Posted by Avram Freedberg
You’ll be watching the Kentucky Derby (5:45) when it’s post time for Hear The Footsteps at Belmont (5:49). We will sneak into Belmont for that race in between other engagements. It’s not the Run for the Roses, but I hope he and we make it to the Winner’s Circle!
Katy’s Office Girl’s race overfilled for Sunday. She didn’t make it but they hope to schedule a similar race for Wednesday. Will keep you advised.
Have a nice weekend!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
We're racing!
Posted by Avram Freedberg
As you know, Ahvee’s Destiny did not race in Kentucky. She was in a race but she chose to tour the beautiful Keeneland oval, rather than race competitively. Hopefully, she will show up and race at Pimlico on May 14th, the day before the Preakness.
In the meantime, Hear the Footsteps will run in his first race on Kentucky Derby day. However, he’ll be running at Belmont, not Churchill Downs. He may be one breeze short. However, we need to see how he runs because, if he runs well, he will be entered in a NY Stallion Stakes race on May 23rd. He’ll be going 6 furlongs on the Turf.
Katy’s Office Girl will be going in her first race on Sunday, May 2nd, also 6 furlongs on the Belmont turf (Do you see a pattern developing?) against New York breds.
The following weekend will see Conseated Lady return to the racetrack on May 8th. Can you guess the distance and surface? It’ll be in a $25K claiming race but I doubt anyone will claim her after her last two awful performances.
Then, Holy Blitzer, a winner of a cheap claiming race, will return at a much higher level in an allowance race at… that’s right, 6 furlongs on the grass (Grass = Turf) on Sunday, May 9th. We want to see how she does on this surface with a look forward towards running her at a longer distance. Since, we didn’t want to lose her running her cheaply at this time, we are protecting her but making it very difficult for her to prevail.
We’re going to try and make the Sunday races but it’s a very tough season for galas, Bar Mitzvahs and weddings. We’ll be rooting for them from wherever we are!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
As you know, Ahvee’s Destiny did not race in Kentucky. She was in a race but she chose to tour the beautiful Keeneland oval, rather than race competitively. Hopefully, she will show up and race at Pimlico on May 14th, the day before the Preakness.
In the meantime, Hear the Footsteps will run in his first race on Kentucky Derby day. However, he’ll be running at Belmont, not Churchill Downs. He may be one breeze short. However, we need to see how he runs because, if he runs well, he will be entered in a NY Stallion Stakes race on May 23rd. He’ll be going 6 furlongs on the Turf.
Katy’s Office Girl will be going in her first race on Sunday, May 2nd, also 6 furlongs on the Belmont turf (Do you see a pattern developing?) against New York breds.
The following weekend will see Conseated Lady return to the racetrack on May 8th. Can you guess the distance and surface? It’ll be in a $25K claiming race but I doubt anyone will claim her after her last two awful performances.
Then, Holy Blitzer, a winner of a cheap claiming race, will return at a much higher level in an allowance race at… that’s right, 6 furlongs on the grass (Grass = Turf) on Sunday, May 9th. We want to see how she does on this surface with a look forward towards running her at a longer distance. Since, we didn’t want to lose her running her cheaply at this time, we are protecting her but making it very difficult for her to prevail.
We’re going to try and make the Sunday races but it’s a very tough season for galas, Bar Mitzvahs and weddings. We’ll be rooting for them from wherever we are!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Back from Kentucky
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Rhoda and I were both stressed on Friday night in anticipation of our big trip the next day. We weren’t even sitting together on some legs. We had to get up around 4AM. Flight connections were tight. It was costly. Etc. Etc. However, the flights turned out fine. And it wasn’t bad to leave cloudy, rainy and chilly weather for the warmth of Charlotte, NC (brief as our stay at the airport was) and sunny Lexington, KY. We were afraid it was going to be chilly there but it was perfect!
We were greeted at the airport by Kevin, a very pleasant African-American, who was piloting a van from Keeneland Racecourse. He drove us the few minutes to the track, took us to the Racing Commission office, so I could get my photo taken for my Kentucky State’s Owner’s License and then accompanied us to Barn 22 where Ahvee’s Destiny (and Canadian Ballet) were being housed.
Christian, Ahvee’s groom while Jeobani is away in his Central American homeland, took Ahvee out of her stall. She was a little nippy but she let me stroke in back of her ears. She looked great! We took some photos of all of us with her, stroked her a little more and then Kevin took us to the Clubhouse Will Call window to get our tickets.
