With rain at the Big A I checked the PP's for any quick picks for some Friday Quick Cash.
My eyes have landed on Pumpkin Lane in a Race 8, a Six Furlong AOC race on the dirt for Fillies and Mares 3 year olds and up.
After 3 Allowance attempts last 3 times out finishing 4th, 5th and 4th, at 1 mile each time she cuts back in distance.
Her last win was 4 races back on a Muddy Track at the Big A on Jan. 13th.
Her Trainer, Anthony Quartarolo, comes off a big win at Parx with 1st time colt Mewannarose winning at 11-1 this past Tuesday.
Look for Pumpkin Lane to be primed and worth a WPS bet at the morning line odds of 8-1
Showing posts with label Aqueduct. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aqueduct. Show all posts
Friday, April 12, 2013
Friday, April 05, 2013
Wacking the Wood
Spring is here and so is the Wood Memorial. Always the highlight of the Big A Spring season for me, but due too the continued squalid conditions on the racing side of the racino, I'll watch on NBC and bet through my NYRA Rewards account.
You can catch my complete analysis of the race over at the Thorofan site.
But long story short, I really like Elnaawi to finish in the money. I won't try to beat Verrazano as I see no reason why he would take a step back off his thus far perfect record. The distance won't be a problem and I think Pletcher has him tuned nicely for tomorrow.
But Elnaawi was third at Aqueduct in the Grade II Gotham won by Vyjack, despite a rough trip. He gets a new jockey in Eddie Castro replacing Channing Hill. I like the tasty 12-1 odds and think this horse is an overlay if post time odds remain in that area.
You can catch my complete analysis of the race over at the Thorofan site.
But long story short, I really like Elnaawi to finish in the money. I won't try to beat Verrazano as I see no reason why he would take a step back off his thus far perfect record. The distance won't be a problem and I think Pletcher has him tuned nicely for tomorrow.
But Elnaawi was third at Aqueduct in the Grade II Gotham won by Vyjack, despite a rough trip. He gets a new jockey in Eddie Castro replacing Channing Hill. I like the tasty 12-1 odds and think this horse is an overlay if post time odds remain in that area.
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
On the Turf
Somehow we are now in April and the 1st quarter of 2013 comes to a close.
What is new? Looks like the same old, same old. A bunch of NY State Politicians get to do the Perp walk, and an early Pletcher Derby Hopeful falls off the trail.
Something new at least for 2013 is Turf racing in New York as 3 races are carded today at the Big A. If the weather cooperates and the races stay on the Turf, my eyes are on the 9th race, where a 16 horse field is entered.
Some horses are I am looking at for a nice score:
Suilleabhain at 6-1 ML has 4 prior starts on Turf. Retired at 8-1 ML is a half brother to 3 grass winners and has also been raced prior on the Turf.
Sayaprayerforme, 20-1 on Morning Line, gets the quick turnaround from Trainer Anthony Quartarolo after racing on dirt at the Big A on March 27th, finishing 9th in a Maiden Special Weight. This 3 year old gelding is out of the Dam Nan's Bay who is a daughter of the great turf racer Dynaformer.
If it stays on Turf and all 3 above stay in, lets try the three in a Trifecta box
What is new? Looks like the same old, same old. A bunch of NY State Politicians get to do the Perp walk, and an early Pletcher Derby Hopeful falls off the trail.
Something new at least for 2013 is Turf racing in New York as 3 races are carded today at the Big A. If the weather cooperates and the races stay on the Turf, my eyes are on the 9th race, where a 16 horse field is entered.
Some horses are I am looking at for a nice score:
Suilleabhain at 6-1 ML has 4 prior starts on Turf. Retired at 8-1 ML is a half brother to 3 grass winners and has also been raced prior on the Turf.
Sayaprayerforme, 20-1 on Morning Line, gets the quick turnaround from Trainer Anthony Quartarolo after racing on dirt at the Big A on March 27th, finishing 9th in a Maiden Special Weight. This 3 year old gelding is out of the Dam Nan's Bay who is a daughter of the great turf racer Dynaformer.
If it stays on Turf and all 3 above stay in, lets try the three in a Trifecta box
Friday, February 01, 2013
February Thoughts
It's February 2013? How did that happen? Oh well, here is what has happened since I last checked in.
