Betting to Increase at Churchill Downs

While the late summer months tend to be slow ones in the world of Triple Crown betting, there’s still a bunch of relevant news surrounding all the major races, including the Kentucky Derby. Let’s take a look at some of the top horse racing stories.

Churchill Downs Renovation Update

The big news out of Kentucky this week is that Churchill Downs is getting a major facelift. According to various reports, there will be a new seating platform – the Grandstand Terrace – in effect for the 2014 Run for the Roses, a venue that is estimated to offer around 2,400 new seats.

As for a timeline? The Grand Terrace Project has already been approved by the Churchill Downs Incorporated Board of Directors, and it’s believed the venue and its amenities will be ready for both the 140th running of the Kentucky Oaks (Friday, May 2, 2014) and the Kentucky Derby (Saturday, May 3, 2014).

This is a big development for those who love to bet on horses at the track. By adding nearly 3,000 patrons on-site, Churchill figures to increase its track handle and get even more exposure as the overall attendance numbers should grow by leaps and bounds. The Grand Terrance Project is just part of an overall renovation that will include 51,000 square feet of complete new space located behind and adjacent to Churchill’s current Grandstand seats.

All in Blue

One of the hottest 2-year-olds currently running – and one to keep an eye out for on the Kentucky Derby futures closer to the big event – is a talented runner from the Todd Pletcher stable, All in Blue.

All in Blue debuted strongly at Belmont earlier this summer and made waves with an equally impressive performance in July’s six-furlong Sanford, the first major open race for 2-year-olds during the Saratoga session.

While he did stumble out of the gate, All in Blue rallied well for a solid fourth-place finish, showing the kind of mid-race kick that many have pegged as a potential weapon for next year’s Triple Crown.

Yes I’m Lucky

Another 2-year-old to keep an eye on this summer – in anticipation of next year’s Derby, of course – is Yes I’m Lucky, a colt ridden by Paco Lopez and trained by Eddie Plesa Jr.

In the first race of August, Yes I’m Lucky overtook his buddy and stablemate Run for Logistics at the Tyro Stakes at Monmouth Park, making a big push down the stretch to win by 1 3/4 lengths.

If you’re considering placing a bet on horses online, then you’ll want to consider how a horse does on different surfaces. Yes I’m Lucky has shown a penchant for running on solid dirt conditions, but showed great flair at Monmouth. The turf track wasn’t ideal for a first-time grass starter, and as Plesa noted, was going to be something new for Yes I’m Lucky. But the horse took the challenge with aplomb, bursting out of the gate to secure a lead he wouldn’t relinquish.

As a result, the colt captured the $60,000 Tyro and now has won all three of his career starts for a tidy earning of $93,000 in overall prize money.

About Tennessee Leduc

Born in Summersville Kentucky, Tennessee is an impassioned fan of horse racing, women, civilized debauchery, and... mint juleps. He writes, he reads, he listens, but above all he experiences the world he lives in.

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