HorseRacingBCServing the British Columbia horseracing community

www.horseracingbc.ca Issue # 26

Bits & Bikes

HorseRacingBC is owned and produced by Jim Reynolds. For advertising and editorial contact:

Jim Reynolds604-533-4546

jimreynolds@uniserve.com

In this issue!Handicapper and author

Bob Pandolfo‘Pandycapping’ at ‘The Downs’

Hastings Opening Day ...Saturday, April 16Closing date for 2011 Early Stakes Nominations...Thursday, March 24,

Kent Gilchrist writes about racingOne of the good news

stories about racing in British Columbia this year is that Kent Gilchrist will be writing about horseracing and its people in The Province newspaper.Gilchrist, a long-time sports

and racing writer in Vancouver, is one of the best in the business and his insight and humour will offer an important window into our sport for its fans.

Purse Hike at WoodbineWoodbine Entertainment Group and the Central Ontar io Standardbred Association announced that effective Thursday, February 17, standardbred purses at Woodbine Racetrack and Mohawk Racetrack will be raised.In addition WEG Vice-President of Standardbred Racing Bruce Murray, announced “The Guaranteed Starter Bonus recently implemented on a trial basis at Woodbine, in which $300 is offered to starters that fi nish from sixth to last, is included in the purse increase.”

Remillard recoveringDriver Tyler Remillard was operated on to repair damage to his collar bone and is resting at home.

Attention Breeders:Please be advised that all Stallions standing in BC must be registered with Standardbred Canada and Harness Racing BC.. Please contact the HRBC offi ce for further information.

Nomination Deadline for CTHS Sale Stakes: ...March 24th

Pegasus Sale a SuccessMore than 300 people were on hand for the fi rst Pegasus Thoroughbreds 2-year-olds in Training Sale February 15. Of

the 19 2-year-olds that went through the sales ring, 17 sold for at total of $633,000, a $37,235 average price and a median of $30,000.Topping the sale was a colt by English Derby winner North Light, who was purchased by Al and Sandee Kirkwood for

$77,000.Following closely at the sale-topper’s heels was a colt by Stormy Atlantic who was bought by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer for

$75,000. Hollendorfer was the second-leading buyer, after signing for three individuals for a $155,000 total.The highest priced fi lly sold was an El Corredor fi lly that was purchased by Southdown Bloodstock for $50,000. The Sierra

Madre, Calif.-based Company was the sale’s leading buyer with four purchased totalling $164,000.Dr. Mark Dedomenico and Glen Todd partnered to hold the sale at Dedomenico’s Pegasus Thoroughbreds Training and

Rehabilitation Center in Redmond, Washington. “Both Glen Todd and myself want to thank all who participated in making this event so successful,” said Dedomenico. “We are

especially grateful to Mike Puhich and his crew for their outstanding job in preparing the horses for the sale.”When asked if a 2012 sale would be considered, Dedomenico stated, “I am committed to doing anything that will get new people

into our business.”California entities purchased seven of the juveniles, with six going to homes in Canada and four bought by Washingtonians.

Spring Hopes Eternal…

SEND YOUR PHOTOS. Soon the paddocks will be fi lled with mares and young champions and horsemen’s dreams. Send us your baby photos and be entered to win a free ad.

Pandycapping by Bob Pandolfo

When the Meadowlands fall meet began, several players who comment on the internet boards complained about the quality of the cards. They want, or expect, full fi elds of top quality horses. I enjoy handicapping and betting weaker cards. There’s money to be made. Sure, as a fan, it’s fun to watch classy

horses compete in 10 horse fi elds. But the tough Saturday night cards during the winter at the Meadowlands can be diffi cult to handicap. There are races with 10 horses that all have a chance to win, and the horse that gets the best trip wins. I don’t like to bet horses hoping that my horse gets a trip. I look for horses that either have a class, form, or speed edge that is signifi cant enough so that I can leave the driving to the driver. With the weaker cards, you can