Despite the changing of the guard at NYRA, on track deaths at Aqueduct are just about the same as last years rate.
Starting next week Aqueduct goes to a 4 day race week from the usual 5 to address safety issues and preserve a horse population that has dwindled, apparently at least in part due too more aggressive new drug rules that went into effect prior to this meet. For those holiday planners, no live card on Valentine's Day, so you will have to impress your date by taking her/him elsewhere.
Some highly regarded Pletcher horse goes in the Withers this Saturday at the Big A. You can check out my look at the race over at the Thorofan site.
Despite the changing of the guard at NYRA, on track deaths at Aqueduct are just about the same as last years rate.
Starting next week Aqueduct goes to a 4 day race week from the usual 5 to address safety issues and preserve a horse population that has dwindled, apparently at least in part due too more aggressive new drug rules that went into effect prior to this meet. For those holiday planners, no live card on Valentine's Day, so you will have to impress your date by taking her/him elsewhere.
Some highly regarded Pletcher horse goes in the Withers this Saturday at the Big A. You can check out my look at the race over at the Thorofan site.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Big A Quick Pick
Still in Recovery mode for Superstorm Sandy with only an occasional eye on Racing. However two races on Today's card at the Aqueduct seem worthy of dipping into my NYRA Rewards account for a try.
In Race 3, I will place a Win bet on Mordi's Miracle in a $67K Maiden Race for 3 year olds on the dirt going a mile. This Todd Pletcher Horse has been tough to handle in the Paddock and on the race course, but if he ever breaks well out of the gate today, maybe today is the day. Plus Pletcher doesn't seem to want to give up on this horse, so there must be something there. Watch the board, morning line odds are 6-1 on him.
In Race 8, FiftyFour Forever, (ML 5-2) a 3 year old filly trained by blog favorite Anthony Quartarolo, runs back on just 5 days rest, having won here going 1 mile at the Big A on 11/29. She cuts back here in distance going 6 1/2 furlongs. She's a pure sprinter and prefers the shorter distances, so should have no problem with the short rest. Also like Villanesca (ML 6-1) cutting back in distance for Trainer K. McLaughlin and CatinaTree (ML 10-1) who figures to go out early with Fiftyfour Forever. Try these 3 in a Trifecta Box.
In Race 3, I will place a Win bet on Mordi's Miracle in a $67K Maiden Race for 3 year olds on the dirt going a mile. This Todd Pletcher Horse has been tough to handle in the Paddock and on the race course, but if he ever breaks well out of the gate today, maybe today is the day. Plus Pletcher doesn't seem to want to give up on this horse, so there must be something there. Watch the board, morning line odds are 6-1 on him.
In Race 8, FiftyFour Forever, (ML 5-2) a 3 year old filly trained by blog favorite Anthony Quartarolo, runs back on just 5 days rest, having won here going 1 mile at the Big A on 11/29. She cuts back here in distance going 6 1/2 furlongs. She's a pure sprinter and prefers the shorter distances, so should have no problem with the short rest. Also like Villanesca (ML 6-1) cutting back in distance for Trainer K. McLaughlin and CatinaTree (ML 10-1) who figures to go out early with Fiftyfour Forever. Try these 3 in a Trifecta Box.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
HBO's Luck-Series Finale Thoughts
HBO's Luck is now over for good with the season and now series finale airing Sunday night. As a racing fan, the last few weeks have been like a continual nightmare, the really bad one that keeps going forever, the one you think you will never wake up from.
First we hear of the sad news that HBO, under pressure from PETA after a 3rd Horse fatality, quickly decides to cancel Luck. On the real life tracks, we read of the deaths this season on the inner track at Aqueduct. And than, the NY Times this past Friday ran a front page story titled "Death and Disarray at America's racetracks".
With all this dreary news running circles in my head I watched the finale of Luck.
Although it was filmed with the assumption a second season would be coming, the season one finale does serve nicely as a fitting ending to the series.
