December, 2023 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Non-Contact Thermometers Not Reliable For Equine Readings

Though non-contact, infrared thermometers became popular during Covid as they limited the proximity to other people, the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University has found that these tools may not be a reliable alternative to rectal thermometers for detecting fevers in horses.

The ability to accurately determine a horse's temperature is vital to assessing horse health and implementing biosecurity measures in groups of horses. Though ideal, taking rectal temperatures can place the temperature taker in danger if the horse opposes having it taken.

Non-contact thermometers provide convenient and quick readings, but they assess only the surface temperature and may not accurately reflect the horse's core body temperature. A horse's thick coat and environmental conditions may affect the thermometer's accuracy.

Drs. Leslie Easterwood and Noah Cohen compared the rectal temperatures with readings by non-contact thermometers in 142 Quarter Horses and 34 Quarter Horse foals. The non-contact thermometer collected readings from the forehead or neck of each horse.

Their study showed that the temperatures taken by the non-contact infrared thermometer were able to be repeated well, but the readings did not align with rectal temperatures. They found a substantial negative bias, with the adult horses showing readings nearly 2 degrees F lower on the non-contact thermometers than with the rectal thermometers. In foals, the difference was even higher, with the average difference being 3 degrees F difference between the two thermometers.

The researchers conclude that non-contact infrared thermometers may not be suitable to obtain valid estimates of equine core body temperature.

Fingal’s Cave Scores Off 432-Day Layoff In Thursday’s Bay Ridge

Alifyfe Racing's graded stakes-placed Fingal's Cave made a successful return to the races after a 432-day layoff to post a strong victory in Thursday's $100,000 Bay Ridge, a one-mile test for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-years-old and up, at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Trained by David Donk, the 4-year-old daughter of Carpe Diem had not raced since posting a deep-closing runner-up effort after a troubled start in the Grade 2 Raven Run last October at Keeneland, but showed not signs of rust when coasting to a frontrunning victory over multiple graded stakes-placed Venti Valentine.

“432 [days]? I heard someone say the number and I tried not to dwell on it. As a trainer, boy could I have worked her a couple more times,” Donk said, with a laugh. “She's got a lot of class, so I think the class prevails.”

Guided to victory by Jose Lezcano, Fingal's Cave broke evenly from post 2 in the field of six and steadily inched to the front exiting the chute to establish command over the sharp-starting Bustin Bay through an opening quarter-mile in 23.30 over the muddy and sealed main track.

Venti Valentine tracked between Fingal's Cave and Bustin Bay down the backstretch before being asked to take up second position by jockey Manny Franco as Fingal's Cave maintained her advantage and quickened to mark the half-mile in 46.52. Approaching the turn, Fingal's Cave was met with the challenge from Venti Valentine as a patient Bustin Bay reengaged three-wide under Kendrick Carmouche and was asked for her best.

Venti Valentine came under a strong ride from Franco in the turn with Bustin Bay attempting to rally in the three-path, but Lezcano remained motionless aboard a loaded Fingal's Cave into the stretch after three-quarters in 1:11.46. Lezcano shook his reins at the eighth pole and Fingal's Cave responded with aplomb, drawing off strongly from Venti Valentine and pricking her ears just before crossing the wire 4 3/4 lengths in front in a final time of 1:37.45.

Venti Valentine preserved place honors by 1 1/2 lengths over the late-running Cairo Sugar, who bested Bustin Bay by a neck. Know It All Audrey and Sweetie completed the order of finish. Sweet Mystery was scratched.

Donk said he left race tactics in the capable hands of Lezcano.

“I thought there would be more pace. I was satisfied that horses could close today and that it wasn't a biased rail. Sometimes, when it gets wet and dries out, it changes throughout the day. But horses were closing,” Donk said. “I told him to ride her the way he thought was best. Jose is a really good rider and really kind. But she broke sharp and I thought being off the long layoff, she'd be a little fresh. I thought maybe one or two might be in front of her but when she was there, he did the right thing.”

Lezcano, who was aboard for the first time in the afternoon, said Fingal's Cave was highly professional.

“When we broke out of the gate, my filly did everything herself,” Lezcano said. “She's got a lot of class and broke pretty good and put herself there. I didn't ask her for nothing. When I asked her at the quarter [pole] she went on and won the race.

“When I got to the quarter, I still felt I had a lot left in the tank,” Lezcano continued. “When I asked her she went on well. I think she's very classy.”

Bred by Chester and Mary Broman, the talented Fingal's Cave has now won 5-of-6 lifetime starts, including an additional state-bred stakes triumph in the Fleet Indian last August at Saratoga Race Course. She earned $55,000 for her Bay Ridge triumph, boosting her total purse earnings to $370,500 while returning $6.20 on a $2 win ticket.

Franco, aboard the Jorge Abreu-trained Venti Valentine, said the multiple stakes-winning daughter of Firing Line gave her best effort with a trip that went to plan.

“I didn't want to be too far [back] – the track was carrying the speed. I was where I wanted to be and I was second best,” said Franco. “She was doing it by her own. She was taking me there. I thought it was Lezcano and me and I wanted to put the pressure, but the filly [Fingal's Cave] was ready.”

