Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:24:25 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/ en-us http://www.oregonracing.com/news/images/logo.gif http://www.oregonracing.com/news/ jolene@oregonracing.com http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1009.html From drf.com: Magna Entertainment Corp., the struggling owner-operator of 10 U.S. racetracks, has reached an agreement to extend by 11 days the maturity date of a $40 million loan with the Bank of Montreal, the company announced late on Monday. The 11-day extension follows four previous one-month extensions to the credit line. The maturity date of the line is now Nov. 28. Magna paid the Bank of Montreal $250,000 for the extension, according to a release from the company The entire article is here Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:24:25 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1008.html OREGON RACING COMMISSION 800 N. E. OREGON STREET, SUITE 310 PORTLAND, OREGON 97232 971-673-0207; 971-673-0213 FAX http://racing.oregon.gov The Oregon Racing Commission will meet Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 1A of the Portland State Office Building located at 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, OR. The commission may go into executive session to consider information or records exempt from disclosure pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f) and/or to consult with counsel concerning its legal rights and duties regarding litigation likely to be filed pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h). The commission may also elect to deliberate on pending contested cases pursuant to ORS 192.690(1). Additional items may be placed on the agenda after the general mailing of the agenda. Calls may be made to the commission office the week of the meeting to inquire about possible additions. COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA - AMENDED HEARING: APPROVALS: 1. October 16, 2008 Meeting Minutes OLD BUSINESS: 2. Portland Meadows Report 3. Sub-Committee Update Reports a. Advanced Deposit Wagering and Multi-Jurisdictional Hubs b. Best Practices c. Budget and Hub Funds d. Medication 4. Term Length for Chair and Vice Chair NEW BUSINESS: CONTESTED CASES: INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS AND APPROVALS: 5. Fair Meet Reports on Hub Fund Usage a. Grants Pass Downs / Josephine County Fair 6. Confirmation of Next Commission Meeting – December 18, 2008 RULES: OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION: 7. Track Committee Report PUBLIC COMMENT: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:24:36 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1007.html From drf.com: Who's Your Next Ex Upsets Dodge Memorial By Chuck Dybdal Who’s Your Next Ex ($14.60), looking for room at the quarter pole, swung wide and unleashed a strong closing kick to capture the $19,700 Dennis Dodge Memorial on Sunday at Portland Meadows. Jockey Deborah Hoonan-Trujillo found room to the outside as the field tightened coming to the quarter pole in the Dodge. With a clear path, Who’s Your Next Ex opened up through the lane, defeating Go Bubba Go by three lengths in 1:11.88 in the six-furlong race for 2-year-olds. Odds-on Chief Jafatica ran seventh. Who’s Your Next Ex, a son of Harbor the Gold, earned $10,835 to lift his career earnings to $18,405 with 2 wins and 2 thirds in 4 starts for owner Kimberly J. Nobles and trainer Ann Peery. * Catalina Harbor ($9.80), a daughter of Harbor the Gold, scored a three-quarter-length wire-to-wire victory over odds-on Italian Gold in the $19,550 Lassie Stakes, covering six furlongs in 1:12.29. Catalina Harbor, a Bar C Racing Stable homebred coming off a victory in the Janet Wineberg Stakes, earned $10,753, increasing her career earnings to $24,143 with 2 wins and 3 seconds in 5 starts. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:37:16 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1006.html From portlandmeadows.com Who’s Your Next Ex Much The best In The Dennis Dodge Memorial Stakes Who’s Your Next Ex (Harbor The Gold - Synanita) sat behind a very contested pace and exploded down the stretch to draw clear to win the $18,000 Dennis Dodge Memorial Stakes by three lengths. Sent off as the 6 to 1 third choice in the betting, jockey Debbie Hoonan-Trujillo stayed fifth, but only a couple lengths behind a foursome of speedsters throughout the opening few furlongs. When a seam opened up at the top of the stretch, Who’s Your Next Ex very easily jumped out to the lead and pulled away from early speedsters Go Bubba Go and Ex Tremely Cool who finished second and third respectively. The win was the second in just four career starts for the 2 year old son of Harbor Gold. Ann Peery was the winning trainer and the win earned $10,835 for owner Kim Nobles. Go Bubba Go was part of that early pace and stayed on the finish second, a neck ahead of Ex Tremely Cool. Final time for the 6 furlongs was 1:11.88. The race was named in honor of Dennis Dodge, longtime Northwest turfwriter and handicapper for the Daily Racing Form. Dodge passed away in September at the age of 62. Catalina Harbor Valiantly Wins the Lassie Stakes Catalina Harbor (Harbor The Gold - Silver City Lilly) shot right to the front and stayed there the entire way to win the $18,000 Lassie Stakes at Portland Meadows. The 2 year old daughter of Harbor the Gold staved off multiple challengers throughout the race, maintaining less than a length lead from the half mile pole all the way to the finish. Italian Gold and Primadonna Pearl had the entire length of the stretch to push on by, but could only manage second and third. Catalina Harbor has now won two starts in a row for owner/breeders Bar C Racing stable and trainer Jim Fergason. Mark Anderson was aboard for the winning ride and was visibly pleased with his fillies efforts as he waved his whip in victory. Catalina Harbor won the Janet Wineberg earlier this month and how now amassed over $24,000 in earnings in just five starts. Final time for the Lassie Stakes was 1:12.29 for the 6 furlong distance. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:44:39 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1005.html The Daily Racing Form previews the Dennis Dodge and Lassie Stakes (which they refer to as the Diane Kem) here. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:48:18 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1004.html The DRF has an article on Eric Jensen's filly Solar Miss: INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Trainer Kathy Walsh has clear memories of Solar Miss's stakes debut in the Harold Ramser Handicap at Santa Anita last month. "She had everything go wrong," Walsh said. The entire article is here. I previously highlighted the filly's connection to Oregon and the Northwest in a forum post here. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:00:51 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1003.html Ever wonder what someone in New York is thinking when they bet on our races in Oregon? Daily Racing Form Publisher/Columnist Steven Crist writes about playing Portland Meadows on a whim last Sunday (evening for him): There were some familiar names from my summer Emerald Downs pick-4 playing, but there were also horses coming out of races at tracks with three-letter abbreviations I'd never seen before -- Brn? Prv? Til? You can read all about it on his blog over here Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:54:56 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1002.html Oregon-bred Winners November 2 - 11 Chief Jafatica Tiffany Ice - Dixie Leigh Red by Chief's Crown Bred by Bar C Racing Stables Inc, Owned by DH Walker and Trained by Jim Fergason Won The Bill Wineberg Stakes at Portland Meadows ($11,688) Catalina Harbor Harbor the Gold - Silver City Lilly by Tiffany Ice Bred by and Owned by Bar C Racing Stables Inc, Trained by Jim Fergason Won The Janet Wineberg Stakes at Portland Meadows ($11,330) Jimbos Fire Ant Baquero - Jimbos Valentine by Crowing Season (GB) Bred by and Owned by James Owens & Carol Owens, Trained by Ben Root Won The Diane Kem Handicap at Portland Meadows ($10,670) Hail Mister True True Confidence - Hail the Minister by Mane Minister Bred by and Owned by Paul A. Hagemann and Trained by Steve Fisher Won a maiden claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,200) Hunt for Glory Hunter's Glory - Ruth's Kitten by Naskra Bred by Jean S. Vovakes, Owned by Bill Bomar and Trained by Jonathan Nance Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($1,870) I'm Rough N Ready Western Front - Andale by Fast Bred by and Owned by Jim Gilmour and Trained by Sue Gilmour Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,585) April in Ochoco's Ochoco - Rox Arcana by Oraibi Bred by and Owned by Mylon L. Buck, Trained by Jonathan Nance Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,310) Maxie's Night Cap Capsized - Maximum Effort by Society Max Bred by Dr. and Mrs. Jack B Root