Keeneland is a beautiful facility, first built by John Oliver Keene as his family home and sold in 1935 to make the race track in 1936. It’s constructed of magnificent stone, much of it limestone, quarried from the property. So, it’s pretty majestic. And, it was crowded, like Saratoga can be. The paddock area has a stall area and a walking circle area. All very pretty with balconies overlooking as well the throngs of race goers crowding the ground level.
After buying a Keeneland hat and some jockey cards (like Baseball player cards), we went up an elevator to the Lafayette Room, a small, elegant dining area, where the hostess, Missy, welcomed us and set us up with everything we would need; from box seats, if we wanted to go outside for the race, to programs and Paddock passes. A little while later a “host,” named David, greeted us and told us he would return to take us to the paddock before our race and to the box seats. All in all, it was quite a greeting. At the New York Racing Association tracks, we’ve never been treated quite like this.
The course itself is beautifully landscaped with the latest electronic visual aids. However, it is laid out differently than any other race track we’ve been to. At most tracks, the “Clubhouse” entrance is at the finish line end of the homestretch. The Winner’s Circle is proximate to the finish line; not so at Keeneland, where both areas are near the head of the stretch. Rhoda worried that getting from the box seats to the Winner’s Circle was a long haul. I said it’s a problem I hope we’ll be happy to have. Also, the top of the stretch is not parallel to the stands, so some sight lines are difficult. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful track and a beautiful day.
Joe DiGeso, one of the Obviously New York Stable partners who own Canadian Ballet, was also attending, so we sat together and had a bite before his guests arrived. We were all very excited and anxious. Let’s put it this way, when I find it difficult to eat, you know I’m anxious!
When Dave took us down to the Paddock, my adrenaline was on “high.” Ahvee looked beautiful in the paddock. We met the Jockey, Rajiv Maragh, who’d never ridden Ahvee’s Destiny before. So, I was surprised when he asked me why I wasn’t wearing my silks. I told him I’d be wearing them, if he got us to the Winner’s Circle!
Finally, we lead the horses through the tunnel to the race track and I looked at the odds board. Ahvee’s Destiny was 7-1. Wow! I didn’t think we’d be seeing odds this high on her, so I was happy to place my big bets and proceed to the box. The horses were lining up. Since we were in post #1, we went in to the gate first. Rajiv had been told by Linda to get her out of the gate fast. The bell rang… but Rajiv did not get her out fast. She was 6th out of 7 and never improved her position. Boy, were we disappointed… no winning tickets to cash, no Winner’s Circle photos and we had a plane to catch, since the schedules called for us to run back to the airport, so we could make it back home that night. I was in a bit of shock. I felt the tears well up… but I had to focus on getting back to the airport.
We went to the front of the Clubhouse, where Kevin was waiting to take us back to Lexington’s Bluegrass Airport. Linda called to tell me that she was unhappy That Rajiv didn’t get her out of the gate fast. She doesn’t like being in the back. Linda called her a timid horse. I know she doesn’t like dirt kicked up in her face from the horses running in front of her. The race was won in Stakes record time by West Ocean, trained by Todd Pletcher who may have 6 horses in the Kentucky Derby in two weeks.
Even though the flight from Lexington to Charlotte was delayed, they made up the time and our flights home were on time. It was lovely day on one level, obviously disappointing on another. For those who are wondering, our friendly rival, Canadian Ballet finished 4th.
Ahvee’s next race will probably be down in Baltimore next month before the Preakness in the Very One Stakes. Last year that was the exciting race that saw the first four finishers separated by a nose, a head and a nose. We finished third. Ballet finished 2nd. Smart & Fancy was the winner.
Ahvee’s Destiny will be coming to Belmont. We look forward to visiting her and feeding her some carrots. We still love her very much!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Rhoda and I were both stressed on Friday night in anticipation of our big trip the next day. We weren’t even sitting together on some legs. We had to get up around 4AM. Flight connections were tight. It was costly. Etc. Etc. However, the flights turned out fine. And it wasn’t bad to leave cloudy, rainy and chilly weather for the warmth of Charlotte, NC (brief as our stay at the airport was) and sunny Lexington, KY. We were afraid it was going to be chilly there but it was perfect!
We were greeted at the airport by Kevin, a very pleasant African-American, who was piloting a van from Keeneland Racecourse. He drove us the few minutes to the track, took us to the Racing Commission office, so I could get my photo taken for my Kentucky State’s Owner’s License and then accompanied us to Barn 22 where Ahvee’s Destiny (and Canadian Ballet) were being housed.
