Arcadia, CA (SportsNetwork.com) – Longshot Majestic Harbor came from off the pace to win Saturday’s $500,000 Gold Cup at Santa Anita and deny Game On Dude a third straight win in the race.

Trained by Sean McCarthy and ridden by Tyler Baze, Majestic Harbor was sent off as a 14-1 longshot in the seven-horse field. Game On Dude was the 4-5 favorite and Fury Kapcori the 7-2 second pick.

Game On Dude got an excellent start and was soon joined on the lead by Fury Kapcori. The second choice took the lead in the 1 1/4-mile stakes as the field went under the wire for the first time. Game On Dude was second, several lengths off the leader and Majestic Harbor was racing third off the rail.

Going into the far turn, Game On Dude drew even with Fury Kapcori as Majestic Harbor moved closer from the outside and 5-1 third choice Clubhouse Ride moved into contention along the rail.

Game On Dude had the lead on the final turn, but Majestic Harbor and Clubhouse Ride passed him coming into the stretch. Majestic Harbor sped past Clubhouse Ride at the top of the stretch and cruised to a 6 1/4-length victory over the 6-year-old.

The Gold Cup, formerly the Hollywood Gold Cup, is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” race, giving Majestic Harbor a guaranteed spot in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 1 at Santa Anita.

Finishing third was Imperative followed by Game On Dude, Lideris, Fury Kapcori and Salto Del Indio.

The time for the Gold Cup at Santa Anita was 2:01.53 on a fast track.

“He’s very special, really good horse,” Baze said.

Owned by Gallant Stables, Majestic Harbor pocketed his largest check with the win. The $300,000 almost doubles the 6-year-old’s career earnings. In 23 lifetime starts Majestic Harbor has six wins, six seconds and four thirds for $655,764.

Majestic Harbor was coming off a third-place finish behind Clubhouse Ride in the Californian at Santa Anita four weeks ago. He began the year with a second in the San Pasqual Stakes followed by a fourth in the San Antonio and a win in Santa Anita’s Tokyo City Stakes.

Majestic Harbor returned $30.80, $10.60 and $5.40. Clubhouse Ride paid $5.60 and $4.00, and Imperative paid $4.00 to show.

Read more here: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2014/06/28/3132786/majestic-harbor-pulls-the-upset.html?sp=/99/224/#storylink=cpy

This weekend, Royal Windsor Racecourse is hosting its annual three day Best of British Festival.

The fun begins on Saturday, June 28, with Gentleman’s Day.

Dress to impress for the chance to win a pair of Bang and Olufsen headphones in the best dressed competition.

Guests can also enjoy the thrill of the racing along with other fantastic attractions like Ferrari simulators and golf swing analysis.

Gates open at 11am, with the first race starting at 1pm, so get there early, pick your winner from the racecard and soak up the fantastic atmosphere.

The excitement continues into Sunday, June 29, with The Escape to the Countryside family fun day.

With plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy, from Zorbing and trampolining to a milk the cow contest, along with seven thrilling races it’s the perfect family day out, especially as under 18 racegoers get in for free.

To end the weekend, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz band will be performing on Monday, June 30, after racing finishes.

There are some fantastic packages available across the weekend, including the Lobster and Chip package, which includes two grandstand enclosure tickets, two portions of ½ lobster and chips and a bottle of Pommery Champagne, all for £99. Save up to £5 by booking in advance online with ticket prices starting at just £9, and under 18 racegoers getting in for free.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk

What’s on at Royal Windsor Racecourse

Saturday, June 28 (afternoon) – Gentlemen’s Day

Sunday, June 29 (afternoon) – Escape to the Countryside day

Monday, June 30 (evening) – Ronnie Scott’s

Monday, July 7 (evening) – Monday Night Music

Monday, July 14 (evening) – Monday Night Music – The Wickermen

Monday, July 21 (evening) – Monday Night Racing

Monday, July 28 (evening) – Irish Night with the High Kings

Clare Balding can be relied on to keep her composure on the big occasion. But the Channel 4 presenter would no doubt whoop for joy if her brother lands a winner on the final day of Royal Ascot tomorrow.

