Wow, a Harness Racing Victory!

It's been a long time since our last victory at Saratoga Harness but Timberwolf broke the slump this week with a 1 3/4 length victory when coming from the second tier from the #9 post. Plus, when the horse right in front of him broke stride early in the race, Jordan Derue had to swerve to avoid a crash, then get back in the race and come on in the stretch to win. It was pretty to watch, but Eric couldn't get from the paddock to the Winner's Circle because the golf cart to transport him didn't work!
We now have 3 harness horses who all run for cheaper purses but, at least, seem to be competitive. There's the aforementioned Timberwolf, Naugatuck and Red Star Tomahawk, who we just claimed last weekend. The last two will both be running Saturday night.
Last Sunday Pat Hoppel got Linda so excited about a weanling filly he saw at the Keeneland Sale in Lexington, KY, she called us so aggressively, we just had to bid. So while Rhoda was at a party, I was able to watch the auction live on-line… and we got her, but that's it (Sure, sure, you're saying... and I understand your disbelief). No more thoroughbreds, no matter how cute nor how impressive they are!
That magnificent physical specimen, It's Truly Ahvee was shipped to New Vocations to be trained for a less stressful career. We will miss him.
Footsie and Jess are down on Pat's farm in Florida. They are friends, See the photo above.
The four weanlings are (or will be) at Pat's farm.
The horses we claimed are with Linda at Belmont: Arch Traveler has yet to run his first race for us. Executive Office is in the same boat. Brother Bob got injured in Saratoga and has not run since. Hidden Music won her last race but is a grass runner, so time is running out on being able to run her in NY this year.
Ahvee's Destiny is still doing well. Hopefully, all will continue to go well and she'll have a new foal for us in February!
Have a lovely weekend!
Best,
A.

She wasn't crazy today!

We almost decided not to go to Belmont today for Hidden Music's race because she's been so awful and it was such a cheap race. But she had been getting a little better in her last few races and the race was only 6 furlongs, compared to 7 furlongs in her last race where she faded in the final furlong.

 

Hidden Music looked beautiful in the paddock. More importantly, she was calmer.

 

In the gate, when the bell sounded, Jose didn't hit her at all. Still, she went for the front. This time she appeared to be running easily, not rank as she had been in many of her prior races. Well, believe it or not, the race was over. She raced in front wire-to-wire and only lengthened her lead in the stretch to win easily by 4 1/2 lengths! Yay, Hidden Music.

 

Nice way to start the weekend! Hope yours is a good weekend too.

  

Best,

  

A.

Posted by Avram Freedberg Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!

It's NOT Saratoga!

Saratoga always seems like a happy dream. Belmont brings us down to reality.

 

Hear the Footsteps ran an unusual race in Saturday's Mohawk Stakes, going right to the lead, then fading back to 10th. He came up the rail as they turned for home but had no room to get through, so Jose to took him to the outside. Unfortunately, he kept drifting out and finished 5th, only a neck out of 3rd place.

 

Yesterday Jess Not Jesse was forced to go 7 furlongs because the 6 furlong races wouldn't fill. He ran against Awakino Cat again but this time Awakino got the upper hand in the stretch but could not quite get to the winner. Jess finished 3rd.

 

Tomorrow our crazy girl, Hidden Music runs in a 6 furlong $16K Maiden Claimer. To give you an idea of the disparity between races, the purse is only $26,000. The purse in Jess's race was $82,000 and in Footsie's race it was $200K!

 

It's possible these turf horses will shortly be sent to Florida, since the turf season here will soon be over. Should we call them, "Snowbirds?" 

  

Best,

  

A.

Posted by Avram Freedberg Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!

The worm turns

Everything does not go perfectly. Jess Not Jesse finished 3rd on Friday when he couldn't get sufficient foothold on the very slippery grass course.

Yesterday, Patsy Symons's horse, Effie Trinket, won the Filly Stakes race. So, we represented her in the Winner's Circle and got some Champagne too.

We hoped it was just a dress rehearsal for Hear the Footsteps's Stakes two races later but, despite a valiant effort, he finished third. He always tries. Both those horses do!

Cameron Lucky was coming on around the stretch turn at Saratoga Harness, when a piece of equipment broke and she had to be taken back. On top of that, she was claimed away from us. Oy!

Today, It's Truly Ahvee emptied out after 3/4 of a mile and finished last in his race at Finger Lakes. Rhoda said he didn't like the way the track announcer pronounced his name (he stressed the "vee," rather than the "Ah."

We really have been spoiled by such good luck. Still watching these magnificent animals is wonderful.

More Jewish holidays and more food... but less time to get things done. Best of all, more family time!

  

Best,

A.

Yom Kippur

Greetings!

So I should be concentrating on atoning and my apologies to all and, in fact, I will be. But with the seriousness of the Days of Penitence ending in the Day of Atonement, comes racing excitement... maybe.

Tomorrow's 1st race at Belmont might see Jess Not Jesse run on the grass at 7 furlongs, if the forecast rain doesn't take it off the grass. Can he last the distance.?Hope we get to see.

Brother Bob is entered in a cheap claimer tomorrow which I won't be able to see in real time.

Tomorrow night, a recent harness acquisition, Naugatuck is racing at Saratoga Harness with Cameron Lucky going on Sunday afternoon.

The biggest race, if it goes on the grass on Sunday at Belmont, is Hear the Footsteps running in another stakes race but at his longest distance yet, 1 1/8 miles. It's against all his friends from the West Point Stakes and some new faces. It's tough, but he deserves the shot.

It's Truly Ahvee runs in a $25K Allowance race at Finger Lakes also at a longer distance of 1 mile 70 yds.

That's a lot of racing in a short time. Whew!

As for the apologies and the introspection... it has been a tough year in many respects. I can't replace my mother. Of course, she is still with me. In fact, getting to read some of her thoughts in her papers, letters and travel diaries, it has been like talking to her on a deeper level. Unfortunately, I can't ask questions or make comments. Nonetheless, it's better than not having had the opportunity to connect with her on another level.

That's life, good things and bad things mix together. You can only hope for more of the good things. And, that is what I wish you, more good things in your life than the bad. I'll try to be more of a good thing than a bad thing. I hope you know that even though I'm doing my best, I expect to make my best better to all of our benefit.

Thanks for your friendship and your interest in my missives.

  

Best,

  

A.

BIG FINISH!

