Though the claiming business was not as strong this week as last, it remained solid in the mid-Atlantic region, according to our Claimbox report. Overall, 64 horses were claimed in the region, with a combined value of more than $787,000 during the week ending August 13.
The gross value of the horses claimed at Charles Town, Delaware, Monmouth, Parx, and Penn National was the third highest weekly total in the last couple of months. The average — of just over $12,300 — was the second highest. Those numbers are down slightly from, but essentially similar to, last week’s figures of 65 horses claimed with a gross value of $817,500. The median value — $10,000 — was up 25 percent from last week and equals the highest weekly figure to date.
Parx was the busiest track of the week, as 22 horses changed hands with a combined value of $257,500. Charles Town, which saw just five horses claimed, had the highest average price, $14,500.
Among trainers, Ramon Preciado and Patricia Farro set the pace with three claims each. Preciado’s three claims totaled $47,500, the region’s highest dollar figure.
On the other side of the ledger, Michael Pino — among the region’s leaders by claiming three a week ago — led all trainers with three horses claimed from him. The value of the horses claimed from David Wells and George Albright — $37,500 each — was tops among area trainers.
