Posted by Avram Freedberg
Hope 2011 brings you all good things!
Katy's Office Girl is scheduled to run a mile on the dirt at Aqueduct today. I'd hoped she could be in a longer race, since she seems to finish well but takes quite awhile to get in gear but I guess this is the best Linda could find. Ramon Dominguez will guide her to her first win, we hope!
Ahvee's Destiny had a nice 3 fulong breeze at Palm Meadows. Hopefully, she will be ready for a race soon which will help determine whether she will campagin this year or go to the breeding shed.
Hopefully, our flight today will go smoothly and we'll be home this evening. Best to all!
A.
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Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Katy
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Unfortunately, my e-mail was not functioning all weekend. Katy's Office Girl was the 2-1 favorite on Friday (though why I don't know…. maybe it was Ramon in the saddle). As usual, she was nowhere to be found but had lots of run at the end. Still she finished third but not really close to the winner. Because the race was off the grass it was only one mile. Ramon says that for Katy, the longer the better. Maybe we can look at her as a lesser (make that much lesser) version of Zenyatta, who is always at the back and then comes on in the end. We had never run her on dirt before because her turf workouts were so much better than her dirt workout. Nonetheless, if Linda can find the right length races for her, she may be able to win a few.
If I haven't wished this before (or even if I have), Happy Chanukah!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Unfortunately, my e-mail was not functioning all weekend. Katy's Office Girl was the 2-1 favorite on Friday (though why I don't know…. maybe it was Ramon in the saddle). As usual, she was nowhere to be found but had lots of run at the end. Still she finished third but not really close to the winner. Because the race was off the grass it was only one mile. Ramon says that for Katy, the longer the better. Maybe we can look at her as a lesser (make that much lesser) version of Zenyatta, who is always at the back and then comes on in the end. We had never run her on dirt before because her turf workouts were so much better than her dirt workout. Nonetheless, if Linda can find the right length races for her, she may be able to win a few.
If I haven't wished this before (or even if I have), Happy Chanukah!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Katy's Office Girl
Posted by Avram Freedberg
I was sure that we would scratch if the race for Katy on Friday was taken off the grass…. but I was wrong. The race is off the grass but Linda says we're going for it. It's the 9th race at Aqueduct with Ramon Dominguez aboard. Go Katy!
Ahvee's Destiny has put on some weight in Florida. So, she will work into a little better shape at Pat's farm for two weeks and then go to Palm Meadows for more serious training.
Hear the Footsteps is at Pat's farm already.
All the best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
I was sure that we would scratch if the race for Katy on Friday was taken off the grass…. but I was wrong. The race is off the grass but Linda says we're going for it. It's the 9th race at Aqueduct with Ramon Dominguez aboard. Go Katy!
Ahvee's Destiny has put on some weight in Florida. So, she will work into a little better shape at Pat's farm for two weeks and then go to Palm Meadows for more serious training.
Hear the Footsteps is at Pat's farm already.
All the best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Where did Footsie finish...
Posted by Avram Freedberg
…based on the following chart description:
HEAR THE FOOTSTEPS was bumped soundly after the start, advanced into a forward position during the run leading up to the opening bend, sat well placed from there under a good hold, failed to respond positively once called upon at the quarter pole getting outfinished during the stretch drive.
I could see people saying anything from second to way behind. What the chart couldn't tell you is that Footsie bled. Considering that, his third place finish was qite remarkable. This is a nice horse. In six races he has never finished off the board.
Unfortunately, he'll have to be turned out now for some rest and recreation. Hopefully, he'll be a good performer for us in 2011. BTW, you know how we owners like to blame jockeys… Alan Garcia did a very nice job with Footsie today. Aside from the bump at the start, he positioned him well and had him ready to pounce. He only lost by 1 1/2 lengths… imagine if he was not bleeding!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
…based on the following chart description:
HEAR THE FOOTSTEPS was bumped soundly after the start, advanced into a forward position during the run leading up to the opening bend, sat well placed from there under a good hold, failed to respond positively once called upon at the quarter pole getting outfinished during the stretch drive.
I could see people saying anything from second to way behind. What the chart couldn't tell you is that Footsie bled. Considering that, his third place finish was qite remarkable. This is a nice horse. In six races he has never finished off the board.
Unfortunately, he'll have to be turned out now for some rest and recreation. Hopefully, he'll be a good performer for us in 2011. BTW, you know how we owners like to blame jockeys… Alan Garcia did a very nice job with Footsie today. Aside from the bump at the start, he positioned him well and had him ready to pounce. He only lost by 1 1/2 lengths… imagine if he was not bleeding!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Hear the Footsteps
Posted by Avram Freedberg
We visited the stable on Sunday morning and saw Hear the Footsteps, Katy's Office Girl and Cricky'sGoldenEyes. Footsie ate some treats, Katy sampled the treats and Cricky ate nothing… just like a two-year old! I found the trip with Rhoda on a beautiful Fall day and the time spent with the horses very calming. It was nice to see Linda and Abby and many of the grooms we knew from Saratoga.
