Takeout boost stirs backlash

A potential horseplayer boycott is brewing when Santa Anita opens Dec. 26. The backlash is caused by the California Horse Racing Board increasing the takeout 9.6 percent (to 22.68 from 20.68) in exactas and daily doubles and by 14.5 percent (to 23.68 from 20.68) for all other exotic bets.

The CHRB cannot sugarcoat the fact that it is fleecing the betting public in the name of saving California horse racing. It intends to add the increased revenue into purses.

I, for one, am not in favor of a boycott. To give up betting on Santa Anita is like asking me to stop breathing. Plus, I don't think a boycott can succeed.

I recommend horseplayers be aware of tracks that offer lower takeout and bet them accordingly. Send me an e-mail, and I will forward you a national takeout chart from HANA, the Horseplayers Association of North America.

The high points of the HANA chart rank Churchill Downs and Keeneland in a tie as the two best racetracks in the U.S. to bet on. However, both are closed.

In the bet takeout categories, here are the best tracks running this winter:

For win, place and show straight betting, Santa Anita (15.4) and Aqueduct (16.0) top the HANA charts. The daily-double winners are Tampa Bay Downs (18.0) and Aqueduct (18.5). For exactas, Aqueduct (18.5) leads Charles Town (19.0) and Mountaineer (19.0).

The trifecta and superfecta leader will be Oaklawn Park (21.0). Pick 3 and pick 4 laurels rest with Tampa Bay (19.0). If you play the pick 6 like me and wait for carry-overs, then the rich takeout offsets the positive expectancy.

This premise is no different from going Christmas shopping. You do look at the price tags for gifts, don't you? Thus, stop supporting businesses that gouge the public. However, if takeout doesn't matter, then don't complain about it.

■ CHARITY DRIVE -- The annual Daily Racing Form charity drive for the Shade Tree Shelter is accepting gifts and donations through Dec. 23. The Shade Tree charity offers aid to homeless and abused women and children in Las Vegas. A list of needed items can be viewed at theshadetree.org website. Create good karma for 2011 by dropping off an item at the DRF office at 6000 S. Eastern Ave.

■ GOMEZ APPEARANCE -- Champion jockey Garrett Gomez will attend a meet-and-greet at the South Point race book at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Ralph Siraco of the "Race Day Las Vegas" radio show will host. There will be a free handicapping contest offering $1,000 in prize money.

Richard Eng's horse racing column is published Friday in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He can be reached at rich_eng@hotmail.com.