Five Of My Favorite YouTube Horse Racing Videos

If you have ever been on the YouTube website, you have probably spent hours going from one video to another and all of a sudden you realize it is 3 in the morning.  There is a vast collection of historic races on YouTube featuring legends such as Man O'War, Silky Sullivan and Secretariat along with races from horses you may not have heard of.

Over the past few years, horse racing has had its share of videos that have "gone viral" on YouTube including Tom Durkin's call of the horse Arrrr or Larry Collmus' call of a stretch drive between horses Mywifenosevrything and Thewifedoesntknow.  Whether it is a great race, an unusual call or a legendary horse it is fun to search around and watch them all.

In no particular order, here are five of my favorites:

1. The Debut of Donnaguska

Donnaguska is not exactly a famous name in horse racing, but you will probably remember her after watching this.  I would be surprised if anyone watched this race only once as it is unbelievable that Donnaguska wins this race.  Even the announcer can't believe it!

2. 1938 match race War Admiral vs. Seabiscuit

Many of us were not alive when this happened and we've seen the recent movie Seabiscuit.  It is awesome to see the actual race showing how dominant the underdog Seabiscuit was over Triple Crown winner War Admiral on this day.

3. 1988 San Bernardino Handicap

A fantastic race and finish featuring Kentucky Derby winners Alysheba and Ferdinand at Santa Anita.  Announcer Trevor Denman was in his prime, longshot Good Taste set the pace and would make his presence late as well.  It sounds like every single person in attendance was cheering them on in the stretch and watching this will give you goosebumps!

4. Video collage with Aerosmith's "Dream On"

YouTube user Pepper9873 did a super job editing this using clips of superstars like Zenyatta, Barbaro and Rachel Alexandra.  You definitely have to listen to the song along with the video to enjoy it even more.

5. Japan "horse racing" video game

Ok well, this is usually one of those you find at around 2:45 am.  It is a horse race simulation, but none of the runners resemble real-life horses.  It is bizarre and hilarious all at the same time and afterwards you'll be thinking to yourself "what did I just watch?". 

What are some of your favorite YouTube horse racing videos?  Share with us in the comments below!

A few questions about Lasix

Once again, the thoroughbred horse racing industry here in the U.S. is in a debate about the legal raceday use of the medication Lasix.  This medication is allowed for race horses to help prevent exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage which in a few words is a natural occurrence of bleeding in a horse's lungs when they run.  I believe other than Canada, the use of raceday Lasix is not allowed anywhere else in the horse racing world and here are a few questions that some have asked:

-Prior to the late 1970's, Lasix was not allowed and horse racing was fine without it.  What happened?

-Why can't the fans and the horse racing industry just realize that Lasix is good for the horses, which in turn is good for the jockeys and the sport, and that horses need it to race?

-How do horses around the world race without Lasix?

These are all good questions and I wish I had the answers for all of them.  What I can give is my opinion and why I think Lasix along with all raceday medications should not be allowed.

After reading recent letters from various horseman associations that Lasix is needed for this sport to continue, I find it sad that we as an industry are dependent on this medication as if horse racing would end if it was banned.  Change is almost always scary, but giving us worst case scenarios such as every horse bleeding down the stretch with their jockeys returning with blood on their silks or horses collapsing more frequently because they did not receive Lasix doesn't fly with me.  If this did happen before Lasix, why didn't we hear about it?  I'm sure horse racing would not be as popular as it was in the first half of the 20th century if this was true.

One reason why it is difficult to attract new fans to horse racing is because there is a perception that horses are "drugged" or "doped" when they race.  While that is not exactly true, they do race with one medication/drug and that is a turnoff for some.  Also, there are studies that suggest that Lasix can mask other drugs and that is a reason why it is banned in human professional sports.  Shouldn't we know for sure if this is true or not?  A ban of raceday medications would also show the true talent of a horse that is not dependent on medication to perform to its full potential.

No one knows the exact reason why thoroughbreds are racing less frequently than they did in the past.  Whether it is inbreeding that is weakening the breed or the overuse of medications or a number of other reasons, I feel that the industry needs to find out if it is the use of Lasix during raceday.  A horse does not get to choose whether or not it receives Lasix for raceday.  However, we have a choice to ban raceday medication and I feel that would be a win-win situation for both human and horse.

What's new at Del Mar and Saratoga for 2014

The premier horse racing meets of the summer in the U.S. begin this week with Del Mar opening on Thursday, July 17 and Saratoga on Friday, July 18.  Both tracks offer some of the highest daily purses in the country and they are meets that many horse racing fans look forward to all year.  (Click here for my Del Mar vs. Saratoga blog from last year)


Even though both are already successful, both tracks look for ways to improve and/or attract more fans and this year is no exception: 

Del Mar

- Probably the biggest and most notable change at the seaside track is the widening of the turf course.  This will allow 12 horse fields for routes and 10 for sprints.  This also allows them to start 14 if need be and that helped them qualify to host a Breeders' Cup which will be held in 2017. 

- Instead of the usual local Beer Fest, this year they will have an International Beer Fest including brews from Germany, Ireland and Belgium.  Look for this event to add even more excitement on Pacific Classic Day Sunday, August 24.

