Things are abit quiet on the racing front, this being post-Derby week.  Still, there are some blog worthy items:

• Despite good intentions by Hastings management, betting handle is down in 2011 compared to 2010.  After 10 days of racing, a total of 4.28 million has been bet, compared to 4.90 million the previous year (source: Derby Bar and Grill Newsletter, May 10).  The reason for the decline?  Poor weather accounts for some of it by reducing training time for horses.  Fewer horses that are race ready will lead to smaller fields, and if it’s one thing bettors are not keen on, it’s smaller fields.  Rainy weather also does not help on-track attendance, for obvious reasons.  Parlay that with a great Canucks run, and it’s going to be a challenge competing for the entertainment dollar in this city.  Any chance for a makeup card for the lost Friday night 2 weeks ago?
• Animal Kingdom, winner of the Kentucky Derby, looks to be bound for the Preakness.  He’s already an early 2-1 favourite. He ran well in the Kentucky Derby, but with an unusually slow pace, you have to wonder if the race would have played out differently had there been more early speed.
• Speaking of the Derby, while most people were busy ripping up tickets, one punter had a hell of a score, and did a little boasting online.
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• That’s a cool 48 grand.  Wouldn’t you?
• Jockey Michael Baze passed away this week at the age of 24.  He was the leading rider at Arlington last summer, and had a promising career.  Tragic loss.