When you're a kid, it's Disneyland or equivalent. Mine was George C. Tilyou's Steeplechase Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY. It was so much fun, I didn't want to leave and I couldn't wait for the next trip.

For my friends these days, it might be their place in Vermont or Florida or Israel or the Hamptons or wherever their fantasies take them. As you know, our place is Saratoga Springs, NY.

First of all, it's the excitement and thrill of thoroughbred horses competing and, of course, winning. From our first day trip to Saratoga in over 30 years in 2007 with Don and Barbara to our current home base abutting the Oklahoma training track, it's been a history of winning.

Ahvee's Destiny won her race on that first trip and won again before the 2007 meet ended. In 2008, there was her first Stakes victory in the Mechanicville Stakes. In 2009, another Stakes victory in the Finney Stakes. In 2010, Hear the Footsteps got into the act with a victory that filled the Winner's Circle with family and friends.

In 2011, Ahvee's Destiny scored in the Smart & Fancy Stakes for her 11th and final victory. Last year, Jess Not Jesse won twice. Then he was hurt in a race in Philadelphia. The Vet said it was time to retire him.

I felt the least we could do for him was to ease his pain by getting rid of bone chips in his ankle and giving him lots of time to recover. Then we'd decide what to do with him.

When it seemed like he could safely race, almost 10 months had passed. What happened? This year Jess won early by a nose over former stablemate Awakino Cat (who won his next outing by 5 3/4 lengths). Then, Jess lost by his next race by a nose. Yesterday, was the 3rd time he raced at the meet.

He ran out of the number 1 post position. This meant he had to get a good start to avoid getting trapped on the inside. It's not a good post position statistically.

When the Starter's bell rang, Cornelio got Jess out there quickly. He was head and head with the two leaders until Cornelio eased him back (Tom Durkin, the race caller, said he couldn't keep up with the leaders). Then, Cornelio steered him to the outside.

They came around the Stretch turn still in 3rd, but that didn't take long to change. "A resurgent Jess" (according to Durkin), lengthened his stride and passed the leaders readily to gallop to a 2 length victory. Yay Jess!

What a way to end the meet. Everything's Cricket Racing had 2 wins, 3 Places and 1 Show out of 7 outings. As our friend Ken pointed out, we were on the Leading Owner board. Our 86% in the money percentage was tops for any owner with over 3 starts. Pretty heady stuff.

Yes, we know how lucky we've been. We weren't supposed to own Jess. In this case, good deeds were not punished, they were rewarded. And, who gets their first horse and gets 11 victories including 4 Stakes? And who has a horse that has not won in 2 1/2 years, then reels off 3 straight victories and a strong 2nd place in a Stakes race. Yes, we have been very lucky... but what a ride it's been!

Of course, that's only the "excitement" part of Saratoga Springs. The other side of the coin (only appropriate phrase for a coin seller) is the tranquility. I've written to you about this many times before. Until you try sitting on our patio in the early morning hours when the horses are training, you will only understand the experience, rather than feel it.

Skip Dickstein, a great photographer, has often captured the tranquility of these moments in his memorable photos of both the Oklahoma training track and Saratoga's Main track, as well... dew turning to mist, darkness slowly turning into light, silhouetted images become defined... transformation is complete... but tranquility and beauty continues as the horses walk, run and sometimes even jump. It's amazing to behold these magnificent beings!

Yes, Saratoga Springs is a college town (Skidmore and Empire State). Yes, Saratoga Springs has a naval base (pretty novel, since there's no water!). Yes, it's full of history (Battle of Saratoga was the crucial victory in the Revolutionary War). Yes, it's the doorway to the Adirondacks and all the resort and adventure activities you can think of. Yes, it's got spring water to drink and spas to bathe in. and, yes, no matter what time of year you come to town, there's always something going on.

Anyway, it's our fantasy island. Many have accepted our invitation to step inside our fantasy. By and large, I think everyone who has visited has a new appreciation for what the words above attempt to convey. Perhaps, you'll try. I hope so.

We're here until the 8th. More adventures to come in our fantasy land!

Shana tova for Jewish New Year celebrants. To all, a lovely Labor Day weekend! 

  

Best,

 

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Almost the end of Racing at Saratoga

Jess Not Jesse will try to win another one today in the 5th race on the grass under Cornelio Velasquez. He's a real gamer and gives us everything he's got every time.

We'll find out later if Hidden Music made it into a race on Sunday.

There's so much more to say about the Saratoga experience but I'll leave it to the next missive.

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

7-10 FAVORITE

When your horse's odds will only return 70 cents for every dollar bet, he's called an "odds-on favorite." So was the case yesterday when It's Truly Ahvee ran a 6 furlong race at a second-tier racetrack, known as Finger Lakes. It's about 25 miles out of Rochester, NY.

It's bad enough having one of your favorite horses sent to purgatory but not even sending our Everything's Cricket Racing jockey silks to this less than stellar racetrack adds insult to injury. So, the jockey had to wear Finger Lakes Racetrack silks, sort of a grayish-blue with a big FL on the back.

The entire purse was only $22,000 (of course, that's bigger than any harness track purse we've been in). Nonetheless, no matter the ignominious nature of the occasion, It's Truly Ahvee came to run and, at least, the race caller pronounced his name correctly. Plus, the jockey was an old friend, Oscar Gomez (they now call him "The Missile!) who had been Linda's top exercise rider for many years.

When the starter's bell sounded, It's Truly Ahvee was off first, followed by Felonious Fred (love that alliteration!). Soon a longshot drew alongside but he couldn't keep up with ITA. Then, Felonious Fred made his move. Coming out of the  stretch turn, as they neared the head of the stretch, Fred seemed to have overtaken Ahvee. Our hearts were stuck in our throats!

Then, Oscar started reminding ITA it was time to run and run he did, drawing away to more than a 3 length victory. Yes, it was a smaller race but, as they like to say in sports, "a "W" is a "W!"

The summertime is waning, the days are getting shorter and the Saratoga meet is racing to a close. Only 11 days left. The time flies by.

Jess Not Jesse is pointing to a race on August 29th, Hear the Footsteps will enter a race for August 30th and Hidden Music may get to race on September 1st. Looks like she won't enter Brother Bob until Belmont.

Cameron Lucky will run Thursday night from the 8 hole in the 11th race. This doesn't give her a good chance. We're doing some acquiring of new harness horses to help Eric out. He and Jeanne have become good friends.