Kingsclere-based Andrew Balding saddles Absolutely So in the Wokingham Stakes at 5pm.

This six-furlong sprint resembles a cavalry charge with a maximum of 30 runners spread across the course.

Absolutely So won over seven furlongs at Goodwood early last month, is in good form and, like on that occasion, the four-year-old will have crack apprentice Oisin Murphy doing the steering.

A friend of mine, East Berkshire businessman Peter Ridgers, would love a winner at his local track with one of the horses he has in training with Clive Cox.

Jimmy Styles has ran more than 10 times at Ascot, but his last win there was in May, 2008.

The statistics are also against 10-year-old Jimmy Styles, as no horse over seven has ever won the Wokingham.

Rocky Ground, the mount of Frankie Dettori, is looking to follow up an impressive win at Windsor, while Northern raider York Glory bids to win this race for the second successive year.

Richard Hannon has two strong representatives in course and distance winner Ninjago, the choice of Richard Hughes, and Professor, who has Ryan Moore in the saddle.

Rocky Ground’s trainer Roger Varian has a great chance of winning the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (4.25) with Aljamaaheer.

This will be the five-year-old’s third appearance at the Royal meeting, finishing third in the Jersey Stakes two years ago and second in the Queen Anne Stakes 12 months ago.

He returned to Ascot in July to win over a mile.

Varian has now decided to drop him to sprinting and, with Paul Hanagan on board, he has high hopes of winning this Group 1 contest tomorrow.

His rivals include Slade Power, who is aiming to give Irish trainer Eddie Lynam and owners the Power family a notable double following stable-mate Sole Power’s victory in the King’s Stand Stakes on Tuesday.

The Royal meeting ends with the Queen Alexandra Stakes (5.35) over 2m 5f with leading National Hunt trainers Alan King and Nicky Henderson represented by Tiger Cliff and Royal Irish Hussar respectively.

But a good each-way bet is the Willie Mullins-trained Pique Sous, who will have the assistance of Ryan Moore for this marathon

2.30pm race 1: Queen Anne Stakes

Hugh’s verdict: Well, Mull of Killough is ouy for me, as it reminds of the ghastly Paul McCartney song Mull of Kintyre, which is now buzzing around my head.

Tullius sounds like the name of a Greek god, so I’m going for him

Tom’s verdict: I’d back Anodin this morning, largely due to the horse sounding like a brand of headache pill and I could do with one or two this morning.

(Professional) Racing Post verdict: Toronado

3.05pm race 2: Coventry Stakes

Hugh’s verdict: The Wow Signal sounds like a dodgy 80s band, so it’s that one for me.

I’m not going to make any childish jokes about Cock of the North, oh no.

Tom’s verdict: Putting my serious hat on for a moment, I’ll back Kool Kompany in this race. I know Richard Hannon is a decent trainer and Richard Hughes a good jockey. Equally, the use of a ‘k’ for Kool will irritate the spelling pedants in the office.

(Professional) Racing Post verdict: Capella Sansevero

3.45pm race 3: King’s Stand Stakes

Hugh’s verdict: Rex Imperator sounds like a dinosaur fighting hero, combining that with a natty red outfit and Frankie Dettori, that’s enough for me.

Tom’s verdict: Steps for me in this one. Excellent noughties pop band, and H has had a tough year.

(Professional) Racing Post verdict: Steps

4.25pm race 4: St James’s Palace Stakes

Hugh’s verdict: Night of Thunder sounds like it’s been named after an Iron Maiden song, so gets my vote.

Tom’s verdict: This one is a two horse race (not literally, there are 7) between Night of Thunder and Kingman. Night of Thunder for me even though it is almost a Tom Cruise movie. (good to see great minds think alike)

(Professional) Racing Post verdict: Kingman

5.00pm race 5: Ascot Stakes

Hugh’s verdict: How can you not go for a horse called Domination?

Tom’s verdict: Twenty horses in this race. Still making a selection was easy, my hometown of Bracknell has a water fountain, there is a horse called Waterclock . Done.

