Arapahoe Park Releases 2008 Races Dates and Stakes Schedule,
Tabs Slagle as New Racing Secretary

Aurora , Colorado – Officials at Mile High Racing & Entertainment have officially announced the live race dates and stakes schedules for the upcoming 2008 meet at Arapahoe Park. In addition, officials confirmed the hiring of Stuart Slagle as the Racing Secretary for the upcoming season. A total of thirty-six dates (36) has been scheduled for the 2008 meeting. The 2008 mixed meet will begin with three consecutive races days over the Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday May 24 – Monday May 26). Racing will be conducted on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the season which ends on Sunday August 10th. The Memorial Day (Monday May 26) program is the only exception to the schedule. Post time daily is at 1:00 pm mt. (Final Arapahoe Park 2008 race dates are subject to formal approval by the Colorado State Racing Commission at its May 2008 monthly meeting.)

“Our 2008 closely mirrors that of 2007, except we race Fridays instead of Mondays,” said Director of Racing/Plant Manager, Bill Powers. “The early start date of Memorial Day weekend worked well for us last year that we decided to do it again in 2008. We did a pretty good job of getting fans to the track last season (a 13.7% increase in attendance in 2007) despite four less live dates. We are going to build on that this year and we hope to kick start our weekends off on Friday afternoons. One of our main goals this year is to get those folks to return in 2008 and to learn to play our game. We are working on some things that will have people thinking about Friday afternoons at Arapahoe Park as the start of their weekend.”

In addition to the release of the live dates, officials released the 2008 Stakes Calendar. Thirty-five events will be contested covering all of the different types of breeds run at the mixed meeting. Twenty (20) stakes events will be dedicated to thoroughbreds highlighted by the $30,000 added Gold Rush Futurity on Sunday August 10th. Quarter Horses will race in nine (9) added money events including the $125,000 estimated Mile High Futurity on August 10th and the $100,000 estimated Rocky Mountain Futurity on July 12th. Arabians will be showcased in four (4) events highlighted by a pair of $20,000 estimated races; The Soaring Eagle Arabian Cup Distaff (August 9) and the Rocky Mountain Arabian Cup (August 10). Paints and Appaloosas will contest two (2) added money events including the $15,000 added Harvest Cup Futurity on August 10th. (A complete stakes calendar is attached to this release).

New in the Racing Secretary’s office will be Stuart Slagle. Slagle, an eight year veteran in the business, served as the Racing Secretary at the Downs of Albuquerque during the 2007 Meet. Most recently he served as a racing official at Sunland Park in New Mexico. He has experience in multiple facets of racing including, Horse Owner, Journalist, Jockey Agent, Mutuel Clerk, Placing Judge, Assistant Racing Secretary and Racing Secretary. He has worked in several racing jurisdictions including, Texas, New Mexico and Iowa.

“My goal in 2008 is to increase our field sizes at Arapahoe Park,” said Slagle. “I am working to bring in some new horsemen and will work with our established horsemen here in Colorado to integrate these outfits into the mix. If we can increase our field sizes our bettors should respond with increased wagering dollars creating a win-win for everyone. I was able to increase the field size at Albuquerque by nearly one starter per race and hopefully I can do that at Arapahoe Park. I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

Arapahoe Park will conduct a thirty-six (36) day race meet beginning on Saturday May 24, 2008. Racing will be conducted on a three-day per week schedule (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) and the meet will conclude on Sunday August 10, 2008. There will be one exception to the schedule with a special Monday May 26th card scheduled for the Memorial Day holiday. Post time for all races days is 1:00 pm mt.

About BLB Investors, LLC BLB Investors, LLC (“BLB”) is a Connecticut based company comprised of three partners; Kerzner International Limited, Starbell Investors, LLC and Waterford Group, LLC. In July 2005, BLB acquired the U.S. holdings of Wembley USA, located in Rhode Island and Colorado; Twin River (formerly Lincoln Park in Rhode Island), Arapahoe Park, Mile High Greyhound Park, Havana Park, The Reserve at Cherry Creek, Post Time Greyhound Park and Pueblo Greyhound Park (Colorado).

For more information contact Sean Beirne at 303-288-1591 ext 1411.

 

Mile High Greyhound Park Kicks Off Its 60th Season

Commerce City , Colorado – Mile High Greyhound Park will raise the curtain on Saturday on its 60th season of World Class Greyhound Racing at the historic oval in Commerce City. The park was originally constructed in 1949, opening on July 27th of that year, and played host to an opening day crowd of over 17,000 fans. The 60th renewal marks an earlier opening date than usually but will offer fans the fast thrilling action you can bet on! Live racing will be featured with 12-race performances slated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Races are increased to 15-races per performances every Friday and Saturday with dark days on Sunday and Tuesday. Racing for the Mile High Meeting will continue through June 28th to be followed by the Interstate Meeting (June 30 – October 27). Post time is set daily 1:00 pm.

“Our top kennels are returning for the spring-summer here at Mile High,” said Director of Racing, Gil Romero. “The Karen Legg and Daryl Brumage Kennels have been our top two performers over the past Interstate and Pueblo Meetings and they are the top kennels once again as we head into our 2008 Mile High Meeting. Two kennels that bear watching this year are the Robert Feathers and Damej Kennels. They have performed well over the last six months and need minimal improvement to take over the top kennel position in the standings. It should be an interesting meeting.”

To kick off the 60th season on Saturday March 1st, Mile High Greyhound Park will feature 1940’s throwback prices with $0.25 cent live Mile High Racing Programs, draft beers, soft drinks and hot dogs during its live matinee performance. Track officials are currently working on the spring-summer promotions calendar and expect an announcement in the near future on the activities scheduled. Officials are also looking at the possibility of mixing in some evening programs during the prime summer months of June – August.

On the racing front, the Karen Legg Kennel hopes to carry its momentum from the Pueblo Meeting into the Mile High Meeting. Through February 9, 2008 the Legg Kennel had 52 winners from 337 starts. In addition, its charges captured 40 seconds, 64 thirds and 41 fourths. That translates to a 15.43% winning percentage and an incredible 58.46% top four finish percentage. The Legg Kennel typically starts anywhere from 10-12 greyhounds per day. During the 2007 Interstate Meeting, completed December 31, the Legg Kennel finished second behind the Brumage Kennel with 80 winners from its 569 starters.

“We are a family operation that has raced here in Colorado for 25 years,” said Legg. “We owe our success to good breed lines and an overall solid breeding program run by longtime dogmen Herb Legg. All our pups are homebred and we currently have 16-20 in schooling right now with the hopes they will make the races soon. About 80% of those pups will race here in Colorado. The remainder will be sent to other venues that are not quite as tough as Mile High Greyhound Park.”

