TRC THOROUGHBRED NOTEBOOK

May 23, 1996

News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by Thoroughbred Racing Communications, Inc. (TRC) (212.371.5911..)

PREAKNESS RATING UP
Despite the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone, the ratings for ABC's telecast of the Preakness Stakes were up dramatically from last year. This year's coverage garnered a 3.7 rating, 11 share, up 16 percent over 1995's 3.2 rating, 10 share. The Preakness' rise in viewership follows the trend set by this year's Kentucky Derby telecast which saw its ratings soar by 23 percent.

THOROUGHBREDS DOMINATE OLYMPIC THREE-DAY-EVENT SHORT LIST
All of the 20 horses named to the short list for the United States Equestrian Teams' Three-Day Event squad are Thoroughbreds according to a report by the Performance Horse Registry (PHR), North America's only data base of pedigree and performance records of Thoroughbreds. This select group of equine superstars includes 10 former racehorses with combined earnings on the racetrack of only $4,954.

According to PHR President Roger Shook, the list confirmed the versatility and competitive spirit of the Thoroughbred and underscored the value for the registry as a means to stimulate a market for retired Thoroughbred racehorses. 'The Three-Day Event short list underscores both the all-around ability of the Thoroughbred and the growing significance of the PHR,' said Shook.

Heading the list of former racehorses named to the short list are Molokai, who raced under the name 'Surf Scene' and earned a total of $720 from six starts; Dr. Dolittle (Doctor Leo J.), who earned a measly $589 from 14 starts; Best Seller (Olympic Flag) who raced only once and finished last; Mashantum (Nashantum) who raced four times and never finished better than ninth; Pennylane (Serenalda) who didn't earn any money in seven starts; and Ask Away, by far the 'best' racehorse of the bunch who earned $2,835 in five starts.

Three-Day Eventing combines the elegance of classical Dressage, the endurance of the Cross Country phase to test a horse's stamina and stadium jumping to determine a horse's agility.

CHAVEZ TO SPAR AT HOLLYWOOD PARK -- FAN TO WIN TRIP TO VEGAS BOUT
Fans attending Julio Cesar Chavez's sparring session on Saturday, May 25 at Hollywood Park will have a chance to win tickets and accommodations for two at Caesars Palace when the WBC super lightweight champion defends his title against Oscar De La Hoya at the Las Vegas hotel on June 7. Patrons to the Inglewood, Calif., racetrack will receive a coupon good for a special commemorative racing program, which will be written in Spanish and feature a photo of Chavez on the cover. Upon redemption, patrons will be entered into a drawing for 50 prizes -- headed by the trip to Las Vegas for the fight billed as 'Ultimate Glory.' Other prizes include a pair of boxing gloves autographed by Chavez, three sets of tickets to Hollywood's closed-circuit telecast of the bout and clubhouse admission to the track. To be eligible to win any of the five sets of fight tickets, winners must be present when the drawing is conducted at 3:00 p.m. Saturday.

Chavez, who attracted 33,000 fans when he sparred at the track in 1993, will spar several rounds in a ring situated trackside in the general admission area beginning a 11:15 a.m. Chavez is a six-time world champion who boasts an impressive 97-1-1 record.

CIGAR AFICIONADO MAGAZINE EXAMINES THOROUGHBRED OWNERSHIP
The ins and outs, risks and rewards of owning a Thoroughbred racehorse are examined in a feature article in the Summer issue of 'Cigar Aficionado' magazine. The article, entitled 'Running for the Roses' discusses how there is no sure thing -- a million dollar purchase may never earn a dime, yet a thousand dollar horse could earn millions.

Writer John Lee interviewed breeders and owners, including Robert Clay of Three Chimneys Farm, Gary Biszantz, CEO of Cobra Golf and an avid owner-breeders, Joe Cornacchia, co-owner of Kentucky Derby winners Strike the Gold and Go for Gin and recent Preakness winner Louis Quatorze, and Cot Campbell who pioneered horse racing partnerships with his Dogwood Stable. Also quoted are trainers Allen Jerkens John Veitch.

The article also focuses on the different types of group ownership and the variety of ways horses are acquired, whether through high- priced yearling auctions or claiming races.

'Running for the Roses' is the latest coverage Thoroughbred racing has received in 'Cigar Aficionado.' Previous articles covered racing at Keeneland and Saratoga recourses and a feature on the aptly named Horse of the Year Cigar. The Summer issue of the magazine hits newsstands in early June.