(Professional) Racing Post verdict: Brockwell

5.35pm race 6: Windsor Castle Stakes

Hugh’s verdict: The Irish Horse Majestic Hero has a marvellously monicker, but I’m going for Flyball, as it sounds, er, fun.

Tom’s verdict: In tribute to Germany’s wonderful 4-0 win over Portugal last night, I’ll be backing Goring in this one. Hopefully more Thomas Muller than Per Mertersacker.

Toronado lit up Royal Ascot in the first race of the meeting, taking the Queen Anne Stakes with a fabulous run.

Guided home superbly by jockey Richard Hughes, the pre-race favourite won the blue-ribbon event of the day by a couple of lengths from Verrazano and Anodin, who finished second and third, respectively.

Here’s the result of the first race confirmed by Channel 4 Racing:

It was a wonderful way to kick-start the meeting, with a further four days of racing lying in wait for the punters. And for those who love to back a favourite, Toronado’s win represents the perfect start to the week.

Here are the final standings from the first race of the 2014 Royal Ascot festival:

The first day of the Royal Ascot meeting is always a special occasion on the flat racing calendar, with the great and the good out in force to watch an afternoon of wonderful racing. The course was looking superb, as noted here by the Royal Ascot Twitter account:

Her majesty the Queen was in attendance to watch the first day of the festival, along with Prince Philip and Prince Harry. The traditional royal precession was observed to kick-start the day, as the Queen was escorted around the track in a horse and carriage.

Racing enthusiast and former England footballer Michael Owen was also in attendance, although he arrived in much more extravagant fashion:

The race got underway at a blistering pace, with a couple of horses setting off at a rapid pace. Toronado could have easily gotten dragged along by that quick start given his recent lack of racing action, so it was vital both horse and jockey kept a steady head.

But Hughes kept Toronado composed throughout the early stages of the race before easing him through the field. The favourite stayed on superbly in the latter stages of the race and ran away from Verrazano to take the win.

Hughes—who claimed his third Queen Anne Stakes with this win—told Channel 4 Racing afterwards that Toronado probably could have triumphed by further:

The Queen Anne Stakes has so often been a race to cement the legacy of a host of iconic horses. Hughes actually won this race on Canford Cliffs back in 2011, while the legendary Frankel famously triumphed in the Ascot opener by 11 lengths back in 2012 in what was arguably the greatest performance ever seen by a thoroughbred horse.

For Toronado to win here is indisputably brilliant, but after a stuttering career, it’s about time this horse realised his full potential. He is a horse that has been out of the loop for a sustained period in the build-up to this race, but with his return complete, and with the excellent Hughes in the saddle, hopefully this performance can galvanise him onto bigger and better things in the future.

Once we get to the Belmont Stakes, most of the major contenders are well-known. However, don’t overlook the new shooters to the party.

They come to New York fresh and are often late bloomers that step up and run big at generous odds. Since 2007, four Belmont Stakes winners were making their first appearance in a Triple Crown race: the filly Rags to Riches in 2007, Da’ Tara in 2008, Drosselmeyer in 2010 and Ruler on Ice in 2011.

While Rags to Riches came in off a win in the Kentucky Oaks and was a logical contender, the three others were all upset winners.

The new shooters this year are Matterhorn, Matuszak, Commissioner and Tonalist. All are listed at 8-1 or higher according to Odds Shark.

One myth about the Belmont Stakes is that since it is the longest of the three Triple Crown races, it must be won by horses that rally from the back of the pack.

It’s just not true.

While it is tough to take the field gate to wire (Since Swale in 1984, the only gate-to-wire Belmont winner has been Da’ Tara in 2008), most of the winners have shown good tactical speed.

The winners tend to be in the first flight, and when they head for home, the winner is usually on the lead. The reason the late closers are at a distinct disadvantage is because the early pace of the Belmont Stakes is usually much slower than the Derby and Preakness.

The contender with the perfect running style this year? Chalk players will be pleased with the answer.

By now, you have heard that California Chrome has a modest pedigree, by a sprint sire named Lucky Pulpit that stands for just $2,500 and out of a mare that ran for an $8,000 claiming tag.

To get 1 1/2 miles, it is preferable for the runner to have a long-winded pedigree. Several runners in the field do have more stamina-influenced genes.

