HORSE RACING / HANDICAPPING 101

[EZ2]

Churchill Downs and Keeneland Announce Historic Partnership to Propose Construction of Two New Racing Facilities in Corbin and Oak Grove, Kentucky
GLOBENEWSWIRE 8:15 AM ET 09/15/17
Symbol Last Price Change
CHDN 201.35down 0 (0%)
QUOTES AS OF 04:00:00 PM ET 09/14/2017
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated(CHDN) (“CDI”) and Keeneland Association, Inc. (“Keeneland”) announced today an historic partnership to propose the construction of two new state-of-the-art racing facilities. One will be in southeastern Kentucky in Corbin (Knox County), and the second will be in southwestern Kentucky in Oak Grove (Christian County). The proposed facilities will feature live horse racing and historical racing machines for guests from Kentucky and beyond.

Image: Corbin
Initial rendering of the proposed Corbin facility



Image: Oak Grove
Initial rendering of the proposed Oak Grove facility



Image: KeenelandLogo.png




To share the news, the two companies released a video featuring CDI Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen, Keeneland President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Thomason, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association Executive Director Chauncey Morris and Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Marty Maline.

“Horse racing is a $4 billion industry in the Commonwealth that creates thousands of jobs, strengthens our statewide economy and attracts millions of visitors from around the globe,” Carstanjen said. “Churchill Downs and Keeneland share a deep commitment to making Kentucky’s horse racing industry the very best version of itself, and the new racing facilities in Corbin and Oak Grove will help us achieve this by generating much needed funds to increase purses and breeders’ incentives.”

“Keeneland is excited to partner with Churchill Downs on this initiative which builds upon our mission to strengthen the sport and create new opportunities for horsemen and fans,” Thomason said. “Not only will these racing facilities strengthen Kentucky’s vital horse industry, but just as importantly, they will positively impact the Commonwealth and the local communities by stimulating significant economic growth, generating hundreds of new jobs and enhancing tourism and hospitality.”

Churchill Downs and Keeneland are working closely with the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and other state and local officials on a number of incentives and necessary infrastructure improvements to bring the Corbin and Oak Grove facilities to fruition.

“Corbin is thrilled to be a part of this historic venture between two of the horse racing industry’s most iconic names,” Corbin Mayor Willard McBurney said. “The new racing facility will be a welcome addition to our city’s already long list of sites and attractions for local residents and visitors.”

“We are proud of the significant investment Churchill Downs and Keeneland are committed to making in our community, and are excited to see the infusion of tourism, economic development and new jobs it will bring to Oak Grove and Christian County,” Oak Grove Mayor Bea Burt said.

Each facility is contingent on receipt of an initial pari-mutuel racing license by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, and Churchill Downs and Keeneland are filing their applications with the commission today.

“Churchill Downs and Keeneland have the support of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association as they move forward with their plans to bring two new racing facilities to our state,” Morris said. “The proposed facilities will benefit our industry and the Commonwealth as a whole through new jobs, greater revenues and more tourism.”

“The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is excited for what this announcement means for our sport,” Maline said. “We represent more than 6,000 owners and trainers who depend on a strong racing industry, and we know this historic partnership will help draw the eyes of millions to Kentucky’s signature industry.”

For more information, please watch this short video and visit www.historicpartnership.com.

About Churchill Downs Incorporated(CHDN)
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) (“CDI”), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is an industry-leading racing, gaming and online entertainment company anchored by our iconic flagship event—The Kentucky Derby. We are a leader in brick-and-mortar casino gaming with gaming positions in eight states, and we are the largest legal mobile betting platform for horseracing in the U.S., through our ownership of TwinSpires.com. We are also one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of mobile games through Big Fish Games, Inc. Additional information about CDI can be found online at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

About Keeneland Association, Inc.
For more than 80 years, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. As the world's largest Thoroughbred auction company, Keeneland conducts sales every January, September and November. Its sales graduates dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. In 2015, Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a private, for-profit corporation that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses, and it has donated millions of dollars in charitable contributions for education, research and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. To learn more about Keeneland, visit Keeneland.com.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8454600-425a-45c5-94ee-3d28e325a9da
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb379224-4cee-4fa7-bbcc-eabffd00ea5c

MEDIA CONTACT
Kathryn Parrish
[phone]
[e-mail]: Primary Logo


Source: Churchill Downs Incorporated(CHDN); Keeneland Association, Inc.
2017 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

[Trueheart]

I see that Ortiz, Jr, Rosario and Castellano are at the track among other outstanding jockeys.

