Indian Blessing wins Belmont's Gallant Bloom Sep 21, 2008
"It's like driving a Ferrari," said Nakatani, aboard for the first time as regular jockey John Velazquez rode Commentator in the Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs. Second in the early stages, Indian Blessing took charge approaching the head of the stretch and steadily increased her margin. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Heavily favored Commentator wins MassCap Sep 21, 2008
"Commentator will carry that torch,'' said Zito, who came to Suffolk Downs in part because of the track's zero-tolerance policy toward horse slaughter. "I hope Suffolk Downs will be a leader and the other racetracks will follow suit ... The biggest race in New England, the MassCap was shuttered for two years in 2005-06 because of financial difficulties before Brass Hat won last year before a crowd of 19,191 - the largest at Suffolk Downs since Cigar's return in '96. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Sports news briefs (Today) Sep 21, 2008
Heavily favored Commentator won the 66th Massachusetts Handicap by 14 lengths, beating an overmatched field over 11/8 miles at Suffolk Downs in Boston. Won Awesome Dude placed and Cuba came in third to share the $500,000 purse. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Caps off to Commentator Sep 21, 2008
Throughout most of the spring and summer, the management at Suffolk Downs tried to put together a race of horses past and present, making overtures to Curlin, last year's 3-year-old champion, and Big Brown, the reigning 3-year-old, for the 66th Massachusetts Handicap. Nothing came of the idea, which forced the folks at Suffolk to come up with an alternative plan, based not on a classic horse race but a classic horse. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Indian Blessing showing a mature attitude Sep 20, 2008
With Velazquez committed to ride Commentator in Saturday's $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs, Corey Nakatani will ride Indian Blessing and will have to work out a trip from the rail. Four fillies were entered against Indian Blessing, though trainer Bobby Frankel said he's not 100 percent committed to running Sugar Swirl, who could run in the Thoroughbred Club of America at Keeneland on Oct. 4. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Commentator towers over foes in Mass Cap Sep 20, 2008
Zito will get to display one of those 7-year-olds in front of a new audience Saturday when he saddles the brilliantly quick New York-bred gelding Commentator in the $500,0000 Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs. Commentator is the only graded stakes winner among the seven horses entered in the Mass Cap, whose winner earns an automatic berth into next month's $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita as part of the Win and You're In series. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Gallant Bloom Handicap Sep 19, 2008
In case you're wondering where John Velazquez, regular rider of both INDIAN BLESSING and ZADA BELLE, will be on Saturday, he's piloting likely 1-to-9 shot Commentator in the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs. On reputation, ZADA BELLE pilot Eibar Coa is the most aggressive early hustler of this group, while Nakatani, Castellano and Dominguez have earned monikers as fierce finishers. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Surgery the right diagnosis Sep 19, 2008
His recovery went so well that the 5-year-old will be back at Suffolk Downs tomorrow for another shot. "We found and diagnosed a type of a breathing problem he had, an entrapped epiglottis, which usually you don't see occur in horses of his age," said trainer John Ward. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Zito praises Boston track for horse slaughter ban Sep 18, 2008
ESPN - Suffolk Downs takes lead in racing world with no-slaughter policy - Horse Racing ... Suffolk Downs takes lead in racing world with no-slaughter policy - Horse Racing ... Suffolk Downs takes lead in racing world with no-slaughter policy. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Horse track takes lead with no-slaughter policy Sep 18, 2008
BOSTON - When Suffolk Downs decided to ban from its backstretch those who sell their horses for slaughter, the goal was to save a few animals or a few dozen that might otherwise wind up as food ... The Hall of Fame trainer said he is bringing speedy 7-year-old Commentator to Suffolk Downs for Saturday's Massachusetts Handicap in part because of the track's out-in-front stance against slaughtering horses ... Driven in large part by Suffolk Downs investor Richard Fields, the track took the lead on... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Commentator talk of Suffolk Sep 18, 2008
When the 66th Massachusetts Handicap goes off late Saturday afternoon at Suffolk Downs, all eyes will be on one of the top horses in the country - Commentator - the 3-5 morning-line favorite in the seven-horse field, who will contend from the No. 2 post. Commentator, a 7-year-old gelding, is coming off a convincing gate-to-wire victory in the Whitney Handicap (in which he repeated as champion) at Saratoga July 26. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Trainer rides to horses' rescue at Suffolk Sep 17, 2008