The Pueblo Kennel Association Meeting concludes on February 23, 2008. Effective March 1st the Mile High Meeting will begin with a traditional spring-summer schedule of five days weekly (Monday and Wednesday through Saturday). Post Time for all performances from March 1 through June 28 will be at 1:00 pm mt and feature twelve (12) race cards every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays performances will showcase 15-race cards. The Interstate Meeting will race in late summer and run through late fall, beginning on Monday June 30 and ending on October 27, 2008.

 

 

Mile High Racing & Entertainment Announces
its 60th Season at Mile High Greyhound Park

Commerce City , Colorado – Officials at Mile High Racing & Entertainment announced they have received Colorado State Racing Commission approvals for 2008 dates, post times and wagering format for the Mile High Meeting. The 2008 live season marks the 60th year of World Class Greyhound Racing at Mile High Greyhound Park and is set to commence on Saturday, March 1st. The historic Commerce City oval will feature 12-race performances Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 15-race performances every Friday and Saturday (dark Sunday and Tuesday). Racing for the Mile High Meeting will continue through June 28th to be followed by the Interstate Meeting (June 30 – October 27). Post time is set daily 1:00 pm.

“With all the greyhound racing in the state of Colorado now concentrated at Mile High Greyhound Park, we have moved the beginning date of this meet up in our calendar,” said Director of Racing Operations – Colorado, K. Bruce Seymore. “We added some consistency in our programs over the last year or so by racing a regular set schedule as it relates to our live racing days. We ran 15-race cards during the Pueblo Meet on Fridays and Saturdays and 12-race cards on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We have come to the conclusion that this schedule makes the most sense for us as a business, for our Kennel Operators and for our fans. We are exploring adding Saturday evenings into our summer plans as evening racing is traditional here and draws our largest and most diverse audiences. We have just begun working on our promotions for the summer but will kick things off with a special 25 cent promotion, celebrating our 60th anniversary, on our opening date of March 1st. We will make a final decision on our promotions and Saturday evenings in the immediate future.”

On Saturday March 1st, Mile High Greyhound Park will feature 1940’s throwback prices with $0.25 cent live Mile High Racing Programs, draft beers, soft drinks and hot dogs during its live matinee performance. Mile High Greyhound Park opened its doors for its inaugural Mile High Meeting on July 27, 1949 and drew a crowd in excess of 17,000 fans. Racing veteran and Director of Community Affairs and Special Projects Bill Lee, who was 8 years old at the time, was on hand for the opening night. “It was truly a sight to see,” said Lee. “I remember there were people everywhere, as far as the eye could see and in all locations of our building. Times have changed over the last 60 years but one thing remains constant: Mile High Greyhound Park continues to showcase a top tier greyhound racing product. People make our facility a part of their summertime plans. Our top greyhound athletes can compete anywhere in this country.”

The Pueblo Kennel Association Meeting concludes on February 23, 2008. Effective March 1st the Mile High Meeting will begin with a traditional spring-summer schedule of five days weekly (Monday and Wednesday through Saturday). Post Time for all performances from March 1 through June 28 will be at 1:00 pm mt and feature twelve (12) race cards every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays performances will showcase 15-race cards. The Interstate Meeting will race in late summer and run through late fall, beginning on Monday June 30 and ending on October 27, 2008.

About BLB Investors, LLC BLB Investors, LLC (“BLB”) is a Connecticut based company comprised of three partners; Kerzner International Limited, Starbell Investors, LLC and Waterford Group, LLC. In July 2005, BLB acquired the U.S. holdings of Wembley USA, located in Rhode Island and Colorado; Twin River (formerly Lincoln Park in Rhode Island), Arapahoe Park, Mile High Greyhound Park, Havana Park, The Reserve at Cherry Creek, Post Time Greyhound Park and Pueblo Greyhound Park (Colorado).

For more information contact Sean Beirne at 303-288-1591 ext 1411.

Mile High Greyhound Park to Host Second
Pueblo Kennel Association Meeting Beginning New Year’s Day

Commerce City , Colorado – Officials at Mile High Racing & Entertainment , pending final approval from the Colorado State Racing Commission, will host a Pueblo Kennel Association Meeting (PKA) at Mile High from January 1 – February 29, 2008. This marks the second consecutive year in which Mile High has operated this meeting at the Commerce City Oval. The track picked up the abandoned Cloverleaf Kennel Club dates in 2007 in response to requests made by local area greyhound kennel operators to offer continuity in the greyhound racing schedule. In similar fashion to the currently running Interstate Meeting, the PKA Meeting will be held at Mile High Greyhound Park and will feature five performances weekly (Monday and Wednesday – Saturday with Sundays and Tuesdays dark). Fifteen (15) race programs will be contested on all race days with daily post times set at 1:00 pm mt.

“In the years past, during the first four or five months of the year, greyhound racing was usually conducted on a Wednesday – Sunday basis,” said K. Bruce Seymore, Director of Racing Operations – Colorado for Mile High Racing & Entertainment. “For 2008 we are going to maintain a consistency in dates with racing on Mondays as opposed to Sundays. Our players have become accustomed to this and they are traditionally creatures of habit. We have chosen to race afternoons as well during this timeframe to avoid many issues that accompany racing in the Denver Metro Area in the winter. As we approach the summer we are planning a return to some traditional evening performances for our Mile High Meet.”

Mile High Greyhound Park has conducted live greyhound racing in Commerce City, Colorado since 1949. The 2008 season will mark the 60th for the historic oval. Mile High plays host to the oldest and most prestigious greyhound race in the state of Colorado, the Timberline Stakes, typically conducted during the month of August.

(A complete racing calendar for the Pueblo Kennel Association Meeting and the Mile High-Interstate Meetings are enclosed).

The Interstate Meeting at Mile High Greyhound Park began on Saturday October 6th and features five performances weekly (excluding Sunday and Tuesday). All performances commence at 1:00 pm mt through December 31, 2007. On Tuesday January 1, 2008 the Pueblo Kennel Association Meeting will begin with racing on the same Monday and Wednesday – Saturday schedule through Friday February 29, 2008. The daily post time will remain at 1:00 pm mt. The only exception is the beginning Tuesday January 1st date. There will be no live racing on Wednesday January 2, 2008.

About BLB Investors, LLC

BLB Investors, LLC (“BLB”) is a Connecticut based company comprised of three partners; Kerzner International Limited, Starbell Investors, LLC and Waterford Group, LLC. In July 2005, BLB acquired the U.S. holdings of Wembley USA, located in Rhode Island and Colorado; Twin River (formerly Lincoln Park in Rhode Island), Arapahoe Park, Mile High Greyhound Park, Havana Park, The Reserve at Cherry Creek, Post Time Greyhound Park and Pueblo Greyhound Park (Colorado). For more information contact Sean Beirne at Mile High Greyhound Park at 303-288-1591 ext 1411.

