Paulick Report | Horse Racing Free Tips

Reader Mail Bag: Adieu To Arlington

The following is a collection of letters we've received from readers in recent days as the permanent closure of Arlington Park seems imminent. If you'd like to submit a letter to our editors, Please click/tap here.

Would create lots of controversy if I had written this in the former comments boxes you had, but the fall of Arlington Park (sorry I was never there) followed the only business rule under profit-oriented capitalism, which is always to endeavor to make the highest rate of profit you can get. It's America's real national religion.

Racing has declined to the point at which the large land areas, which most big tracks possess, is worth more if sold to real estate or developer interests. I fully expect downstate New York racing to go the same way one day. I always thought Aqueduct would go first, but I'm beginning to think Belmont might also be either shrunk dramatically or sold in total to developers. They certainly have declined horribly, both in terms of track accommodations and attendance. Back in the day, tracks were owned by sportsmen and women could never have foreseen this day — but unfortunately, it's here.

–Michael Castellano
Racing fan since the 1960s

Hi Ray, Just wanted to say thank you for your piece about the bitter fall of Arlington.

(If you missed it, it's available here.)

I, too, fell in love with racing there in the 1970s. Over the years, I got to see Secretariat, John Henry, and local legend Rossi Gold, and my cousin and I were present for the “Miracle Million.” I am absolutely heartsick about what has happened. It feels as if COVID-19 has stolen the present and the future, and now, even the past is being taken away.

–Lori Barron
Racing Fan

Hi Ray, Been a long time reader and appreciate the work you do! Just read your Arlington Park story “The Bitter End.” I live close by so it's my home track. What you wrote is so perfect and spot on. When I first heard of this being the last year, my only thought was I need to go one last time. I've been asked a few times by friends but I can't do it. It's not only the bad management as you stated or Churchill Downs greed, it's just to hard to see that beautiful place one last time knowing it's coming down. My wife, my son, my friends have so many great memories and just wish we could continue them at Arlington. I know there are other great and fun tracks but there not close to me like Arlington. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and listening to mine.

–Tom Horak
Racing Fan

I'm not sure what your coverage has been about Arlington but I would suggest looking into the political side of the story based on the state refusing to allow slots for so many years I just believe CD got fed up and walked away. I wanted to blame CD at first glance, however “after further review“ I lay the blame on the crooked politicians of Chicago and the state.

As we say in the Midwest “everything in Chicago is fixed except the roads.”

–Thom Albright
Former owner and racing fan

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Voss: Twelve Things About Saratoga That Warm My Heart

It is increasingly difficult, if you are an investigative journalist, to find moments of solace in this sport. The last few years have been a parade of what's overtly going wrong in racing, sometimes right in the middle of moments that should be the very best of us – like the 2021 Kentucky Derby or the 2019 Breeders' Cup Classic.

It becomes all the more important then, to remember what brought you to horse racing and what keeps you in. For me, the annual summer sojourn I'm lucky enough to take to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., each August contains a lot of the things that warm my already-cold, already-hardened reporter's heart. In case they also warm yours, here are a few of my favorites:

The children who line the jockey walk between the winner's circle and the jockeys' quarters, shyly asking for autographs and pictures. There is no bigger smile at the track than a kid who has just met a super hero, and for some of them it's clear jockeys are pretty close. The riders demonstrate incredible patience for what must feel like a never-ending parade of young fans, even as they have to hurry back to change for their next ride.
The hush of the people who gather along the rail at the Oklahoma Training Track for turf works, peering through binoculars. They're almost silent as the horses come by to watch their strides more closely, in very much the same way I turn down the car radio when I'm trying to read a road sign. But in their attention there is also reverence.
The toll of the bell to let race patrons know the horses are in the paddock – because at this track, at this meet, almost everybody knows what the paddock is and interested in knowing that the horses are entering it.
The family who assembled an elaborate set-up which included color-coordinated table cloths, balloons a gift table and a homemade spread of endless food and a decorated cake for someone's birthday in the Backyard – making it appear as though it was their own backyard on a Saturday afternoon. In a way, I suppose it was.
Morning barn rounds with longtime Albany Times-Union contributor Tim Wilkin. Tim has been in the business for longer than I've been alive (sorry, Tim) and he is of the old breed of New York turfwriter. They're a serious bunch with an air of 'been there, done that' because they have. Mornings with Tim involve trips to the top trainers' barns and there is work, yes, as he conducts interviews, runs down news tips, plots out his content for the day. But when he's done, he has a pocket full of peppermints and he visits his favorite horse in the shed row. Often times it's a graded stakes horse, but sometimes it's a more anonymous competitor he has taken a shine to. He'll feed the horse a candy and smile at them. Swiss Skydiver is his favorite right now. “Isn't she amazing?” he'll say.
Ken McPeek assistant Francis Chiumiento, who recalled letting a young girl and her family in to visit Swiss Skydiver, not knowing until later the child had just beaten cancer and he had made her birthday extra special.
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Late mornings on Clare Court, which is a series of jogging paths underneath huge pine trees behind the chute of the main track. The light comes in golden and dramatic, and horses take time over their work. They seem to take a deep breath back there, looping through figure eights or strengthening through their first canters off a lay-up. Ponies nibble the grass. The backstretch tour tram stops by, and a carefully-chosen Thoroughbred ambassador greets the families calmly as they ooh and aah and snap his picture.
The ponies who stand like generals overlooking a battle as the gates thunder open, as field after field scampers by, unfazed by the water truck or the harrow.
The sounds of Reggie's Red Hot Feet Warmers, the swing band whose horn and clarinet sing out through the front gates. Nothing is quite so bad after you've heard them play I'll See You In My Dreams or I Double Dare You or All Of Me.
Barn dogs, who really believe they're assistant training. Barn cats, who are spoiled beyond belief and really believe they deserve it. Barn goats who care for no one and nothing.
Watching the races from the roof, where you can see everything perfectly and hear a perfect mix of announcer John Imbriale, the conversations and cheers from the apron, and the jockeys calling to their mounts in the stretch.
The track tradition of blaring New York State Of Mind through the loudspeakers at the end of the card. I am not much for Billy Joel, and the song really doesn't have a lot to do with Saratoga Springs, but it's become a sad, dramatic, strange goodbye at the end of the last race card of my trip. The world is an uncertain place, but tomorrow they'll be doing this same thing, in this same place, just like they have for years. And if I'm very lucky, I'll be here to see it all over again next summer.

