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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019
by: Valerie Mellema
With the Derby trail underway and spring just around the corner, there was a lot happening in horse racing this week.
62-1 Super Steed Wins $500K Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn
Racing five wide to take the lead by three lengths in the early stretch, SUPER STEED rallied and held off a late charge from SUENO who settled for second. The win was a redemption for the colt after failing to rally and placing fourth in the Sugar Bowl Stakes at the Fairgrounds and in Smarty Jones Stakes. Despite that, he has remained on Kentucky Derby watch lists and proved at Oaklawn that he could indeed rally. He earned 10 Derby qualifying points with the win.
Woodbine Announces Stakes Schedule
Woodbine has announced their 2019 stakes schedule and the grand opening of the track's new inner turf course. The stakes schedule includes 95 stakes worth $16 million in purse money. The meet will run from April 20th to December 15th.
The 160th running of the Queen's Plate is the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown and will be held June 29th. Woodbine will also host the final leg of the Triple Crown with the $400,000 Breeders' Stakes on August 17th.
Woodbine will also be hosting two Breeders' Cup Win and You're In races including the Ricoh Woodbine Mile on September 14th and the $300,000 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (G1T) is on the undercard for that day as well.
The $250,000 Natalma Stakes (G1T) and the Summer Stakes (G1T) are also Breeders' Cup Challenge series races for two year olds. A new pair of $100,000 stakes for 2-year-olds has been announced as well with the Ontario Racing Stakes and Woodbine Cares Stakes for fillies on the turf and at five furlongs on September 15th.
The $500,000 Woodbine Oaks will be ran on the first signature race day, June 8th, for Canadian-bred 3-year-old fillies. This is the first race in the Triple Tiara. The Plate Trial Stakes will also be held June 8th.
Another highlight of the meet is Canadian Millions Night with six stakes races valued at $750,000 in purses on August 28th, highlighting the top Canadian yearling sales graduates. There are several new and upgraded stakes throughout the season including Woodbine's Turf Endurance Series and the Turf Sprint Series. Woodbine will also continue their Graded Stakes Bonus Program with increased bonuses up to $75,000 for incoming graded stakes winners.
NJ Governor Signs Purse Subsidy Bill
February 14th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that appropriated $20 million a year to purse subsidies for each of the next five years. $10 million each to Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds.
The New Jersey Thoroughbred horse racing and breeding industry supports 13,000 jobs and helps preserve 176,000 acres of land.
New Kentucky Downs Owners Approved
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved Ron Winchell, entrepreneur and horseman, and gaming executive Marc Falcone as the majority owners of Kentucky Downs.
The sale of the track is expected to close March 1. The new owners plan on a major facility expansion.
The Lone Star Park Racing Club Accepting Members
The Lone Star Park Racing Club is accepting members for the 2019 season. The season runs April 18th through July 21st. For just $500, you can be a part owner of one of 150 shares. In addition to being a part owner in a racehorse, members also benefit from free admission into the park with a guest, as well as a parking pass, barn tours and more.
Victor Espinoza is Back
After seven months off and recovering from devastating injuries, Victor Espinoza returned to the track on the filly GALLANTLYSTREAMING. In a 6 and a half furlong maiden claiming race, Espinoza and GALLANTLYSTREAMING broke well from the outside post and settled into fifth early. Launching their final move about midway through the turn they finished second behind QUEEN OF THE TRACK.
Espinoza stated, "I wasn't nervous, I was kind of excited (going to the starting gate), excited to know I came back and could continue my career."
Have a great week!
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