Not long ago the expected field for the Haskell Invitational was six or seven. Not it appears there could be as many as eight or nine 3-year-olds going in Monmouth’s Park premier race on Sunday.

For some reason, Big Brown doesn’t scare away the opposition. In fact, the fewest challengers that took on the son of Boundary were in the Belmont on June 9 when he finished ninth and last losing for the first time in six starts.

The way Big Brown has been training ought to scare way some opposition because the signs point to an excellent outing. On July 26, he breezed six furlongs in a nifty 1:10 4/5 at Aqueduct.

And apparently, all is copasetic between trainer Rick Dutrow and jockey Kent Desormeaux as the latter gets the mount again.

Dutrow, silent for most of July, said Tuesday during a NTRA teleconference:

“Everything the rest of the year will depend on what happens at Monmouth. I’m still kind of concerned about what’s going to happen Sunday because I know the horse went into the Belmont in very good condition, and what happened in that race I have no idea.

“If it happens again, then I’m going to know something is wrong with him and he’s just not going to run anymore. . .”

Paul Grimm, editor of the online Oceanport Racing Report (http://oceanportracingreport.com), said the “biggest ‘X’ factor in this race is which Big Brown shows up: the one who won the Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby or the one pulling up in the Belmont Stakes? If the real Big Brown shows, I think everyone else is running for second.”

Several key challengers that recently worked hope to do better:

Cool Coal Man, who won the Spend a Buck at Monmouth, posted a bullet 47 3/5 for four furlongs over the muddy Saratoga training track last Sunday.

Atoned, runner-up to Truth Rules in Monmouth’s Long Branch, donned blinkers for the first time and breezed four furlongs in 50 seconds over the host track on July 26, galloping out five furlongs in 1:01 3/5. Trainer Todd Pletcher guns for his third straight Haskell as Blue Grass Cat scored in ’06 and Any Given Saturday won last year.

Truth Rules, 3 for 3 at Monmouth, breezed four furlongs in 49 seconds on Saratoga’s training track July 26.

Nistle’s Crunch, second in the Colonial Turf Cup, breezed five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 on July 26. The colt attempts to become the first New Jersey-bred to triumph since Thanks to Tony in ’80.

Big Truck, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby, breezed five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 at Saratoga on Monday.

Other 3-year-olds that could go in the 1 1/8 mile contest are Harlem Rocker, another Pletcher trainee that’s 4 for 4 on dirt; Magical Forest, victorious in Delaware’s Barbaro; and Alaazo, 2 for 4, scratched out of Saratoga’s Jim Dandy taken by Macho Again.

There most assuredly will be another huge crowd on Haskell Day. More than 40,000 are expected for the 10th consecutive year for the $1 million event.

Top attendance was 53,638 in ’03 when Peace Rules scored. The all-time New Jersey wagering mark came on last year’s Haskell 14-race card: $14,122,636. The betting record on the Haskell also was established in ’07 — $3,734,404.

Under bonus conditions for connections of a starter that captured two Triple Crown races, Big Brown’s owners get $50,000 and trainer Rick Dutrow banks another $50,000 just for the Kentucky Derby-Preakness winner showing up.

“It will make it our biggest day of the year,” Monmouth general manager Bob Kulina said weeks ago. “We have been fortunate to get some pretty good horses.”

“He’s a tremendous horse with a ton of talent,” said Dennis Dowd, senior vice president for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. “Last year we got to see Curlin (third in the Haskell) and he went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.”

Yep, it is perform or head to the stud shed for Big Brown.

by Bookmaker Racebook

The 141st Haskell Invitational field is beginning to take shape for the $1 million Grade 1 at 1 1/8 miles.

Big Brown, working well for his comeback race at Monmouth Park since being eased in the Belmont Stakes, is among 33 nominees that include several likely challengers that didn’t perform well in Triple Crown races.

Big Brown has steadily improved while breezing in the mornings at Aqueduct. On Sunday, the son of Boundary went five furlongs in 59 1/5 – his fourth work since June 9 when he finished ninth and last in the Belmont.

Clockers timed Big Brown in 1:12 2/5 for six furlongs as he galloped out. Co-owner Michael Iavarone said the colt worked with True Dancer, “a nice older horse,” according to BloodHorse.com. “He worked awesome. Michelle (Nevin) broke him a length behind True Dancer. She said she drafted him in behind him True Dancer and he sat there nice and quiet.

