Opening weekend at Hollywood Park

Can anyone tell me why Hollywood Park would open on Wednesday to some momentum and then be dark on Thursday? It's okay to go to a four day week and that is probably the best thing to do with racing having short fields so wouldn't a Thursday through Sunday schedule be better? Also, why does track management at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar run nine and ten races on the weekends and then subject themselves to having problems during the week filling the card? Food for thought.

Nice looking win on Saturday by Alphie's Bet when winning the $200,000 Snow Chief. While perhaps a cut below the best around these parts, the 3-year-old colt certainly can make some noise with the way he looked on Saturday. Trained by Alexis Barba and ridden by Mike Smith, the son of Tribal Rule proved a prompt pick at 3-5 while drawing away from his rivals to return $3.40 for the win. Connections say they may be pointing towards a run at the Belmont Stakes next.

Sorry to hear about Eskendereya, the favorite for Saturday's 136th Kentucky Derby, was withdrawn from the race Sunday morning because of swelling in his left front leg, trainer Todd Pletcher said.This is a perfect reason for fans to not get caught up in the hype and hoopla leading up to the Derby. get excited when they enter the gate, not weeks or months before. It may not be as fun, but it certainly keeps one from disappointment and letdowns.

Compari was scratched from Sunday's Grade III $100,000 Inglewood Handicap after "heat" was found in his front foot on Sunday morning. The gelded son of Redattore had galloped on Saturday.

Jess Jackson, the majority owner of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, confirmed to Churchill Downs officials that Rachel Alexandra would run on Friday in the Grade 2, $400,000 La Troienne Stakes, part of the Kentucky Oaks undercard.

By the way, congratulations to the connections of Gallant Son who took the diluted Grade III $100,000 Inglewood Handicap under Mike Smith who gave the son of Malabar Road a nice ride for trainer Frank Lucarelli. The winner paid $8.20 to his backers.

There will be a Super High 5 carryover of $39,841.40 into Wednesday's card, courtesy of Carbon High who took the 9th race at $62.40.

Sign up for winning thoroughbred information now at http://www.horseracing-selections.com and start cashing tickets now!