Christian, Ahvee’s groom while Jeobani is away in his Central American homeland, took Ahvee out of her stall. She was a little nippy but she let me stroke in back of her ears. She looked great! We took some photos of all of us with her, stroked her a little more and then Kevin took us to the Clubhouse Will Call window to get our tickets.
Keeneland is a beautiful facility, first built by John Oliver Keene as his family home and sold in 1935 to make the race track in 1936. It’s constructed of magnificent stone, much of it limestone, quarried from the property. So, it’s pretty majestic. And, it was crowded, like Saratoga can be. The paddock area has a stall area and a walking circle area. All very pretty with balconies overlooking as well the throngs of race goers crowding the ground level.
After buying a Keeneland hat and some jockey cards (like Baseball player cards), we went up an elevator to the Lafayette Room, a small, elegant dining area, where the hostess, Missy, welcomed us and set us up with everything we would need; from box seats, if we wanted to go outside for the race, to programs and Paddock passes. A little while later a “host,” named David, greeted us and told us he would return to take us to the paddock before our race and to the box seats. All in all, it was quite a greeting. At the New York Racing Association tracks, we’ve never been treated quite like this.
The course itself is beautifully landscaped with the latest electronic visual aids. However, it is laid out differently than any other race track we’ve been to. At most tracks, the “Clubhouse” entrance is at the finish line end of the homestretch. The Winner’s Circle is proximate to the finish line; not so at Keeneland, where both areas are near the head of the stretch. Rhoda worried that getting from the box seats to the Winner’s Circle was a long haul. I said it’s a problem I hope we’ll be happy to have. Also, the top of the stretch is not parallel to the stands, so some sight lines are difficult. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful track and a beautiful day.
Joe DiGeso, one of the Obviously New York Stable partners who own Canadian Ballet, was also attending, so we sat together and had a bite before his guests arrived. We were all very excited and anxious. Let’s put it this way, when I find it difficult to eat, you know I’m anxious!
When Dave took us down to the Paddock, my adrenaline was on “high.” Ahvee looked beautiful in the paddock. We met the Jockey, Rajiv Maragh, who’d never ridden Ahvee’s Destiny before. So, I was surprised when he asked me why I wasn’t wearing my silks. I told him I’d be wearing them, if he got us to the Winner’s Circle!
Finally, we lead the horses through the tunnel to the race track and I looked at the odds board. Ahvee’s Destiny was 7-1. Wow! I didn’t think we’d be seeing odds this high on her, so I was happy to place my big bets and proceed to the box. The horses were lining up. Since we were in post #1, we went in to the gate first. Rajiv had been told by Linda to get her out of the gate fast. The bell rang… but Rajiv did not get her out fast. She was 6th out of 7 and never improved her position. Boy, were we disappointed… no winning tickets to cash, no Winner’s Circle photos and we had a plane to catch, since the schedules called for us to run back to the airport, so we could make it back home that night. I was in a bit of shock. I felt the tears well up… but I had to focus on getting back to the airport.
We went to the front of the Clubhouse, where Kevin was waiting to take us back to Lexington’s Bluegrass Airport. Linda called to tell me that she was unhappy That Rajiv didn’t get her out of the gate fast. She doesn’t like being in the back. Linda called her a timid horse. I know she doesn’t like dirt kicked up in her face from the horses running in front of her. The race was won in Stakes record time by West Ocean, trained by Todd Pletcher who may have 6 horses in the Kentucky Derby in two weeks.
Even though the flight from Lexington to Charlotte was delayed, they made up the time and our flights home were on time. It was lovely day on one level, obviously disappointing on another. For those who are wondering, our friendly rival, Canadian Ballet finished 4th.
Ahvee’s next race will probably be down in Baltimore next month before the Preakness in the Very One Stakes. Last year that was the exciting race that saw the first four finishers separated by a nose, a head and a nose. We finished third. Ballet finished 2nd. Smart & Fancy was the winner.
Ahvee’s Destiny will be coming to Belmont. We look forward to visiting her and feeding her some carrots. We still love her very much!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Giant's Causeway
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Giant’s Causeway was a wonderful racehorse and is now a wonderful sire. This stakes race, the 8th race with post time at 4:43PM, is named after him. There is Canadian Ballet and some other tough horses too, especially West Ocean, who set a racecourse record in her last race. She gets better and better. Hope Ahvee’s Destiny does too!
