HarnessHorses.info - Standardbred Racing Handicapping Wagering

Harrisburg Yearling Sale underway in Pennsylvania

2009-11-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

Today at Harrisburg PA's Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex Sales Arena the legendary Black Book sale of standardbred yearlings got underway, running straight through until Saturday, November 7th.

Hip 99, The Queen, a full-sister to the spectacular Pampered Princess and a half-sister to O'Brien Award winner Was It A Dream, was purchased by Jeffrey Snyder for $360,000.

Hip 166, Rock Camroller (Rocknroll Hanover - Camadian), went for $310,000 to Thomas Cancelliere of Freehold NJ.

Hip 67, Look And Listen, the Rocknroll Hanover sister to pacing superstar Well Said, was purchased for $300,000 by Australian owner E.M. Rosat.

Hip 102, Valley High (Chocolatier - Carrigan Hall) was collared for $235,000 by Gregory Peck, Agent.

Hip 43, Johnny William, a bay Andover Hall colt who is the first foal of multiple stakes winner Solveig was purchased by Jimmy Takter for $190,000.

2009 Black Book Sale Results Standardbred Yearlings Prices

Commentary on Interview with Ron Pierce, urging rule

2009-10-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

In a revealing and insightful interview with Standardbred Canada's Trot Insider, top harness racing driver Ron Pierce provides heartfelt and worthy reasoning on historical whipping rules versus the wider-ranging set of regulations out there now. I will present some of his words with commentary, then discuss how these rules help us protect the downside, and finish with a world of opportunity for standardbred racing fans, handicappers, breeders, owners, trainers, drivers and industry folk.

Ron Pierce discusses new urging rules with Trot Insider

"I've been driving horses for 33 going on 34 years now and it is our job to know how to make horses go fast. Now, all of a sudden, they take that away from us, and now we have to learn how to make horses go fast all over again. I feel along with all the other top drivers -- except for maybe one or two…maybe just one -- that it puts us in a dangerous situation out there. I mean, there are a lot of loose lines out there now. It is just a matter of time before a horse trips because of a loose line and a driver isn't able to pick him up in time, and I think it is going to cause a serious crash.

"I think if a driver could talk to a horse after he races -- even after say the driver was licking on him pretty good in the lane -- and the driver could ask him what hurts, the horse would probably say that his feet are stinging him really badly after having raced on a hard track; or that its upper back hurts because the bike puts too much pressure on it; or that its knees are really stiff. I think the last thing that horse is going to complain about is that whip. I really don't think the horse would say, 'my side hurts from the guy hitting me,' or 'my back hurts from that guy hitting me.'"

Trot Insider asked Pierce if the urging clampdown is going to have a positive effect on the industry going forward

"I believe that it is not going to help us one bit," Pierce said. "It's great for mommy who brings her little girls down to the grandstand to watch her horses race, but for the gamblers -- the people who are our bread and butter -- we are losing them every day. Before the slots came [the gamblers] were all we had to live on, the people who came to bet on us. They are going elsewhere. It is just going to hurt us, and hurt us, and hurt us.

"What are we going to do when we don't have slots? If we don't have the gamblers and then we don't have the slots, it will just be a matter of time before we don't have racing."

- Ron Pierce, Interviewed by Trot Insider

Full article about whipping rules, Ron Pierce

I understand that many will just view this above pessimism as realism, but it is in fact the former. The loose lines are something that has to be dealt with, but the industry is not on the ropes to the degree portrayed in the last paragraph. I used to be an investment advisor and my biggest job, other than ensuring client diversification and quality of investments, was to help them fight their emotions. I'd say, next time the market is down 30% and you wfeel like you want to sell everything, call me and say Joe, what should we buy? And if the market is up 20% in seven months, maybe call and ask if we should rebalance something that just rose with the tide but wasn't really outperforming. I know I digress, but just keep in mind that the darkest hour is right before the dawn.

First, let's talk about downside protection. Even though race horses are probably the best treated mammals on the planet, getting better round-the-clock care than virtually all other domesticated creatures, possibly excepting dogs and cats though not necessarily so, standardbred horse racing is an exciting public event and so must be aware of the times. Decisions are not always made by people who live with and understand animals, so there is an aspect of transition that is inevitable. Younger drivers will be more used to the new rules and more consistent under them, as will younger horses. Some old horses may not go as fast but who is to say they would have stayed as sound? There's always another side to things that needs to be looked at.

Dog tracks have been closed down because of outside pressure, and though that is not the fate of the Sport of Kings, dwindling attendance at some tracks must be addressed. First of all, we haven't lost all of the gamblers, but have experienced a diminishing market share in a rapidly expanding gambling market, particularly among those under 30 years of age.

More input from horsemen, on a regular basis, is required on the urging issue, and the loose lines issue, but all horsemen must come to understand that there must not only be the appearance of improved rules, but they should exhibit more care and respect for the animals in the industry. Even though 99.9% of the time nothing untoward ever happens, it's because of the whipping rules that drivers are kept in line. Things must be kept in perspective, however, as there is a strong argument that in the Trevor Ritchie disqualification case, bettors and the horses owner were unfairly penalized for a minor infraction. Perhaps a warning or a warning and a fine for first violation, and fine and disqualification for 2nd violation (in trailing 18 months). Here we are not talking about excessive whipping that is alreadsy covered under the previous rules, but rather minor infractions from new rules.

So let's start talking about the many opportunities for harness racing to bottom out the handle and begin growing the industry again.

Celebrate Somebeachsomewhere and Muscle Hill

Yearling prices are firm in 2009 during a year of great economic tumult, and in Kentucky the median price at the standardbred sale was higher than that of the thoroughbreds, possibly for the first time ever.

Gambling is more socially acceptable than ever. When i was a child, horse racing was the only legal game going but that all changed with the massive debt of the Montreal Olympics, which launched LotoCanada and it was all giant downhill from there. Our handle has been dropping in recent years and market share for even longer. First it was lotteries and the NFL, now it is poker and slot machines. I don't have Ron's negative attitude about the slots. I believe they have kept harness racing and breeding healthy in troubled times because of the symbiotic nature of the industries. Most small casinos can't get the big name talent that Casino Rama gets, but if they can get a racetrack involved...

Our relationship with hockey can be deepened, as major harness tracks are usually close to thriving hockey markets. Hundreds of young standardbreds are named after Beatles songs and other classic rock tunes yet the harness racing industry has barely scratched the surface of co-branding and promotional opportunities with bands and artists. It doesn't always have to be a big show, it can be an indoor acoustic performance and an autograph signing, let's be creative here.