“When she took him to the outside at the three-eighths pole he absolutely blew by the other horse (by five lengths), and she couldn’t even pull him up after the work. We’re over the moon. He’s right on course and hasn’t missed a beat. The 3rd can’t come soon enough.”

Other 3-year-olds being seriously considered for the Aug. 3 Haskell include:

Cool Cold Coal, 15th in the Kentucky Derby, who captured the Spend a Buck Stakes on June 14 at Monmouth. Paul Grimm, editor of the online Oceanport Racing Report (http://oceanportracingreport.com), has some encouraging words to say about him.

Pyro, eighth in the Run for the Roses, who won the Northern Dancer on June 14 at Churchill Downs. He’s prepping for the Haskell in Sunday’s Jim Dandy at Saratoga, which attracted Belmont winner Da’ Tara, prepping for the Travers.

Tale of Ekati, fourth at Churchill Downs and sixth in the Belmont, and Anak Nakal, seventh in the Derby and dead-heated for third in the Belmont.

In addition, the 1-2 finishers in Monmouth’s Long Branch on July 12 are likely to run: Truth Rules and Atoned.

Other possible runners include Macho Again, runner-up in the Preakness and fifth in the Belmont, and Nistle’s Crunch, second in the Colonial Turf Cup.

One reason why Big Brown is headed to Monmouth instead of Saratoga for the Travers was given last month by Iavarone, who told The Star-Ledger in New Jersey: “We’re trying to avoid the heat; it’s a lot more hot and humid (at Saratoga), it’s a lot cooler down by the Jersey Shore.”

Grimm begs to differ: “The Jersey Shore in August will be just as stifling as it would be in Saratoga so I don’t see any advantage there.”

He points out the Haskell “is not a walkover for Derby winners. This race is probably the hardest of the season for horses that ran deep into the Derby trail. Horses like Curlin (third last year), Hard Spun (runner-up last year) and Derby winners Funny Cide (third in ’03) and Spend a Buck (second in ’85) were given bigger tests than they had anticipated going into this race.”

Grimm believes the most intriguing challengers to Big Brown “could come from Nick Zito’s barn. Cool Coal Man ran a very good race in the Spend a Buck here. I really think Cool Coal Man showed some improvement and at this point he is the horse I think could have a real shot at winning the race.”

Zito also trains Truth Rules. “He has won three times over the Monmouth strip,” Grimm said. “Don’t be surprised if the winner comes from the Zito barn, which is having a nice meet at the Jersey Shore.”

Through Sunday, the trainer saddled eight winners in 21 starts — 38 percent.

by Bookmaker Racebook

ARLINGTON PARK

Shades of Success: Broke 10th, dropped to 11th and last more than 13 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced between horses to fifth in stretch, closed fast to make up more than 5 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at seven furlongs on July 18; ran final three furlongs in 37 4/5.

Gallo Del Bar: Raced fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lacked room on far turn, lost ground turning for home, closed with a rush from sixth to make up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on the turf July 5.

Tony Terrific: Difficult to load, broke slowly, raced ninth and last more than 11 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled the field from seventh for the drive, closed fast from second in stretch to make up 3 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on June 21; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 flat. (Broke a step slow ninth and last, trailed by 10 lengths after a half-mile, rallied to fifth in stretch, split horses and roared to a length victory at a mile on the turf July 5.)

So Busted: Raced 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, boxed in on far turn, angled out for drive, rallied to make up more than 3 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on a yielding turf course May 31. (Raced six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, steadied on far turn, dropped to eighth, split horses when clear for drive and closed fast from sixth to win by 1 ¼ lengths at a mile on a good turf course June 21.)

Sole of the City: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, moved four wide into stretch and finished third a half-length behind at six furlongs on June 27 at Prairie Meadows. (Raced third inside 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split horses for the drive, advanced to second in stretch, but couldn’t close gap and was beaten a half-length at six furlongs on July 16.)

Boots Are Walking: Tracked pace in fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, brushed rival advancing three wide into turn and rallied in stretch to win by a nose at five furlongs on the turf June 7; returned $12.80 on front end. (Stalked pace five wide in third more than 1 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile and closed fast in stretch to win by a nose at five furlongs on a good turf course July 2.)