We’ve never been to Keeneland. So, we’re schlepping there for Ahvee’s race… and I do mean schlepping; two flights and 4 hours in each direction, all in one day. Plus, it means canceling a night out with close friends. Seems crazy even to me… but what we won’t do for a little excitement! Hopefully, Ahvee’s Destiny will make it exciting. We do love that horse!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Giant’s Causeway was a wonderful racehorse and is now a wonderful sire. This stakes race, the 8th race with post time at 4:43PM, is named after him. There is Canadian Ballet and some other tough horses too, especially West Ocean, who set a racecourse record in her last race. She gets better and better. Hope Ahvee’s Destiny does too!
We’ve never been to Keeneland. So, we’re schlepping there for Ahvee’s race… and I do mean schlepping; two flights and 4 hours in each direction, all in one day. Plus, it means canceling a night out with close friends. Seems crazy even to me… but what we won’t do for a little excitement! Hopefully, Ahvee’s Destiny will make it exciting. We do love that horse!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
We're goin' to Kentucky!
Posted by Avram Freedberg
No, not to the Kentucky Derby, but to Keeneland on April 17th for a $100,000 purse running against fillies and mares, including Canadian Ballet. It’s a pain in the butt to get there from here, especially last minute… but we’re going to try. It’ll be even tougher on Ahvee’s Destiny. She has to ship from Florida to Lexington, KY tomorrow and find herself in new surroundings. We know that Rajiv Maragh will be her rider, also for the first time (Johnny V. is riding in a million dollar race elsewhere and C.C. Lopez is injured. They both have won more than once on her).
In short, she’s got a tough road in front of her, no matter what post position, she gets. First race of the year against top competition, long trip, new race track, new jockey, etc., etc. I’ll let you know post time, post position, etc. when I find out. Go Ahvee!
Hear the Footsteps breezed 5 furlongs in 1:02. It doesn’t compare to stakes winner Wall Street Wonders’ :59 and change but it was ok, nonetheless. He should start soon at Belmont.
Holy Blitzer breezed 4 furlongs a few days ago. Linda is looking for a spot for her. I’m hoping she’ll try her at a longer distance. Of course, you know how much Linda loves grass…
BTW, did you see the front page story on how the Addams Family Musical is defying the critics and selling tickets galore? It’s got some good reviews and most importantly, good word-of-mouth. Go, Nathan!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
No, not to the Kentucky Derby, but to Keeneland on April 17th for a $100,000 purse running against fillies and mares, including Canadian Ballet. It’s a pain in the butt to get there from here, especially last minute… but we’re going to try. It’ll be even tougher on Ahvee’s Destiny. She has to ship from Florida to Lexington, KY tomorrow and find herself in new surroundings. We know that Rajiv Maragh will be her rider, also for the first time (Johnny V. is riding in a million dollar race elsewhere and C.C. Lopez is injured. They both have won more than once on her).
In short, she’s got a tough road in front of her, no matter what post position, she gets. First race of the year against top competition, long trip, new race track, new jockey, etc., etc. I’ll let you know post time, post position, etc. when I find out. Go Ahvee!
Hear the Footsteps breezed 5 furlongs in 1:02. It doesn’t compare to stakes winner Wall Street Wonders’ :59 and change but it was ok, nonetheless. He should start soon at Belmont.
Holy Blitzer breezed 4 furlongs a few days ago. Linda is looking for a spot for her. I’m hoping she’ll try her at a longer distance. Of course, you know how much Linda loves grass…
BTW, did you see the front page story on how the Addams Family Musical is defying the critics and selling tickets galore? It’s got some good reviews and most importantly, good word-of-mouth. Go, Nathan!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Horseplay... but not horse related
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Today, my Producer hat is on… as it was last night at the opening of the Addams Family Musical. Everyone had fun with the horseplay that was going on in front of us. Everyone except most of the critics. However, the show had only mixed reviews in Chicago, yet it set box office records for its run. Of course, the most important critic from my point of view (Rhoda), loved it and was surprised at how good it was. My partner Mary Beth’s husband, Wes, loved it too and predicted a long run.
Poor Jerry Zaks, the “Creative Consultant.” He got blamed for whatever shortcomings the critics found. The truth is, he made it a much better, tighter, funnier show. It just proves that when you’re in the line of fire, be prepared to hear, “INCOMING!”
Did you know that Wicked, the long running #1 hit musical got poor reviews? In the end, it’s the people and the word of mouth that counts the most. Nathan Lane is simply wonderful! Don’t be surprised if he wins a Tony ( I don’t think they’ll take points off because his accent wasn’t pure Spanish but maybe the Hispanic vote will be important!).
