Sunday, August 22, 2004
PRESS RELEASE%3A Reno Casino - Football Handicapping ContestReno Casino - Football Handicapping Contest
The Peppermill Hotel Casino presents Reno’s best value football contest with more prize money and more cash prizes!
Reno, NV (PRWEB) August 16, 2004 -- The Contest player needs to come to the Peppermill every week during the Pro football season, so this contest is primarily for Reno locals.
By picking the straight-up winners of all regular-season Sunday and Monday pro football games, players can win a share of $141,000 in total prizes.
Peppermill’s contest has 34% more weekly prize money, and all prize money is guaranteed:
WEEKLY PRIZES TOTAL . . . . $7,500
Best Week, All Contestants. . . .$3,000
Best Week, Ladies. . . . $1,000
Best Week, Men 50+. . . . $1,000
Best Week, Men under 50. . . . $1,000
Fewest Winners. . . . $500
“Just Missed” Drawings. . . . $1,000
*Ten $100 consolation prizes will be awarded weekly
SEASONAL GRAND PRIZES TOTAL . . . .$13,500
1st Place. . . . $10,000**
2nd Place. . . . $2,500
3rd Place. . . . $1,000
** $25,000 BONUS if 1st Place finishes above 200 wins
At the Peppermill, players have better chances of winning and there are more weekly cash prizes than any other Reno contest.
The entry fee is $25 or $100 for five entries. Entries are limited to ten per person per property.
Sign up now at the Peppermill’s Sports Book for Reno’s best value football contest!
The Peppermill Reno Hotel Casino was chosen as one of the "Top 10 Casino Hotels in America" http://www.peppermillreno.com/home/msntop.html by the editors of MSN with CitySearch.
Casino Player Magazine's editors selected "Gaming's Top 20 Resorts" http://www.peppermillreno.com/home/top20resorts.html using some very strict criteria.
Enter a dazzling world of luxury and elegance. Dine in ancient Rome, an enchanted rain forest or other award-winning restaurants http://www.peppermillreno.com/restaurants/restaurants.html . Stay in a stunning tower room http://www.peppermillreno.com/roomssuites/rooms.html or pamper yourself in a suite http://www.peppermillreno.com/roomssuites/guestsuites.html .
You'll see why the Peppermill is one of a kind among Reno hotels and casinos. Play in our sizzling 24-hour casino http://www.peppermillreno.com/gaming/gaming.html featuring free nightly entertainment http://www.peppermillreno.com/entertainment/enter.html and spectacular events http://www.peppermillreno.com/events/events.html .
The Peppermill Hotel Casino presents Reno’s best value football contest with more prize money and more cash prizes!
Reno, NV (PRWEB) August 16, 2004 -- The Contest player needs to come to the Peppermill every week during the Pro football season, so this contest is primarily for Reno locals.
By picking the straight-up winners of all regular-season Sunday and Monday pro football games, players can win a share of $141,000 in total prizes.
Peppermill’s contest has 34% more weekly prize money, and all prize money is guaranteed:
WEEKLY PRIZES TOTAL . . . . $7,500
Best Week, All Contestants. . . .$3,000
Best Week, Ladies. . . . $1,000
Best Week, Men 50+. . . . $1,000
Best Week, Men under 50. . . . $1,000
Fewest Winners. . . . $500
“Just Missed” Drawings. . . . $1,000
*Ten $100 consolation prizes will be awarded weekly
SEASONAL GRAND PRIZES TOTAL . . . .$13,500
1st Place. . . . $10,000**
2nd Place. . . . $2,500
3rd Place. . . . $1,000
** $25,000 BONUS if 1st Place finishes above 200 wins
At the Peppermill, players have better chances of winning and there are more weekly cash prizes than any other Reno contest.
The entry fee is $25 or $100 for five entries. Entries are limited to ten per person per property.
Sign up now at the Peppermill’s Sports Book for Reno’s best value football contest!
The Peppermill Reno Hotel Casino was chosen as one of the "Top 10 Casino Hotels in America" http://www.peppermillreno.com/home/msntop.html by the editors of MSN with CitySearch.
Casino Player Magazine's editors selected "Gaming's Top 20 Resorts" http://www.peppermillreno.com/home/top20resorts.html using some very strict criteria.
Enter a dazzling world of luxury and elegance. Dine in ancient Rome, an enchanted rain forest or other award-winning restaurants http://www.peppermillreno.com/restaurants/restaurants.html . Stay in a stunning tower room http://www.peppermillreno.com/roomssuites/rooms.html or pamper yourself in a suite http://www.peppermillreno.com/roomssuites/guestsuites.html .
You'll see why the Peppermill is one of a kind among Reno hotels and casinos. Play in our sizzling 24-hour casino http://www.peppermillreno.com/gaming/gaming.html featuring free nightly entertainment http://www.peppermillreno.com/entertainment/enter.html and spectacular events http://www.peppermillreno.com/events/events.html .
Thoroughbred Times%3A Today%27s NewsESPN to televise national handicapping contest
With an increased purse of an estimated $400,000, including a winner’s share of $200,000, the National Handicapping Championship on January 21-22 at Bally’s in Las Vegas will be televised on ESPN during a one-hour telecast on February 2005.
Last year’s event carried a $240,000 purse, but with the increased monies this coming year, first place alone will be worth $200,000—twice as much as last year. Prizes will be paid to at least the top ten finishers plus team winners and individual session winners.
The annual contest, now in its sixth year, attracts thousands of participants from around the country that qualify for the about 200 spots in the national tournament
With an increased purse of an estimated $400,000, including a winner’s share of $200,000, the National Handicapping Championship on January 21-22 at Bally’s in Las Vegas will be televised on ESPN during a one-hour telecast on February 2005.