Good luck.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

BELMONT ~~~ Opening Day Today !!

Riders Up !!!

[EZ2]

Saratoga closing day.........

love the card and plan on going out with a bang.

[Trueheart]

He showed he was much the best horse in the race. It's a pleasure watching him run. The Breeder's Cup will show his mettle.

I went riding this morning. A neighbor came by my house in the saddle and with another horse needing a rider. We rode for a couple of hours in the long arroyo down the hill.

Trueheart

[SkeBallLarry]

" Impressive " .. !!

[EZ2]

Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm's Gun Runner continued to be impressive at Saratoga, cruising home the 10 1/4-length winner of Saturday's Grade 1 Woodward for his third top-level win in a row. The 4-year-old son of Candy Ride, ridden by Florent Geroux, laid off a quick early pace set by Neolithic, ranged up alongside that rival on the turn and accelerated with ease to open up a six-length lead mid-way down the lane. Geroux rode him out nearly to the wire for trainer Steve Asmussen, completing the nine-furlong romp in 1:47.43 over the fast main track.

https://www.paulickreport.com/news/thoroughbred-racing/gun-runner-cruises-clear-woodward/

[SkeBallLarry]

Won by how many lengths ?? . about 12 .. ??

[EZ2]

GUN is a RUNNER !!!!

[EZ2]

Big day @ The SPA !!

The season there has gone all to fast ---- as it seems summer too!

ENJOY the races ------ Riders Up !!

[Trueheart]

That's an interesting proposition. So many outstanding horses with top notch trainers performed poorly. We know they can't win 'em all but they weren't in contention!

I called Songbird to win and would have lost big time on the real deal horse.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

GM --- Perhaps, that just underlines how mediocre
the field(s) for the BIG 3 really were ????

No real standout like AP !

Alas, makes for some good wagering ---- IF, on the RIGHT SIDE!

[Trueheart]

West Coast swept the east coast. Baffert's horse ran wire to wire in a convincing race.

Tapwrit, Cloud Computing and Always Dreaming were out for a Saturday ride. Is there something in the water?

Trueheart

[Trueheart]

Songbird laid an egg.

Trueheart

[Trueheart]

That is a beautiful photo, picture perfect. Thanks for sharing.

I look forward to today's races from coast to coast.

Songbird should be able to mail in her race.

Hope all your bets are winners!

Trueheart

[EZ2]

Check out this BEAUTIFUL pic !!!
https://blog.battagliaspicks.com/weekend-lineup-travers-day-at-the-spa/

[Trueheart]

Thanks for the heads up for the races at Saratoga. I'll be sure to watch 'em run.

What did you think of Arrogate's performance last Saturday?

Trueheart

[EZ2]

A small but stellar field featuring a quartet of Grade 1 winners are set to gather for the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

The 29th running of 1 1/16-mile Ballston Spa for fillies and mares 3 and up on the turf is one of seven stakes, six of them Grade 1s, worth $4.95 million on a blockbuster 13-race program highlighted by the 148th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers presented by NYRA Bets.

Saturday’s card will be televised nationally from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 2 and from 4:30 to 6 p.m. ET on NBC. The final stakes race of the day, the post time for the Ballston Spa is 6:20 p.m. as Race 12, following the Travers.

[Susie924]

Wow......that's all I can say.....wow.

[Trueheart]

Thanks for the post, EZ.

This is redemption time for the outstanding Arrogate, a time to put the past where it belongs.