One is Commissioner, who is by the sire A.P. Indy who won the 1992 Belmont Stakes, and the colt is out of a mare that was sired by another Belmont Stakes winner in Touch Gold.

Wicked Strong is out of the Derby and Preakness winner Charismatic, while Tonalist is out of a Pleasant Colony mare.

A good source to look up the pedigree of your Belmont Stakes pick is the Thoroughbred Pedigree Database.

The Belmont Stakes has not been kind to betting favorites in recent years. The last two horses bidding for a Triple Crown were Big Brown in 2008 and Smarty Jones in 2004. Both were sent off at betting odds of 1-5 and both lost.

If we look at the last six runnings of the Belmont Stakes, the average winning payoff is $37. In the last two years the Triple Crown was at stake, Da ‘Tara paid $79.00 in 2008, while Birdstone derailed the Triple Crown bid in 2004 and paid $74.00.

If California Chrome can’t get the distance at betting odds of 3-5, according to the latest prices at Odds Shark, expect to see the tote board light up.

After a seven-hour day of playing the ponies, feel free to have a cocktail. While the Kentucky Derby has the mint julep and the Preakness drink of choice is the Black-Eyed Susan, there are several choices for the third jewel of the Triple Crown.

The Belmont Breeze is a traditional drink, but this year the official Belmont Jewel might quench your thirst better. The drink is made with 1 1/2 ounces of Knob Creek bourbon, two ounces of lemonade and one ounce of pomegranate juice.

However, this year there is a new player. Triple Crown Whiskey might be a more appropriate drink this year, and I have to think the connections of California Chrome may be cracking a bottle in the winner’s circle.

The dust has settled from the Belmont Stakes, and while racing is once again left disappointed, the Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown gave racing fans some thrilling moments and valuable lessons.

Horse racing is a sport of extreme highs and lows. California Chrome looked invincible heading toward the Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown glory, only to fall short like so many have since Affirmed took home the crown in 1978.

Here is a look at some of the lessons we can take away from the 2014 Triple Crown season.

There is nothing more exciting in sports than a horse heading to the Belmont Stakes seeking to win the elusive Triple Crown. We have been here before, a dozen times since Affirmed won the last Triple Crown in 1978.

We are still waiting.

I have put together some basic betting advice, geared more toward the casual racing fan or new horseplayer who may be looking to place a few wagers on the Belmont Stakes as California Chrome looks to make history.

Here are 10 betting tips to keep in mind before heading to the racetrack (or your computer) to bet on the big day:

Sure, it is fun to head out to a Triple Crown event, get all dressed up, drink a fancy cocktail, and hobnob with the elite.

However, do you know what is a lot more fun? Leaving the racetrack, betting parlor or party with more money than you came with. Wagering on horse racing is completely legal, whether you do it at the track, at home on your computer or on your smartphone.

There are plenty of online racebooks looking for your action. Look for a reputable site, one that offers a generous sign-up bonus and rebates or some type of cash rewards.

While witnessing a Triple Crown is exciting, cashing a ticket on the race will add to the rush and might even pay for that fancy hat.

Unless you plan on just betting names and numbers, it is a good idea to take advantage of the wealth of betting information that is available.

Start with the good writers right here at Bleacher Report, and there is plenty of other great information, including replays of all of the major races available on You Tube. Equibase has a free app where horseplayers can access videos and results for free.

The New York Racing Association has a You Tube channel that features videos of all of the Belmont Stakes contenders working out in the mornings. There are replays, interviews and handicapping advice available on the America’s Best Racing You Tube channel as well.

Doing a little homework can lead to cashing a big ticket on Belmont Stakes Day.

There are a dozen races in addition to the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, and enough wagering options to make even a degenerate gambler’s head spin.

The Belmont Stakes itself offers win, place, show, exacta, trifecta and superfecta wagering. There are rolling doubles, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 bets as well.

A $500,000 Guaranteed Pick 5 begins on the opening race, a $1 Million Guaranteed Pick 6 begins in the sixth race and a $1.5 Million Guaranteed Pick 4 begins on race eight.

