Horse Racing News on August 12, 2010

Horsemen at New York Racing Association tracks may begin to benefit from a casino at Aqueduct racetrack by the start of the Belmont meet in late April, NYRA officials said on Thursday.

Dual Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti breezed a strong five furlongs in 59.43 seconds Thursday morning over Saratoga's Oklahoma turf course, his final move before he seeks a second straight victory in the Arlington Million on Aug. 21 in Chicago.

The Usual Q.T. was a few strides from reaching the wire in a six-furlong workout on the Polytrack surface at Del Mar when trainer Jim Cassidy rose from a seat in the grandstand and began walking toward the parking lot.

Sidney's Candy had a successful introduction to grass racing last Sunday, zipping six furlongs in 1:11.80 in a workout.

Grand Couturier's participation in the Grade 1 Sword Dancer Invitational has become an annual rite of summer.

A win over the course, a versatile running style, and a cutback in distance could all conspire to give Interactif a slight edge in Friday's contentious Grade 2, $150,000 National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga.

Gozzip Girl's first start in California in more than a year in Sunday's $250,000 John Mabee Stakes at Del Mar will be a starting-over point in the career of the 4-year-old filly.