eliminate horses and bet with more confi dence. Now I know some of you are probably thinking, “Sure, it’s easier to handicap a weaker card but all you get are favorites.” Sometimes

that’s true, but not always. The bottom line is, if you’re patient, overlays are there for the taking. Opening night at the Meadowlands, which was Friday, October 23, the Early Double paid $198.40, and the fi rst Pick 3 paid over $2,000. After only 3 nights of racing, there were two $65.00 winners, a $63.00 winner, a horse that paid $135.40, an $83.00 winner, plus many other double-digit longshot winners. Here are some things to look out

for when trying to spot overlay and longshot winners at the Meadowlands. Many horses simply prefer the two turn oval, or prefer the Meadowlands track surface. Consequently, some horses will show sharply improved form in their fi rst start or two over the track. Look at each horse’s best fi nal times over the past two years, or better yet, the horse’s record over the track. It’s not hard to fi gure out which horses like the track. Horses for courses, or horses that prefer two turns are two of the biggest longshot factors at the Meadowlands.Another important factor at the

Meadowlands is evaluating the shippers. The quality of the fi elds that the shipper has been racing in is important. On the weaker cards, horses are going to win shipping in from tracks that most players would consider to be weaker circuits. That’s where the value comes in. More important than the purse, or the circuit where the shipper comes

from, is the quality of the fi eld. I usually look over the names of the horses that the shipper recently competed with. I’ll give you an example of what I

mean. Recently a 10 year old gelding named Glors Boy dropped into a $5,000 claiming race at Pocono Downs. He won easily, then he stepped up to the $7,000 level and won easily again. As I write this he’s scheduled to race in the 4th at Pocono Downs on Wednesday, November 03, up in class to $10,000 off a claim. Now, those of you who follow racing have probably heard of Glors Boys. He’s raced 241 times in his career and won 64 races for over $600,000. When he was younger he competed against Open caliber pacers at times. He loves Pocono Downs but has won at several other tracks. The level he runs at is almost inconsequential, because Glors Boys is always tough. Regardless of the track I’m

handicapping, if a horse ships in which has recently butted heads with Glors Boy, I’m going to pay attention. Glors Boy is not your typical $5,000 or $7,000 claimer, he’s a classy horse. If you’re a weekend warrior who

only bets a couple of times a month, this is a big disadvantage. The players who follow the racing every day know who the tough horses are and they have a much better chance of hitting a longshot shipper. That’s one of the reasons why I’ve always advocated following the racing on a daily basis even if you don’t bet every day. The best way to do this is to look at the result charts every day, or better yet, save the result charts. This is especially important if you concentrate your betting on one or two circuits. When I’m playing the weaker

cards at the smaller tracks, I try to keep a close eye on the horses at each track that are on a win streak, or racing extremely well. When a horse has to compete in one of these “key” races against a sharp claimer it can be a tough

race. I look for horses dropping out of races against these sharp horses. Drops in class, sometimes

apparently subtle, can offer clues to big wake up longshots in the weaker races. Let’s go back to Glors Boy. When he dropped from a $10,000 claimer to a $5,000 race and jogged, you can bet that the horse that went fi rst over against him in that race was up against it. That was a very tough $5,000 claiming race. The players who follow their circuit

closely know which fi elds are weak or tough. The thing is, even weak cards and smaller tracks have some fi elds that are surprisingly tough for the class level. Horses coming out of the tougher races are going to win more often than horses coming out of the weaker races. There are still some smart bettors

who are betting tracks like Freehold and Monticello, even though the purses are lower than they used to be. And during the fall meet at the Meadowlands there were smart bettors who hit some live overlays and longshots. I’m not just saying this to put a

positive spin on harness racing. I truly do enjoy handicapping and betting the weaker cards, and I also like some of the smaller circuits. And not just for betting longshots. Sometimes I’ll go for a favorite that may be 8-5 at Monticello and should probably be 2-5. As much as I enjoy watching the top horses compete, the most fun I have is cashing a winning ticket that puts me in the black for the night. And that feels good whether it’s weak card at the Meadowlands or the fi rst race at Freehold in the dead of winter.

