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Posted by Avram Freedberg

That’s what the punters thought of Ahvee’s Destiny’s chances against the boys )and 3 more of Linda’s fillies!). It was a tough race, and an important one. Ahvee’s Destiny needed to show us that she could race with these quality horses because she will have to face this quality and better if she’s to proceed forward in her racing career.

As usual, I was nervous all day. Happily, Ahvee’s Destiny wasn’t.

We went to see her this morning before she had to go to the pre-race holding barn. She seemed happy and content munching her hay. I was surprised, since I didn’t think they let them eat anything prior to a race. We snuggled her and gave her our love and support. So, did you, with your good luck wishes. We had our own support network at the track, including Rob & Sheri, Allen & Linda E. and Johnna, all rooting for Ahvee. But now, she had to go to work.

She was in the #8 post with speed inside her. So, when the gate opened, she was off to her usual fast start but so were the horses inside her. She couldn’t get to the rail and ran wide most of the race. We were worried that she was giving up too much ground to these good horses.

Coming around the stretch turn, she was still close up in third but seemed to lose steam. I was viewing the race mostly through binoculars, except when the view was blocked. Frankly, I thought she was not going anywhere… but I was wrong. Johnny Velasquez tapped with the stick and Linda Rice started cheering, “go Ahvee!” I couldn’t believe it. She was coming on again… gaining, gaining until with just few strides left to the finish line, she took the lead and held it to win by a head!

What a race! What a horse! What a trainer! Linda’s four entries finished 1, 2, 3, 4. Unbelievable. Tom Durkin, the voice of Saratoga, called Linda Rice’s Superfecta.

I put on my Cricket jockey silks and we made our way to the Winner’s Circle almost not believing she had actually done it. She has a lot of heart!
They gave us a trophy and led us to a champagne celebration. All this within one hour of Allen and Linda E.’s arrival. They think this is what happens all the time!

WOW! We’ll be flying for the rest of our stay in Saratoga. No balloon needed.

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