HorseRacing Central February 29, 2008

CLOCKERS ARMED & READY

The aroma of freshly-brewed coffee is once again filtering through the clockers’ tower high above track level as more than 600 horses have begun their early-morning prepping for the 2008 thoroughbred season at Hastings Racecourse.

The first official workouts are underway this weekend with veteran clockers Junior Goss, Randy and Alison Goulding and Gerry Brownell standing at the ready, carefully recording the galloping times that begin each day at the crack of dawn.

It’s a process that will continue over the next eight weeks as the Hastings horsemen get ready for opening weekend April 26-27.

‘BIG CAP DAY’ AT SANTA ANITA

It’s known as ‘Big Cap Day’ and it’s a big day for simulcast players as Santa Anita presents four stakes races including the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Santa Anita Handicap Saturday, March 1. K.K. Sangara’s BC Derby winner Celtic Dreamin has been entered with Alex Solis in the irons as part of a 14-horse field going 1¼ miles. Celtic Dreamin renews his rivalry with Go Between (Garrett Gomez), winner of the Sunshine Millions Classic in January.

The other stakes on Saturday’s card (first post at 12 noon) include the $300,000 Frank E. Kilroe for older runners on the turf at a mile; the $200,000 Sham Stakes for 3-year-olds prepping for the Santa Anita Derby; and the $90,000 China Doll for 3-year-old fillies going a mile on the turf. Another big attraction Saturday, of course, is the fact Santa Anita will be offering a $1 million guaranteed Pick Six.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA UPDATE

Our resident expert analyst Mike Heads reports that even though the local trainer ranks have thinned out in the past few weeks in Northern California, we are still seeing some favourable results. Example: last week trainer Terry Clyde saddled two winners: recent claim ($20,000) Skimming On Ice ($9.40) won his maiden at the $32,000 level and You Won’t Like Me came home a winner Monday ($11.00).

BC STANDARDBRED 2008 ELECTIONS

Bill Pambrun was elected – unopposed – to the position of president of the BC Standardbred Breeders Society last week with Jim Marino elected as vice-president. Executive Director David Aldred has been appointed treasurer of the BCSBS while his executive assistant Diane Pennington has been appointed secretary.

MOVE OVER, DUCA

Trust The Artist with Scott Knight at the controls equaled Duca’s 2006 Fraser Downs track record in last Saturday’s $17,000 Open in a time of 1:51.4. The impressive 4-year-old is now 4-for-5 since joining the Knight barn for owners Kelly Hoerdt, Blair Corbeil and Mike McAllister of Beaumont, Alberta. It was lifetime win number 13 for Trust The Artist, who passed the $228,000 mark in career earnings.

FAST TRACKING AT FRASER

Races 2 and 5 have been designated as the Mildred Williams International Driver Series as nine women drivers donate their time and earnings for the Harness the Hope Day on Sunday, March 2 in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Tickets are still available for the fabulous Fraser Downs buffet and each patron will receive a complimentary pink umbrella. The afternoon will include a silent auction, prize draws and guest speakers … Sunday, March 2 is also the start of the 20,000 point Sundays program. All HPI members have a chance to win 20,000 bonus points with two members having their names drawn from those using their card at Fraser Downs, Hastings Racecourse or any TBC site … There are only two Saturdays remaining (March 1 & 8) to qualify for the finals of the California Dreamin contest. The grand prize is a three-day trip that includes attending the Santa Anita Derby … And a reminder that Saturday, March 8 is the $100,000 Princess of the Pacific Stakes when the top fillies and mares go head-to-head.