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