Arapahoe Park in Aurora opens its 37-day run today at 2 p.m. with a 10-race program.
This year’s meet, the 15th in track history, reverts to its traditional Friday-Sunday schedule after two summers of running Saturday-Tuesday, with an eye on tapping into the national simulcast market. There also will be racing July 4 for a 12-week meet that concludes Aug. 28.
In addition to the local product, simulcast wagering will be available on major tracks from across the country.
Track general manager Bruce Seymore has a couple of new wagers on the menu to tempt fans.
“We are going to be offering dime superfectas on four races daily,” Seymore said of a wager that was introduced this spring at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. “The races will be the fourth, sixth, eighth and 10th.”
On the bet, a person can get a straight ticket for a dime and a four-horse box costs $2.40.
Today’s opening card features trials for the Cherry Creek Futurity and will feature the other new wager.
“It is called the Shoot Out, and it will be offered on days when we run a lot of quarter horse trials,” Seymore said. “The bet is to pick the fastest qualifier. There are six trials (races two through seven today) with three Shoot Outs of 17 horses each. It is a win bet.”
Future Shoot Outs can handle up to 24 betting interests. There will be four trials for the Lucille Rowe Derby on Saturday’s 12-race card.
The mixed meet, which will feature racing for thoroughbreds, quarter horses, Arabians, Paints and Appaloosas, will be strengthened by the arrival of several stables from Idaho.
Highlighting the stakes schedule for thoroughbreds will be the Gold Rush Futurity at 6 furlongs for 2-year-olds to be run Aug. 28. Two Grade II stakes – the Mile High Derby and Mile High Futurity to be run Aug. 27 and 28 respectively – top the quarter horse stakes schedule.
Pony time!
What: Horse racing
Where: Arapahoe Park, 26000 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora
When: 37 days, today through Aug. 28
Schedule: Friday-Sunday plus July 4 with 2 p.m. first post time Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and July 4
Parking: Free
Admission: General admission is free on Fridays; $3 on Saturdays and Sundays, seniors $1
Information: 303-690-2400 or www.wembleyco.com