Looking forward to the race.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

Arrogate, the North American earnings champion with something to prove at Del Mar, will get a chance to do just that this Saturday when he heads a field of eight horses in the $1-million TVG Pacific Classic.

The gray by Unbridled’s Song was assigned Post 8 at a special “Draw Party” Tuesday evening at the popular Brigantine restaurant on the high ground overlooking the seaside oval and once again will be handled by his Hall of Fame partner, Mike Smith. The mile and a quarter crucible, which will reward its winner with a prize of $600,000, will go off at approximately 5:40 p.m. PDT as the eightth race on an 11-race card. NBCSN will televise the Grade I headliner nationally.

source: TVG

[Trueheart]

As you said, Gun Runner is a big real deal.

Did you have your money on Copper Bullet at Saratoga? Barry Lee ran like Sara Lee.

I heard they're going to rename the track, call it Saratogortiz.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

GUN RUNNER is the real deal ---- I bet against and it cost me !

But, I did PLACE

And, neither Patch nor Looking At Lee were any good either !

[Trueheart]

Cautious Giant as da wabbit my butt.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

Pick your poison ~~~~~

https://www.paulickreport.com/news/breeders-cup/gun-runner-draws-post-six-installed-4-5-favorite-whitney/

[Trueheart]

Tyler's a youngster. He was a bug boy only a few years ago.

Another "Shoe" in the making?

Trueheart

[EZ2]

Patch / Pletcher ~~~~ I'll have to review the PP's !!!

[Trueheart]

Patch has trainer Pletcher behind him. He knows his horse.

Just read up on Tyler Gaffalione. Looks like he could possibly make the difference.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

Heart is on Patch / Head is on LAL ~~~~~ trend is on: balance of field !




<< Just got to find the right nag >>


===================== LAL because one of my favorite jocks aboard.

[Trueheart]

Hey, EZ. I see Patch crossing the finish line first. He's been all over the place but he finished 3rd in Belmont at 1-1/2 miles. The Derby is 1-1/8 miles.

Looking at Lee hasn't won since August of last year.

You?

Trueheart

[EZ2]

Who do you like ?

Eleven 3-year-olds are scheduled to meet in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby Aug. 5 at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort. The Grade III Derby at 1 1/8 miles is the eighth race on a nine-race program that begins at the special time of 2 p.m. Probable post time for the Derby is 5:21 p.m.

[Trueheart]

Wha hoppen in race no. 1? No Ortiz mounts?

Ima told you, bet the little Mexican guys. Oh, you say they're all little Mexican guys 'cept Mike Smith who, it's rumored, is going to change his name to Miguel Smith. He's okay after being thrown by his mount.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

the Brothers ORTIZ have literally eaten up the
SARATOGA track(s) and spit them out today !

Jose` or Irad have WON race(s) 2,3,4,5,6 and placed in 7th/8th.

Last race going off in a few minutes ---- STELLAR day by the boys!!

[Trueheart]

I wouldn't assume that favorites are done for the year.

But it sure is a notable coincidence that sure-win favorites have fallen like my arches. The racing year could be one for the books if the trend continues.

Baffert says Arrogate will be ready for the TVG Pacific Classic on August 19 at Del Mar.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

And, it continues with GERVIN nosing it out in the Haskell today !

At 9/1 no less ----- I had a feeling ---- and would have bet on
him but did not get TS open fast enough.

The TC UPSETS continue ----- who and when will a next BIG NAME win?????

[Trueheart]

Hey, EZ. Off the top, like you I live in a burg. But at times I have to go to the Big City or through it and there's hell to pay when an accident stops a freeway cold.

That's an interesting stat you came up with, three outstanding horses not performing as they usually can. Arrogate is the biggest puzzle of the lot. I'm still replaying in my head his lackadaisical run at Del Mar, especially in the backstretch where he seemed to be out for a Sunday trot. He was never in the race.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

For anyone with interest:

https://www.paulickreport.com/

[EZ2]

GM ~~~ just another reason why I would never live out there ---- I'll fight the traffic in our little burg of 15,000

RACES: The trend is becoming clear ---- EL PRIMO rides are NOT firing !

