JC / Railbird

Suffolk Downs Archive

Opening Day at Suffolk

A cartoon by Sage Stossel. Click the image to see it in full.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on May 24, 2006

Suffolk Draws a Crowd

It was the best opening day since 1998: More than 14,500 people turned out at Suffolk Downs on Saturday to catch the first day of live racing at the track in nearly six months.
—
Trainer John Rigattieri returned to his winning ways at Suffolk, with three wins on opening day (four, actually, but Tri Like the Devil was disqualified in the ninth). Favorites dominated, winning seven out 10, as did early speed — seven races were won wire-to-wire and two more by horses near the pace.
—
Our good friend Bill at RacingFigures.com is posting Suffolk Downs ratings again this year — mostly for Monday cards, but occasionally for Tuesday (this calendar displays specific dates). The speed ratings Bill did last year were a great supplement to past performances, often identifying horses that ran very well at the track, and the sheets are free to download. Be sure to check out the site: Ratings for several other US tracks, such as Philadelphia and Hollywood, are available as well.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on May 7, 2006

Suffolk Opens Saturday

Suffolk Downs opens this Saturday for the 2006 meet, and the opening day card actually boasts several full fields, even though only 600 horses are on the grounds so far. Racing secretary Jim Pambianchi hopes to have 1,000 on the backstretch after Tampa closes this weekend. Good news for this year’s meet: After being cancelled last year, the MassCap will return this year, on September 30. “With the race scheduled five weeks before the Breeders’ Cup, it will be a logical spot for some of the Classic Division contenders to make their final prep,” said Suffolk COO Robert O’Malley. Doors opens at 10 a.m. and a season pass will be given out with all paid admissions.

Posted in Suffolk Downs on May 4, 2006

MassCap Revival Possible?

Here’s something for New England racing fans to look forward to (although, I’m trying not to get my hopes up too much): Suffolk Downs COO Robert O’Malley said the track is trying to revive the Grade II Massachusetts Handicap for this year’s meet. ”We’re hoping we can do it,” said O’Malley. “We still have a few things to do, but right now we’re looking at Sept. 30 for the MassCap.” Suffolk Downs opens for live racing this Saturday. The weather forecast isn’t encouraging (clouds, light rain), but I’ll be there for every race of the afternoon (and the Kentucky Derby, of course) …

Posted in Suffolk Downs on May 1, 2006