An upside of the new urging rule is greater potential for headcams, a la Nascar and Formula One. If the morning line favorite and fifth favorite were each required to have a driver wearing a helmet camera, some incredible imagery would be emerging on a daily basis. View the cleaning up of the homestretch as preparation for headcams, instant replays, highlights and video games and you are now understanding where the second and third decades in the first half of the twentieth century will take us.

We need a Canadian Harness Racing Channel, and a USA Harness Racing Channel. We can benefit from handicapping teams representing different tracks, possibly even some sponsored by larger farms, in league style play, with playoffs. More handicapping tournaments are required, for both individuals and teams, and we can learn a lot from the various poker formats.

The Internet is the future; note the new October 2009 Betfair deal with Breeders Cup as harbinger of better times ahead for us, mark my words.

Muscle Hill draws the rail, Well Said gets Post 9

2009-10-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here are the entries for the three year old colt pacing and trotting divisions of the 2009 Breeders Crown at Woodbine in Toronto:

$617,880 Three-Year-Old Colt Trot

1. Muscle Hill (Sears) 1-5
2. Hot Shot Blue Chip (LaChance) 25-1
3. Tom Cango (Tetrick) 25-1
4. Striking Lindsey (TBA) 40-1
5. Neighsay Hanover (Campbell) 20-1
6. Triumphant Caviar (Ouellette) 25-1
7. Swan For All (Pierce) 8-1
8. Howthehaloareyou (TBA) 20-1
9. P J Clark (A. Miller) 20-1
10. Broadway Bistro (Brennan) 20-1

$617,880 Three-Year-Old Colt Pace

1. Keep It Real (Condren) 20-1
2. Mr Wiggles (post selected, Callahan) 9-2
3. Vertical Horizon (Morrill) 25-1
4. Dial Or Nodial (Sears) 5-1
5. Annieswesterncard (Palone) 25-1
6. If I Can Dream (Tetrick) 6-1
7. Carnivore (Jamieson) 15-1
8. Bay Of Sharks (Baillargeon) 10-1
9. Well Said (Pierce) 8-5
10. Vintage Master (Dube) 5-1

Muscle Hill is a freak of nature that appears invincible, while Well Said will face stiff challenges from an array of sharp pacers.

Legendary PEI Pacer Shadow Play retired to stud

2009-10-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

"We are all anxiously awaiting the start of his new career. The many moments of enjoyment and all the time myself and family personally spent with Shadow throughout his training and racing career, will never be forgotten and we certainly thank him for that." - Doc Moore

David Miller driving Shadow Play - AP Photo

Shadow Play, the pride of Doc Moore and Maritimers everywhere (2008 will be remembered for the joy Beach and his Shadow gave us...), has ben retired to stud at Blue Chip Farms.

Dr. Ian Moore comments on Shadow Play's Retirement

Myself especially, but also my partners Ron and Gail MacLellan, Serge Savard and this years partner, Blue Chip Farm, have all enjoyed the ride Shadow gave us the past 3 years, and we are all anxiously awaiting the start of his new career. The many moments of enjoyment and all the time myself and family personally spent with Shadow throughout his training and racing career, will never be forgotten and we certainly thank him for that. When I was leaving Lexington a week ago Sunday, I stopped in to feed him one last time at 5 in the morning on my way to the airport, and I certainly shed a tear as I walked back to my car. Blue Chip Farm has a beautiful facility with excellent people there, and I do know he will be well looked after, and that's really all that matters. So long, Shadow.

Standardbred Canada article on retirement of Shadow Play to stand as a stallion

Wikipedia web page about racehorse Shadow Play

Shadow Play wins US Pacing Championship over Mister Big

Breeders Crown 2009 24OCT at Woodbine; Trainer's Comments

2009-10-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Hambletonian Society and Standardbred Canada have put together interviews with the trainers of top horses in the Breeders Crown 2009 Finals. Here are some links to choice online articles about the faves for Saturday evening at Woodbine:

Standardbred Trainer Greg Peck on Muscle Hill

Muscle Hill draws Post Position 1

“I was very pleased with the draw. Anytime you draw the rail you have to be happy. I’ve always liked the rail. The horse is in good shape and he’s ready to go. He’s been good all year. I’m at the point now where I’m ready to go and he’s ready to go. I’m going to enjoy it. I’ve enjoyed him all year, but it’s still a horse race. He’s still got to go out and do it. We’re not going to take anything for granted, that’s for sure."

Top Trainer Brenda Teague on Mr Wiggles

Mr. Wiggles draws Post 2

“He’s doing really well. If we race as well as we did last Saturday, I think my chances are as good as anybody else’s. He’s a good horse just like they are. He’s a great horse and a lot of fun to be with. He’s got a good attitude.”

Steve Elliott, Trainer of Well Said, Post 9

“What are you going to do? You draw where you draw, and you go from there. We’ve had our steady diet of it (outside), but we’ll be OK.”

Standardbred Canada article about 2009 Breeders Crown at Woodbine in Toronto

Woodbine: Entries for Breeders Crown Saturday October 24, 2009

2009-10-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Woodbine Entries for Breeders Crown Finals October 24th, 2009:

2 -- Pace, purse $731,158 (EX, P3, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
Post time: 07:52 P.M. Lasix: 03:37 P.M.
1 Kabbalah Karen B Ma Macdonald T Brainard 15-1
2 Yellow Diamond J Morrill Jr T Brainard 8-5
3 West Of L A R Pierce R Mcintosh 10-1
4 Special Sweetheart D Miller T Artandi 6-1
5 Shanghai Lil M Lachance P Foley 7-1
6 Shacked Up T Tetrick T Brainard 2-1
7 Ginger And Fred D Palone R Burke 5-1
8 Blogette Hanover Ra Waples J Burns 25-1
Race 2 - Retention Barn - All horses

4 -- Trot, purse $617,880 (EX, P4, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
(US PURSE $600,000)
Post time: 08:40 P.M. Lasix: 04:25 P.M.
1 Costa Rica= R Pierce J Takter 3-1 (MusclesYankee/Examination)
2 Christiana Hanover S Condren R Rekila 7-1 (AndoverHall/CrCalendarGirl)
3 Tequila Slammer P Macdonell J Bax 25-1 (YankeeGlide/SillySenorita)
4 Poof Shes Gone D Miller R Norman 7-5 (Kadabra/TravelinSuperlite)
5 Fashion Feline B Sears J Campbell 5-1 (BroadwayHall/SlyFox)
6 Ultimate Cameron M Lachance R Stewart 25-1 (YankeeGlide/CameronHall)
7 Southwind Samurai= J Campbell B Noren 8-1 (ConwayHall/SouthwindSeasons)
8 Action Broadway B Miller V Morgan Jr 30-1 (BroadwayHall/PhotoWithMolly)
9 Spicy Wings= J Campbell D Mccall 8-1 (AndoverHall/AngelFireHanover)
10 Levis Lady B Sears D Minor 30-1 (AngusHall/BalticBrat)
AE1 Croquet Style P Wallinder A Lorentzon 25-1 (YankeeGlide/GlamourShot)
AE2 Impressive Kemp A Mccarthy M Vanderkemp 15-1 (CreditWinner/EmilieCasEl)
Race 4 - Retention Barn - All horses