Jr, Owned by David and Patricia Runyon and Trained by David Runyon Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,255) Mama Nill Perfect Mandate - Da Leprechaun by The Prime Minister Bred, Owned and Trained by David & Anthony Hoover Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,860) Free Kitty Free At Last - Kitty Mac Cool by Son of Briartic Bred by and Owned by George Hurliman, Trained by Rolland Fergason Won a maiden claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,200) Works Lika Bullet Cisco Road - Bagel Craving by Prized Bred by V A Fergason, Owned by Mike Wilkins and Just Horsen Around and Trained by Jim Fergason Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:51:04 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1001.html From drf.com: TVG used to be the dominant force in account wagering, but as its contracts have expired with racetrack operators - and as Churchill Downs Inc. and Magna Entertainment have aggressively entered the market - TVG's business model has showed signs of strain. The entire article can be found here Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:41:52 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article1000.html From bloodhorse.com: When Thoroughbred owners and breeders in North America submit their foal registration applications on or after Jan. 1, 2009, they will be able to participate in a voluntary checkoff program, created and administered by The Jockey Club, which will assist two organizations that provide post-racing care for Thoroughbreds. The entire article can be found here. Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:15:22 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article999.html From portlandmeadows.com: One Quick Brew Wins Big in the Nub Norton Memorial Handicap One Quick Brew dropped back to last in the early going, but passed them all with a huge sweeping move on the far turn and drew away to win the Nub Norton Memorial Handicap by over 11 lengths. Luis Torres guided the defending Oregon Derby winner off the rail and circled up 6 wide and the result was never in doubt once they turned for home. The win gave One Quick Brew six wins in just fourteen career starts for owner Joe Kitchen and trainer Jim Ferguson. One Quick Brew has now earned over $55,000 in his career. The early pace was sharp with both Sam Angelo and Parkerinthebarn who went through opening fractions of 23.64 and 47.38. Roman Account also sat off the pace and closed well to be second, but was no match for the winner. Parkerinthebarn did hold on for third. Final time for the mile and seventy yards was 1:43.32. The race was named in honor of the late Norbert E. “Nub” Norton, a longtime northwest trainer who won seven training titles at Portland Meadows and Playfair, as well as a title at Longacres. Best Game Plan Now a Perfect 2 for 2 at Portland Meadows Best Game Plan shipped down to Portland Meadows and promptly graduated from his non-two lifetime condition back on October 13th. Trainer Jonathan Nance apparently thought so much of the horse, that he jumped him up into the Mt. Hood Stakes, where he proceeded to wear down the early pacesetting Jimbos Fire Ant to win by three quarters of a length. Clark Jones sat Best Game Plan right behind Jimbos Fire Ant through very taxing fractions of 23.29 and 46.90. Down the backstretch it was Sheen Falls who made a big move and drew to within two lengths of the leader, but that won faded through the stretch to finish a well beaten fifth. Best Game Plan is now 3 for 14 career, with earnings in excess of $29,000 for owners Lea’s Stable. Final time for the mile distance was 1:40.50. Jimbos Fire Ant ended up second with Gameshy closing in to be third. News and Notes…Bay to Bay was the fastest qualifier for the Portland Meadows Fall Derby with a final time of 20.65 seconds. Joe Crispin had three wins on the Sunday card. Troy Stillwell and Clark Jones both recorded a riding double. Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:44:16 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article998.html ....and they pursue the sale of one of their "core racetracks" From bloodhorse.com Magna Entertainment Corp. reported Nov. 6 a $48.4 million dollar loss in its third financial quarter and announced a financial adviser had been hired to possibly sell one of its core racetracks. The entire article at the Bloodhorse here A Canadian business paper has a report here Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:16:47 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article997.html From bloodhorse.com: On Nov. 5, MEC, which operates as the Maryland Jockey Club, said it "expects to pursue a (slots) license for Laurel Park as soon as practicable after the administrative aspects of the license application process are finalized by applicable regulators." Though Pimlico won't have slots, it would share in the revenue, as would all tracks in the state. You can read the entire article here. Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:06:44 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article996.html From Paulick Report Stock prices soared Monday in Magna Entertainment, the racetrack company that operates Laurel Park and Pimlico in Maryland, where voters are deciding today on an amendment to allow 15,000 slot machines at five locations in the state. Read the entire article here Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:50:23 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article995.html From portlandmeadows.com: Jimbos Fire Ant Wins the Diane Kem Handicap Jimbos Fire Ant broke sharply and sat just off the pace before taking the lead on the far turn and holding off Carrie’s Choice throughout the stretch to win by a length and a half. Jockey Debbie Hoonan-Trujillo sat just behind early pacesetter Silver Patrona who went through an opening quarter in a quick 22.07. Going into the far turn, Jimbos Fire Ant turned up the heat and put the head in front just inside the 3 furlong pole. The 3 year-old daughter of Baquero opened up at the Quarter Pole and expanded that lead to midstretch. Carrie’s Choice who was sent off as the 3 to 1 second choice was the only one with a chance to catch the winner midstretch, but was unable to reel her in. Jimbos Fire Ant now has 5 wins from 9 career starts, all five wins coming here at Portland Meadows. She has amassed over $59,000 in earnings for owner/breeders Jim and Carol Owens. Ben Root was the winning trainer. Carrie’s Choice stayed on to finish second, but after a stewards inquiry, she was disqualified from second and placed fifth behind Little Cascadian, with whom she interfered with down the backstretch. Wave Her On who finished third was upgraded to the second position, while Silver Patrona was bumped up to third. Final time for the 6 furlongs was 1:11.80. The win by Jimbos Fire Ant caused a Pick 5 carryover into Tuesday’s races of over $5,500. The Pick 5 on Tuesday covers races 5 through 9. Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:19:54 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article994.html From Bloodhorse.com: Stewards at Golden Gate Fields have disqualified a pair of horses trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and ordered a redistribution of purses in separate medication cases announced by the California Horse Racing Board Nov. 1. Read the entire article here Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:05:51 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article993.html From portlandmeadows.com: Chief Jafatica takes center stage in the Bill Wineberg Chief Jafatica continued his winning ways as he took the 2008 Bill Wineberg Stakes at Portland Meadows. Sent off as the 7 to 5 post time favorite, Chief Jafatica sat just behind the early pacesetter Ex Tremely Cool who blazed through an opening quarter mile of 21.84 and led all the way into the stretch. Turning for home, jockey Mark Anderson gave Chief Jafatica his cue as he drew off down the lane to win by four and one half lengths. Chief Jafatica has now won two in a row and pushed his career earnings to $23,757 in just six starts. Chief Jafatica won the OTOBA Sales Stakes earlier in the meet and is eligible for a breeder’s bonus should he win the $40,000 Os West Futurity on Oregon Championship Day on December 7th. Chief Jafatica races for owner D.H. Walker and trainer Jim Fergason, who also won the Janet Wineberg earlier in the day with Catalina Harbor. He completed the six furlong distance in 1:12.44. Ex Tremely Cool stayed on to finish second, while Mazama finished third. Catalina Harbor proves best in the Janet Wineberg Catalina Harbor survived a strong early pace duel to draw off and win the 2008 Janet Wineberg Stakes. Though there was only a field of four in this year’s Janet Wineberg, as they went into the turn, the four of them were in a line straight across the track, no more than a head separating the quartet. Catalina Harbor surged to the lead turning for home and drew off to win by four and three