Last year’s event carried a $240,000 purse, but with the increased monies this coming year, first place alone will be worth $200,000—twice as much as last year. Prizes will be paid to at least the top ten finishers plus team winners and individual session winners.
The annual contest, now in its sixth year, attracts thousands of participants from around the country that qualify for the about 200 spots in the national tournament
Horse Racing and Breeding Information from The Blood-HorseHandicapping Championship: More Money, TV
by Blood-Horse Staff
Date Posted: 8/19/2004 7:27:10 AM
Last Updated: 8/19/2004 7:27:10 AM
Edited NTRA release
The 2005 Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship will return to Bally's Las Vegas with more prize money and a follow-up television special on ESPN.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association said the contest, now in its sixth year overall, is slated for Jan. 21-22. Bally's will host it for the third straight year.
Total prizes at the event will be an estimated $400,000, with the top prize to the winner set at $200,000--up from $240,000 and $100,000, respectively, a year ago.
Additionally, a one-hour special on the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship will air in February 2005 on ESPN.
The DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship features a series of handicapping tournaments for horseracing fans in local markets. The participants from each local market who qualify for the National Handicapping Championship form the team representing their racetrack or off-track betting parlor in Las Vegas.
Forty-nine NTRA member organizations will send about 200 competitors to championship. A continuously updated list of locations for the tournaments appears on the NTRA Web site, ntra.com, and on the Daily Racing Form Web site, drf.com. The list of participating sites is also published weekly in Daily Racing Form.
Among the participants will be the defending champion, Kent Meyer, a 38-year-old landlord from Sioux City, Iowa. Meyer won the top prize of $100,000 last year and special recognition as "Handicapper of the Year" at the Eclipse Awards ceremony held in Miami.
"Bally's is proud to host the National Handicapping Championship once again," said John Avello, director of operations for race and sports at Bally's Las Vegas. "In a remarkably short time, berths in this event have become extremely coveted among horseplayers from coast to coast. We look forward to yet another memorable competition."
by Blood-Horse Staff
Date Posted: 8/19/2004 7:27:10 AM
Last Updated: 8/19/2004 7:27:10 AM
Edited NTRA release
The 2005 Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship will return to Bally's Las Vegas with more prize money and a follow-up television special on ESPN.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association said the contest, now in its sixth year overall, is slated for Jan. 21-22. Bally's will host it for the third straight year.
Total prizes at the event will be an estimated $400,000, with the top prize to the winner set at $200,000--up from $240,000 and $100,000, respectively, a year ago.
Additionally, a one-hour special on the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship will air in February 2005 on ESPN.
The DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship features a series of handicapping tournaments for horseracing fans in local markets. The participants from each local market who qualify for the National Handicapping Championship form the team representing their racetrack or off-track betting parlor in Las Vegas.
Forty-nine NTRA member organizations will send about 200 competitors to championship. A continuously updated list of locations for the tournaments appears on the NTRA Web site, ntra.com, and on the Daily Racing Form Web site, drf.com. The list of participating sites is also published weekly in Daily Racing Form.
Among the participants will be the defending champion, Kent Meyer, a 38-year-old landlord from Sioux City, Iowa. Meyer won the top prize of $100,000 last year and special recognition as "Handicapper of the Year" at the Eclipse Awards ceremony held in Miami.
"Bally's is proud to host the National Handicapping Championship once again," said John Avello, director of operations for race and sports at Bally's Las Vegas. "In a remarkably short time, berths in this event have become extremely coveted among horseplayers from coast to coast. We look forward to yet another memorable competition."
Daily Racing Form - Horse Racing -Sports Betting NewsVegas goes Hollywood - been doing it for ages
By DAVE TULEY
Earlier this month, bodybuilder turned actor turned governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was here in an attempt to lure back businesses that have left California for Nevada.
The rally was held at the Fashion Show Mall, but Arnold got a chilly reception from the private sector, which enjoys the relatively low cost of doing business here as opposed to the Golden State.
If his staff had done its market research, it would have realized that Arnold would have probably found a more receptive audience in the casinos and especially in the race books, because it has been shown time and again that our crowd loves to go to California and celebrates everything about the Hollywood culture.
Billboards all over town are inviting Station Casinos customers to enter and win a trip to Del Mar. Casino marquees are generally reserved by the entertainment department to promote shows, or the casino side with large slot jackpots. The race and sports books usually only get that kind of exposure for Super Bowl parties, March Madness, and right now with football contests. The race side is limited to the Kentucky Derby parties, and to a lesser extent the Breeders' Cup.
So, this is rare indeed, and you have to attribute it to Stations knowing its customers love a California getaway.
Horseplayers earn a drawing ticket for every $20 bet in any Station race book (Palace, Boulder, Texas, Sunset, Santa Fe or Green Valley Ranch), and every Friday night there's a name drawn at each property for a trip for two to Del Mar on Labor Day, including round-trip airfare to San Diego, transportation to and from the track, and VIP treatment in a clubhouse suite.
The trip will be reminiscent of when Green Valley race and sports book manager Kelly Downey took a couple of players to Santa Anita back in February, and they were featured on the Discovery Channel show, "American Casino."
A group at Sam's Town will be taking a similar trek to Del Mar next Wednesday. The longtime 1 and 1A race and sports book entry of Tony Paonessa and Norman Kelley will be going, as well as other executives from Sam's Town, John Kelly and Patrick McQuiggan from the Sam's Town-sponsored "Track Talk" radio show, and 20 invited guests.