 

Geno Captures $10,000 Timberline Stakes
Saturday at Mile High Greyhound Park

Commerce City , Colorado – Daryl Brumage’s Geno took command from the onset and powered to an impressive 5 ½-length score in the $10,000 Timberline Stakes at Mile High Greyhound Park on Saturday Evening. The oldest and most prestigious greyhound event in the state of Colorado, the Timberline Stakes has its roots dating back to 1950 and celebrated its 49th running in 2007.

Geno now has captured 8 of 14 starts at the Mile High Meeting for trainer Robert Garcia. The son of DK’s Prime Time completed the 566 yards of the Adams Course in 0:31.87. Sent off as the 9-2 second choice in the field of 8, the winner returned $11.60 to his backers. The longest shot in the field at 13-1 X’s Kershaw finished second to complete a $29.40 quinella. Mini Little was third. Race favorite Rs Era Ofachoice (3-2 in the wagering) rallied from last, after a poor start, to finish fourth.

 

August 17th, 2007:
$10,000 Timberline Stakes Featured
Saturday Evening at Mile High Greyhound Park

Commerce City , Colorado – Eight of the top greyhound performers on the grounds have qualified for the Timberline Final at Mile High Greyhound Park and will line up on Saturday night to claim their share of the $10,000 purse. The oldest and most prestigious race in Colorado Greyhound Racing will makes its second consecutive appearance at the Commerce City oval after being revived by new owners BLB, Inc. The distance of the event has been shortened in 2007 and will be run over the 566 yards of the Adams Course. The Timberline will be run as the 11th race on a 12-race card and will head to post at approximately 10:00 pm mt. In addition to the main event, one lucky fan will have the opportunity to take home $500.00 in cash as part of an on-track promotion.

After three rounds of qualifying the field is in post for Saturday's Timberline. Several of the greyhounds considered "sure things" made the cut; top performers such as Geno (2-1 morning line odds) and Bwana Zip and Dip (2-1) stamped their tickets but there were some surprises as well. The biggest surprise being Ronnie Stanley’s Rs Era Ofachoice (8-1); winless during the Pueblo meet, due to a stressed hock, as reported by her trainer Kim Blanch, who went on to say that after being rested she's recaptured her form. The daughter of Seegold Excell seems to be peaking at the right time. She won three in row to get in AA races (the top races on the grounds), just in time for nominations. In fact her first qualifying race put her back to grade A with a fifth place finish. At first glance she may have appeared to be in above her head, but a stunning victory in the second round quieted some doubters. She repeated that performance in round three. Rs Era Ofachoice came out of the post position draw with the hole she was hoping for, eight, on the outside and has speed to spare in the stretch.

The class of the field, Daryl Brumages’s Geno, will be coming out of the seven hole. He can break quickly and is likely to be in the early rush to the first turn. Geno has seven wins at the current meeting from 13 starts. Gregory L. Cruz’s Mini Little (5-1) is another that can hit the lid too, and she should be right up there with Geno in the early going. If these either of these two do not get out in front early they probably will not be a factor in the result.

There is an abundance of late speed in the race and it could be a race that will set up for a closer.

Lawrence J. Seib, Jr.’s Bwana Zip N Dip (2-1) is one of the aforementioned late speed dogs. The son of Oshkosh Slammer will want to be mid-track through the turns. He'll start to make his move in the back stretch and has a lot of public support as the potential 2007 Timberline champ. Bwana Zip N Dip has been in the top four placings in 11 of his thirteen races this summer at Mile High.

There's some flashy speed in this years race, but it's not always about winning. Of course you have to win your way to AA, but you just have to hit the board and remain consistent to stay there. Such is the case with Dark Force (12-1), a non winner since June, but consistent enough to stay in the top grade and qualify. He's the only of the eight to get in with out winning a qualifying race. X's Kershaw (3-1) and Pb's Unruly Act (15-1) are among the other blue collar greyhounds to make the cut. If things go there way one of them could win it, regardless count on them to go to work and give an honest effort.

There's no clear cut favorite this year, and depending on how the race plays out, a case could be made for any of the eight entries to win it. This should be the best race of the year at Mile High and the best wagering event of the season. The class of the group, Geno, who's 92% in the money this season, also boxed well, will be exiting the 7 hole could set a fast early pace. Anything can happen though; recall last years Timberline when the favorite, Pb's Blaze On, was taken out in the first turn by kennel mate Pb's Titan Up, allowing Deco Hexadodge to take the blanket home.

One lucky fan will head home with $500.00 in cash on Saturday as part of an exciting promotion at Mile High. Throughout the night eight names will be drawn from signups collected from those entering the facility. Those lucky eight will draw a greyhound in a selected on the undercard on the Timberline program. The fan holding the winner’s number will be awarded $500.00 in cash.

The complete field for Saturday’s $10,000 Timberline in post position order is as follows:

The Mile High Meeting began on Friday June 8 and continues though October 5, 2007. Matinee performances (12-race cards) are featured on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning at 1:00 pm mt. Evening performances (16-race cards) will be showcased on Fridays and Saturdays with a 7:00 pm mt post time through September 3rd. On September 5th, racing will revert to the fall schedule. Live Greyhound Racing will be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a daily post time of 12:30 pm mt. Twelve (12) race cards will be conducted daily with the exception of Saturday when a sixteen (16) race performance will be presented.

August 13th, 2007:
Arapahoe Park Shows Increases in On-Track
Attendance and Mixed Numbers in Handle for 2007 Season

Aurora , Colorado – Arapahoe Park showed marked increases in on-track attendance and mixed handle numbers as the 2007 season concluded here yesterday. The meet was the second under the ownership of BLB Investors, LLC. On-track attendance rose significantly by 13.70% in 2007 with 68,082 attending in 2007 as opposed to 59,878 in 2006. The attendance increase came despite the fact that only 35 days of live racing were conducted in 2007 versus 39 in 2006. Average attendance at the Aurora oval increased on average by 410 guests per day (1,945 in 2007 versus 1,535 in 2006). Arapahoe Park opened on Memorial Day (May 26-28) weekend in 2007, two weeks earlier than in 2006. Closing was also moved forward from Labor Day in 2006 to August 12th in 2007.

Overall handle was mixed at the meeting as a total of $4,234,777 was wagered in total on the Arapahoe Park live racing product, down by 7.09% from the $4,557,941 wagered in 2006. This can be directly attributed to the four less live days as daily averages at the meeting showed a positive increase of 3.52% ($120,994 in 2007 versus $116,870 in 2006). Daily averages were higher in-state but lower out-of-state. Overall in-state wagering in Colorado was down 2.0% ($2,091,934 in 2007 versus $2,134,820 in 2006) however daily averages were up drastically 9.19% ($59,770 per day in 2007 versus $54,739 in 2006). Out-of state numbers were down in total 11.57% ($2,142,843 in 2007 versus $2,423,121 in 2006) and also down on an average daily basis by 1.44% ($61,224 in 2007 versus $62,131 in 2006).