FORMER RACEHORSE HAS NEW CAREER AS MONMOUTH'S 'SPOKESHORSE'
Retired racehorse High Tier has traded his blinkers and racing shoes for a personalized saddle cloth and an unlimited carrot supply as he goes 'on the road' as part of Monmouth Park's promotional show. He has also become the featured guest at the Oceanport, N.J. racetrack's twice-weekly Dawn Patrol and breakfast programs. The seven-year-old gelding was a former claimer who raced 67 times, winning seven races and more than $104,000 in earnings. When owner Phil Ruggiero attempted to bring High Tier back to the races this past spring after a one-year break, it was determined the gelding's racing days were over. The North Jersey print shop owner generously allowed the track to use High Tier in its promotional programs.

'We always liked this horse from the time I bought him as a yearling, ' said Ruggiero. 'At one point, he was racing with the best three- year-olds in the country, but physical problems kept him from being a top competitor. I just wanted to be assured he'd be well taken care of in his retirement from the track.'

High Tier's retirement actually sent him back to the track, though his schedule now is mostly social. His first appearance in mid-April for an Asbury Park Press photo shoot found the little bay the center of attention as children donning orange and white Dawn Patrol T- shirts donated by Ruggiero milled about, petting and feeding him. High Tier has since been to the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown where he stood for two hours while shoppers petted and fed him.

'He relishes the attention and has become quite a ham when a camera is pointed in his direction,' said Barbara Foster, director of Monmouth's Road Show and hostess of the Dawn Patrol. 'This opens up a whole window of opportunity for people who are interested in learning about racing,' she continued. 'Now we can do live demonstrations on shoeing, chiropractic work and even equine dentistry, all of which fascinate our guests who have never been close to a real racehorse. High Tier looks the part and is typical of most racehorses: an athlete who has worked hard and shown tremendous heart, but never made the headlines.'

CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT PART OF BELMONT FESTIVAL
A celebrity golf tournament to benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the Marty Lyons Foundation will take place on Monday, June 3 on the world famous Black Course at Bethpage State Park, Bethpage, N.Y. Former Mets player and Manager Bud Harrelson, Wayne Chrebet of the Jets, former Jets coach Joe Gardi, Islanders Gerry Hart and jockeys Eddie Maple, Frank Lovato, Chris DiCarlo and Filiberto Leon will be joined by New York racing announcer and 'Voice of the Breeders' Cup,' Tom Durkin. There will be prizes, awards and raffles at the event. Individual registrations $250 per player and includes lunch, dinner, greens fees, locker and a golf shirt.

For additional information, please call Marie Ardolino at (516) 669-1000 ext. 248.

MONMOUTH PARK OPENS FOR SUMMER SEASON
Monmouth Park, Oceanport, N.J., opens for the 1996 season on Saturday, May 25. The season will kick off with an expanded Dawn Patrol Program and the highest purses in Monmouth Park history. Every Wednesday and Friday beginning June 21 the Dawn Patrol will be offered, featuring complimentary coffee, juice and donuts at 7:00 a.m. Guests meet in the Clubhouse trackside and watch the horses train while Barbara Foster explains a typical day in the life of a Thoroughbred athlete. At 7:40 a.m., guests board a tram and get a tour of the barn area, starting gate and jockeys' room. At 8:45 the group gathers near the English Walking Ring and meet High Tier, Monmouth's new mascot. The program is free but reservations are required.

For information call Barbara Foster at (908) 571-5542.

'DRESSAGE AT SARATOGA' AND MORE
Equine competition of a different kind comes to upstate New York May 25-27. Dressage will be featured at Saratoga Racecourse this weekend when the Saratoga Springs, N.Y. racing oval hosts 'Dressage at Saratoga,' an equine festival to benefit the Saratoga Association for Retarded Citizens. There will be something for everyone at the event which will feature an all-breed horse show, classic carriage drives, the dressage competition, polo matches, one of the East's largest craft fairs, a food court and a parade of more than 20 different breeds of horse scheduled noon on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. This year's guest of honor will be savant Kim Peek, who was portrayed by actor Dustin Hoffman in the movie 'Rainman.' Peek suffered brain damage during fetal development which affected his motor skills, but gave him the uncanny ability to memorize virtually everything he has ever read. When not appearing as a public spokesperson for people with disabilities, Peek is at work as a bookkeeper for a sheltered workshop, where he handles the payroll for more than 158 people in his head.

Admission to the event is $3 per person. Since several of the activities will be held in locations surrounding Saratoga Racecourse, shuttle service will be provided. The Saratoga Association for Retarded Citizens provides services to more than 550 individuals throughout Saratoga County.

JOCKEYS GUILD HONORS PASSERO
Maryland Track Superintendent John Passero was honored by the Jockeys Guild for his and his team's hard work, dedication and attention to detail in maintaining the track surfaces at Laurel, Pimlico and Bowie Training Center at an exceptionally safe level, especially during unusually adverse weather conditions. Passero was honored in a winner's circle ceremony at Pimlico on Preakness Eve.