Best,

 A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Pinocchio

You've heard it before... (fill-in whatever sport you fancy) is a game of inches. Nowhere is that more true than in horse racing.

 Jess Not Jesse was racing today for a $70,000 purse. He was #11 on the outside. When he reared coming out of the gate, he fell behind the field and had to be urged to catch up.

Catch up he did, as he took the lead between the 1/8 pole and the 1/16th pole. However, just as in his last race, there was another contender coming on the outside. They fought tooth and nail (maybe that should be hoof and nostril) all the way to the finish line. Jess trying to retain his perfect record at Saratoga.

Once again, the race was decided by a nose. Last time, we got the bob and beat our old friend Awakino Cat. This time, we needed Pinocchio's nose which we didn't have. So, no lies. We lost.

It hurts to lose a race you should have won. This time we got the "bad beat!"

At the horse sales, our friends did very nicely selling two horses they bred for nice sums. We did not buy anything but we were at all the sales. Rhoda loves to shop. I love to buy. We shopped but did not buy.

Footsie is entered in two Stakes races for Wednesday and Thursday. The lengths of the races are not ideal for him, one is too short, the other a little long. We'll confer with Linda in the next day or so.

Patsy's Effie Trinket ran 2nd in a Stakes race on Saturday. There are all together too many 2nds for us all this year!

The season is flying by. Too bad, but that's just a indication of the fun we have here.

More to come.

Best,

 A.

 

More Jesse

So far, Jess Not Jesse's victory represents Linda's only Saratoga win. Seems the logical thing is to race him again. However, we know he's a fragile horse and I hope it's not too soon since his last race and not that the competition is not too difficult. We don't want him to get hurt. As of now, he IS entered in the 8th race on Sunday for a claiming tag of $50,000, much higher than the $20,000 level of his last race. 

Hidden Music was not awful yesterday but she was not good. Cornelio is saying she seems afraid of the run-out blinker. However, we removed it in her last race and she was still rank ad getting out. At least we should test her on the turf without the blinker during turf training time.

Cameron Lucky ran a very competitive race tonight, coming on like a freight train but missing by a neck. We hope to try her at a mile size track to see if she can do better with a longer stretch than at the 1/2 mile Saratoga track.

Footsie is nominated to two Stakes races next week. We'll see the competition and decide on which race to go with, the $100K Troy on 8/14 at 5 1/2 furlongs or 8/15 the $150K West Point Stakes at 1 1/16 miles. Right now, Linda leans toward the West Point.

Brother Bob and It's Truly Ahvee will not run for a few more weeks.

Have a lovely weekend!

Best,

A.

Bad Beats

A "Bad Beat" can be anything from being impeded by another horse just when it looks like you're going to win, to stumbling, to the jockey thinking the race is over too soon and letting up to host of other circumstances that make you feel you should have won but for (fill-in the reason for the bad beat).

Now, imagine if you will owning a horse for almost three years, during which time the horse wins only once, then having that horse claimed away from you and then a month later having another one of you chargers face that very same horse in a race at Saratoga.

This very circumstance happened yesterday when Awakino Cat, who was claimed from us little more than a month ago, faced Jesse Not Jesse (last year's two-time winner at Saratoga) at 51/2 furlongs on very wet grass.

The race set up in Awakino's favor, since the pace was very fast early. This type of pace makes it easier for a "closer" like Awakino to overtake tiring front-runners late in the race.

Jess settled into 2nd place behind this torrid early pace. Then, early in the stretch, he put away the leader to take what appeared to be a commanding lead. We were very happy for a moment or two... when the unthinkable happened... there was Awakino coming fast on his flank. Where's the finish line? Where is the wire? It should be over by now! But it wasn't.

Awakino was flying on the outside. As they approached the wire, it seemed like Awakino inched in front of Jess... or did he? It was a photo-finish!

The first few replays seemed to confirm our worst fears. We had been nipped at the wire by our former steed. Then another replay was shown and Rhoda screamed out, "we got him!" And, indeed Jess got the head bob and we (and Linda) got our first victory at Saratoga in 2013. Turned into a "bad beat" for the new Awakino team, lucky for us.

A few words about Jess Not Jesse. He was bred by Rob Koones (named for his son and brought up and raced by Rob until he needed to get out of the horse business). Jess has the heart of a lion (or whatever animal you think is fearless and resolute). He may be a terror in the barn but he's also a terror on the racetrack. HE DOES NOT LIKE TO LOSE. What a horse! Congrats, to all of us but especially to Jess Not Jesse, our very special warrior.

From the sublime to the ridiculous, Cameron Lucky ran in a lesser race last night at Saratoga Harness but you couldn't tell from the times. She was never competitive.

We've been very lucky. We've come up to Saratoga for 7 years and won at least one race in each year. That's a very heady record worth boasting about.

Let's hope our warrior comes out of this race well and can be ready to race again. Cornelio says he needed this race after his long layoff and he'll be much better next time. Wouldn't that be nice?

And now, to go to sleep and dream of taking more photos with winning horses...

Have a lovely weekend!

 

Best,

  

A.

Ups and Downs

It's Truly Ahvee ran 3rd. He was well positioned and did not have a finishing kick. Cornelio thought he needed the race because he had not raced since March. Maybe but he exhibits his usual problems, so we'll see,

Today Jess Not Jesse is the 2-1 favorite over Awakino Cat (formerly ours) and ten others in a 5 1/2 furlong sprint on the turf. He has not run since last year at Saratoga. We hope he does well but still don't know if the race will stay on the grass. It's raining now and his is the last race of the day. He's in the #9 post. We'll be there if he runs . Cornelio is aboard.

Tonight, Cameron Lucky is in the 6th race at Saratoga Harness, It's a lesser race for a lesser purse, but she drew the outside #8 post position, so she is only 12-1 on the morning line. We'll try to be there too!

Tomorrow, lots of visitors start coming in, keeping us busy for the next week. Time really flies up here. It's hard to believe we're here for two weeks.

Ahvee's Destiny is doing well but is beset by flies in the fields where she is corralled.

Hidden Music passed her breezing test, so the Stewards have reinstated her as a qualified runner,,. that; how crazy she was on the track. When you visit her, she is a snuggle bunny. Hard to believe!

Brother Bob goes back into training now that the Vet says he has recovered enough from the abrasions caused when he broke through his stall.

Footsie is doing well and should race in a week or 10 days, if the weather allows.

Best,

  

A.