It’s a fun night of theater. Ask anyone who’s seen it. Go. Enjoy!
As for you critics… eat a worm!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Today, my Producer hat is on… as it was last night at the opening of the Addams Family Musical. Everyone had fun with the horseplay that was going on in front of us. Everyone except most of the critics. However, the show had only mixed reviews in Chicago, yet it set box office records for its run. Of course, the most important critic from my point of view (Rhoda), loved it and was surprised at how good it was. My partner Mary Beth’s husband, Wes, loved it too and predicted a long run.
Poor Jerry Zaks, the “Creative Consultant.” He got blamed for whatever shortcomings the critics found. The truth is, he made it a much better, tighter, funnier show. It just proves that when you’re in the line of fire, be prepared to hear, “INCOMING!”
Did you know that Wicked, the long running #1 hit musical got poor reviews? In the end, it’s the people and the word of mouth that counts the most. Nathan Lane is simply wonderful! Don’t be surprised if he wins a Tony ( I don’t think they’ll take points off because his accent wasn’t pure Spanish but maybe the Hispanic vote will be important!).
It’s a fun night of theater. Ask anyone who’s seen it. Go. Enjoy!
As for you critics… eat a worm!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Fun with Horses
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Saturday was a big race day at the Big A… The Wood Memorial, The Bayshore, The Carter, The Excelsior. Two Stakes races for 3-yr. olds and two for 3 yrs and older. It started off as a beautiful sunny day and ended up cool in heavy fog and fizzle (not quite drizzle). I went with Robbie and we met Robbie’s friend “Pressman” (does he have a first name?) and his guest, Freddie Bond, who used to be a professional clocker for NYRA (they clock the times of the horses-in-training who breeze that day. Those times are published in the Daily Racing Form). We met in the Trustees dining area on the 4th floor. They ate from the buffet. I pulled out my matzah, egg salad and tuna salad. It was still Passover.
Steve Byk of radio’s At the Races had LloyDobler running in the 2nd race and Linda Rice had an entry in the 5th race. I also had made arrangements with Adam Coglianese (can you believe he’s Jewish?), the track photographer, to pick up our Winner’s Circle photos from Holy Blitzer’s maiden victory the week before.
I went down to the paddock area before the 2nd race with Freddie Bond and Gary Sciacca (LloyDobler’s trainer), figuring I’d get the photos and wish Steve Byk good luck (can you believe he is Jewish?). I ran into Byk on the way to Adam’s office and we chatted. Then I got the photos and bet LloyDobler to Win and Place. As LloyDobler got passed in the stretch, I thought it was all over, but it wasn’t. Lloyd came back and drew even. The two horses ran that way until just before the finish when the other horse put his head in front. Since LloyDobler was 8-1, the “Place” ticket was still generous and I had the joy of an exciting race to the finish.
When it was time for Linda’s race, Rob an I went down to the paddock to wish her good luck and see if we could get any good info. Linda said she’d be happy if the horse stood up in the gate. In his lat race, he got fractious and rolled under the gate. Then, we met the owner of Abilio, who told us the horse was not running the right distance. So, we asked Byk who he liked in the race and followed his selections. We were almost distraught when Abilio caught the two pacesetter’s and proceeded to win easily and pay $26.60. So much for good info!
A few races later, Linda joined us in the Trustees room. It was a nice day even when the weather turned cold and foggy. I had the winner in the 10th race and Rob shared in a winning Trifecta that paid over $500 in the last race.
On Sunday morning, Rhoda joined me and we met Johnna, Wayne and Wayne’s girls, Carly and Hannah, at Linda’s stable. Abby, Linda’s assistant, brought her pony, a Quarter-horse named Tucker (whom she had staying with a friend at another barn) to the little corral and all the kids, big and small “rode” Tucker. I think there is one photo with fear in the face of the big, fat cowboy who was born in Brooklyn, when he asked Tucker to “go” and Tucker started moving (not running, mind you, just moving). “Whoa, boy!” It was hard enough for me to get on you (I had to step up on the back of a pail). “Go easy… I’m Jewish, you know.”
Then, Tucker asked me if I knew that Adam Coglianese and Steve Byk were Jewish. So, I invited him to have some gefilte fish but he preferred the carrots and peppermint cookies. Only after he ate them all did he ask if they were Kosher for Passover. He was happy when I got off his back. You could almost see him smile.
