Horse Racing News

Legislation passed last Tuesday that raises the takeout on exotic wagers placed on California races will result in an overnight purse increase of 20 to 25 percent this winter, if signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to industry officials.

The Oak Tree Racing Association will run its annual fall meeting at Hollywood Park in both 2010 and in 2011, the racing association and racetrack announced late Friday.

Here's a tip for handicapping next year's With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga. Bet the maiden.

Forget the notion that big races always draw small, select fields. With 11 seasoned runners in the field, Saturday's Grade 1, $250,000 Forego at Saratoga has quality and quantity.

Wickedly Perfect's accomplishments this summer, going unbeaten in two starts and winning her stakes debut, have been a bonus to trainer Doug O'Neill.

The trainer Greg Geier has sent out a grand total of one winner from 20 starters during the 2010 Arlington Park race meet, with Country Flavor scoring an upset victory in the Grade 3 Hanshin Cup on May 29.

Todd Pletcher says the success or failure of Quality Road in Saturday's Grade 1 Woodward Stakes won't impact how he views the sensational summer he has enjoyed at Saratoga.

The Zenyatta Stakes is back to being the Lady's Secret Stakes for the forthcoming Oak Tree at Hollywood Park meeting.

It will be blinkers on and Calvin Borel off Mine That Bird when the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner takes on Quality Road and five others in Saturday's Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga.

Adding injury to insult for Team Rachel Alexandra, their top 2-year-old colt, Kantharos, has been retired from racing after suffering fractured sesamoids in his left foreleg following a Monday workout at Saratoga.