Loading ...May 15 2020
Santa Anita, Churchill, others Reopen this Weekend with Large Fields and Stakes Racing.
.
Friday, May 15, 2020. Major tracks around the US are open for business this weekend, including the reopening of Santa Anita and the delayed opening of Churchill Downs. Other popular tracks such as Golden Gate and Charles Town also are finally open. Large fields abound at these and other open tracks.
.
Oaklawn, Gulfstream, and Tampa Bay Downs have carried the bulk of the load for the past two months, but with the scheduled end of the Oaklawn meet on May 2, a big void was left by a big track for southeast based horses, because the Fairgrounds is still closed along with most eastern courses.
.
In California, no tracks have been open for thoroughbred racing since Santa Anita closed in March. But they’re open today and have over 100 horses scheduled for 10 races, a significant increase in their normal field sizes the past year. Tomorrow has a similar schedule with the addition of 2 stakes races.
.
Churchill Downs will go even bigger, reclaiming many horses from the Oaklawn meet. Their opening day Saturday has over 160 runners entered in 11 races before scratches. In fact, all but 2 of the race fields are maxed out and have alternate entries. Get Saturday’s free Churchill Downs Grid here to get in on the action.
.
The shortest field of the day is also one that will have the most eyes watching. Race 4 is an optional claimer featuring the first race since 2018 for Monomoy Girl, who was one of the most impressive 3yo fillies of all time. In 2018 she won 6 Grade 1 races including the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup Distaff, her last race. 6 brave fillies and mares will take their chances against her.
.
.
The Weekend Winners Club produces Grid PP’s for every Churchill and Santa Anita race day, as well as Gulfstream and Tampa Bay, and every other major circuit track. This is a great time to get in on the action, as all tracks mentioned in this article are open for wagering and watching online. Big fields and betting handles for almost every race!