BELMONT PARK

Chobe: Raced fifth early, steadied, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, entered stretch wide, closed willingly from fifth to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a head at 1 1/16 miles on June 6. (Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, roused in upper stretch and won by a head at seven furlongs on a good turf course July 6.)

Final Story: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung outside at top of stretch and rallied from fourth to gain second by 1 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on June 17. (Tracked pace in third more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved in tandem with winner approaching turn, battled throughout stretch and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on June 29).

CALDER

C Street: Broke ninth and last, trailed by more than ninth lengths after a half-mile, swung outward midway on far turn, launched rally from heading home, forced to steady behind traffic in mid-stretch, altered course outward, recovered to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 18; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 28 3/5.

Catonia: Broke slowly seventh and last, raced four lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, lost ground on the turn, closed well from fourth in stretch to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a neck at 1 1/16 miles on July 3.

Als Big Girl: Steadied early, tracked pace more than a length behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground going four wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 7 ½ furlongs on a good turf course June 7.

Dancing Calling: Led by a half-length after a half-mile, edged away on far turn while going inside, turned back runner-up in stretch and won by 3 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on June 20. (Tracked pace in second 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied inside eighth pole to take lead and won by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 11; returned $13 on front end.)

Excellent Soldier: Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, angled out in backstretch to avoid third place finisher, moved up to second on far turn and weakened to third beaten a nose for place at a mile on the turf June 21. (Led by a half-length after a half-mile, increased margin to 1 ½ lengths in stretch, weakened and finished second by 2 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles off the turf July 5.)

COLONIAL DOWNS

I Am the Queen: Raced four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, angled out for drive, rallied between rivals leaving the sixteenth pole to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a head at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 4.

Patapso Commander: Raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, rallied to second nearing eighth pole, outfinished for place, but secured third by 4 ½ lengths at seven furlongs on June 15. (Raced sixth more than seven lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile. angled to the four path for the drive, closed fast from fifth in stretch and won by a head at five furlongs on the turf June 30.)

DEL MAR

American’s Friend: Broke sixth and last, trailed by more than four lengths after three-eighths of a mile, came out in stretch to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on the turf July 18.

Mama Luc: Broke 10th and last, trailed by 11 ½ lengths after a half-mile, moved up along rail to fifth in stretch, made up more than three lengths and finished second beaten a head at six furlongs on July 16; ran final quarter in 22 1/5.

DELAWARE

Praderoso: Raced sixth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, blocked behind rivals into stretch, angled out four wide, closed fast to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 15.

Swear to It: Raced sixth and last 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced outside to third in stretch, closed well to make up three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on July 2.

Big Easy: Raced eighth and last 7 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up five lengths and gained second by 2 ¼ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on June 16. (Chased winner in second to stretch, weakened and finished third at 5 ½ furlongs on a wet fast surface July 6.)

Blue Sailor: Accelerated to front, set pace slightly off rail, led by four lengths after three-eighths of a mile, increased margin through stretch and won by 8 ½ lengths under a hand ride at five furlongs on the turf June 20 at Colonial Downs. (Raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, fanned five into stretch losing ground dropping to sixth and ran down leaders to win by a nose at five furlongs on the turf July 19; returned $12.80 on front end.)

ELLIS PARK

Copy Runner: Stumbled at start, raced eighth and last early, advanced to seventh more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out five wide for drive, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up 3 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length and a neck at six furlongs on July 16.

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Probation Please: Raced ninth and last more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up along rail leaving far turn into stretch, rallied from fifth to make up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on June 19. (Broke slowly, raced seventh and last more than 14 lengths behind after a half-mile, came out in deep stretch, rallied from fifth to make up three lengths and finished second by a length at 1 1/16 miles on July 10.)

Lit’sgoodlookngray: Pressed pace in third more than a length back after a half-mile, came off the rail in stretch and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on June 14. (Prompted pace in third more than a length back after a half-mile, grabbed lead in stretch, inched clear and won by 1 ½ lengths at seven furlongs on July 11.)

LOUISIANA DOWNS

Dragum: Raced seventh more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for drive, finished willingly to make up 2 ¼ lengths in stretch and gained second by a head at a mile on the turf; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.

Cook’s Nook: Raced 7 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, closed well between rivals in stretch to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a nose at seven furlongs on July 4; ran final three furlongs in 37 seconds.