Many early viewers of the show thought the show was dreary and dark, but there was a lot of hope and optimism in the final episode, from the competitive but mutual admiration of the two trainers, Turo and Walter as their horses finished one, two in the Big Stakes race, Ace reuniting with his grandson, and the Foray Stables Foursome and friends happily celebrating a big win with Mon Gateau.
I admired the many wonderful actors in this show, especially John Ortiz, who could have simply kept quiet after the cancellation news, but instead increased his many tweets (@johnortiz718) about the show, continued to show up for #LuckChat Twitter chats (final session on Monday 3/26 from 9-10pm) and personally tweeted thanks to many viewers who contacted him via Twitter.
As I said in my last post, I can't question HBO's decision to cancel the show. The deaths to the horses happened and despite the care that was taken by the production crew, the reality of what happened had to be dealt with. For some background on the treatment on the horses on set, Ray Paulick in his Paulick Report, details the great care the production crew took with the horses.
How fitting then that the show ended with just one actor on the screen, the equine actor playing 3 year old colt Pint o' Plain, standing peacefully in his stall. We see this beautiful horse poking his head out of the stall, and than the screen fades to black.
First we hear of the sad news that HBO, under pressure from PETA after a 3rd Horse fatality, quickly decides to cancel Luck. On the real life tracks, we read of the deaths this season on the inner track at Aqueduct. And than, the NY Times this past Friday ran a front page story titled "Death and Disarray at America's racetracks".
With all this dreary news running circles in my head I watched the finale of Luck.
Although it was filmed with the assumption a second season would be coming, the season one finale does serve nicely as a fitting ending to the series.
Many early viewers of the show thought the show was dreary and dark, but there was a lot of hope and optimism in the final episode, from the competitive but mutual admiration of the two trainers, Turo and Walter as their horses finished one, two in the Big Stakes race, Ace reuniting with his grandson, and the Foray Stables Foursome and friends happily celebrating a big win with Mon Gateau.
I admired the many wonderful actors in this show, especially John Ortiz, who could have simply kept quiet after the cancellation news, but instead increased his many tweets (@johnortiz718) about the show, continued to show up for #LuckChat Twitter chats (final session on Monday 3/26 from 9-10pm) and personally tweeted thanks to many viewers who contacted him via Twitter.
As I said in my last post, I can't question HBO's decision to cancel the show. The deaths to the horses happened and despite the care that was taken by the production crew, the reality of what happened had to be dealt with. For some background on the treatment on the horses on set, Ray Paulick in his Paulick Report, details the great care the production crew took with the horses.
How fitting then that the show ended with just one actor on the screen, the equine actor playing 3 year old colt Pint o' Plain, standing peacefully in his stall. We see this beautiful horse poking his head out of the stall, and than the screen fades to black.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Attendance Figures No More
With the opening of the Resorts World Casino at the Aqueduct Racetrack, another long standing tradition seems to have gone out the window.
Attendance figures are no longer tallied. You can't find the published attendance in your daily newspaper or on the Equibase Company LLC Charts.
Still staunchly old school, I look forward to my morning cup of coffee with a newspaper in hand before I even consider checking any website or twitter news feed. The sports section of the paper gets read first, including a look at the previous days track results.
But with the opening of the Resorts World Casino (or lets call it what it is-a glorified slots hall) and people (zombies?) wandering in from the slots hall there is no more accounting of actual track goers and hence no attendance figure published. You can still get an idea on who was there by looking at the On Track handle figure and backing into a number but where is the fun in that? I particularly liked checking attendance on the brutal winter days at the Big A marveling at the hearty souls who would show up to bet the ponies in person.
And going way back I remember when my local candy store in the Bronx used the last 3 digits of the attendance of the NYRA tracks for the "daily number". Most NYC "numbers" outfits would use the daily on track handle figure but the folks running this candy store numbers racket went with the attendance figure. As the mob still extends credit, unlike the NYS Lottery system, the numbers still have their loyal players- but it will have to be with the handle and not the attendance figure.
Attendance figures are no longer tallied. You can't find the published attendance in your daily newspaper or on the Equibase Company LLC Charts.
Still staunchly old school, I look forward to my morning cup of coffee with a newspaper in hand before I even consider checking any website or twitter news feed. The sports section of the paper gets read first, including a look at the previous days track results.
