Tight turns Fairplex’s signature

Ralph Siraco

Friday, Sept. 12, 1997 | 9:22 a.m.

The 18-day racing season at Fairplex Park in Pomona opened at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds on Thursday.

A balance of winners came from on and off the pace and the only noticed track bias was the ability of some horses and riders handling (or not) the tight turns that are the signature of the 5/8-mile track.

Defending Fairplex riding champion Victor Espinoza checked in with a pair of victories and Scott Stevens, the brother of Hall-of-Famer Gary, was the only other multiple-winning jockey on the day by scoring the late double aboard co-feature winner Code Love in the 12th-race Bustles And Bows to 13th-race longshot Tenacious Power at $59.60 for the win. Espinoza guided Busy Banana in the 11th race at $12 and, earlier on the card, B.T.'s Gold in the seventh at $5.80.

Del Mar champ Kent Desormeaux visited the fair winner's circle with Foothill Stakes winner The Texas Tunnel, trained by Del Mar trainer champ Bob Baffert, sending the winner for the lead right from the start to wire the field at $6.20.

While Fairplex enjoys robust business and is the nation's top-handling racing fair, not the same can be said for Arlington International Racecourse in Chicago. The Windy City was hit like a Midwest blizzard by the news that the showcase track would not ask for 1998 racing dates and would close after this year's meeting comes to an end in early October. It was reported the track had lost more than $70 million since 1989 and that no drastic change in the Illinois racing climate was forthcoming.

Since nearby riverboats offer casino gambling, Arlington has experienced dwindling attendance and handle. Track Chairman Richard Duchossois lobbied to get casino-style gaming at the race course, such as slot machines, but state regulators refused his constant requests. Duchossois had threatened closure in 1995 but was prompted to stay open with the hopes that the Illinois Legislature would pass a law to allow Arlington a chance to compete with the new riverboat casino in nearby Elgin, Ill. The Arlington Million and Beverly D., both Grade I marquee events at Arlington, could be affected by the closure.

The fourth edition of Kentucky Cup will be held Saturday at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky. The six-race, $1.15-million series will be highlighted by the centerpiece Kentucky Cup Classic. Set to go in the 1-1/8-mile event is Del Mar Derby winner Anet, trained by Bob Baffert. D. Wayne Lukas, who all but owns Kentucky Cup Day, sends out Coup d'Argent as Anet's main competition. The Turfway Breeders' Cup Distaff, the Sprint, the Juvenile Fillies and Juvenile plus the Starter Handicap round out the six-pack in the bluegrass.

Penny for your thoughts

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