Flat Out Fast: Raced ninth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, swung out four wide and split foes turning for home, rallied from fourth after losing ground to make up five lengths in stretch and finished second beaten by a half-length at six furlongs on June 19. (Stalked pace in third more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to second in stretch, weakened and ran third at seven furlongs on July 3.)

Sligo Joe: Stalked pace three wide in third three lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch and won by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 27. (Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, dropped to sixth in stretch traffic and staged mild rally to finish third by 2 ¼ lengths at a mile on the turf July 20.)

MONMOUTH

Goodness: Bumped at break, raced more than 13 lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, advanced three wide to third in stretch, made up nearly four lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 13.

Grand Cinnabar: Raced nine lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, lost ground and position to seventh in stretch, closed fast inside to make up more than 7 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 3. (Bumped at break, raced 10th more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, saved ground into stretch, rallied from seventh and finished third by 1 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 17.)

J Z Warrior: Stalked leaders in third more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch and failed to threaten finishing third at seven furlongs on May 3 at Belmont. (Broke slowly sixth and last, grabbed lead early, led by two lengths after a half-mile and drew off in stretch to win by four lengths at six furlongs June 21.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Tough Gal: Broke ninth and last, trailed by more than 16 lengths after a half-mile, split rivals from seventh in stretch, rallied to make up more than six lengths and finished second beaten a length at a mile and 70 yards on July 15.

Westside Flyer: Dueled two wide early, lead by a half-length after a half-mile, shook loose by six lengths in upper stretch and cruised home handily to win by a dozen lengths in 1:09 2/5 handily at six furlongs on June 3.

by Bookmaker Racebook

Favorites have performed splendidly in the Haskell Invitational, winning 10 of the past 14 years in Monmouth Park’s premier stakes. Six consecutive favorites scored starting in 1994 when Holy Bull returned the lowest win payoff — $2.40.

In all 18 post time choices haven’t disappointed in the 40 races. Big Brown likely will be the odds-on choice in the $1 million event on Aug. 3 at 1 1/8 miles.

“The Haskell is a race (at) a racetrack that I think is more suitable to him, a distance that I now feel comfortable with and it allows us, more importantly, to get another race in between the Breeders’ Cup,” co-owner Michael Iavarone told Associated Press Saturday.

“The race fits his style,” co-owner Paul Pompa Jr. had said earlier. “Monmouth is a speed-favoring track and it’s comparable to Gulfstream Park, which Big Brown is fond of,” referring to his two overpowering wins at the South Florida track, including the Florida Derby.

“I think the spacing is ideal,” Iavarone said. “If you go to the Travers, I think the spacing becomes a little tight.”

So far, it appears the only committed challenger is Pyro, who finished eighth behind Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby. The son of Pulpit, who won the Northern Dancer on June 14, breezed five furlongs in 1:05 1/5 at Churchill Downs on June 30.

Truth Rules likely earned a berth in the Haskell with his last-to-first victory in Saturday’s 74th Long Branch Stakes, which traditionally produces invitations to horses that run well.

Truth Rules nipped favored Atoned by a head in 1:45 1/5 for the 1 1/16 mile while Z Humor was 3 ¼ lengths back in third. The son of Vindication recorded his second straight after breaking his maiden in June.

Horses that hit the board in Monmouth’s prep for the Haskell are 1-3-2 of 16 since ’92.

Big Brown has been training at Aqueduct, breezing five furlongs in 1:02 4/5 on July 7. That was his second work since being eased in the Belmont Stakes following his victory in the Preakness.

There have been some whopping win payoffs in the Haskell since Balustrade surprised at $68.20 in the ’68 inaugural when the race was for older horses.

The biggest payoff came in ’85, four years after the Haskell was made an invitation-only $200,000 race for 3-year-olds at 1 1/18 miles. Skip Trial upset runner-up Kentucky Derby champ Spend a Buck and Belmont victor Crème Fraiche to return a record $73 on the front end.

Monmouth’s track record for the distance was established that same year by Spend a Buck in the Philip H. Iselin Stakes – 1:46 4/5. Joloe’s Halo equaled the mark a half-dozen years later in the same race, first run in 1884.

In ’76, Majestic Light set the stakes record of 1:47 that was equaled by ’87 Belmont winner Bet Twice who defeated Derby-Preakness winner Alysheba.