Average field sizes at the 2007 show marked declines as well. In 2007 the Colorado Rules and Regulations were waived by the Colorado State Racing Commission to allow the uncoupling of horses with the same ownership. The impetus behind this move was in the hope of increasing field sizes and betting interests. This did not come to fruition as the average number of starters per thoroughbred race declined from 8.4795 in 2006 to 7.2794 in 2007, a decrease of 14.16%. The quarter horse races saw a similar decline in starters per race (8.6351 per race in 2006 versus 7.4054 in 2007), a decrease of 14.24%.

“Much like our final numbers, I have mixed emotions over the results of our 2007 meeting,” said K. Bruce Seymore, Director of Operations – Colorado for Mile High Racing and Entertainment. “I am quite pleased with the attendance increase. We tried some new marketing techniques this year and really targeted our advertising buys and it met with great success. These days anytime you increase your attendance, you are doing something right. I am also pleased with our in-state numbers for the same reasons. Our job next year is to help motivate these people, who have made the choice to come to our facility, participate in our great game. Our out-of-state numbers are very disappointing and this is directly related to our field sizes. People want to bet on large fields with a competitive product. We offered neither. We had short fields with heavy favorites and it really had a discouraging effect on the wagering. We will make changes in 2008.”

On the racing front, jockey Travis Wales captured the thoroughbred title at the mixed-meeting in runaway fashion. Wales recorded 65 winners from 220 mounts for a winning percentage of 29.5%. His mounts earned $455,453 in purse moines. O. A. Martinez, the 2006 title holder was a distant second with 41 winners and a 23.20% winning percentage. Russell Vicchrilli (34), newcomers Adrian Ramos (30) and William Mahorney, Jr. (15) rounded out the top five. On the Quarter Horse side, jockey Russell Vicchrilli punctuated a tremendous season by capturing the $105,950 Mile High Futurity, the $66,715 Mile High Derby and the $34,150 Harvest Cup Futurity on closing day. In all, he won 31 of 74 starts for a winning percentage of 41.9%. His mounts earned $232,569. Defending champion O. A. Martinez was second with 13 winners. Alex Balldillez Jr. (6), Johnny Maldonado (5) and newcomer Dan Kistler (5) completed the top five.

Trainer Jon Arnett captured his third straight thoroughbred Trainer’s title as he had 61 winners from 197 starters. He began the season with 13 winners in three days over the Memorial Day opening weekend and never looked back. The 61 winners are believed to be a record at Arapahoe Park. Arnett’s runners earned $450,655. The 2006 runner-up Butch (Kenneth) Gleason finished second in 2007 as well with 31, while Temple Rushton was third with 21. On the Quarter Horse side, trainer John Hammes captured his second consecutive Training title with 25 winners from 108 starters for a winning percentage of 23.1%. That number would have been closer to 40% but Hammes often started multiple runners in races throughout the meeting. Hippolito Michel finished tied for second with Ramon Marquez, each recording 7 winners.

The top owners for the meeting were recognized on Sunday as well. Harry Veruchi easily won the Owner’s title with 28 thoroughbred winners from 69 starters. The Colorado native won at a 40.6% percentage. Veruchi’s stock raced primarily with leading trainer Jon Arnett. It is believed to be an Arapahoe Park record. Eli Diamant, another prominent Arnett owner was second with 10 and 2006 defending champion Lynda Hall was third with 9 winners. The partnership of Tom Bradbury & Marvin Willhite lead the way on the Quarter Horse side with 7 winners at the meeting, hitting at a 63.6% margin. Willhite was also active on his own and finished second in the standings with 6 winners. 2006 Champions Juniors Quarter Horses, Inc. finished third with four wins including Sundays Mile High Derby with Off Fishing.

There were five new track records established at the 2007 Meeting, three on the quarter horse side and two on the Arabian side. On July 4, Izyk (pronounced Issac) established the new mark of 0:51.62 at 1000 yards. On August 4th, he also set the new mark of 0:44.09 for the 870 yard distance. On July 15th, Fitness Lady, a New Mexico Shipper, set the track record for 400 yards with a time of 0:19.475. Two Arabian records were lowered at the meet. On June 30th, Dancers First Luv set the new stardard for 6 furlongs of 1:17.10, one of her three wins at the meeting. On July 21, S W Zell broke the 1 mile track record, establishing the new record at 1:48.20.

On the track, several performers stood above the rest. On the thoroughbred side, Rasmussen was a perfect four for four at the meet including wins in the August 12th Gold Rush Futurity and the July 16th CTBA Futurity. On the Quarter Horse side, Shazooms Doll was a perfect four for four as well, including wins in the June 16th Cherry Creek Futurity and the July 14th Rocky Mountain Futurity Finals. The John Hammes trainee will be at Ruidoso Downs this Thursday attempting to qualify for the $2,000,000 All-American Futurity. Special Indian Summer captured both events for Paints and Appaloosas, winning the July 8th Western States Futurity and the August 12th Harvest Cup Futurity. S W Zell was a standout on the Arabian side as he captured four straight wins at the meeting prior to his third place finish in the closing day COBRA Classic Handicap.

Chalk players were well rewarded at the meeting as favorites reported home at well above the national average of 33%. On the thoroughred/arabian side, favorites captured 40.4% of the races run. On the quarter horse/paint/appaloosa side favorites fared even better, winning at a 51.9% clip.

Arapahoe Park conducted a thirty-five (35) day race meet which began on Saturday May 26, 2007. Racing was conducted on a three-day per week schedule (Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays) and the meet concluded on August 12, 2007. There was exception to the schedule with a special July 4th card scheduled for the Wednesday holiday.

June 6th, 2007:
Mile High Racing & Entertainment
Kicks Off Mile High Meeting on Friday Night

Commerce City , Colorado – Summer Nights are synonymous with live greyhound racing and this year will be no exception as Mile High Greyhound Park kicks off its 2007 Mile High Meeting Friday Night for the 59th live season. Sixteen (16) race evening performances will commence at 7:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The Mile High Race Meet will continue through October 5 and will feature matinee performances on traditional days of Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (Sundays and Tuesdays will be dark). The matinee performances will feature 12 race cards and will begin daily at 1:00 pm. The Pueblo Meeting will wrap up its season on Thursday afternoon. The Pueblo Meeting was run for the first time in 2007 at Mile High Greyhound Park to replace the dates vacated by Cloverleaf Greyhound Park.

“It has been a long winter and I am glad to return to summer racing,” said K. Bruce Seymore, Director of Racing Operations – Colorado. “We are going to have a lot of fun this summer. Our racing fans can expect the “thrill you can bet on” each and every day throughout the meeting. I am looking forward to the Friday and Saturday Evening Performances. We are bringing back ladies nights on Fridays (featuring free admission and $1 margaritas) and Saturday Nights will be my favorite. I am going into my bag of tricks and will keep everyone guessing as to what we will do. All I can tell you is it will be different every Saturday night and it will be fun!”