5 -- Trot, purse $617,880 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
(US PURSE $600,000)
Post time: 09:05 P.M. Lasix: 04:50 P.M.
1 Wishing Stone B Sears D Minor 4-1 (ConwayHall/MeadowbranchMagic)
2 Pilgrims Taj M Lachance K Armer 2-1 (BroadwayHall/BwtMaija)
3 Classic Son A Miller E Miller 20-1 (ClassicPhoto/TouchOfSun)
4 Lucky Chucky J Campbell C Sylvester 9-5 (WindsongsLegacy/Aerobics)
5 Temple Of Doom D Miller J Czernyson 10-1 (YankeeGlide/ArmbroTemple)
6 Keystone Bernard B Sears G Peck 30-1 (CantabHall/BalancedAction)
7 Magic Fruit S Condren P Henriksen 30-1 (Kadabra/AnnaBanana)
8 Hard Livin D Dube J Takter 15-1 (SjsCaviar/Affinity)
9 Baximum T Tetrick J Czernyson 20-1 (CantabHall/BaxMachine)
10 Newport Volo(L) J Jamieson J Gillis 10-1 (YankeeGlide/BankOfNewport)
AE1 Rc Serpent D Daley D Daley 30-1 (ConwayHall/DixieCrystal)
AE2 Hes Spooky M Lachance F Antonacci 30-1 (CantabHall/YankeeTopaz)
Race 5 - Retention Barn - All horses

6 -- Pace, purse $628,178 (EX, P3, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
(US PURSE $610,000)
Post time: 09:30 P.M. Lasix: 05:15 P.M.
1 Cannae Cammie L Ouellette M Vanderkemp 30-1 (CamsCardShark/CannaePeach)
2 Fancy Filly B Sears B Teague 2-1 (WesternHanover/FancifulHanover)
3 Western Silk Ma Macdonald C Coleman 5-2 (WesternTerror/Extemporaneous)
4 Higher And Higher D Palone T Brainard 7-2 (WesternTerror/ProBowlBest)
5 Ticket To Rock J Campbell J Darling 25-1 (RocknrollHanover/OddsOnJP)
6 Casino Nights T Tetrick M Vanderkemp 12-1 (WesternIdeal/CanDuRiver)
7 Slimsplace Ra Waples J Gillis 30-1 (Artsplace/ShesBeachy)
8 Full Picture R Silverman J Silverman 25-1 (Artsplace/HeathersWestern)
9 Put On A Show J Jamieson C Ryder 7-2 (RocknrollHanover/StienamsPlace)
10 Panagler S Condren R Mcintosh 25-1 (NoPanIntended/Panipulator)
AE1 Native Doll D Miller M Capone 30-1 (AllamericanNative/DebrasCharm)
AE2 Siri Hanover R Pierce M Austin 20-1 (AllamericanNative/SamiCam)
Race 6 - Retention Barn - All horses

7 -- Trot, purse $617,880 (EX, P3, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
Post time: 09:55 P.M. Lasix: 05:40 P.M.
1 Margarita Momma= R Pierce J Johnson 2-1
2 The Ice Queen= J Morrill Jr T Smedshammer 12-1
3 Yursa Hanover T Tetrick B Baillargeon 5-1
4 Elusive Desire P Macdonell M Keeling 3-1
5 Raising Rachel J Moiseyev J Kopas 8-1
6 Sirenuse(L) J Campbell J Silverman 25-1
7 Broadway Schooner=(L) B Sears J Campbell 8-1
8 Seaside= D Miller J Czernyson 6-1
9 Windsong Soprano S Condren R Mcintosh 20-1
10 Dont Wear Pjs M Lachance H Lunde 30-1
AE1 Littlemscantbwrong J Jamieson P Henriksen 25-1
AE2 Keep The Spirit Ra Waples S Weber 25-1
Race 7 - Retention Barn - All horses

8 -- Pace, purse $720,860 (EX, P3, P4, SF, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - FINAL - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
(US PURSE $700,000)
Post time: 10:21 P.M. Lasix: 06:06 P.M.
1 Rockin Image J Campbell J Takter 5-1 (RocknrollHanover/Kikikatie)
2 Sportswriter Ma Macdonald C Coleman 1-1 (Artsplace/PreciousBeauty)
3 Whackamole Hanover A Miller T Pinske 25-1 (CamsCardShark/WesternDuel)
4 Urgent Action R Silverman J Silverman 25-1 (Artsplace/GrandLady)
5 Paynes Landing D Miller P Stafford 30-1 (FourStarzzzShark/OJAlmahurst)
6 All Speed Hanover R Pierce M Vanderkemp 9-2 (CamsCardShark/AllamericanCool)
7 World Of Rocknroll A Miller E Miller 15-1 (RocknrollHanover/WorldlyBeauty)
8 Ok Commander J Jamieson R Mcnair 30-1 (ArtMajor/DoubleCreme)
9 Malicious D Miller Dr I Moore 4-1 (BettorsDelight/Silky)
10 Shoobees Place B Sears R Norman 30-1 (Artsplace/Shoobeedobeedo)
11 Kyle Major J Jamieson S Robinson 30-1 (ArtMajor/SoClear)
Race 8 - Retention Barn - All horses

$617,880 Three-Year-Old Colt Trot

1. Muscle Hill (Sears) 1-5
2. Hot Shot Blue Chip (LaChance) 25-1
3. Tom Cango (Tetrick) 25-1
4. Striking Lindsey (TBA) 40-1
5. Neighsay Hanover (Campbell) 20-1
6. Triumphant Caviar (Ouellette) 25-1
7. Swan For All (Pierce) 8-1
8. Howthehaloareyou (TBA) 20-1
9. P J Clark (A. Miller) 20-1
10. Broadway Bistro (Brennan) 20-1

$617,880 Three-Year-Old Colt Pace

1. Keep It Real (Condren) 20-1
2. Mr Wiggles (post selected, Callahan) 9-2
3. Vertical Horizon (Morrill) 25-1
4. Dial Or Nodial (Sears) 5-1
5. Annieswesterncard (Palone) 25-1
6. If I Can Dream (Tetrick) 6-1
7. Carnivore (Jamieson) 15-1
8. Bay Of Sharks (Baillargeon) 10-1
9. Well Said (Pierce) 8-5
10. Vintage Master (Dube) 5-1

