Posted by Avram Freedberg
Ahvee’s Destiny has arrived in Florida. She will get a rest. Then she’ll go back into training. If she can race competitively, we’ll try another campaign. If not, she will go to the breeding shed. In the interim, I will be consulting with top breeding specialists to get their recommendations for appropriate stallions.
Arielle’s Song was sold for a pittance at the end of the Presque Isle race meeting last week. We wish her well and will continue to follow her racing activities.
Awakino Cat is being pointed to various races on October 9 and 16, et al. Linda will look at the nominations and decide on the best spot. My current fantasy is that Awakino runs in The Shadwell Turf Mile, wins and gets to go to the Breeder’s Cup first week of November. That’s a lot of wishing but that’s what owners do.
Holy Blitzer is going to be turned out to Pat’s farm in Florida. Hopefully, the rest and some treatment will see her become a competitive race horse next year.
Katy’s Office Girl is at Belmont and back in training. We’ll be keeping an eye on her progress.
Hear the Footsteps will likely race again in the next few weeks.
The rest are still healing from their injuries.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
It was her closest race
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Arielle’s Song (can you believe I’m still writing about her… I’m sure surprised) was the second favorite. The favorite was dropping down in class from $25,000 claiming to $7,500. Song tried hard and was catching up to the winner at the finish line but was still ¾ length behind. Made you think about running her at a longer distance. Made you forget she was running in such cheap company. Anyway, we’ll be discussing the next move tomorrow after Blitzer’s race.
Holy Blitzer goes a mile on the grass tomorrow at Belmont. She’s 8-1 on the morning line. Sure hope she looks better than last time we saw her in the barn. Go Blitzer!
I find peoples’ reaction to my writings about our relationship with Linda interesting. There are some who are just staunch defenders of her. They basically say, “how can you think that you know more than this successful trainer?” Then, there are those who are just uncomfortable with my expressions of frustration or dissatisfaction. I’m sorry if it makes anyone feel uncomfortable but expressing my feelings – both positively and negatively – is what this is all about.
Many are surprised that I haven’t left for another trainer. I’m sorry it’s not clear that I think the world of Linda as a racehorse trainer. I believe she will get into the Hall of Fame in the not too distant future. Nonetheless, I have tried to portray the natural tensions that exist between a trainer and owner. Their agendas are not always the same. Their perceptions of risk and reward can be very different as well. Let me give you an example.
As you may remember, our friend Patsy left Linda for another trainer. Last weekend her horse, Gitchee Goomie, was entered by her new trainer in a $250,000 Grade 1 Stakes race. Based on Gitchie Goomie’s record, it would be nigh unto impossible to imagine Linda entering her in such a race. Yet, Gitchie Goomie finished third. She is now a Grade 1 Stakes placed filly. This adds to her value and certainly adds to her owner’s enjoyment.
So, it’s those sorts of views of the current status of various horses that result in some frustration. It is the view that a given horse can only do one thing (sprint, grass, etc) that can be frustrating for an owner, even if Linda is right. BTW, she is right most of the time.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing Holy Blitzer and Linda tomorrow. Already said Go for Blitzer, so let’s say, “GO LINDA!”
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Arielle’s Song (can you believe I’m still writing about her… I’m sure surprised) was the second favorite. The favorite was dropping down in class from $25,000 claiming to $7,500. Song tried hard and was catching up to the winner at the finish line but was still ¾ length behind. Made you think about running her at a longer distance. Made you forget she was running in such cheap company. Anyway, we’ll be discussing the next move tomorrow after Blitzer’s race.
Holy Blitzer goes a mile on the grass tomorrow at Belmont. She’s 8-1 on the morning line. Sure hope she looks better than last time we saw her in the barn. Go Blitzer!
I find peoples’ reaction to my writings about our relationship with Linda interesting. There are some who are just staunch defenders of her. They basically say, “how can you think that you know more than this successful trainer?” Then, there are those who are just uncomfortable with my expressions of frustration or dissatisfaction. I’m sorry if it makes anyone feel uncomfortable but expressing my feelings – both positively and negatively – is what this is all about.
Many are surprised that I haven’t left for another trainer. I’m sorry it’s not clear that I think the world of Linda as a racehorse trainer. I believe she will get into the Hall of Fame in the not too distant future. Nonetheless, I have tried to portray the natural tensions that exist between a trainer and owner. Their agendas are not always the same. Their perceptions of risk and reward can be very different as well. Let me give you an example.
As you may remember, our friend Patsy left Linda for another trainer. Last weekend her horse, Gitchee Goomie, was entered by her new trainer in a $250,000 Grade 1 Stakes race. Based on Gitchie Goomie’s record, it would be nigh unto impossible to imagine Linda entering her in such a race. Yet, Gitchie Goomie finished third. She is now a Grade 1 Stakes placed filly. This adds to her value and certainly adds to her owner’s enjoyment.