On the racing front, Footsie is entered in a turf mile race on Thursday. Based n the weather, it'll probably come off the grass. It remains to be seen whether Linda will let him run on the main track. Stay tuned!
Best,
A.
Avram C. Freedberg
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
We visited the stable on Sunday morning and saw Hear the Footsteps, Katy's Office Girl and Cricky'sGoldenEyes. Footsie ate some treats, Katy sampled the treats and Cricky ate nothing… just like a two-year old! I found the trip with Rhoda on a beautiful Fall day and the time spent with the horses very calming. It was nice to see Linda and Abby and many of the grooms we knew from Saratoga.
On the racing front, Footsie is entered in a turf mile race on Thursday. Based n the weather, it'll probably come off the grass. It remains to be seen whether Linda will let him run on the main track. Stay tuned!
Best,
A.
Avram C. Freedberg
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Katy was the favorite today...
Posted by Avram Freedberg
…she started out sharply, which is unlike her, but then went to the back some 14 lengths from the front runner. Around the stretch turn, she was behind a wall of horses. When John Velasquez took her wide, she started responding. It looked like he found daylight with her, but today she was through early and finished 8th, more than 8 lengths from the winner. We’re hoping she just needed the race after her layoff.
Hear the Footsteps is training again and will run at Aqueduct on the grass at a longer distance or on the dirt in a sprint.
Linda says she was surprised how good Cricky’sGoldenEyes looked while training on Pat’s farm in Florida. He’ll be coming north next week.
All the best for a lovely weekend,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
…she started out sharply, which is unlike her, but then went to the back some 14 lengths from the front runner. Around the stretch turn, she was behind a wall of horses. When John Velasquez took her wide, she started responding. It looked like he found daylight with her, but today she was through early and finished 8th, more than 8 lengths from the winner. We’re hoping she just needed the race after her layoff.
Hear the Footsteps is training again and will run at Aqueduct on the grass at a longer distance or on the dirt in a sprint.
Linda says she was surprised how good Cricky’sGoldenEyes looked while training on Pat’s farm in Florida. He’ll be coming north next week.
All the best for a lovely weekend,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Katy's Office Girl
Posted by
Avram Freedberg
My world has been upside down since my dad, George Freedberg, died last week. He was 88 years old and had been in declining health because of a combination of Atherosclerosis and Parkinson’s. My family, friends and our entire community regarded him as a fixture, an icon. He will be sorely missed by all of us.
Meanwhile, mom is in the hospital in a great deal of discomfort. At least her white blood cell count went down today. Hopefully, we will be able to get her out of hospital soon and work on getting her to regain her strength and on reversing any disabilities from her stroke.
You can see why it has been difficult talking horses or Broadway openings. So, today, as part of getting back into the flow of life, here’s notice that Katy’s Office Girl will run in the second race at Belmont tomorrow at 1 1/16 miles on the grass. It’s her first race back from her injury. Johnny V takes over from Ramon, who chose another horse.
On Broadway, The Merchant of Venice and Colin Quinn’s Long Story Short open on November 7th and 9th respectively. They join A Life in the Theater with Patrick Stewart and TR Knight.
Best to all,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Avram Freedberg
My world has been upside down since my dad, George Freedberg, died last week. He was 88 years old and had been in declining health because of a combination of Atherosclerosis and Parkinson’s. My family, friends and our entire community regarded him as a fixture, an icon. He will be sorely missed by all of us.
Meanwhile, mom is in the hospital in a great deal of discomfort. At least her white blood cell count went down today. Hopefully, we will be able to get her out of hospital soon and work on getting her to regain her strength and on reversing any disabilities from her stroke.
You can see why it has been difficult talking horses or Broadway openings. So, today, as part of getting back into the flow of life, here’s notice that Katy’s Office Girl will run in the second race at Belmont tomorrow at 1 1/16 miles on the grass. It’s her first race back from her injury. Johnny V takes over from Ramon, who chose another horse.
On Broadway, The Merchant of Venice and Colin Quinn’s Long Story Short open on November 7th and 9th respectively. They join A Life in the Theater with Patrick Stewart and TR Knight.
Best to all,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Update
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Awakino Cat is doing much better. Abby stayed up with him all night on Sunday to make sure his digestive system was working and allowing escape of liquid and solid ruffage. It took until 1AM for both. Yesterday, he was still hampered by tightness but today he’s mostly normal. Thank God and the vets and Abby and all the staff.
Katy’s Office Girl breezed slowly on Sunday but Linda liked the way she looked. Maybe she’ll be ready by month’s end.
Cricky’s Goldeneyes is scheduled to come to Belmont on November 1 for the Aqueduct meet.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Awakino Cat is doing much better. Abby stayed up with him all night on Sunday to make sure his digestive system was working and allowing escape of liquid and solid ruffage. It took until 1AM for both. Yesterday, he was still hampered by tightness but today he’s mostly normal. Thank God and the vets and Abby and all the staff.
Katy’s Office Girl breezed slowly on Sunday but Linda liked the way she looked. Maybe she’ll be ready by month’s end.
Cricky’s Goldeneyes is scheduled to come to Belmont on November 1 for the Aqueduct meet.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Awakino Cat had to be vanned off the track today...