Ups and Downs

We've been in Saratoga for over a week but had many frustrations with our computer which delayed any messaging. So, let's play catch-up.  

Hear the Footsteps was entered in a Stakes race last Sunday but was not quite recovered from his two victories in nine days and with the tough competition, he was scratched.

Cameron Lucky ran Thursday night at Saratoga Harness but managed only a 4th place finish in a claiming race.

Inchcape had run two sprints on dirt very poorly. So, Linda tried him on turf and extended the distance to 1 1/16 miles. It was a great call, since he just missed today by less than a head at 13-1. We were excited with his race, since we thought we found a new young horse who could be competitive. Apparently, someone else thought he had potential, since they claimed this 13-1 shot and we lost the race... pretty frustrating, even though that is the business of claiming. You win some and you lose some... very philosophical, even practical... but it still hurts!

Tomorrow, It's Truly Ahvee will run in a claimer at a much lesser price. It's the sixth race out of the 13 post with Cornelio up.

Jess Not Jesse is on the "also eligible" list. If there is an early scratch of another entrant, Jesse will get in the race (unless Linda thinks it inadvisable to run). It's the eleventh race on the turf with Cornelio in the saddle for this one too. It's also a cheaper claimer.

The way people have been claiming horses at this Saratoga meet (there were 18 claims for the same horse in a recent race), we'll probably lose both of them to a claim. Ugh! Double ugh if they don't win.

Best,

A

The Agony and the Ecstasy

Greetings!

Friday afternoon and evening showed both sides of horse racing, or as ABC used to say the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat!

 

Hidden Music, our expensive claim of a few months ago, took off from the start went as fast as she could, fighting Jose Ortiz all the while. She kept trying to "get out." This is just as it sounds, she wanted to go to the outside, rather than run in a straight line.

 

Jose could not control her speed. At one point she was in front by 7 lengths. Of course, to the viewer, it looked like she might runaway with the race... that certainly would have been ecstasy for us! Too bad, we thought, that we weren't at Belmont for this breakthrough performance.

 

The only thing that broke through was her stamina. By the time she came around the stretch turn, she was finished. I think she may be still running! She would barely have been first in the next race. That's agony.

 

In the 8th race, Hear the Footsteps was going against a tougher crowd than his last race... at least on paper. I had to get to synagogue and dinner in Scarsdale, so we couldn't be at Belmont for his race. We had to watch it on the computer.

 

Jose took him out near the lead and then settled back into 4th, except this time he was further back than in his last two races. I got worried by how far back he was running. Then Tom Durkin, who calls the races, said, "Hear the Footsteps is uncoiling that stride of his" and I knew were coming on.

  

Jose took him wide around the stretch turn. Was it too wide? He was still in 4th place and now they were running out of stretch, but he kept coming on. By the 1/16th pole, he was in front by a long nose and kept the 2nd place finisher at bay, expanding his lead to win by 1/2 length. Yay Footsie, three in a row! Not even the Queen (Ahvee's Destiny) managed to do that.

  

Yup, that was the ecstasy... three wins in ten weeks, after 2 1/2 years without a single victory. Linda found spots where he could shine in 6 and 7 furlong sprints. He certainly rose to the occasion. twenty-one starts, five wins, three seconds and nine thirds. Quite impressive, Footsie. Good boy! 

  

Best,

  

A.

  

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Hear the Footsteps

Greetings!

The weather at Belmont yesterday afternoon was hot and humid. We had been worried that the forecast rain might result in Footsie's race being taken off the grass. It didn't rain and there was Footsie walking into the paddock. The humidity left him a bit wet... but ready 

Jose Ortiz had been aboard him for his last race, when he won for the first time in two years. We met Jose in the paddock and before you know it, he was aboard and the parade to the post followed.  

Footsie was 5-2, not quite the favorite. He went into the 4 post and when they were all in the gate, the bell sounded and he came out near the top but then settled back to fourth on the inside. He ran easily but appeared boxed in by all the horses around him. 

However, when they came around the stretch turn, Jose eased him to the outside, found a seam between horses and started making his run towards the leaders. "C'mon Footsie," we all yelled... and he did! By the 16th pole, he had edged in front and kept edging away from his competition to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

Out came my silks (they only come out for appearances in the Winner's Circle) and we got Footsie, who was very excited, to join us in the Winner's Circle. Then, we went to dinner and broke out a bottle of sparkling Italian Prosecco with Linda and Aaron, the Matzah Man.

Footsie is quite special. He has finished in the money in an incredible 80% of his races! He's won his last two races and has 4 wins, 3 seconds and 9 thirds. In addition, he's a happy horse. He squeals when he goes out to train each day. When he eats our carrots and treats, he nibbles... very dainty! We love him and so does the trainer's staff people.  

When you come to stay in Saratoga, you may end up in the Ahvee's Destiny bedroom or the Hear the Footsteps bedroom (sorry Pomerantzs but he's earned it!). Yay Footsie!

Hidden Music is entered for Sunday at Belmont in the fourth race. If she runs, we plan to be there.

We'll be going to Saratoga in just two weeks. Have a lovely weekend!

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

It's almost Saratoga time

Kaddish is the memorial prayer one say during three prayer services each day. It must be said with a Minyan, a minimum of ten adult Jews (men only, for the Orthodox) present. Since we could not find 10 circumcised Masai warriors, much less 10 Jews, we had to cancel a wonderful African Safari in Tanzania with our good friends.

Instead, we went to a trade show in Rome, where we could find synagogues who had a daily minyan for the various services. Naturally, Linda Rice decided to run some horses at Belmont the day after we got to Rome. Awakino Cat, a stalwart of her barn for 6 years, came in second in a $25,000 claiming race and was claimed by trainer David Jacobson. Arch Traveler was entered in $35,000 claiming race that same day and ran a lackluster fourth but was not claimed.

Cameron Lucky, our only harness horse, ran out of the money the last two weekends 

Today, Hear the Footsteps is scheduled to run on the turf in the 9th race at Belmont with Jose Ortiz in the irons out of the 4 hole. It'll be an off track. As long as there are no big downpours, the race should stay on the grass... but who can know. He'll be competitive. He usually is. Go Footsie!

People are making reservations for their stays in Saratoga. Give us a call, if you're interested. It's great to wake up and watch the horsies train in the mornings. Our Jose likes it too! 

  

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Love those horsies

Greetings!

After we went into my mother's house last Sunday, I needed a dose of horse love. So, we went to feed the Belmont bunch but we missed finding Inchcape. It was fun and distracting.