Instead of going to California, the Coast Casinos-owned Suncoast is bringing Del Mar to its customers on Monday, Aug. 30. It will be an all-day event with a seminar at 9 a.m. with "Race Day Las Vegas" radio host Ralph Siraco and National Turf Radio's Jon Lindo; another seminar at noon with Daily Racing Form's Brad Free, who will be autographing his book, "Handicapping 101"; a guaranteed $5,000 contest on five Del Mar races ($20 to enter); a free $1,000 ladies-only contest on four races; and a souvenir raffle after every race from Del Mar.
If your California dreamin' involves the northern part of the state, Terrible's has a promotion for you. It's for sports bettors, who earn a drawing ticket for every $10 wagered through noon next Wednesday, when the drawing will be held for a trip for two to San Francisco, including round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and two tickets to the Sept. 12 Dave Matthews Band concert at Golden Gate Park. One winner will be drawn, along with two alternates. The winner need not be present, but must claim the prize within 24 hours or Terrible's will start contacting the alternates.
But all these trips to California and bringing the excitement here is just the tip of the iceberg of Las Vegas's fascination with our neighbors to the west.
It was announced this past week that the Motion Picture Hall of Fame Foundation will begin building a Las Vegas Walk of Fame on the sidewalks of the Strip, from Mandalay Bay on the south end all the way up to the Sahara. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Adding to that, the sale of the Aladdin Hotel is expected to be completed next week to Robert Earl, owner of Planet Hollywood (of which Schwarzenegger once owned a piece), who will be re-theming the resort in Tinseltown's image.
The marriage of cultures between California and Nevada has been going strong since 1920 when silent-film starlet Mary Pickford came to Reno to get a quickie divorce so she could marry her frequent co-star Douglas Fairbanks.
Hollywood types have been coming to Nevada for one reason or another ever since, and vice versa. Before George Maloof and his brothers opened the Palms in 2001, they held a launch party at the Playboy Mansion to hobnob with the Hollywood crowd and create a buzz. Hugh Hefner returned the favor last year when Playboy held its 50th anniversary bash at the Palms.
The Palms is the No. 1 spot in town these days for celebrity sightings, with most of the A-list stars (as well as some from the B-list) going through their doors, and this weekend promises to be no different with the Bravo-produced "Celebrity Poker Showdown" being held all weekend, the "World's Wildest Bachelorette Party" on Saturday night, and the "Palms Girl" pageant - in which Maloof plays the role of Hef's heir apparent - on Sunday.
It's all about bringing Hollywood to Vegas, because the middle class will follow. Vegas is for everyone, and as stated above, horseplayers here love California, and all California horseplayers are welcome here. For proof, the next time you see jockey Mike Smith on a mount, check out his right pant leg. There's an ad for the Palms.
Arnold, the businesses might not be returning to California, but we're sending plenty of business your way. So come on back soon, and bring your friends.
By DAVE TULEY
Earlier this month, bodybuilder turned actor turned governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was here in an attempt to lure back businesses that have left California for Nevada.
The rally was held at the Fashion Show Mall, but Arnold got a chilly reception from the private sector, which enjoys the relatively low cost of doing business here as opposed to the Golden State.
If his staff had done its market research, it would have realized that Arnold would have probably found a more receptive audience in the casinos and especially in the race books, because it has been shown time and again that our crowd loves to go to California and celebrates everything about the Hollywood culture.
Billboards all over town are inviting Station Casinos customers to enter and win a trip to Del Mar. Casino marquees are generally reserved by the entertainment department to promote shows, or the casino side with large slot jackpots. The race and sports books usually only get that kind of exposure for Super Bowl parties, March Madness, and right now with football contests. The race side is limited to the Kentucky Derby parties, and to a lesser extent the Breeders' Cup.
So, this is rare indeed, and you have to attribute it to Stations knowing its customers love a California getaway.
Horseplayers earn a drawing ticket for every $20 bet in any Station race book (Palace, Boulder, Texas, Sunset, Santa Fe or Green Valley Ranch), and every Friday night there's a name drawn at each property for a trip for two to Del Mar on Labor Day, including round-trip airfare to San Diego, transportation to and from the track, and VIP treatment in a clubhouse suite.
The trip will be reminiscent of when Green Valley race and sports book manager Kelly Downey took a couple of players to Santa Anita back in February, and they were featured on the Discovery Channel show, "American Casino."
A group at Sam's Town will be taking a similar trek to Del Mar next Wednesday. The longtime 1 and 1A race and sports book entry of Tony Paonessa and Norman Kelley will be going, as well as other executives from Sam's Town, John Kelly and Patrick McQuiggan from the Sam's Town-sponsored "Track Talk" radio show, and 20 invited guests.
Instead of going to California, the Coast Casinos-owned Suncoast is bringing Del Mar to its customers on Monday, Aug. 30. It will be an all-day event with a seminar at 9 a.m. with "Race Day Las Vegas" radio host Ralph Siraco and National Turf Radio's Jon Lindo; another seminar at noon with Daily Racing Form's Brad Free, who will be autographing his book, "Handicapping 101"; a guaranteed $5,000 contest on five Del Mar races ($20 to enter); a free $1,000 ladies-only contest on four races; and a souvenir raffle after every race from Del Mar.
If your California dreamin' involves the northern part of the state, Terrible's has a promotion for you. It's for sports bettors, who earn a drawing ticket for every $10 wagered through noon next Wednesday, when the drawing will be held for a trip for two to San Francisco, including round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and two tickets to the Sept. 12 Dave Matthews Band concert at Golden Gate Park. One winner will be drawn, along with two alternates. The winner need not be present, but must claim the prize within 24 hours or Terrible's will start contacting the alternates.