Full Woodbine Standardbred entries for 24oct09

Entries for 2009 Breeders Crown eliminations at Woodbine Friday and Saturday

2009-10-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here are the horses entered for the eliminations for the 2009 Breeders Crown, being held this Friday October 16th and Saturday October 17th (finals to be held Saturday October 24th):

Friday October 16th Breeders Crown 2009 eliminations:

2 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 07:50 P.M. Lasix: 03:35 P.M.
1 Tequila Slammer P Macdonell J Bax (YankeeGlide/SillySenorita)
2 Poof Shes Gone D Miller R Norman (Kadabra/TravelinSuperlite)
3 Levis Lady B Sears D Minor (AngusHall/BalticBrat)
4 Bone A Fide Y Gingras R Burke (SJsPhoto/OnTheBones)
5 Ultimate Cameron M Lachance R Stewart (YankeeGlide/CameronHall)
6 Spicy Wings= S Condren D Mccall (AndoverHall/AngelFireHanover)
7 Impressive Kemp A Mccarthy M Vanderkemp (CreditWinner/EmilieCasEl)

3 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 08:10 P.M. Lasix: 03:55 P.M.
1 Fashion Feline B Sears J Campbell (BroadwayHall/SlyFox)
2 Christiana Hanover S Condren R Rekila (AndoverHall/CrCalendarGirl)
3 Costa Rica= R Pierce J Takter (MusclesYankee/Examination)
4***Up Front Juansteen= T Tetrick K Odonnell (AndoverHall/YankeeDakota) (cog: no test)
5 Action Broadway T Tetrick V Morgan Jr (BroadwayHall/PhotoWithMolly)
6 Croquet Style P Wallinder A Lorentzon (YankeeGlide/GlamourShot)
7 Angostura= T Ritchie D Creighton (AngusHall/Peluso)
8 Southwind Samurai= J Campbell B Noren (ConwayHall/SouthwindSeasons)

5 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 08:50 P.M. Lasix: 04:35 P.M.
1***Muscle Massive R Pierce J Takter (MusclesYankee/GracefulTouch) (cog: no test)
2 Classic Son A Miller E Miller (ClassicPhoto/TouchOfSun)
3 Magic Fruit S Condren P Henriksen (Kadabra/AnnaBanana)
4 Il Villaggio T Tetrick E Miller (YankeeGlide/DanceToMarket)
5 Hes A Demon J Jamieson J Gillis (MusclesYankee/SabrinaHall)
6 Hes Spooky M Lachance F Antonacci (CantabHall/YankeeTopaz)
7 Lucky Chucky J Campbell C Sylvester (WindsongsLegacy/Aerobics)
8 Keystone Bernard B Sears G Peck (CantabHall/BalancedAction)
9 Temple Of Doom D Miller J Czernyson (YankeeGlide/ArmbroTemple)
10 Expressway K= Ra Waples J Stutzman (AngusHall/FastLaneK)

6 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 09:10 P.M. Lasix: 04:55 P.M.
1 Grumpy Jake J Moiseyev M Guitard (StrikingSahbra/EleganceAngus)
2***Sailaway Dream T Tetrick A Lorentzon (DaguetRapide/Splashabout) (cog: no test)
3 Baximum D Miller J Czernyson (CantabHall/BaxMachine)
4***Rc Serpent D Daley D Daley (ConwayHall/DixieCrystal) (cog: no test)
5 Wishing Stone J Campbell D Minor (ConwayHall/MeadowbranchMagic)
6 Newport Volo(L) J Jamieson J Gillis (YankeeGlide/BankOfNewport)
7***Flashback A Miller E Miller (ClassicPhoto/SoleMate) (cog: no test)
8 Pilgrims Taj M Lachance K Armer (BroadwayHall/BwtMaija)
9 Hard Livin D Dube J Takter (SjsCaviar/Affinity)
Race 6 - Retention Barn - Horse #: 8

7 -- Pace, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 09:30 P.M. Lasix: 05:15 P.M.
1***Wenditions M Lachance F Antonacci (RocknrollHanover/WendyMHanover) (cog: no test)
2 A And Gs Princess Y Gingras M Capone (AllamericanNative/AmorosaHanover)
3 Siri Hanover R Pierce M Austin (AllamericanNative/SamiCam)
4 Fancy Filly B Sears B Teague (WesternHanover/FancifulHanover)
5 Western Silk Ma Macdonald C Coleman (WesternTerror/Extemporaneous)
6***Full Picture R Silverman J Silverman (Artsplace/HeathersWestern) (cog: no test)
7 Cannae Cammie L Ouellette M Vanderkemp (CamsCardShark/CannaePeach)
8 Ticket To Rock J Campbell J Darling (RocknrollHanover/OddsOnJP)

9 -- Pace, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, TR)
BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $5,000 U.S. (US PURSE $25,000)
Post time: 10:10 P.M. Lasix: 05:55 P.M.
1 Slimsplace Ra Waples J Gillis (Artsplace/ShesBeachy)
2 Casino Nights T Tetrick M Vanderkemp (WesternIdeal/CanDuRiver)
3 Ultimate Best A Miller D Swick (Cambest/BoleroUltima)
4 Dancin Barefoot D Dube J Takter (RocknrollHanover/WishforaFullhouse)
5 Native Doll D Palone M Capone (AllamericanNative/DebrasCharm)
6 Panagler S Condren R Mcintosh (NoPanIntended/Panipulator)
7 Put On A Show J Jamieson C Ryder (RocknrollHanover/StienamsPlace)
8 Higher And Higher D Palone T Brainard (WesternTerror/ProBowlBest)

Complete entries for Woodbine standardbreds including 2009 Breeders Crown Friday October 16th

Saturday October 17th Breeders Crown 2009 eliminations:

5 -- Trot, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, SF, TR)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 3 YEAR OLD FILLIES.
STARTING FEE $7,500 U.S.
Post time: 09:18 P.M. Lasix: 05:03 P.M.
1 Margarita Momma= R Pierce J Johnson
2 Friendly Amigo Br Richardson B Burgess
3 Ok To Play D Dube E Miller
4 Seaside= D Miller J Czernyson
5 Yursa Hanover T Tetrick B Baillargeon
6***The Ice Queen= J Morrill Jr T Smedshammer (cog: no test)
7 Windsong Soprano S Condren R Mcintosh
8 Southwind Wasabi M Lachance C Sylvester
9***Highscore Kemp= T Tetrick F Antonacci (cog: 23-SEP-2009)
10 Littlemscantbwrong J Jamieson P Henriksen
Race 5 - Retention Barn - All horses