Anyway, since it was Easter, there was no regular training of the horses. So, Abby was able to bring out Holy Blitzer, Conseated Lady, Hear the Footsteps and Robbie’s horse, Jess Not Jesse, so we could feed each of them and watch them run behind the groom for a few steps to observe their natural gaits. Everyone except Jesse looked great. Jesse had some gauze on an ankle that must have been bothering him.
It was a lot of fun and just before we left, Wayne brought out what turned out to be a moldy Kosher for Passover birthday cake to wish Rhoda a Happy Birthday, since she was Sweet 16 just days before. It was a passable cake as long as you Passed Over (get it?) the mold. Despite the mold, it was a lovely gesture and capped off a fun time at Belmont.
So, what does all this lead up to? Well, it’s very hard to stay annoyed at someone that makes it possible for you and little kids to have a good time. So, for the moment, we remain firmly (?) ensconced in Linda’s stable and Ahvee’s Destiny will be entering a race in Gulfstream Park in Florida for either Sunday, Monday or Wednesday, depending on when the Racing Secretary at Gulfstream lists the race and depending on whether there are sufficient entries to schedule the race. We will try and go down for the race and see family and friends.
Ahvee’s Destiny breezed 4 furlongs in 49.3 today, not as fast as recently but she did NOT run down her rear hooves. Hopefully, she’s being saved for the race. If this race does not go, she has been nominated for the Keeneland race in Kentucky… but that’s a back-up position.
I love that horse and look forward to seeing her compete. (Yeah, I look forward to seeing her win!)
More to come!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Saturday was a big race day at the Big A… The Wood Memorial, The Bayshore, The Carter, The Excelsior. Two Stakes races for 3-yr. olds and two for 3 yrs and older. It started off as a beautiful sunny day and ended up cool in heavy fog and fizzle (not quite drizzle). I went with Robbie and we met Robbie’s friend “Pressman” (does he have a first name?) and his guest, Freddie Bond, who used to be a professional clocker for NYRA (they clock the times of the horses-in-training who breeze that day. Those times are published in the Daily Racing Form). We met in the Trustees dining area on the 4th floor. They ate from the buffet. I pulled out my matzah, egg salad and tuna salad. It was still Passover.
Steve Byk of radio’s At the Races had LloyDobler running in the 2nd race and Linda Rice had an entry in the 5th race. I also had made arrangements with Adam Coglianese (can you believe he’s Jewish?), the track photographer, to pick up our Winner’s Circle photos from Holy Blitzer’s maiden victory the week before.
I went down to the paddock area before the 2nd race with Freddie Bond and Gary Sciacca (LloyDobler’s trainer), figuring I’d get the photos and wish Steve Byk good luck (can you believe he is Jewish?). I ran into Byk on the way to Adam’s office and we chatted. Then I got the photos and bet LloyDobler to Win and Place. As LloyDobler got passed in the stretch, I thought it was all over, but it wasn’t. Lloyd came back and drew even. The two horses ran that way until just before the finish when the other horse put his head in front. Since LloyDobler was 8-1, the “Place” ticket was still generous and I had the joy of an exciting race to the finish.
When it was time for Linda’s race, Rob an I went down to the paddock to wish her good luck and see if we could get any good info. Linda said she’d be happy if the horse stood up in the gate. In his lat race, he got fractious and rolled under the gate. Then, we met the owner of Abilio, who told us the horse was not running the right distance. So, we asked Byk who he liked in the race and followed his selections. We were almost distraught when Abilio caught the two pacesetter’s and proceeded to win easily and pay $26.60. So much for good info!
A few races later, Linda joined us in the Trustees room. It was a nice day even when the weather turned cold and foggy. I had the winner in the 10th race and Rob shared in a winning Trifecta that paid over $500 in the last race.
On Sunday morning, Rhoda joined me and we met Johnna, Wayne and Wayne’s girls, Carly and Hannah, at Linda’s stable. Abby, Linda’s assistant, brought her pony, a Quarter-horse named Tucker (whom she had staying with a friend at another barn) to the little corral and all the kids, big and small “rode” Tucker. I think there is one photo with fear in the face of the big, fat cowboy who was born in Brooklyn, when he asked Tucker to “go” and Tucker started moving (not running, mind you, just moving). “Whoa, boy!” It was hard enough for me to get on you (I had to step up on the back of a pail). “Go easy… I’m Jewish, you know.”
