By Brian Mulligan

Nobody in New Jersey, including any of the Sopranos characters, are going to forget about the upcoming Breeders’ Cup extravaganza at Monmouth Park this fall and one of reasons is the addition of 3 new BC races.

The 3 million-dollar races will make up for an extra day of action to boot. On Friday October 26 the BC Dirt Mile, the Filly and Mare Sprint and the Juvenile Turf will be carded.

Because of track configuration, the Monmouth Mile will be carded at a mile and 70 yards and the F and M Sprint will go at 6 furlongs, but in future years, a Mile and 7 furlongs will be the staple.

This can only help to build momentum and add quality to this showcase. The Cup now may take on the appearance of a festival and in addition to the big money offered Friday, the Cup officials will sponsor 3 more races, each with a $250,000 purse.

Reaction has been mixed about the new structure but it was also mixed 24 years ago when the event was inaugurated.

Some pundits have voiced displeasure with the races saying that there are no preps for a BC Dirt Mile and that distaffers have done well in the Sprint over the years but what’s wrong with having a race for quality horses that can’t get the BC Classic distance unless on the back of a truck or for a specialty race for a specific sex?

As for the Juvenile Turf, sure, the Europeans will be salivating but all you need to do to make a case for this race is take a look at the action at Saratoga just about every summer when youngsters get a chance to shine on grass.

For one, those races are great betting affairs as the unknown is there every time since the runners are new to the surface and with the breeding of so many horses these days ensconced in grass pedigree, these events take on a total long shot look.

For bettors, one thing must be zeroed in on when thinking about the 2007 Cup and that is the fact players better pay attention to the summer meet at Monmouth Park for any apparent trend that may appear.

Okay, the track will have to re-open for the Cup festivities and you will have shippers coming from all over but track maintenance people are like everybody else and they have styles and patterns that must be scrutinized.

Finally, give the Board of Directors of Breeders’ Cup Limited their props for shaking things up and trying something new.

WHERE’S MCGWIRE?

Mark McGwire did not get into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot but maybe he had an effect on the California Horse Racing Board.

That body just announced a toughening up on the drug policy in the state with penalties for trainers and maybe owners down the line and also a condemnation of anabolic steroids. The board also suggested a near month long withdrawal period before a horse treated with clenbuterol will be allowed to race.

The thing the board may have missed is the uniformity issue. These major concerns must be addressed across the board and around the country so one jurisdiction does not have an edge and so everybody is on the same playing field.