Majestic Light not only sired ’82 Haskell champ Wavering Monarch, but another son, Simply Majestic, set the world record of 1:45 in ’88 at Golden Gate Fields.

The Haskell is named for the first president and chairman of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club who served two decades until his death in 1966.

The track on the Jersey Shore has had more ups and downs than the stock market since opening on July 4, 1870. By 1890, it was completely rebuilt. The following year, Monmouth’s meeting was moved to Jerome Park in New York because of repressive legislation against gambling. Then the track was shuttered for more than half a century.

Amory L. Haskell, a General Motors vice president after serving in the Navy during World War I, led a successful fight in 1939 to legalize pari-mutuel wagering in New Jersey. Although World War II delayed construction of a new facility, the track finally was opened in ’46.

Serena’s Song won the ’95 race when the purse was hiked to $500,000. A year later, Skip Away banked most of the $750,000. In ’97, Touch Gold triumphed when the purse was hiked to $1 million.

by Bookmaker Racebook

Two tracks ended their fight with horsemen’s groups assuring Calder an increase in simulcast revenue and allowing Ellis Park to race after it threatened to close.

Obviously, the tracks gave in because they faced financial disaster. But the war between both sides is far from over.

First, Ellis Park was on the verge of becoming the first casualty in its dispute when track owner Ron Geary announced the track wouldn’t open the 44-day meeting on July 4 because he couldn’t afford to sign an advanced-deposit wagering (ADW) contract with the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

The consequences: no racing signal allowed to tracks outside Kentucky and vice versa.

Citing a lack of available revenues, Geary said he lost $2.7 million operating Ellis last year. Then the KHBPA offered him financial assistance, but wouldn’t give in on its ADW position.

On Saturday a deal was announced: Geary agreed to pay nearly one-third of the blended takeout, about 19 ½ percent, toward purses. That amounts to about 3 ½ percent more than last year. The meet opens Friday.

Advantage KHBPA.

Then on Monday, Florida’s HBPA and Churchill Downs Inc. reached an agreement of their own concerning Calder Race Course.

The FHBPA wanted contracts signed for this year’s purses and for future slot machine revenues before the South Florida track could send its signal out of state or receive any from tracks outside the Sunshine State.

“The FHBPA leadership has insisted on signing a purse contract only if we sign a slots contract first,” Michele Blanco, Calder’s director of communications, told me.

“Because Calder and (our parent company) Churchill Downs Inc. have decided to not implement slots in 2008, we feel it’s premature to sign a slots contract,” she said. “Without the purse contract, the horsemen have the right to withhold sending our racing signal out of state. Currently, the only out-of-state entity receiving the Calder signal is the New York City OTB (off-track betting outlets).”

The dispute cost Calder dearly since the meeting opened April 21. For the first 37 days of racing, the average daily handle from all sources was down 72 percent, according to the Jockey Club Information Systems.

Average daily handle through June 22 was $769,000 compared to $2.7 million for the same period last year.

Under terms of the agreement that begins Thursday, Florida horsemen are guaranteed $14.375 million for purses in the first three full years of the slots operation and 6.75 percent of revenue for the remaining 10 years, Calder announced.

The dispute forced Calder to reduce purses for all stakes that will be raised down the road. However, the four graded Summit of Speed events were slashed $300,000 to $1.3 million. The Summit, scheduled for Saturday, is one of the best betting days.

The all-sources handle for the card exceeded $9 million four of the last five years, including a record $10.8 million in ’04. An assumed blended takeout of 21 percent that year left about $2.3 million for horsemen and the track to divide.

The deal, however, doesn’t resolve the quarrel over exporting the signal to ADW sites.

Advantage FHBPA

Calder remains one of nine tracks that have their signals blocked by affiliate HPBA organizations, mostly for not signing ADW contracts.

The battle over ADWs stems in part from lack of a long-term strategy on the part of horsemen and the tracks, the Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) of North America said last week.

“…Some horsemen’s groups believe their share (of revenue) can be increased beyond prevailing market rates by forcing tracks to agree to a minimum pricing structure set forth by a new, third party organization,” said Chris Scherf, TRA executive vice president. “Tracks have been unwilling to pursue this approach because of legitimate business and legal concerns.

“Before additional damage is done to the racing industry, horsemen and racetracks must see the difference between short-term gains and long-term strategy to be developed jointly. One side dictating to the other clearly will not work.

