Keeping Pace

Staff writer Frank Angst examines racing, handicapping, and other mysteries.

January 2017 - Posts

Solid Ratings for First Pegasus Could Open Revenue Stream

The solid overnight ratings for the first edition of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) could be something to build on for future editions of the event as organizers hope one day television rights provide revenues for the stakeholders. BloodHorse's Lenny Shulman reported Jan. 29 that the 4:30 to 6 p.m. NBC broadcast of the Jan. 28 Pegasus from Gulfstream Park earned a 1.23 overnight rating... Read More

For January Race, Pegasus Field Depth Impressive

As if the attraction of seeing the two best dirt horses in the world—arguably the two best horses in the world—currently in training wasn't enough, the first edition of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) also features depth comparable to last year's Dubai World Cup (G1). The second part of that sentence may come as a surprise to those who have knocked the field behind California Chrome and Arrogate... Read More

Slimmed Down Racing May Be Finding Its Footing

While wagering on U.S. races in 2016 was flat—up less than 1% compared with 2015— bettors continue to support a reduced Thoroughbred racing product. That is to say average handle per U.S. race in 2016 improved 2.3% to $280,408, which is the first time since 2007 that wagering per race has surpassed $280,000. The $280,408 in average wagering per race is up 18.2% from the decade-low $237,135 wagered... Read More

Detailed Report on Horse Health, Management Released

When it comes to keeping track of horses' health information, about one in five breeding farms and boarding/training facilities are using a computerized method to track information. The above detail is just one of the nuggets available in a new report from the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) that examines, for all breeds: horse health; veterinary treatments; and management practices... Read More

Wins Often Followed 2016 Steroid Treatments in California

While it’s a small sample size, horses reported to receive steroid administrations in 2016 in California who have come back to race fared very well in their first starts after those treatments, winning at about three times the normal rate. Looking at the reported anabolic steroid administrations in 2016 in California, 16 times horses have raced after receiving one of those treatments (through Dec.... Read More

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