Posted by Avram Freedberg
…and he didn’t even get to run. When he arrived at the paddock, Linda said, “I don’t want to alarm you but look at the way he is walking.” She showed me that it looked like he was lame. Linda thought it was a sign he was tying up ( a nervous condition where lactic acid builds up in his body and makes him sick and very tight). Awakino Cat is known as a horse with this malady, which is very rare in a 5 year-old gelding. In fact, you may remember that when he was racing against Ahvee’s Destiny, Linda often did not give him much of a chance because he was always tying up.
In any case, she decided to let Cornelio Velasquez take him out to the track and see if he would be able gallop it out. If so, he’d race. If not, he’d scratch. When we saw Cornelio get off him on the backstretch, we knew he would not be racing today… his late scratch from the race was announced by Tom Durkin.
However, it was not over yet. By the time, the horse got back to the tunnel that he would take back to the paddock and then to the barn, he was shuddering, sweating and could almost not move it at all. It was pitiful. The track vet administered medication and commented on how rare this condition was in a 5-yr. old gelding. They called the horse ambulance and managed to get him into it to take him back to the barn. It was so awful.
Now the fear was colic. Colic in a horse can be fatal. So, when they got him back to the barn, they administered IV fluids. We’d met 3 generations of a family at the track. Carly, the 11-yr old (almost) grandchild who had already showed me her school report on her trip to visit us in Saratoga, offered me her “lucky charm” horse necklace, so I could hold it close to help with Awakino Cat’s recovery. It brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t stop crying while I thanked her for her compassion, sensitivity and friendship. I told her to keep it and asked her to pray for the horse. Rhoda told me that she saw Carly crying while they got Awakino into the ambulance. It was very touching. Nothing is worse than seeing the horse ambulance cart your beautiful animal away. At least he was alive. Usually when that big syringe comes out, you think it’s all over.
We went to dinner and got a report that Awakino Cat seemed to be resting comfortably. Now, we just have to wait and see. The health of these horses can be so fickle. Let’s hope he recovers and does so quickly. Of course, his racing season is now done… no Canada $500K race, no Breeder’s Cup. BTW, the sprint race we passed up for him in Kentucky was won by Silver Timber, whom Awakino had defeated this summer at Saratoga. Silver Timber will be going to the Breeder’s Cup Sprint.
Ah, the joys of horse racing.
Our sympathies to Veronica and the family of Nicholas Eckman, a centenarian whose funeral was today. No matter how old they are, it is difficult to lose them.
Sincerely,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
…and he didn’t even get to run. When he arrived at the paddock, Linda said, “I don’t want to alarm you but look at the way he is walking.” She showed me that it looked like he was lame. Linda thought it was a sign he was tying up ( a nervous condition where lactic acid builds up in his body and makes him sick and very tight). Awakino Cat is known as a horse with this malady, which is very rare in a 5 year-old gelding. In fact, you may remember that when he was racing against Ahvee’s Destiny, Linda often did not give him much of a chance because he was always tying up.
In any case, she decided to let Cornelio Velasquez take him out to the track and see if he would be able gallop it out. If so, he’d race. If not, he’d scratch. When we saw Cornelio get off him on the backstretch, we knew he would not be racing today… his late scratch from the race was announced by Tom Durkin.
However, it was not over yet. By the time, the horse got back to the tunnel that he would take back to the paddock and then to the barn, he was shuddering, sweating and could almost not move it at all. It was pitiful. The track vet administered medication and commented on how rare this condition was in a 5-yr. old gelding. They called the horse ambulance and managed to get him into it to take him back to the barn. It was so awful.
Now the fear was colic. Colic in a horse can be fatal. So, when they got him back to the barn, they administered IV fluids. We’d met 3 generations of a family at the track. Carly, the 11-yr old (almost) grandchild who had already showed me her school report on her trip to visit us in Saratoga, offered me her “lucky charm” horse necklace, so I could hold it close to help with Awakino Cat’s recovery. It brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t stop crying while I thanked her for her compassion, sensitivity and friendship. I told her to keep it and asked her to pray for the horse. Rhoda told me that she saw Carly crying while they got Awakino into the ambulance. It was very touching. Nothing is worse than seeing the horse ambulance cart your beautiful animal away. At least he was alive. Usually when that big syringe comes out, you think it’s all over.
We went to dinner and got a report that Awakino Cat seemed to be resting comfortably. Now, we just have to wait and see. The health of these horses can be so fickle. Let’s hope he recovers and does so quickly. Of course, his racing season is now done… no Canada $500K race, no Breeder’s Cup. BTW, the sprint race we passed up for him in Kentucky was won by Silver Timber, whom Awakino had defeated this summer at Saratoga. Silver Timber will be going to the Breeder’s Cup Sprint.
Ah, the joys of horse racing.
Our sympathies to Veronica and the family of Nicholas Eckman, a centenarian whose funeral was today. No matter how old they are, it is difficult to lose them.