Live racing resumes Friday at the Big A with an eight-race card, featuring the $100,000 Alex M. Robb in Race 2. First post is 12:50 p.m. Eastern.

America's Day at the Races will present daily coverage and analysis of the fall meet at Aqueduct Racetrack on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/racing/tv-schedule.

NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform of Aqueduct Racetrack, and the best way to bet every race of the fall meet. Available to horseplayers nationwide, the NYRA Bets app is available for download today on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.

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Pick 6 Carryover Of $25,427 Into Friday’s Card At Aqueduct

Friday's card at Aqueduct Racetrack will feature a Pick 6 carryover of $25,427 after the multi-race wager went unsolved on Thursday's eight-race program.

The $1 Pick 6 returned $273 to bettors who selected 5-of-6 winners correctly.

Thursday's sequence kicked off in Race 3 with Divine Cross [No. 5, $13] taking a 6 1/2-furlong claiming tilt with Isaac Castillo up for trainer David Jacobson. Race 4 saw the Jose Jimenez-trained Just Katherine [No. 5, $3.70*] take a nine-furlong optional claimer with Eric Cancel in the irons, one race before Proven Hope [No. 7, $16.40] secured a one-mile claiming victory under Heman Harkie for trainer Edward Barker in Race 5.

Race 6 featured a training double for Rick Dutrow, Jr., who sent out the Manny Franco-piloted Capone [No. 4, $7.50] to win a seven-furlong claiming tilt. In Race 7, the featured $100,000 Bay Ridge, jockey Jose Lezcano notched his second win on the card as he guided the David Donk-trained Fingal's Cave [No. 2, $6.20*] to win the one-mile route for state-bred fillies and mares in the filly's first start off a 14-month layoff.

With five horses uncovered in the final leg, Dylan Davis piloted the Timothy Hills-trained Bornforgreatness [No. 8, $41.40] to a sixth-out graduation in Race 8, a one-mile maiden claimer, to trigger the carryover.

Friday's Pick 6 begins in Race 3 at 1:46 p.m. Eastern. First post on the eight-race card is 12:50 p.m.

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Promoting the American Thoroughbred Industry: Letter to the Editor, Justin Casse

During the recent holiday season, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with my 13-year-old son, Max, about his future aspirations. As he approaches an age where decisions about higher education and career paths come into focus, we've delved into conversations about his collegiate preferences and professional ambitions.

It is not uncommon for adolescents at this stage to express a desire to emulate the occupational choices of family members. Max, in particular, has conveyed an interest in following in the footsteps of his father, cousin Norm, uncle Mark, and his late grandfather Norman.

Now over the past few days I have had time to reflect on the thoughts and proposals brought forward by Boyd Browning and Nick de Meric. I believe the appropriate route going forward is for American Racing to have a parallel initiative to that of AUSHORSE in Australia. AUSHORSE is the gold standard of Thoroughbred marketing globally. They are frequently advertising the amazing statistics regarding the most buoyant racehorse industry in the world. This is exactly what we need. An enterprise like this would aim to promote the American Thoroughbred industry, encourage investment from both domestic and international sources, and introduce new owners to the excitement of racehorse ownership. Funding the initiative would occur through a small percentage taken from purse structures, sales purchases, or commissions.

This type of initiative could bring several benefits to the American Thoroughbred industry:

Promotion and Branding: A centralized marketing arm can effectively promote the industry, showcasing destinations for racing and sales. As well as the heartfelt stories that occur within our industry (i.e. Cody's Wish) and the amount of jobs it creates and economic impact it has.
International Investment: By actively encouraging investment from overseas, the industry can attract a broader range of participants, boosting competition and raising the profile of American horse racing on a global scale. Again, American involvement in Europe both at their sales and at Ascot is at an all-time high. As well as Europeans shipping to Australia for the Melbourne Cup and other races. It's time we flip the script here.
Introduction to Ownership: Helping newcomers navigate the world of racehorse ownership can foster increased participation and interest in the sport. This could include educational programs, networking events, and other initiatives to make ownership more accessible and enjoyable. I understand we've tried this in some capacity in the past but to include this under one uniform umbrella could create a stronger reputation via a name and likeness to refer to when speaking to the layman about our industry.
Sustainable Funding: By allocating a small percentage from relevant revenue streams, the initiative can secure a consistent and sustainable source of funding for its activities. This ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the marketing efforts.

However, it's important to consider a few key factors in implementing such an initiative:

Industry Collaboration: Success would likely depend on widespread industry collaboration. Ensuring that major stakeholders and participants are on board is crucial for the initiative's effectiveness. But making sure that the funding comes from a broader scale and not from a few wealthier individuals will insure a non-bias representation.
Transparent Governance: As an independent, not-for-profit entity, transparency in governance is essential to maintain trust and credibility. Clear guidelines on fund allocation and decision-making processes should be established.
Adaptability: The racing industry is dynamic, and the initiative should be adaptable to changing circumstances and market trends. Regular evaluations and adjustments may be necessary to ensure ongoing success.

If implemented thoughtfully, a marketing initiative like this one could contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of the American Thoroughbred industry.

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