But all these trips to California and bringing the excitement here is just the tip of the iceberg of Las Vegas's fascination with our neighbors to the west.
It was announced this past week that the Motion Picture Hall of Fame Foundation will begin building a Las Vegas Walk of Fame on the sidewalks of the Strip, from Mandalay Bay on the south end all the way up to the Sahara. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Adding to that, the sale of the Aladdin Hotel is expected to be completed next week to Robert Earl, owner of Planet Hollywood (of which Schwarzenegger once owned a piece), who will be re-theming the resort in Tinseltown's image.
The marriage of cultures between California and Nevada has been going strong since 1920 when silent-film starlet Mary Pickford came to Reno to get a quickie divorce so she could marry her frequent co-star Douglas Fairbanks.
Hollywood types have been coming to Nevada for one reason or another ever since, and vice versa. Before George Maloof and his brothers opened the Palms in 2001, they held a launch party at the Playboy Mansion to hobnob with the Hollywood crowd and create a buzz. Hugh Hefner returned the favor last year when Playboy held its 50th anniversary bash at the Palms.
The Palms is the No. 1 spot in town these days for celebrity sightings, with most of the A-list stars (as well as some from the B-list) going through their doors, and this weekend promises to be no different with the Bravo-produced "Celebrity Poker Showdown" being held all weekend, the "World's Wildest Bachelorette Party" on Saturday night, and the "Palms Girl" pageant - in which Maloof plays the role of Hef's heir apparent - on Sunday.
It's all about bringing Hollywood to Vegas, because the middle class will follow. Vegas is for everyone, and as stated above, horseplayers here love California, and all California horseplayers are welcome here. For proof, the next time you see jockey Mike Smith on a mount, check out his right pant leg. There's an ad for the Palms.
Arnold, the businesses might not be returning to California, but we're sending plenty of business your way. So come on back soon, and bring your friends.
Daily HeraldTrack tips
By Joe Kristufek Daily Herald Handicapper
Posted 8/20/2004
The total prize money for the sixth annual Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship has been bumped up from $250,000 to $400,000. The contest is scheduled forr Jan. 21-22, and it will be held at Bally's in Las Vegas for the third consecutive year. For the first time, a one-hour special will air in February on ESPN. For a list of qualifying tournaments, visit www.ntra.com or www.drf.com.
Defending Breeders' Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup champion Pleasantly Perfect headlines a field of eight for Sunday's Grade I Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Choctaw Nation, the former $40,000 claimer who upset Pleasantly Perfect in the Grade II San Diego Handicap last out, looks to remain perfect from six lifetime starts, Other top contenders include Perfect Drift, Colonial Colony, During and Total Impact. A resounding win by Pleasantly Perfect would restore a little order to a very muddled division, and next Saturday's Travers at Saratoga, featuring Triple Crown buster Birdstone, Lion Heart, Purge and The Cliff's Edge, could give us a better handle on the top contenders for this year's Breeders' Cup Classic.
Saturday's Get in the Game program will focus on the morning line. DAK Racing's Mike Costanzo and I will teach you how to calculate your own morning-line odds and will help you understand how devising your own odds can help you find value in almost every race. Sunday, we'll discuss the health, care and safety of a racehorse with some of Arlington's top veterinarians. Both programs kick off at 11:30 a.m. in the Starting Gate Theatre.
Best bet: Subsequently (1st)
Price play: Youcanhearmenow (4th)
By Joe Kristufek Daily Herald Handicapper
Posted 8/20/2004
The total prize money for the sixth annual Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship has been bumped up from $250,000 to $400,000. The contest is scheduled forr Jan. 21-22, and it will be held at Bally's in Las Vegas for the third consecutive year. For the first time, a one-hour special will air in February on ESPN. For a list of qualifying tournaments, visit www.ntra.com or www.drf.com.
Defending Breeders' Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup champion Pleasantly Perfect headlines a field of eight for Sunday's Grade I Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Choctaw Nation, the former $40,000 claimer who upset Pleasantly Perfect in the Grade II San Diego Handicap last out, looks to remain perfect from six lifetime starts, Other top contenders include Perfect Drift, Colonial Colony, During and Total Impact. A resounding win by Pleasantly Perfect would restore a little order to a very muddled division, and next Saturday's Travers at Saratoga, featuring Triple Crown buster Birdstone, Lion Heart, Purge and The Cliff's Edge, could give us a better handle on the top contenders for this year's Breeders' Cup Classic.
Saturday's Get in the Game program will focus on the morning line. DAK Racing's Mike Costanzo and I will teach you how to calculate your own morning-line odds and will help you understand how devising your own odds can help you find value in almost every race. Sunday, we'll discuss the health, care and safety of a racehorse with some of Arlington's top veterinarians. Both programs kick off at 11:30 a.m. in the Starting Gate Theatre.
Best bet: Subsequently (1st)
Price play: Youcanhearmenow (4th)
Harness Racing Portal - Harnesslink.com%A0%A0%A0%A0 Around The TracksRANGER SELECTS BOULDER CREEK IN FINAL
Posted by Jeremy Rangiawha 08:27 AM 21-Aug-2004 NZST
A full field of nine top flight pacers will be behind the starting gate for the prestigious $112,000 New Hampshire Sweepstakes Final at Rockingham Park on Saturday (August 21).
Although Artesian has been made the slight favourite at 2-1 in the early line over 5-2 choice Boulder Creek for the one mile pace, it may be tough to separate them in the wagering on Rockingham's signature race.
Earlier in the week, leading driver Bruce Ranger was forced to choose one over the other.
Ranger drove both horses to victory last Saturday in each of the two $20,000 eliminations and came away very impressed with both.