But with the opening of the Resorts World Casino (or lets call it what it is-a glorified slots hall) and people (zombies?) wandering in from the slots hall there is no more accounting of actual track goers and hence no attendance figure published. You can still get an idea on who was there by looking at the On Track handle figure and backing into a number but where is the fun in that? I particularly liked checking attendance on the brutal winter days at the Big A marveling at the hearty souls who would show up to bet the ponies in person.
And going way back I remember when my local candy store in the Bronx used the last 3 digits of the attendance of the NYRA tracks for the "daily number". Most NYC "numbers" outfits would use the daily on track handle figure but the folks running this candy store numbers racket went with the attendance figure. As the mob still extends credit, unlike the NYS Lottery system, the numbers still have their loyal players- but it will have to be with the handle and not the attendance figure.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Uncle Who?
Who knew everyone would have fun with the name Uncle Mo after his less than stellar Wood Performance at the Big A. Various twists on the 3 year old's name heard and seen out there include:
Uncle Slow
Uncle No
Uncle Schmo
Uncle Slo Mo
and my favorite:
Uncle NO MO
I mean really, can there be more than one Mo in New York? There is really only one Mo in New York and that is Mariano Rivera. This New York Yankee Reliever and Future Hall of Famer is affectionately known as Mo Rivera. He is an 11 time all star and 5 time Champion. Short of taking the triple crown, can Uncle NO MO come even close to ringing up these numbers?
Imagine the 5 Yankee World Series Wins since 1996 without Mo. Impossible, can't happen. He is the best. When the pressure is amped up he excels, unlike Uncle NO MO who wilted under the pressure, the real Mo never does. The Real Mo holds the record for post season saves and Earned Run Average. And he is still going strong at 42 years old.
I still see good things ahead for Uncle NO MO, but We should have known all along that there can only be one Mo in New York , anything else is just a "not quite reasonable facsimile".
Notes: Photo Credit: My Brother Dave
Friday, April 08, 2011
Here Comes Uncle Mo
Fun weekend on tap, especially if you happen to be a New York Sports fan. The NY Rangers play for their NHL Playoff lives at the Garden Saturday afternoon, The NY Mets Home Opener in Queens is today, the Yanks go up to Beantown to face the 0-6 Sox. And of course Uncle Mo faces 9 others in the Wood Memorial at the Big A on Saturday.
Actually with a little bit of planning and proper use of our fine NYC Subway system, one could take in the Ranger Game at Madison Square Garden at 12:30 pm, watch it to completion, hop on the Subway and get to Aqueduct in plenty of time to watch the Wood which goes off at 5:48 pm. Once that's done, stay right in Queens & head up to Citified to catch Uncle Mo Owner Mike Repole's favorite team the New York Mets for an opening pitch of 7:10 pm.
As for the Wood, Uncle Mo is just too fast and too good for the rest of the field, none of who have ever won a graded stakes race. I do like Preachintothedevil as a live underdog to get a piece of the board. You can read my full take of the race over at the Handicappers Corner at the Thorofan website.
Actually with a little bit of planning and proper use of our fine NYC Subway system, one could take in the Ranger Game at Madison Square Garden at 12:30 pm, watch it to completion, hop on the Subway and get to Aqueduct in plenty of time to watch the Wood which goes off at 5:48 pm. Once that's done, stay right in Queens & head up to Citified to catch Uncle Mo Owner Mike Repole's favorite team the New York Mets for an opening pitch of 7:10 pm.
As for the Wood, Uncle Mo is just too fast and too good for the rest of the field, none of who have ever won a graded stakes race. I do like Preachintothedevil as a live underdog to get a piece of the board. You can read my full take of the race over at the Handicappers Corner at the Thorofan website.
Friday, March 25, 2011
First Time, Long Time
Former New York Governor David Paterson will put on the Sports Talk Radio Host hat as he hosts a 3 hour shift on Sports talk radio Giant WFAN in New York this Monday from 10 pm until 1 am. For those not in the listening area you can hear it live on the web with this link.
Will be interesting to see if the call screener's let any questions on racing get through to the former Governor. With Politics and Horse Racing so incestuous in New York State, where you really can't talk about one without the other, I would love to see how candid Paterson would be.