Several popular events return to the Commerce City oval including Saturday Family Matinees, Friday Night Ladies Night and the Timberline Stakes. Throughout the season selected Saturdays will be designated as Saturday Family Matinees, featuring free popcorn and face painting for the kids. Children can also have their picture taken with a racing greyhound. Ladies Nights kick off on opening night featuring free admission to the ladies and $1.00 margaritas. For the second year, under BLB, Investors, LLC ownership, the Timberline Stakes will return, this year scheduled for July 14. “We have a year under our belts now with the Timberline,” said Seymore. “Our plan is to really make a big production. We will have tuxedos, spotlights and a real Hollywood feel for our biggest event of the season at Mile High.”

New to the track this season will be an ice cream stand on the first floor. The stand will offer soft serve favorites banana splits, sundaes, milk shakes, malts and floats. Outside on the Apron during the evening performances, the grill will return featuring fresh corn, turkey legs and burgers.

On the racing front, the top kennel will return for the Mile High Meeting including the top four from the current meet. The Karen Legg Kennel has started 760 greyhounds and has 108 wins to their credit. In addition to the 108 wins, they have 121 seconds and 121 thirds, generating earnings in excess of $78,000. The Robert Feathers Kennel has earned over $75,000 with its 837 starters and compiled a record of 122 wins, 102 seconds and 108 thirds. A top performer for Feathers is Sandhill Chris who won six consecutive races earlier in the Pueblo Meeting.

The Dicroce Kennel has started the 859 greyhounds at the current Pueblo Meet, the most by any kennel. The have 114 wins, 119 seconds and 105 thirds with earnings of $73,480. The Dicroce Kennel starts Bwana Zip n Dip, a promising 2-year-old who has won four of his last seven races. Also returning for the summer meeting is the Daryl Brumage Kennel. The Brumage Kennel has been prominent in Colorado Greyhound Racing for over 40 years. At the current meet they have 763 starts with 107 winners, 102 seconds and 94 thirds. Their greyhounds have earned over $61,000.

The Pueblo Kennel Association Meeting concludes on June 7, 2007. Effective May 2nd, racing will revert to the traditional summer schedule of five days weekly (Monday and Wednesday through Saturday). Post Time for all performances from May 2 through June 7 will be at 2:00 pm mt and will feature sixteen (16) race cards. The Mile High Meeting will begin on Friday June 8 and continue though October 5, 2007. Matinee performances (12-race cards) are featured on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning at 1:00 pm mt. Evening performances (16-race cards) will be showcased on Fridays and Saturdays with a 7:00 pm mt post time.

May 23rd, 2007:
Arapahoe Park Opens 36-Day Live Racing Season Saturday
and Features the Horsemen for Holly Benefit

Aurora, Colorado – The Arapahoe Park 2007 racing season, the16th at the scenic oval, will begin two-weeks earlier than usual this Saturday and the early start has attracted a growing number of horses from the region to compete. Saturday’s program will feature a benefit following the 10-race card to benefit horsemen from Holly, Colorado who were adversely affected by the disastrous tornado earlier this year. A silent auction, live auction and a barbeque (priced at $10 per person) will begin at 5:00 pm and all proceeds will go to aid the eight (8) families impacted. Estimates have damages to these families’ homes and property in excess of $785,000. Arapahoe’s opening day was moved to Memorial Day weekend (from the traditional mid-June starting date) after racing officials examined schedules throughout the region to determine a better fit in the calendar for its live dates. The barn area was opened earlier than usual as well and horsemen have responded as a record number of horses are stabled at the Aurora oval.

“Arapahoe Park has always been a summer racetrack and this schedule should really fit that bill well,” said Director of Racing Operations – Colorado, K. Bruce Seymore. “I am looking forward to opening on the Holiday weekend and building on local excitement created by this years Triple Crown events. We should really be able to get racing off to a strong start. We have the Holly Horsemen benefit on Saturday, stakes racing action on Sunday and a giveaway (featuring an appearance by the Colorado Crush Girls) on Monday. With the number of horses we have on the grounds, I am expecting entries to be very strong for the entire three-day weekend and our bettors love big fields. The weather has finally taken a positive turn here after a very long winter and I expect people to be looking to get out for a big holiday weekend.”

Racing will be conducted on a three-day per week schedule, similar to 2006, on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. A special holiday program will be conducted on Wednesday July 4th. Post Time on Saturdays, Sundays and the July 4th holiday are slated for 1:00 pm mt. On Mondays, post time has been moved back one hour to 2:00 pm mt. The move to a later starting time on Mondays was done for better exposure in the simulcast market.

“I can not remember when we have had so many horses on the ground this early in the meet,” said Director of Racing & Racing Secretary Bill Powers. “Our fans will see some new names in the program this year as we have some new outfits joining us from Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Even though we only race three-days per week, we have added an additional race to each card giving our horsemen additional opportunities to compete. I am looking forward to Wednesday’s entry day and getting things going.”

Stakes action begins on Sunday with the $25,000 Inaugural for three-year-olds at 6 furlongs. A rematch of last years Gold Rush Futurity tops stars appears imminent as winner Master’s Hand competes against top Colorado-bred Folsum. Thirty-six added money events will be contested throughout the meet. The Inaugural is the first of twenty-one (21) stakes events dedicated to thoroughbreds highlighted by the $40,000 added Gold Rush Futurity on Sunday August 12th. Also on Sunday will be the $15,000 Dash for Speed for Quarter Horses at 330 yards. A field of nine has been nominated to the event. The Dash for Speed is the first of nine (9) added money events for quarter horses including the $125,000 estimated Mile High Futurity on August 12th and the $100,000 estimated Rocky Mountain Futurity on July 14th.

Certain to draw the most attention on Saturday will be the Horsemen for Holly Benefit to aid the eight (8) families impacted by the Holly Colorado Tornado. The tornado hit the southeastern town (located four miles from the Kansas border) on Wednesday Evening April 4, 2007. The tornado hit without warning leaving devastation in its wake. Arapahoe Park, the Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders and the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association have teamed up to organize Saturday’s benefit. The event is open to the public. The silent auction will go on throughout the afternoon, the barbeque begins at 5:00 pm and the live auction is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm. Those wishing to make donations throughout the day will also be able to do so at Arapahoe Park. Credit cards will be accepted. Those unable to attend the live auction may leave bids on items on file at the oval, but will be required to register at the racetrack at some point during the day.

“It never ceases to amaze me how people in the racing industry respond when fellow horsemen are in trouble,” said Seymore. “Last year our Starter Sean DeMoney needed help with his son who was frequently hospitalized. The local horsemen and racing fans responded to a level I never expected. I have no idea what kind of numbers will be generated on Saturday but one thing I am certain about is that people will respond and they will do it in a big way.”

