Parx Racing gaining stakes recognition

Horseracing Betting Lines

12/05/2011 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Each year the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association re-evaluates all the stakes races in the United States with a minimum purse of $75,000. Stakes can be elevated in status, reduced or remain status quo.

Racetracks take great pride in having their stakes races given a graded status. In particular the tracks not considered major venues for racing.

This year the committee gave special recognition to stakes races conducted at Parx Racing in suburban Philadelphia. The former Philadelphia Park, and before that Keystone Race Track, gained several upgrades to their stakes.

For the first time in track history a Grade I race, the highest level stakes, will be held at Parx Racing. The Cotillion Stakes for three-year-old fillies has gained the coveted position as Grade I.

The last three runnings of the Cotillion have featured the best of each year's sophomore fillies. In 2009 Careless Jewel may have been the second best filly behind Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Prior to capturing the Cotillion, Careless Jewel won the Delaware Oaks and Alabama.

In 2010 the two best female three-year-olds, Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, hooked up in another edition of their now historic rivalry. Havre de Grace finally got the win over Blind Luck who had defeated the Delaware Park-based filly in the Alabama and Delaware Oaks.

This year's Cotillion showcased two of the top fillies in training. Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty was again facing It's Tricky winner of the Acorn and Coaching Club American Oaks. Trained by Bob Baffert, Plum Pretty avenged the American Oaks loss by crushing It's Tricky by more than seven-lengths.

Joining the Cotillion and the Grade II Pennsylvania Derby on the graded stakes roster at Parx Racing are the Smarty Jones, Greenwood Cup and Dr. James Penny Memorial Handicap, all three being elevated to Grade III.

Another track beaming with pride is Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia. The track's premier race, the $1,000,000 Charles Town Classic, has been moved up to Grade II after just three editions.

"Every member of our team should be proud that their efforts and hard work are resulting in some historic firsts for our track," said Erich Zimny, Director of Racing Operations. "In 18 of the last 19 months, our average daily handle has grown versus the prior year's number and there are more eyes on racing in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia than there ever have been. We could not have accomplished that - or sustain it - without our event days."

Duke of Mischief won this year Classic followed by Santa Anita Handicap champ Game On Dude and Whitney Handicap winner Tizway. Eventual Pacific Classic winner Acclamation finished last in the 10-horse field.

What do each of these two tracks have in common? Casinos.

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American Idol Betting Odds: Season 6  

The online gambling websites are in the process of deciphering each American Idol contestant and his or her chances of winning Season 6 to come up with the early American Idol betting lines.

Tim Dalton of MySportsbook.com has been locked away in a soundproof room coming up with all the latest tallies, we are told. "American Idol has become one of the most significant betting events of the year," claims Jack Black of MySportsbook.com.  "Last year, millions were bet during the season across the globe, not just in America.

It's tough early on since we really do not have a glimpse as to how well each of these individuals will perform solo on a week-to-week basis.  It's like Week 1 of the NFL.  Pre-season means nada!

We do know the 24 finalists however.

Sanjaya Malakar is the young man whose sister failed to make it into the Top 24.  He's very low key but - unless he totally flubs - will probably win over the young girlie vote for a few weeks anyway.  He's too young to go all the way, according to Payton O'Brien. 

Brandon Rogers - Who?

Phil Stacy is the military guy who missed his daughter's birth because of the Memphis audition.  He should go a good distance.

Chris Sligh - He's got the humor and in many ways he's the Anti-American Idol much like last year's winner Taylor Hicks was.  And this is why he'll probably get pretty far in this competition.  He's chubby, white with a big curly afro....but more importantly, a great voice!  People love "real", not "real cute" to go all the way. 

"Blake Lewis should go far because of his uniqueness and looks.  He's the boy next store with a twist - he beat boxes.  But on top of this, he's a great singer, and I adore him," Payton O'Brien relayed.

A talented beat-boxer Blake Lewis was a hit during the group sing in Hollywood but Simon explained that this is a singing contest just before he told him he was “in.”

Paul Kim has caught our own roving reporter, Jenny Woo's eyes. 

"I love the fact that there is a Korean American on the show and he is bound to get more Asians tuning into the show," Woo said from her Miami Beach estate.  "There has never been a major presence of Asian-Americans on American Idol in the past.  He's a hottie with a nice voice so that should help to take him far.  Expect heavy betting action from the Asian community."

Sundance Head - He's not perfect, but he's got the personality that will take him through a few weeks, plus he's got the lineage (son of Roy Head - whose 1965 single, "Treat Her Right," hit No. 5 in the charts) 

And the others:

Rudy Cardinas
AJ Tabaldo - the 5th time is the charm
Nicolas Pedro
Chris Richardson
Jared Cotter

The girls

"Melinda Doolittle has one of the best voices," says MySportsbook.com Reporter and an acclaimed dancer in her own right, Destiney Lewis.  "It is great to see a back up singer step out like she has.  The girl needs to gain more confidence but that can also be a positive.  I think she will go far."

Alena Alexander - Those tears (she never seems to stop bawling) should get her far.

"Single mom Lakisha Jones I suspect will be a pretty big favorite entering Week 1 of the competition," says Destiny Williams.  Jones is an excellent singer and down to earth.  "She'll have a wide appeal," echoed O'Brien.

Nicole Trellis - Seems to exert confidence.

Amy Krebs - a powerful singer.

Antonella Barba
Gina Glocksen
Hailey Scanardo
Jordan Sparks
Stephanie Edwards
Leslie Hunt
Sabrina Sloan

MySportsbook.com is offering a 20% signup bonus with an initial deposit (i.e. open your American Idol betting account with $300, receive another $60 in which to bet with). 

Last two contestants will be?

1 Male/1 Female +100 (a $10 bet pays $10 plus your initial $10)

2 Males +170 (a $10 bet pays $17 plus your initial $17)

2 Females +130 (a $10 bet pays $13 plus your initial $10)

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