Thanks to Lorita Lindemann, Suffolk Downs has become the first thoroughbred track in the nation to implement a rule banning for life any trainer who sells a horse for slaughter ... The Angel of Suffolk Downs is a gentle soul, always smiling, except when asked about the Killer ... Trainer Lorita Lindemann scowls when she describes the past practice of Suffolk Downs horses being loaded on trailers for the long journey to the slaughterhouse. (Boston Globe)
Big Brown holds off Proudinsky in Monmouth Sep 14, 2008
Heavy weight assignmentCommentator, a two-time winner of the Grade I Whitney Handicap at Saratoga, was assigned high weight of 122 pounds for Saturday's Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs. Trainer Nick Zito has indicated he will enter Commentator, winner of the Grade II Richter Scale Handicap at Gulfstream, in the MassCap. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Pioneer coach Haskins dies at 78 Sep 8, 2008
Commentator, a two-time winner of the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga, and Student Council, winner of two Grade I races, are among 13 graded-stakes winners on the list of 33 nominees for the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap Sept. 20 at Suffolk Downs. Rashad Evans knocked out Chuck Liddell in the second round of a light heavyweight Ulitmate Fighting Championship bout in Atlanta Saturday night. (Boston Globe)
Graeme Six a worthy favorite for Endine Sep 5, 2008
If all goes well, Jones may take Solar Flare to Suffolk Downs for the Massachusetts Handicap on Sept. 20. Solar Flare's 10 opponents include Mister Triester, coming off a career-best 106 Beyer in his lone start locally, and two horses whose chances would improve if the track turns up wet, Coyoteshighestcall and Termsof-engagement. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Harvard cleared of possible violations Sep 4, 2008
Tickets are on sale for the 66th Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs Sept. 20. To order, call 617-568-3313. (Boston Globe)
Off to the races again Sep 4, 2008
In addition to betting on races in Stockton, people at the track can bet on simulcast races from places like Del Mar and Suffolk Downs, Slater said. Those races are shown on a large-screen TV on the track between the Stockton races. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Classic in mix for Curlin Sep 2, 2008
Sept. 20 at Suffolk Downs and Louisiana Downs: Massachusetts Handicap (Classic) Tiznow Stakes (Dirt Mile). Sept. 24 at Oak Tree: Morvich Handicap (Turf Sprint). (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
2010 Breeders' Cup to Churchill Downs? Sep 2, 2008
ESPN - 2010 Breeders' Cup to Churchill Downs. Try the NEW ESPN Search. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Dodgers' Kent needs surgery on knee Sep 1, 2008
Suffolk Downs has altered its live racing schedule for the remainder of the meet, which runs through Nov. 8. Live racing will be conducted Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with first post time at 12:45 p.m.. (Boston Globe)
Dearest Trickski captures Rancho Bernardo Aug 25, 2008
Try the NEW ESPN Search. By Steve AndersenDaily Racing Form (). (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Murray steps up for Providence Bruins Aug 22, 2008
Big Brown is heading back to the grass in preparation for the Breeders' Cup Classic, which means he won't head to Suffolk Downs for the Massachusetts Handicap Sept. 20. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner will run in the Monmouth Stakes in Oceanport, N.J., Sept. 13, his first start on grass since breaking his maiden at Saratoga last year. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Statehouse Roundup -- Governor steers toward flagmen Aug 21, 2008
23 miles, the distance Mapquest puts between Suffolk Downs and Wonderland Park. They just got a lot closer. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Speaker heading to Denver ... to vote for Hillary Aug 20, 2008
The North End Democrat said he was unfamiliar with the deal between Wonderland Park in Revere and Suffolk Downs in East Boston, and called any joint venture there up to them. DiMasi s former counterpart Robert Travaglini, who stepped down as Senate president, joined DiMasi and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino at the press conference, dressed casually and standing to the side against the wall. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Tale of Ekati ready this time, Tagg says Aug 17, 2008
He is being pointed to the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs on Sept. 20. More Horse Racing Headlines. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Dog race fans ponder next stop for Wonderland Aug 16, 2008
