Thanksgiving weekend traditionally has meant lots of stakes races from tracks around the country to watch and wager, and this year is no exception plus, you can bet the 2017 Kentucky months in advance! And to top it off, the new Off Track Betting (OTB) Center in Richmond is now open and accepts wagers every day including the Thanksgiving holiday itself.
Here’s your lineup to an exciting week:
Wednesday Nov. 23 – Zia Park has 6 stakes races on their afternoon program including the $300,000 Oaks, $200,000 Derby and $150,000 Championship Stakes. Penn National has a trio of stakes including the $200,000 Fabulous Strike Stakes, $100,000 Blue Mountain Stakes & $100,000 Swatara Stakes. A pair of Virginia-breds will be competing in these stakes — Code West, bred by Edward Evans, is in the $150,000 Zia Park Championship while Sir Rockport, bred by Legacy Farm & Larry Johnson, is in Penn National’s $200,000 Fabulous Strike.
Bred by Albert Coppola, One Go All Go returns to the winners circle at Laurel September 19th after winning the 2015 Grade II, Commonwealth Derby. Jockey Ron Higsby directed the effort. Photo by Jim McCue.
Thursday Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day – The Richmond OTB will open at 11 AM for pre-turkey festivities with 6 tracks on the wagering menu including Aqueduct, Churchill, Laurel, Fair Grounds, Del Mar & Golden Gate. Graded stakes include the $200,000 Fall Highweight Handicap at Aqueduct, the $200,000 Falls City Handicap and $100,000 River City Handicap at Churchill, and the $100,000 Red Carpet Stakes at Del Mar. Commonwealth Derby winner One Go All Go (shown here), bred by Albert Coppola, is in Churchill’s River City Handicap.
Friday Nov. 25 – Ready to escape the family? Churchill hosts the $500,000 Clark Handicap (Gr. I) and $200,000 Mrs. Revere Stakes (Gr. 2) while Del Mar chips in with the $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (Gr. 2).
Saturday Nov. 26 – Not interested in a Virginia Tech vs. UVA football game? There are 9 graded stakes including a four- pack at Aqueduct highlighted by the $500,000 Cigar Handicap (Gr. I). Their stellar under card includes the $250,000 Comely, $300,000 Demoiselle and $300,000 Remsen Stakes. Churchill complements action with the $200,000 Golden Rod Stakes and $200,000 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. Del Mar hosts the $200,000 Seabiscuit Stakes while Gulfstream has a pair of $100,000 stakes — the My Charmer and Tropical Turf Handicap.
A giant video wall at Breakers displays signals from 10 different tracks around the country in the afternoon and another 10 in the evening.
Sunday Nov. 27 – Since the Redskins played Thanksgiving Day, ponies win out over pigskin to cap off the weekend. Del Mar presents a pair of Grade 3 events — the Cecil B. DeMille Stakes and Native Diver Handicap.
Pool #1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager is available to bet Thursday November 24th – 27th. Take a shot this weekend and who knows, your early prognostication could pay handsomely come the first Saturday in May. And note that Laurel Park has added a race day on Monday, November 28th at 12:35 PM.
Bet all the holiday week action at the new OTB at Breakers Sports Grille in Richmond at 9127 W. Broad Street in the TJ Maxx Plaza, or on line via TVG.com, XPressBet.com or TwinSpires.com. Have a safe and great Thanksgiving holiday!