Maryland racing. It might not get the glamour and top notch billing that it did in it’s prime (a prime that was relevant enough to see the city of Baltimore’s NFL franchise adorned with the name “Colts” in honor of the state’s rich history of racing and thoroughbred breeding), but for homegrown fans like me there’s simply nothing more special than a day of great racing at either Laurel Park or Pimlico.
This Saturday gives us just such an opportunity with the 19th running of the Grade 1 De Francis Dash along with the undercard $50,000 Find Handicap and the $50,000 Twixt Stakes. The Dash, it must be noted, is but one of only three remaining Grade 1 races run at Maryland tracks these days – with the others being the Preakness and the Pimlico Special (of Seabiscuit and War Admiral fame), and was not carded last year due to purse shortage concerns.
Why the focus on Maryland this weekend? Two reasons really. Firstly, it’s my “home circuit” – the mystic dirt of home, and one of my original goals when this site was incepted was to do every little bit I could to help promote Maryland racing. Will it ever return to the level it enjoyed back in it’s “glory days?” Probably not, but the fact that it once impacted the naming of an NFL franchise speaks volumes of the distinguished history the area has with respect to horse racing – and if I’m nothing else, I’m a sucker for historical significance.
Secondly, I’ve simply had Baltimore on the brain lately. Obviously this has nothing to do with my lowly Orioles (who are only trumped in terms of lowliness by my equally beloved St. Louis Rams…man, thank god I’ve got horse racing and the Alabama Crimson Tide to cheer for). Instead, I think this began with the fantastic “Band That Wouldn’t Die” film – one of the specials being offered by ESPN under the banner of “30 for 30′ (30 films for their 30 years of operation).
The episode in particular was quite revealing about the passion and diehard sports obsession that many Baltimoreans possess. When the NFL took their team away, they refused to accept that the city that helped put the sport on the map would be overlooked in the modern era of NFL expansion.
(Note: For any wondering what I mean about “the city that put the sport on the map”- consider the historical impact of the famed Colts/Giants championship game of 1958 that is widely considered the “greatest game ever played” and used as an iconic starting point for the uber-popularity that the game of pro football now enjoys)
Anyone else find it ironic that the same city that once put pro football on the map, only to have their dignity swiped from them in the middle of the night by the arrival of an army of Mayflower moving trucks also happens to find itself potentially on the brink of having it’s proud tradition of thoroughbred racing greatness stripped away? My, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
The current state of affairs has apocalyptic doomsday scenario questions worrying all fans of Maryland racing – such as how long we’ll be able to hold on to our beloved Preakness and how long the hallowed grounds of Pimlico race course, which have witnessed nearly every great North American thoroughbred in history for the last century, may remain open?
It just strikes me as painfully odd that the same city faces reminiscent challenges regarding two of it’s more cherished past times just decades apart.
The similarities are right in front of us. Old Memorial Stadium was falling apart and Colts owner Bob Irsay wanted a state of the art facility. The politicians wrangled over when/where/and how much to spend on the project, and ultimately the city lost the team to Indianapolis.
Fast forward to today, and the story has similar parallels. We all know Pimlico is need of major renovations to keep it afloat. The once proud Pimlico meets have been reduced to just a 4 week blip on the racing calendar. Fans like me have to endure constant razzing from visitors about the current condition of the track (giving truth to the axiom that “one man’s treasure is another man’s garbage”).
It’s within the bumbling of the government itself though that things get really interesting. I won’t attempt to explain the entire complexity of the situation, as to be honest it gives me headaches at times. First there was the battle of the slots. “To slot or not to slot? That is the question!” Passionate arguments were made on both sides. Ultimately the decision was given a go (at least theoretically, if not practically) – but in typical Maryland fashion it was bungled to the extreme and we now wind up with slots that won’t actually be at Pimlico (if they ever get all the zoning and licensing straightened out) - instead they will be at OTB and other satellite locations sprinkled throughout the state.
