Tuesday, May 21, 2013

NEW YORK STATE GAMING COMMISSION AND NYRA ISSUE ENHANCED SECURITY PROTOCOLS FOR HORSES PARTICIPATING IN THE JUNE 8 BELMONT STAKES

Contact: Lee Park (NYS Gaming Commission)

518-388-3415

Eric Wing (NYRA)

718-659-2329

NEW YORK STATE GAMING COMMISSION AND NYRA ISSUE ENHANCED SECURITY PROTOCOLS FOR HORSES PARTICIPATING IN THE JUNE 8 BELMONT STAKES

ELMONT, N.Y. -- The New York State Gaming Commission and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced enhanced security measures for horses competing in the June 8 Belmont Stakes.

Horses competing in the $1 million purse race will be subject to out-of-competition blood testing for banned substances, be required to be on Belmont Park's grounds by June 5 and be subject to 24 hour monitoring at their trainers' own barns and stalls on the grounds. The Gaming Commission is also requiring the submission of veterinary records for three days leading up to the race, which will be published on the Commission's Web site starting June 5.

"With these measures, the public will once again be reassured that New York's horse racing is run with the utmost integrity and consciousness of safety for the horse and the rider," said Robert Williams, Acting Executive Director of the New York State Gaming Commission. "These actions will enhance an already-even playing field, give bettors peace-of-mind and underscore New York's commitment to the best horse racing in the country."

"I applaud the Gaming Commission's efforts to ensure the integrity of New York's biggest horse race," said David J. Skorton, Chairman of the New York Racing Association Reorganization Board. "We are dedicated to providing a safe environment for all our horses, and these additional measures are sensible and effective steps that will lead to a better race for all."

"These steps will ensure that Belmont Park's signature race is conducted in the fairest, most transparent manner possible, while allowing horsemen to keep their Belmont Stakes horses within their customary surroundings," said Glen Kozak, Vice President of Facilities and Racing Surfaces at NYRA and a member of the NYRA interim management team. "We thank the New York State Gaming Commission for its assistance in establishing these important protocols."

The Gaming Commission has mandated the following protocols and steps for the horses participating in the June 8 Belmont Stakes:

· The Commission will take out-of-competition blood samples of horses competing in the Belmont Stakes on June 5 and send them to the New York State's Equine Drug Testing Program at Morrisville State College for immediate testing.

· Horses participating in the Belmont Stakes must be on the Belmont Park grounds by noon on Wednesday, June 5. Any exceptions will be at the discretion of the Stewards.

· Horses will stay in their trainers' current barns and stalls at Belmont, which will be monitored at all times by additional security personnel.

· Security personnel will monitor all treatments performed by veterinarians and examine all paraphernalia. All containers for medications administered will be retained by the Commission for possible testing.

· A full daily veterinarian's record of all medications and treatments given to horses from noon June 5 until the race is run will be provided to the Commission. Any changes to treatment must be disclosed to the Commission. If medications and treatment records are not provided to the Commission in a timely manner and prior to treatment, veterinarians will not be permitted to treat the horse until the issue is resolved. The Commission will post these records on its Web site each day leading up to the race.

· Entry-exit logs will be maintained by additional security from NYRA and the Commission. All persons – including veterinarians, trainers, assistant trainers, farriers, owners or other connections – on entering the stall, or engaging in contact with the horse or performing any service for the horse must have a valid Commission license on their person. Such persons will be logged in by security personnel with the reason for their visit. Routine stall and horse maintenance by identified grooms and staff will be monitored but will be exempt from logging.

· All equipment, feed, hay bales, etc. are subject to administrative searches and checks.

· As is current policy, Lasix administration will take place in the horses' own stalls by a NYRA veterinarian. Syringes will be preserved by the Commission for possible testing.

· On June 7, no veterinarians will treat horses without first making an appointment with Commission investigators.

· The Commission, in conjunction with NYRA, will appoint a single 24-hour point person each day for trainers and connections to contact in case of an emergency.

· On June 8, no treatment will be permitted (beyond Lasix for specifically designated horses) unless it is for an emergency or as approved by the Stewards.

· On June 8, horses participating in the Belmont Stakes will be required to be in the Assembly barn between 45 minutes to 1 hour before post time for TC02 testing. They will then be escorted with security to the paddock.

· Belmont Stakes participants will receive priority for paddock schooling with security present.

The Commission and NYRA will provide educational materials on the protocols to horsepersons, connections, veterinarians, security and all appropriate parties prior to and on Wednesday, June 5 at Belmont Park.

About the New York Racing Association, Inc.