Those fears were heightened Wednesday, when the owners of Wonderland and nearby Suffolk Downs announced they have formed a partnership aimed at attracting a casino, raising questions about the future of the dog track ... But a second go-around will probably have more support, according to some analysts, especially now that Suffolk Downs and Wonderland owners have come to an agreement after two years of contentious negotiations ... If a casino is built at Suffolk Downs, Wonderland could be... (Boston Globe)
A closer look at casinos Aug 15, 2008
This week, for example, Suffolk Downs and Wonderland Greyhound Park formed a partnership that will be looking to build a resort-style casino in Boston. Such an urban casino could serve the city's convention trade. (Boston Globe)
Cool Coal Man heading to Saratoga for Travers Aug 15, 2008
Jones said the horse has recently resumed training and if all goes well he could run next in the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs on Sept. 20. Prior to the Whitney, Solar Flare finished second to Frost Giant in the Grade 1 Suburban at Belmont Park. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Merging of tracks may advance casino Aug 14, 2008
Suffolk Downs and Wonderland Greyhound Park race tracks finalized a deal yesterday to form a partnership that will reshape the state's racing industry and could have a dramatic impact on the debate over legalizing casino gambling in Massachusetts ... "We have been working on this kind of agreement for a while, but the time has been well spent, because we now have gotten it right," Richard Fields, principal owner of Suffolk Downs, said in a statement ... Under any scenario, Suffolk Downs would... (Boston Globe)
Big Brown owner thumbs down on Curlin showdown Aug 14, 2008
He said Big Brown's next race could come at Belmont Park at the fall meet, the Mass Cap at Suffolk Downs on Sept. 20 or a race in California. "We have laid out a schedule since May and, at no time has the Woodward ever been part of it," Iavarone said. (Albany Times Union)
No one injured as horse hops fence at Suffolk Aug 11, 2008
A horse jumped the fence during the fourth race at Suffolk Downs yesterday, but no one in attendance was injured. Beat The Heat, a 3-year-old who was a 5-2 favorite in the race, appeared to suffer an injury as he approached the stretch. (Boston Globe)
Race tracks could form partnership Aug 9, 2008
Suffolk Downs and Wonderland in talks ... Suffolk Downs and Wonderland Greyhound Park race track could become partners within days in a deal that has been hammered out under intense negotiations over the past month, according to several people briefed on the negotiations ... Any partnership would probably continue to involve horseracing at Suffolk Downs. (Boston Globe)
B Street Band Aug 8, 2008
But since the show is at Suffolk Downs, there may be the smell of manure ... Suffolk Downs, Route 1A North, East Boston. (Boston Globe)
Suffolk schedule looks promising Aug 4, 2008
That would be the $1 million Massachusetts Handicap Sept. 20 at Suffolk Downs, and discussions are underway between Iavarone and Suffolk officials about bringing Big Brown to East Boston. "We've already talked and they are class guys," said Iavarone, who said he would probably make a decision in the next few weeks. (Boston Globe)
Jersey shore-up? Aug 3, 2008
No one knows for sure, which has changed the atmosphere around a horse that is still scheduled to run in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Oct. 25, with a possible final tuneup in the Massachusetts Handicap Sept. 20 at Suffolk Downs ... "We always welcome the opportunity to get quality horses," said Chip Tuttle, chief operating officer of Suffolk Downs, when asked about the possibility of Big Brown coming to the track. (Boston Globe)
Zito, Frankel leery of a synthetic Cup Jul 29, 2008
Zito said he is seriously considering the Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs on Sept. 20 for Commentator's next start, as a possible stepping-stone to the Breeders' Cup ... "I can't get a two-turn race at a mile and one-eighth for him at Belmont. And I also like what the owners of Suffolk Downs are doing regarding their no-tolerance policy regarding horse slaughter. They are humanitarians and I agree wholeheartedly with the stance they've taken when it comes to rescuing horses. That's a big... (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Zito eyes Mass Cap for Commentator Jul 28, 2008
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Trainer Nick Zito said the Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs could be the next stop for Commentator, the amazing 7-year-old gelding who dominated Saturday's Grade 1 Whitney Handicap at Saratoga ... Zito also cited the recent announcement by Suffolk Downs owner Richard Fields of taking a zero tolerance stand against horse slaughter commerce at his racetrack as another reason he'd like to send Commentator to Boston for the Mass Cap ... "The owners of Suffolk Downs... (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Saratoga Backstretch Notes for July 27, 2008 Jul 28, 2008
Among the races Zito is considering for Commentator is the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap for older horses running nine furlongs at Suffolk Downs on September 20. . (FOX23 News, NY)