RACING ON THE AIR

May 23 'Racehorse Digest' 2:30-3:00 a.m., ESPN
June 1 'Racehorse Digest' 5:30-6:00 a.m., ESPN
June 1 Massachusetts Handicap, Suffolk Downs, 4:00-5:00 p.m., ESPN
June 5 'Racehorse Digest' 3:30-4:00 p.m., ESPN
June 6 'Racehorse Digest' 2:30-3:00 a.m., ESPN
June 8 'Racehorse Digest' 6:00-6:30 a.m., ESPN
June 8 Belmont Stakes, Belmont Park, 4:30-6:00 p.m., ABC

RACING TO HISTORY

May 23, 1936: Rushaway, ridden by John Longden, won his second derby in as many days, taking the 1 1-4-mile Latonia Derby at Latonia. Rushaway had won the 1 1-8-mile Illinois Derby the previous day.

May 23, 1992: Jacinto Vasquez had his 5,000th career winner, aboard Susan Pixum, at Calder Racecourse.

May 23, 1992: Angel Cordero Jr. made his first start as a trainer, with Puchinito, who finished fifth in the fifth race at Belmont.

May 24, 1977: At odds of 13-1, Louis and Patrice Wolfson's two-year- old colt Affirmed won his maiden race by 4 1-2 lengths at Belmont Park, ridden by jockey Bernie Gonzalez.

May 25, 1853: England's first triple crown winner, West Australian, won the second jewel of the trio, the Epsom Derby.

May 26, 1991: Jockey Steve Cauthen won his fourth European derby, the Derby Italiano, with Hailsham, trained by Clive Brittain. Cauthen has also won the Epsom Derby twice, the Irish Derby and the French Derby, in addition to his Kentucky Derby win with Affirmed.

May 27, 1873: A bay colt, Survivor, won the first Preakness Stakes by 10 lengths, the largest margin in the race's history.

May 27, 1979: Jockey Chris McCarron, 24, won his 2,000th career race, aboard Stembok, in the second race at Hollywood Park.

May 27, 1981: Bill Shoemaker became the first jockey in racing history to win 8,000 races when he rode War Allied to victory in the first race at Hollywood Park.

May 27, 1985: Under strong urging from jockey Laffit Pincay Jr., odds-on favorite Spend a Buck defeated Creme Fraiche by a neck to win the Jersey Derby and earn $2.6 million, the largest single purse in American racing history. Two million dollars of the purse came from a bonus to Spend a Buck for winning the Cherry Hill Mile, the Garden State Stakes, the Kentucky Derby and the Jersey Derby. Angel Cordero Jr., the regular rider of Spend a Buck, was committed to ride Track Barron in the Metropolitan Handicap in New York on the same day and was persuaded to give up his mount in the Jersey Derby. Track Barron finished third in the Metropolitan, earning $40,620.

May 29, 1897 Scottish Chieftain, owned by Marcus Daly, became the only Montana bred to win the Belmont Stakes.

May 29, 1907 Colin began his undefeated career, breaking his maiden by two lengths at Belmont Park.

May 29, 1946 Two-year-old fillies Chakoora and Uleta became the first Thoroughbreds to complete a transcontinental flight. They were flown from New York to Inglewood, Calif., by the American Air Express Corporation, for a 2,446-mile trip that lasted 20 hours due to adverse weather conditions.

May 30, 1903 Flocarline became the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes.

May 30, 1941 Hollywood Park introduced the 'vibrationless camera,' developed by Hollywood cameraman Lorenzo del Ricio. Eight patrol judges with the cameras, which were attached to their binoculars, were stationed at intervals around the track. Jockey Nunzio Pariso was the camera's first victim -- he was shown on film crowding a rival on the far turn.

May 30, 1969 Patricia Barton won her first career race, at Pikes Peak.

June 1, 1881: Pierre Lorillard's Iroquois became the first American- owned and -bred horse to win a European classic race when he won the Epsom Derby under one of England's greatest riders, Fred Archer. Iroquois won seven of nine starts as a three-year-old, including England's St. Leger Stakes.

June 1, 1973: In his final tuneup for the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown, Secretariat went six furlongs in 1:11 3-5, doing the first three furlongs in :35 2-5 and five furlongs in :59.

June 1, 1978: In his first start ever on the turf, eventual 4-time champion grass horse John Henry won a $35,000, 1 1-16-mile claiming race by 14 lengths at Belmont Park. John Henry was voted champion turf horse for the years 1980-81 and 1983-84.

June 2, 1943: Trainer Hirsch Jacobs claimed two-year-old Stymie for $1,500. By the end of 1947, Stymie had become the world's leading money-winning Thoroughbred, with earnings of $816,060 and 22 stakes victories.

June 2, 1947: After a 10-year layoff, 13-year-old Honey Cloud won the second race at Aqueduct.