So, it’s those sorts of views of the current status of various horses that result in some frustration. It is the view that a given horse can only do one thing (sprint, grass, etc) that can be frustrating for an owner, even if Linda is right. BTW, she is right most of the time.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing Holy Blitzer and Linda tomorrow. Already said Go for Blitzer, so let’s say, “GO LINDA!”
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
It was her closest race
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Arielle’s Song (can you believe I’m still writing about her… I’m sure surprised) was the second favorite. The favorite was dropping down in class from $25,000 claiming to $7,500. Song tried hard and was catching up to the winner at the finish line but was still ¾ length behind. Made you think about running her at a longer distance. Made you forget she was running in such cheap company. Anyway, we’ll be discussing the next move tomorrow after Blitzer’s race.
Holy Blitzer goes a mile on the grass tomorrow at Belmont. She’s 8-1 on the morning line. Sure hope she looks better than last time we saw her in the barn. Go Blitzer!
I find peoples’ reaction to my writings about our relationship with Linda interesting. There are some who are just staunch defenders of her. They basically say, “how can you think that you know more than this successful trainer?” Then, there are those who are just uncomfortable with my expressions of frustration or dissatisfaction. I’m sorry if it makes anyone feel uncomfortable but expressing my feelings – both positively and negatively – is what this is all about.
Many are surprised that I haven’t left for another trainer. I’m sorry it’s not clear that I think the world of Linda as a racehorse trainer. I believe she will get into the Hall of Fame in the not too distant future. Nonetheless, I have tried to portray the natural tensions that exist between a trainer and owner. Their agendas are not always the same. Their perceptions of risk and reward can be very different as well. Let me give you an example.
As you may remember, our friend Patsy left Linda for another trainer. Last weekend her horse, Gitchee Goomie, was entered by her new trainer in a $250,000 Grade 1 Stakes race. Based on Gitchie Goomie’s record, it would be nigh unto impossible to imagine Linda entering her in such a race. Yet, Gitchie Goomie finished third. She is now a Grade 1 Stakes placed filly. This adds to her value and certainly adds to her owner’s enjoyment.
So, it’s those sorts of views of the current status of various horses that result in some frustration. It is the view that a given horse can only do one thing (sprint, grass, etc) that can be frustrating for an owner, even if Linda is right. BTW, she is right most of the time.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing Holy Blitzer and Linda tomorrow. Already said Go for Blitzer, so let’s say, “GO LINDA!”
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Arielle’s Song (can you believe I’m still writing about her… I’m sure surprised) was the second favorite. The favorite was dropping down in class from $25,000 claiming to $7,500. Song tried hard and was catching up to the winner at the finish line but was still ¾ length behind. Made you think about running her at a longer distance. Made you forget she was running in such cheap company. Anyway, we’ll be discussing the next move tomorrow after Blitzer’s race.
Holy Blitzer goes a mile on the grass tomorrow at Belmont. She’s 8-1 on the morning line. Sure hope she looks better than last time we saw her in the barn. Go Blitzer!
I find peoples’ reaction to my writings about our relationship with Linda interesting. There are some who are just staunch defenders of her. They basically say, “how can you think that you know more than this successful trainer?” Then, there are those who are just uncomfortable with my expressions of frustration or dissatisfaction. I’m sorry if it makes anyone feel uncomfortable but expressing my feelings – both positively and negatively – is what this is all about.
Many are surprised that I haven’t left for another trainer. I’m sorry it’s not clear that I think the world of Linda as a racehorse trainer. I believe she will get into the Hall of Fame in the not too distant future. Nonetheless, I have tried to portray the natural tensions that exist between a trainer and owner. Their agendas are not always the same. Their perceptions of risk and reward can be very different as well. Let me give you an example.
As you may remember, our friend Patsy left Linda for another trainer. Last weekend her horse, Gitchee Goomie, was entered by her new trainer in a $250,000 Grade 1 Stakes race. Based on Gitchie Goomie’s record, it would be nigh unto impossible to imagine Linda entering her in such a race. Yet, Gitchie Goomie finished third. She is now a Grade 1 Stakes placed filly. This adds to her value and certainly adds to her owner’s enjoyment.
So, it’s those sorts of views of the current status of various horses that result in some frustration. It is the view that a given horse can only do one thing (sprint, grass, etc) that can be frustrating for an owner, even if Linda is right. BTW, she is right most of the time.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing Holy Blitzer and Linda tomorrow. Already said Go for Blitzer, so let’s say, “GO LINDA!”
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Thank you!
Posted by Avram Freedberg
…to so many who responded to my “Forgiveness” message. There were many types of responses; from, “reading this makes me uncomfortable” to “I forgive you but we do have something to talk about.” Most were very complimentary and it was nice to hear from those with whom I’ve had no contact for awhile. It was also nice to clear the air by discussing the problem. I really appreciate the opportunity you give me by reading my communications. Thanks to one and all.
