Monthly Archives: September 2009

OK, say the two camps got together and a special race, at 1 1/8 miles, was set up to include both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta in an eight-horse field at Churchill Downs. Who do you think would win? Would Rachel’s … Continue reading →

A former trainer who wished to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the subject told me recently that, while the proponents of synthetics had only good intentions, the artificial tracks have turned into a disaster. “The synthetics are terrible,” … Continue reading →

I saw Doug O’Neill in the Top of the Park restaurant at Fairplex Park on Wednesday and asked him if what I had heard was true — were trainers unhappy with the recent condition of Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface since … Continue reading →

I’m heading out to Fairplex Park today for a little Fair fun and plan to strongly consider putting some money on these horses: 2nd — Swiss Spirit has the speed to wire this field 4th — Cee’s Harmony also has … Continue reading →

The Breeders’ Cup and ESPN have gotten together on a deal to help promote this year’s Breeders’ Cup, which will be held for a record second consecutive year at Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meet. During a break on its college … Continue reading →

Those who thought the broken pelvis that jockey Martin Pedroza suffered in January at Santa Anita, an injury that sidelined him for months, would somehow translate into a slowdown at Fairplex Park this season were badly mistaken. Pedroza, as usual, … Continue reading →

It didn’t take Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexandra’s co-owner, long to announce the inevitable — his star filly will not be running in the Breeders’ Cup, despite event officials trying to lure the princess of racing to the event by hiking … Continue reading →

In an attempt to give racing fans around the country the matchup they covet, Rachel Alexandra vs. Zenyatta, the Breeders’ Cup Board today said the winner’s share of the $5 million Classic will be increased from $2.7 million to $3.7 … Continue reading →

Joe Harper, president of Del Mar, was asked by this reporter Wednesday during his annual state of the meet briefing with reporters in the press box how he rated Polytrack’s performance in 2009: “I personally think the Polytrack performed well,” … Continue reading →

Zensational, the 3-year-old sprinter who became the first sophomore to win both the Bing Crosby and Pat O’Brien Stakes, was named Del Mar’s Horse of the Meet in the annual media poll. Trained by Bob Baffert, who finished second in … Continue reading →