in Triple Crown Articles

Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky, and Del Mar where the surf meets the turf in Del Mar, California, will be off and running on Wednesday. These two tracks officially kick off the summer racing boom.

Ellis in Northern Kentucky is called the bean patch because the infield grass is used to grow soybeans while the track is in operation. At the end of the meet, The beans are sold and the profits go to charity.

Del Mar on the other hand was born out of luxury. In the early 1930’s, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, who were buying up land in SoCal as if it were gold (and it turned out to be) needed a place to play in the summer. So they got a few of their friends together and built a place to play; Del Mar Race Track In 1937.

Located in the LaJolla area just a short walk to the beach (about a mile), Del Mar is worth the trip even if you are not an avid horseplayer.

I have had some great success at Ellis Park over the years and recommend you play there if you have never looked at the card they offer every day, it’s quite good.

The Grand Daddy of them all Saratoga, “The Spa” will open it’s annual multi-million dollar meet next week.  

- Traditionalists in Northern California have lost their battle to save Bay Meadows Race Track as California legislators refused to put a “save the track” vote on the ballot this fall. So the new owners of the property are free to build a Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club or another cookie cutter shopping mall.

- Bush Fire will go for the Triple Tiara this weekend in the Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont. She has won the Acorn and the Mother Goose.

- If you are looking for a “hot jockey,” watch out for apprentice Martin Garcia at Del Mar, he will card some big winners this month. He still has his five-pound allowance and he is as good as anyone. 

- Deputy Glitters won the Ohio Derby last Saturday, remember him? He was a total of 54 lengths out when he ran in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont. Glitters paid $10.20 to win and snagged the $350,000 purse at Thisletown in Cleveland.

- The race horse owners dream Lava Man, who has won 2.8 million after being claimed for $50,000, will make his next start after winning the Hollywood Gold Cup in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar on August 20th.

For my FREE racing pick every Thursday while Saratoga and Del Mar are open, email jrclemente@hotmail.com.