“I strongly suggest horsemen’s groups end the strategy currently being employed by some. Instead, it would be in everyone’s best interest for individual horsemen’s groups to evaluate each simulcast agreement on its own merits and not unreasonably withhold consent, while at the same time working with the racetracks for the future improvement of the pari-mutuel business model.”

The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group, formed last December, is negotiating ADW contracts for some horsemen’s organizations. The issue has led to reducing purses at tracks in several states.

And since agreements aren’t forever, the war is far from over.

by Bookmaker Racebook

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should do well next time out or improve considerably, won 11 races, ran second four times and finished third six times since June 7. These runners are worth considering no matter your thoroughbred betting choice or preferred racebook.

ARLINGTON PARK

Gallo Del Bar: Raced fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lacked room on far turn, lost ground turning for home, closed with a rush from sixth to make up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on the turf July 5.

Tony Terrific: Difficult to load, broke slowly, raced ninth and last more than 11 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled the field from seventh for the drive, closed fast from second in stretch to make up 3 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on June 21; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 flat. (Broke a step slow ninth and last, trailed by 10 lengths after a half-mile, rallied to fifth in stretch, split horses and roared to a length victory at a mile on the turf July 5.)

So Busted: Raced 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, boxed in on far turn, angled out for drive, rallied to make up more than 3 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on a yielding turf course May 31. (Raced six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, steadied on far turn, dropped to eighth, split horses when clear for drive and closed fast from sixth to win by 1 ¼ lengths at a mile on a good turf course June 21.)

Boots Are Walking: Tracked pace in fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, brushed rival advancing three wide into turn and rallied in stretch to win by a nose at five furlongs on the turf June 7; returned $12.80 on front end. (Stalked pace five wide in third more than 1 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile and closed fast in stretch to win by a nose at five furlongs on a good turf course July 2.)

BELMONT PARK

Bethpage Black: Broke from outside post, raced ninth early, steadied and bumped along backstretch, dropped to 10th more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced five wide between horses to seventh in stretch, closed fast to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and a neck at a mile on the turf July 4; moved up to second when winner was disqualified to fourth for interference.

Five Demon Bag: Raced fourth early, angled outside to avoid trouble, was two lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch, rallied from fourth to make up three lengths and gained second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on June 21.

Chobe: Raced fifth early, steadied, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, entered stretch wide, closed willingly from fifth to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a head at 1 1/16 miles on June 6. (Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, roused in upper stretch and won by a head at seven furlongs on a good turf course July 6.)

Final Story: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung outside at top of stretch and rallied from fourth to gain second by 1 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on June 17. (Tracked pace in third more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved in tandem with winner approaching turn, battled throughout stretch and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on June 29).

CALDER

Catonia: Broke slowly seventh and last, raced four lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, lost ground on the turn, closed well from fourth in stretch to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a neck at 1 1/16 miles on July 3.

Als Big Girl: Steadied early, tracked pace more than a length behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground going four wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 7 ½ furlongs on a good turf course June 7.

Dancing Calling: Raced six lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, steadied behind rivals on far turn, swung out for drive, ducked in under right-handed urging inside sixteenth pole impeding third-place finisher, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course May 29; disqualified for interference and placed third. (Led by a half-length after a half-mile, edged away on far turn while going inside, turned back runner-up in stretch and won by 3 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on June 20.)

Excellent Soldier: Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, angled out in backstretch to avoid third place finisher, moved up to second on far turn and weakened to third beaten a nose for place at a mile on the turf June 21. (Led by a half-length after a half-mile, increased margin to 1 ½ lengths in stretch, weakened and finished second by 2 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles off the turf July 5.)

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Le Dauphin: Pressed pace a half-length behind in second after a half-mile, gained brief lead by a head on far turn, responded when headed in mid-stretch and prevailed by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 6. (Tracked pace in second 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped back 2 ½ lengths behind leader in street, came again and drew clear to win by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 6.)

COLONIAL DOWNS

I Am the Queen: Raced four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, angled out for drive, rallied between rivals leaving the sixteenth pole to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a head at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 4.

Blue Sailor: Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile, closed gap moving to second in stretch making up 2 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at a five furlongs on the turf May 30 at Pimlico. (Accelerated to the front, set pace slightly off rail, led by four lengths after three-eighths of a mile, increased margin through stretch and won by 8 ½ lengths under a hand ride at five furlongs on the turf June 20.)