It is a good idea to plan ahead and decide what betting pools you are going to jump into. With a smaller bankroll, stick to traditional wagers and exactas. A larger bankroll will allow you to play the horizontal bets.

While California Chrome is the marquee name on Belmont Stakes Day, there is plenty of other star power not to be missed. There are 13 races and 10 stakes on the richest day in Belmont Stakes Day history.

Last year’s Derby runner-up Golden Soul is a longshot in the Brooklyn Invitational, the third race on the card. The amazing Ben’s Cat is the 5-2 favorite in the Jaipur (G3). The King T. Leatherbury trainee has won 26 of his 39 career starts.

Social Inclusion, who was third in the Preakness, is the headliner in the Woody Stephens, the fifth race on the card. He faces a dozen foes in one of the best betting races on the card.

Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Beholder takes on last year’s Kentucky Oaks winner Princess of Sylmar and multiple Grade 1 winner Close Hatches in the Ogden Phipps. Last year’s Preakness winner Palace Malice takes to the track in the Met Mile.

Roll out the red carpet for the undercard, now for a few tips on the big race.

A good look at historical trends can often help us separate the contenders from the pretenders. For instance, did you know that since 2000, just two of the last 14 Belmont Stakes winners participated in the Preakness? Point Given (2001) and A­fleet Alex (2005) were the two.

No Kentucky Derby winner has won the Belmont Stakes since Thunder Gulch in 1995. The only horse to land in the exacta was Smarty Jones, who finished second behind Birdstone in 2004.

Those two trends do not bode well for the favorite California Chrome, do they?

Let’s look for a positive. If we look at the history of the Belmont Stakes, the betting favorite has won at a 42 percent clip.

That should make “Chromies” feel better.

Payments are possible among the providers, for example with some interesting shapes.

In horseracing, there is now the opportunity to work on various portals. This provides much greater opportunities for all bets lovers. It is known, for example, but also sites like bet365bwin. Anyone who gets on these portals logs first ever credited a bonus. The bonus schemes are independently depending on the provider.

There is bet365 for example € 100 and William Hill another 100 €. The bonus is tempting, is used by many players and examined only by a few. After all, it would be possible to sign up to receive the bonus, to be cashed out, and to play or not to bet.

In addition, that’s what of these portals was a clause inserted to be read clearly in the Terms. This means that the player only has to invest a certain sum of money before the recovered sum of money can be disbursed. Moreover, these details are important for anyone who wants to participate in betting this kind.

The bonus: what are the bonuses available?

When bonus there are many ways that consumers can use. For example, the beginner bonus, which is paid once at login. Likewise, there are always events that a bonus will be rewarded. Players who will participate in these events will automatically be credited with a certain amount of money. Nevertheless, this sum of money is bound to a pay-out. The players should always keep in mind.

The money is actually paid

If the terms and conditions money are met by quality providers will be paid normally. Whether it is at bet365 or other containers portals: reputable portals will ensure that the entire sum of money will be paid into your own account.

Horse Racing: Betting in the UK

There are many reputable providers of horse racing which in England are stationed. Most known bet365. Here visitors have the opportunity to use different categories. For example, fixed odds, “all bets” or “Toto”. In this context, there is extensive betting options, which are interesting for players and fans. Therefore, the hedge bet that could be combined with a win bet, the place bet or the head-to-head bet. The provider itself is considered an extremely serious.

Betting on horse races in England: The provider bet365

The provider itself is trustworthy and can offer an incredibly good quality. Now known for numerous bets, players can start from very good betting results. The Gambling Commission has certified the portal; there are many individual strategies that can be taken up and the opportunity to work with simple methods.

Moreover, transparent financial ratios and excellent solutions exist for a bet custom tailored just to set as desired. Thus, all the conditions are fulfilled but also the wishes for the successful placement of a bet is necessary and important. These capabilities are essential for any of it from being a bet to place.

How can a high-quality provider recognized for horse racing?

Unfortunately, there is next to bet365 and providers that are less serious. Anyone who is looking for a high-quality provider should always be on the masthead, but also respect the community. The larger the community is, the more professional usually is the portal. This principle is important for anyone who wants to put on a bet and want to place a bet.