A partial list of auction items for Saturday includes the following:

A fly-fishing trip donated by Absaroka Bear Tooth Outfitters to a Montana Resort ($3,000 face value)
Jockey Pat Day autographed memorabilia
Jockey Gary Stevens autographed memorabilia
Jockey Mike Smith autographed memorabilia
Jockey G.R. Carter autographed memorabilia
Jockey Jacky Martin autographed memorabilia
Tye Murray (8-time World Champion Cowboy) autographed memorabilia
2007 Kentucky Derby autographed memorabilia
Denver Nuggets autographed memorabilia
Denver Broncos autographed memorabilia
Denver Broncos Game Tickets
Colorado Crush Game Tickets
An autographed Dan Issel basketball
Officially licensed items from Saratoga and Belmont Park
Racehorse Prints
Limited edition picture of Secretariat
Rodeo tickets for two to the Greeley Stampede
Concert tickets – Josh Grayson
Concert tickets – Tracey Lawrence
Two handmade bowls made of lariat – artist Brad Platts
Rope Clock made of lariat – artist Darin Hall
Jockey & Racehorse sculpture
Framed pencil sketch – artist Eddie Vigil
Racing books featuring Funny Cide, Go for Wand, Man o War and Barbaro
Ladies Leather Vest and handbags

Arapahoe Park will conduct a thirty-six (36) day race meet beginning on Saturday May 26, 2007. Racing will be conducted on a three-day per week schedule (Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays) and the meet will conclude on August 12, 2007. There will be one exception to the schedule with a special July 4th card scheduled for the Wednesday holiday. Post time for Saturdays, Sundays and July 4th is set for 1:00 p.m. mt. Racing on Mondays will begin at 2:00 pm mt. Those unable to make it to the track can view the races on the Arapahoe Park website at www.mihiracing.com.

About BLB Investors, LLC:

BLB Investors, LLC (“BLB”) is a Connecticut based company comprised of three partners; Kerzner International Limited, Starbell Investors, LLC and Waterford Group, LLC. In July 2005, BLB acquired the U.S. holdings of Wembley USA, located in Rhode Island and Colorado; Twin River (formerly Lincoln Park in Rhode Island), Arapahoe Park, Mile High Greyhound Park, Havana Park, Post Time Greyhound Park and Pueblo Greyhound Park (Colorado).

For more information contact Sean Beirne at 303-288-1591 ext 1411.

May 11th 2007:
Mile High Racing & Entertainment Announces
Summer Greyhound Schedule & Opening of
The Reserve Off-Track-Betting Parlor

Aurora, Colorado – Officials at Mile High Racing & Entertainment announced this morning the summer racing dates for the Mile High Kennel Club Meeting at the Commerce City oval, set to begin on June 8, 2007. In addition, officials announced the opening of The Reserve at Cherry Creek Off-Track-Betting Parlor in Denver. Mile High Greyhound Park will feature six performances weekly with a return to evening race cards on Friday and Saturday. Dates, post times and wagering formats were approved by the Colorado Division of Racing Events Tuesday at its May Meeting.

Matinee racing performances will be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The matinee performances will feature 12-race programs with a post time scheduled at 1:00 pm mt. Evening performances will return with Friday and Saturday performances carded for a 7:00 pm mt start time. The Evening Programs will feature 16-race cards.

“We really took a detailed look at past data from the last couple of years and we listened to our fans when we set this schedule,” said Director of Racing Operations – Colorado, K. Bruce Seymore. “Friday and Saturday evenings have been our strongest programs traditionally during the summer. We carded more races (16) on these evenings and will couple that with promotions to spark interest. We also talked with our fans and the continuing theme was to bring back Friday and Saturday Evening racing. The afternoon schedule works well for Interstate but in the summer, people want to get outside at night and we have the perfect venue for that. As for the matinee performances, the 1:00 pm post time will work well for us in the national simulcast market. We should fill the void well between afternoon and night programs.”

Click HERE to view the updated Calendar

The Reserve at Cherry Creek Off-Track-Betting Facility had a soft opening on Thursday Evening May 3, 2007 and was well received by the invitees in attendance. The Reserve will mirror the operating hours of the other Mile High Racing and Entertainment facilities in the state (Mile High Greyhound Park, Arapahoe Park, Havana Park, Pueblo Greyhound Park and Post Time Greyhound Park). The facility is located at 351 S. Jackson Street in Denver near the intersection of Colorado Blvd. and Alameda Street in Denver.

“The opening went off without a hitch,” said Seymore. “We are very proud of this facility and really believe our guests will enjoy the atmosphere. The Reserve features state-of-the-art tote equipment (wagering machines) in an environment that is very comfortable and relaxing for our guests. Every betting carrel has its own flat screen television monitor and the wagering area itself is surrounded by televisions highlighted by a huge big screen that is capable of displaying four racetracks at one time. It is a great venue to play greyhounds and horses and is easily accessible via its location.”

The Pueblo Kennel Association Meeting concludes on June 7, 2007. Effective May 2nd, racing will revert to the traditional summer schedule of five days weekly (Monday and Wednesday through Saturday). Post Time for all performances from May 2 through June 7 will be at 2:00 pm mt and will feature sixteen (16) race cards. The Mile High Meeting will begin on Friday June 8 and continue though October 5, 2007. Matinee performances (12-race cards) are featured on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning at 1:00 pm mt. Evening performances (16-race cards) will be showcased on Fridays and Saturdays with a 7:00 pm mt post time.

About BLB Investors, LLC:

BLB Investors, LLC (“BLB”) is a Connecticut based company comprised of three partners; Kerzner International Limited, Starbell Investors, LLC and Waterford Group, LLC. In July 2005, BLB acquired the U.S. holdings of Wembley USA, located in Rhode Island and Colorado; Twin River (formerly Lincoln Park in Rhode Island), Arapahoe Park, Mile High Greyhound Park, Havana Park, Post Time Greyhound Park and Pueblo Greyhound Park (Colorado).

For more information contact Sean Beirne at 303-288-1591 ext 1411.

 

April 17th 2007:
Mile High Racing and Entertainment Tweaks Race Dates
at Pueblo Meeting at Mile High and Arapahoe Park

Aurora, Colorado – Officials at Mile High Racing & Entertainment officially announced this morning a couple of changes to the live race dates for the May Pueblo Live Racing Schedule at Mile High Greyhound Park and for the August closing weekend at Arapahoe Park. Beginning on May 2nd (Tuesday May 1st is a dark day), the Pueblo Meeting at Mile High will remove Sundays as a live racing day and will return to Mondays, a traditional day run throughout its Summer Mile High Meeting (June 8 – October 5). Post time for all performances through June 7, will be at 2:00 pm mt. The Pueblo Meeting at Mile High, the first of its kind at the Commerce City oval, came into being when Cloverleaf Greyhound Park in Loveland, Colorado vacated its 2007 dates.