Then, Tucker asked me if I knew that Adam Coglianese and Steve Byk were Jewish. So, I invited him to have some gefilte fish but he preferred the carrots and peppermint cookies. Only after he ate them all did he ask if they were Kosher for Passover. He was happy when I got off his back. You could almost see him smile.
Anyway, since it was Easter, there was no regular training of the horses. So, Abby was able to bring out Holy Blitzer, Conseated Lady, Hear the Footsteps and Robbie’s horse, Jess Not Jesse, so we could feed each of them and watch them run behind the groom for a few steps to observe their natural gaits. Everyone except Jesse looked great. Jesse had some gauze on an ankle that must have been bothering him.
It was a lot of fun and just before we left, Wayne brought out what turned out to be a moldy Kosher for Passover birthday cake to wish Rhoda a Happy Birthday, since she was Sweet 16 just days before. It was a passable cake as long as you Passed Over (get it?) the mold. Despite the mold, it was a lovely gesture and capped off a fun time at Belmont.
So, what does all this lead up to? Well, it’s very hard to stay annoyed at someone that makes it possible for you and little kids to have a good time. So, for the moment, we remain firmly (?) ensconced in Linda’s stable and Ahvee’s Destiny will be entering a race in Gulfstream Park in Florida for either Sunday, Monday or Wednesday, depending on when the Racing Secretary at Gulfstream lists the race and depending on whether there are sufficient entries to schedule the race. We will try and go down for the race and see family and friends.
Ahvee’s Destiny breezed 4 furlongs in 49.3 today, not as fast as recently but she did NOT run down her rear hooves. Hopefully, she’s being saved for the race. If this race does not go, she has been nominated for the Keeneland race in Kentucky… but that’s a back-up position.
I love that horse and look forward to seeing her compete. (Yeah, I look forward to seeing her win!)
More to come!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Dilemma
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Ahvee’s Destiny had another “bullet workout” yesterday. She was the fastest of all those who worked 4 furlongs on the grass. When I heard that she had no heat in her feet, I was excited… until Linda said she wore down her rear hooves. This would indicate that she may be experiencing some discomfort and running in an unusual manner to relieve the discomfort. Linda will be watching her carefully over the next few days.
Ahvee’s Destiny was the Queen of Linda’s Stable for a while. However, when Canadian Ballet beat her and went on to win several other Stakes races, Ballet became Linda’s turf darling, just as Mother Russia is her darling on dirt (both are owned by Obviously New York Stable whom we’ve partnered with on 4 2-yr.olds). The reason I’m bringing this up is because I have a dilemma. Ahvee’s Destiny is our darling. Since the two darlings run in similar races, Linda seems to be giving preference to Canadian Ballet. For example, she is pointing Ballet to the Keeneland race with the $100,000 purse that she at first said Ahvee would run in (Ballet was going to run in a higher level Stakes called a Grade 3 Stakes) for the same purse money. Ahvee’s race was not Graded. This was okay with me. However, she has now opted to aim Ahvee for a much cheaper race at Gulfstream, while putting Ballet in the easier $100K race at Keeneland (easier than the Graded Stakes which would attract a higher level crowd and is open to the boys as well as the girls).
She feels that Ahvee has done so well because Linda has placed her in the right kind of races. Good management for a good horse (but not as good as Ballet). Well, I feel that Ballet is a good horse too but we’re not scared of facing her, if need be. Ahvee’s Destiny HAS been the beneficiary of Linda’s good management. No doubt. However, Ahvee’s Destiny also has talent and a lot of heart. So, it is hard for me to want to take a backseat to Ballet.
Linda also is fixated on Ahvee’s Destiny being a turf sprinter at no more than 5 ½ furlongs. She may be right but in my business, we test such theories. Even when we’re sure we’re right, we test. Often, we find we weren’t so right. The next grand slam product turns into a bunt… or even worse, a strikeout! So, Ahvee maybe exactly what she thinks she is but if she can do more, there are many more opportunities, many more races to choose from and more purse money to be won.
What are our choices? We can insist that she enter the horse in the races we believe she should be entered in. We can insist she runs her at different distances, maybe even on different surfaces (in addition to dirt, there are many synthetic tracks). However, this sets up an adversarial relationship with the trainer. Further, if the trainer does not believe a horse can do certain things, she might not train them in a way that would be most helpful to the horse’s competing successfully. She might even (subconsciously, of course) train her to lose to prove her point. Is that professional? Certainly not… but its been known to happen. I can guarantee you when you send back an overcooked fish you ordered in a restaurant, the replacement will be almost rare a goodly percentage of the time.