He had to make a decision on which horse to stick with in the final, and it is Boulder Creek who will retain his services.
"That is excellent," said Mark Silva, who trains the 4-Year-Old for owners Clifford Siegel, Lee Wasserman and John Fedora.
"We've got the top driver here, and no one knows this track better than he does.
“My horse has been training well here all week, and he is in super condition. Obviously, Artesian looks like our biggest competition, and he's the one to be concerned about."
That's because Artesian enhanced his considerable resume in the eliminations by blowing away his competition by almost seven lengths on the way to a setting a track record of 1.50 for horses of all ages, sex, and gaits.
Although only 4-Years-Old, the Cosmo dePinto trainee has already earned almost $717,700 on the racetrack.
Michel LaChance, one of the top drovers in North America, will fly in from New Jersey to partner with Artesian.
Another horse that cannot be overlooked is Art Attack, who was second in last year's New Hampshire Sweepstakes Final and is still going strong at 10 years of age for owner and trainer Ted Wing.
The royally bred son of Artsplace seems to get better as each year passes.
"The younger horses are quicker than he is, but he is more determined," said Wing, who remains the most successful driver in Rockingham Park history even though he has not competed regularly here since 1976.
"He's a tough, old dude. If it's close, he doesn't lose."
In late developments for the NH Sweeps yesterday, Ron Cushing will replace James Pantaleano as the driver of Coastocoast Yankee, who will be coupled in the wagering with local favorite Whosurboy.
The rest of the field includes Landmark Honor, Glors Boy, Armbro Animate and Whatanartist. Joshua is the also eligible for the race in the event of a scratch.
Post time for NH Sweeps Day at Rockingham is 1.05 pm and the race will go off at approximately 4.15 pm as the 10th on the 11 race card.
Every paid admission over 18 will receive a free instant ticket from the Granite State Lottery, and they can also register to win a child's mountain bike from Coca-Cola.
In addition, Rockingham will also host the qualifyling round of the annual Coors Light Harness Handicapping Contest.
There is no fee to enter, players will wager with mythical bankrolls, and over $1000 in cash will be given as prizes to the three top place finshers in next Saturday's finals.
Completed contest forms must be turned in to the admissions office no later than 12.45 pm.
Bruce Ranger kept his win streak alive on Friday as he won four of the first seven races to boost his total for the season to 172 victories.
The defending Coors Light Driver of the Year has smashed records so far this season, with 10 more days of live racing yet to go
For more information, call: 603-898-2311 ext. 292
Courtesy Of Lynne Snierson, Publicity Director, Rockingham Park
Posted by Jeremy Rangiawha 08:27 AM 21-Aug-2004 NZST
A full field of nine top flight pacers will be behind the starting gate for the prestigious $112,000 New Hampshire Sweepstakes Final at Rockingham Park on Saturday (August 21).
Although Artesian has been made the slight favourite at 2-1 in the early line over 5-2 choice Boulder Creek for the one mile pace, it may be tough to separate them in the wagering on Rockingham's signature race.
Earlier in the week, leading driver Bruce Ranger was forced to choose one over the other.
Ranger drove both horses to victory last Saturday in each of the two $20,000 eliminations and came away very impressed with both.
He had to make a decision on which horse to stick with in the final, and it is Boulder Creek who will retain his services.
"That is excellent," said Mark Silva, who trains the 4-Year-Old for owners Clifford Siegel, Lee Wasserman and John Fedora.
"We've got the top driver here, and no one knows this track better than he does.
“My horse has been training well here all week, and he is in super condition. Obviously, Artesian looks like our biggest competition, and he's the one to be concerned about."
That's because Artesian enhanced his considerable resume in the eliminations by blowing away his competition by almost seven lengths on the way to a setting a track record of 1.50 for horses of all ages, sex, and gaits.
Although only 4-Years-Old, the Cosmo dePinto trainee has already earned almost $717,700 on the racetrack.
Michel LaChance, one of the top drovers in North America, will fly in from New Jersey to partner with Artesian.
Another horse that cannot be overlooked is Art Attack, who was second in last year's New Hampshire Sweepstakes Final and is still going strong at 10 years of age for owner and trainer Ted Wing.
The royally bred son of Artsplace seems to get better as each year passes.
"The younger horses are quicker than he is, but he is more determined," said Wing, who remains the most successful driver in Rockingham Park history even though he has not competed regularly here since 1976.
"He's a tough, old dude. If it's close, he doesn't lose."
In late developments for the NH Sweeps yesterday, Ron Cushing will replace James Pantaleano as the driver of Coastocoast Yankee, who will be coupled in the wagering with local favorite Whosurboy.
The rest of the field includes Landmark Honor, Glors Boy, Armbro Animate and Whatanartist. Joshua is the also eligible for the race in the event of a scratch.
Post time for NH Sweeps Day at Rockingham is 1.05 pm and the race will go off at approximately 4.15 pm as the 10th on the 11 race card.
Every paid admission over 18 will receive a free instant ticket from the Granite State Lottery, and they can also register to win a child's mountain bike from Coca-Cola.
In addition, Rockingham will also host the qualifyling round of the annual Coors Light Harness Handicapping Contest.
There is no fee to enter, players will wager with mythical bankrolls, and over $1000 in cash will be given as prizes to the three top place finshers in next Saturday's finals.
Completed contest forms must be turned in to the admissions office no later than 12.45 pm.
Bruce Ranger kept his win streak alive on Friday as he won four of the first seven races to boost his total for the season to 172 victories.
