Calder Notebook

CALDER NOTEBOOK

JULY 23, 2010

by Calder Publicity

Trainers' title chase never more competitive

After nearly three months of the Calder meet, the trainers' leader board

continues to change on a day-to-day, race-by-race basis with eight horsemen on

top separated by only two wins after Sunday's program, while three riders

dominate the jockeys' standings.

Owner-trainer Steve Dwoskin saddled four-year-old Honest Paul (Double Honor)

to win Sunday's 2ND race and draw into a tie with 11-time Calder meet champion

Bill White and Chris Gatis atop the trainers' standings with 14 victories

apiece, just one more than David Fawkes, Steve DiMauro and Fred Warren in a

three-way tie for fourth at 13 each. Marty Wolfson and Eddie Plesa Jr. are one

just one more back with 12 tallies each.

Dwoskin was leading owner by wins at the Calder meet last year and the

Tropical-at-Calder session as well while finishing third and second,

respectively, among trainers at the two sessions.

A 67-year-old native of Brooklyn, Dwoskin plays with his own chips for the

most part with only an occasional outside client. Dwoskin has held a trainers'

license since 1971 while operating a highly-successful auto supply business.

While he breeds some on a modest scale, he buys most of his runners for

reasonable prices at a number of different sales.

Jockey Luis Saez, 18, remains atop the standings with 72 wins, six more than

40-year-old veteran Manoel Cruz second with 66 going into this week's action,

but that could change by Sunday. Saez, who lost his apprentice allowance two

weeks ago and was out of action last week serving a suspension, won't be back in

the saddle until Sunday. Cruz has won the Calder meet title three times

previously, including last year.

Saez is a native of Panama as is 21-year-old apprentice Angel Moreno, who

continues to make a good showing in his first season in the United States,

ranking third with 45 wins. The top three are followed by Luis Jurado fourth

with 25 and Edgar Perez fifth with 23.

HORSES TO WATCH

 Friday (7/16)

3RD -- HOLY BLING (Macho Uno) was nearly pulled up after ducking sharply at

the break, but showed a good run through the stretch to finish fifth. She was

well-beaten by the winner, but back in touch with the rest after being

hopelessly out of it going only five furlongs.

Saturday (7/17)

9TH -- CHON (Burning Roma) was nearly eliminated after taking up in tight

quarters early in the race, but produced a good run through the stretch to

finish fifth when clear and almost certainly will appreciate more distance.

Sunday (7/18)

6TH -- ROYAL TAPIT (Tapit) rallied well for third in his fourth straight race

forced off turf and contested on the main track. Well-bred gelding may be better

on grass, but can be used on main track, particularly in another "off-the-turf"

opportunity.