- The takeout for Double wagers will be reduced from last year's 22.68% to 20.00%.  While this is still higher than Santa Anita, at least it is a reduction and it is lower than 41 other tracks in North America.

- There will be an additional meet this year running from Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 30.  With Hollywood Park closing last year, Del Mar received the extra days.  It will be interesting to see how the locals respond to Autumn racing.

Saratoga

- Nearly $2 million in capital improvements were set for this year including 500 HDTV's, three high definition video walls, expansion of the Saratoga Porch dining area and the high-tech horse position viewer Trakus.  While Saratoga is one of the oldest tracks in America, it is nice to see them "step up" and modernize the facility.

- Admission prices will be raised to $5 Grandstand and $8 Clubhouse.  While I don't personally agree with the price hike, I understand they are running a business and at least they have made improvements to the facility.  At least they still have general parking for free.  

- Local television channel MSG+ will host its new "Friday's Live from Saratoga" show every Friday of the meet and a special Sunday edition Aug 24.  Horse racing television exposure has been lacking for years and this could help attract new fans.

- The Pick 5 wager will kick off in the first thoroughbred race of each racing day with a 15% takeout.  This wager has proven popular around the country and they attracted large pools at the recently concluded Belmont Park meet.

I'm looking forward to some exciting racing from both tracks with their large fields and top-class Stakes.  While I live too far from Saratoga, I look forward to going back there some year and I will attend Del Mar as much as possible (which is fortunately only about a half-hour drive for me).  

If you are looking for handicapping analysis for both Del Mar and Saratoga, check out Today's Racing Digest.  The Del Mar edition includes workout analysis and handicapping analysis for each runner.  The Saratoga edition (which is what I write) includes exclusive speed and pace figures along with selections and analysis.  Sign up for a FREE account today!

2014 Triple Crown Recap: High hopes and sour grapes

This year's Triple Crown run drew a lot of positive and negative attention towards the sport of horse racing.  For the 13th time in the last 36 years, a horse had a chance to complete the Triple Crown.  The high hope was on the shoulders of the obscurely-bred California Chrome as racing fans, sports fans and novice fans from across the country cheered (and bet) him on in the final leg of the Triple Crown: The Belmont Stakes. 

 
The journey began after California Chrome punched his ticket into the Kentucky Derby with a dominant win in the Santa Anita Derby in early April.  He was the most consistent runner entering the 'Derby and he proved he could bring his race outside of California with another emphatic win as the favorite at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

The Preakness Stakes didn't attract many strong challengers, but runner-up Ride On Curlin kept California Chrome honest with an all-out 1.5 length victory.  Under jockey Victor Espinoza, 'Chrome enjoyed perfect/flawless trips which you almost need to win a race in the Triple Crown series.  Unfortunately, that high hope of sweeping the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes turned to disappointment after the wire and sour grapes during the post-race coverage.

Out of the gate in the Belmont Stakes, 'Chrome was stepped on from behind cutting a piece off of his back hoof which Espinoza felt right away that his horse was not perfect.  Still, 'Chrome was placed in a ground-saving trip just behind the two leaders up the backstretch, but one could see he was not comfortable receiving all that kickback dirt in his face.  When the field entered the stretch, there was a brief moment when Espinoza swung him to the outside that 'Chrome would show that turn of foot we have become used to seeing.  However, 'Chrome was spinning his wheels and he raced evenly but bravely to finish in a dead-heat for 4th.

Anyone who was there or watching on TV felt the disappointment of yet another year without a Triple Crown winner when the field passed the wire.  Jockey Joel Rosario aboard the winner Tonalist was interviewed after the gallop out and he had mixed feelings.  He stated that he wanted to see California Chrome win if his horse didn't and his non-jubilant body language showed his class as a person.  He knew how 'Chrome's fans felt and Rosario did not rub the victory in anyone's face publicly.

On the other hand, one of 'Chrome's owners went on a tirade that most all of us have done when in the heat of the moment by saying things we don't really mean.  Of course, not all of us have a microphone and a national TV audience in front of us when we do it.  All the attention was taken away from the winning horse Tonalist and the gallant Triple Crown run from 'Chrome.  That owner did apologize two days later, but the sour grapes image will never leave the minds of those that viewed the angry rant. 

There are those that suggest the Triple Crown should be changed to make it easier to win.  A popular argument is that thoroughbreds just do not race as often as they used to and they need more time between starts.  That is a valid reason, but it would also take away from the 11 who have accomplished this gigantic feat thus making it Triple Crown "Light".

In my opinion, it should never change as we have seen what kind of attention and excitement it brings.  Even if a horse never wins the Triple Crown again, we horse racing fans would not miss the chance to see history after a horse wins the first two legs.  Our high hopes will always be there even if we know the disappointment it will likely bring after the finish line.

Rainbow 6 exposed?

The announcement by Gulfstream Park of its Rainbow 6 wager to have a mandatory payout on Monday, May 26, created a lot of excitement among horseplayers.  With its $6.6 million carryover, estimates made by track executives suggested the pool could reach as much as $20 million.  Entries were drawn earlier than usual to give horseplayers an extra day to handicap and with it's minimum $.20 wager, it seemed that anyone who wanted to play could afford to.