The defending Coors Light Driver of the Year has smashed records so far this season, with 10 more days of live racing yet to go
For more information, call: 603-898-2311 ext. 292
Courtesy Of Lynne Snierson, Publicity Director, Rockingham Park
reviewjournal.com -- Sports%3A Mandalay card moves to CaesarsMandalay card moves to Caesars
REVIEW-JOURNAL
An Oct. 2 boxing card featuring heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko has been moved to an outdoor arena at Caesars Palace because of a logistical problem at Mandalay Bay, promoter Gary Shaw said.
The card includes a bout between Klitschko and DaVarryl Williamson and fights involving Jeff Lacy and Kassim Ouma. Lacy will meet Syd Vanderpool for a super middleweight title, and Ouma and Verno Phillips will fight for a super welterweight belt.
Shaw said the card, which will air on Showtime, had to move because a convention of Toyota dealers at the Mandalay Bay Events Center will not be cleared out of the arena in time for the television network to set up its high-definition satellite trucks.
The bouts will be held in a 5,000-seat outdoor arena on the south side of Caesars Palace property, facing Bellagio.
"There was no failed promotion or anything like that here," Shaw said. "It was strictly a logistics issue. Things could not be done in a timely enough manner for Showtime to do what they needed to do.
"Fortunately, we were able to come up with a great venue. This is going to be the first step in Caesars' revival in the boxing business."
REVIEW-JOURNAL
An Oct. 2 boxing card featuring heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko has been moved to an outdoor arena at Caesars Palace because of a logistical problem at Mandalay Bay, promoter Gary Shaw said.
The card includes a bout between Klitschko and DaVarryl Williamson and fights involving Jeff Lacy and Kassim Ouma. Lacy will meet Syd Vanderpool for a super middleweight title, and Ouma and Verno Phillips will fight for a super welterweight belt.
Shaw said the card, which will air on Showtime, had to move because a convention of Toyota dealers at the Mandalay Bay Events Center will not be cleared out of the arena in time for the television network to set up its high-definition satellite trucks.
The bouts will be held in a 5,000-seat outdoor arena on the south side of Caesars Palace property, facing Bellagio.
"There was no failed promotion or anything like that here," Shaw said. "It was strictly a logistics issue. Things could not be done in a timely enough manner for Showtime to do what they needed to do.
"Fortunately, we were able to come up with a great venue. This is going to be the first step in Caesars' revival in the boxing business."
New York Daily News - Rick Pienciak - Poker Face%3A Fun and the sun in Puerto RicoFun and the sun
in Puerto Rico
A little slice of Texas can be found just off the coast
Poker player Anthony Rosamilia of Metuchen, N.J., 38, and his family: son Anthony Jr., 10; daughter Marlena, 8; wife Christina, 36; daughter Eva, 12; and sister-in-law Deana Allocco, 35, of Howard Beach, Queens.
Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino in Puerto Rico
LAS CROABAS, P.R. - The sun, the crystal-clear sea, the massages, the gourmet meals, the swim-up bar, the palm trees - oh, and I almost forgot - the poker.
Here at the elegant Wyndham El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa, the Texas Hold'em is far from ordinary, especially the surroundings.
The differences between a typical stateside casino and this 500-acre resort are profound: the El Con offers breathtaking room views from atop a 300-foot bluff. The resort has its own private 100-acre island for swimming, water sports and horseback riding. Other accoutrements include a marina, a half-dozen swimming pools, a top-notch country club and seven tennis courts.
If you prefer your own villa, a two-bedroom ocean view unit under construction in the second phase of Wyndham's even more exclusive Las Casitas Village goes for $850,000, complete with butler service.
Located an hour east of San Juan, the El Conquistador is paradise for the New York poker player who wants to take the family away from the buzz of city life, but stay connected to the green felt table, small blinds and pocket Aces.
The 2-1-2 crowd
The poker is none too shabby at the Wyndham El San Juan, either - the first stop on the Pienciak Poker Tour's special trip to the Caribbean.
Located in the Isla Verde section of the city, the El San Juan is the premium nighttime action spot. It has the feeling of Havana in its heyday.
The lobby is the place to be seen on weekends - women in evening dresses, men in suits, live music, dancing, mingling, laughing. The casino entrance beckons just off the lobby.
At night, jackets are preferred for men. No baseball hats. During a five-table tournament, only one player wears sunglasses. The casino has chandeliers.
Poker started in Puerto Rico at this classic Old World hotel in June 1999, with one table. Seven casinos on the island now offer poker; the Wyndhams hold the leadership position with three - the El Conquistador, the El San Juan and the Condado Plaza.
The stakes across the island are only $5-to-$10. The first two rounds of betting have a $5 minimum and a $10 maximum. The last two rounds require $10 bets, period.
Action at the El San Juan has grown to five tables of Texas Hold'em and 7-Card Stud; early-evening tournaments are conducted Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"They see it on ESPN, and so they all want to play," says Vladimir Fernandez, the El San Juan's casino director.
A native of the Bronx and graduate of Stony Brook, Fernandez says the casino is often teeming with high-rolling New Yorkers, especially during the Thanksgiving-to-New Year's period. "We affectionately call them the 2-1-2s."
Tournament play is "all-in, all-the-time." This is a bit different than what the PPT has experienced elsewhere, but it is quite exciting.
At the El San Juan, when the tournament gets fully subscribed, additional players are put on a waiting list. One by one, they take the place of players who bust. And one by one, the busted players make their way back to the tournament.
A local player at my table goes all in on the first hand with his $500 worth of tourney chips ($50 buy-in, $5 registration fee). He loses and is out.
But he's back within 15 minutes, with a fresh load of tournament chips (another $50 to play and $5 fee). Again, he goes all in on his first hand, and again, he loses.
He heads over to put him name on the bottom of the waiting list.
