Talamo Reunites With Tribal Spy

It’s going on two years since Joe Talamo rode Tribal Spy in a race, but Santa Anita’s second-leading rider is looking forward to reuniting with the 4-year-old filly in Saturday’s Grade III Las Cienegas Stakes for older fillies and mares at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf.

“I worked her a half-mile the other day in 49 (on turf) and she did it real nice,” Talamo said of the California-bred daughter of Tribal Rule trained by Adam Kitchingman. “She went off in 26 (the first quarter mile) and came home in 23. It’s been a while since I rode her, but she’s real consistent. If she runs like she’s been running, she’ll be tough.

Talamo rode Tribal Spy in her first two races, late in 2012, and will be back aboard Saturday after an absence of 12 straight races. Tribal Spy won the Irish O’Brien Stakes at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf March 15.

The Las Cienegas field: Ciao Bella Luna, Martin Garcia, 4-1; Macaabra, Brice Blanc, 8-1; Llandudno, Tyler Baze, 6-1; Biorhythm, Drayden Van Dyke, 2-1; Sky High Gal, Rafael Bejarano, 5-2; Tribal Spy, Joe Talamo, 9-2; and Minds Eyes, Edwin Maldonado, 8-1.

XPRESSBET WINNER SCOTT SHORE CASHES IN ON SANTA ANITA DERBY

For the second weekend in a row, a Grand Prize winner in Xpressbet’s $10K Big Bet Sweepstakes turned his $10,000 Win bet on a major racing event into a life-changing payday.

Scott Shore, a resident of Coral Springs, Florida, was selected to attend the Santa Anita Derby and was given $10,000 to bet on his choice in the race. He attended with his father, Steve Shore, and close friend Sean Gerson, and put his money on California Chrome. He was rewarded with a $17,000 return.

Shore made his bet based on the colt’s impressive body of work, which included three consecutive authoritative victories. He also felt the track was playing favorably to California Chrome’s running style. One glance at California Chrome in the paddock cemented Shore’s decision. “He just looked really good,” Shore said. “I saw exactly what I needed to see right there in the paddock.”

When asked if Shore received input from family or friends on who to choose, he assured that the choice was all his. “Everybody was incredibly supportive, but I felt like a pitcher who was in the seventh inning of a perfect game,” he joked. “Nobody wanted to give me the wrong piece of advice.”

While watching the race from the winner’s circle, California Chrome gave Shore the experience of a lifetime. “There were a few anxious moments early in the race, but once California Chrome secured his position, I was pretty confident,” Shore said. “And by the time he reached the sixteenth pole so far in front, I was able to start celebrating with my dad and friend, Sean. It was nice not having to sweat through a close finish. He’s an incredible racehorse and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him. He definitely made a fan of me.”

Shore won his chance by registering for free in Xpressbet’s $10K Big Bet Sweepstakes and by placing wagers with Xpressbet January through March. “I switched to Xpressbet about six month ago, and I haven’t looked back,” said Shore. “When they called and informed me I was a Grand Prize winner, I was shocked and overjoyed. It’s one of those things that you never think will happen to you. Everyone at Xpressbet has been incredibly accommodating, and I can’t thank them enough. Between visiting the paddock, winner’s circle, the new suites and jockey’s room, this has truly been the experience of a lifetime.”

This is the second weekend in a row that an Xpressbet $10K Big Bet Grand Prize winner has turned his prize into a winning wager. At last weekend’s Florida Derby, Tom Guadagno placed his $10,000 Win bet on Constitution, which provided Guadagno a $43,000 payday.

The Big Bets aren’t over yet. Xpressbet customers can register for free in the $50K Preakness Big Bet Sweepstakes, which will reward one lucky customer with a  VIP trip to this year’s Preakness on May 17, along with $50,000 to place a Win bet on a horse of their choosing in the Preakness Stakes.  Visit www.xpressbet.com/50kbigbet for more information.