www.horseracingbc.ca Issue # 26

Pandycapping by Bob Pandolfo…Weak Cards vs Tough Cards

To learn more about Bob Pandolfo’s systems and handicapping methodology, including the Harness Diamond System, go to www.trotpicks.com or write to: Pandymonium Publications, 3386 Creek Rd, Northampton, PA. 18067

Need stabling in Ontario?Winfola Stables is a newly renovated facility north of Woodbine and a few miles from Guelph featuring: 12’ X 12’ soft matted stalls and individual turn-out in three-board paddocks. We offer the best care and hands-on management.

Contact Jayme Reynolds at 1-519-731-2474

www.horseracingbc.ca Issue # 26

Boarding - Foal/Mare Care - Sales Prep - Equine Holistic Wellness

CCAN-A-MEX FARMS lTD

canamexthoroughbreds.comJoel and Karen Mena

250-378-5865 • 3789 Petit Creek Road, Merritt, B.C. V1K 1N8

Doc Nick’s Vet Talkby Dr. Nick Kleider DVM

Crooked Legs – Contracted Tendons

Foals grow. Everyone hopes that they grow straight with nice healthy straight legs. Most do but a small percentage develops bone or tendon related problems. Tendon problems are usually noted by looking at

the foal from the side. For example if the superfi cial fl exor tendon is too tight or contracted then the foal becomes more upright in the fetlock and in severe cases can knuckle over at the fetlock.

If the deep fl exor tendon is contracted then we notice that the foal becomes “clubby”. A club foot problem frequently develops at a very early age. It frequently occurs in only one foot and there may be a hereditary predisposition in some cases. If left untreated the opposite “normal” foot frequently becomes fl at, losing some of it’s concave shape and widening out. Lameness may occur in this foot since it appears to bear more of the weight. The club foot tends to develop long heels and may be narrower. The constant and excessive pull of the deep digital fl exor is the problem. It’s insertion within the hoof wall onto the coffi n bone causes fl exion of the coffi n joint. The attachment of the coffi n bone to the hoof wall means that the hoof wall rotates as the coffi n bone does. The net result is a more upright foot which in severe cases can even move past the vertical. The stress with this conformation is at the toe. The tendon is pulling the coffi n bone one way while the toe of the hoof wall is resisting the rotation since the toe of the hoof is still on the ground until

breakover. This results in tearing forces at the tip of the bone with changes occurring there that are noticed on x-rays. These changes are a form of mild mechanical

founder. Severe cases result in pedal osteitis, sort of a form of osteoporosis, which in turn predisposes the area to further bone disease such as marginal fractures. Mild cases can just be noted as different sized feet and x-rays are useful to assess the tip of the coffi n bone. We all know of mildly club footed horses that

perform well and appear to be sound. With proper shoeing (supporting, not stretching the deep fl exor) many of these horses can lead a productive life but eventually many do start to suffer resulting in a shorter period of productivity. The treatment is controversial. If noticed early

and it is affecting both front legs then weaning the foal early or decreasing the mares milk production is necessary. Curtailing any fast growth by decreasing the caloric intake is essential. One theory (and only one of many) is that it’s not

the tendons that are contracting but the bones are growing too fast and the tendon’s can’t catch up. At an early age the growth plates below the deep digital fl exor check ligament are still active so it’s “contraction” results in a club foot. In older foals the growth plates of the knee remain active and since the check ligament of the superfi cial digital fl exor attaches above the knee and the insertion of the tendon is below the fetlock, contraction results in upright fetlocks. This doesn’t explain why with a club foot only one limb is frequently affected.Corrective shoeing (glue on or acrylic extensions)

and trimming the heels is based on the hope that the tendon’s can be stretched. In more severe cases this is diffi cult to achieve and can result in more pain and more severe contraction. The result is more tearing of the hoof wall attachment if the tendon doesn’t relax. Bandaging of the involved limb(s) from hoof to

elbow is useful in that a foal will use the bandage for support and the fl exor muscles can relax. Splinting is similarly effective.