Sincerely,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Awakino Cat runs Sunday at Belmont
Posted by Avram Freedberg
All the top guns are at Keeneland this weekend prepping for the Breeder’s Cup. So, we’re going to Belmont instead. It’s the $70K Basket Weave Stakes (can you believe it?), 6 furlongs on the grass. If he wins and comes out of it okay, we’re definitely pointing him to the Grade 3 Nearctic in Canada next weekend. It has a $500K purse.
This weekend before his race, we’re going to visit him and Ahvee’s Destiny in Saratoga, as well as the “house next door.” I don’t think we’ll accompany him on the van to Belmont but we hope to be there.
Hear the Footsteps is pointing to a race at Belmont on October 23rd. Right now, that seems like quite a while away.
Have a lovely weekend!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
All the top guns are at Keeneland this weekend prepping for the Breeder’s Cup. So, we’re going to Belmont instead. It’s the $70K Basket Weave Stakes (can you believe it?), 6 furlongs on the grass. If he wins and comes out of it okay, we’re definitely pointing him to the Grade 3 Nearctic in Canada next weekend. It has a $500K purse.
This weekend before his race, we’re going to visit him and Ahvee’s Destiny in Saratoga, as well as the “house next door.” I don’t think we’ll accompany him on the van to Belmont but we hope to be there.
Hear the Footsteps is pointing to a race at Belmont on October 23rd. Right now, that seems like quite a while away.
Have a lovely weekend!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Horsie update
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!
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!
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.
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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.
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Reflected Glory
Posted by Avram Freedberg
After Ahvee’s Destiny’s awful loss last Wednesday, we had Little Ahvee (It’s Truly Ahvee) post a come from behind third place finish and Millie Money (the Obviously NY Stable horse that runs in our colors) finish a nice but distant second on Friday (Ramon Dominguez said the winner was in a different Zip code!).
Later on Friday, Patsy Symons’ Meriwether Jessica was running in the $100K Yaddo Stakes (named after the famous artists retreat and with some funds go to support same). You may remember MJ as one of the snuggliest horses around. We’ve spent time with her over the years (she is 5 yrs. old). Since Patsy left Linda for Ric Violette, MJ had won two straight, first at 7 furlongs and then a mile. Friday it was going to be at 1 1/8 miles, the longest distance she’d ever competed at. Plus, there were strong contenders who had run and won at this distance before. Hence, MJ was listed at 7 – 1 on the tote board.
Alan Garcia took her near the top, settled back to fourth and coming around the stretch turn, he asked and she responded, passing all the horses in front her. However, You Go West Girl was coming fast on the outside. Down the stretch they came with You Go West Girl gaining throughout the stretch run… gaining but not quite getting there before the finish line. MJ held on and won her third straight. Wow. Jubilation! We all rushed to the Winner’s Circle.
Well, we love Patsy and MJ. So, it was a pleasure joining them in the Winner’s Circle. Nonetheless, it was reflected glory… not the kind we were hoping for at the top of the stretch on Wednesday, when Ahvee’s Destiny was in perfect position to score and faded instead. Still it was nice to see good things happen to good people who happen to be good friends… and the champagne and treats served up in the Stakes Winners’ room by the NYRA weren’t bad either! On top of that, Patsy took a group out to a dinner celebration. It was the next best thing to celebrating our own victory.
The next day Linda had three winners. We made it to the Winner’s Circle for two of them who were owned by Clyde Rice, Linda’s dad. We thought maybe it would be helpful if we ran OUR horses in Clyde’s name! Linda came out with us that night and we celebrated again. Not a bad two nights. Maybe next time, it will be our celebration.
Now we’re home trying to figure out when and if we can steal a little more Saratoga time. We’ll let you know.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
After Ahvee’s Destiny’s awful loss last Wednesday, we had Little Ahvee (It’s Truly Ahvee) post a come from behind third place finish and Millie Money (the Obviously NY Stable horse that runs in our colors) finish a nice but distant second on Friday (Ramon Dominguez said the winner was in a different Zip code!).
Later on Friday, Patsy Symons’ Meriwether Jessica was running in the $100K Yaddo Stakes (named after the famous artists retreat and with some funds go to support same). You may remember MJ as one of the snuggliest horses around. We’ve spent time with her over the years (she is 5 yrs. old). Since Patsy left Linda for Ric Violette, MJ had won two straight, first at 7 furlongs and then a mile. Friday it was going to be at 1 1/8 miles, the longest distance she’d ever competed at. Plus, there were strong contenders who had run and won at this distance before. Hence, MJ was listed at 7 – 1 on the tote board.
Alan Garcia took her near the top, settled back to fourth and coming around the stretch turn, he asked and she responded, passing all the horses in front her. However, You Go West Girl was coming fast on the outside. Down the stretch they came with You Go West Girl gaining throughout the stretch run… gaining but not quite getting there before the finish line. MJ held on and won her third straight. Wow. Jubilation! We all rushed to the Winner’s Circle.