One particular standout in the love department was our only filly, Hidden Music. She was a snuggler, like Meriwether Jessica. How nice it is to be snuggled and nuzzled by a beautiful thoroughbred horse!

Then, we went to lunch and watched Cameron Lucky finish 2nd at 26-1. She finished very fast.

Today, even though her race is off the grass, Hidden Music will run at Belmont in the 6th race at 5:32 PM with Cornelio Velasquez in the irons. Another very special jockey, Ramon Dominguez, was forced to retire yesterday from injuries sustained in January. He is a true gentleman and will surely be a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame next year.

Hear the Footsteps's race yesterday was OFF the grass, so he was scratched. Cameron Lucky will run this Sunday in the same condition race as she ran in last Sunday, once again out of the 4 hole.

Have a lovely weekend!

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Coming back from Shiva

Greetings!

You don't really recover from the loss of a parent quickly. There is an ache deep in your heart and stomach, particularly when you're finished sitting Shiva, the seven day period of mourning where you receive visits from the community and speak about your loved one. When your visitors depart for the last time, you feel that missing person all the more.

It's now you need some distractions. So, today, we had an interesting lunch reviewing the theater business and now, we'll review the horsie business.

I've haven't looked at the entrants' records for tomorrow's Belmont Stakes. The easy call is Orb who liked the sloppy track when he won the Kentucky Derby. But frankly this group of 3-yr. olds is mighty confusing. You might want to go for the girl jockey (Rosie Napravnik) on the filly Unlimited Budget or one of the longshot colts.

As for our stable, our harness horse came in 2nd at Saratoga Harness last week. She'll run in a similar race, this Sunday at Saratoga Harness. It's the 10th race at about 3:45 PM (though it did not go off last week until after 4PM). She's driven out of the 4 hole by Dan Capello, Jr. with a 12-1 morning line.

Hear the Footsteps, our first 3-race winner, since Ahvee's Destiny (she won 11 times), is entered on the grass at Belmont next Thursday from the 5 post under Jose Ortiz, Jr. It's 6 furlongs. Go Footsie!

Jess Not Jesse answered a question this week. He breezed for the first time this year. It was a bullet workout, which means it was the fastest workout out of 21 horses breezing at that distance. This is amazing based on his prior problems and that it is a first workout which is usually much slower. WOW!

It's Truly Ahvee also had a nice first breeze, since coming back from the equine hospital.

Hidden Music our only filly and our last claim will hopefully run next Friday at a mile at Belmont. We'll see if they use that race some time tomorrow.

Arch Traveler and Inchcape are still recovering from their foot and shin issues. They may be heading down to the farm for some time off and where they will probably be gelded. Ouch!

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

PS Thanks to all for your expressions of sympathy and/or Shiva visits. Your support is truly appreciated.

Horsie status

Greetings!

When does a 4th feel like a 1st? Well... NEVER. But when Cameron Lucky finished 4th last Sunday at Saratoga Harness, she could have been the winner. It was 4 horses across the track on the finish line. She lost by 3 noses. Worth the excitement but it was an "almost!" She runs again this Sunday in race 9 from the 1 spot with Joe Bongiorno driving. He did a great job driving her last week.

Brother Bob may run tomorrow at Belmont. I'm waiting to hear yes or no.

Hear the Footsteps, fresh off his win on May 3rd, may be entered in a Stakes race next Saturday at a mile. Linda will look at the competition and decide for sure late next week.

Awakino Cat and It's Truly Ahvee are back at Belmont (though Linda is shipping some of her horses to Saratoga, ours will be staying at Belmont right now).

On the other hand, Arch Traveler is lame in one foot (but is getting better), Inchcape has a sore shin and may need time off and Hidden Music has a sore mouth which explains why she ran rank in the race we claimed her.

Then, there is Jess Not Jesse, our double winner from last season at Saratoga. He looks good is reported sound and is happy. Will he come back to race again? That is the question. Linda will talk to Pa

Best,

A.

A few words about our time in Kentucky

When we arrived in Louisville, Chris picked us up at the airport and left the car with us, so we could get around. He arranged for our room not far from his home in the burbs for $800 compared to the over $3,000 we spent at the Galt House last year. He put water, snacks and other goodies in the refrigerator and elsewhere in the room.

We met several of our winning superfecta group from last year at Drake's Tavern, two of them (Rob and John) for the first time. They were very nice. We all made our picks, drank and had a jolly old time.

Later, Mark -- after considerable trouble -- had managed to get us dinner reservations at the famous Jeff Ruby Steakhouse (We couldn't get in last year). There we met the beautiful woman, Kris, who owned the table we would be sitting at in the Turf Club at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks and the Derby. BTW, Mark is the one that waited on his porch for the delivery of Rhoda's Derby hat below. 

Friday we congregated at Popsy's and Jan's for early drinking and then piled into the Limo for our trip to Churchill Downs, where Chris had arranged for Kosher meals. We didn't want the airline food, so we just ate salads, cheese and small salmon dishes washed down by the pink Oaks drink called the Lily. Here's Rhoda in her Oaks outfit. Sorry it's not full length. Her high platform, even higher heel hot pink shoes were a sight to behold.

Friday night we went to the Barnstable-Brown Mansion for a charity function featuring food, drink, music, dancing and celebs. Here's Rhoda with Josh Henderson (John Ross Ewing III on Dallas).

Saturday -- Derby Day -- was a repeat of the Friday schedule. Only one problem, we brought Friday's Oaks tickets and not Saturday's Derby tickets. It took half an hour but thanks to Churchill Downs's Carl Ackerman and the ability to get our hostess, Kris, on the phone, we did get in.

We were supposed to go to Mark's house for dinner, etc. but since it was raining all day, his patio was not functional. No one wanted to go out for dinner, so we went ourselves.

Sunday morning, we went out ourselves for breakfast. Tammy picked up our car and Mark took us to the airport. We missed spending more time with the Kentucky group but a good time was had, nonetheless. Hopefully, we'll see them next in Saratoga this summer.

Here's Here the Footsteps's WIN Photo:

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Posted by Avram Freedberg Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!

Better than the Kentucky Derby

It's been too long. This format makes it more difficult to get messages out remotely, so my apologies for not being more up to date.