Created more than 50 years ago so that New York State could share in the boom in racing that followed World War II, The New York Racing Association, Inc., holds the exclusive right to conduct racing at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga until 2033. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state's Thoroughbred business, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State's urban, suburban and rural economy. NYRA's Mission is "Meeting the highest standards in Thoroughbred racing and equine safety."

About the New York State Gaming Commission

The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all aspects of gaming and gambling activity in the state, including horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering, class III Indian gaming, video lottery terminal facilities at race tracks, the state lottery and charitable gaming.

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Monday, May 20, 2013

Former NYRA Chairman, CEO Kenny Noe, Jr. Dies at 84

Monday, May 20, 2013

Contact: Eric Wing

ewing@nyrainc.com

Former NYRA Chairman, CEO Kenny Noe, Jr. Dies at 84

ELMONT, N.Y. – Kenneth "Kenny" Noe, Jr., former president, chief executive officer and chairman of The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) board died Sunday at the age of 84.

Noe, who served as a racing secretary and steward at NYRA during the 1970s, was hired as president and general manager of the organization in October, 1994. In September, 1995 he was elevated to chairman of the board of trustees, and in December of 1996 was named chairman and chief executive officer. He resigned as board chairman and CEO in October, 2000.

A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Noe held a variety of positions in the racing industry at more than a dozen tracks. In addition to New York, Noe served as racing secretary at a number of major venues in the East and Midwest including Hialeah, Garden State Park, Arlington Park and Washington Park. He also spent 11 years as the president and general manager of Calder Race Course from 1979-90. A past director of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Noe was also a director of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, and the Miami Heart Institute.

He is survived by his son Jeff and daughter Holly. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Arlington International Racecourse News Release: "Arlington University" to be Unveiled Friday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: David Zenner

(847) 385-7535

Cell (847) 371-1670

Fax: (847) 385-7251

Dzenner@arlingtonpark.com

ARLINGTON TO UNVEIL "ARLINGTON UNIVERSITY" OPEN

MOST WEEKENDS DURING 2013 MEET

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (May 20, 2013) – Always among the leaders in fan education, Arlington International Racecourse will unveil "Arlington University" on Friday, May 24. "Arlington University" is a one-stop location where fans new and old alike can ask questions and receive individual and small group interaction from the track's group of experts – the university "professors."

An expansion of Arlington's popular "Learn to Win" program that the track has held on selected days for several years, Arlington University will be housed in the west end of the Million Tent located in the Park area. Arlington University ("AU") will be open, weather permitting, beginning 30 minutes before the day's first race every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

The "AU" staff will work with customers who want to learn how to read the Daily Racing Guide (track program) as well as how to make simple wagers that will help them maximize the bang for their buck and hopefully cash a few tickets. The University staff will be on hand to help customers get familiar with wagering at its own dedicated self-service mutuel machines.

In addition, the University staff will take small groups to the Paddock area where the horses are saddled as well as bring some of the human stars of the game – jockeys and trainers – to the University area to meet and greet race fans.

"AU" will also employ Joe Kristufek and Brian W. Spencer, handicappers from the award-winning horseplayernow.com, the creators of Night School - the industry's on-line fan education initiative, to augment the regular staff on major race days and major promotional days, July 4 and Million Preview Day. Kristufek and Spencer's complete schedule of appearances can be found at arlingtonpark.com as well as on horseplayernow.com.

Arlington International Racecourse – the Chicago area's premier Thoroughbred racetrack located in Arlington Heights, Ill. – will run an 89-day meet in 2013 from Friday, May 3 through Sunday, Sept. 29. Arlington International Racecourse, whose parent company is Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN), also operates 10 off-track, simulcast-wagering facilities – Trackside Arlington Park (Arlington Heights), Trackside Quad City Downs (East Moline), Trackside Waukegan, Joe's Bar on Weed Street featuring Trackside Chicago, Tavern on North featuring Trackside Villa Park, Shooters Bar & Grill at Don Carter Lanes featuring Trackside Rockford, Stanley's Ale House featuring Trackside OTB in South Elgin, Nicolino's featuring Trackside OTB in McHenry, Trackside OTB in Hodgkins and Sam's Triple Crown featuring Trackside Orland Hills. Information on Arlington International Racecourse can be found online at www.arlingtonpark.com.

