Monday, April 22, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
With just less than two weeks to go before the 122nd running of the Kentucky Derby, Las Vegas race and sports books continue to gear up for what has become one of the top handle days of the year.
Action on the Derby in recent years has approached the massive dollar amounts generated by the Super Bowl. And as is the case on Super Sunday, numerous local books will host competing festive galas for bettors on May 4.
At the Sands, race and sports book director Bob Gregorka will offer large-screen televisions, food and beverage specials and live wagering in the Grand Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"The players will feel as though they're actually at Churchill Downs," Gregorka said. "The Sands is going to offer the ultimate Derby experience."
Equally excited about his own Derby bash is Vinny Magliulo of Caesars Palace, who predicted his 1996 party will rival those he has hosted in the past.
"We're very proud of our party," said Magliulo. "It's one of the premier events we have on the property over the course of the year. It's a tradition we'll certainly continue this year."
While the books may disagree about who has the best Derby bash, they tend to agree the race is shaping up to be better than billed -- even though Unbridled's Song remains the heavy favorite.
"I don't think it's going to be the Unbridled's Song show," Magliulo said.
"He's certainly the favorite right now, but when they load up all those horses in the gates at Churchill Downs a lot of things can happen. Yes, Unbridled's Song probably will be the favorite on Derby Day, but it's far from a foregone conclusion in my mind that he's a lock. We know there are no such things."
Says Gregorka: "The 1996 Kentucky Derby will be especially interesting, as it has shaped up to be a wide-open affair. One can make a case for any one of the top contenders. It should be very exciting."
Magliulo said there are many intriguing subplots to the Derby that have generated bettor interest, including trainer D. Wayne Lukas' attempt to continue his recent dominance of triple crown events.
"I'm very pleased with the activity on the Kentucky Derby," Magliulo said. "I think the race is really wide open this year, and that has added to the appeal. You've got Wayne Lukas looking to continue his streak, but there are certainly horses from other barns that have a chance.
"I'm sure we're going to see an exciting Derby. To me, it's always one of the premier race and sports events of the year, and we're really focusing on it right now."
Odds and ends
* DE LA HOYA-CHAVEZ OPENS WELL: Betting action has been brisk for the WBC Super Lightweight Championship bout between Oscar De La Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez set for June 7 at Caesars Palace. "The response has been very high so far in terms of wagering interest," said Vinny Magliulo of Caesars. "But it's important to remember that 80 percent of the activity on the fight, the undercard, and the propositions will come on the weekend of the event. Having said that, right now it has a very good pace and is ahead of any previous fight to date this far in advance."
Keith Glantz of the Palace Station Race and Sports Book reported his initial handle has mainly come down on the underdog Chavez, who opened as a 3-1 selection and has been bet down to plus 250. "I do have some action, and so far it's all Chavez," he said. "The early money is on the 'dog. Normally, I don't get much this early. It's still pretty far in advance. Most of my business is locals, who know they still have two months or so to bet it. I'll get my share the week of the fight."
* RESPONSIBLE GAMING: The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced the formation of the National Center for Responsible Gaming, to be located in Kansas City. Principal initial funding for the project is being provided by Station Casinos, Inc. and Boyd Gaming Corporation. The center, a non-profit organization, will provide research into problem gaming and devise strategies for prevention, intervention and treatment. "When we opened our doors last June, one of our goals was to found a center to study the effects of problem gambling," said Frank Fahrenkopf, AGA president and CEO. "Through the creation of the center, we will be better equipped to identify a problem gambler and address the issue on an educated, well-informed level." The center expects to begin awarding research grants in the summer.
* INFO VIA THE NET: A four-day conference on sports marketing via cyberspace will be held at Harrah's June 18-21. The event's primary focus is to discuss developing athletic marketing plans via the Inernet, but a possible interest for bettors is the way various sports entities -- teams, media organizations, wagering services -- make information available via the electronic superhighway. The conference will be presented by International Quality and Productivity Center, and further information can be obtained by calling 1-800-882-8684.
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