Of course, you can go with another trainer. This happens all the time. However, for me, there is discomfort in going that route too. Linda found this horse. She’s trained her for almost 4 years. We had many exciting races together. Etc. Etc. Etc. It is a difficult decision. One owner had his horse claimed away when Linda thought the horse’s soundness was in question and the new trainer got him to win 2 Graded Stakes in a row after claiming him for $25K. So, Linda can be wrong.
Anyway, that is the dilemma. It’ll be a tough decision.
Speaking of claiming horses. Holy Blitzer just won at the $12,500 level and Linda has entered her again this Saturday to run at the $15,000 level… not a big jump. Are we ready to lose her? I sure was after her first start but now that she’s a winner… I guess we’ll see what happens with this horse too.
Hope you’re enjoying your Passover, Easter or just the current and upcoming good weather.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Ahvee’s Destiny had another “bullet workout” yesterday. She was the fastest of all those who worked 4 furlongs on the grass. When I heard that she had no heat in her feet, I was excited… until Linda said she wore down her rear hooves. This would indicate that she may be experiencing some discomfort and running in an unusual manner to relieve the discomfort. Linda will be watching her carefully over the next few days.
Ahvee’s Destiny was the Queen of Linda’s Stable for a while. However, when Canadian Ballet beat her and went on to win several other Stakes races, Ballet became Linda’s turf darling, just as Mother Russia is her darling on dirt (both are owned by Obviously New York Stable whom we’ve partnered with on 4 2-yr.olds). The reason I’m bringing this up is because I have a dilemma. Ahvee’s Destiny is our darling. Since the two darlings run in similar races, Linda seems to be giving preference to Canadian Ballet. For example, she is pointing Ballet to the Keeneland race with the $100,000 purse that she at first said Ahvee would run in (Ballet was going to run in a higher level Stakes called a Grade 3 Stakes) for the same purse money. Ahvee’s race was not Graded. This was okay with me. However, she has now opted to aim Ahvee for a much cheaper race at Gulfstream, while putting Ballet in the easier $100K race at Keeneland (easier than the Graded Stakes which would attract a higher level crowd and is open to the boys as well as the girls).
She feels that Ahvee has done so well because Linda has placed her in the right kind of races. Good management for a good horse (but not as good as Ballet). Well, I feel that Ballet is a good horse too but we’re not scared of facing her, if need be. Ahvee’s Destiny HAS been the beneficiary of Linda’s good management. No doubt. However, Ahvee’s Destiny also has talent and a lot of heart. So, it is hard for me to want to take a backseat to Ballet.
Linda also is fixated on Ahvee’s Destiny being a turf sprinter at no more than 5 ½ furlongs. She may be right but in my business, we test such theories. Even when we’re sure we’re right, we test. Often, we find we weren’t so right. The next grand slam product turns into a bunt… or even worse, a strikeout! So, Ahvee maybe exactly what she thinks she is but if she can do more, there are many more opportunities, many more races to choose from and more purse money to be won.
What are our choices? We can insist that she enter the horse in the races we believe she should be entered in. We can insist she runs her at different distances, maybe even on different surfaces (in addition to dirt, there are many synthetic tracks). However, this sets up an adversarial relationship with the trainer. Further, if the trainer does not believe a horse can do certain things, she might not train them in a way that would be most helpful to the horse’s competing successfully. She might even (subconsciously, of course) train her to lose to prove her point. Is that professional? Certainly not… but its been known to happen. I can guarantee you when you send back an overcooked fish you ordered in a restaurant, the replacement will be almost rare a goodly percentage of the time.
Of course, you can go with another trainer. This happens all the time. However, for me, there is discomfort in going that route too. Linda found this horse. She’s trained her for almost 4 years. We had many exciting races together. Etc. Etc. Etc. It is a difficult decision. One owner had his horse claimed away when Linda thought the horse’s soundness was in question and the new trainer got him to win 2 Graded Stakes in a row after claiming him for $25K. So, Linda can be wrong.
Anyway, that is the dilemma. It’ll be a tough decision.
Speaking of claiming horses. Holy Blitzer just won at the $12,500 level and Linda has entered her again this Saturday to run at the $15,000 level… not a big jump. Are we ready to lose her? I sure was after her first start but now that she’s a winner… I guess we’ll see what happens with this horse too.
Hope you’re enjoying your Passover, Easter or just the current and upcoming good weather.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
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