The show: BloodHorse Monday, July 27
The speaker: West Point Thoroughbreds executive vice president Tom Bellhouse
The topic: Well-placed good feelings for West Point Thoroughbreds' filly Counting Stars ahead of her start in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), a July 25 race at Saratoga Race Course she would win by 4 1/4 lengths over Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Always a Runner
The quote: "When I looked at her in the paddock, I said, 'If she gets a clean trip, I don't think she's getting beat today.'"
The show: At The Races With Steve Byk, July 27
The speaker: Aron Wellman, president and founder of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners
The topic: The retirement from racing of classic winner Journalism following his victory in the San Diego Handicap (G2) July 18 at Del Mar. The son of Curlin , who will stand at Coolmore's Ashford Stud in 2027, was co-owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners in a career that included victories in the 2025 Santa Anita Derby (G1), Preakness Stakes (G1), and Haskell Stakes (G1) as well as runner-up finishes in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1)
The quote: "I think we take that throwback moniker with pride because of his durability, his constitution. But when you look at the form that he was able to consistently live up to at the highest level, and travel the way he did from racetrack to racetrack across the country back and forth, he was just remarkable. ... I'm not a big social media guy, but my team and my family has drawn my attention to so many posts about people's adoration, respect, and appreciation for Journalism, and how he captured their hearts, and either created fans or gave hope to fans who might have become a little jaded over the years. That type of impact is hard (to garner) this day and age. There's so much negativity out there. There are so many haters. There are so many naysayers, but this is a horse that there's something wrong with you if you just didn't love and appreciate him because he really just time and again gave the people what they wanted. He didn't shy away from any battle."
The show: The Ron Flatter Racing Pod (Horse Racing Nation), July 24
The speaker: Del Mar president Josh Rubinstein
The topic: Rubinstein discusses the Southern California track's decision to require computer-assisted wagers to be placed in the track's win pool at least two minutes to post in an effort to reduce late-odds fluctuation that was frustrating retail players
The quote: "CAW, obviously, is a hot topic in the industry and something we analyze very closely. ... We cut off CAW play in the win pool at two minutes (to post). I'm not saying that two-minute cutoff will alleviate all concerns with CAW—it won't—but it was a significant step for us. We've seen a substantial reduction in the win pool by CAW, which has definitely impacted purses and commissions, but it's something that we felt was the right thing to do because it's vital not just for Del Mar, but for all tracks, to have a racing and wagering product that appeals to all segments of the horseplayer market."