-END-

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Sunday, May 19, 2013

Belmont Park Notes: Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Contact: NYRA Press Office

718-659-2218

Belmont Park Notes

Orb returns to Belmont Park following Preakness loss; Preakness winner Oxbow ships to Churchill, is expected for G1 Belmont Stakes
After skipping Preakness, Pletcher has deep lineup for Belmont Stakes, Memorial Day stakes
Clement to run Mystical Star in G2 Sheepshead Bay, either Bella Castani or Discreet Marq in G2 Sands Point
California invaders Fed Biz, Jimmy Creed, and Sahara Sky slated to face Pletcher’s duo and others in G1 Met Mile; Fields coming together for additional Memorial Day weekend stakes
Jockey Luzzi to miss 12-18 weeks with shoulder injury

ELMONT, NY – Trainer Shug McGaughey was back at his Belmont Park barn Sunday afternoon, the day after Orb’s Triple Crown bid ended with a fourth-place finish in the Preakness. The son of Malibu Moon arrived at Belmont at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday and McGaughey reported that his charge had shipped back home well and will be monitored in the coming days before a decision on the Grade 1, $1 million Belmont Stakes on June 8 is reached.

“He was already in his stall when I got back here and seemed to be fine,” said McGaughey. “We’ll walk him a good while this afternoon and just kind of see what we have. The Belmont Stakes is on our radar screen.

“I talked to Mr. Janney this morning. He and Mr. Phipps had talked on their way to the airport. We just all came to the conclusion that we should just watch Orb and see. I think everything is in good shape. We’d like to run. But yesterday took a little bit out of him and he’s already run five times this year and it’s only the middle of May. I’d sure like to have him fresh for Saratoga and a Jim Dandy/Travers kind of a go.

“He’s just going to have to tell us what we want to see. If he’s jumping out of his skin, we’re going to bring him over here [to run in the Belmont Stakes]. I might know in about a week. I just have to wait and see. Everything’s gone great all year until yesterday. But I don’t anticipate any problems. I don’t think he’s knocked out by any means.”

Oxbow, the Preakness Stakes winner, departed Pimlico before dawn on Sunday and vanned to trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ barn at Churchill Downs, according to Pimlico officials. The colt is expected to aim for the Belmont Stakes.

According to NYRA stakes coordinator Andrew Byrnes, Oxbow currently is slated to face Freedom Child, Golden Soul, Overanalyze, Palace Malice, and Revolutionary. Bob Baffert will run either Code West or Power Broker. Itsmyluckyday is possible.

* * *

After bypassing the Preakness, trainer Todd Pletcher has a deep group of contenders for the Belmont Stakes.

“We have a few candidates, but we haven’t firmed up the lineup just yet,” said Pletcher. “Overanalyze breezed this morning [four furlongs in 47.50 seconds over the training track] and breezed well. We are planning to run him. We breezed Palace Malice [four furlongs in 47.49, training track] and talked to [Cot] Campbell [of Dogwood Stable]. We plan to run him. Revolutionary will have two breezes starting next Sunday. We plan to run him. Mike Repole is going to be the key to how many other horses we run. He has several possibilities [in addition to Overanalyze]. Unlimited Budget breezed this morning [four furlongs in 49.07, training track], and she is possible. Micromanage is here and will breeze next Sunday, and we’ll make a decision after that.”

WinStar Farm’s Revolutionary, winner of the Grade 3 Withers in February at Aqueduct Racetrack and the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby in March at Fair Grounds, was Pletcher’s highest finisher in the 2013 Kentucky Derby, reporting home third, beaten 3 ½ lengths by Orb. Overanalyze, victorious in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby in April at Oaklawn, was 11^th in the Derby, with Grade 1 Blue Grass runner-up Palace Malice tiring to 12^th after setting a fast pace.

Unlimited Budget, third in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks on May 3, would be attempting to emulate Rags to Riches, who in 2007 became the first filly since 1905 to win the Belmont. Rags to Riches is Pletcher’s only Belmont Stakes winner to date. Micromanage is exiting a neck victory in an optional claimer on May 11 at Monmouth Park.

Pletcher is a former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who on Saturday picked up his sixth Preakness victory when he sent out Oxbow to a front-running win under Gary Stevens.

“I was very happy for Wayne and Gary; it was a tremendous accomplishment for both of them,” said Pletcher. “I thought Gary rode a very, very smart race and took advantage of the pace scenario, and the horse delivered a big performance.”

Before the Belmont Stakes, Pletcher will have the chance to take down a few graded stakes on Memorial Day, May 27, at Belmont Park. The day’s featured race is the Grade 1, $750,000 Metropolitan Handicap, and Pletcher is expected to run Cross Traffic and Discreet Dancer in the one-mile event for 3-year-olds and up.

Cross Traffic will enter the Met Mile off a hard-fought second to Flat Out in the Grade 3 Westchester on April 27 at Belmont, while Discreet Dancer is exiting a third in the Grade 1 Carter Handicap on April 6 at Aqueduct.