On the racing front, Arielle’s Song is entered in a 6 furlong race at Presque Isle Downs with Harry Vega riding. I was really glad she finished second in her last race. They say that horses know when they’ve performed well. She’s in a $7500 claimer tomorrow night. If she doesn’t get claimed, I assume it may be her last race. Good luck, Song! She’s actually the second choice based on the Morning Line.
Holy Blitzer is scheduled to re-appear on Thursday afternoon at Belmont in a $25K claimer at one mile on the turf with Ramon Dominguez aboard. It’s her first try beyond 6 furlongs, so it’s a test of sorts. Her knee seems to be okay but her hoof’s been sore. Hopefully, she’ll be good enough to go on Thursday. She looked a little sad and downtrodden when we saw her at Belmont the day Hear the Footsteps won his last race.
Hear the Footsteps should be ready for another race in mid-October but we’ll just have to see how he progresses.
Awakino Cat will officially become part of the Everything’s Cricket Racing stable today or tomorrow. Couldn’t pass up a chance to acquire a horse who has won 10 of 21 races.
Obviously Tuesday has joined the surgery list because of a bone chip in his knee. Charlie and Alex should be ready to go back to training on Oct. 1st and Calgary Enforcer should be back Nov. 1st. Katy’s Office Girl should be ready to return in October and Cricky’sGoldenEyes should also be ready in October. Exactly where they will be sent and with what intentions remain to be decided.
Ahvee’s Destiny’s blood work did not show anything special to be concerned about. This week we should decide on the proper course of action for the Queen of our Stable.
That’s it for now.
All the best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
…to so many who responded to my “Forgiveness” message. There were many types of responses; from, “reading this makes me uncomfortable” to “I forgive you but we do have something to talk about.” Most were very complimentary and it was nice to hear from those with whom I’ve had no contact for awhile. It was also nice to clear the air by discussing the problem. I really appreciate the opportunity you give me by reading my communications. Thanks to one and all.
On the racing front, Arielle’s Song is entered in a 6 furlong race at Presque Isle Downs with Harry Vega riding. I was really glad she finished second in her last race. They say that horses know when they’ve performed well. She’s in a $7500 claimer tomorrow night. If she doesn’t get claimed, I assume it may be her last race. Good luck, Song! She’s actually the second choice based on the Morning Line.
Holy Blitzer is scheduled to re-appear on Thursday afternoon at Belmont in a $25K claimer at one mile on the turf with Ramon Dominguez aboard. It’s her first try beyond 6 furlongs, so it’s a test of sorts. Her knee seems to be okay but her hoof’s been sore. Hopefully, she’ll be good enough to go on Thursday. She looked a little sad and downtrodden when we saw her at Belmont the day Hear the Footsteps won his last race.
Hear the Footsteps should be ready for another race in mid-October but we’ll just have to see how he progresses.
Awakino Cat will officially become part of the Everything’s Cricket Racing stable today or tomorrow. Couldn’t pass up a chance to acquire a horse who has won 10 of 21 races.
Obviously Tuesday has joined the surgery list because of a bone chip in his knee. Charlie and Alex should be ready to go back to training on Oct. 1st and Calgary Enforcer should be back Nov. 1st. Katy’s Office Girl should be ready to return in October and Cricky’sGoldenEyes should also be ready in October. Exactly where they will be sent and with what intentions remain to be decided.
Ahvee’s Destiny’s blood work did not show anything special to be concerned about. This week we should decide on the proper course of action for the Queen of our Stable.
That’s it for now.
All the best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Forgiveness
Posted by Avram Freedberg
It’s just about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Every year I struggle with the most appropriate way to ask people to forgive me, if I did anything to offend them in the prior year.
One year, I sent a mass e-mail and, at least, one person found that offensive. So, I’ve tried to individualize my request for forgiveness. However, once you have a “pitch” perfected, it too feels somewhat impersonal, though looking someone in the eye is always better than not. Of course, that is nigh unto impossible with the large universe of people I’ve likely offended.
So, I’ve decided on a two-pronged approach. I’ll try to individualize where practical but I’ll also share my concerns in a more general way. I hope I do not further offend anyone by doing that.
I’ve learned the hard way that I have often done something that I think is a joke or just not very important but results in someone – usually someone I care for a great deal – feeling traumatized by my action. Childhood friends remind of these instances. The result of my action has stayed with them for decades. The same was true with my closest family members. Didn’t they know how much I cared for them? Didn’t they know it was just my own hurt or a warped sense of humor or momentary insensitivity?
For some, my “momentary” insensitivity lasted a lifetime. It took hearing stories from those I loved and years of therapy to demonstrate that the loving, sensitive human being I hoped to be was not. Yes, he was in there, but he was often not visible to others, especially to those I expected to see the “real” me.
When I approached people to ask forgiveness during this season, they often looked at me with wonderment. They’d say, “You didn’t do anything.” Sometimes they started trying to figure out what I had done to warrant this request for forgiveness. Nonetheless, I’m sure I have done things to offend. And, if I don’t reach out to all I know, I might leave someone else feeling a trauma that I inflicted WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING ABOUT IT!
