This Fourth of July, many of us will go about our traditions of spending time with family, barbecuing, watching fireworks, and celebrating America. Over the years, many horse owners have paid tribute to the U.S. and Independence Day through the names of their racehorses. We decided to put together a list of some of the most patriotic horse names in American racing. Thank you to everyone who sent in some of their favorite patriotic horse names via Twitter.
Author: News
‘Encouraging Start’: $3.4-Million Wagered On Monmouth’s Opening-Day Program
Laki shook off an eight-month layoff, taking full advantage of an early speed duel that developed in front of him, before drawing off to a 2 1/2-length victory in the first running of the Oceanport Centennial Stakes as racing fans welcomed back Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., with a rousing reception at the betting windows (and online) on opening day of the COVID-19 delayed meet.
Despite attendance restrictions under guidelines issued by the state in the ongoing battle against the pandemic, bettors wagered $3,422,830 from all sources on the six-race twilight card.
Average handle for Fridays a year ago was approximately $2.5 million, when a typical card saw eight live events.
“We're happy and grateful that the day went off without a hitch,” said Dennis Drazin, Chairman and CEO of Darby Development LLC, operators of the racetrack. “It was a great racing card that was whole-heartedly endorsed by the betting public.
“It was an encouraging start to a year that could certainly use some positive news.”
Ridden by Trevor McCarthy for the first time, Laki won for the ninth time in 24 career starts, with the $45,000 winner's share from the $75,000 purse boosting his career earnings over $500,000.
“He's been training so well coming into the race. I'm not surprised by this, even after eight months off,” said trainer Damon Dilodovico. “Toward the end of the year last year he just needed to be freshened. We weren't looking for the COVID-19 sized freshener but maybe it ended up helping him.
“I was surprised to see him in front early amongst those horses because there was a lot of speed in the race. Trevor just let him do his thing and sat off a good speed duel. That's really where he is more comfortable.”
Though Laki broke to the lead from the rail in a field of speedsters, McCarthy eventually settled the 7-year-old gelding behind dueling leaders Chateau and Awesome Anywhere. Laki powered by both in mid-stretch, finishing the five furlongs in :57.62.
Laki paid $13.00 to win, with Awesome Anywhere holding second, 5¾ lengths ahead of Midtowncharlybrown.
“Damon kind of left it up to me,” said McCarthy. “I thought the five-eighths might be a little short for him. That was my biggest worry. I just tried to break him as sharp as I could break him just to get position. I couldn't believe I broke in front of everybody. I kind of just sat there, let him get himself together and let the other guys go at it after he settled in.
“We got to sit off a nice hot speed duel. He usually finishes good. He showed his true class.”
Racing resumes at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 4, with a 12-race card that begins at 12:50 p.m.
The post ‘Encouraging Start’: $3.4-Million Wagered On Monmouth’s Opening-Day Program appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
Azalea, Carry Back Stakes In Rainbow 6 Sequence At Gulfstream; Jackpot Has $250,000 Guarantee
Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., will celebrate Saturday's July 4th holiday with a $250,000 Rainbow 6 Jackpot Pool guarantee on a 12-race program highlighted by the $75,000 Carry Back and the $75,000 Azalea.
First race post time is set for noon.
The Rainbow 6 went unsolved Friday for the second day following Tuesday's mandatory payout. Multiple tickets with all six winners were each worth $11,255.28.
The carryover jackpot is only paid out when there is a single unique ticket sold with all six winners. On days when there is no unique ticket, 70 percent of that day's pool goes back to those bettors holding tickets with the most winners, while 30 percent is carried over to the jackpot pool.
Saturday's Rainbow 6 sequence will span Races 7-12, including the Azalea, a seven-furlong sprint for 3-year-old fillies, in Race 9 and the Carry Back, a seven-furlong event for 3-year-olds, in Race 11.
Boerne, rated at 6-5 in the morning line, looms as a popular 'single' with Rainbow 6 bettors. The Juan Carlos Avila-trained daughter of Fed Biz, finished second behind talented Up in Smoke in the June 8 Game Face at Gulfstream as the even-money favorite. Boerne has won her three previous starts by a combined 15 lengths.
Double Crown, who outfinished Grade 1 stakes-placed Green Light Go in the May 16 Roar Stakes last time out, tops a highly competitive edition of the Carry Back. The Kathy Ritvo-trained gelded son of Bourbon Courage will be joined by stablemate Ournationonparade and Hutcheson Stakes winner With Verve.
The Rainbow 6 sequence kicks off with 6 ½-furlong maiden special weight race for 3-year-olds and up in Race 7. Whisper Hill Farm's Plum Funny, a 3-year-old daughter of Distorted Humor, is scheduled to make her career debut for trainer Ralph Nicks. Plum Funny is out of Plum Pretty, who won the 2011 Kentucky Oaks (G1). St. George Stable LLC's Mascabroni, a 3-year-old daughter of Hard Spun, also brings strong bloodlines into her debut. The Fausto Gutierrez-trained filly is out of So Much Love, who is out of Grade 1 stakes-winning Love Lock.
Orseno, Jaramillo Team Up for Two Wins
Trainer Joe Orseno had two winners Friday with jockey Emisael Jaramillo bringing both to the winner's circle. Jaramillo rode Cash Call Kitten ($6) to victory in the fifth race and brought home Orseno's 13-1 shot Dakota's Dude ($29.60) in the seventh race.
The post Azalea, Carry Back Stakes In Rainbow 6 Sequence At Gulfstream; Jackpot Has $250,000 Guarantee appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
SAM TURNER’S TIPS FOR THE DERBY: Frankie Dettori and English King at Epsom… and all the best bets
Read Sam Turner's tips for the Derby at Epsom and all of the rest of the best bets for the action in Saturday's racing, including Haydock and Sandown with Robin Goodfellow.
