Napravnik hits 300 wins for 2006

Rosie Napravnik accomplished yet another milestone during her first full year as a rider when she reached the winners’ circle for the 300th time this year with a win in the seventh race at Laurel Park "This is huge," said Napravnik, who has 92 wins during the current fall meeting. Rosie ranks sixth nationally in victories, has 259 first place finishes at Laurel Park and Pimlico this year. Only Ramon Dominguez (297 in 2001) and Mark Johnston (292 in 2000) have won more races at the major Maryland tracks in a one-year campaign during this decade.

Quick Hits - 12/28/06

* Maryland Racing* - News Zap Delaware has a three part story about how slot machines saved racing in the state. It may be too late for Maryland, but I hope all the state politicians read this one.

* Penn National* - Penn National Gaming Inc. has announced a name change for the racetrack. When the $310 million renovation project is complete in 2008, the track and slot parlor will be know as Hollywood Casino at Penn National.
Before slot machines were approved in Pennsylvania, this was the biggest dump. This renovation / casino sounds like it will turn this dump into a very respectable track. In the past, this was a track for $10,000 claimers, and two bit trainers. If all goes well, it will greatly improve the racing talent in the region.

*Pimlico* - Maryland Senator Lisa Gladden stated publicly that Pimlico is not going to make it, and it should be turned into a Walmart. This is bad.....very bad!

Santa...Where is the love?

I thought I was a good boy this year, and I was almost certain that I sent my list to Santa on time. However, I did not receive any of the gifts on my list. At the time, I did not think I was asking for too much. Below is a copy of the letter I sent Santa.


Dear Santa,

I have been a very good boy this year. I ate all my vegetables, and kept my room clean all year.

I would like the following things for Christmas this year:

1. A Pony! Not just any old pony. I would like a FUSAICHI PEGASUS yearling colt, preferably a January foal.
2. A year of free Room and Board in Mike Trombetta's barn (for my Fu-Peg colt). If Trombetta is not available, I guess Michael Matz will work.
3. $150 Million to buy Pimlico and fix it up. Santa, I'm not sure if you had time to see what has happened to this historic beauty. The guys from Magna are letting it fall apart.
4. Slot machines in Maryland

My best to you and Mrs. Clause,

Baloo

Sir Barton renamed for Barbaro

The Maryland Jockey Club announced today that it has changed the name of the Sir Barton Stakes to the Barbaro Stakes. The mile and a sixteenth race for three year is run on the Preakness undercard.

Laurel Jockey Standings

A little over three months into the Laurel meet, and Anna "Rosie" Napravnik is still the queen of Maryland racing. Many people questioned how young Rosie would do when she lost her bug this summer. Well, I think she answered all the skeptics. It appears that all the trainers love her, as she has about 125 more mounts then Luis Garcia (second in starts with 299). Since coming down from Delaware, Jeremy Rose has become one of the betters favorites. Rose has been in the money 61% of the time with his 124 starts. One time Maryland superstar Ryan Fogelsonger has earnings of 1.3 million, but trails Napravnik by almost $800,000. Julian Pimentel is one of my favorite jockeys to watch, but his 38% in the money, and 13% winning statistics are begining to hurt him. Pimentel is not getting the good horses as he did when he burst onto the Maryland scene.

Work in progress

If you are a regular reader, you will notice that we have change the look of the blog.
This is a work in progress, as I have little to no skills in HTML. I also found out that different browsers and operating systems give different appearances. Pardon the appearance over the next few weeks, and please let me know if you see anything that needs to be fixed, or is out of place. Thanks!

Making a run for the border

I had the opportunity this morning to have a cup of coffee with some local horsemen and friends. The topic of conversation quickly turned to the increasing purses in Pennsylvania. The one trainer at the table said that the van ride to Philly Park was only $50 more than to Laurel Park (starting point being Baltimore). With an $8000 bump to MSW races, and a 40% bonus for PA bred horses, you would be silly not to run at Philly Park. Maryland continues to drop racing dates, and the purses are nothing great. I am going to make a prediction that the number of horses per race, and number of races that fill will be down at least 20% by the time 2007 ends. I have said before, even if Maryland approves slots, it may be too late to save the industry. I hope I am wrong.

Drugs and Horses

The OC Register has a nice article on drugs and horse racing. This is just one of the cool graphics from the article.