What could be more exciting for horse lovers? Of course, live bets! to make it on the way to the next track.

The new technology around horseracing: Live Betting

Horses live betting bettors open up completely new possibilities in power to deal more intensively with horseracing and maybe even to risk right horse. Within current events thanks is live betting the chance to leave sight of the flag tips. Much like in roulette, there comes a moment when no more bets may be placed. Until then, it says watch complete coupon and hope for a big win. The modern saves bettors the way to the racetrack without the need to sacrifice the thrill of watching. The event can be followed live on the screen and parallel bets are placed. Depending Bookmakers are even special bets possible.

Video and audio streams of horseracing – the differences

There are two options, depending on the bookmakers, horse racing live: retransmitting the audio and video live stream. In the first case, a commentator will discuss the events via audio stream. If the speaker is on the PC, it can begin to develop at least what is happening just at the racetrack. Far more attractive, however, found only in a few suppliers: the video live stream. Through this, the action can be viewed as in a television broadcast in real time. Therefore, it is usually easier to choose the right bets and increase your chances for a win.

Race formats internationally

The range of horse betting is wide, finally, to all without exception are betting friend offered something. Of course, also, that the variations of betting in horse sports have developed further and have been made on regional differences. Therefore, it is not possible to respond to the complete number of offers of bets, but it can be diagnosed some very prominent betting offers the world, or at the major racetracks, are represented. These selections is to be visualized in this space. Please note, however, that the national betting was illustrated in another article.

Win: It is a bet on the eventual winner of the race.

Place: We bet that the horse arrives in the top two at the finish.

Show: We bet that the horse arrives in the top three at the finish. With less than seven horses are the first two placing required.

Exacta: The first two positions are predicted in the exact order.
Trifecta: The first three positions are predicted in the exact order.
Superfecta: The first four positions are predicted in the exact order.
Pick 3: The winner of three races, which directly follow each, must be correctly predicted.
Pick 4: The winner of four races, which directly follow each, must be correctly predicted.
Pick 5: The winner of five races, which directly follow each, must be correctly predicted.
Pick 6: The winner of six races, which directly follow each, must be correctly predicted.

Of course, this can be based on numerous betting combinations. Especially the WIN PLACE SHOW bet is a very stout combination.

Listed Race

Sublist race means race in which horses to their classification or even run their handicap. It should be important to know that the horses are divided into three groups in terms of performance, with the fastest horses in the Group I again.

The list of races are under that order. One can hold so that they reflect in some way a group IV. The technical term for these forms of racing as well as other race group, under the name of Black Type races known. Through the explanation of this name-origin can be of special importance to the listed race explain better.

Black type indicates the fat and black print. By winning, Black Type races can entries on key breeding lists, rankings and auction catalogues. These, bold ‘references increase the value of a breeding horse tremendously. Therefore, these races are particularly important mainly for breeders.

It is therefore a race breeding a certain kind, which are mainly relevant for new appointments in advance of a special season.

Steeplechase

Point-to-point call a rather exotic form of horseracing, which is less well known outside of Europe. Therefore, the point-to-point delight in our continent, and especially in France and Switzerland, a tremendously high popularity. Many see this as a kind of archetype of equestrian sport. The steeplechase is, as the name suggests, across a field. Fields and graves, trees and hedges, are the natural barriers that have to cross the participants by and. usually the race will therefore take place away from the stadium, but this does not mean that the horse friend from the action is excluded.

The opposite is the case. Each organizer is itself creative and comes up with his own solution to ensure each watching. Also makes a point-to-point to a real experience.

Steeple Chase is always 3.0 to 7.2 kilometres long and win not only because the participating horses from some. In addition, the horses have a tremendous manoeuvrability, as the course partially a 90-degree angle, and runs are not always visible from a distance. In addition, tree trunks and bushes are also skipped, as streams and natural, possibly unplanned obstacles.

In the vernacular, the Steeple Chase will also like race called the church. This is due to its original form, which at the same time it is very long history to prove. Previously hunting races were in fact often carried out from village to village.

Especially in England and Wales, that was the case until the last century. Starting then, the church of one of the village was the target of another church.