Well, we love Patsy and MJ. So, it was a pleasure joining them in the Winner’s Circle. Nonetheless, it was reflected glory… not the kind we were hoping for at the top of the stretch on Wednesday, when Ahvee’s Destiny was in perfect position to score and faded instead. Still it was nice to see good things happen to good people who happen to be good friends… and the champagne and treats served up in the Stakes Winners’ room by the NYRA weren’t bad either! On top of that, Patsy took a group out to a dinner celebration. It was the next best thing to celebrating our own victory.
The next day Linda had three winners. We made it to the Winner’s Circle for two of them who were owned by Clyde Rice, Linda’s dad. We thought maybe it would be helpful if we ran OUR horses in Clyde’s name! Linda came out with us that night and we celebrated again. Not a bad two nights. Maybe next time, it will be our celebration.
Now we’re home trying to figure out when and if we can steal a little more Saratoga time. We’ll let you know.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Little Ahvee
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Where the rubber meets the road. Fantasies get made or destroyed. Little Ahvee came closer to the latter than the former but is really somewhere in between.
Start with the fact that I am tough critic with big dreams. The Hopeful Stakes for 2-yr. olds on September 6th was my first goal. After today, I don’t think so. And, yes, this colt had my Derby dreams wrapped up in his beautiful body (no jokes, please). On top of everything else, I wanted to stick my tongue out at all those who passed on participating in his acquisition. I wanted to say that “Stuck With You” was everything anyone could have wanted in a race horse.
Well, he may yet turn into a wonderful race horse but it’ll have to get better from here… and there’s no reason to think that it won’t! He finished third today after a really awful start that saw him get out of the gate slowly and probably give up four or more lengths when he veered to the outside (even the race chart says he gave up two lengths just getting out of the gate). Yet, he managed to squeak out a 3rd place finish by a nose hair, 4 ¼ lengths behind the winner.
You should have seen him bucking his way down the stretch during the warm-ups prior to the start of the race. He was so cute… telling the jockey he didn’t like his racing saddle. Ramon Dominguez is the best and he got him under control. I’d never seen any horse do that before. We like the fact he is precocious.
The time of the race seemed very slow to me. We’ll see tomorrow what Beyer Speed Rating he gets for this race… but he can do nothing but learn from this experience and continue to grow and get stronger and, presumably, faster. Plus, he’ll probably start to run longer. He seems to be a distance horse… but I’ll get a further opinion from Linda tomorrow when I get a report on his condition after the race and how he is doing since. So, more to come!
Our winner this meet, Hear the Footsteps, is scheduled to race in a 5 ½ furlong allowance race for NY breds on Sunday. We wanted action and we’re getting it. Millie Money tomorrow and Hear the Footsteps Sunday makes four races in five days. WOW!
We’re still stung by Ahvee’s Destiny’s poor performance but she’s in good shape. She’s pointing for another Stakes on September 3rd. Canadian Ballet will undoubtedly contest that one too, as will many others. Let’s hope for a turnaround. Go Ahvee! You’re still our queen.
For tomorrow, it’s Millie Money. Go Millie! Someday I’ll have to tell you what it’s like when you have lots of new partners, as we do with the Obviously NY Stable group. Let’s just say for the moment, it’s very interesting!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Where the rubber meets the road. Fantasies get made or destroyed. Little Ahvee came closer to the latter than the former but is really somewhere in between.
Start with the fact that I am tough critic with big dreams. The Hopeful Stakes for 2-yr. olds on September 6th was my first goal. After today, I don’t think so. And, yes, this colt had my Derby dreams wrapped up in his beautiful body (no jokes, please). On top of everything else, I wanted to stick my tongue out at all those who passed on participating in his acquisition. I wanted to say that “Stuck With You” was everything anyone could have wanted in a race horse.
Well, he may yet turn into a wonderful race horse but it’ll have to get better from here… and there’s no reason to think that it won’t! He finished third today after a really awful start that saw him get out of the gate slowly and probably give up four or more lengths when he veered to the outside (even the race chart says he gave up two lengths just getting out of the gate). Yet, he managed to squeak out a 3rd place finish by a nose hair, 4 ¼ lengths behind the winner.
You should have seen him bucking his way down the stretch during the warm-ups prior to the start of the race. He was so cute… telling the jockey he didn’t like his racing saddle. Ramon Dominguez is the best and he got him under control. I’d never seen any horse do that before. We like the fact he is precocious.
The time of the race seemed very slow to me. We’ll see tomorrow what Beyer Speed Rating he gets for this race… but he can do nothing but learn from this experience and continue to grow and get stronger and, presumably, faster. Plus, he’ll probably start to run longer. He seems to be a distance horse… but I’ll get a further opinion from Linda tomorrow when I get a report on his condition after the race and how he is doing since. So, more to come!
Our winner this meet, Hear the Footsteps, is scheduled to race in a 5 ½ furlong allowance race for NY breds on Sunday. We wanted action and we’re getting it. Millie Money tomorrow and Hear the Footsteps Sunday makes four races in five days. WOW!
We’re still stung by Ahvee’s Destiny’s poor performance but she’s in good shape. She’s pointing for another Stakes on September 3rd. Canadian Ballet will undoubtedly contest that one too, as will many others. Let’s hope for a turnaround. Go Ahvee! You’re still our queen.
