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Ramble On

-With Tampa Bay Downs open I've been keeping my eye out for their famous two-turn maiden races on the turf (they seem to have at least one every single day). And they don't disappoint as we get one each on Thursday and Friday. I'm hoping we see a Saturday or Sunday card with a couple thrown in on the same day.

  • 12/16/2009: 5th Race – Maiden Special Weight, Two Year Old, Fillies, 1 1/16 Miles, Turf
  • 12/17/2009: 8th Race - $50K Maiden Claiming, Three and Up, Fillies and Mares, 1 Mile, Turf

-Hollywood will also run a Maiden Special Weight on the turf this week; race 5 on Friday (1 1/16 miles for three year olds and up), and Calder will run a Maiden Special on Saturday in the 3rd race (1 mile for two year olds).

-Speaking of Hollywood: what's with the cards down there recently? I realize the weather has been a little dicey in Southern California but the field sizes are just horrendous. On Thursday, Hollywood has races with 6, 5, 6, 7, 13, 10, 5 and 9 horse fields, and that's only if there are no scratches, an unlikely scenario. Friday is a little better but, wow, those are pretty weak cards. Of course, it is mid-to-late December, a notoriously sleepy time in racing.

-Due to the partial cancellation of Louisiana Champions Day at Fair Grounds last Saturday there will be an expanded card at the track this coming Saturday. Thirteen races in all will go to post.

-If you are looking for large field this weekend, look no further than Philadelphia Park; they have a great card on Saturday with fields featuring 8, 9, 12, 12, 12, 12, 11, 9, 10, and 12 runners. The rolling Pick 3s starting with the third race could be very enticing.