Please. If I’ve inflicted trauma or offended you in any way, I beg you to let me know. Yes, I want to apologize. But more importantly, I want to learn, so I don’t do it to you again and, hopefully, so I don’t do it to anyone. I really want to be a loving, sensitive human being. Just view this missive as another attempt to reach my goal.
Surely I know of many instances where I got annoyed at someone or lashed out with a witty quip (or at least half that). I also know that those instances are often not remembered by me but may be often remembered by others. I AM SORRY if I’ve left you feeling badly. You need to remind me because I don’t want to do it again.
I wish you and yours a most happy, healthy and prosperous year. May it be a year filled with good things for us all.
Sincerely,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
It’s just about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Every year I struggle with the most appropriate way to ask people to forgive me, if I did anything to offend them in the prior year.
One year, I sent a mass e-mail and, at least, one person found that offensive. So, I’ve tried to individualize my request for forgiveness. However, once you have a “pitch” perfected, it too feels somewhat impersonal, though looking someone in the eye is always better than not. Of course, that is nigh unto impossible with the large universe of people I’ve likely offended.
So, I’ve decided on a two-pronged approach. I’ll try to individualize where practical but I’ll also share my concerns in a more general way. I hope I do not further offend anyone by doing that.
I’ve learned the hard way that I have often done something that I think is a joke or just not very important but results in someone – usually someone I care for a great deal – feeling traumatized by my action. Childhood friends remind of these instances. The result of my action has stayed with them for decades. The same was true with my closest family members. Didn’t they know how much I cared for them? Didn’t they know it was just my own hurt or a warped sense of humor or momentary insensitivity?
For some, my “momentary” insensitivity lasted a lifetime. It took hearing stories from those I loved and years of therapy to demonstrate that the loving, sensitive human being I hoped to be was not. Yes, he was in there, but he was often not visible to others, especially to those I expected to see the “real” me.
When I approached people to ask forgiveness during this season, they often looked at me with wonderment. They’d say, “You didn’t do anything.” Sometimes they started trying to figure out what I had done to warrant this request for forgiveness. Nonetheless, I’m sure I have done things to offend. And, if I don’t reach out to all I know, I might leave someone else feeling a trauma that I inflicted WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING ABOUT IT!
Please. If I’ve inflicted trauma or offended you in any way, I beg you to let me know. Yes, I want to apologize. But more importantly, I want to learn, so I don’t do it to you again and, hopefully, so I don’t do it to anyone. I really want to be a loving, sensitive human being. Just view this missive as another attempt to reach my goal.
Surely I know of many instances where I got annoyed at someone or lashed out with a witty quip (or at least half that). I also know that those instances are often not remembered by me but may be often remembered by others. I AM SORRY if I’ve left you feeling badly. You need to remind me because I don’t want to do it again.
I wish you and yours a most happy, healthy and prosperous year. May it be a year filled with good things for us all.
Sincerely,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Little Ahvee is hurt
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Linda noticed an unusual profile to his leg. Ultrasound showed a tendon lesion. He is heading down to Pat Hoppel’s farm and will have another ultrasound in 60 days before we can estimate when he will be ready to return to training. This is a big-time BOO!
We’ve been so angry about Awakino Cat beating us twice in a row, we’ve decided to buy a majority ownership. This should happen soon.
Hear the Footsteps is sore after his victory on Saturday and Holy Blitzer is sore after her breeze. Millie Money is having surgery to clean up her bone chips. OY!
The joys of horse ownership!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Linda noticed an unusual profile to his leg. Ultrasound showed a tendon lesion. He is heading down to Pat Hoppel’s farm and will have another ultrasound in 60 days before we can estimate when he will be ready to return to training. This is a big-time BOO!
We’ve been so angry about Awakino Cat beating us twice in a row, we’ve decided to buy a majority ownership. This should happen soon.
Hear the Footsteps is sore after his victory on Saturday and Holy Blitzer is sore after her breeze. Millie Money is having surgery to clean up her bone chips. OY!
The joys of horse ownership!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
They heard the footsteps
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Hear the Footsteps looked great when we saw him in Saratoga last Sunday. He also looked good in the paddock before today’s 8th race. It was a very competitive field and the patrons figured he was no better than 6-1.
As they got into the gate, the 7 horse (the favorite) bolted, unseated his rider and made off for parts unknown… well, it was actually part known, since he raced clockwise on first the grass then the dirt surfaces and made his way towards the grandstand. They scratched him from the race and unloaded all the horses while they rounded him up. Finally, they re-loaded the horses and Hear the footsteps under Alan Garcia started quickly from the #6 post position. Alan took him back into 4th and even fell back to 5th shortly thereafter. By this time, the pack was into the stretch turn.
Garcia had to bide his time behind a wall of horses. Finally just after the 1/8 pole, he saw daylight and went to the outside of one horse and then, at the 1/16th pole, he ducked in between horses to make his run. And make his run, he did. Aces Mark was the leader and had sentiment going with him, since he was named for two victims of 9/11 and here it was, the anniversary of 9/11 and he was in the lead near the finish. I’m a sentimental guy. So, I was glad that Aces Mark did well. Of course, I was even happier that Hear the Footsteps passed him and was edging away at the finish by ¾ length.
