Bigger purses have changed the claiming game, presenting challenges – and opportunities – for both horsemen and racetracks.
January’s average handle in the mid-Atlantic region was basically flat versus December’s number, though all four operating tracks topped $1 million in average betting.
December’s average handle in the mid-Atlantic region was essentially flat versus November’s number.
With fewer tracks operating fewer days, November’s mid-Atlantic wagering handle fell versus the prior month, though the daily average was up.
La Vitesse won a Parx allowance last out by 14 lengths. She’ll look to validate that Wednesday in the Blue Mountain Juvenile Fillies at Penn National.
Wednesday’s Swatara Stakes at Penn National has drawn a full field of 10, headlined by West Virginia-bred Charitable Annuity.
The Fabulous Strike, anchoring Penn National’s Thanksgiving eve card, looks to draw a big field, as do two undercard stakes.
Average daily handle was off 12 percent in October versus the prior month, and total handle also fell.
Total mid-Atlantic handle rose in September versus the prior month, but the average daily handle fell.
Total handle in the mid-Atlantic region fell 25 percent in August versus July, and the daily average was off by nearly five percent.