For as long as I have been a blogger representing Chicago, I have been adamant about the value and quality of racing that Chicago has to offer. Well, apparently I haven't been the only person thinking this very thing. And sure, I may be biased a bit, but I am sincere when I ask that you give some recognition to Illinois-bred horses, Chicago-based horses, and the quality of racing at Chicago's race tracks!
So anyway, Marcus Hersh of DRF posted a Fair Grounds news article recently where he gave some props to Chicago racing. An excerpt from his article states:
“A lot of people deride the quality of racing in Chicago these days, and Illinois regulars tend to paint doomsday scenarios concerning the sport's future in the state. But Chicago must be doing something right, because horsemen who spent the summer and fall there before shipping into Fair Grounds are doing especially well this season."
In his article, Hersh mentions a couple of Chicago-based trainers that may be surging past what others thought might have happened. These trainers include:
Hersh also states, "I don't see any reason this trend won't hold, so, for the time being, give those Chicagoan's a little upgrade when evaluating form.”
Well he couldn’t have been more accurate about Chicago racing. To his point, perhaps outsiders either aren’t impressed or aren’t familiar with what Chicago racing has to offer. However those of us on the “inside” are very aware of what we have here.
As I was watching the races and replays from the opening day at Oaklawn, I couldn’t believe what I saw (or maybe I could actually.) Horses from Chicago took home three victories today! The winners included:
Wow!
Chicago-based horses have also been doing very well at Gulfstream for trainer Wayne Catalano as well. In fact just today both Illinois-bred Cumulonimble and Chicago-based Doilookfatnthese both scored victories. Also Mr. Catalano has absolutely been on fire to start off 2012.
Folks, I think what you will find is that you could really enjoy the quality of racing by Illinois-bred horses and horses that are based in Illinois. These horses are providing enormous value both in and out of the area. So give it a look! Try Hawthorne this spring and Arlington this summer. You may be surprised at what you find!