Patapso Commander: Raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, rallied to second nearing eighth pole, outfinished for place, but secured third by 4 ½ lengths at seven furlongs on June 15. (Raced sixth more than seven lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile. angled to the four path for the drive, closed fast from fifth in stretch and won by a head at five furlongs on the turf June 30.)

DELAWARE

Swear to It: Raced sixth and last 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced outside to third in stretch, closed well to make up three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on July 2.

Big Easy: Raced eighth and last 7 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up five lengths and gained second by 2 ¼ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on June 16. (Chased winner in second to stretch, weakened and finished third at 5 ½ furlongs on a wet fast surface July 6.)

Mountain Myth: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, closed well in stretch to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course June 4. (Raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, closed willingly from fifth outside rivals in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 17.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Runforthemoneybaby: Raced eighth in tight early, was more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals on far turn and again in stretch, rallied from fifth to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a length and a neck at a mile on the turf July 4; ran final quarter in 22 2/5.

Probation Please: Raced ninth and last more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up along rail leaving far turn into stretch, rallied from fifth to make up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on June 19.

Cavanal: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch, rallied between rivals to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at a mile on the turf May 26. (Raced four lengths behind in third after a half-mile, dropped to third in stretch and came back to finish second beaten a head at 1 1/16 miles on June 14.)

Lit’sgoodlookngray: Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came out in stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second by 2 ½ lengths at six furlongs on May 17; ran final quarter in 23 2/5. (Pressed pace in third more than a length back after a half-mile, came off the rail in stretch and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on June 14.)

River Echo: Crowded after breaking seventh and last, raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came out four wide into stretch, made up four lengths and finished well in second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on March 27; ran final quarter in 23 1/5 at Santa Anita. (Broke seventh and last, trailed by more than 15 lengths after a half-mile, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and gained third by 1 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 9; returned $5.40 to show.)

LOUISIANA DOWNS

Cook’s Nook: Raced 7 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, closed well between rivals in stretch to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a nose at seven furlongs on July 4; ran final three furlongs in 37 seconds.

Flat Out Fast: Raced ninth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, swung out four wide and split foes turning for home, rallied from fourth after losing ground to make up five lengths in stretch and finished second beaten by a half-length at six furlongs on June 19. (Stalked pace in third more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to second in stretch, weakened and ran third at seven furlongs on July 3.)

Sligo Joe: Raced seventh inside early, advanced to fourth 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved in and back out in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on June 7; ran final three furlongs in 36 4/5. (Stalked pace three wide in third three lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch and won by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 27.)

MONMOUTH

Grand Cinnabar: Raced nine lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, lost ground and position to seventh in stretch, closed fast inside to make up more than 7 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 3.

Anofficerandalady: Raced five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, eased out in the lane, made up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and was the runner-up beaten a neck on June 7.

De Fearless One: Raced ninth and last early, moved to fourth 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile and railed outside to gain second by a half-length at six furlongs on a muddy surface May 10. (Broke 10th and last, raced ninth early, advanced to fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide to second in stretch and wore down leader to win by a half-length at six furlongs on June 7.)

J Z Warrior: Stalked leaders in third more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch and failed to threaten finishing third at seven furlongs on May 3 at Belmont. (Broke slowly sixth and last, grabbed lead early, led by two lengths after a half-mile and drew off in stretch to win by four lengths at six furlongs June 21.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Sarzana: Failed to break sharply from the 11th and outside post, raced sixth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied wide to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at seven furlongs on a sealed muddy surface July 5.

Westside Flyer: Dueled two wide early, lead by a half-length after a half-mile, shook loose by six lengths in upper stretch and cruised home handily to win by a dozen lengths in 1:09 2/5 handily at six furlongs on June 3.

Spirit of Gulch:  Raced four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile and rallied mildly to finish third by 2 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on June 21. (Broke a step slowly, raced fifth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, raced five wide into stretch and finished third at seven furlongs on June 28; returned $7 to show.)

PRAIRIE MEADOWS

Sole of the City: (Pressed pace in second a head back to stretch, dueled and finished second beaten a nosed at six furlongs on May 31. (Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, moved four wide into stretch and finished third a half-length behind at six furlongs on June 27.)

by Bookmaker Racebook