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!