So, what is more exciting than the Kentucky Derby? Well to my friend Mark, nothing could be... especially when your horse selection wins, you hit the exacta and you win more than $20 K! I was standing next to him in his grandstand box and I have the black and blue marks from being hit by him as Orb passed us in the lead and the rest of the way through the stretch to the finish line.

I wasn't as excited because we only got 3 out of 4 and 4 out of 5, neither gets you the Superfecta... and I didn't have Orb alone.

I've been gravitating to the speed horses. I blame Ahvee's Destiny. As a teen, we always rooted for the come from behind horses (all of whom did well in Saturday's 139th Kentucky Derby). However, Ahvee's Destiny used to most often race in front or near the front and I realize I've become biased to speed types, Bodemeister last year and Verazzano and Goldencents this year. No more of that!

So, what IS more exciting than the Kentucky Derby? Why, how about Hear the Footsteps winning his first race in 2 1/2 years?! He did just that at Belmont on Friday, May 3rd. He started on top but when he fell back to 4th the 2nd time, you would have thought it was all over for him. But Footsie and his jockey, Jose Ortiz, didn't stop. They came on again in the stretch and won going away by 2 1/2 lengths. YAY FOOTSIE! We wouldn't have expected less from someone named JOSE!

Last Thursday, we claimed Hidden Music, a 3 year old filly. She was very rank during the race. Seems like her mouth is very sensitive and it may be trial and error to find the right bit for her. 

While Cameron Lucky came in 2nd last week, this week she was only 6th in a very tough race.

Arch Traveler is entered at Belmont on Thursday in a 7 furlong race on the turf with Cornelio Velasquez riding. Of course, if it rains to much, the race may come off the grass and he'll probably be scratched.

Awakino Cat and It's Truly Ahvee will be back in training this month. Brother Bob is already galloping after his surgeries. Inchcape will try training on the grass again to see if that offers any potential. It's also time to re-evaluate Jess Not Jesse. 

Lots going on in the horse world!

Best,

A.

  

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Clunker at the Big A

We had a table of 7 at Aqueduct on Saturday. Michael was down from Saratoga, Linda had 3 horses running and joined us for lunch. Barbara, Honni, Sylvan, Rhoda and me.

When we arrived, I immediately bet on Linda's Terminus in race 1 to win and place. He missed by a head and came in 2nd but since he was one of the favorites, I was a 37% loser on my bet.Then, the omelet guy ruined my omelet. I should have seen the pattern developing.

My sixth sense must have been at work. When it was time to go to the paddock for Inchcape's race, I left my "Winner's Circle silks" back at the table. Let's just say, that at day's end, Linda said she had two close seconds and a clunker. You can guess who the clunker was! Inchcape finished a tired 7th.

When we went back to Connecticut without Linda, we watched and rooted for two of Kenny McPeek's -- our Saratoga neighbor and friend -- horses run who were in two of the big Kentucky derby prep races. He won the Toyota Bluegrass Stakes in Kentucky with Java's War and came in second in the Arkansas Derby with FracDaddy. Both horses are likely to appear in the Kentucky Derby. How exciting for him and, through reflected glory, for us! We were last very excited for him when Golden Ticket finished in a dead heat with Alpha in last year's Travers Stakes at Saratoga and we were sitting in his box.

Then we went to dinner at Gabriele's in Greenwich. My mouth was watering over the fish special, when I was told that they were all out of it. I guess many days have there ups and downs... and, frankly, if my worst downer is a bad perfomance from my horse and a dinner special that's no longer available, I'll take it?

Sunday saw what I considered a good race from Cameron Lucky at Saratoga Harness, even though she came in 5th. She was in the #7 position, yet cam out quickly to get to the rail 5th. Then, at the 3/4ths, she was taken to the outside and made up ground on the leaders which was very exciting. She tired a little at the end but ran crdiebly for a 56-1 shot. Maybe we'll get one next time.

Today, Arch Traveler had a fast breezet at Belmont. Now we have to find a race for him over a fast track. He's the only one of our recent claims not to run yet. That makes him the last hope at present.

We did try to claim another horse at Keeneland. In fact, this horse came in 2nd but beat Inchcape in his first race. Apparently, others liked his perfomance, so we had 4 trainers competing for him and we lost "the shake."

I'll try to have an update on the problem horses soon. We hope to visit Saratoga at the end of the month and see horses training on the Oklahoma track in our backyard.

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Ahvee's Destiny is in foal!

We're trying not to get excited because she lost her foal last year after 6 months. Nonetheless, we want to make note of all the milestones. Next check early in May.

Cameron Lucky ran 3rd on Sunday at Saratoga Harness. It's been hard to get excited at the harness track. Because of the carts, the equipment on the horse and the gaits used in harness, it's not as athletically beautiful as thoroughbred racing. Nonetheless, I'm sure a record of success would increase the interest. Perhaps if our initial thoroughbred experience was like this, we wouldn't have a place in Saratoga.

Arch Traveler runs on Thursday at Aqueduct in the 4th race out of the 8 hole with Cornelio Velasquez aboard. It's 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt. 

Inchcape will run on Saturday in a Maiden Special Weight race. I don't think the entry actually takes place for a day or two. Further info when available.

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Surgery, Castration and maybe even a hyperbaric chamber

Brother Bob was operated on for his breathing problem and was gelded (a kinder way of saying "castrated"). Believe it or not, he'll probably go back to light training next week.

It's Truly Ahvee will be treated with Interferon for his bleeding and may pay some visits to a hyperbaric chamber which some say may help the bleeding situation. Of course, noone's told me about cost yet.

  

Cameron Lucky will run in the 10th race at Saratoga Harness on Sunday against lesser competition. She'll probably be the favorite. Haven't seen the competition list yet but we're looking for a victory!

Arch Traveler is pointing to a $35K claimer at Aqueduct on April 11th. Since we paid $60 for him, I'm not sanguine about him running and possibly being claimed for so much less. The jury's still out on this entry.

  

Inchcape will run in a Maiden Special Weight on Saturday, April 13th at the Big A. More information as it becomes available.

Wheat Belly update: You may remember that I've eliminated wheat and many carbs from my diet. The initial blood work numbers showed significant reduction in cholesterol but not much difference elsewhere... and an increase in triglycerides. New numbers show triglycerides down from 212 to 188, sugar down from 107 to 99, cholesterol 170 and weight loss of about 12 LBS. All this with lots of cheese, meat, eggs and nuts. It's really surprised me... happily!
 

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Posted by Avram Freedberg Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!

Good start, bad finish

Greetings!