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Got Stormy Makes History Again With Second Win In Fourstardave

Two years after securing a triumph in the Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave in record-setting fashion, MyRacehorse Stable and Spendthrift Farm's Got Stormy bested males again in the 2021 edition, displaying stalking tactics and making a menacing stretch rally to capture the prestigious one mile event for 3-year-olds and up over the inner turf at Saratoga Race Course.

In capturing the Breeders' Cup “Win And You're In” qualifier, Got Stormy earned an automatic entry into the Grade 1, $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile on November 6 at Del Mar. Four of the last ten editions of the Fourstardave were captured by the subsequent winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile with World Approval [2017], Tourist [2016] and Wise Dan [2012-13] securing the Fourstardave-Breeders' Cup Mile double. Got Stormy finished second to Uni in the 2019 Breeders' Cup Mile.

Got Stormy, a 6-year-old daughter of 2010 Fourstardave victor Get Stormy, arrived at Saturday's engagement off two fifth-place finishes at graded stakes level. But the talented chestnut mare got back to winning form in a familiar spot, becoming the first horse to capture multiple editions of the Fourstardave since 2012-13 Horse of the Year Wise Dan.

Sent off as the third choice in her 2019 Fourstardave coup, Got Stormy returned $27 as the third longest shot in the eight-horse field.

“This was maybe even more exciting because they wrote her off,” Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse said. “They did the same to [2015 Champion Turf Female] Tepin, and she came back. I'm really proud. There's been some bumps along the road with her, but she came when it was time.”

Breaking from post 6 under Tyler Gaffalione, Got Stormy tracked in third as graded stakes-winner Blowout, one of three distaffers in the field, flaunted her usual frontrunning tactics through an opening quarter-mile in 23.45 seconds, 2 ½-lengths clear of 19-1 longshot Whisper Hill in second. Through a half-mile in 46.69 over firm going, Got Stormy maintained third position approaching the far turn as Gaffalione weaved the accomplished mare two paths wide and in the clear.

Blowout was still in front in upper stretch but Got Stormy collared the pacesetter nearing the furlong marker and drew away to a 1 ½-length victory in a final time of 1:33.09.

Set Piece was a late-rallying second, a half-length ahead of Grade 1 Jackpocket Jaipur-winner Casa Creed.

Got Stormy secured a third Grade 1 conquest, and seventh overall graded stakes win. In addition to her two non-consecutive Fourstardave victories, she captured the Matriarch at Del Mar in November 2019.

“She was taking me the whole way,” said Gaffalione, a three-time stakes winner this meet. “I was able to tuck in and save ground. She relaxed beautifully down the backside. Going into the turn she started to pick up on her own and she started creeping up. When I put her outside, she unleased a big run and it was all over from there.”

Casse said a second Breeders' Cup Mile will likely be in the works following Saturday's victory.

“It would have to be the Mile,” Casse said. “I have to think [about potential races in between]. It's so difficult with her; there's things she really likes and things she doesn't. I took her to Woodbine two years ago and she got beat there [second in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile]. I have to think it over. I have to talk to the owners, so we'll figure it out.

“It turned out perfect,” Casse continued. “It's what she loves; they'll have some sharp turns at Del Mar [in the Breeders' Cup Mile], so that'll work out just fine. You could see how well she was training. She loves it here. She trains great here.”

Jockey Florent Geroux, aboard runner-up Set Piece, said his horse may not have cared for the surface.

“He did great. I felt the track wasn't playing in our favor,” Geroux said. I was up against it from the beginning since my horse is a deep closer, but he came running at the end. I'm very proud of his effort and he ran a good race. The mare really loved the track and she's great at this time of the season.”

