Forest Danger

- Forest Danger is what some environmentalists might label the Bush admnistration, which has long been threatening to do away with the “roadless rule” that protects most remaining unspoiled areas in the national forest system from roads and logging. Forest Danger (Forestry), the horse trained by Todd Pletcher, is, like Wanderin Boy, who we saw win the Mineshaft on Saturday, a lightly raced 4 year-old threatening to make a splash on the handicap circuit. Forest Danger came off a long layoff, having last raced on May 1 in the Withers at the Big A, finishing second to Medallist, and destroyed a NW4 allowance field at Gulfstream Monday.

Forest Danger cruised to a 9 1/2-length victory over the up-and-coming Primary Suspect as well as the stakes-caliber Vinemeister and Choose. His final time of 1:14.44 shattered the 6 1/2-furlong track mark of 1:15.60 set by Medallist nine days earlier in the Deputy Minister Handicap, even with jockey John Velazquez throttling down on Forest Danger in late stretch with the outcome no longer in doubt.

"That was pretty good," Pletcher said matter of factly in the winner's circle after the race. "Hopefully we've found Speightstown's replacement for the year."[Daily Racing Form]

Pletcher added that he’s pointing him to the Grade 1 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct April 7.

- With legislation in the state legislature dead, Kentucky tracks increase jockey coverage to $1-million. [Thoroughbred Times]

- Sam Houston Race Park announced that you’ll be able to bet the superfecta for a dime. Track president Bob Bork explained:

"Playing a four-horse superfecta box will cost just $2.40 and the payouts can be hundreds of dollars. We feel that the ten-cent superfecta will be a great addition to the Sam Houston Race Park wagering menu."[Thoroughbred Times]

Bork went on to announce that for the same thin dime, fans can purchase a tiny piece of hot dog with a thimble full of Coke; and a quarter will get them a whiff of any premium liquor brand in the house.