WEEKEND STAKES

SATURDAY
Hawthorne Handicap, 3&up; (f&m;), $100,000, 1 1-16 Miles, Grade II, Hollywood
A winner of three of her last four, all Grade II races, Jewel Princess faces a probable field of seven. Urbane, winner of her last two, was twice beaten by Jewel Princess earlier this year. Sleep Easy was also beaten twice by Jewel Princess this year but topped her in a second-place effort in the Grade I Santa Margarita Handicap at Santa Anita. Cat's Cradle won three straight last year, including the Grade I Acorn Stakes before missing almost a year with an injury. Her first race back was a third in the Grade II A Gleam Handicap at Hollywood. Klassy Kim, second in the A Gleam, Above the Table and Borodislew round out the expected field.

Edgewood Stakes, 3yo fillies, $75,000, 1 Mile, Churchill

Riggs Handicap, 3&up;, $75,0000, 1 1-2 Miles Turf, Pimlico

Sheridan Stakes, 3yo, $100,000, 1 Mile, Grade III, Arlington

Shuvee Handicap, 3&up; (f&m;), $150,000, 1 Mile, Grade I, Belmont

SUNDAY

Peter Pan Stakes, 3yo, $150,000, 1 1-8 Miles, Grade II, Belmont
Unbridled's Song or not? The three-year-old may run here instead of in Monday's Metropolitan Handicap. 'If we're looking at the Belmont Stakes, the 1 1-8-mile Peter Pan might be a better spot for him,' said trainer Jim Ryerson. He is coming off a game fifth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby with a cracked hoof and two bar shoes. Diligence is coming off two terrible races in the Kentucky Derby and the Blue Grass Stakes but won three before that. His stablemate Louis Quatorze also ran badly in the Derby but bounced back to take the Preakness. Allowance winner Draw has failed twice in stakes company. Instant Friendship is probably over his head, having been beaten eight lengths in the Grade II Illinois Derby. Turf stakes winner Harrowman's only recent start on dirt was a last-place finish in the Wood Memorial. Jamies First Punch is trying to stretch out after a second-place finish in the Withers at one mile at Belmont to Appealing Skier, who is a possible starter although the Metropolitan Handicap is more li ely.

Connaught Cup, 4&up;, $100,000, 1 1-16 Miles Turf, Grade III, Woodbine

Honeymoon Handicap, 3yo fillies, $125,000, 1 1-8 Miles Turf, Grade III, Hollywood

Washington Park Handicap, 3&up;, $200,000, 1 1-8 Miles, Grade II, Arlington

MONDAY

Metropolitan Handicap, 3&up;, $400,000, 1 Mile, Grade I, Belmont
Unbridled's Song may or may not run here, but there will be a large and talented field as usual for the Met. Lite the Fuse, Flying Chevron and Placid Fund, 1-2-3 in the seven-furlong carter handicap on May 5, all return. Criollito (ARG) has won both his 1996 starts, the last a powerful win the Grade III Churchill Downs Handicap, May 4. Three-year-old Honour and Glory was 18th in the Kentucky Derby but his last win was at a mile in the Grade II San Rafael Stakes March 2. Afternoon Deelites was sharp in winning the seven-furlong Grade II Commonwealth Breeders' Cup Stakes, April 14 at Keeneland and this distance should suit him. Prenup is coming off two allowance wins. Spanos has won four of his last five races and comes from Bill Mott's barn.

Hollywood Turf Handicap, 3&up;, $500,000, 1 1-4 Miles Turf, Grade I, Hollywood
Petit Poucet (GB), Awad, Northern Spur (IRE), Sandpit (BRZ) and Earl of Barking (IRE), are all scheduled to run, making this one of the weekend's premier attractions. Petit Poucet (GB), from the red-hot Ben Cecil barn, was just caught by Mecke in the Grade II Early Times Turf Classic at Churchill Downs, May 3. Awad hasn't won since August 27 when he took the Grade I Arlington Million but he hasn't run badly either, always against the best company. Breeders' Cup Turf winner Northern Spur (IRE) will be pointed towards the Arc. He won an allowance race May 1 after a fourth in the San Luis Obispo Handicap to filly star Windsharp. Seven-year-old Sandpit (BRZ) doesn't seem to be the horse he once was but has been second three times in his last four U.S. starts. Earl of Barking (IRE) was eighth in the Early Times, but was only beaten 4 1-2 lengths. The Key Rainbow and possible starter Labeeb round out the field.

Kentucky Budweiser Breeders' Cup, 2yo, $100,000, 5 1-2 Furlongs, Churchill

Soviet Problem Breeders' Cup Handicap, 3&up; (f&m;), $150,000, 6 Furlongs, Golden Gate

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