Relieving the pain spasm cycle is important. Pain from a foot bruise or infection can cause contraction since the limb is not being used. Non steroidal anti-infl ammatories such as Banamine are useful but need to be used cautiously due to foals being susceptible to ulcers. Tetracycline is a fi rst line medication and is used not for it’s antibiotic qualities but because it affects calcium metabolism in the muscle and causes relaxation.

Surgery is a fi nal option and is reserved for unresponsive or severe cases. Cutting the involved check ligament is the usual recommendation. This usually resolves the problem as long as corrective shoeing is done simultaneously. This should be emphasized and coordinated with the farrier. I have seen several cases not respond due to insuffi cient trimming resulting in a scar with failure of the realignment.

Knuckling over at the tendon Club foot before trimming and surgery

Club foot after surgery and podiatry

Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people. W. C. Fields

The best doctor in the world is the veterinarian. He can’t ask his patients what is the matter-he’s got to just know. - Will Rogers

Eventually the pool from which stewards were selected was extended beyond the registered blind, the chronically inbred and those whose ear trumpets or searing gout problems rendered them half-sharp or pathologically vicious. Altotair Down Weekender (1994)

Quotes, Facts & Fillers from the world of Horseracing

www.horseracingbc.ca Issue # 26

Thoroughbred News2011 Thoroughbred Breeding Season Gets Help From Stallion OwnersIn an effort to help jump-start the breeding season

some breeders are offering reduced stud fees for 2011. At North American Thoroughbred both Sir Gallovic and Texas Wildcatter are offered at the reduced fee of $1000. NATHC are also offering a $10,000 bonus to the breeder of the fi rst stakes winner from either or both of their stallions. Canmor Farms reduced its fees last year and again

this year feeling this will help breeders bring their mares back to the breeding shed.Pacifi c Stud has a slightly different approach

offering a lifetime of free breeding to their proven sire ‘Skimming’ if you breed to him this year. Both Todd and Neilsen feel a lot of the uncertainty

for breeders has been overcome with the increase in the BC Bred Bonus to 25% in 2011 and the 25% increase to the breeding programs in British Columbia will stabilize the breeding industry in the future.“We need to get breeders back in the business

immediately as we feel there will be a shortage of young horses starting in 2012. We are just doing a small part to try to help the thoroughbred industry in BC,” says Todd.

Training at Emerald Downs began February 8The 82-day Emerald Downs meet, which opens

on April 15, will feature 29 stakes, including the 76th running of the $200,000 Longacres Mile (G3) on August 21. In addition, overnight purses will again be enhanced due to the generous contribution of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, which will keep those races very close to last year’s purse levels. Something new this year is the addition of $100

purse monies to be allotted to each unplaced starter in all overnight purses. Emerald Downs and the Washington HBPA worked together to get this positive plan in motion.“Horsemen have been so supportive at the entry

box over the years, so this is a logical extension of that partnership,” said Adrian Buchan, Emerald Downs director of marketing. “The fact that we are able to give purse money to every starter is a positive way to kick off 2011 meeting,” he added.Also, plans are being made to offer approximately

three Quarter Horse races each week and the Auburn track is undergoing the necessary changes in its timing system in order to accommodate the short distance specialists.

The Board of Directors of B.C. Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Heads to the position of executive secretary. Mike comes with many

years of experience and an extensive knowledge of the Thoroughbred Industry. He has been on the management side of the business, as well as the horsemen’s side over the past twenty-fi ve years which will prove invaluable in his new position. The directors feel fortunate to acquire a person with Mike’s background and experience. He is starting his new position immediately and will be available to assist all members of B.C. TOBA in all matters pertaining to Thoroughbred racing and breeding in B.C. Mike can be reached at: B.C. TOBA’s offi ce – 604.575.8621B.C. TOBA’S website – www.bctoba.com

Mike Heads Appointed Executive Secretary of BCTOBA

David JamesNationally Accredited Member of the Professional Photographers of Canada and the Professional Photographers of BC

604-534-8249 www.OutTakes.ca

Portraits on location:horses & family portraits

www.horseracingbc.ca Issue # 26

Acceptable

Capote — Ms. Teak Wood, by WoodmanBy the best bred Stallion in British Columbia,

Acceptable’s 2011 babies are OUTSTANDING!