8 -- Pace, purse $25,745 (EX, P3, SF, TR, W4)
D-BREEDERS CROWN - ELIMINATION - 3 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS.
STARTING FEE $7,500 U.S.
Post time: 10:18 P.M. Lasix: 06:03 P.M.
1 Keep It Real S Condren J Shea
2 Straight Shooting D Palone R Burke
3 Carnivore J Jamieson J Darling
4 If I Can Dream(L) T Tetrick T Brainard
5 Bay Of Sharks M Baillargeon B Wallace
6 Mr Wiggles(L) C Callahan B Teague
7 Runaway Energy Ma Macdonald T Brainard
8 Vertical Horizon(L) J Morrill Jr T Brainard
9 Annieswesterncard T Tetrick J Seekman
10 Dial Or Nodial B Sears J Campbell
Race 8 - Retention Barn - All horses

Note: Well Said and Vintage Master each have a bye to the final.

Complete entries for Woodbine standardbreds including 2009 Breeders Crown Saturday October 17th

Major contenders and favorites for 2009 Breeders Crown at Woodbine in Toronto

Yellow Diamond and Shacked Up each supplement to 2009 Breeders Crown

UStrotting.com handicapping analysis of 2009 Breeders Crown eliminations in Toronto

Breeders Crown 2009 eliminations Friday / Saturday at Woodbine in Toronto

2009-10-12T08:59:00.001-07:00

Ontario harness racing fans will again be treated to the fastest standardbreds in the world the next two weekends as the 2009 Breeders Crown harness racing stakes events for two year old and three year old colts and fillies will be held at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.

Supplements to Breeders Crown closed Monday October 12th at 12 noon.

Entries to 2009 Breeders Crown close 10.30am Tuesday October 13th at Mohawk race office.

Friday October 16th: 2 Year Old elims, if necessary

Saturday October 17th: 3 Year Old elims, if necessary

Saturday October 24th: Breeders Crown 2009 Finals

Links to be activated Tuesday evening:

Entries for Breeders Crown 2 Year Olds Friday October 17th at Woodbine

2009 Breeders Crown eliminations for 3 year olds at Woodbine Saturday

October 2009 Top Harness Racing Drivers and Trainers

2009-10-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a completely unofficial ranking of the top North American standardbred drivers and trainers, based on who has been hitting the board regularly in recent weeks and months, with preference for wins in bigger races.

HOT Drivers and Trainers in BOLD

Top 25 Drivers

Tim Tetrick
Brian Sears
David M Palone
Jody Jamieson
Mark Macdonald
James Morrill Jr
Randy Waples
David Miller
Sylvain Filion
Jason Bartlett
George Brennan
Andy Miller
Mario Baillargeon
Ron Pierce
Yannick Gingras
Brad Forward
Anthony Morgan
Aaron Merriman
Richard Zeron
Paul Macdonell
Peter Wrenn
Joshua Marks
John Campbell
Corey Callahan
Cat Manzi
Anthony Morgan

Top 25 Trainers

Ronald Burke
Tracy Brainard
Casie Coleman
Jimmy Takter
Julie Miller
Ervin Miller
Joshua Green
George Teague Jr
Benoit Baillargeon
Mark Kesmodel
Robert Mcintosh
Rene Allard
Richard Moreau
John Kopas
Mark Harder
Linda Toscano
Christopher Oakes
Keith Clark
Noel Daley
Kenneth Rucker
Joe Anderson
Kevin McMaster
Sebastien Giroux
Greg McNair
Darren McCall

WEG Harness Racing News; Brainard, Zeron among HOT TRAINERS

2009-09-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Tracy Brainard has re-emerged as the hottest trainer on the Woodbine Entertainment Group harness racing circuit, and Rick Zeron has made the most of limited starts to rocket up the charts.

Takter, Fellows, McIntosh, Kopas, McCall and Camirand have posted great numbers the past few weeks, while Baillergeon remains his steady Eddy self.

W H O ‘ S H O T AT WEG - TRAINERS

Last 15 Days 03/9/2009 thru 21/9/2009

TRAINERS Sts 1st 2nd 3rd Win% UTRS

Tracy L Brainard 36 8 5 7 22.2 .364

Jimmy W Takter 28 6 4 4 21.4 .341

Benoit O Baillargeon 37 5 9 0 13.5 .270

Robert Don Fellows 29 5 4 4 17.2 .295

John R Kopas 20 5 1 3 25.0 .328

Robert A McIntosh 34 5 6 3 14.7 .275

Richard Zeron 18 5 5 2 27.8 .469

Darren James McCall 11 4 1 0 36.4 .414

Marc R Camirand 7 3 0 0 42.9 .429

Casie Coleman 31 3 3 3 9.7 .183

Last 20 Days 27/8/2009 thru 21/9/2009

TRAINERS Sts 1st 2nd 3rd Win% UTRS

Tracy L Brainard 47 9 10 9 19.1 .374

Benoit O Baillargeon 50 8 10 0 16.0 .271

Robert A McIntosh 52 8 10 5 15.4 .293

John R Kopas 29 7 1 5 24.1 .318

Richard Zeron 23 7 6 3 30.4 .493

Robert Don Fellows 36 6 4 5 16.7 .275

Jimmy W Takter 28 6 4 4 21.4 .341

Casie Coleman 45 5 3 3 11.1 .170

Darren James McCall 15 5 1 1 33.3 .393

Marc R Camirand 10 4 1 0 40.0 .456

As you can see, the Coleman barn has been uncharacteristically weak these past 20 days, but I do not have any insight as to whether a specific malady affected the full team. In any case, Coleman horses rebounding off of troubled races may come at decent odds if up against vulnerable faves. Casie runs one of the hardest-working and most professional barns in the harness racing world and she remains among the leading Canadian standardbred trainers by wins, UDRS and money won, and part of the recent low WEG numbers can be attributed to her star pupils competing in OSS events across Ontario.

Standardbred Racing Handicapping Wagering Lessons - Toronto GTA / Southern Ontario

2009-09-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

I am now offering standardbred wagering and handicapping lessons for Toronto / GTA and Southern Ontario harness racing fans. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.

