HOME > HORSE RACING RADAR
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
by: Valerie Mellema
As we head into Pennsylvania Derby week and edge closer to the Breeders' Cup, here's the latest news in horse racing!
Maximum Security Scratched from Penn Derby
After his workout Monday morning, MAXIMUM SECURITY developed a large colon nephrosplenic entrapment and has been scratched from the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby. The entrapment occurs when a portion of the left large colon gets flipped over the nephrosplenic ligament. The ligament connects the left kidney to the spleen and results in an acute bout of colic. The issue was corrected without surgery. He will recover within a couple of weeks, but trainer Jason Service feels he needs a bit of time off.
Arlington International Racecourse Stuck Amidst Drama
Shortly after announcing that Churchill Downs Inc. will not be applying for a gaming license at the track, the Illinois Racing Board threatened to deny Arlington their race dates for 202 unless Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) can demonstrate within a week that are committed to racing. The decision by CDI was shocking under the new state law that would allow gaming at the track and could cost purse accounts millions of dollars. CDI felt that the move was too financially risky.
However, the decision also came after CDI purchased Rivers Casino, just 15 miles from Arlington. Commissioner Thomas McCauley suggested that CDI's decision was based on a desire to protect Rivers Casino and their bottom line, making the board question their loyalty to Arlington. McCauley gave a one-week window for them to show "whether it really wants to signal to the world, once and for all, that it's only a gaming and software company and no longer a horse arcing enterprise, whether it wants to jeopardize its racing license and all revenue which the privilege associated with that license will generate."
Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge Registration Opens
Registration for the 2019 Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge has officially opened and horseplayers can go online at Breederscup.com/BCBC to register. This will be the 11th challenge hosted by the Breeders' Cup and is a two-day championship. The player with the highest accumulated bankroll at the end of the championship will be crowned the winner and there's an estimated prize pool of more than $1 million based on the minimum entry requirement of 400.
Equine Safety Spotlight Back on Santa Anita
After another fatality at Santa Anita, the equine safety spotlight is back on the track. ZEKE was euthanized after being pulled up during a Monday morning workout. The 4-year-old gelding was diagnosed with a pelvic fracture. After being unable to sustain his own weight on four legs later in the evening, the horse was humanely euthanized. A necropsy will be done to determine if there was anything that could have been done to prevent the injury.
McKinzie Holds His Spot at the Top of the Breeders' Cup Rankings
The Breeders' Cup Classic Rankings are updated weekly and little has changed with MCKINZIE holding the top spot followed by:
Have a great week!
<< RETURN TO GUARANTEED TIP SHEET HOMEPAGE