“It’s pretty rare that you see a horse who has come that far in such a short time,” said Pletcher of GoldMark Farm’s Cross Traffic. “He was an unraced 4-year-old at the start of the year. He ran a huge race in the Westchester. He just lost to a tough, seasoned veteran who seems to love Belmont. We were very pleased with his race, and he’s doing just as well or even better than he came into [the Westchester].”

“The Carter came up a very fast race,” said Pletcher of Discreet Dancer, an E. Paul Robsham Stables homebred. “He won the mile race at Gulfstream, and we think the mile suits him well. He’s coming up to it in good order, so we’re excited about his chances as well.”

Pletcher added that he plans to run Kauai Katie in the Grade 1 Acorn on the Met Mile undercard. In the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps for fillies and mares, Pletcher will run Disposablepleasure, with Authenticity listed as possible.

“I’m keeping an eye on the Phipps with Authenticity, if it comes up a short field,” said Pletcher. “I’m just seeing how quickly she bounces back [off her win in the Grade 2 La Troienne on May 3 at Churchill Downs], but she’s doing well. I’d say she’s about 50-50 at this moment.”

Pletcher said all of his contenders for Memorial Day stakes will breeze on Tuesday, pending weather.

* * *

Belmont will present a pair of graded stakes on the turf next week, and, as usual, trainer Christophe Clement will be represented in both races.

On Saturday, Belmont will conduct the Grade 2 Sheepshead Bay, a 1 3/8-mile race for fillies and mares. Clement said he will run Cheyenne Stables’ Mystical Star, fourth in the Grade 3 Doubledogdare at Keeneland. In last year’s Sheepshead Bay, Mystical Star was disqualified from third and placed last after beating the gate and rearing up.

“She got beat the other day at Keeneland [in the Doubledogdare]; I think she’s a better filly for the race,” said Clement. “Unfortunately, the race will be very competitive, but that’s the way it is. She’s doing well.”

Clement will run either Lael Stable’s Bella Castani or Patricia Generazio’s Discreet Marq in the Grade 2, 1 1/16-mile Sands Point for 3-year-old fillies on Memorial Day.

“I will probably run one of the two,” said Clement. “I have to see. They’re both doing well. I will likely run one [in the Miss Liberty on May 26 at Monmouth Park] and run one here.”

Bella Castani won the Tweedside overnight stakes by 1 ½ lengths on April 27 at Belmont, while Discreet Marq is coming out of a second-place finish in the Sweetest Chant in January at Gulfstream Park.

“She was very rank,” said Clement of Bella Castani’s performance in the Tweedside. “Mentally, she needs to settle, but she was impressive. When we asked her to run, she quickened.”

“Discreet Marq hasn’t run since January,” he added. “It would be a little bit ambitious first time back.”

* * *

A talented contingent from California is expected to take on Cross Traffic and Discreet Dancer in the Metropolitan Handicap on May 27, with graded stakes winners Fed Biz, Jimmy Creed, and Sahara Sky aiming for the race, according to NYRA stakes coordinator Andrew Byrnes. Also probable are Fort Loudon, Mark Valeski, Mucho Macho Man, and Swagger Jack. Handsome Mike is possible.

In addition to Disposablepleasure, the Ogden Phipps on the Met Mile undercard is expected to attract Centring, Joyful Victory, and Tiz Miz Sue. Authenticity is possible.

In the Grade 1 Acorn, Kauai Katie will be challenged by Cue the Moon, Let Me Entertain U, Manuka Honey, Midnight Lucky, and Momentary Magic.

Carolina Thomas, Unbelievable Dream, Watsdachances, and Wave Theory will take on either Bella Castani or Discreet Marq in the Grade 2 Sands Point.

On May 25, the Grade 2 Sheepshead Bay likely will feature Anjaz, Hessonite, Julie’s Love, Minakshi, Mystical Star, Starformer, Strathnaver, and Tannery.

* * *

Veteran jockey Mike Luzzi will undergo shoulder surgery for an injury he suffered on May 10 and will be out for 12-18 weeks, the rider said on Saturday.

Luzzi, 43, hit his shoulder on the starting gate at the start of the No Reason overnight stakes. Since then, he rode in five races on May 11 and in a single race yesterday. The rider says he needs the surgery to regain his full range of motion on that shoulder.

So far in 2013, Luzzi has won 28 races from 235 mounts. He had won five races from 26 mounts during the current Belmont spring/summer meet.

-30-

Arlington International Racecourse Barn Notes: Sunday, May 19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Adolphson

(847) 385-7558

Press Box Fax: (847) 870-6727

Michael.Adolphson@arlingtonpark.com

Barn Notes: Sunday, May 19, 2013

In Today’s Notes:

Top Four from Dixie Stakes All Million Nominated
Baird Wins Three on Saturday – Joins Leaders

TOP FOUR FROM DIXIE STAKES ALL MILLION NOMINATED

Calumet Farm’s Skyring impressed many with a wire-to-wire victory at Pimlico Race Course in its signature turf event, the Dixie Stakes one race prior to the Preakness. Under a heady ride by Hall of Famer Gary Stevens, the D. Wayne Lukas trainee won his second stakes over the Baltimore oval, while leaving multiple graded stakes winners in his wake.