Taylor brings his moves to Washington Jul 21, 2008
Suffolk Downs cancelled its live racing after the sixth race because of heavy rain. Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
Lobbyist salaries pile higher, total $38.5 million for first half of 2008 Jul 18, 2008
Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, which owns Suffolk Downs in East Boston, spent $254,476 on lobbying, much of it aimed at angling for one of the casino licenses Gov. Deval Patrick was pushing with his since-quieted proposal. The track hired 12 lobbyists from eight different firms, according to filings with Galvin s office. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Lobbyists prosper in down economy Jul 17, 2008
That money was spent mostly by gambling interests like Suffolk Downs, which paid more than $254,000 in lobbying fees and another $103,000 in expenses to eight lobbyists in the first half of the year, while arguing for a casino in East Boston ... Suffolk Downs followed at third. (Boston Globe)
Islanders part ways with coach Nolan Jul 15, 2008
De Roode, a six-time winner at Suffolk Downs last year, was honored by the New England Turf Writers Association as the Moseley Horse of the Year. Despite Jan-Michael Gambill winning his singles and doubles matches, the Boston Lobsters lost, 22-17, to the host Kansas City Explorers in World TeamTennis action. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Lecavalier gets an 11-year extension Jul 14, 2008
Bobby Sands, a 3-year-old colt trained by Hall of Famer Nick Zito, ran off with a convincing 7-length victory in the featured race at Suffolk Downs. Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
Proud Spell entered for Delaware Oaks Jul 8, 2008
Her chief challengers figure to be the Florida-based Shes All Eltish and Suffolk Downs shipper Weathered. Shes All Eltish, trained by Marty Wolfson, won the Grade 2 Bonnie Miss at Gulfstream Park in late March and most recently finished second in the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Joseph Fatalo, executive at Suffolk Downs; at 66 Jun 18, 2008
Joseph Fatalo, vice president of operations at Suffolk Downs, died Sunday of melanoma at his home in Manchester-by-the-Sea ... His family and colleagues at Suffolk Downs said Mr. Fatalo worked tirelessly on behalf of the hundreds of union members ... "He was a great mentor and a great teacher; he will be sorely missed," said James Alcott, director of pari-mutuel operations at Suffolk Downs and friend of Mr. Fatalo's for the past 17 years. (Boston Globe)
Three Tar Heels withdraw from draft Jun 17, 2008
Joe Fatalo, vice president of operations at Suffolk Downs and a longtime track employee, died Sunday of melanoma at his home in Manchester-by-the-Sea. He was 66. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Curlin triumphant at Churchill Downs Jun 15, 2008
Handy, Hannon honored by turf writers The New England Turf Writers Association's Hall of Fame class of 2008 includes Timely Writer, a four-time Grade I winner and two-time stakes winner at Suffolk Downs; trainer George Handy, who began his career in 1946 and is still active; and Jim Hannon, who has been the voice of New England racing for the majority of his nearly 40 years as an announcer. Coldheartedrevenge, who went off at 15-1, won the $50,000 New Hampshire Sweepstakes at Rockingham Park... (Boston Globe)
Obeah rivals no match for Unbridled Belle Jun 15, 2008
It was the sixth win in eight starts for Weathered, who is based at Suffolk Downs with trainer Karl Grusmark. More Horse Racing Headlines. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Curlin heavy favorite in $1 million Stephen Foster Jun 14, 2008
Suffolk Downs offered a $5 million purse in the Massachusetts Handicap if Big Brown won the Triple Crown and both horses entered the MassCap, with $1 million guaranteed to each just for showing up. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Oniontown notes Jun 14, 2008
Nicole Kamens of Danvers, Patriots Running Back Kevin Faulk, Nicole Harrison of Danvers participate in the Hot Dog Safari (Cystic Fibrosis Benefit) at Suffolk Downs on Sunday, May 31. Oniontown notes. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Obeah: Unbridled Belle's quest looks familiar Jun 13, 2008
Awesome Chic, based at Suffolk Downs with trainer Rafael Ramos, responded with a career-best 92 Beyer Speed Figure when stretched out to two turns for the first time in the Grade 3 Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs. She failed to fire over a sloppy track in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. (ESPN -- Horse Racing)
Ask the pilot Jun 13, 2008
Fifteen minutes after we first smelled smoke, we see the approach lights to 22L, just beyond Beachmont and the oval track of Suffolk Downs. We do some checklists again. (Salon)
Casino Drive has leg problem Jun 7, 2008
Dutrow shot down any thoughts of his horse showing up at Suffolk Downs for the Massachusetts Handicap Sept 20. Suffolk principal owner Richard Fields is hoping to lure Big Brown and last year's Horse of the Year, Curlin, with a $5 million purse. (Boston Globe)
