Lots O' Good Stuff....

*We are proud to welcome to the blog the newest feature...Weekly Blog Standings. The standings were created by Patrick at Pulling Hair and Betting Horses. We (in our measly little horse blog world) are using this non-opinion, point-based poll as one of the few statistical ways to gauge who is doing what in the horse racing world. According the formula, points are given out to horses based on where they have finishes in Grade 1 & 2 races, with a double value for victories in the Breeders Cup. Here is the Official Explanation from Patrick himself:

"Points are to Graded events for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and also ran as long as they complete the race. I separate into 9 categories (2yo filly, 2yo colt, 3yo filly, 3yo colt, older horse, sprint, turf, filly & mare, filly & mare turf) Older horse is for 3&up or 4yo only and raced at a mile or longer. All races restricted to 3yo even if on the turf are in the 3yo category. I created these categories based on the Eclipse awards. Handicap races get the same points because a grade I is a grade I. To qualify for my personal year end awards a horse has to win a grade I race. This would eliminate any trainer from entering a horse where he doesn’t belong. “Ah-lukas-choo” excuse me, just couldn’t control that sneeze. Currently Memorrette is the top 3yo filly, but she has never won a Gr I race so she is not eligible currently. If she wins a Gr. I in any category she’d be fine. Also at the end of the year I compile all info into HOY where I weight some number for 3yo’s taking on older and or girls taking on the boys. Overall the process isn’t really that hard and I think many could benefit from it. God forbid our sport moves more towards the mainstream and make things easier for casual sports fans to get involved."

So keep an eye out for these standings on horse racing blogs everywhere.


*After the highly anticipated return of racing to Evangeline Downs, the results from yesterdays "overstocked" card are in. 6 favorites, a 5-2, 8-1, 8-1, & 4-1. Not bad.

Evangeline Results..

*A little pick-6 action today at the bustling metropolis known as Ruidoso Downs, there is a $42+k carryover. You better get there early as a sell-out is expected.

*DRF National Handicapping Story (goes to show, you are never too old to win money!!

Retired 75-year-old takes top prize (drf.com)

*From the Poker world... with the $10,000 No limit Hold 'em Main Event ready to launch next Thursday (with a record amount of prize money on the line) former "Welcome Back Carter" star Gabe Kaplan fell just short of winning a WSOP bracelet in the $5k Limit Hold em’ event. "Mista Kah-TARE" finished in second place behind Dan Schmiech. Kaplan takes home a very nice $222,515 for his efforts.

That’s all for now. Must get back to work!!