SE division teams, including 1-5 ATS in the last six.

Jordan wasn’t fully given his props until he took home his first title and the same applies to LeBron James.

Will the King receive an NBA crown?

We’ll find out. Enjoy all the NBA playoff betting, be sure to check the NBA odds (future odds and the prospective bets) and the daily NBA lines.

Author: Kevin Taylor is a veteran sports handicapper and student of the sports betting world. He has written for several media outlets, focusing on sports, sports betting and online poker.

Horse race betting moves at Cheltenham, Huntingdon and Gowran Park.

2009-05-07T01:45:00.000-07:00

Cheltenham

5.35

Rien A Perdre, 2.5 in to 2.24

6.10

Trust Fund, 1.63 out to 1.78

6.45

Greenfell, 3.1 out to 4.6

WeRe Confused, 9.6 out to 12

7.55

Kingscliff, 4.3 out to 6.4

Gallik Dawn, 8.8 in to 6

8.25

Tikram, 7.2 in to 6

Chilling Place, 9.4 in to 8.2

Nippy Des Mottes, 8.6 out to 11

Huntingdon

5.25

Emerald Wilderness, 2.68 in to 2.26

Amwell Brave, 16 in to 9.2

5.55

Ringaroses, 3.2 in to 2.56

Predateur, 2.02 out to 2.76

7.05

Segal, 2.98 in to 2.6

E Major, 4 in to 3.6

Gizmondo, 9.4 in to 7

7.40

King Cyprus, 3 out to 3.8

King Diamond, 14 in to 8.4

8.10

Cobblers Queen, 7.2 in to 5.3

Light Entertainer, 11 in to 8.4

Gowran Park

5.30

High Magic, 6.6 in to 5.5

Aleonard, 7.2 in to 5

6.00

Always Be True, 5.4 in to 3.7

Bea Bea Three, 4.5 in to 3.7

7.00

Just For Mary, 7 in to 5.7

7.30

Cranky Corner, 2.56 in to 2.12

Horse racing News: Chocolate Candy to run in 2009 Belmont Stakes

2009-05-05T23:45:00.000-07:00

Horse Racing News: Chocolate Candy to run in 2009 Belmont Stakes‏: After running a very respectable fifth in the 135th Kentucky Derby, Chocolate Candy appears headed to the Belmont Stakes and will skip the second leg of the Triple Crown, as he has already bedded down at Belmont Park.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer opted to skip the Preakness Stakes in order to give the Candy Ride colt some much needed rest after a grueling spring campaign. With stamina on both sides of his pedigree, also being out of Triple Crown winning Seattle Slew mare ,Chocolate Candy is well suited to the mile and a half distance of the Belmont. He came out of the Derby in excellent shape, unlike some of the other runners, and will definitely be heard from in New York.

2009 Kentucky Derby Winner is Mine That Bird

2009-05-05T00:56:00.000-07:00

Mine That Bird is the long-shot winner of the 135th Kentucky Derby held Saturday, May 2nd at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Derby featured a full lineup of 19 three-year-olds, after favorite I Want Revenge scratched this morning due to a weak left hoof, in the run for the roses and $2 million first prize.

The grandstands at Churchill Downs were full of hat-wearing spectators as the Win/Place/Show finishers crossed the line, completing first leg of the Triple Crown. The top three finishers for the 2009 Derby are Mine that Bird, Pioneerof the Nile and Musket Man.

Mine That Bird Takes Kentucky Derby

2009-05-04T01:16:00.000-07:00

An underdog bit back at the 135th Run for the Roses as Mine That Bird came out on top.

As mentioned, odds-on favorite, I Want Revenge was scratched due to an ankle injury.

Triple Crown Free Contest

2009-05-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

April 30 - Ready to race for riches? SPORTSBETTING.com’s FREE $100,000 Triple Crown Contest gives you a front-row seat as this year's crop of three year olds race for glory this spring. As with all of SPORTSBETTING.com’s contests, again, it's free to play.

Put your handicapping skills (or luck) to the test and you could win $100,000, a 42” HDTV and Blu-ray Player, Apple iPhone or one of many other prizes.

This free contest, the $100,000 Triple Crown Contest is played over the course of the three 2009 Triple Crown races to be held on May 2, May 16 and June 6. You can play one or you can play them all. Prizes are awarded for each leg, and the big prizes are given to those with the best picks over the course of all three races.

Picks can be set after the field is set and the post positions have been assigned, during the official entry period for each race:

The Kentucky Derby: 7:00PM EDT, April 29 to 6:00PM EDT May 2, 2009
The Preakness Stakes: 7:00PM EDT, May 13 to 6:00PM EDT May 16, 2009
The Belmont Stakes: 7:00PM EDT, June 3 to 6:00PM EDT June 6, 2009

The first leg in the Crown - the 13th running of the Kentucky Derby - hits the track this weekend at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Kentucky Derby betting odds have been set for a while now. Early favorites to win the Derby include I Want Revenge (5-to-2) and Dunkirk (5-to-1), with Friesan Fire and Pioneer of the Nile nosing behind at 6-to-1 each.

There is a chance of thundershowers Saturday and soggy conditions can have a big affect on the race’s outcome so be sure to keep tabs on the forecast closer to race day. Post time is scheduled for 9 pm EST so be sure to get your picks or bets in.

Win one of the first two legs and you'll earn a shot at winning $100,000 in the third and final leg. Every race is another chance to win great prizes so it's never too late to join the field. You can also create your own pool within the main pool and invite your friends or coworkers to join, and trashtalk in your group’s Private Message Board.

You can catch up on your handicapping by reading the Kentucky Derby Betting Guide before registering for the $100,000 Triple Crown contest or checking out all the Kentucky Derby odds.

Author: Mike Gratton placed his first wager on a horse race in the mid-80s. It was a 2-1 horse to show… and it came in fourth. Mike has progressed to be a successful horse racing handicapper and sports betting mind over the years. He loves to impart the knowledge he has garnered over the years in his articles focused on helping others with their sports betting and horse handicapping.

2009-04-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

Listed as the odds-on favorite to win the 135th Kentucky Derby this Saturday, I Want Revenge will be running from the 13th post position.
Post positions were drawn today and Dunkirk and Pioneerof the Nile–both +400 faves–are running in the 15 and 16 spots respectively.

“I Want Revenge” Draws Lucky 13

2009-04-29T02:12:00.000-07:00

Listed as the odds-on favorite to win the 135th Kentucky Derby this Saturday, I Want Revenge will be running from the 13th post position.

Post positions were drawn today and Dunkirk and Pioneerof the Nile–both +400 faves–are running in the 15 and 16 spots respectively.