Arapahoe Park made a change to its live racing calendar as well, altering its closing date from Monday August 13, 2007 to Sunday August 12, 2007. The August 13th date was moved to Monday July 2, 2007, a day previously designated dark. Arapahoe Park will race a twelve week schedule in 2007 with thirty-six (36) live dates. Overall, the total number of racing dates remains unchanged at both venues.

“We decided to make the move to our summer racing schedule at Mile High five weeks early,” said Director of Racing Operations – Colorado, K. Bruce Seymore. “We felt it was important to our fans to offer consistency in our racing dates at both our facilities. Monday has traditionally been a strong day for us at Mile High both within the State of Colorado and in the national simulcast market. Upon closer review we felt it was also important to end our meeting at Arapahoe Park on Sunday August 12. We customarily close with Fan Appreciation Day. Couple that with our best stakes races of the season and it makes for one of our largest dates of the live season.”

Complete racing calendars for the Pueblo at Mile High Meeting and the Arapahoe Park Meet can be downloaded here:
Pueblo Kennel at Mile High Greyhound Park Calendar
Arapahoe Park Live Horse Racing Calendar

Arapahoe Park will conduct a thirty-six (36) day race meet beginning on Saturday May 26, 2007. Racing will be conducted on a three-day per week schedule (Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays) and the meet will conclude on August 12, 2007. There will be one exception to the schedule with a special July 4th card scheduled for the Wednesday holiday. Post time for Saturdays, Sundays and July 4th is set for 1:00 p.m. mt. Racing on Mondays will begin at 2:00 pm mt.

The Pueblo Kennel Association Meeting began on February 7, 2007 with racing on a Wednesday – Sunday schedule and a daily post time weekdays and Saturdays at 2:00 pm mt. A special Sunday post time is scheduled at 12:00 noon mt. Performances will feature sixteen (16) races daily with the meet concluding on June 7, 2007. Effective May 2nd, racing will revert to the traditional summer schedule of five days weekly (Monday and Wednesday through Saturday). Post Time for all performances from May 2 through June 7 will be at 2:00 pm mt and will feature sixteen (16) race cards.

About BLB Investors, LLC:

BLB Investors, LLC (“BLB”) is a Connecticut based company comprised of three partners; Kerzner International Limited, Starbell Investors, LLC and Waterford Group, LLC. In July 2005, BLB acquired the U.S. holdings of Wembley USA, located in Rhode Island and Colorado; Twin River (formerly Lincoln Park in Rhode Island), Arapahoe Park, Mile High Greyhound Park, Havana Park, Post Time Greyhound Park and Pueblo Greyhound Park (Colorado).

For more information contact Sean Beirne at 303-288-1591 ext 1411.

 

February 22nd 2007:

2007 Races Dates and Stakes Schedule

 

Aurora, Colorado – Officials at Mile High Racing & Entertainment officially announced this morning the live race dates and stakes schedules for the upcoming 2007 meet at Arapahoe Park. A total of thirty-six dates (36) has been scheduled for the 2007 season, the second full meeting conducted under the new ownership of BLB Investors, LLC. The 2007 season will begin earlier this year with opening day carded for May 26th. The season will also conclude two weeks earlier than in 2006 with racing wrapping up on Monday August 13th.

“We took a very close look at racing dates for this region before settling on our 2007 calendar,” said Director of Racing Operations – Colorado, K. Bruce Seymore. “The earlier start and ending dates fit in well for our horsemen racing throughout the Southwest and Midwest. Our overall goal is to build on our successes from last year. Mondays generated interest nationally last year, giving us the opportunity for exposure in markets throughout the country we have not had in prior years. This season, at the suggestion of the Colorado Horse Association (CHA), we have moved several of our stakes events to Monday to showcase our racing product. We have also moved post time back on this day to 2:00 pm mt. The later start time will allow our card to begin as racing on the east coast is winding down.” Racing will be conducted on a three-day per week schedule, similar to 2006, on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. There is one exception during the season with no live racing on Monday July 2nd. A special holiday program will be conducted on Wednesday July 4. Post Time on Saturdays, Sundays and the July 4th holiday are slated for 1:00 pm mt. On Mondays, post time has been moved back one hour to 2:00 pm mt. In addition to the release of the live dates, officials released the 2007 Stakes Calendar.

Thirty-six added money events will be contested covering all of the different types of breeds run at the mixed meeting. Twenty-one (21) stakes events will be dedicated to thoroughbreds highlighted by the $40,000 added Gold Rush Futurity on Sunday August 12th. Quarter Horses will race in nine (9) added money events including the $125,000 estimated Mile High Futurity on August 12th and the $100,000 estimated Rocky Mountain Futurity on July 14th. Arabians will contest four (4) events throughout the season featuring the $20,500 estimated Cobra Distaff Classic Handicap on August 11th. Paints and Appaloosas will contest two (2) added money events including the $15,000 added Harvest Cup Futurity on August 12th. (See below for links to Stakes Schedules and Racing Dates).

“With a short season it is often a challenge to provide events to cover every category of horse that races with us,” said Bill Powers, Racing Secretary and Property Manager at Arapahoe Park. “I believe this schedule addresses all breeds and ages of horses that compete here during the summer at varying distances as well. Our eight Colorado-bred events give local Colorado owners and breeders the chance to showcase the best our state has to offer. The timing of these races also gives them the chance to compete in open events too. This worked well for us over the last ten (10) years and I am pleased we can offer the same opportunities in 2007.” The anchor event on the schedule is the closing weekend feature, the 2007 renewal of the $40,000 added Gold Rush Futurity (August 12). The Gold Rush typically attracts top two-year-olds from the region sprinting six furlongs. Past Champions include Maysville Slew and last year’s winner, Ed Bergkamp’s Master’s Hand. Last year’s fourth place finisher in the Gold Rush, John Pendergast & Joe Johnson’s Tie Rod just captured the $100,000 Turf Paradise Derby last Saturday in Arizona.

Arapahoe Park will conduct a thirty-six (36) day race meet beginning on Saturday May 26, 2007. Racing will be conducted on a three-day per week schedule (Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays) and the meet will conclude on August 13, 2007. There will be one exception to the schedule with a special July 4th card scheduled for the Wednesday holiday. There will be no live racing on Monday July 2, 2007. Post time for Saturdays, Sundays and July 4th is set for 1:00 p.m. mt. Racing on Mondays will begin at 2:00 pm mt.

July 24th 2006:

Pb’s Blaze On, as Close as You Can Get to a

Sure Thing at Mile High Greyhound Park

 

 

Commerce City, Colorado – There's no such thing a "sure thing", especially in racing, but Pb's Blaze On comes pretty close.  He has 7 wins and 1 second in 8 starts this summer at Mile High.  Blaze On began his career in August, 2004, winning a maiden, a grade C, B, and A to moving up to grade AA where he has raced his entire career.  In 100 career starts he has only placed 5th three times and 7th once, when he fell in the first turn.  Blaze On is a 3 year old, black male, by Seegold Excell out of Pb's Queen Meg.  Remarkably, Pb's Blaze On has hit the board 96 out of 100 attempts including 62 wins, 22 seconds, 5 thirds, and 7 fourths.

