Horse Racing News on August 10, 2011

Blind Luck worked six furlongs in 1:13.40 at Del Mar on Wednesday, but trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said he has to finalize plans about where the champion 3-year-old filly will start on Aug. 28.

Teaks North will be in search of his third Grade 1 victory of the year as well as a little respect when he takes on seven horses in Saturday's Grade 1, $500,000 Sword Dancer Invitational at Saratoga.

In a poor economic and racing climate over the past few years, many trainers have seen their stables dwindle in numbers, if not in quality - as owners have eliminated or downsized their stables.

The American Graded Stakes Committee has approved a measure to require that the diuretic furosemide be banned in 2-year-old stakes in 2012 for the races to remain eligible for the grades it assigns.

The absence of Mr. Commons from Saturday's $150,000 La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar because of a bruised foot will make Santa Anita Derby winner Midnight Interlude the favorite in the turf race over 1 1/16 miles for 3-year-olds.

As expected, Breeders' Cup Aug. 10 announced that Santa Anita Park in California will serve as the 2012 host site of the two-day World Championships.

Winner of the 2009 Arlington Million and runner-up the last year, Gio Ponti drew post 5 and was listed as the 2-1 second choice. Cape Blanco, winner of the July 9 Man o' War, was pegged as the 9-5 choice at the post position draw Tuesday, Aug. 9.

Despite making his first start in North America, European-based Grade 1 winner Treasure Beach was tabbed as the 2-1 morning-line favorite for the Grade 1, $400,000 Secretariat Stakes Aug. 13 at Arlington Park.