Start with Teresa’s Dickensian post on Aqueduct. It’s really fantastic.

In that post, she links to a story in the NY Times about Karakorum Racing, a partnership group in New York. It’s a great “feel good” story that highlights why partnerships are cool… it makes something previously only accessible to the few available to the many. I’m always happy to see a bazillion people crammed into the winner’s circle as opposed to 2-3 guys. It’s also nice to see a feel good story in the main stream media for a change.

[NYTimes – Requires Log-in]

Raul Rojas preparing to get weighed at Belmont (lensjockey)

Raul Rojas took a nasty spill in the 6th at Aqueduct today aboard Bully for Us.

Both horse and rider went down but surprisingly Bully for Us got up and galloped away. Best of luck to Raul for a speedy recovery.

[Bloodhorse]

Today’s Grand Slam at Aqueduct payed $4933!!

Looking back on the past week at the Grand Slam payouts, it’s easy to see why this payout is so astonishing:

Friday: $34.40

Wed: $16.80

Sun: $31.40

Saturday: $136

Since I’m the opposite of a fan of baseball (to put it mildly) I always thought the concept of the Grand Slam was unnecessarily complex for the typical payout (as noted above). On the other hand, I also understand the need and desire for innovative products that are either fun or lower the bar. I do like the dime super, for instance.

If you really wanna lower the bar and potentially raise the handle, why not have a “quick pick” like option for the Pick 4 and Pick 6? My pal Joan does this for her BC pool to get non-horseplayers engaged. This year’s winner was someone who chose the “quick pick” option. Think of all the “dumb money” this could put in the pools!

At any rate, this shut-in is going to be extremely sad if the potential NYC OTB closings also mean no more OTB TV on channel 71. Today was a special treat as it was their special Thanksgiving Day. Jan Rushton was dressed as a Native American while this year’s Gobble Contest winner, Russell Warick, not only did a great gobble, but a full on turkey impersonation running around and fluttering his jacket like wings. Rushton asked him “Are you a professional gobbler?”. This sooo much better than anything else on cable on Saturday afternoon!

Update: The all long shot Pick 4 payed a whopping $45,103!! There’s also a second day Pick 6 carryover of $112,671. No one had even 5 of 6 today so 4 of 6 payed $1,161. Yowza!

In the 5th at Aqueduct, a 50k allowance at 1 1/16 miles on the Turf for 3yo & up, Alan Garcia gave Dantastic a fantastic ride to steal the win from Cardiff Road, who went off at 77-1! Dantastic was also not very chalky at 9/2 so that exacta paid $562!

Garcia had Dantastic near the back of the pack, a good 8-10 lengths off the leaders, not too wide but not on the rail either. As they neared the stretch he angled Dantastic towards the rail and waited for room. He got his room and Dantastic had run but after skimming the rail he cut wide around Cardiff Road to pass him! It was really something, both Garcia and Dantastic did a great job.

I just watched the 4th at Aqueduct, a 6F $52k Maiden Special Weight for 2 year olds. In the paddock I noticed that 2B, National Pride, looked a bit like a younger Curlin.

He sat mid-pack off the pace and and the top of stretch began his run. He had those giant Curlin-like strides and was really ate up the 3-4 lengths that the front running Saratoga Russell had built. As he got closer and eventually passed Saratoga Russell to win, it was apparent just how giant his strides really were. It was a very professional looking run! Saratoga Russell, owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, also ran a nice looking race.

Over a month ago while unsuccessfully attempting to hit a big Cali Pick 6 carryover, I had noticed that most of the workouts were noted as Handy as compared to workouts on the east coast where the majority are noted as Breezing.

There ended up being a good conversation about this difference in my post that included Patrick and Jeff. This morning I also found a nice bit of insight over at Dan Illman’s Formblog.

In a nutshell, he notes that the California clockers are a bit more strict in how the designate a work out.

The lady just came in from walking the dog and said “I brought something home for you” and read the following words from AM NY, a free rag targeted towards commuters:

First it was your cigarettes. Then it was your cheeseburgers.

Now they want your racing form.

Now that’s an opener!

The entire article is here. For a more in depth explanation of the situation, check this article in DRF. [requires log-in].

Some of my colleagues have expressed their thoughts on the issue. And never one to disappoint, Steve Crist has a great commentary in DRF+ [paid subscription].

Agua Caliente Race Track, Tijuana Mexico 1958 (Nick DeWolf posted by dboo)

This stellar shot is from a nice set of photos of from Agua Caliente track in Tijuana Mexico from the 1950’s. It’s a part of an archival project featuring the photographs of Nick DeWolf.

Midnight Lute, by a head bob over Curlin for Most Impressive BC win in my last poll. Midnight Lute had 14 votes to Curlin’s 13 in my most voted on poll by far (46 total). War Pass was 8 lengths behind the leaders with 5 votes.

Big thanks goes to Valerie for her post on Octave as the inspiration for the new poll. Listed are all the Darley U.S. boys eligible for the job.

While waiting for my lunch to arrive on such a winter’s day (ok, such a rainy day), I noticed that The Green Monkey posted a 5F 1 min flat bullet at Hollywood Park. Perhaps the all weather track will suit him.