 

Owned by Carolyn Faye Slaven and trained by Herb Legg Jr., Blaze On won the 2006 Cloverleaf and Mile High Inaugural races as well as the 2006 Colorado Bred Sprint at Cloverleaf.  He is the likely favorite for the upcoming Timberline Stakes at Mile High as well.  He holds bragging rights to 34 wins during the 2005 Colorado Greyhound Season including 10 straight wins at Cloverleaf.  Seeing Pb's Blaze On perform is worth the price of admission, but chances are you won’t make a killing at the windows as he is always a short priced favorite.  If you're handicapping for place and show with Blaze On; there's no such thing as a sure thing, but the numbers look pretty good.

 

 

June 29th 2006:

Finals Set for Cherry Creek Futurity, Lucille Rowe Derby
& Western States Futurity at Arapahoe Park on Saturday

 

 

Aurora, Colorado – Full fields are set to go postward on Saturday at Arapahoe Park for the Finals of the Cherry Creek Futurity, Lucille Rowe Derby and Western States Futurity.  Trials were conducted on Saturday June 17 and the top ten fastest times for each qualified for the Finals.  The Cherry Creek Futurity sports the largest purse of $87,630 and will be the featured eighth race on a nine-race card.  The Lucille Rowe Derby Final with a purse of $53,725 will be run a race earlier as the seventh.  The Western States Futurity Final with a purse of $26,297 will be run as the sixth race. 

 

The race card kicks off a four-day holiday weekend of racing at the Aurora oval with a special holiday program carded for Tuesday July 4^th  with a post time set for 1:00 pm mt all weekend.   The Cherry Creek Futurity features 2-year-old Colorado-bred Quarter Horses competing at a distance of 330 yards.  L. Terwilliger & L. Bosley’s Mekita (8-5 morning line) headlines Saturday’s edition, having qualified in :16.925 seconds, the fastest of fifty-two horses.  Mekita has raced only twice in her young career with a previous start to her credit, a fourth place finish at Remington Park in Oklahoma. 

 

The daughter of Dashin is Easy will be coupled in the wagering with Kas Shes Special, the seventh fastest qualifier with a time of :17.162.  Joe Badilla, Jr. will ride the morning line favorite.  Others to keep an eye on in the field include Dave Wahlert & J. Kent Bamford’s Right Bac to Ya (4-1) and Gayle Doering’s In the Crease (7-2).  Right Bac to Ya made his debut in the Trials and closed through the stretch to post a head win and record the second fast time in the Trials of :17.011.  J. J. Gonzalez will ride for trainer John Hammes, who has four starters in the field.  In the Crease will be coupled in the wagering with American Leader for trainer Mike Casselman.  The Dash to Fame gelding made his Arapahoe Park debut a winning one on June 17^th and will be ridden by Alejuandro Luna in Saturday’s Final.   The Lucille Rowe Derby features 3-year-old Colorado-bred 3-year-old Quarter Horses at a distance of 350 yards. 

 

Vaughn Cook’s Danika (3-1) headlines the field of ten after posting a Trial time of :17.676 seconds in the Trials.  The daughter of Special Leader has never been off the board in five career starts and comes into the Finals with a two-race winning streak.  Joe Badilla, Jr. will pilot the John Hammes trainee.  Hammes will also be represented in the Final by Kas Shes Super (10-1) and Whos Kissin Who (5-1).  The top challengers to the favorite appear to be the three horse entry of trainer Jim Kerr who will be represented by Guy W. Watter’s Snazzy Leader, Ahead of Chivato and Dancing Chivato (7-2).  Kerr will also be represented by Timinator Baynes.  The other top contender in Saturday’s Final is The Painted Pithfork’s Dash Hum Dash.  The Samantha Valencia trainee posted the second fastest time in the Trials of :17.715.  O. A. Martinez will once again pilot the gelding.

 

The Western State Futurity Final features 2-year-old Appaloosa & Paint horses at a distance of 350 yards.  Laural J Ranch’s Pay the Driver (5-2), a paint horse, has been tabbed the favorite off a convincing 1 ¾ length win in the Trials.  The Sorrel filly made her debut in the Trials and upset the field at 23-1.  Johnny Maldonado will take the reins again for trainer Jim Kerr.  Dark C Kelly (7-2) and Wrangler Rose (5-1) appear to be the top challengers to the favorite.  Maurice Will cox’s Dark C Kelly is a perfect 2-2 in her career.  She won her Trial by a nose and will be ridden Saturday by Jess Chance.  Hungry Horses, Inc.’s Wrangler Rose will be coupled with her stablemate Rapid Rhythm on Saturday for trainer Samantha Valencia.  The black filly made her first start in the Trials and will be reunited with rider O. A. Martinez for Saturday’s Final.   Arapahoe Park will conduct a thirty-nine (39) day race meet beginning on Saturday June 10, 2006.  Racing will be conducted on a three-day per week schedule (Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays) and the meet will conclude on Labor Day, September 4, 2006.

 

A special July 4^th holiday card will be run on the Tuesday holiday. Post time for all racing days is set for 1:00 p.m. MST.

 

The complete field for Saturday’s $87,630 Cherry Creek Futurity in post position order is as follows:

1.	Kas Shes Special	Roy Baldillez	124 lbs.	8-5
1a.	Mekita	Joe Badilla, Jr.	124 lbs.	8-5
2.	In The Crease	Alejuandro Luna	124 lbs.	7-2
2b.	American Leader	Jacky Martin	124 lbs.	7-2
3.	Whisperin Spirit	J. R. Valenzuela	124 lbs.	8-1
4.	Letsbeexcited	Johnny Maldonado	124 lbs.	15-1
5.	I Bee Phia	Russell Vichrilli	124 lbs.	10-1
6.	Rock Hard Cupid	Jess Chance	124 lbs.	15-1
7.	Right Bac To Ya	J. J. Gonzalez	124 lbs.	4-1
8.	Summers Long Gone	O. A. Martinez	124 lbs.	6-1

1.	Snazzy Leader	Joel Sherman	124 lbs.	7-2
1a.	Ahead of Chivato	Johnny Maldonado	124 lbs.	7-2
1x.	Dancing Chivato	J. J. Gonzalez	124 lbs.	7-2
2.	Danika	Joe Badilla, Jr.	124 lbs.	3-1
3.	Dash Hum Dash	O. A. Martinez	124 lbs.	4-1
4.	Tirminator Baynes	Jeff Smith	124 lbs.	6-1
5.