There we were in the Winner’s Circle -- Rhoda and I, Rob and family, Don Stern, Linda and her gang – when a big groan went up from the crowd. I looked up to see jockey Alan Garcia on the ground in a lot of pain. Apparently, another horse bumped into Hear the Footsteps, as they were taking off his blinkers and he bolted forward. Alan was not holding the reins tightly and did a backwards somersault landing on his head and neck. It looked quite serious for a while but Alan is a real trouper. He got up and walked gingerly into the Winner’s Circle. Instead of being on the horse, he stood with us. Then, he rode in the next race, a Stakes worth $150K, and won again!
Then we went to see Footsie, Holy Blitzer and Little Ahvee (It’s Truly Ahvee) at Linda’s barn. Both boys looked great but Little Ahvee was a little thin. So was Blitzer who has been having foot problems but maybe ready to race very soon. Of course, she needs a little more muscle on her frame as well.
What a lovely way to start the new year… Arielle’s Song placing 2nd on Wednesday night and Footsie scoring big today! The holiday was nice too, with Arielle and Tamar celebrating with us. I wish my parents were doing well. It would have made for a virtually perfect few days. I guess you just have to take it as it comes… both good and bad. Hope it’s mostly good for all of us!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Hear the Footsteps looked great when we saw him in Saratoga last Sunday. He also looked good in the paddock before today’s 8th race. It was a very competitive field and the patrons figured he was no better than 6-1.
As they got into the gate, the 7 horse (the favorite) bolted, unseated his rider and made off for parts unknown… well, it was actually part known, since he raced clockwise on first the grass then the dirt surfaces and made his way towards the grandstand. They scratched him from the race and unloaded all the horses while they rounded him up. Finally, they re-loaded the horses and Hear the footsteps under Alan Garcia started quickly from the #6 post position. Alan took him back into 4th and even fell back to 5th shortly thereafter. By this time, the pack was into the stretch turn.
Garcia had to bide his time behind a wall of horses. Finally just after the 1/8 pole, he saw daylight and went to the outside of one horse and then, at the 1/16th pole, he ducked in between horses to make his run. And make his run, he did. Aces Mark was the leader and had sentiment going with him, since he was named for two victims of 9/11 and here it was, the anniversary of 9/11 and he was in the lead near the finish. I’m a sentimental guy. So, I was glad that Aces Mark did well. Of course, I was even happier that Hear the Footsteps passed him and was edging away at the finish by ¾ length.
There we were in the Winner’s Circle -- Rhoda and I, Rob and family, Don Stern, Linda and her gang – when a big groan went up from the crowd. I looked up to see jockey Alan Garcia on the ground in a lot of pain. Apparently, another horse bumped into Hear the Footsteps, as they were taking off his blinkers and he bolted forward. Alan was not holding the reins tightly and did a backwards somersault landing on his head and neck. It looked quite serious for a while but Alan is a real trouper. He got up and walked gingerly into the Winner’s Circle. Instead of being on the horse, he stood with us. Then, he rode in the next race, a Stakes worth $150K, and won again!
Then we went to see Footsie, Holy Blitzer and Little Ahvee (It’s Truly Ahvee) at Linda’s barn. Both boys looked great but Little Ahvee was a little thin. So was Blitzer who has been having foot problems but maybe ready to race very soon. Of course, she needs a little more muscle on her frame as well.
What a lovely way to start the new year… Arielle’s Song placing 2nd on Wednesday night and Footsie scoring big today! The holiday was nice too, with Arielle and Tamar celebrating with us. I wish my parents were doing well. It would have made for a virtually perfect few days. I guess you just have to take it as it comes… both good and bad. Hope it’s mostly good for all of us!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Unbelievable!
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Just when you think a horse is retired, they enter Arielle’’s Song in a higher class race than the last one she was in… and she finishes 2nd! The best finish of her career.
She was in the gate for a long time because she was the #1 post position and one of the others broke through the gate. Yet, she seemed to break well but quickly started on what has become a ritual. She went backwards and made it all the way to last. Coming into the stretch turn, she moved up a bit and the jockey, Harry Vega, looked backwards like he was Johnny Velasquez riding Quality Road. When he saw he was clear to the back, I assumed he was going to try and let her fall back, but while the leader was running away from the pack, Arielle’s Song started coming on. When Harry saw she was going, he seemed to become a believer and worked her hard. Before you know it she was in the lead of the horses in her zip code (the leader was in a different zip code and time zone). She was on the inside and beat the third place finisher by a long neck.