My personal opinion on the slots question? As a typical Maryland resident (or more correctly, a former Maryland resident who now resides within walking distance of the Mason Dixon Line)- I’m fence sitting a bit on this. I can see both sides. On the one hand, it’s clear that Maryland racing is impeded in their ability to compete with neighboring states and put on a consistently competitive product whilst competing with slots infused purses in West Viriginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
On the other hand, you can count me firmly among the believers that if slots money is considered our savior – that it’s already too late. We need to treat the illness – not the symptoms. I know, I know – one of the most horribly overused phrases of our time. There are simply so many things broken with the models employed at tracks throughout the land (Maryland being no exception), that I’m not sure slots would amount to anything more than a temporary “fix” to a problem that will continue to grow over time. It’s a necessary temporary fix – I just hope folks have the ability to see past what happens when the slots well eventually runs dry.
Anyhow, If you missed the ESPN film on the Colt’s marching band – it’s one I highly recommend. You don’t have to be a Baltimorean to enjoy the film. All you need is an ability to sympathize with folks who love a sport with all their heart and then have that which they love taken from them. Also note that a similar film about the Triple Crown campaign (and subsequent drama and tragedy) surrounding Charismatic is set to debut in early 2010.
For now though, inspired by the members of the Colts marching band who refused to let the tradition of their beloved team fade into the night along with the hopes and dreams of an entire city, and inspired by the return of one of Maryland’s proud (but few) Grade 1 races, it’s time to give picking a few winners at Laurel Park the old college try.
The De Francis Memorial Dash
Vineyard Haven, the highly touted son of Lido Palace who once sat atop many a Kentucky Derby rankings list at the end of last year, comes into town seeking redemption in the Dash. He had the Grade 1 King’s Bishop in his grasp at Saratoga on August 29th, but was DQ’d and dropped down to 2nd by the stewards following some action in the stretch. The horse has been working lights out for this effort, and at this moment in time Godolphin Stables seems to be hitting on all cylinders, making him a very worthy favorite at 8/5.
The field for the Dash isn’t filled with pushovers, though. Fleet Valid comes into the race having won 4 straight victories. Amazingly, this horse was claimed a few years ago for just $14,000? Talk about a solid claim!
Another favorite of mine, Saratoga Russell, is back looking for glory in the Dash. ‘Russell has finished in the exacta in 6 of 8 career races, and certainly offers some value at 20/1.
Another horse who might get overlooked is Ravalo, who while he has faced lesser competition throughout much of the year should certainly find this race within his reach, having prevailed 9 times already at this distance. I have a tendency to focus on runners who perform well on Preakness Day, and this guy won the Maryland Sprint Handicap that day against a very competitive field – so I know he’s got some guts.
Then of course there’s the victor of the Maryland Million Sprint – Roaring Lion. The son of Lion Hearted races for the always dangerous Bruce Levine barn and will be stepping up in class to take on the likes of Fleet Valid, Ravalo, and Vineyard Haven.
I like Vineyard Haven to roll here (despite the short odds of 8/5), and underneath will be using 4 horses on my exacta and trifecta tickets: Ravalo, Fleet Valid, Roaring Lion, and Saratoga Russell.
1/ 2,3,4,8/ 2,3,4,8
In the undercard races on the day, I like the improving #3 Target Sighted in The Find Handicap (Race 8) at 9/2. Obviously there’s a few other horses in here to pay attention to, including #4 Baltimore Bob (3/1). The winner of the Maryland Million Classic #11 Sumacha’hot (7/2 in his 4th turf attempt) and my original pick for the Maryland Million Classic, #13 Regal Solo (20/1) will also give it a go, but they don’t seem to have enough enticing turf form for my tastes.
In the Twixt (Race 7), I’m going to roll the dice looking for a bit of a price with Alan Garcia aboard the sneakily versatile #2 Miss Dartmouth. This field just looks very evenly matched to me, so a horse that could be on the lead but doesn’t necessarily have to be looks enticing – especially with odds of 5/1. As an interesting side note – take a look at who beat Miss Dartmouth in her debut- none other than Sara Louise, the last horse to defeat Rachel Alexandra. True, she didn’t run particularly well against her, but it’s still noteworthy. Underneath I think you’ve got to look at #8 Princess Malka, #1 Love’s Blush, and #5 Southern Charmer.
Best of luck to all!
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