> Arrogate
> Cloud Computing
> Always Dreaming

and others.

Changing my betting tactics a bit ---- get beat up enough @ SAR.
Going to focus on mid-tier mounts ---- can't do much worse!

Glad MAY is a long way away ---- bankroll is shrinking fast ---- need
to hit a few to make some $$$$$$$$ for Breeder's Cup !

Have a super day, Jose`

[Trueheart]

I just got in. I was caught in a huge freeway traffic jam caused by an accident on my way to Los Angeles and didn't get to see the race. I saw it later on video playback.

Good Samaritan came from 12 lengths back to win in a pull away! He wasn't on the screen most of the race. Wow. What heart.

CC and Always Dreaming finished in a phalanx with the other two, looking like chargers on a merry-go-round, neither having it to be able to put the other horses away. That was an odd race and odd finish.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

Wow, TH --- upset after upset after upset in STAKES races today !

The "also rans" are putting the Triple Crown winners to shame !!!

Always Dreaming
Cloud Computing

both looked SICK in JD !

Had $20.00 on CC ----- Poof !!!

[Trueheart]

I've got the headline for The Curlin: Outplay Outplays The Field.

Hee-hee.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

Well <deep subject> as I've said for several years......

SARATOGA is one of the toughest tracks in the country -------


in 2017, it remains so !


I'm re-thinking my tactics --- may just take the worst
3-4 nags in each race and place a small W/P bet on all !

[EZ2]

The 2017 Saratoga meet has gotten out of the gates strong from a business standpoint, with all-sources handle up 6.6 percent for the first four days of the meet compared to last year.

All-sources handle was $78,132,020 for the first week of this meet compared to $73,303,141 in 2016, according to numbers provided by the New York Racing Association. Ontrack handle was $16,866,750, up 3.6percent from last year’s figure of $16,270,479.

http://www.drf.com/news/saratoga-starts-meet-strong-business

[EZ2]

Daily Racing Form sold to Z Capital Partners

http://www.drf.com/news/daily-racing-form-sold-z-capital-partners

[Trueheart]

I've looked at the race many times too. Arrogate appears to be romping, not running the race. He's having a field day trailing the pack. In the Los Angeles Times Mike Smith said, "He was flat, so flat." "He wasn't trying. So I just wrapped up on him and got him home safe." Baffert who thought he had his cut was in the bag, said, "I think he just laid an egg."

What can they say about the world's best horse running and finishing as badly as he did?

Accelerate did just that and ran his race superbly well.

Trueheart

[EZ2]

But on Saturday, Arrogate’s positional speed was totally absent. He lacked any interest in getting involved in the run to or around the first turn, and the little move he made on the far turn was actually an optical illusion enhanced by Arrogate only going by a stopping El Huerfano, whose rider was without the irons the first part of the San Diego ‘cap.

I hope all is well with Arrogate, and that his non-effort Saturday was just one of those crazy racing flukes that happen from time to time to keep everyone in the game on his or her toes. During his incredible Breeders’ Cup Classic/Pegasus/Dubai World Cup run, he showed greatness, a term I do not use loosely. I hope Arrogate rebounds, and rebounds in a big way. But that lack of positional speed Saturday … that’s a concern.

http://www.drf.com/news/arrogates-lack-positional-speed-concerning

[EZ2]

Poop ~~~~~ both SAR and PARX w/ off tracks today !

Well, HONDA MOWER ----- here I come !

[EZ2]

I've watched the replay (Arrogate) several times now.

While we all have a 'bad hair' day now and then --- I
think Smith just did not have his head in the race.

That horse is wayyyyyyyyyyyy too good to see a performance
like that ---- even on a bad hair day!

When I wager on an ATM at 1-9 ---- my expectations are high!

[Trueheart]

What am I missing here, EZ? You won on Lady Eli and didn't on Arrogate (that was prohibitive).

Trueheart

[Trueheart]

Hey EZ, you ran 50-50, winning with Lady Eli.

Trueheart