I must say that when she ran what I thought was going to be her last race, I was very sad. I thought it was the last time I would ever see her. She was named after my daughter and I’d developed a relationship with her over the years; seeing her through her pneumonia, watching her frolic on the farm in Ocala, FL, feeding her carrots and, finally, seeing her so nervous and scared before her last race in Saratoga. I sure hope she enjoyed finishing ahead of those other horses tonight. I sure enjoyed watching her. Who knows maybe she’ll get to run again. She’s earned a try. I just hope she feels well and not traumatized. I’ll let you know what reports I get. Yay for Arielle’s Song!
Hear the Footsteps is scheduled to run 6 furlongs on the turf at Belmont in the 8th race on Saturday. The race appears to be very competitive but I’ve really grown to like this horse. He was our only winner at Saratoga this summer and he did it with the whole family present, so we could be together in the Winner’s Circle. Plus, he’s so cute at eating carrots and especially horse cookies. Rather than take a big bite, he nibbles… and when you keep the cookie on the palm of your hand, he’ll lick your hand because he really like the taste of the cookie. When we saw him last Sunday, he really looked good. So, I’m hoping for the best in Saturday’s race. Go Footsie!
Blood work was done on Ahvee’s Destiny but we won’t know anything for a day or two. We’re anxious. We’d like nothing better than for the Queen to recuperate from whatever is bothering her and return to her former glory. No matter what, we’ll always love that horse.
Who knew the Jewish New Year would have such a fun start (Yes, I’m actually excited by a second place finish, but don’t get used to it!).
Health, happiness and success to all!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Just when you think a horse is retired, they enter Arielle’’s Song in a higher class race than the last one she was in… and she finishes 2nd! The best finish of her career.
She was in the gate for a long time because she was the #1 post position and one of the others broke through the gate. Yet, she seemed to break well but quickly started on what has become a ritual. She went backwards and made it all the way to last. Coming into the stretch turn, she moved up a bit and the jockey, Harry Vega, looked backwards like he was Johnny Velasquez riding Quality Road. When he saw he was clear to the back, I assumed he was going to try and let her fall back, but while the leader was running away from the pack, Arielle’s Song started coming on. When Harry saw she was going, he seemed to become a believer and worked her hard. Before you know it she was in the lead of the horses in her zip code (the leader was in a different zip code and time zone). She was on the inside and beat the third place finisher by a long neck.
I must say that when she ran what I thought was going to be her last race, I was very sad. I thought it was the last time I would ever see her. She was named after my daughter and I’d developed a relationship with her over the years; seeing her through her pneumonia, watching her frolic on the farm in Ocala, FL, feeding her carrots and, finally, seeing her so nervous and scared before her last race in Saratoga. I sure hope she enjoyed finishing ahead of those other horses tonight. I sure enjoyed watching her. Who knows maybe she’ll get to run again. She’s earned a try. I just hope she feels well and not traumatized. I’ll let you know what reports I get. Yay for Arielle’s Song!
Hear the Footsteps is scheduled to run 6 furlongs on the turf at Belmont in the 8th race on Saturday. The race appears to be very competitive but I’ve really grown to like this horse. He was our only winner at Saratoga this summer and he did it with the whole family present, so we could be together in the Winner’s Circle. Plus, he’s so cute at eating carrots and especially horse cookies. Rather than take a big bite, he nibbles… and when you keep the cookie on the palm of your hand, he’ll lick your hand because he really like the taste of the cookie. When we saw him last Sunday, he really looked good. So, I’m hoping for the best in Saturday’s race. Go Footsie!
Blood work was done on Ahvee’s Destiny but we won’t know anything for a day or two. We’re anxious. We’d like nothing better than for the Queen to recuperate from whatever is bothering her and return to her former glory. No matter what, we’ll always love that horse.
Who knew the Jewish New Year would have such a fun start (Yes, I’m actually excited by a second place finish, but don’t get used to it!).
Health, happiness and success to all!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Is Ahvee's Destiny washed up?
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Our season in Saratoga was marred only by the performance of our big girl, Ahvee’s Destiny. She has always loved the Saratoga race course but this summer she has not even been competitive.
After entering her in two Stakes races at a cost of $2K, Linda called us late Friday evening. The discussion was supposed to center on the competition in both races and her evaluation of which race we should actually run in. After telling us, she thought the girls’ race that was the first race on Saturday, she said she thought the horse looked “dull” when training in the morning. Therefore, she thought it might be better to scratch her than to run her in either race.
We had packed up for a last weekend in Saratoga and were raring to go. So, hearing this at the eleventh hour was quite distressing. Linda suggested we see how Destiny trained on Saturday morning and then make a go/no-go decision.
Since Destiny trains early, we expected to hear from Linda by 6:30-7AM. We called her at 7:30 to find her busy schooling horses at the gate. When she called us back with the word that Destiny was still looking very dull, it was almost 8AM. She wanted to scratch her and aim for a big $200K race in late September. As much as I argue my opinion, I’ve always accepted her decision in the end. However, Rhoda pointed out that Linda had told us that Awakino Cat was sore and could not possibly win the last race Destiny had lost. Yet, Awakino won that race. Maybe she was wrong here too. Plus, we were looking forward to going to Saratoga. So, we decided to run.
