BC Racebook Newsletter - September 24, 2024
Leading Jockey Amadeo Perez Continues to Work His Magic. Photo Michael Bye.
BC Deputy Premier Mike Farnworth Salutes
Horse Racing Industry on BC Derby Day
By Greg Douglas
The 77th running of the British Columbia Derby got off to an inspiring start with an encouraging video message from BC Deputy Premier Mike Farnworth Saturday, September 14 at Hastings Racecourse.
Included in his address was mention of the importance of both the thoroughbred and standardbred horse racing industries in BC.
“They continue to be an important part of our province’s cultural and sporting fabric, not just as a source of entertainment but through the many social and economic contributions it makes throughout our province in agricultural communities and jobs,” Mr. Farnworth said.
“Our government is so pleased to join with you today to celebrate this tremendous sport and the BC Derby tradition and honour the best of our equine athletes along with the dedicated teams of people from jockeys, trainers, stable hands, to veterinarian and administrative staff that provide care and attention to their well-being.”
The eight-race card on BC Derby Day resulted in an all-sources handle in excess of $1.14 million.
Trainer Barbara Heads nailed it when she said prior to the $125,000 Grade 3 BC Derby: “All we can do is hope for the best. Once that gate opens, it’s up to Amadeo Perez. He’s the leading rider here for a reason.”
Sure enough, Perez worked his magic in guiding favoured August Rain to a thrilling 11/4 length victory in a full field of 12. The 3-year-old gelding sired by Sungold was as far back as seventh when Perez urged him to kick into high gear at the second turn of the 1 1/8-mile course to prevail over runner-up WYN Racing Stables’ Moneyshot.
Bred by BC owner Peter Redekop, the win by August Rain came on the heels of his Canadian Derby victory August 24 at Century Mile in Edmonton.
The combination of Redekop, Heads and Perez was back in the winner’s circle in the very next race to celebrate Avana’s victory in the $75,000 BC Oaks for 3-year-old fillies in a down-to-the-wire finish over stablemate Viva La Diva from the estate of R.J. Bennett and Lois Bennett. It was Avana’s sixth consecutive victory in as many starts this year.
Favourite Mount Doom went wire-to-wire to win the $100,000 Jack Diamond Futurity for 2-year-old colts and geldings under rider Antonio Reyes for leading Hastings’ trainer Steve Henson. Mount Doom is owned by Willow Creek Farms and Lorie Henson.
The $100,000 Sadie Diamond Futurity for 2-year-old filles was won convincingly by Someday Lady with Kerron Khelawan in the irons for trainer Cindy Krasner and the return of a jubilant owner Jeffrey Sengara.
All eight races on the BC Derby Day card were won by horses bred in British Columbia.
Jockey Amadeo Perez riding Miss Accelerate. Photo Michael Bye.
Dawn on the Backstretch
By Dawn Lupul
It feels like fall, and that means that racing at Hastings is entering the final few weeks. There have been spectacular performances all year, and there is still an opportunity to make some money focusing your play on the hot trainers.
There are two trainers who have 30% winning percentages with at least 20 starts. Craig MacPherson and Robert Gilker have sent out well-meant runners all season. They are the ones to watch right until the end. Both know how to spot horses and tend to have them where they have a big chance of winning.
Amadeo Perez is the runaway winner in the jockey standings, and he has increased his visits to the winners’ circle in the last month. It always pays to look at who he is riding, but the true value comes when you can find a reason to play against him.
Horses who have had a bit of freshening can be dangerous at this time of year. Long gaps aren’t necessarily desirable, but a break of three or four weeks if the horse has been competing consistently throughout the year can be an advantage.
The Pick 4’s have been solid plays, with fair payoffs throughout the season. The exactas continue to be a favourite of players, with the ability to take an odds-on horse and turn it into a $15 or $20 payoff. There are always lots of options and a good idea is to specialize on one or two wagers that fit your style.
Have fun playing Hastings and next newsletter we will dive back into some winning Hong Kong angles.
Fraser Downs Live Racing Every Thursday & Friday
First Race 7pm (PT) I 10pm (ET)
Fraser Downs Fall Meet Has Started with a Horseplayer’s Wagering Profile
Fraser Downs is excited to announce the start of its 2024 fall meet, beginning Thursday, September 12 and running both Thursdays and Fridays every week. The fall meet will showcase a competitive wagering profile that offers more value to horseplayers than ever before.
Fraser Downs will feature the unique $2 minimum Double wagers on the first and last two races to create some additional value for horseplayers. For race cards with 9 or more races, the program will include a second Pick 4 pool in race 2, providing an additional opportunity to play one of the most popular pools. In addition, there will be two back-to-back 100% carryover Classic Hi-5 pools to conclude the race cards.
Horseplayers can also take advantage of several exciting wagering promotions during the fall meet. It will start with the huge 10% Cash Back promotion with HPIbet, a $10 Money Back offer from Twinspires, and additional promotions available through 1/ST Bet and NYRA Bets.
“We are excited to have the harness action back at Fraser,” said Dawn Lupul, Manager of Racing and Communications. “More and more horseplayers are starting to take notice, and it’s showing up in the wagering. We have been focused on creating better value for the players, and they are responding.”
Fraser Downs is proud to offer some of the lowest takeout rates in the industry, with just 15% on Win, Place, Show, Double, Classic Hi-5, Pick 3, and Pick 4 pools.
Fans can catch the action at the 5/8ths oval every Thursday and Friday night starting at 7 pm Pacific (10 pm Eastern). The races are broadcast in full HD live on YouTube, which makes the races available on almost any device anywhere.
If You Can’t Make It To The Track, Watch Live Racing on YouTube
HORSEPOWER 4 HORSEPOWER
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS AND PATRONS
On September 7th, over 50 supercars, classic cars and JDM cars were on display at Hastings Racecourse. This year BC Racebook supported Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Since 2022, HORSEPOWER 4 HORSEPOWER (HP 4 HP) has supported B.C. based charities and families.
BC Racebook will continue to happily support B.C. based charities in conjunction with live horse racing events.
