Horse Racing News

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.

Street Game, winner of the Grade 3 Hill Prince Stakes earlier this summer, was installed as the 8-5 favorite for the Grade 2, $150,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes for 3-year-olds Aug. 12 at Saratoga.

A field of 10, headed by Cape Blanco and Gio Ponti, was entered Tuesday for Saturday's 29th running of the Arlington Million.

Martin Schwartz says he loves the Beverly D., and no wonder. He won the race in 2005 with Angara and in 2006 with Gorella, forever endearing Arlington Park to his stock-playing heart.

Now, things are starting to get serious with Uncle Mo.