Unfortunately, the excitement bubble was burst when the Rainbow 6 was hit one day before on Sunday, May 25 for a payoff of $6,678,939.12.  The winning ticket cost $7,603.20 using the "all" button in five races and two horses in the other race.  All the hours spent handicapping by those looking forward to that day has been lost as the wager will likely have only a fraction of the pool for its mandatory payout and track executives will never know how much the pool could have swelled to.

As for the rules of the Rainbow 6, it is paid out every day for those who have selected the most winners on any ticket for that race day.  If there is not a single winning ticket, 70% of the pool pays out to winning tickets with the other 30% going into the carryover pool.  If there is a single winning ticket, the entire pool including the carryover is paid out.

Basically, if you have a winning ticket that is not a single winning ticket (with all six winners) you are hit with a double takeout: The 20% takeout for placing the wager and then 30% from the winnings that goes into the carryover pool.  Sounds like a lose-lose wager for those who play it unless you are one of the very few who has a single winning ticket which has proven to be extremely rare.

It will be interesting to see how the betting public accepts the wager now that the wager has been exposed in that it can be "bought" by a large ticket and for its "hidden" double takeout.  The dreams of a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow has faded and the Rainbow 6 wager might fade away as well.

Kentucky Derby 2014 recap

Under a flawless ride by jockey Victor Espinoza, favored California Chrome proved he was best with a 1 3/4 length victory.  The way 'Chrome can put his foes away entering the stretch is impressive though the final time was not at 2:03.66.  They ran the final quarter in a slow 26.21 which may be a sign this is not a good crop and/or thoroughbreds just are not bred to excel at 10 furlongs anymore.

There were a few horses who did not have clean trips led by my selection Candy Boy.  He was wiped out entering the first turn by Wicked Strong and he never had a chance to run to his best.  At least it appears he came back OK.  

Jockey Joe Bravo nearly caused a mid-stretch accident when he swerved Danza in front of Wicked Strong and Medal Count.  Danza did prove his big Arkansas Derby win was no fluke as it took him a while to get going, but once in the clear he really leveled out.  As for Medal Count, it appeared that he was just finding his best stride when Danza cut him off.  Thank goodness he did not go down.

Want to watch a strange ride?  Watch Calvin Borel aboard Ride On Curlin.  Breaking from the far outside, Borel took 'Curlin immediately to the rail as they passed the stands for the first time.  Entering the stretch, Borel decided to stay along the rail even though there were two horses right in front of him.  Borel had to check, he finally decided to swing him widest of all and he rallied while way too late. 

California Chrome was not as dominating as he was at Santa Anita earlier this year and the first 12 runners were only separated by about seven lengths.  That seems to leave little margin for error for 'Chrome if he goes to the Preakness Stakes in two weeks.  However, his name is in the record books and his name will be in full view between the famous twin spires for the next year.

Kentucky Derby 2014 selections

On paper, there is no denying that this year's Kentucky Derby goes through California Chrome.  The California-bred has won four straight races by open lengths earning solid Pace and Final Time Ratings (click here to learn about Today's Racing Digest speed ratings).  You might compare him to past winners Barbaro or Big Brown who also entered the Kentucky Derby with a string of victories.  

I think the way to play California Chrome is to key him on top of the exotics or don't use him at all.  In my opinion, he looks like an all or nothing type of horse as the biggest factor may fall on how he handles the expected pace pressure.  


Candy Boy was a distant 3rd against California Chrome in the Santa Anita Derby, but I think he rates a big chance to turn the tables.  It did appear that Candy Boy was too close to the pace in that event and that may have been per trainer instructions since the track was favoring early speed that day.  The colt finished 2nd to the 2-year-old champion Shared Belief last year and his Grade 2 RB Lewis win showed his grit in the stretch.  I think he will sit 5-6 lengths off the leaders up the backstretch and if Stevens can find clear sailing he could grind out the win.  

Samraat appeared to be going the wrong way per his Final Time Ratings leading up to the Wood Memorial.  However, his Final Time Rating did jump back up when he was game for 2nd in a photo.  While he was no match for Wicked Strong that day, he could be sitting on a top effort if he can settle off the expected hot pace.  As for Wicked Strong, he was a top choice winner for the Digest, but his best races have been in New York.

A horse I just can't figure out and I keep coming back to is Tapiture.  He was in sharp form prior to his 4th in the Arkansas Derby as the favorite and he has that Thunder Gulch type of look.  His Grade 2 win over this track last year is easy to like and maybe he will rebound. 

If you're looking for a wild longshot, I would give Commanding Curve a look.  This guy won a Maiden race over this track last year and he made his first start as a winner (and this year) in the Grade 2 Risen Star.  He finished 6th of 14 that day and returned to finish 3rd in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.  His connections seem to think he is this good and his deep closing style suggests he will be rallying strongly in the stretch if good enough. 

Selections: 
1. Candy Boy
2. Samraat
3. California Chrome
4. Tapiture
Longshot: Commanding Curve