Well, we decided to run and we had to run fast because it was 8:30 and we had to finish packing, get dressed, etc for our 3-hour trip to the Spa. This was very stressful but we made it easily by putting the peddle to the metal. On this cool day, Ahvee’s Destiny arrived sweaty to the paddock. She was telling us she was not ready to run. Linda was right.
This was confirmed when the race began. She had nothing coming out of the gate and was never in the race. It was a very big downer.
Still, the next morning we gave her some loving and lots of carrots and treats. We did the same for Little Ahvee (It’s Truly Ahvee), Hear the Footsteps and Obviously Tuesday. Millie Money had yet to train that morning, so we didn’t feed her. It’s interesting that all the horses have different ways of eating the snacks… from gobbling up anything (Obviously Tuesday) to gingerly nibbling (Hear the Footsteps).
Tomorrow they will take a blood sample from Destiny to try and find a cause for her condition. Otherwise, she will just rest for a while and aim for a race in mid-October. If she runs poorly then and we have found no other cause, it may be time to send her to the breeding shed.
Another word about the trainer-owner relationship. Surely, Linda did not find out about Ahvee’s Destiny’s dull condition at 8PM on Friday. Yet on Friday, she spent our money to enter Destiny in the race with the boys on Monday. This makes no sense if she was considering not racing her at all. Also, we were gearing up for our visit, a visit we would not have made unless we had a race scheduled for one of our horses. So, is Linda stupid? Is she insensitive? I think neither. However, she is busy… so busy that she doesn’t focus on situations until the last moment. This can be disastrous for the owner’s pocket book - as we saw here and earlier in the meet when we spent entry money in Canada -and for the owner’s psyche. Plus it can be bad for the horse, if the wrong decision is made at the last minute with the stress of an immediate deadline.
I don’t know if this is different with other trainers but it is a real negative with Linda. I don’t think she really gets it, but maybe unhappy owners are viewed as coming with the territory and the loss of an owner is something she figures into her business plan. You may think we sound like difficult owners. However, I think if she would be more forward looking and realize she’s hurting our enthusiasm as well as our pocketbook when she makes these last minute decisions, we’d be wonderful owners… but I guess everyone thinks that way.
After a rough start in a house with a new landlord, we really enjoyed the location. We’ve tried to re-rent for next year but the owners have not been responsive. So, we bid on the house next door that’s on the market. We actually thought we had a deal on Thursday night when received a signed contract. However, they got another offer and there are enough “outs” In our contract to make this into a bidding situation. I doubt we’ll participate but I’ve learned to never say never.
Now, it’s time to celebrate the Jewish New Year and then it’s off to Belmont.
Shana tova (Happy new year) to all,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Our season in Saratoga was marred only by the performance of our big girl, Ahvee’s Destiny. She has always loved the Saratoga race course but this summer she has not even been competitive.
After entering her in two Stakes races at a cost of $2K, Linda called us late Friday evening. The discussion was supposed to center on the competition in both races and her evaluation of which race we should actually run in. After telling us, she thought the girls’ race that was the first race on Saturday, she said she thought the horse looked “dull” when training in the morning. Therefore, she thought it might be better to scratch her than to run her in either race.
We had packed up for a last weekend in Saratoga and were raring to go. So, hearing this at the eleventh hour was quite distressing. Linda suggested we see how Destiny trained on Saturday morning and then make a go/no-go decision.
Since Destiny trains early, we expected to hear from Linda by 6:30-7AM. We called her at 7:30 to find her busy schooling horses at the gate. When she called us back with the word that Destiny was still looking very dull, it was almost 8AM. She wanted to scratch her and aim for a big $200K race in late September. As much as I argue my opinion, I’ve always accepted her decision in the end. However, Rhoda pointed out that Linda had told us that Awakino Cat was sore and could not possibly win the last race Destiny had lost. Yet, Awakino won that race. Maybe she was wrong here too. Plus, we were looking forward to going to Saratoga. So, we decided to run.
Well, we decided to run and we had to run fast because it was 8:30 and we had to finish packing, get dressed, etc for our 3-hour trip to the Spa. This was very stressful but we made it easily by putting the peddle to the metal. On this cool day, Ahvee’s Destiny arrived sweaty to the paddock. She was telling us she was not ready to run. Linda was right.
This was confirmed when the race began. She had nothing coming out of the gate and was never in the race. It was a very big downer.
Still, the next morning we gave her some loving and lots of carrots and treats. We did the same for Little Ahvee (It’s Truly Ahvee), Hear the Footsteps and Obviously Tuesday. Millie Money had yet to train that morning, so we didn’t feed her. It’s interesting that all the horses have different ways of eating the snacks… from gobbling up anything (Obviously Tuesday) to gingerly nibbling (Hear the Footsteps).
Tomorrow they will take a blood sample from Destiny to try and find a cause for her condition. Otherwise, she will just rest for a while and aim for a race in mid-October. If she runs poorly then and we have found no other cause, it may be time to send her to the breeding shed.