Beginner

- Learn to read the program
- Learn differences between pacing and trotting races
- Learn types of wagers and risk / reward tradeoffs

Intermediate

- Finding value on a race card
- Identify horses with energy that want to win
- Strategies for cashing exotic wagers such as Exactors, Triactors, Superfectas, Pick 3 and Win 4 tickets
- Identify whether a race is "stratified" or "competitive"

Advanced

- Personal tutoring to overcome ingrained bad habits
- Money management / advance betting
- Learn to cash larger tickets by combining contenders with favourites
- Participate in shared exotic tickets (W4)

Available to meet at your GTA-area Champions, Woodbine or Mohawk Raceway. $40 per hour or 3 hour session for $105. Email Joe (trainorjoe@yahoo.com) with any questions or to book a session.

Rusty Nash's C-Note Picks for Mohawk and Balmoral

2009-09-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to harness racing wagering strategies for this weekend, from UStrotting.com's excellent C-Note feature by Rusty Nash.

Handicapper's Corner at WoodbineEntertainment.com, tips for WEG races

FREE Standardbred Programs for harness racing at Woodbine and Mohawk

Best Bets for Harness Racing - Standardbred Wagering Strategies

2009-09-16T17:28:00.001-07:00

Almost every race has multiple possibilities and one of the ways to hit regularly and still win big occasionally is to mix favourites with contenders and longshots.

When reading my suggestions for efficient risk-reward tickets, always consider the morning line fave as the one, the second fave as the two etc. Where two or more horses have the same m/l odds, count from the inside out.

Worthy Fave

Suggested Exactor ticket:

1 with 456789
2345 with 1

$2 EX x 10 combos = $20

Suggested Triactor ticket:

Key 1 with 345678 = 30
23456 with 1 with 23456 = 20

$1 TRI x 50 = $50

W3 - Most Probable Winner MPW

1234567 w 1234567 w MPW = 49
3456 w MPW w 23456 = 20

The other day I read about a triactor wagering strategy that costs only $8 yet is positioned to land you a few larger wins now and then. You take two horses on top, add one more for the place position, then a fourth across the bottom, for example:

13 w 135 w 1235

I'll add the link, I believe it was from ustrotting.com or standardbredcanada.ca, as soon as I can find it.

More Harness racing links:

BowieNet Harness Racing Handicapping Tutorial Software

In The Sulky Harness Racing News

Standardbred Canada Harness Racing website

US Trotting Association official website

Canadian Open Yearling Sale averages 15k+, up 40%

2009-09-16T16:33:00.001-07:00

Great news from the Canadian Open standardbred yearling sale, with the sale avearge reaching $15,191 up sharply from 2008's $10,786 average.

Show highlights included a full sister of Raising Rachel (Raising Rhonda, by SJS Caviar out of Raising The Bar by Angus Hall), selling for the world-class sum of $200,000. The John Kopas barn picked up the exquisite filly.

Kopas also picked up the Angus hall half-sister to Mohawk rookie trotting star Il Villagio, the yearling filly Dancin Darlin, out of Dance to Market by Balanced Image.

257 horses sold for a total of over $3.9 million.

Standardbred Canada article results 2009 Canadian Open Yealing Sale at Flamboro Downs

Results of Day One Canadian Open Yearling Sale 2009

Results of Day Two Canadian Open Yearling Sale 2009

2010 Top Trotting Stallions - Muscles Yankee versus The World!

2009-09-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

With Muscle Hill continuing his freak of nature athletic prowess and competitiveness, the dominant sire line in standardbred trotting has a legendary racer heading to the shed. If you own a well bred trotting mare, here are some top standardbred trotting stallions to consider breeding to (if this list exceeds your budget, look for sons of the names on this list):

Valley Victory / Muscles Yankee Line

Muscles Yankee

Muscle Hill

Yankee Glide

Cantab Hall

Self Possessed

Valley Victor

Glidemaster by Yankee Glide

Like A Prayer

Tom Ridge

Jailhouse Jesse

Ken Warkentin

Garland Lobell Line Stallions

Angus Hall

Conway Hall

Broadway Hall

Andover Hall

Donato Hanover

Superbowl / Supergill line Trotting Sires

Credit Winner

Striking Sahbra

Malabar Man

Chocolatier (by Credit Winner)

Outcross Trotting Sire Lines

Kadabra (Primrose Lane)

SJS Caviar (SJS Photo)

Dream Vacation (Pine Chip)

2010 Top Pacing Sires - Western Hanover line, Artsplace line, Cam Fella line

2009-09-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

With the 2009 harness stakes racing success of Well Said (Western Hanover) and Sportswriter (Artsplace), the two dominant standardbred pacing sire lines each have another son to carry the torch. If you have a well bred pacing mare, consider breeding to one of these stallions, or if your budget precludes that, then look for a son of one of these:

Western Hanover Sons

Western Ideal

The Panderosa

Western Terror

Badlands Hanover

Western Hanover Grandsons

Rocknroll Hanover

Shadow Play

American Ideal

Artsplace Sons and Grandsons, Stallions

Art Major

Grinfromeartoear (Alabar farm, Victoria, Australia)

Mister Big

Real Artist

Artiscape

Cam Fella line Stallions

Bettors Delight

Four Starzzz Shark

Camluck

No Pan Intended

Allamerican Native

Cams Card Shark

Blissful Hall

Pacing Outcross Line Stallions

Somebeachsomewhere (Mach Three)

Dragon Again (Dragons Lair)

Real Desire (Life Sign)

I Am A Fool (Life Sign)

Mach Three (Matts Scooter)

WORLD CHAMPIONS Muscle Hill, Well Said both racing at Mohawk Tonight

2009-09-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ontario harness racing fans are in for a treat this evening as the sport's two superstars, trotter Muscle Hill and pacer Well Said, each face off against three year old rivals in standardbred stakes races.

Full Entries for Mohawk Saturday September 12, 2009

Sportswriter wins Metro Pace in 1.49.2; Shark Gesture takes Canadian Pacing Derby 1.48.1

2009-09-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sportswriter did as expected, stayed undefeated and dominated a tough field to win his fifth straight and lower his record to 1.49.1, taking the 2009 Metro Pace Final and breaking the legendary Somebeachsomewhere's 2007 Mohawk Raceway track and stakes record of 1.49.3!

PEI hero Shadow Play was scratched from the Canadian Pacing Derby, leaving Won The West as the heavy fave, but it was not to be. After a tough outside trip that got him as close as 2nd, Won The West faded in the stretch as Shark Gesture came on to take the most marbles while equaling the track record in a blistering 1.48.1!!!

Full results of the 2009 Metro Pace final and 2009 Canadian Pacing Derby

It was a wonderful night of standardbred horse racing at Mohawk Raceway, and I'd like to sharev something with horseracing fans who always turn right when they enter the track. If you go left, there is of course a casino with lots of slot machines, and that's why you go right. Itjust so happens that my dad invited my wife and I to have dinner over there, and at the back of the casino there's a fairly large restaurant with some good food, and a large teletheatre with many racetracks on big screens!

