thoroughbreds | Horse Racing Free Tips

Jockey Romero Asked To Explain Actions In Controversial Belterra Finish

The stewards at Belterra Park have asked jockey Gregory Romero to explain why he appeared to not persevere with his mount while on the lead in the final few jumps before the finish of Wednesday's fourth race there, which led to that 9-1 horse getting beaten by a neck by the hard-charging 6-5 favorite.

Reached by phone just prior to the start of Thursday's races, the three Belterra stewards–Ron Herbstreit, Vincent Clark, and Raina Paucar–told TDN in a speaker phone call that they would not discuss what was said at that hearing or if a penalty was in the pipeline.

“We have investigated and there was a hearing for the jockey. But as of right now, we have no comment,” said Herbstreit. “If you want to call the jockey, he might tell you something. But right now, we're not, okay?”

TDN could not find a working phone number for Romero to get his side of the story, nor would the Belterra stewards disclose the jockey's contact information. The stewards said Romero is not represented by an agent.

Asked if a ruling had been issued against Romero, Herbstreit said, “Not yet. That's why there's no comment right now.”

After stalking in second for most of the race, Romero attainted the lead in deep stretch of the five-furlong, NW2L $12,500 claiming turf sprint aboard Scooteranddabigman (Mor Spirit). He encouraged his mount with right-handed stick work into the final sixteenth of a mile, but then lowered his whip alongside his right leg while keeping his left hand on the reins.

Hillbilly Logic (Elusive Quality) was closing fast to the outside while under a drive by jockey John McKee, and Romero twice glanced to his right to see the oncoming rival without taking assertive action to counter the favorite's late move.

The Equibase chart explained Scooteranddabigman's second-place finish this way: “had a rail trip chasing pace to stretch, angled out to the lead, stayed on in the late going but nailed on the wire with mild perseverance in the final four strides.”

Romero has been riding since 2016 with a 32-for-297 career win record. This season he's won three races from 29 mounts.

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Thursday’s Insights: War Front Juvenile Seeks Brevet In Del Mar Maiden

1st-DMR, $82K, Msw, 2yo, 5fT, 5:00 p.m.
EISENHOWER (War Front), a juvenile homebred colt for Ramona S. Bass and Perry R. Bass II, debuts for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella in the Del Mar opener. Ridden by Ramon Vazquez, the bay is out of GSW and MGISP My Miss Sophia (Unbridled's Song), who counts GI Florida Derby champ Materiality (Afleet Alex) as a half brother. In addition to Eisenhower, she is also responsible for his full brothers: GISW Annapolis, who is also campaigned by Bass Racing and Alpha Delta Stables homebred MSP Nevisian Sunrise. TJCIS PPS

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Cody’s Wish, Whitney Favorite From Outside Gate After Draw

Reigning GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner and MGISW Cody's Wish (Curlin) was installed as the 1-2 morning-line favorite and will exit from gate six after Wednesday's GI Whitney S. draw. The 96th running of the $1 million race is set for this Saturday, Aug. 5 and it offers a 'Win and You're In' berth to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic in November.

Cody's Wish Hall of Fame trainer, Bill Mott said after the draw, “Every time you bring a horse over like this, you stand the risk of getting beat. There's always somebody that's an up-and-coming horse and we certainly respect all the competition. This is a very good horse and hopefully for our sake, he can go on. There's a great story that goes with him with Cody Dorman, so the whole scenario turns out to be very special.”

When asked about the outside post, Mott said, “He hasn't been a great horse in the starting gate, so it's probably not a bad thing for him to be on the outside–he doesn't have to wait around in there long. He's gotten just a little anxious in there and he gets a little strong-headed sometimes in the gate. It's better to be out there, I think.

Since this will be the first time that his horse has stretched out beyond a mile in over a year, Mott said, “We're just guessing [he can do it]. He closed well at a mile last time and galloped out nicely. I think it was a good effort for him.

Whisper Hill Farm's Charge It (Tapit), winner of the July 8 GII Suburban S. in his latest start, was installed the 5-1 third betting choice on the morning line. He will exit post 2.

According to Mandy Pope, “He's been training awesome, racing great. Todd [Pletcher] is very happy with him and it's just awesome to be here. I bought his mom [I'll Take Charge] as a yearling [for $2.2 million] and then raced her and bred her. This is her second foal. I bred her to one of my favorite stallions, Tapit. Everything has just come together so nicely.”

The general manager of Whisper Hill Farm, Todd Quast, added, “He's a typical Tapit. He's had a few issues. He's had some things go on. Right now, he's bounced out of the Suburban great. I think two turns and backing up a little bit will suit him perfect. Cody's Wish is the best around, but we need to make him work for it.”

From the rail out, the complete field for the Whitney S. with morning-line odds:

1) Zandon (Upstart) (9-2)
2) Charge It (Tapit) (5-1)
3) Giant Game (Giant's Causeway) (20-1)
4) Last Samurai (Malibu Moon) (15-1)
5) White Abarrio (Race Day) (6-1)
6) Cody' Wish (Curlin) (1-2)

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Oaklawn’s Purse Growth Continues

The largest purse increase in Oaklawn Park history was unveiled in a release Wednesday by the track. Purse distribution for the upcoming 2023-2024 season is set for $60 million, which amounts to a $10 million or 20% increase over last season's record-setting $50 million distribution.

The average daily purses will top $900,000 when the season starts on Dec. 8. Purses for allowance races will be $140,000–$145,000, maiden special weights will be $115,000 and the minimum purse on any race will be $30,000.

“Let me put this in perspective,” said Oaklawn President Louis Cella. “Our season purses will be three times greater than they were just 10 years ago. And we've made sure it's been across all levels of our racing product.”

Cella credits the record purses to the racing-gaming model the track has developed over the last 20 years and to a massive $100 million expansion project that was recently completed.

“We are proving that racing and gaming not only can co-exist, but they can actually enhance each other,” Cella added. “And we're really seeing it now that we've finished our luxury trackside hotel, events center and spa.”

In conjunction with record purses, Oaklawn and the Arkansas HBPA will again offer participation bonuses to owners and trainers. Owners will receive $200 for every starter during the season. Trainers will receive $250 for any starter that does not finish first, second or third.

“We worked with Oaklawn to launch this program a year ago,” said HBPA President Bill Walmsley. “And I've heard nothing but positive comments from horsemen.”

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