Going off at odds of 24-1, despite running well in the classiest previous race of any other contender (a fourth behind Horse of the Year Wise Dan and Grade I-winning Data Link in Keeneland’s Grade I Maker’s 46 Mile), the homebred son of 2008 turf champion English Channel held highly regarded Team Valor charge Howe Great at bay the entirety of the race and then repelled a late charge from Arlington International Racecourse-based Willcox Inn.

Howe Great, trained by Maryland-based Graham Motion, gave way with chagrin to finish fourth behind a very unlucky Optimizer. The latter, with the same trainer and owner connections as the winner, had zero running room the entirety of the race until the final sixteenth of a mile – at which time he burst through to nearly claim second.

The first four finishers in the Dixie are all nominated to Arlington’s signature event, the Grade I Arlington Million. Willcox Inn ran a creditable race last year in the Million and seems to be on track to run even better in 2013 if his form continues on its favorable path.

One thing the top three finishers have in common, which may bode well for their Million possibilities, is that they have all been trounced by the top-ranked Wise Dan in the last few months. Wise Dan, fortunately for those competitors, is not currently nominated to the Million and will most likely focus on races shorter than its 10 furlongs.

The Dixie Stakes has consistently produced quality subsequent Million performers, dating back as early as 1992 when Dixie victor and Million favorite Sky Classic lost a battle with France’s Dear Doctor. The next year, Dixie runner-up Star of Cozzene found the absence of his rival Lure to his liking at Arlington with an easy win.

In 1994, turf champion Paradise Creek proved a facile winner of both races for trainer Bill Mott, while the following year’s Dixie winner The Vid ran a respectable third behind the intense closing power of Ryehill Farm’s Awad. The last Dixie conqueror to hit the Million board was Hap in 2001, but that statistic could possibly change this year – especially with the substance of yesterday’s edition.

Earlier on Pimlico’s Preakness Day card, two talented 3-year-olds ran away from their rivals in the Listed $100,000 James W. Murphy Stakes at one mile on turf. Ramsey Stable’s homebred Redwood Kitten wired the field under the finesse of popular rider Joel Rosario for trainer Wesley Ward. A chasing second, and well clear of the remainder of the field, Sumaya US Stable’s Shining Copper ran very well in his first start since March.

Both the winner and runner-up are nominated to the Arlington’s Mid-America Triple, and the timing of the Murphy is complementary to the series that culminates with the Grade I $500,000 Secretariat Stakes on Arlington Million Day. In 2005, English Channel used a victory in the Murphy en route to an unlucky second in the Secretariat.

BAIRD WINS THREE ON SATURDAY – JOINS LEADERS

E.T. Baird, who is ninth in all-time Arlington wins, landed a hat trick on Saturday afternoon. Two of his wins were for longtime associate Mike Stidham, including an impressive ride on Masquerade in the third. Masquerade had recently shipped from Parx Racing for her initial start for Stidham, as well as jumping from dirt to turf and sprint to route.

Breaking from the far outside post, Susan Moore and M Thoroughbred Partners’ Silent Name filly set the pace and then fought back when headed in deep stretch to win by a gutsy head. Baird now lands in a three-way tie for second in the standings with Kent Desormeaux and Channing Hill. What is most impressive is that he has done so with considerably less mounts and is riding with a 31% strike rate.

First in the standings is apprentice Emmanuel Esquivel, whose 11 wins have him two ahead of the aforementioned tie. The talented 22-year-old, by picking up his 40^th win earlier this week, is now a five-pound apprentice as opposed to seven.

________________________________

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Glorious View Makes Winning Stakes Debut in Vagrancy (G2)

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Glorious View Makes Winning Stakes Debut in Vagrancy (G2)

By Jon Forbes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Glorious View extended her winning streak to four, annexed her first graded stakes, and demonstrated her tenacity with a front-running victory in Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Vagrancy Handicap at Belmont Park.

Backed as the 8-5 favorite in the 6 ½-furlong sprint for fillies and mares, Glorious View was away quickest of all from the rail post and maintained a one-length lead over Spectacular Sky through opening fractions of 22.14 and 45.04 seconds.

After Spectacular Sky capitulated at the top of the stretch, Glorious View faced a new challenge from Fantasy of Flight, who drew within a head of the leader. Glorious View, however, turned back Fantasy of Flight’s bid and went on to prevail by a half-length.