"The pattern of play here is very aggressive," says Jesus Garlobo, assistant marketing manager. "If you want the action, this is the place."
Earlier this year, the hotel sponsored three local players into the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
In October, Wyndham will host its first big tourney, for up to 225 players; the $2,500 package will include room, food, beverage and $1,500 buy-in, says Rich Cortese, a former bar owner from Queens who is now in charge of all of Wyndham's casino operations. "We want people who have the money and who deep down in their hearts think they can win."
"I'd like to see other casinos put in poker. It would help all of us. You need to grow the customer base," says Cortese, predicting that he'll double the number of tables at the three Wyndham casinos within a year.
Non-stop action in Condado
Wyndham's Condado Plaza Hotel caters to the most serious gamblers. Open 24 hours a day, the casino is the island's largest and busiest. Two poker tables are included in the mix; a third is being delivered this week.
"I was a little reluctant to get poker here at first, but now I would love to have 10 tables," says Guillermo Marquez, Condado Plaza's casino operations director.
"People who didn't come to the Caribbean can now come here and play poker."
Marquez has the best of both worlds because many locals also are now playing Hold'em. "It's part of the Latin culture. We like to play poker," Marquez says. "We used to play at home, but now, since it has been on TV, everyone wants to play in the casino."
Adds Arnaldo Suarez, casino shift manager for Condado Plaza: "It's going to explode. I think we're eventually going to end up with a big tournament here. I think our tournament in October is going to be a real turning point. It will bring in a lot of tourists."
The El Con jewel
On many a night, the single poker table at the El Conquistador fills up and casino bosses start a waiting list. The game is very social; often, most of the players are from the New York-New Jersey area.
Hotel manager Paul Heroux says the gambling operation here is considered "an amenities casino." Poker was added May 15. "I think we have a real jewel here," he says proudly.
Poker action is expected to really pick up in the coming months. "Stock brokers, insurance people, bankers, car dealers - they all love to play," says Jose Encarnacion, the El Conquistador's casino marketing manager. During the winter holidays, up to 85% of guests are from the New York area.
A second table will be installed before the winter season, and the tables will be moved to the center of the floor, with spotlights. "We want to showcase the poker," says Encarnacion.
"There are so many things that a family can do here," says Heroux, making note of camp and tour activities and giant-screen movie nights by the pool, where children watch on floats in the water. With so much to offer, "you don't have to worry about what the rest of the family has to do. Sometimes the best place to play poker is where you least expect it."
One recent evening, the players included a former Las Vegas dealer who now calls New York his home, a Queens restaurant owner and a young couple from Manhattan.
"It's beautiful that they have poker," says Declan O'Reilly, 36, of Forest Hills, who owns a restaurant in his neighborhood. "You can do the family thing during the day, then do the poker thing at night. Now that's as long as you can still get up at 8 o'clock in the morning with the kids - otherwise, it's trouble."
Another guest from the New York area, Anthony Rosamilia of Metuchen, N.J., 38, says he plays poker at least twice a week back home. "I was juiced when I found out they had it here. I was ready to play."
"Compare this to Atlantic City - where you can't bring your kids because there is absolutely nothing to do. Here you have the pools, they have their own island beach, you're waited on hand and foot," says Rosamilia, who owns apartment buildings in Middlesex County and was accompanied by his wife, three children and sister-in-law. "You are less concerned about the rest of your family being taken care of. And hey, you can never get enough poker."
Puerto Rico just raking it in
While poker is relatively new to Puerto Rico, its overall growth could ultimately be stunted by the rake - the house's fee for running a game.
Usually, the rake is $3 or $4 a hand. But by law, Puerto Rico casinos have the highest rake encountered thus far by the PPT - 10%, up to a $100 maximum pot. That means if you win a $100 pot, the dealer gives you only $90.
The rule doesn't seem terribly offensive on the surface. But if eight players sit down at a table with $250 each ($2,000 total), after four hours the house will be holding half the money.
And since the players are betting against each other, not the casino, the house gets to rake in that dough without any risk.
in Puerto Rico
A little slice of Texas can be found just off the coast
Poker player Anthony Rosamilia of Metuchen, N.J., 38, and his family: son Anthony Jr., 10; daughter Marlena, 8; wife Christina, 36; daughter Eva, 12; and sister-in-law Deana Allocco, 35, of Howard Beach, Queens.
Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino in Puerto Rico
LAS CROABAS, P.R. - The sun, the crystal-clear sea, the massages, the gourmet meals, the swim-up bar, the palm trees - oh, and I almost forgot - the poker.
Here at the elegant Wyndham El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa, the Texas Hold'em is far from ordinary, especially the surroundings.
The differences between a typical stateside casino and this 500-acre resort are profound: the El Con offers breathtaking room views from atop a 300-foot bluff. The resort has its own private 100-acre island for swimming, water sports and horseback riding. Other accoutrements include a marina, a half-dozen swimming pools, a top-notch country club and seven tennis courts.
If you prefer your own villa, a two-bedroom ocean view unit under construction in the second phase of Wyndham's even more exclusive Las Casitas Village goes for $850,000, complete with butler service.
Located an hour east of San Juan, the El Conquistador is paradise for the New York poker player who wants to take the family away from the buzz of city life, but stay connected to the green felt table, small blinds and pocket Aces.
The 2-1-2 crowd
The poker is none too shabby at the Wyndham El San Juan, either - the first stop on the Pienciak Poker Tour's special trip to the Caribbean.
Located in the Isla Verde section of the city, the El San Juan is the premium nighttime action spot. It has the feeling of Havana in its heyday.
