Meanwhile, Out West
– The new Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita is nearing completion and almost ready to test, reports Blood-Horse, and president Ron Charles is (surprise, surprise) feeling positive. “I couldn’t be more optimistic,” said Charles. “Time will tell.” Anything has to be better than the disastrous Cushion Track installation that led to several lost race days last winter when the surface couldn’t drain following heavy rain, a situation for which Santa Anita is suing Cushion Track and affiliates for at least $8.4 million in damages. The defendants filed motions earlier this week seeking dismissal of the lawsuit for a variety of legal reasons:
Reading that adds some credence to NYRA president Charlie Hayward’s concerns about the thinly-capitalized start-up companies currently selling synthetics, expressed during last month’s forum on all weather surfaces …
– Magnificience worked four furlongs in :46.40 at Del Mar on Wednesday in preparation for the G2 Rancho Bernardo, in which the 4-year-old filly will attempt to redeem her first career loss, suffered in June when she finished second in the A Gleam Handicap at Hollywood. “We got killed with that start,” said assistant trainer Karen Headley. “Hopefully, she comes back.” Sunday will be a big day for the Headleys, win or lose, as the barn is also starting Surf Cat in the Pacific Classic and Arson Squad in the Pat O’Brien. “We’re going into this with high hopes,” said Headley, “[but] by 6 o’clock that night some could be shot down” (Daily Bulletin).
– “The rumor is true,” the NTRA has created a marketing task force comprising a dozen “superfans” and horseplayers (including me) and given us the assignment of developing a plan “to market the sport to a new generation of fans“; a few of the task force members will be going to Vegas to present at the NTRA Marketing Summit next month. Discussion has so far been lively and many ideas have been thrown out to the group, but more are welcome, from everyone. [8/22 Update: There’s a particularly interesting comment thread over on Green but Game, including takeout, racetrack attendance, and fun things to do with technology.]