The final time for 6 ½ furlongs was 1:15.96, with Glorious View returning $5.40 for a $2 win wager.

“She tries so hard, it makes things a lot easier for me,” said winning jockey Junior Alvarado. “She settled for me during the first part of the race. I was never worried because she was never bothered by the horse outside her down the backstretch. She was very relaxed. And at the end, I just put her closer to [Fantasy of Flight], and she kept fighting. She would never let that other horse go by.”

Glorious View, a 4-year-old daughter of Pleasant Tap, needed eight starts to break her maiden, but has been unbeatable since earning her diploma in February at Aqueduct Racetrack. After her maiden triumph, she added scores in an allowance in March and an optional claimer on April 11, also at Aqueduct. She won all three races by at least five lengths.

“She showed a lot of gameness today,” said Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. “She had won her last few races fairly easily, and that’s a pretty nice filly who ran up to her in the stretch.”

Owned and bred by Brant Laue, Glorious View is 4-4-1 in 12 starts. The $120,000 winner’s share of the Vagrancy purse lifted her bankroll to $303,190.

Withgreatpleasure closed to finish third, followed by Miss d’Oro, Spectacular Sky, and Irish Exchange.

-30-

Vagrancy Handicap (G2) Quotes

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Vagrancy Handicap (G2) Quotes

Bill Mott, winning trainer of Glorious View (No. 1): "She showed a lot of gameness today. She had won her last few races fairly easily, and that's a pretty nice filly who ran up to her in the stretch."

On Glorious View breaking from the rail: "Sometimes when they don't break well, you get in a little bit of a jam. [Junior Alvarado] put her right up in the race, and if she broke well, that's where we wanted her to be."

Junior Alvarado, winning jockey aboard Glorious View (No. 1): "I knew there was going to be a lot of speed in the race. My filly has speed but she can stalk, too. Billy left it up to me. She broke really sharp and pretty much took me around the whole way. When I asked her to run, she kept digging in."

"She tries so hard, it makes things a lot easier for me. She settled for me during the first part of the race. I was never worried because she was never bothered by the horse outside her down the backstretch. She was very relaxed. And at the end, I just put her closer to [Fantasy of Flight], and she kept fighting. She would never let that other horse go by."

Arlington International Racecourse Barn Notes: Sat., May 18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Adolphson

(847) 385-7558

Press Box Fax: (847) 870-6727

Michael.Adolphson@arlingtonpark.com

Barn Notes: Saturday, May 18, 2013

In Today’s Notes:

A Sound Cherokee Lord Chops Down Feature Allowance
Torres and Castro Escalate Already Excellent Jockey Colony

A SOUND CHEROKEE LORD CHOPS DOWN FEATURE ALLOWANCE

A stout and determined Cherokee Lord displayed admirable grit when beating a stakes-quality field Friday in the featured allowance. In a field that included stakes winners Suntracer, Workin for Hops, Mr. Mischief and Tazz, the Charlie Livesay-trained 6-year-old gelding wore down the latter to win by a nose.

Ridden cleverly under Inosencio Diego, the Millard Seldin Revocable Trust and Estate of Hoss Inman homebred son of Arkansas Derby winner Sir Cherokee stalked a steady pace before collaring Tazz and holding off fellow 6-year-old warrior gelding Workin for Hops. The dark bay finished his final quarter in just under :23.8 to win his first race since his lone stakes win – the Listed $125,000 Remington Green Stakes at Remington Park in October of 2011.

“I think he’ll be better this year,” remarked trainer Livesay. “We have had our ups and downs with him. He’s had bad legs – two splints at the same time and some ankle problems – but he’s straightened up, now.”

A solid performer from eight to 10 furlongs on the turf, Cherokee Lord has consistently competed in stakes races – many of them graded. As a sophomore, he hit the board with a pace-setting performance in the Grade I Secretariat behind Paddy O’Prado. As a 4-year-old, he ran a good second in the Grade III Cliff Hanger Stakes at Monmouth Park in addition to two impressive Arlington allowance wins and his aforementioned Remington Green Stakes victory.

Cherokee Lord’s 5-year-old season was as disappointing as his previous year was fulfilling. While racing against some of the best, including a respectable fifth in the Grade III Arlington Handicap and an unplaced finish in the Grade I Arlington Million, Cherokee Lord struggled to return to form because of his chronic maladies.

With those troubles hopefully behind him, he should be a force with which to reckon at Arlington this season. Nothing is more indicative of this turnaround than the fact that in his single victory yesterday, he earned almost exactly ($26,740) what he earned in seven unplaced starts in 2012 ($27,485).