quarter lengths. Catalina went off as the third choice in the betting and returned $7.60 for the win. Ochoco Fashion had the early lead and was just in front as they went into the turn. Midway on the far turn, the race favorite Catcha Rosie Comet was pulled up after taking a bad step. At that point Catalina Harbor took charge, with Mark Anderson piloting the 2 year old filly to an impressive win. The win was the first for Catalina Harbor who had finished second in her previous three lifetime starts. Catalina Harbor races for owners Bar C Racing Stables, who won the Janet Wineberg in 2006 with Silver Patrona. Jim Fergason swept both the Wineberg races. Final time for the Janet Wineberg was 1:14.24. Snowfire finished second, with Ochoco Fashion fading to be third. Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:32:47 -0500 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article992.html From drf.com: Chief Jafatica bids for his second stakes victory Sunday when he heads a field of nine Oregon-bred 2-year-olds in the $20,000 Bill Wineberg at six furlongs at Portland Meadows. The entire article can be found here Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:47:12 -0400 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article991.html Oregon-bred winners Oct 25-28: Toogoodforthe Ex Ex Marks the Cop - Toogoodforthewife by Knight in Savannah Bred by Teri Beckner, Owned and Trained by Justin Treasure Won a claiming race at Turf Paradise ($3,300) Ex Mountain Cop Ex Marks the Cop - Dubakella Mountain by Kleven Bred and Owned by Maynard Davis and Richard Novak and Trained by Jonathan Nance Won an Invitational Handicap at Portland Meadows ($5,115) City Sleuth Seattle Shamus - Eileen On You Baby by Northern Baby Bred, Owned and Trained by David Duke Won a maiden claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,585) My Emy My Amy Deputy John - On Her Roll by Skin Head Bred by Michael Stafford & Steve Smith, Owned by Root and Vogt Stable, Trained by Ben Root Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($1,870) Mystacallie Klinsman (Ire) - Mystical by Mogambo Bred by Dr. & Mrs. Jack B Root Jr, Owned by 955 The Game and Trained by Ben Root Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,695) Tillman's Image Klinsman (Ire) - Royalty Image by Roy Bred by Happy Valley Stable LLC, Owned by Nordic Sable (Coleman and Webb) and Trained by Delmer L. Webb Won an allowance race at Portland Meadows ($3,575) I'm Daisy Mae Baquero - Tiff bent Salah by Oraibi Bred by Kim Dunbar, Owned by Joy Obrist and Trained by Ron Wilson Won a maiden claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,200) Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:35:12 -0400 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article990.html From the Idaho Statesman: The operator of Les Bois Park and Gov. Butch Otter are vying to make Idaho the first state in the nation to allow pari-mutuel betting on "virtual" horse racing. Read the entire article here View a demo of the product here Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:24:38 -0400 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article989.html From portlandmeadows.com: Ex Mountain Cop continues his perfection at Portland Meadows Ex Mountain Cop ran his record at Portland Meadows to a perfect 6 for 6 as he beat a very stubborn Bound To Be MVP to win the Invitational Handicap. Ex Mountain Cop stayed just off Bound To Be MVP in the early stages through an opening quarter of 22.84 and a half mile in 45.84. Bound To Be MVP maintained his lead into the stretch but Ex Mountain Cop slowly wore him down throughout the final furlong to win going away by a length and a half. Joe Crispin was on board for the winning ride, his first day back in the saddle after a wrist injury had sidelined him for the first three weekends of racing. Crispin won two races on the card. The win pushed Ex Mountain Cop’s career earnings up over $99,000 for owner/breeders Maynard Davis and Richard Novak. Jonathon Nance is the winning trainer of Ex Mountain Cop who returned $3.80 for the win. Bound To Be MVP finished up second with Devilish Fact running third. Final time for the Invitational Handicap was 1:10.10. Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:55:14 -0400 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article988.html Oregon-bred Winners Oct 19-21 Gulches Dancer Private Gold - Lac Lemans by Gulch Bred and Owned by Dwight and Jane Bailey and Trained by Robert Gregory Won a maiden claiming race at Zia Park ($9,000) Mystacallie Klinsman (IRE) - Mystical by Mogambo Bred by Dr. & Mrs. Jack B. Root Jr, Owned by 955 The Game and Trained by Ben Root Won an Allowance race at Portland Meadows ($3,575) Chief Jafatica Tiffany Ice - Dixie Leigh Red by Chief's Crown Bred by Bar C Racing Stables Inc, Owned by DH Walker and Trained by Jim Fergason Won the OTOBA Sales Stake at Portland Meadows ($6,380) Jimbo's Fire Ant Baquero - Jimbos Valentine by Crowning Season (GB) Bred and Owned by James Owens & Carol Owens, and Trained by Ben Root Won an Invitational Handicap at Portland Meadows ($5,225) Nikki S. Rogue S. - Commadora by Sultry Song Bred and Owned by Rod Lowe and Trained by Ben Root Won a maiden claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,915) Lazaro Baquero - Wajima's Caper by Wajima Bred by David Duke, Owned by Dave and Pam Wood, Trained by Eulia Bischoff Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($1,870) Robin de Cacino Robin 'n Gin - Cucina Cucina by Carson City Bred by Dalene Knight, Owned and Trained by Nick Lowe Won a maiden claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,860) Rainy May Day Cisco Road - Val's Best by Just the Time Bred and Owned by Michael O Malarkey & Sharon A Malarkey and Trained by Jim Fergason Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($1,870) Ice Hollow Tiffany Ice - Lady Hollow by Beaudelaire Bred by Ken Paulson, Pat Paulson & Bar C Racing Stables, Owned by Gerildyn Johnson and Just Horsen Around and Trained by Jim Fergason Won a claiming race at Portland Meadows ($2,035) Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:38:02 -0400 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article987.html From bloodhorse.com: San Francisco-based institutional investor Farallon Capital Management and technology entrepreneur Halsey Minor are separately asking MI Developments, Inc., for a major financial shake-up of the racing conglomerate Magna Entertainment Corp. MID is the controlling shareholder of the debt-laden racetrack owner. In a letter to MID dated Oct. 17, Farallon Capital Management said it believes MID should "end its support" of MEC, which it termed "a sinkhole." Farallon, which owns 8.5% of the Class A shares of MID, included the letter to MID’s board of directors in a filing that day with the Securities and Exchange Commission. MID and MEC are both based in Aurora, Ont. Read the entire article here Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:03:47 -0400 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article986.html From portlandmeadows.com: Jimbos Fire Ant’s Return is a Successful one Last Year’s Os West Futurity winner Jimbos Fire Ant returned to Portland Meadows in style by winning an Invitational Handicap for 3 year old fillies and mares. The win was the 4th from 8 starts for this chestnut homebred of Jim and Carol Owens. All four of her wins have come right here at Portland Meadows. Jimbos Fire Ant went right to the front and dueled early with Maxie’s Night Cap through fractions of 22.51 and 45.74. When they got to the head of the stretch, jockey Debbie Hoonan-Trujillo shook the reigns at Jimbos Fire Ant and she took off. Ladies Purse finished a clear second ahead of Maxie’s Night Cap who held onto third. Ben Root was the winning trainer and the final time for the Invitational Handicap was 1:10.91 Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:38:03 -0400 http://www.oregonracing.com/news/Article985.html From portlandmeadows.com: Chief Jafatica digs in to win the O.T.O.B.A Sales Stakes Chief Jafatica and Go Bubba Go both went towards the front and battled every inch of the six furlong O.T.O.B.A Sales Stakes. The race is restricted to 2 year-olds who went through the sales ring at the OTOBA sale. Chief Jafatica was bought at that sale for $3,000 and has now amassed over $10,000 in career earnings. Chief Jafatica was sent off as the even money favorite, with Go Bubba Go the second choice at 6/5. The exacta with those two runners paid $8.80 and the trifecta with Skimming Song returned $23.80. The pace was modest early, with jockey Mark Anderson staying right outside of Go Bubba Go and Billy Ives through fractions of 22.83 and 46.99. Turning for home Chief Jafatica looked as though he would start opening up, but Go Bubba Go battled on bravely and never gave up. Chief Jafatica is trained by Jim Fergason for owner D.H. Walker. Final time for the O.T.O.B.A Sales Stakes was 1:13.20. Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:29:32 -0400