He most likely will get peppered with a bunch of Yankees, Mets, Jets and Knicks questions but would love to hear him give his take on the background skinny on the VLT award to Genting and what really happened with the whole AEG fiasco.
This story plus questions on NYRA, takeout fees, the closing of the New York City OTB, the future of OTB's outside the city, the expected saturation of racino's and Indian casino's, and legislation and penalties for drug usage could take the whole 3 hours up.
But I'm not holding my breath.
Will be interesting to see if the call screener's let any questions on racing get through to the former Governor. With Politics and Horse Racing so incestuous in New York State, where you really can't talk about one without the other, I would love to see how candid Paterson would be.
He most likely will get peppered with a bunch of Yankees, Mets, Jets and Knicks questions but would love to hear him give his take on the background skinny on the VLT award to Genting and what really happened with the whole AEG fiasco.
This story plus questions on NYRA, takeout fees, the closing of the New York City OTB, the future of OTB's outside the city, the expected saturation of racino's and Indian casino's, and legislation and penalties for drug usage could take the whole 3 hours up.
But I'm not holding my breath.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Beware the Ides of March
I'm not planning on attending the Theatre of Pompey, so I guess I will be okay today. But the 15th of March is always a turning point in the calender for me.
Back in High School it was always the first official day of Spring Track practice. It also usually falls right around the time that the NCAA March Madness begins, an unofficial start of spring for me. And of course it is just short of the midpoint of the Derby Prep chase. The Saratoga Race Course Union Avenue gates may still be blocked with snow (as they were in this photo taken by yours truly on the 13th) but believe it not, the mounds of farch will eventually melt.
I'm enjoying the prep races thus far, still deciding on who I think will give Uncle Mo a run for the crown. As for Uncle Mo, sure last Saturday was a glorified workout, but the horse seems like the real deal, and with owner Mike Repole as his spokesperson, I hope you enjoy hearing about him, as it will only get louder after he wins the Wood at the Big A. Remember, this guy became a billionaire by selling you something you drank for free as a kid. Water.
Back in High School it was always the first official day of Spring Track practice. It also usually falls right around the time that the NCAA March Madness begins, an unofficial start of spring for me. And of course it is just short of the midpoint of the Derby Prep chase. The Saratoga Race Course Union Avenue gates may still be blocked with snow (as they were in this photo taken by yours truly on the 13th) but believe it not, the mounds of farch will eventually melt.
I'm enjoying the prep races thus far, still deciding on who I think will give Uncle Mo a run for the crown. As for Uncle Mo, sure last Saturday was a glorified workout, but the horse seems like the real deal, and with owner Mike Repole as his spokesperson, I hope you enjoy hearing about him, as it will only get louder after he wins the Wood at the Big A. Remember, this guy became a billionaire by selling you something you drank for free as a kid. Water.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Blasphemy-How dare we slam the Shake Shack
Veteran racing scribe Michael Veitch of the Saratogian wrote an article on the upcoming capital improvements expected at Saratoga, courtesy of VLT money from the to be built racino at Aqueduct, with emphasis on a local advisory committee formed to discuss the proposed changes.
Veitch discusses how the Saratoga Race Course is now a part of the fabric of the city, linked to the local architecture and culture. In the article he than says this:
"Shake Shack, the new dining area thrown together quickly before the 2010 meeting, upset many Saratogians on this count."
Veitch does not expand on this statement, nor does he include any quotes from the "upset Saratogians".
Gasp! How dare the esteemed Veitch slam the almighty Shake Shack. Has he not ever tasted the high caloric burger fans happily line up for at the Shack? Has his lips never touched a sumptuous Black and White Shake?
Yes the building might seem a tiny bit too big and modern looking at first glance, but after the first weekend it blended in nicely, like it had been there all along, like a familiar friend at the Spa. And let us not forget it replaced a tacky looking Paddock Tent, not what I would consider exactly high end architecture.
And with the Blue Smoke and Paddock Bar mere steps away, I dare say this was the best Trifecta bet placed at the track all year
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
NYRA Live Race Streaming gets an A
Living in a State where bureaucracy reigns, kudos must go to NYRA for overcoming the nonsense that is New York State Legislation. After the demise of the New York City OTB, NYRA has moved swiftly to finally receive approval allowing live steaming video on their ADW site(NYRA Rewards).
