Horse Racing News

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.

Racing surface expert Mick Peterson began a study on the safety of Santa Anita's synthetic surface on Tuesday, and said that he will present a preliminary report on his findings at the California Horse Racing Board's monthly meeting in Del Mar on Aug. 19.

The contemporary Hall of Fame inductees include Azeri, Best Pal, and Point Given, all California-based runners.

Life At Ten, who looms Rachel Alexandra's toughest hurdle in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign on Aug. 29, worked four furlongs in a modest 51.47 seconds Tuesday morning over a muddy Saratoga main track.