Well there you go...

Exactor System UPDATE (see Winning Exactors Betting Strategy post for system methodology):

On the exactor system we are playing right now, there were only 2 races this evening (#11 and #13). The criteria is a fave at 5/2 or higher and an eighth fave at 10-1 or lower.

Race 11 10/2 = 5 with 6 pays 326.10 no sys win

Race 13 10/7 = 2 with 8 pays 505.10 SYS 1, 2, 3 each cash 252.55

Though the systems lost a little bit yesterday, on day 2 each made $200 or more!!! Getting interesting.

Results after Day One:

SYS 1 - Minus 11.75

SYS 2 - Minus 55.75

SYS 3 - Plus 22

Day Two:

SYS 2 255.10 - 40 = Profit 215.10

SYS 3 255.10 - 42 = Profit 213.10

SYS 1 252.55 - 56 = Profit 196.55

Two day Totals:

SYS3 profit $235

SYS1 profit $185

SYS2 profit $159

Let's not get crazy, but we'll go at least one more system to compare against these 3, and it's more longshot oriented but it would be leading now as it would have won both tonight:

SYS4 A - 2345 w 678 $12
SYS4 B - 567 w 123 $9

Total $21
Maximum per card $105

Implementation will be same as SYS2 and 3, whereby the first 5 playable races on any card will be played (SYS1 is limited to first 2 playable races).

Revised standiings including the hindsight-concocted SYS4:

Two day Totals:

SYS4 profit $338

SYS3 profit $235

SYS1 profit $185

SYS2 profit $159

Winning Exactor Strategy Part 2; Harness Race Wagering

2009-09-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

To recap where we left off:

Keep in mind that the first step is to consider the M/L fave as the 1, the 2nd fave as the 2, the 3rd fave as the 3 etc.

A - $1 EX 1234 with 5678 = $16
B - $1 EX 5678 with 123 = $12

Total Wager per selected race = $28
Maximum wager per card = $56

A gives us the faves over longshots, B gives us the faves underneath.

Implementation: We will be looking for the first two races with a favorite at 5/2 or higher and an eighth fave with a M/L of 10-1 or less.

As there are 5 eligible races tonight at Mohawk and the system only allows for the first two to be played, we will try comparing a second set of rules and see which outperforms in coming days. The above methodology will now be called EX SYS ONE, and the second set of rules below will be EX SYS TWO:

Exactor System Two

When 3 or more races fit the criteria of EX SYS ONE, from 3 to 5 races will be played (if more than five, the first five on the card will be played), with a slightly smaller field, essentially giving up many tickets with 3 and 4 in them to retain 5, 6, 7 and 8th contenders showing up in the top two.

SYS TWO A - $1 EX 123 with 5678 = $12
SYS TWO B - $1 EX 5678 with 12 = $8

Total Wager per selected race = $20
Maximum wager per card = $100

Now we will compare the results of EX SYS ONE versus EX SYS TWO at Mohawk Raceway during the exciting days of harness racing coming up this September, and we will carry on the work as the horses move to Woodbine Racetrack in the autumn.

RESULTS:

Playable races were 2, 7, 8, 9, 10

Race 2 6/10 = 5 with 2 pays 88.50 = 44.25 SYS ONE / SYS TWO

Race 7 6/7 = 2 with 4 pays 42.50 = 0.00 SYS ONE / SYS TWO

SYS ONE Total wager $56, total win 44.25 = - $11.75

Race 8 8/5 = 4 with 8 pays 77.90 no win

Race 9 9/5 = 4 with 1 pays 18.70 no win

Race 10 7/5 = 7 with 3 pays 88.10 no win

SYS TWO wager 100, total win 44.25, loss 55.75

Winner of round one is SYS ONE with a loss of $11.75, and if the full $28 SYS ONE wager was made on each of the 5 races, wins in races 2, 8, and 10 would have totaled $127 versus a 140 bet, still a better return than SYS TWO on opening night, down over half.

Early days... let's throw a SYS THREE in right now:

SYS 3 A - $1 EX 234 with 5678 = $12
SYS 3 B - $1 EX 567 with 123 = $9

Total Wager per selected race = $21
Maximum wager per card = $105

Tonight the $105 would have won race 2, race 8 and race 10, with a small profit of 127 minus 105, or $22.

How To Cash Big Tickets; Harness Racing Exactors Wagering Strategy

2009-09-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

One of the ways to build up a bit of a bankroll for larger exotic bets is to start with something simpler like the exactor, and then work up to triactors, superfectas, Win 3 and Pick 4 tickets. Keep in mind that the first step is to consider the M/L fave as the 1, the 2nd fave as the 2, the 3rd fave as the 3 etc.

This allows you to clearly see your balance of favorites, contenders and longshots. Based on empirical research mostly from WEG (Mohawk and Woodbine) harness racing tracks, here are the 2 tickets we will be buying for select exactors this week:

A - $1 EX 1234 with 5678 = $16
B - $1 EX 5678 with 123 = $12

Total Wager per selected race = $28
Maximum wager per card = $56

A gives us the faves over longshots, B gives us the faves underneath.

Implementation: We will be looking for the first two races with a favorite at 5/2 or higher and an eighth fave with a M/L of 10-1 or less. If you try this method at your local track, you may have to adjust this M/L spread to 12-1 to find a playable race, and please post your success rate and stories, thanks kindly.

I'll try this for a week or two and regardless if any success is achieved short-term, we may expand the discussion to include triactors and Pick 3 bets within the month.

Many Happy Returns!

Joe Trainor

Biggest Betting Payouts 2009 Horse Racing - Pick Six Carryovers +++

2009-09-03T08:28:00.001-07:00

Over the next few weeks I will be posting a series entitled How to Cash Big Tickets at the Track, with chapters on Exactors, Triactors, Superfectas, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 6. Most really large payouts are because of either or both of these 2 factors:

A) One or more longshots hit the board

and/or

B) There was a large carryover.

As B allows you a larger return for the same amount of risk, in 2010 I wil be focusing a lot on betting carryovers, and for those wanting to play along, use the Twitter.com Horse Racing Carryovers website to get alerts on the biggest pools out there!

Here are some of the top horse race wagering wins in 2009; SUCCESS in betting on horse races:

#1 - Saratoga Pick 6 - Saturday, August 8 - (4-3-8-6-3-12), 6 of 6 Paid $483,828.00, 5 of 6 Paid $3,840.00

#2 - Hollywood Park P6 - Mon, May 25 - (11/13/15-5/6-1-9-6-5/8), 6 of 6 Paid $294,018.40, 5 of 6 Paid $2,597.20

#3 - Meadowlands Pick Six Saturday, April 4 record $193,384 payout, five winning tickets (previous record Pick 6 payoff at the Meadowlands came in February 2007, when one winner took down the entire $131,071 pool.)