Got Stormy, previously owned by Gary Barber, was purchased by her current ownership group for $2.75 million at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.
Bred in Kentucky by Mt. Joy Stables, Pope McLean, Marc McLean and Pope McLean, Jr., Got Stormy banked $275,000 in victory, enhancing her lifetime bankroll to $2,398,403 through a record of 30-12-5-3.

Completing the order of finish were Blowout, Daddy Is a Legend, Raging Bull, Whisper Not and Field Pass.

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Navarro Enters Guilty Plea To One Count Of Drug Adulteration And Misbranding Conspiracy

Disgraced trainer Jorge Navarro withdrew his plea of not guilty to two felony charges of drug adulteration and misbranding conspiracy on Aug. 11 and entered a guilty plea to one charge of the same offense. In a video conference before District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, Navarro admitted he administered and directed others to administer non-Food and Drug Administration approved misbranded and/or adulterated drugs to improve the performance of racehorses under his care. He also said he took specific actions to avoid detection of those drugs, including using drugs he believed were not testable and working with veterinarians to falsify bills sent to owners, hiding the administration of illegal drugs.

At Wednesday's hearing, Navarro admitted he administered illegal medications to racehorses between 2016 and March 2020, including top runners X Y Jet, War Story, Shancelot, Sharp Azteca, and Nanoosh. Specifically, he admitted that he gave X Y Jet “blood building” substances before an allowance optional claiming race on Feb. 13, 2019, at Gulfstream Park and the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen.

X Y Jet died suddenly in January 2020, at which point he had earned over $3 million. Navarro said at the time the horse was “part of my family.”

Additionally, Navarro admitted he gave bronchodilators to co-defendant Jason Servis. Servis recently filed a motion seeking to have wiretaps taken by the FBI suppressed on the basis that the federal agency was misleading at the time of its application for those wiretaps.

Navarro said he shipped a blood doping agent from his home in Florida to co-defendant Michael Tannuzzo in New Jersey, and also that he gave drugs to co-defendant Marcos Zulueta. When asked whether he provided drugs to other trainers, Navarro paused and said, “I don't recall” before saying he had provided bronchodilators to Servis.

The misbranded or adulterated substances included blood doping agents, vasodilators, misbranded bronchodilators, “bleeder pills” and SGF-1000, according to Navarro. The blood doping agents were produced by Seth Fishman and Gregory Skelton, per Navarro. Some of the substances, he said, were shipped in from outside the United States, including Panama and the Dominican Republic. Navarro did not clarify which substances originated outside the U.S.

Had the case proceeded to trial, prosecutors revealed they had a recording of a phone conversation between Navarro and an unidentified owner of Nanoosh made in May 2019 in which Navarro and the owner agreed to continue giving the horse illegal drugs in hopes of improving his performance. Nanoosh, who was owned in partnership between Zayat Stables, Rockingham Ranch, and David A. Bernsen, was the winner of the Zia Park Derby. In May 2019 he finished sixth in the G3 Salvator Mile and would later be third in his final career start in an allowance optional claiming race.

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Vyskocil did not sentence Navarro at the Aug. 11 hearing but did outline the parameters of the sentencing guidelines that he agreed to in his plea deal with prosecutors. According to statute, the charge he pleaded guilty to comes with a maximum prison sentence of five years, and that was the maximum outlined in the sentencing guidelines. However, Vyskocil made it clear that she could choose to assign penalties beyond the sentencing guidelines and this would not empower Navarro to withdraw his plea.

Navarro could also face a period of supervised release after serving his prison sentence, and that release may come with a number of conditions. Violation of those conditions would result in Navarro going back to prison with no credit for time served on supervised release.

There are a number of elements to Navarro's crimes which had suggested a longer sentence in federal prison. The government uses a formula to help suggest a possible sentence depending on aggravating or mitigating factors, and the elements of Navarro's crime could have escalated his prison sentence to 14 to 17.5 years, but Vyskocil said the maximum allowed by statute was five, and that's what was written into the agreement Navarro signed with prosecutors. Aggravating factors or “enhancements” in Navarro's case included his use of “sophisticated means” to conceal his crimes, his abuse of public trust, and his role as an organizer of the conspiracy.

Federal prison sentences, according to Vyskocil, require that at least 85 percent of the sentence be served; although a prisoner may have the sentence shortened slightly for good behavior, they are not eligible for parole.

There are also likely to be financial penalties to Navarro as a result of his plea. He agreed he will be subject to a fine ranging from $40,000 to $400,000. He has also agreed to forfeit $70,000, and is further on the hook for $25,860,514 in restitution payments. The latter amount represents the amount of purse money won by Navarro's horses as a result of his crime. As with fellow defendant Dr. Kristian Rhein, prosecutors will provide a list of victims of the crime at the time of sentencing, which is scheduled to take place in December.

Vyskocil also noted that Navarro may face additional consequences to his guilty plea as a result of his immigration status. Navarro, 46, is not a citizen of the U.S. but is a citizen of Panama. Vyskocil said immigration authorities could choose to detain or deport him at the conclusion of his prison sentence.

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