Brother Bob was quickly out of the gate and almost cleared the horses to the inside of him. Nonetheless, he was well-placed and running with the leaders when about half-way around, he appeared to be going backwards. In fact, he ended up first... going backwards, unfortunately. Clearly something was wrong.

 

When the jockey came back, he said the horse was showing something wrong in his left hind... but that appeared after the race was over. During the race, he guessed that he started bleeding. After scoping his throat and lungs, he did not bleed but showed signs of repeatedly flipping his palate which severely interferes with the amount of air he can intake.

 

Linda is thinking about the treatment options. We can try him with a tongue tie or perform a Lewellyn procedure, a surgery that doesn't always fix the problem but did help Ahvee's Destiny.

 

In the meanwhile, Hear the Footsteps and Inchcape breezed this morning. So, they will soon be racing.

 

Saturday night, Cameron Lucky drew the #7 post position in race 12 at 10:25 PM at Saratoga Harness, which is not helpful. Oh well!

 

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy your Passover or Easter holidays!

 

Best,

A.

 

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Brother Bob

Greetings!
Brother Bob in 3rd race at Aqueduct at 1 mile with Cornelio from the 4 Post today. He's got a chance.

Cameron Lucky Saturday night at Saratoga Harness.

Hope everyone's holiday is/was good!

Best,
A.

Sincerely,
Avram Freedberg
Everything's Cricket Racing
 

Numismatic has a heart valve problem

Greetings!

Eric couldn't believe he was such a bad trainer based on Numismatic's race record. So, he had the Vet check out the horse... and Numismatic had a heart murmur. An ultra-sound revealed damage to the heart valve. So, Numismatic will become a buggy horse in Vermont. Oh well!

 

But, that's not all... as we say in the direct marketing business. It's Truly Ahvee, running a mile for the first time, came in a very game second place while bleeding internally right through Lasix. His Beyer speed rating was his best ever, even with the bleeding. Without the bleeding, he might have won the race by 5 and had a really special Beyer rating. We're investigating some new therapies for this troubled but beautiful horse with a lot of heart.

 

After he race yesterday, we had dinner at Don Peppe's family style restaurant with Barbara and all the Adsits. It was very nice and lots of fun. Rhoda wanted to know what types of wine they had available. The waiter said, "red or white." Color is your only choice!

 

Cameron Lucky runs again tomorrow at Saratoga Harness from the 6 slot. She's 9-2 on the morning line. It's the 8th race with post time around 3PM.

 

Best,

A.

 

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

2nd Place Ain't So Bad

Greetings!

Cameron Lucky was the favorite on Sunday. She was closing on the victor at the end but she used up too much energy early and didn't have her big finish. At least we're running her with the right crowd, so she can earn some money.

 

Numismatic disappointed again with a 6th place finish. He never ran with conviction. Eric says there is one more lower class. So, he'll get one last chance... but you've heard that before. This will teach me never to fall in love with a horse's name.

 

But yes, I am in love with a horse and you may think it's about the name but it's about her record. When we went to the farm to see Ahvee's Destiny, she came right over and let me snuggle her for a brief moment... then she wanted the carrots. I already have one lover who feels the same way about her Karats! Anyway, Ahvee's Destiny may go to the breeding shed this week with her new lover, Girolamo. We won't get excited this time but we will be interested in every advancing step to the goal of a beautiful foal next year. Let's hope.

 

It's Truly Ahvee will try the mile distance at Aqueduct on Friday in the 8th race under Cornelio Velasquez. Lots of good competition, including Abigail Adsit's Giant Indian.

 

Have a lovely week!

 

Best,

A.

 

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Everything's Cricket Racing

Bad Week

Three deaths in a week including one who was just over 50 and a good friend just over 60 does not a good week make. It shakes you up and reminds you how truly random our lives are. That's a scary proposition. We all want to feel some type of control. Actual control is very fleeting, especially compared with some of our horses!

Cameron Lucky ran dead last on Sunday. So, we're putting her in a $30K claiming race this Sunday hoping that the lower class might get us a purse. It's the 9th race after 4PM at Saratoga. She'll be in the number 2 position, so she can save some ground, though she always goes to the back anyway. Numismatic follows in race 13. It's a $5K claiming race. If he can't do well here, he won't be able to race at Saratoga. I believe this is virtually the lowest class. At least, they give us a reason to head up the Northway to Saratoga Springs for a couple of days.

It's Truly Ahvee is scheduled to race on Friday at Aqueduct, assuming they use the race. Stay tuned.

How fragile are Thoroughbreds? Hear the Footsteps arrived from Florida with a fever and Inchcape got colicky after his trip from Miami. Happily they both are recovering nicely.

Have a lovely weekend!

Best,

A.

It's Truly Ahvee is still here!

Happily, Linda reconsidered entering It's Truly Ahvee when we spoke on Sunday afternoon. We scratched from the $16K claimer and he will run in NY at Aqueduct in mid-March in a Starter Allowance, where he can't get claimed!

Inchscape is the name of our newest acquisition. He's a 3-yr. old out of Indian Charlie and a Seeking the Gold mare. He got left at the gate today in the first race of his career but came on at the end to finish third. Linda was happy to win a three-way shake (lottery) to determine which of the three trainers who put in claims would get him. We'll see if he will make us happy in the future.

Rhoda asked whether we could put him on the Kentucky Derby trail. We all had a good chuckle about that but it's fun to dream!

Cameron Lucky, our harness pacer, will be entered in the feature at Saratoga Harness's Opening Day on Sunday. She has been looking good in her qualifying races.

We expect to run our new acquisitions in March at Aqueduct. Footsie (Hear the Footsteps) is coming North to join in the fray.

Best,

A.

Say Goodbye to It's Truly Ahvee

Greetings!

Linda has entered him in a $16K claimer at PARX in Philadelphia. It's the 7th race with whizkid Jose Ortiz in the saddle. Can he go a mile? I don't know. However, he's the 2-1 Morning line favorite. I'll be surprised if a good-looking horse that won in $20K claiming company in NY doesn't get claimed.

Cameron Lucky qualified yesterday at Saratoga Harness. If I got the message straight, she will run another qualifier on Tuesday. Numismatic will also run in a qualifier that day.

No other news at present. 

Happy Purim. Eat, drink and be merry because I can't! Of course, I'll try to be merry, but if you catch me gritting my teeth...

Best,

A.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

Another horse

Greetings!