#4 - Saratoga Pick 6 Carryover - Sun, Aug 16 (7/8-8-1-9-7-3) - 6 of 6 Paid $119,797.00

#5 - Belmont Park Pick 6 - Wednesday, July 15 - (4-3-5-6-1-8), 6 of 6 Paid $114,340.00

#6 - Del Mar Pick 6 Sat, Aug 29 (3-10/13/14-10-9-4-8) - 6 of 6 Paid $97,622.8

#7 - Belmont Park Pick 6 - Saturday, July 9 - (8-3/4-9-7-1/9-2), 6 of 6 Paid $73,949.00

#8 - Golden Gate Pick 6 - Thurs, April 30 - (5-6-5-5-2-3/5), 6 Correct Paid $70,937.40

#9 - Hollywood Park Pick 6 - Sunday, May 3 - (7-2-7-1/3/4/6-5/8-12), 6 Cor Paid $70,362.20

#10 - Belmont Park Pick 6 - Sunday, May 3 - (2-2-9-8-7-6), 6 Correct Paid $67,782.00, 5 Correct Paid $7,473.00

Many happy returns!!!!

Here are some highlights from previous years:

2007

Monday July 3rd pick six at Hollywood Park, which attracted more money than any pick six in North American history, paid $576,040 to 13 ticketholders.

The V75 is a ten-cent pick seven wager in which bettors win by selecting the winning horse in seven races, with consolation prize money going to bettors who select five or six out of the seven. The V64 is a 20-cent pick six wager in which bettors win by picking six winners from six races. There are also consolation prizes for picking four and five winners out of six.

Both wagering options have been extremely popular in Europe, with average weekly pool sizes that are among the largest in the world: $11-million for the V75 and $2.5-million for the V64. Carryover pools have reached as high as $25-million. The record payout for the V75 is $4.8-million, while the largest payout for the V64 was $566,451.

2004

The biggest pick six in NYRA history ended with the first two tickets worth in excess of $1 million in the history of New York racing. Six consecutive double-digit winners conspired to eliminate all but those two tickets, each of which worth $1,120,287. (Posted 17JAN04)

The previous record pay out at NYRA was a $767,998 pick six return on April 9, 1990.

Top NA Harness Racing Drivers and Trainers

2009-08-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

August 2009 Top Standardbred Drivers and Trainers

Here is my unofficial list of the top horsemen in North American Standardbred Racing as of right now:

Top 20 Drivers

Tim Tetrick
Brian Sears
David M Palone
Jody Jamieson
James Morrill Jr
Randy Waples
David Miller
Sylvain Filion
Jason Bartlett
George Brennan
Andy Miller
Mario Baillargeon
Ron Pierce
Steve Condren
Yannick Gingras
Brad Forward
Anthony Morgan
Aaron Merriman
Richard Zeron
Peter Wrenn

Top 20 Trainers

Casie Coleman
Ronald Burke
Julie Miller
Ervin Miller
Tracy Brainard
Jimmy Takter
George Teague Jr
Benoit Baillargeon
Mark Kesmodel
Robert Mcintosh
Rene Allard
Richard Moreau
Joshua Green
Mark Harder
Linda Toscano
Christopher Oakes
Keith Clark
Noel Daley
Kenneth Rucker
Joe Anderson

Carryover $11,185,682 Jackpot; Sat 29AUG09 - Horse Racing Carryovers - Thoroughbred and Standardbred

2009-08-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the biggest harness racing and thoroughbred carryovers out there as of August 29th Noon ET:

V75 Jackpot (Europe) $11,185,682.00

V64 Jackpot (Europe)$2,544,742.00

Delmar Pick Six $116,000+

Los Alamitos Pick Six $21,490

Louisiana Downs Pick Six $8,501

Philadelphia Park $7,995

Mohawk Raceway Super Seven $2,426

Many Happy Returns!!

Trainor's Top Ten - North American Pacers, Trotters, Drivers, Trainers

2009-08-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here are my initial picks for Trainor's Top Ten, my lists of the top ten harness racing talents on the continent right now, and in coming days I will expand the lists to include fillies and mares in separate rankings;

Pacers

Shadow Play
Well Said
Won The West
Mister Big
Art Official
Shark Gesture
Bettor Sweet
Bigtime Ball
Southwind Tempo
Not Enough

You won't often get a good price on any in this group, but keep an eye out for horses who've raced against them.

Trotters

Lucky Jim
Muscle Hill
Buck I St Pat
San Pail
Arch Madness
Lanson
Explosive Matter
Lavec Dream
In Focus
Spice Queen
John Paul's Legacy

Drivers

Tim Tetrick
Briam Sears
Jody Jamieson
Randy Waples
D Miller
Sylvain Filion
G Brennan
A Miller
Mario Baillargeon
Ron Pierce
Steve Condren

Trainers

Casie Coleman
J Miller
E Miller
T Brainard
Benoit O Baillargeon
M Kesmodel
R Mcintosh
R Moreau
M Harder
R Burke
K Rucker

Won The West defeats fastest field ever in Breeders Crown

2009-08-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Western Hanover son Won The West outlasted Shadow Play and Art Official to take the Breeders Crown Final last night in a stunning 1.47 clocking!!!! For those that thought the billing of fastest six horse field ever was hype, take a look at the closing times:

H PP Horse 1/4 1/2 3/4 STR Fin Time Last Q Odds Driver Trainer

1 1 Won The West(L) 3 4 4 3-1 1/2 1-1 1/4 1:47.0 25.3 15.70 J Morrill Jr R Burke

2 2 Shadow Play 2 2 2 2-1/4 2-1 1/4 1:47.1 26.1 *1.50 D Miller I Moore

4 4 Art Official 1 1 1 1-1/4 3-1 1/4 1:47.1 26.2 2.80 R Pierce J Seekman

3 3 Bettor Sweet(L) 4 3o 3o 4-2 1/4 4-2 1:47.2 26.1 22.90 J Campbell J Poliseno

6 6 Shark Gesture(L) 6 6o 6 6-4 1/4 5-3 1:47.3 25.3 6.60 T Tetrick L Remmen

5 5 Mister Big(L) 5 5o 5o 5-3 3/4 6-3 1/2 1:47.3 26.0 2.00 B Sears V Morgan Jr

Imagine that; the last place finisher, Mister Big, is timed in a stakes-record 1.47.3!!! It may be years before we see another race with a last place equine timed in 1.47.3!!!