News & Notes

For the first three programs of November, 18 drivers found the winner’s circle at least once, and the trainer standings were even more spread out.

Allan Davis, a Sunday night regular, led the way with four wins, followed by Russell Foster with three. Nine drivers each had two victories, and eight—including Sofia Zingale, who won the Racing Under Saddle event—each had one win.

Of the drivers with at least two wins, three had a return-on-investment more than 100%: John Mackinnon (197%), John Gazzerro (172%) and Davis (105%).

Eight trainers had two wins over the three nights of racing, while 17 had one. The ROI leaders with two wins were Gary Simpson (844%), Mackinnon (297%) and Gazzerro (172%). Of trainers with 10 or more starts during the period, Arlene Cameron was the ROI leader at 47%.

Here’s a look at several races on the Sunday, Nov. 11, program:

Race 2

Five of the nine entered in this second-level money condition pace competed in the same race in the same class Nov. 3. J J Newton looked to the outside passing the stands the first time but opted for an inside trip and shook free too late; actually came home in about :29 seconds, which was on par with the winner. Frank Milby picks up the drive from Jason Green, who opted for Lil Johnny; the gelding was a vet scratch last week but on his best night can terrorize this type. The lone dropper in the field, Maurice, registered his last win at this level from the same post and could very well end up the favorite.

Race 4

Rock King Deo got the worst of it first-up against an aggressively-driven Jack Quick—the eventual winner—but held fairly well for fourth, while B A Rocket saved all the ground behind the leader and checked in a very good second. They both look tough at the same level this week. Climate Change exits the “NW 2 life” for fillies and mares but has shown improvement in three starts for the Cameron stable and moves inside from post 8 last time out.

Race 6

Stellar City’s last three miles here at the bottom condition level marked a major improvement and Jason Thompson takes over in the bike tonight. The 1-for-33 record this year is a little hard to take but this could be the right spot for win No. 2. Brock N Brian has faced tougher recently and the drop to the bottom might be all he needs given his ability to leave and grab an early seat, or even the lead, from post 7.

Race 9

It’s important to note that in the absence of a few of the higher money condition events this week, this “non-winners of $4,000 in the last five starts” pace has an also-eligible provision for higher money-earners who drew outside. J P Oscar, who gets post 7, has handled the step-up in class after clearing his “NW life” conditions locally, while Allie’s Finale, who drew post 9, was pushed very hard in his second start after a rest and could be sitting on a win.

Race 11

A :28 1/5 third quarter proved too much for a first-up Foxland in this class a week ago, but he again draws the pole position and is worth following up in what looks like an evenly-matched bunch. Keep tabs on Pop A Top Pop, another member of the Eric Davis barn who arrives from New England; 9-year-old is clearly quick enough but he has been off for nearly a month.