“The main idea is to stay right here until a suitable race comes up. We’ll look at the (Arlington Handicap). He came out fine, as far as I can see,” Livesay explained. “Those races can be tough – but he’s sound now. He’s always had those little problems, but if he’s sound he can hold his own and run with the big boys. I’m proud of him.”

TORRES AND CASTRO ESCALATE ALREADY EXCELLENT JOCKEY COLONY

Defending Arlington jockey champion Francisco Torres has returned to the jockey colony for 2013. A winner of 100 races in 2012, Torres will have his book handled by Dennis Cooper. Eclipse Award-winning jockey Eddie Castro has also joined the already flush with talent rider rolodex and will have his book handled by the same agent.

________________________________

Friday, May 17, 2013

Arlington International Racecourse Barn Notes: Fri., May 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Adolphson

(847) 385-7558

Press Box Fax: (847) 870-6727

Michael.Adolphson@arlingtonpark.com

Barn Notes: Friday, May 17, 2013

In Today’s Notes:

Stakes Winners Highlight Competitive May 25 Graded Stakes

Arlington International Racecourse’s $5.5 million stakes schedule comes barreling out of the gate with three Grade III $150,000 affairs on Saturday May 25. The Arlington Classic will kick off the Mid-America Triple for 3-year-olds on Arlington’s world-renowned turf course with what could possibly be a full field.

Listed stakes winners Procurement and General Election both look to add a graded stakes victory to their respective resumes. Glen Hill Farm’s Procurement is exiting an imposing win at Santa Anita in the La Puente Stakes, and has had the Classic on his radar since. WinStar Farm’s General Election was on the Triple Crown trail earlier this year after a victory in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway Park, but those plans were derailed after an abysmal performance in the Grade III Spiral Stakes in March at that same track.

After bouncing back with an excellent runner-up performance in the Grade III Lexington Stakes at Keeneland last out, he will be hoping his improving form transfers from Polytrack to turf in the Arlington Classic. With a dam by Kingmambo, he should have little issue doing so.

Illinois Derby runner-up Fordubai is taking dead aim on the Arlington Classic after a grand performance at Hawthorne Race Course last out. A winner on turf and dirt, he ran a creditable fourth in his career debut at Arlington in September.

The promising Bambazonki, a well-bred son of Hard Spun for Lothenbach Stables and trainer Chris Block, looks to transfer his excellent Arlington morning training to the afternoons in what will be his third attempt at a stakes. After finishing a respectable but green runner-up in the Kitten’s Joy Stakes at Gulfstream Park in January behind Kentucky Derby contestant Charming Kitten, he ran a dull sixth in the Grade III Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland. The lightly raced colt could have a bright future in the able and patient hands of his conditioner.

The red-hot combination of Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey and trainer Mike Maker, fresh off dominating the Keeneland spring meet, are looking to possibly bring their lightly raced Honor the Kitten, an easy winner of a maiden special weight winner at Keeneland in his only start. Going from seven panels on Polytrack to a mile and a sixteenth on turf should be of little issue for the son of star turf sire Kitten’s Joy.

One intriguing possible is Chuck and Maribeth Sandford’s regally bred Positively. A half-brother to one of the best sires in America, Malibu Moon (sire of Kentucky Derby winner Orb), the Patrick Byrne trainee is still looking for his niche after running well on all three surfaces in graded stakes without a victory.

The 77^th running of the Arlington Matron is likely to be headlined by Mark Hoffman and Earl Trostrud Jr.’s Grade I-winning millionaire stalwart Hooh Why. The reliable 7-year-old is exiting a come-from-behind victory in the Distaff Turf Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs for trainer Mike Reavis.

Two runners from last month’s Grade III Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland could possibly renew their rivalry at Arlington. Winner Ice Cream Silence looks to repeat that victorious form for trainer Rusty Arnold and owner G. Watts Humphrey Jr., while the Wesley Ward-trained runner-up Sisterhood hopes to turn the tables for owners Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey.

One possible entrant to watch is Shadwell Farm homebred Ausus. A multiple stakes-placed daughter of 2006 Horse of the Year Invasor trained by locally based Danny Peitz, she exits the very tough Grade I Jenny Wiley at Keeneland. Graham Motion has also nominated three to the race, with the most interesting being Augustin Stable’s Appealing Cat, who last out landed an impressive allowance victory at Keeneland.

The Grade III Hanshin Cup is also shaping up to be an intriguing affair. Jim Tafel’s versatile All Stormy heads this field and looks to hit the winner’s circle for the first time this year. A half-brother to promising 3-year-old Street Spice, All Stormy is training well in the mornings and seems to love the Polytrack, according to trainer Greg Geier.

