- The “big three” of Borrego, Saint Liam, and Rock Hard Ten aren’t scaring opponents away from the Classic. Two more have announced their intention to join the field, and they are Jack Sullivan, 4th in the Dubai World Cup, and last year’s Canadien three year-old champ A Bit of Gold.
- Good news for Lost in the Fog; speedy Captain Squire will go in the Sport Page Handicap on the undercard instead of the Sprint.
- About a hundred jockeys including several disabled riders will rally to the defense of the Jockey Guild before tomorrow’s hearing in Washington DC, where they will "voice their support for the Guild and in opposition to the one-sided nature of the subcommittee." The Guild issued a press release posing the following questions:
—"When will Kentucky Congressman Ed Whitfield be concerned about the health and safety of our Quarter Horse jockeys?I’m glad to see the Guild hasn’t lost their sense of humor; it’s been awhile since I’ve gotten a good chuckle out of one of their statements. The last question in particular is vintage Guild. I’ll reserve any further comments for after tomorrow’s hearing. (But nice try to change the subject to Quarter Horse jockeys) (And maybe they "pretend" that Dr. G is the problem because the lapsing of the insurance, and all the weirdness and evasiveness have occured on his watch?)
—Why do tracks and their government lobbyists pretend that Dr. Gertmenian is the source of the industry's problems?
—When will the Congress require that the tracks provide workers' compensation insurance for jockeys in every state?
—When will the Congress make safety rails and safety reins mandatory? and
—Why are jockeys required to destroy their bodies in order to keep their jobs?" [Thoroughbred Times]
- Reader Walter left an awesome comment here in response to my post on Ouija Board. In addition to a wealth of information on last year’s Filly and Mare Turf winner, he writes that despite reports that are still posted on the major trades sites, Jerry Bailey is in fact NOT named to ride as of yet. "Bailey remains in the mix, but he's more of an escape hatch in the event that [Kieran] Fallon isn't available." Thanks for the info!
2 Comments:
Love your blog after discovering it about a month ago!
I actually was there to witness Ouija Board's defeat in the Prince of Wales stakes at the Ascot this summer..lost a good amount of money on her..at least Azamour showed up.
The turf must have been ultra-soft/heavy, as it had been raining all day. I can't say I'm an expert on horseshoes, but I'd believe that she lost a shoe or got an unfavourable trip. If I recall correctly, she went off as maybe the 4th or 5th favourite (behind Azamour, Ace, Elvstroem).
I guess the big question is if she is in the same form as last year...I find 3/2 might not be that much of a value considering this major question...
Mark -
Thanks so much for reading and for the kind words. Ouija Board did indeed lose a shoe in that race, and sustained an injury as well. No doubting her ability, but given the circumstances, I don't think she'll present much value if she really goes off at 3-2.
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