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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019
by: Valerie Mellema
Here's what's been happening in the world of horse racing this week.
Belmont Starts Massive Development Project
Belmont Park has been approved for a massive development project worth $1.3 billion. The project includes a new arena to be the home of the NHL's New York Islanders on 43 acres of the land owned by Belmont Park. The arena will include 19,000 seats, retail space, a hotel and an entertainment space. It is uncertain as to when the construction will begin.
Study Shows Room for Gaming at Illinois Racetracks
In a feasibility study of gaming expansion in Illinois, mandated by the Illinois General Assembly spring session in a new expansion law, Union Gaming Analytics of Las Vegas, commented on the overall impact of the gaming expansion legislation. The study approved six new casinos around the state, gaming and sports betting at racetracks. It also approved the expansion of a huge video gaming network already operating throughout Illinois. The existing casinos are also authorized to add gaming positions and the City of Chicago has been approved to install airport slot machines. The study found that there is no over-saturation in the gaming market throughout the state and in the City of Chicago.
What this means for horse racing is that Arlington International Racecourse and Hawthorne Racecourse will be able to benefit from the additions of casinos, as they will both be serving underserved areas. Hawthorne is moving forward aggressively with plans to build a casino and implement sports betting. Arlington has not yet announced its plans.
Omaha Beach Targets Shared Belief
OMAHA BEACH stretched six furlongs in his August 12th workout at Del Mar. It was his fourth work since having minor throat surgery in early may. The colt worked with the filly MAGICAL KISS and ran a 1:13 3/5 drill under Alex Solis. The colt was ranked the second fastest of four at that distance on Monday. He remains on target for the August 25th Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar.
Potential Pennsylvania Derby Contenders
Possible runners for the Pennsylvania Derby include MAXIMUM SECURITY, MR. MONEY and OMAHA BEACH, pending the outcome of the Shared Belief Stakes. Preakness Stakes winner WAR OF WILL is also a possible contender.
Jerry Hollendorfer Files Action Against Golden Gate Fields
After winning a similar ruling regarding his ban at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Hollendorfer has filed an action against Golden Gate Fields as well contesting the track's decision to ban him. The filing seeks an emergency injunction against the track that would prevent them from enforcing the ban. The ban was issued June 22nd by The Stronach Group following the drama at Santa Anita. The California Thoroughbred Trainers have also supported his plea at Del Mar. In the filing, Hollendorfer argues that the ban at Golden Gate violates the terms of an agreement between the track and horsemen that states that the track may not act in a "capricious or arbitrary" way when taking action against a trainer without an arbitration hearing between the two parties.
Thunder Snow Sent to Newmarket, Won't Race in Woodward
After missing the Whitney, THUNDER SNOW was rerouted to the Woodward on August 31st, however his connections have changed their plans again. Instead they returned him to trainer Saeed bin Suroor's yard at Newmarket. They hope that they will still make it to the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita, but his next race before then has not been decided.
Zenyatta Confirmed In Foal to Candy Ride
The 15 year old ZENYATTA (by STREET CRY) has had significant bad luck as a broodmare losing her 2014 filly, 2016 colt and aborted her 2018 foal. She has yet to produce a winner as COZMIC ONE and ZICONIC went winless in a combined 17 starts. Here 2016 MEDAGLIA D'ORO filly, ZELLDA, is in training, but has not posted an official work.
However, her connection keep trying and has announced that the beloved mare is believed to be carrying a filly by CANDY RIDE. ZENYATTA resides at Land's End Farm in Kentucky where CANDY RIDE also stands. CANDY RIDE is the sire of GUN RUNNER and SHARED BELIEF.
Have a great week!
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