The expansive Mark Casse stable nominated Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary Barber’s Patrioticandproud, who comes off an uninspiring seventh in the Grade II Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day. A solid runner-up in the Grade II Autumn Stakes on Woodbine’s Polytrack four starts back, Patrioticandproud could appreciate the return to what seems to be his best surface.

Lothenbach Stable’s veteran gelding Mister Marti Gras will be making his eighth Arlington start for trainer Chris Block. When last seen at Arlington, Mister Marti Gras finished a valiant second in the Grade III Washington Park Handicap in September. The gelded son of Belong To Me looks to be better than ever after a runner-up finish at Keeneland behind Augustin Stable’s regally-bred Utley, who looks to be one of the serious contenders in tomorrow’s Grade II Dixie Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Clarification: Maserati Release Photo Credits

For the image with Orb in his new Maserati cooler with Exercise Rider Jen Patterson and Groom Arnold Velasquez, please give credit to The Jockey Club; credit for the rest of the images is Maserati North America.

Maserati and Janney-Phipps Stable Announce Maserati Partnership with Team Orb

Attached is a press release from Maserati about the sponsorship agreement between Maserati and Stuart S. Janney III, the Phipps Stable and the Kentucky Derby winning Team Orb, proceeds from which benefit Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. Images from Maserati are also attached.

Arlington International Racecourse Barn Notes: Thurs., May 16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: David Zenner

(847) 385-7535

Press Box Fax: (847) 870-6727

David.Zenner@arlingtonpark.com

Barn Notes: Thursday, May 16, 2013

In Today’s Notes:

Advance Wagering on Saturday’s Preakness Stakes Available Friday
Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off Summer Event Schedule

ADVANCE WAGERING ON SATURDAY’S PREAKNESS AVAILABLE FRIDAY

Arlington International Racecourse and its network of Trackside Off-Track Betting locations will offer advance wagering on Saturday’s Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course beginning Friday morning.

In addition to offering advanced wagering on the mile and three-sixteenth second jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, Arlington will allow betting on the Pimilco Special-Preakness Daily Double as well as early wagering on Pimlico’s entire Preakness Day card that gets underway at 9:30 a.m. CDT on Saturday.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND KICKS OFF SUMMER EVENT SCHEDULE

Arlington International Racecourse kicks into high gear for the Memorial Day holiday weekend from May 24 through May 27 with special events every day as well as a trio of graded stakes races to highlight the Saturday, May 25, program.

On Friday, May 24, Arlington will present the first Miller Lite Party in the Park of the season. The popular program runs through Labor Day weekend and features a mixture of live bands, DJs and live Thoroughbred racing. First race and first song are slated for 3 p.m. CT with music to be provided by a live DJ playing your favorite songs.

That same afternoon, Arlington University (“AU”) will be unveiled. Located in the Park area, “AU” is a one-stop location where fans new and old alike can ask questions and receive individual and small group interaction from the track’s group of experts – the university “professors.”

As part of Party in the Park, fans 18 and older will be able to play Arlington International Bingo - a fun and educational way to enjoy the races with a chance to win great prizes.

The next day – Saturday, May 25 – Arlington kicks off its $5.5 million stakes schedule with a trio of Grade III events that each carry a $150,000 purse, the Arlington Classic for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on the turf; the Arlington Matron for fillies and mares at a mile and an eighth over Polytrack; and the Hanshin Cup for older horses at one mile on Polytrack.

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Barn Notes

May 16, 2013

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That day will also mark the return of the Miller Lite Saturday Summer Bash featuring live music and great food specials in the Park area. The May 25 headliner is popular local band Bucket Number Six and the food special will be a $5 BBQ pork sandwich. First race and first song will be at 1 p.m.

On Sunday, May 26, Arlington will bring a little bit of Wrigley Field here to present is first-ever Chicago Cubs Day. The Cubs official trolley will be on-site and fans can register to win a Meet and Greet with members of the Cubs Alumni (players to be determined) or to win signed Cubs memorabilia. Arlington’s jockeys and Cubs alumni will lead the crowd in a special 7^th Inning (Race) Stretch version of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

May 26 will also be a Family Day, presented by the Daily Herald, featuring a new and improved Junior Jockey Zone with a petting zoo, a face painter, pony rides, a bounce house, a caricaturist, a magician/juggler, plus events/exhibitions provided by Museum of Science and Industry and Azoosment. All Family Day activities run from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Arlington will be open for live racing on Memorial Day Monday, May 27 and will offer free General Admission to active military and veterans. There will be Family Day activities in the Park and live music on the band stage provided by Hey Jimmy. First race and first song on the holiday Monday will be at 1 p.m. and Family Day activities will continue until 5 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to avoid the line and buy tickets online at www.arlingtonpark.com.

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