Thanks for the feedback about the font color being difficult to read. Hope you like this one!

This is just a short update to say that we have a new horse (or a preacher) because his name is Brother Bob. We claimed him today at Aqueduct. His sire is Brother Derek who is a Grade 1 Stakes winner of $1.6 million. Let's hope this 3-yr. old can do half as well as daddy. 

More to come.

Sincerely,

Avram Freedberg

News from Everythings Cricket Racing

Before we get into racing, here are my blood work results after 58 days of the Wheat Belly diet plan. First, the not so good news: triglycerides went up from 170/180 to 200. The frustrating news: Sugar levels - A1C stayed at 5.6, immediate sugar count was 107 compared with 110 last time. The good news: Total cholesterol went down from 205/210 area to 170/175 area and the "bad" cholesterol number went down significantly.

So, it was not overall what I had hoped for but thanks to the cholesterol number it seemed that the nonsense being dispensed by major health organizations about cutting down on cheese, eggs, meats, etc to keep your cholesterol numbers down is just not true. Yet, triglycerides rose?!

On the other hand, my carb intake has been severely reduced, but no difference yet in the sugar numbers.

I thought I'd last eating this way no more than a day and a half. Since intake volume restriction is supposed to happen naturally, I eat whenever I feel like it. No giant feeling of deprivation, though I do miss bread. Who wouldn't miss pizza? However, another piece of good news... I've lost 10 lbs. This is the slowest rate of weight loss I ever experienced on a "diet" but I was most interested in lowering those blood numbers! Hopefully, I won't get too discouraged yet and will continue. Obsessives like me get discouraged very easily.

On to racing news. 

Jess Not Jesse will have the chips in his joints removed. There is no downside and it may make him feel more comfortable. In 2 or 3 months we'll take new X-Rays and Ultrasounds and re-evaluate his total condition at that time o decide whether to put him back into training or to retire this gallant warrior.

Awakino Cat is thin with a ragged looking coat, so we're going to turn him out for 60 days and see if he can do better. So, it's a vacation at Pat's farm for him.

Hear the Footsteps is back in training and It's Truly Ahvee will, hopefully, race next week. Linda is still evaluating what to do with Arch Traveler. We'll hear something on that front in a day or two.

Cameron Lucky and Numismatic, our harness horses, will qualify at Saratoga Harness Track next week.

 

My best to you!

Sincerely,
Avram Freedberg

New Horse

First purchase is a claim of 5 yr. old Arch Traveler out of the 4^th race at the Big A today. He’s run against top horses with only minor successes. Linda will see how he looks tomorrow, then decide what to do with him. She likes to geld males – horses too – so that may be in his short-term future. It is a favorite tactic of seasoned horsepeople for getting a horse to concentrate on racing. Ah, the male gender… similar in many species! Lucky I’m not a racehorse.

More to come.

Have a good week.

A

Wire to Wire

Rhoda truly loves It’s Truly Ahvee. So, even though his race was a $20,000 claiming race, it was her baby’s race.

He looked great in the Paddock, by far the best looking horse in the race. Then, as Rhoda said, “look how nicely he went into the gate!” Then the bell rang and the gate opened. Cornelio Velasquez, who already had two winners (and one breakdown!) earlier on the race card, got him out quickly from the 6-hole. His first steps were a little erratic – out, then in – but Cornelio got him on track, crossed over the horses to his inside and brought him to the head of the pack. We were excited, but we’ve seen him go to the front before and then empty out and fade.

John Imbriale, the track announcer yesterday, pronounced Ahvee as Ahvay (I guess like Renee), but we couldn’t hear him anyway. We just stood and watched It’s Truly Ahvee on the lead and waited with bated breath. Would he fold? Would another horse come up and pass him?

They come around the stretch turn and he continues to lead. As they head into the stretch, he’s still on top. As they near the 1/8^th pole, he clears the others by 3 lengths… but by the 1/16^th pole, the number 5 is coming on the outside. Cornelio finally uses the crop for the first time. The 5 horse closes the gap a little… but he cannot overtake It’s Truly Ahvee. Cornelio and It’s Truly Ahvee win by 2 lengths. I was sorry that one of my partners got delayed by road problems but happy to be in the Winner’s Circle… especially happy that Rhoda is in the Winner’s Circle with her beautiful baby! YAY!

It may not have been an important race but this 5-yr. old horse has been through a lot. He had two tendon tears, surgery, bled through Lasix and has only run 7 races in his career… 2 third place finishes as a 2-yr. old and, now, 2 wins in his last 3.  He’s beautiful to look at and has a lot of heart. Congrats to It’s Truly Ahvee… and his “mom!”

Best,

A.

Racing

I apologize for not getting this missive to you right after Awakino Cat’s race on Thursday. We were excited to have 12 friends join us for lunch at Christine Lee’s at Gulfstream, including Don’s wife and parents. So, I really wanted a Winner’s Circle photograph… even more than usual. It would be a perfect ending.

After the third race, we met Awakino, Ass’t Trainer, Samantha and Hall-of-Fame rider, John Velazquez in the Paddock area. It was good to see them both… reminds me of Saratoga.

As Johnny was riding out to the track, I said to him, “Don’t let Awakino fall back!” He said, he’d been so instructed already. So, when the starting gate opened, I was excited to see Awakino Cat among the leaders in third place. However, it didn’t take long to see him falling back, staying ahead of just one runner. To me this meant the short five furlong race was effectively over. When they came around the stretch turn, Awakino was guided wide around slowing competition. He closed to within 3 lengths of the winner in third place. Johnny said that in the early part of the race, Awakino couldn’t keep up. You always wonder if it’s the horse or the jockey. Well, it’s hard to question Johnny’s ability. So, we’ll just chalk it up to a good race that might have been an excellent race. If Don placed a bet in heaven, I know he would have won. He liked making “show” bets. I was happy that his family was there. Wish we could have had that storybook ending.

Tomorrow, we go see Rhoda’s favorite horse currently in training, It’s Truly Ahvee. You may remember him as being almost named, “Stuck with You,” since it turned out that way when no one wanted to be involved. He is a beautiful specimen. He came back from a long layoff due to a serious tendon issue to eventually win a maiden race. Now, he’ll have to do as well as when he ran in that race to have a chance to win this 6 furlong $20,000 claiming race. We’ll be rooting him on with my colleagues and spouses. Then, we’ll either drink to victory or, more likely, leave a donation at the Resorts World casino!

Best,

A.