The Live streaming video debuted today. I visited the website (nyrarewards.com) around 11:30 today before the Aqueduct first race post time of 12:30 pm. I hit the "Live Video" icon and to my surprise I was taken to the "NYRA Replays and Talking Horses" show that runs daily for an hour before each day's racing card on track and at simulcast outlets, allowing me to view NYRA Handicappers Jason Blewitt and Andy Serling as they previewed the entire Aqueduct Card.
The nice thing is that the live video opens up in a separate window, allowing you to stay on the main page, and view odds and bet while you are watching the live stream.
At 12:17 pm, the feed came back on again, with Blewitt and Serling handicapping Race 1 as the live video showed the saddling of the horses and than the Post Parade. If you are a visual handicapper, you know how important this video is.
The site is easy to use and requires no advanced degree designation or computer knowledge to navigate.
I'm the first to knock NYRA but when so much goes wrong for so long, Lets give credit where credit is due. NYRA gets an "A" grade from this reviewer for the integration of Live Video Streaming onto the NYRA Rewards site.
The Live streaming video debuted today. I visited the website (nyrarewards.com) around 11:30 today before the Aqueduct first race post time of 12:30 pm. I hit the "Live Video" icon and to my surprise I was taken to the "NYRA Replays and Talking Horses" show that runs daily for an hour before each day's racing card on track and at simulcast outlets, allowing me to view NYRA Handicappers Jason Blewitt and Andy Serling as they previewed the entire Aqueduct Card.
The nice thing is that the live video opens up in a separate window, allowing you to stay on the main page, and view odds and bet while you are watching the live stream.
At 12:17 pm, the feed came back on again, with Blewitt and Serling handicapping Race 1 as the live video showed the saddling of the horses and than the Post Parade. If you are a visual handicapper, you know how important this video is.
The site is easy to use and requires no advanced degree designation or computer knowledge to navigate.
I'm the first to knock NYRA but when so much goes wrong for so long, Lets give credit where credit is due. NYRA gets an "A" grade from this reviewer for the integration of Live Video Streaming onto the NYRA Rewards site.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Arrogance of Power
Joseph Fisch, New York State Inspector General has released his report on the Aqueduct Entertainment Group VLT fiasco and as expected, it is a treatise on New York State Politics and its corruption filled, lobbyist controlled, greed fiefdom.
One of the culprits slammed by the Inspector General includes State Senator Malcom D. Smith (D). Just how can these shenanigans involving our elected officials continue to occur in New York State?
Easy, when you are continually reelected no matter what you do in office a sense of entitlement reigns. This goes for both sides of the aisle, whether Democrat or Republican. The New York State Senate has members each elected to two year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve.
Senator Malcom D. Smith (D) has been a senator in the 14th district since 2001. Despite what can kindly be called a checkered career with many questionable activities, he wins all his reelections and ran unopposed in 2008. He is up for reelection this November. Should he win as expected, he enters his 10th year in office. This is par for the course in New York State, once you get it, you are basically in, provided you play the game and don't piss off your fellow long term incumbent fellow state politicians. The residents of New York State, the constituents they are elected to represent-they don't count.
For all the sleazy details, you can read the entire 304 page Inspector General report here.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Slots Welfare
Using the funds from casinos and VLT's to prop up horse racing has been described by some as "slots welfare" for racing. Well, who would have thought that some of the money spent on slots and at casinos is actually generated from our welfare system. The LA Times has reported that between January of 2007 and May 0f 2010 about $11 million dollars in cash was spent or withdrawn from California issued welfare aid debit cards in Las Vegas with $1 million spent directly on the Vegas Strip. Ya can't make this stuff up.
Maybe in a strange way this makes sense, the Taxpayer funds the welfare recipient who than spends his welfare cash at a slot machine to than fund an industry also in need of help.
In reaction to the Times article, The Schwarzenegger administration is now cutting off use of state-issued welfare debit cards at casinos across the country and on cruise ships.