For tomorrow, it’s Millie Money. Go Millie! Someday I’ll have to tell you what it’s like when you have lots of new partners, as we do with the Obviously NY Stable group. Let’s just say for the moment, it’s very interesting!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Big favorite Silver Timber is beaten
Posted by Avram Freedberg
With those words, I’d assumed we could celebrate Ahvee’s Destiny’s victory in today’s Troy Stakes at Saratoga Race Track. Silver Timber was beaten by Awakino Cat, Ahvee’s stablemate. The same Awakino who beat us at Suffolk Downs. The same Awakino who both times Linda said was sore and not training well. While Ahvee’s Destiny ran a very disappointing race. John Velasquez executed the game plan, which called for him to stalk the leader and be well-positioned to get in front in the stretch. However, Destiny did not take off. She emptied out and faded to next to last… the last one being the early leader, Ezzy, whom Destiny had been stalking.
Johnny said that she seemed intimidated when she was surrounded by horses both to her inside and to her outside. She never relaxed and used up her speed with the stress she was feeling. She “scoped” out fine, so it had to be some other factor. Maybe she needs some time with a psycho-therapist. Arielle?
Speaking of Arielle, her namesake, Arielle’s Song has been shipped to Presque Isle Downs. They’ll try her in a cheap claiming race and when that doesn’t work, they’ll ship her to the same charity that took Conseated Lady. I’m sorry they’re even trying to race her again. She seems so traumatized by it.
Tomorrow is the debut of our 2-yr. old, It’s Truly Ahvee. You remember him… the one I got “stuck” with by myself when no one wanted to partner on buying him. Rhoda calls him “Little Ahvee.” He’ll run 5 ½ furlongs on the dirt. He hasn’t gotten out of the gate quickly during training. If he repeats this habit, it will not bode well for victory in a short race. Anyway, this is where reality may overtake the dream. I can’t just imagine his success. Now, he needs to earn it. Go Little Ahvee! …Please?
Best,
A.
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With those words, I’d assumed we could celebrate Ahvee’s Destiny’s victory in today’s Troy Stakes at Saratoga Race Track. Silver Timber was beaten by Awakino Cat, Ahvee’s stablemate. The same Awakino who beat us at Suffolk Downs. The same Awakino who both times Linda said was sore and not training well. While Ahvee’s Destiny ran a very disappointing race. John Velasquez executed the game plan, which called for him to stalk the leader and be well-positioned to get in front in the stretch. However, Destiny did not take off. She emptied out and faded to next to last… the last one being the early leader, Ezzy, whom Destiny had been stalking.
Johnny said that she seemed intimidated when she was surrounded by horses both to her inside and to her outside. She never relaxed and used up her speed with the stress she was feeling. She “scoped” out fine, so it had to be some other factor. Maybe she needs some time with a psycho-therapist. Arielle?
Speaking of Arielle, her namesake, Arielle’s Song has been shipped to Presque Isle Downs. They’ll try her in a cheap claiming race and when that doesn’t work, they’ll ship her to the same charity that took Conseated Lady. I’m sorry they’re even trying to race her again. She seems so traumatized by it.
Tomorrow is the debut of our 2-yr. old, It’s Truly Ahvee. You remember him… the one I got “stuck” with by myself when no one wanted to partner on buying him. Rhoda calls him “Little Ahvee.” He’ll run 5 ½ furlongs on the dirt. He hasn’t gotten out of the gate quickly during training. If he repeats this habit, it will not bode well for victory in a short race. Anyway, this is where reality may overtake the dream. I can’t just imagine his success. Now, he needs to earn it. Go Little Ahvee! …Please?
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Upcoming races
Posted by Avram Freedberg
We were wanting for races. Well, here they come.
Ahvee’s Destiny is in the Troy Stakes at 5 ½ furlongs tomorrow. It’s the 8th race on the turf with Johnny Velasquez up in the irons. She faces the boys… most notably Silver Timber. She’s running from the 8th post position.
Our 2-yr. old colt, It’s Truly Ahvee, is in a Maiden race on Thursday. He’ll be running 5 ½ on the dirt with Ramon Dominguez up.
Millie Money, one of the Obviously NY Stable 2-yr. olds, is in a NY Bred Maiden $50K Claiming race on Friday at 5 ½ furlongs. This one runs in our colors. Ramon Dominguez is on her as well.
So, it’s back to Saratoga. Yay!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
We were wanting for races. Well, here they come.
Ahvee’s Destiny is in the Troy Stakes at 5 ½ furlongs tomorrow. It’s the 8th race on the turf with Johnny Velasquez up in the irons. She faces the boys… most notably Silver Timber. She’s running from the 8th post position.
Our 2-yr. old colt, It’s Truly Ahvee, is in a Maiden race on Thursday. He’ll be running 5 ½ on the dirt with Ramon Dominguez up.
Millie Money, one of the Obviously NY Stable 2-yr. olds, is in a NY Bred Maiden $50K Claiming race on Friday at 5 ½ furlongs. This one runs in our colors. Ramon Dominguez is on her as well.