A ‘LIFETIME’ OPPORTUNITY FOR SKIMMING BREEDERS

Introducing your opportunity to own a lifetime breeding right to British Columbia’s leading sire, Skimming (Nureyev-Skimble by Lyphard) .Pacifi c Stud is announcing an exciting and unique program for

breeders in British Columbia. By breeding to Skimming in 2011 breeders will have a chance to earn a lifetime breeding right to the stallion. All you have to do is contract to breed a mare to Skimming

in 2011 and pay your stud fee after the foal stands and nurses and you will have earned a breeding right to Skimming for the remainder of his breeding life for no additional fees. That means he is FREE to you for the 2012 breeding season

and beyond. It’s an opportunity you can’t pass up!Skimming had led all BC stallions in progeny earnings in both

his fi rst two seasons at stud in the province and early this season he’s back on top for a third consecutive year as his son All Saint (dam by Free House) has already won two stakes races.And if all that isn’t enough to peak your interest there is no

time like the present to own and breed a BC-bred as increased incentives are on the books beginning in 2011.Call Pacifi c Stud for more information and a chance to own

a piece of a proven Grade One stallion. Inquiries can be made to Roxanne Sargent at (604) 309-1786. Skimming stands for $4,000 live foal.

SKIMMING Winning the Pacifi c Classic by 2 lengths over Tiznow

Skimming by Nureyev - Skimble by Lyphard

Pacifi c Stud 1397 Charlotte Rd. N. Vancouver, BC V7J 1H1

604-782-6296 Fax (604) 987- 6124

SKIMMING

By the English Champion Nureyev, Skimming’s breeding is second to none and he has produced G1 Stakes winner of $581,120 Johnny Eves.

As a race horse he won the G1 Pacifi c classic twice.He currently sits as BC’s leading sire for 2011 and his son All Saint won the $35,000 Cotton Fitzimmons Mile at Turf Paradise (1 mile in 1:34.44)

and the 1 1/16th Turf Paradise Hcp.

By the English Champion Nureyev, Skimming’s breeding is second to

www.horseracingbc.ca Issue # 26

Dreamfair Eternal was named Canada’s Older Pacing Mare of the Year and Horse of the Year at the annual O’Brien Awards dinner January 29.

Canada’s Standardbred Horse of the Year: Dreamfair Eternal

Photo-courtesy-New-Image-Media

March Racing Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

8 9 10 11 1276

15 16 17 18 191413

22 23 24 25 262120

2827

Prince Final$20,000

Wendell Smith Elim.$7,500

Princess Final $20,000

Announcements

Attention Breeders: Please be advised that all Stallions standing in BC must be registered with Standardbred Canada and Harness Racing BC. Please contact the HRBC offi ce for further information.

Fridays: 7.00 p.m.Saturdays: 1:15 p.m.Sundays: 1:15 p.m.

Post Times

29 30 31

Princess Elim$15,000

Prince Elim$15,000

Wendell Smith Final

$15,000

Marion Young Elim.$7,500

Marion Young Final

$15,000

Wednesday is Seniors Day at the DownsSaturday March 12 – Big Screen Events – Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary FlamesSaturday March 26 – Big Screen Events - UFC Fight Night 24 Live

Harness the Hope

(In Support of Breast Cancer

Research)

www.horseracingbc.ca Issue # 26

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Stakes Winners in February

Spartan Law with trainer/driver Scott Knight wins the $35,000 Mr Vancouver

Multiflora Hanover with J Brandon Campbell wins the Miss Onager Claiming Series Final.