Monmouth Park Barn Notes – Friday, August 24Monmouth Park Barn Notes – Friday, August 24
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Day: August 24, 2007
Kalookan Dancer wires $64,000 feature race at Del MarKalookan Dancer wires $64,000 feature race at Del Mar
Kalookan Dancer led all the way to win Thursday’s $64,000 feature by a half-length over So Long Sonoma at Del Mar. Ridden by Jose Valdivia Jr., Kalookan Dancer covered 6 1/2 furlongs in 1 minute, 18.14 seconds and paid $21.20, $8 and $4.20 at 9-1 odds. So Long Sonoma returned $3 and $2.20 as the 6-5 wagering favorite, while Excessiveobsession was another 2 lengths back in third and paid $3.20.
Heat sign free agent F Alexander JohnsonHeat sign free agent F Alexander Johnson
Former Florida State forward Alexander Johnson signed with the Miami Heat on Friday after playing last season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Johnson appeared in 59 games last season as a rookie with the Grizzlies, averaging 4.4 points and 3.1 rebounds. Johnson was drafted in the second round in 2006 by Indiana and was later traded to Portland, then Memphis.
LHP Wells, Dodgers agree to contractLHP Wells, Dodgers agree to contract
David Wells is coming back to a pennant race with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wells and the Dodgers agreed to a contract, and the big lefty plans to make his first start for Los Angeles on Sunday night against the Mets in New York. The 44-year-old Wells was designated for assignment by his hometown San Diego Padres on Aug.
NYRA hires longtime racing executive Hal HandelNYRA hires longtime racing executive Hal Handel
Hal Handel, a longtime racing executive in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, was appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer of the New York Racing Association on Thursday. Handel, 60, has been the chief executive officer at Greenwood Racing since 1998. He oversaw the renovation of Philadelphia Park’s grandstand and the development of New Jersey’s first off-track wagering facility.
Wait A White wins $200,000 Ballston Spa Stakes at SaratogaWait A White wins $200,000 Ballston Spa Stakes at Saratoga
Wait a While snapped trainer Todd Pletcher’s losing streak when she came from off the pace to win Thursday’s $200,000 Ballston Spa Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Pletcher, the leading trainer at Saratoga for the past four consecutive years, had saddled only nine winners from 78 starters going into Thursday’s card at the Spa.
Adrian Chip draws No. 5 post position for Yonkers TrotAdrian Chip draws No. 5 post position for Yonkers Trot
Adrian Chip, a 3-year-old bay colt, has drawn the No. 5 post position for the finals of the $724,770 Yonkers Trot at Yonkers Raceway on Saturday. The American-born, Swedish-owned Adrian Chip won one of the eliminations in 2:01.2 on Saturday. Primary As, a 3-year-old bay colt who won the other elimination in 1:58.2, has drawn the sixth hole.
3rd man gets probation for gambling ring3rd man gets probation for gambling ring
The last of three men who ran an illegal sports gambling ring was sentenced to two-years’ probation Friday. James Ulmer, 42, was charged with conspiracy and promoting gambling and faced six months to a year in county jail under a plea agreement for his role in the bookmaking operation with links to the NHL and the Phoenix Coyotes.
Litsch helps Blue Jays beat Angels againLitsch helps Blue Jays beat Angels again
Toronto rookie Jesse Litsch settled down after a rough start, and the Blue Jays continued their mastery of the Los Angeles Angels. Litsch gave up three runs in the first three innings, then held the Angels scoreless as he pitched into the seventh inning of a 5-4 victory Thursday night, Toronto’s 24th in 35 games against Los Angeles.