So, it’s back to Saratoga. Yay!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Between a rock and a hard place
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Ahvee’s Destiny has been entered in two races… Monmouth for $100K on Sunday vs. Saratoga for $70K on Wednesday. We’ve been agonizing over a decision because there is at least one better-on-paper horse in each location. Monmouth is against the girls and a super-girl named West Ocean. Saratoga against the boys and a recovered super-hero named Silver Timber that Linda had claimed away from her for $25K and has gone to win 6 races including 3 graded stakes.
Left to my own devices when I could not reach Linda, I chose Monmouth. Once Linda weighed in with her choice of Saratoga, we changed direction. She felt that there was troubling competition in both places but that since Ahvee’s Destiny has won four races at Saratoga and is based here, this was the best idea for her. Since the decision was a close one in either direction, I acquiesced. My only fear is the on again – off again weather forecast for Saratoga over the next few days. Hopefully, that will not be a factor and the race will end up running on firm turf on Wednesday. It’s the 8th race at 5 ½ furlongs with John Velasquez in the irons. She starts from the 8 post. Let’s hope for the best and root her on.
Also weighing heavily on our mood is the fact that our 3+ weeks in dreamland is ending. Of course, the need to return Wednesday is dampening the discomfort. The time has literally flown by… lots of horses, lots of concerts, lots of friends and family. NICE!
It’s Truly Ahvee will run next Saturday. So, we’ll be here for another weekend and look forward to seeing this 2-yr. old colt in his first race.
BTW, I’ve taught Ahvee’s Destiny to give me a kiss for a carrot. I think she’s pretty cute!
Good night from beautiful Saratoga (you should have seen the misty backstretch at this morning’s sunrise),
A.
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Ahvee’s Destiny has been entered in two races… Monmouth for $100K on Sunday vs. Saratoga for $70K on Wednesday. We’ve been agonizing over a decision because there is at least one better-on-paper horse in each location. Monmouth is against the girls and a super-girl named West Ocean. Saratoga against the boys and a recovered super-hero named Silver Timber that Linda had claimed away from her for $25K and has gone to win 6 races including 3 graded stakes.
Left to my own devices when I could not reach Linda, I chose Monmouth. Once Linda weighed in with her choice of Saratoga, we changed direction. She felt that there was troubling competition in both places but that since Ahvee’s Destiny has won four races at Saratoga and is based here, this was the best idea for her. Since the decision was a close one in either direction, I acquiesced. My only fear is the on again – off again weather forecast for Saratoga over the next few days. Hopefully, that will not be a factor and the race will end up running on firm turf on Wednesday. It’s the 8th race at 5 ½ furlongs with John Velasquez in the irons. She starts from the 8 post. Let’s hope for the best and root her on.
Also weighing heavily on our mood is the fact that our 3+ weeks in dreamland is ending. Of course, the need to return Wednesday is dampening the discomfort. The time has literally flown by… lots of horses, lots of concerts, lots of friends and family. NICE!
It’s Truly Ahvee will run next Saturday. So, we’ll be here for another weekend and look forward to seeing this 2-yr. old colt in his first race.
BTW, I’ve taught Ahvee’s Destiny to give me a kiss for a carrot. I think she’s pretty cute!
Good night from beautiful Saratoga (you should have seen the misty backstretch at this morning’s sunrise),
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Arielle's Song didn't disappoint
Posted by Avram Freedberg
We thought she would be awful… and she was. This one doesn’t want to be a racehorse. She was well positioned more than halfway through the race and then faded to next to last.
It’s Truly Ahvee will probably not run until next week, since he’s a little thin.
More later.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
We thought she would be awful… and she was. This one doesn’t want to be a racehorse. She was well positioned more than halfway through the race and then faded to next to last.
It’s Truly Ahvee will probably not run until next week, since he’s a little thin.
More later.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Photos
Posted by Avram Freedberg
I’ve been asked for the win photo for Hear the Footsteps. Here it is along with a photo of me, trainer Linda Rice and jockey Alan Garcia after the race.
Arielle’s Song is supposed to run in the 6th race tomorrow… 5 ½ furlongs on the grass with jockey David Cohen (I thought he was a lawyer). We don’t have much hope but we do know how to pray.
It’s Truly Ahvee will run either Friday or Saturday. It’s his first race, so we have lots of hope.
More to come!
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
I’ve been asked for the win photo for Hear the Footsteps. Here it is along with a photo of me, trainer Linda Rice and jockey Alan Garcia after the race.
Arielle’s Song is supposed to run in the 6th race tomorrow… 5 ½ furlongs on the grass with jockey David Cohen (I thought he was a lawyer). We don’t have much hope but we do know how to pray.
It’s Truly Ahvee will run either Friday or Saturday. It’s his first race, so we have lots of hope.
More to come!
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Almost a tragedy
Posted by Avram Freedberg
The horses paraded around uneventfully in the paddock prior to Hear the Footsteps’s race this afternoon when suddenly a thud was heard and the crowd around the paddock gasped noticeably. Cincinnati Kid a 30-1 shot lashed out at his jockey Jermaine Bridgmohan with his powerful foot as the jockey was about to mount him. He kicked Jermaine in the ribs. After lying motionless for several minutes, the jockey was lucid and was rushed to Albany Medical Center. The horse was scratched when no one else agreed to ride him. Later, Bridgmohan was judged able to ride tomorrow. A tragedy had been averted.
