BIG A CANCELS TODAY’S CARD
Big A won’t race today; card was canceled yesterday because of winter storm watch.
From fast to not-so-fast: If you bet on even-money favorite Summer Doldrums in last Saturday’s Gotham (he finished third) based on superior Beyer Speed Figure of 106 in Racing Form he earned for his win in Whirlaway Stakes, you got jobbed; that number has now been revised downward from 106 to 94.
Final nominees for 2007 Racing Hall-of-Fame ballot were announced yesterday. Jockeys: Randy Romero, Jose Santos, Alex Solis. Male horses: Best Pal, Manila, Silver Charm. Females: Inside Information, Mom’s Command, Silverbulletday, Sky Beauty. Trainers: Gary Jones, John Veitch, Robert Wheeler.
To be eligible, trainer must have been active for 25 years. Bob Baffert, who switched full-time from quarter horses to thoroughbreds in 1991, was nevertheless listed among eligible candidates sent to nominating committee. Baffert, however, who is sure thing to be elected first time he appears on ballot, fell far short of eight committee votes needed to be nominee.
From slow to slower: With stiff wind blowing against horses down backside, six-furlong splits of yesterday’s five two-turn races were 1:16.3, 1:16.2, 1:14.3, 1:16.4, 1:14.2. Fact that horses were slow to begin with was contributing factor.
SEVENTH RACE: Heads-up ride by C.C. Lopez aboard 6-5 favorite Big Jerome. After dueling down backside along rail with 2-1 Specchio, Eddie Martin Jr. up, lapped outside, Big Jerome dropped back around turn as 7-1 Dodgem, in-hand under Eibar Coa, cruised up outside to engage Specchio for lead. Top of stretch, Dodgem took command, but Big Jerome, after swinging off fence for clear run outside, came on again to blow by Dodgem deep stretch.
NINTH RACE: There have been plenty of very bad fields racing this winter at Big A, and this one, for NY-bred fillies in for 15G maiden claiming tag, was one of worst. Lady of Kelanen, dropping to basement after running fourth as 6-5 favorite for 25G, was 1-2 favorite in program and on tote board, chased early pace, took over in stretch, completed six furlongs in 1:16.2. Third winner on card for Ramon Dominguez, moving him within five of Eibar Coa (88-85) for riding title.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers: 7-6-9-1-1-3
2 winners each paid $14,399
105 cons. (5 of 6) winners paid $91
No carryover