Another word about the trainer-owner relationship. Surely, Linda did not find out about Ahvee’s Destiny’s dull condition at 8PM on Friday. Yet on Friday, she spent our money to enter Destiny in the race with the boys on Monday. This makes no sense if she was considering not racing her at all. Also, we were gearing up for our visit, a visit we would not have made unless we had a race scheduled for one of our horses. So, is Linda stupid? Is she insensitive? I think neither. However, she is busy… so busy that she doesn’t focus on situations until the last moment. This can be disastrous for the owner’s pocket book - as we saw here and earlier in the meet when we spent entry money in Canada -and for the owner’s psyche. Plus it can be bad for the horse, if the wrong decision is made at the last minute with the stress of an immediate deadline.
I don’t know if this is different with other trainers but it is a real negative with Linda. I don’t think she really gets it, but maybe unhappy owners are viewed as coming with the territory and the loss of an owner is something she figures into her business plan. You may think we sound like difficult owners. However, I think if she would be more forward looking and realize she’s hurting our enthusiasm as well as our pocketbook when she makes these last minute decisions, we’d be wonderful owners… but I guess everyone thinks that way.
After a rough start in a house with a new landlord, we really enjoyed the location. We’ve tried to re-rent for next year but the owners have not been responsive. So, we bid on the house next door that’s on the market. We actually thought we had a deal on Thursday night when received a signed contract. However, they got another offer and there are enough “outs” In our contract to make this into a bidding situation. I doubt we’ll participate but I’ve learned to never say never.
Now, it’s time to celebrate the Jewish New Year and then it’s off to Belmont.
Shana tova (Happy new year) to all,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Rough Race
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Yesterday, Obviously Tuesday was in the lead until he weakened and finished fourth. Curiously, there has been no e-mail about this race from the Obviously NY Stable partners. Strange. Linda says it was an okay effort for a first-timer but he was “getting out” in the stretch which could mean he’s feeling sore somewhere, so she’s going to check him out.
Arielle’s Song was not claimed at Presque Isle Downs last night. She finished fifth in a pedestrian effort proving she can’t run (doesn’t want to run) even with $7500 claimers. Too bad, but it’s time to get her off the race course and just let her be a horse. She’ll follow Conseated Lady’s path.
Now to the subject of today’s e-mail, It’s Truly Ahvee, who ran his second race at 5 ½ furlongs today. Ramon Dominguez got him out to a great start, as opposed to his last race when he was left at the gate. He still ran to the outside as he did last time but he was up there vying for the lead.
Apparently, he was tough to handle and Ramon almost stood up on him. When he settled down, he went for an opening and had to take back when the opening was cut off by the lead horse. Nonetheless, he came on again, but every time Ramon tried to head for an opening it was cut off. This must have happened 3 or 4 more times.
I don’t know how this horse kept on running, but he managed a third place finish ½ length behind the winner. We would have like the victory but it was a very game effort. Nice going Little Ahvee!
Ahvee’s Destiny is scheduled to run in the first race on Saturday. We will be there. However, we are entering her in the boys’ race on Monday and will go in whichever race looks most promising.
It doesn’t look like they will write a race for Hear the Footsteps. So, he’ll have to wait until Belmont. Boo!
We’re also looking for a race for Holy Blitzer. Will advise.
Have a lovely weekend!
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Yesterday, Obviously Tuesday was in the lead until he weakened and finished fourth. Curiously, there has been no e-mail about this race from the Obviously NY Stable partners. Strange. Linda says it was an okay effort for a first-timer but he was “getting out” in the stretch which could mean he’s feeling sore somewhere, so she’s going to check him out.
Arielle’s Song was not claimed at Presque Isle Downs last night. She finished fifth in a pedestrian effort proving she can’t run (doesn’t want to run) even with $7500 claimers. Too bad, but it’s time to get her off the race course and just let her be a horse. She’ll follow Conseated Lady’s path.
Now to the subject of today’s e-mail, It’s Truly Ahvee, who ran his second race at 5 ½ furlongs today. Ramon Dominguez got him out to a great start, as opposed to his last race when he was left at the gate. He still ran to the outside as he did last time but he was up there vying for the lead.
Apparently, he was tough to handle and Ramon almost stood up on him. When he settled down, he went for an opening and had to take back when the opening was cut off by the lead horse. Nonetheless, he came on again, but every time Ramon tried to head for an opening it was cut off. This must have happened 3 or 4 more times.
I don’t know how this horse kept on running, but he managed a third place finish ½ length behind the winner. We would have like the victory but it was a very game effort. Nice going Little Ahvee!
Ahvee’s Destiny is scheduled to run in the first race on Saturday. We will be there. However, we are entering her in the boys’ race on Monday and will go in whichever race looks most promising.
It doesn’t look like they will write a race for Hear the Footsteps. So, he’ll have to wait until Belmont. Boo!
We’re also looking for a race for Holy Blitzer. Will advise.
Have a lovely weekend!
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