Before we start amping up the NY Breds Program in anticipation of slot-infused mega purses, Maybe we should ask the New York candidates for Governor, Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino, their position on the use of welfare debit cards at the soon to be built Aqueduct VLT's.
Maybe in a strange way this makes sense, the Taxpayer funds the welfare recipient who than spends his welfare cash at a slot machine to than fund an industry also in need of help.
In reaction to the Times article, The Schwarzenegger administration is now cutting off use of state-issued welfare debit cards at casinos across the country and on cruise ships.
Before we start amping up the NY Breds Program in anticipation of slot-infused mega purses, Maybe we should ask the New York candidates for Governor, Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino, their position on the use of welfare debit cards at the soon to be built Aqueduct VLT's.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Straight Talk from Charlie
New York Racing Assocation President and CEO Charles Hayward spent 90 minutes on the Friday Night NYRA Live Web Chat answering questions from the web chat participants. For the most part the answers to the questions were detailed and straightforward.
Of course one question posted was based on the misconception that NY State gave $25 million to NYRA as a bailout so it could continue operations. It must be frustrating for Hayward to deal with this all the time. Charlie shot back with this answer:
Charlie also was asked to address the possibility of reducing the racing days at Aqueduct. Charlie gave a detailed answer citing the state requirement under the franchise agreement to run 250 dates a year on NYRA tracks. He also cited the money issue:
Lastly Hayward put to rest (thank goodness) the rumor that Saratoga is looking to further expand it's racing season (this year increases from 36 to 40 racing days)
Of course one question posted was based on the misconception that NY State gave $25 million to NYRA as a bailout so it could continue operations. It must be frustrating for Hayward to deal with this all the time. Charlie shot back with this answer:
"First of all, the state loaned NYRA money under the terms of our franchise agreement. That obligation of the state will be assumed by the VLT operator at Aqueduct when a VLT operator is selected and repays the state $25 million. I am extremely optimistic about the current state VLT operator procurement process. New York State Lottery is running the selection of the Aqueduct VLT operator under strict NYS procurement rules. This has not been the case in the past."
Charlie also was asked to address the possibility of reducing the racing days at Aqueduct. Charlie gave a detailed answer citing the state requirement under the franchise agreement to run 250 dates a year on NYRA tracks. He also cited the money issue:
"....this year the Aqueduct meet from January through late April, NYRA paid $5 million less in purses than we earned on wagering on Aqueduct. At Saratoga this summer, NYRA will pay $2 million more in purses than will be earned during the meet. What that means is that racing at Aqueduct in the winter subsidizes the purse structure at both Saratoga and Belmont Park."
Lastly Hayward put to rest (thank goodness) the rumor that Saratoga is looking to further expand it's racing season (this year increases from 36 to 40 racing days)
"For innumerable reasons, I think the 40 days has maxed out the Saratoga meet for the foreseeable future."
Thursday, May 27, 2010
I'll Shake to that.
Good news comes twice this week for those planning to spend the summer at Saratoga Race this summer. First we learn of the New York State legislature’s approval of a $25 million loan which will enable racing to continue at Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course and Aqueduct Racetrack.
Then, On Wednesday, we learn that the Union Square Hospitality Group will operate 2 racetrack versions of their NYC restaurants at the Spa, Blue Smoke and Shake Shack.
I now have a new schedule upon my visits to the Spa, especially during weekdays, when I duck in midday while in between work appointments, catch a few races, that hit the road again.
The new schedule: Enter through clubhouse side entrance, walk about 50 yards, turn left into Paddock Tent, get in line for Shake Shack, order ShackBurger with Iced Tea, study Daily Racing Form and people watch while eating, bet a few races, contemplate buying Vanilla Shake from Shake Shack on my way out to resume rest of workday.
Finish work day, Run 3 miles upon arriving home.
If Vanilla Shake purchased run 6 miles.
Then, On Wednesday, we learn that the Union Square Hospitality Group will operate 2 racetrack versions of their NYC restaurants at the Spa, Blue Smoke and Shake Shack.
I now have a new schedule upon my visits to the Spa, especially during weekdays, when I duck in midday while in between work appointments, catch a few races, that hit the road again.