The lobby is the place to be seen on weekends - women in evening dresses, men in suits, live music, dancing, mingling, laughing. The casino entrance beckons just off the lobby.
At night, jackets are preferred for men. No baseball hats. During a five-table tournament, only one player wears sunglasses. The casino has chandeliers.
Poker started in Puerto Rico at this classic Old World hotel in June 1999, with one table. Seven casinos on the island now offer poker; the Wyndhams hold the leadership position with three - the El Conquistador, the El San Juan and the Condado Plaza.
The stakes across the island are only $5-to-$10. The first two rounds of betting have a $5 minimum and a $10 maximum. The last two rounds require $10 bets, period.
Action at the El San Juan has grown to five tables of Texas Hold'em and 7-Card Stud; early-evening tournaments are conducted Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"They see it on ESPN, and so they all want to play," says Vladimir Fernandez, the El San Juan's casino director.
A native of the Bronx and graduate of Stony Brook, Fernandez says the casino is often teeming with high-rolling New Yorkers, especially during the Thanksgiving-to-New Year's period. "We affectionately call them the 2-1-2s."
Tournament play is "all-in, all-the-time." This is a bit different than what the PPT has experienced elsewhere, but it is quite exciting.
At the El San Juan, when the tournament gets fully subscribed, additional players are put on a waiting list. One by one, they take the place of players who bust. And one by one, the busted players make their way back to the tournament.
A local player at my table goes all in on the first hand with his $500 worth of tourney chips ($50 buy-in, $5 registration fee). He loses and is out.
But he's back within 15 minutes, with a fresh load of tournament chips (another $50 to play and $5 fee). Again, he goes all in on his first hand, and again, he loses.
He heads over to put him name on the bottom of the waiting list.
"The pattern of play here is very aggressive," says Jesus Garlobo, assistant marketing manager. "If you want the action, this is the place."
Earlier this year, the hotel sponsored three local players into the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
In October, Wyndham will host its first big tourney, for up to 225 players; the $2,500 package will include room, food, beverage and $1,500 buy-in, says Rich Cortese, a former bar owner from Queens who is now in charge of all of Wyndham's casino operations. "We want people who have the money and who deep down in their hearts think they can win."
"I'd like to see other casinos put in poker. It would help all of us. You need to grow the customer base," says Cortese, predicting that he'll double the number of tables at the three Wyndham casinos within a year.
Non-stop action in Condado
Wyndham's Condado Plaza Hotel caters to the most serious gamblers. Open 24 hours a day, the casino is the island's largest and busiest. Two poker tables are included in the mix; a third is being delivered this week.
"I was a little reluctant to get poker here at first, but now I would love to have 10 tables," says Guillermo Marquez, Condado Plaza's casino operations director.
"People who didn't come to the Caribbean can now come here and play poker."
Marquez has the best of both worlds because many locals also are now playing Hold'em. "It's part of the Latin culture. We like to play poker," Marquez says. "We used to play at home, but now, since it has been on TV, everyone wants to play in the casino."
Adds Arnaldo Suarez, casino shift manager for Condado Plaza: "It's going to explode. I think we're eventually going to end up with a big tournament here. I think our tournament in October is going to be a real turning point. It will bring in a lot of tourists."
The El Con jewel
On many a night, the single poker table at the El Conquistador fills up and casino bosses start a waiting list. The game is very social; often, most of the players are from the New York-New Jersey area.
Hotel manager Paul Heroux says the gambling operation here is considered "an amenities casino." Poker was added May 15. "I think we have a real jewel here," he says proudly.
Poker action is expected to really pick up in the coming months. "Stock brokers, insurance people, bankers, car dealers - they all love to play," says Jose Encarnacion, the El Conquistador's casino marketing manager. During the winter holidays, up to 85% of guests are from the New York area.
A second table will be installed before the winter season, and the tables will be moved to the center of the floor, with spotlights. "We want to showcase the poker," says Encarnacion.
"There are so many things that a family can do here," says Heroux, making note of camp and tour activities and giant-screen movie nights by the pool, where children watch on floats in the water. With so much to offer, "you don't have to worry about what the rest of the family has to do. Sometimes the best place to play poker is where you least expect it."
One recent evening, the players included a former Las Vegas dealer who now calls New York his home, a Queens restaurant owner and a young couple from Manhattan.
"It's beautiful that they have poker," says Declan O'Reilly, 36, of Forest Hills, who owns a restaurant in his neighborhood. "You can do the family thing during the day, then do the poker thing at night. Now that's as long as you can still get up at 8 o'clock in the morning with the kids - otherwise, it's trouble."
Another guest from the New York area, Anthony Rosamilia of Metuchen, N.J., 38, says he plays poker at least twice a week back home. "I was juiced when I found out they had it here. I was ready to play."
"Compare this to Atlantic City - where you can't bring your kids because there is absolutely nothing to do. Here you have the pools, they have their own island beach, you're waited on hand and foot," says Rosamilia, who owns apartment buildings in Middlesex County and was accompanied by his wife, three children and sister-in-law. "You are less concerned about the rest of your family being taken care of. And hey, you can never get enough poker."
Puerto Rico just raking it in
While poker is relatively new to Puerto Rico, its overall growth could ultimately be stunted by the rake - the house's fee for running a game.
Usually, the rake is $3 or $4 a hand. But by law, Puerto Rico casinos have the highest rake encountered thus far by the PPT - 10%, up to a $100 maximum pot. That means if you win a $100 pot, the dealer gives you only $90.
The rule doesn't seem terribly offensive on the surface. But if eight players sit down at a table with $250 each ($2,000 total), after four hours the house will be holding half the money.
And since the players are betting against each other, not the casino, the house gets to rake in that dough without any risk.