Big Brown vs. Curlin race could net $5 million Jun 6, 2008
(AP) -- Suffolk Downs is offering a $5 million purse for the Massachusetts Handicap if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown and both he and Curlin go undefeated and start in the race against each other ... The extra money would be funded by a company controlled by Richard T. Fields, the largest shareholder of Suffolk Downs ... "If they are to square off, we feel that a $5 million purse is a great incentive and what better place than at Suffolk Downs in the city of Boston, the sports capital of the... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Suffolk attempts to lure Big Brown and Curlin to MassCap Jun 6, 2008
Principal owner Richard Fields announced yesterday that Suffolk Downs will raise the purse for this year's Massachusetts Handicap to $5 million if Big Brown and 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Curlin remain unbeaten this summer and start in the race ... "If they are to square off, we feel the $5 million purse is a great incentive and what better place than at Suffolk Downs in the city of Boston, the sports capital of the world.". (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Dutrow colorful, controversial trainer Jun 5, 2008
The race that stamped him as a major player came in Boston, when he shipped Offlee Wild to Suffolk Downs to win the 2004 Massachusetts Handicap. He has since won the New York training title three times, trained a Horse of the Year, and scored in three Breeders' Cup races. (Boston Globe)
Dressed for a winning role Jun 2, 2008
Now in its 19th year, Eddie Andelman's Hot Dog Safari drew thousands of people to Suffolk Downs yesterday for the annual event, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Joey Fund. Over 100,000 dogs were served, and guests included Boston Culinary CEO Joe O'Donnell, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Mayor Tom Menino, state auditor Joe DeNucci, Sports Illustrated scribe Frank Deford, competitive eater Crazy Legs Conti, and the event's grand marshal, Pats running back Kevin Faulk. (Boston Globe)
Suffolk Downs owner, Trump resolve dispute May 30, 2008
Fields, who is majority owner of Suffolk Downs racetrack in East Boston, later did the deal with a different partner, prompting Trump to sue. That lawsuit went away yesterday as part of a deal in which Fields's company, Coastal Marina LLC, agreed to buy Trump Marina Hotel Casino for $316 million. (Boston Globe)
Safari something to sink teeth into May 30, 2008
He has been a fixture on the Boston sports talk radio scene for more than three decades and on Sunday Eddie Andelman will be front and center as host of the 19th Hot Dog Safari at Suffolk Downs to benefit The Joey Fund and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The event, which runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will be broadcast on 1510 The Zone beginning at 8 a.m.. (Boston Globe)
Lack of candor hobbles DiMasi May 30, 2008
In February, Joe O'Donnell, a co-owner at casino-coveting Suffolk Downs, told the Globe that when he and DiMasi golfed, he tried to bring the speaker around on casinos. So there's reason to doubt that DiMasi keeps things as compartmentalized as he claims. (Boston Globe)
Trump Marina to become 'Margaritaville' May 30, 2008
Coastal Marina is the largest shareholder in the Suffolk Downs racetrack in Boston, according to company spokesman Charlie Leonard. He said Coastal Marina will own all of the Atlantic City project, but will engage in a business venture there with Margaritaville Holdings LLC, owned by musician Jimmy Buffett, which includes a string of restaurants and retail shops. (MSNBC -- Business)
Suffolk Downs honors the life of Cpl. Scott Procopio May 28, 2008
Greg Procopio, Sean Maltais of Suffolk Downs, and Mike Procopio stand in a winner's circle presentation in memory of Cpl Scott J. Procopio ... In observance of Memorial Day, Suffolk Downs honored the life of Corporal Scott J. Procopio on Saturday, May 24 as part of its Community Winner s Circle program ... Sean Maltais, simulcasting coordinator at Suffolk Downs and a Town Meeting member in Saugus, made the presentation to the Procopio family in the Suffolk Downs winner s circle. (Saugus Advertiser, MA)
Dodgers lose Jones, but add Kershaw May 25, 2008
Maryland invader Place Your Bet is the 3-1 favorite for tomorrow's $50,000 Rudy Baez Stakes at Suffolk Downs. First post time is 12:45. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Support lacking for casino question May 23, 2008
Suffolk Downs, which wants to build a casino on its East Boston site, is withholding its support. Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, the two large Connecticut casinos, are also noncommittal. (Boston Globe)
Nadal, Federer advance in Hamburg May 18, 2008
Miscellany Panell rides five winners at Suffolk Jockey Dyn Panell and trainer John Rigattieri teamed up to win five races on the nine-race card at Suffolk Downs. The five-win day was the third of Panell's career and the first at Suffolk Downs since Winston Thompson did it Nov. 11, 2006. (Boston Globe)
