CONGRATULATIONS WAYNE
Hearty congratulations to Wayne Whebby as his FEELIN FRISKIE (Artiscape-NADIAS SISTER) exploded through the stretch to win the $500,000 New Jersey Classic in 1:49.1. Actually Artiscape’s daughter Future Destiny took the companion Miss New Jersey the same night

Even though Artiscape is now in New York, we’ll have a solid selection of quality New Jersey eligible Artiscape yearlings at The Jersey Classic and Harrisburg this year. Headliners could be BEACH BOY TOY (Good Vibrations), COLD CAPE COD (Cold and Clear) and IN THE MORNING (OhI’llrespectyou).

Hope this makes up for your not getting MATTRICK EWING at the end of that marathon Wednesday Harrisburg session way back when.

ANOTHER OLDIE BUT GOODIE
On the heels of PRIMETIME BOBCAT the 9-year-old speed champion at 1:47.2 who could have been foaled in the mid 80’s given the age of his sire and dam- comes KHAKIS FEATHER a winner at The Meadowlands last week in 1:48.3

Khakis Feather is by Armbro Khaki a first crop Jate Lobell foaled in 1989 from DIE FEDER she foaled in 1984. Die Feder is by Melrick a 1979 foal by Armbro Rick from Flashy Reed she foaled in 1970 and sired by Waylay who was foaled in 1946.

Which adds even further credence to those convinced that yesteryears greats would have managed contemporary speeds given access to today’s nutrition, equipment and track surfaces etc.

SOLID REPORTING
Terrific article by Sid Dorfman in Wednesday’s Newark Star Ledger illustrating how monies earned by some Atlantic City New Jersey casinos will enhance the Pennsylvania horse industry as several of the AC based casinos will be participating in the in the Pennsylvania gaming program via racino and/or casino ownership. And in doing so adhering to the stipulations mandated to attain operational licenses.

The gist is that the New Jersey horse industry cannot and should not be left out in the cold as neighboring racing states Pennsylvania and New York reap the benefits of slots fueled purse structures.

We’ll follow could be a developing story.

Major kudos to Harold Howe for the comprehensive study on “The Poison Killing Our Industry in the June Harness Edge. It is a must read by all in harness racing and a frightening and enlightening dissertation on the contamination that seems more rampant as we go along.

Excellent piece on the Standardbred Canada website regarding the Elitlopp experiences of Rick Zeron and Snazzy Millie. Often wondered if that’s how European horsemen used to feel when coming over here for those Roosevelt International spectacles.

Also enjoyed the question and answer session with Stonebridge Farms’ Angie Stiller on the USTA website. Certainly an eloquent spokesperson for all that is good in the sport.

Noticed too the piece in the Blood Horse quoting the prominent New York legislator who stipulated that racing must show it can stand on its own and not just be carried by slot relief. Sounds ominous!

WHY NOT RECIPROCATION?
How come racetracks don’t reciprocally honor each others suspensions the way States do with motorists? Doesn’t exactly send a message of confidence to the fans obviously aware that an individual was cited somewhere else and must now factor this into the handicapping process.

Bob Marks