The new schedule: Enter through clubhouse side entrance, walk about 50 yards, turn left into Paddock Tent, get in line for Shake Shack, order ShackBurger with Iced Tea, study Daily Racing Form and people watch while eating, bet a few races, contemplate buying Vanilla Shake from Shake Shack on my way out to resume rest of workday.
Finish work day, Run 3 miles upon arriving home.
If Vanilla Shake purchased run 6 miles.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Eskendereya-Hooked on Phonics
It looks like Eskendereya will be the odds on favorite come Kentucky Derby time after his impressive looking win in the Wood Memorial at the Big A. (By the way, nice turnout of 8,553 fans/horse players, about 3,500 more than I predicted would show up in my last post).
Over the next 4 weeks, two camps will develop-those that think Eskendereya is the real thing, and the other camp that will be eager to bet against the likely favorite.
Of course the easiest bet is that the name of the horse will be more mispronounced than not leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
For the record Eskendereya is pronounced S-Ken-DREY-uh
Over the next 4 weeks, two camps will develop-those that think Eskendereya is the real thing, and the other camp that will be eager to bet against the likely favorite.
Of course the easiest bet is that the name of the horse will be more mispronounced than not leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
For the record Eskendereya is pronounced S-Ken-DREY-uh
Friday, April 02, 2010
A month Away-what does the NY fan say?
With the Kentucky Derby now only a month away, and warm temperatures arriving this weekend in the Northeast, I wonder if enthusiasm will percolate for racing and this years run for the Triple Crown. At least on the east coast, with no clear cut beast this year amongst the tribe of Derby contenders, things seem a little muted.
But than again, maybe I am clouded by being a New York Resident, and stuck with daily morose headlines about racing in NY including the ongoing 9 year old VLT disgrace (Thank you Governor Pataki, Spitzer and Paterson and our State Legislature), the NYC OTB financial meltdown and diminishing purses at the 3 NYRA tracks.
It feels like a wet washcloth is constantly thrown upon the NY racing fan.
Tomorrow is one of the biggest days of the year at Aqueduct-the Wood Memorial. Unfortunately however, to go there almost seems like a cruel reminder of a track that should be filled and should have had slots installed years ago.
The only salvation will be the weather which promises to be a sunny day in the 70's (or maybe higher) so maybe that will be enough for 5000 or so fans to leave the political baggage behind and just come out to watch the horses run.
But than again, maybe I am clouded by being a New York Resident, and stuck with daily morose headlines about racing in NY including the ongoing 9 year old VLT disgrace (Thank you Governor Pataki, Spitzer and Paterson and our State Legislature), the NYC OTB financial meltdown and diminishing purses at the 3 NYRA tracks.
It feels like a wet washcloth is constantly thrown upon the NY racing fan.
Tomorrow is one of the biggest days of the year at Aqueduct-the Wood Memorial. Unfortunately however, to go there almost seems like a cruel reminder of a track that should be filled and should have had slots installed years ago.
The only salvation will be the weather which promises to be a sunny day in the 70's (or maybe higher) so maybe that will be enough for 5000 or so fans to leave the political baggage behind and just come out to watch the horses run.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Need Some Action
It's been a tough few days in Upstate NY-we've been buried in snow, we have had 2 days of no action at Aqueduct and yesterday Santa Anita had yet another rain out.
I'm juicing for some action and luckily this afternoon the Big A returns. More importantly for today, my HD set will be tuned to NBC at 2:55 pm where the Gold Medal USA-Canada Olympic Hockey game is played. If you had taken a prop bet on the US before the games started you would have got them at the very attractive line of 8-1. Here are your betting odds for today's matchup.
I look for a tight scrappy game. I'll take USA with the points and the Under.
Final Score: USA 3-2
I'm juicing for some action and luckily this afternoon the Big A returns. More importantly for today, my HD set will be tuned to NBC at 2:55 pm where the Gold Medal USA-Canada Olympic Hockey game is played. If you had taken a prop bet on the US before the games started you would have got them at the very attractive line of 8-1. Here are your betting odds for today's matchup.
Canada: -1
USA: +1
over/under 5.5
USA: +1
over/under 5.5
I look for a tight scrappy game. I'll take USA with the points and the Under.
Final Score: USA 3-2
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