Now on to the race. Hear the Footsteps was bumped at the start, lost a shoe during the race and ran erratically, losing ground as the race progressed. Thanks to the skillful ride of Alan Garcia, Hear the Footsteps started moving well into the stretch. He kept on coming but it appeared he could not catch the leader. We were all screaming for him but it seemed the finish line would be reached too soon… but he kept on coming… and coming. As they approached the line, he inched in front but as the heads bobbed on the finish line victory was not assured. The PHOTO sign went up on the board. We waited breathlessly for the judges to post the order of finish. 1st – Hear the Footsteps. We all roared and I got to don my copy of the jockey silks and enter the Winner’s Circle. Rob and I were surrounded by family and friends. As Linda Rice arrived and Alan Garcia rode in on the victor, we posed for our photo. Wow! What an exciting race. The link below is to the official chart of the race (copy and paste onto your browser, if the link doesn’t work. Sometimes the entire link is not highlighted).
http://www1.drf.com/drfNCWeeklyHorseDisplay.do?track=SAR&country=USA&raceDate=20100807&raceNo=3
This was the first time ever that my children, Jonathan and Arielle and her partner, Tamar, were ever in the Winner’s Circle with us. Jonathan surprised us by arriving from California. It was very special. So, this Maiden win by Hear the Footsteps meant so much more because it was shared with them and so many good friends.
Arielle’s Song is entered in a race on August 11th and, we hope, our two year old colt, It’s Truly Ahvee, will race on the 14th. Then back to Stamford for a wedding and a few days of work before Ahvee’s Destiny races on the 18th (if she doesn’t race at Monmouth on the 15th).
We continue to have some very good luck at Saratoga. Yay!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
The horses paraded around uneventfully in the paddock prior to Hear the Footsteps’s race this afternoon when suddenly a thud was heard and the crowd around the paddock gasped noticeably. Cincinnati Kid a 30-1 shot lashed out at his jockey Jermaine Bridgmohan with his powerful foot as the jockey was about to mount him. He kicked Jermaine in the ribs. After lying motionless for several minutes, the jockey was lucid and was rushed to Albany Medical Center. The horse was scratched when no one else agreed to ride him. Later, Bridgmohan was judged able to ride tomorrow. A tragedy had been averted.
Now on to the race. Hear the Footsteps was bumped at the start, lost a shoe during the race and ran erratically, losing ground as the race progressed. Thanks to the skillful ride of Alan Garcia, Hear the Footsteps started moving well into the stretch. He kept on coming but it appeared he could not catch the leader. We were all screaming for him but it seemed the finish line would be reached too soon… but he kept on coming… and coming. As they approached the line, he inched in front but as the heads bobbed on the finish line victory was not assured. The PHOTO sign went up on the board. We waited breathlessly for the judges to post the order of finish. 1st – Hear the Footsteps. We all roared and I got to don my copy of the jockey silks and enter the Winner’s Circle. Rob and I were surrounded by family and friends. As Linda Rice arrived and Alan Garcia rode in on the victor, we posed for our photo. Wow! What an exciting race. The link below is to the official chart of the race (copy and paste onto your browser, if the link doesn’t work. Sometimes the entire link is not highlighted).
http://www1.drf.com/drfNCWeeklyHorseDisplay.do?track=SAR&country=USA&raceDate=20100807&raceNo=3
This was the first time ever that my children, Jonathan and Arielle and her partner, Tamar, were ever in the Winner’s Circle with us. Jonathan surprised us by arriving from California. It was very special. So, this Maiden win by Hear the Footsteps meant so much more because it was shared with them and so many good friends.
Arielle’s Song is entered in a race on August 11th and, we hope, our two year old colt, It’s Truly Ahvee, will race on the 14th. Then back to Stamford for a wedding and a few days of work before Ahvee’s Destiny races on the 18th (if she doesn’t race at Monmouth on the 15th).
We continue to have some very good luck at Saratoga. Yay!
Best,
A.
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Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Linda Rice meeting
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Linda is a beautiful woman as well as a leading trainer. I made a lunch date with her while Rhoda was busy with her friends at the Fabulous Fillies luncheon. We had a nice lunch and then she took me to look at yearlings on display who would be sold at tonight’s auction. Finally, she invited me to see her apartment. Well, my fantasies were in full gear as we went up to her beautiful apartment. She gave me the tour, including the Master Bedroom but I was precluded from even fantasizing when her parents greeted me. Oh well!
At lunch, we reviewed the horse situation with special emphasis on last week’s mistake riddled situation with Ahvee’s Destiny. I hit the trifecta with Ahvee’s Destiny last week. First, she was entered in The Finney Stakes for Sunday. She was the defending champion and, since the race is named for a repeat sponsor of the Saratoga Meet and the Racing Secretary said they expected 8 or 9 horses to compete and the weather was forecast to be good, I did not authorize spending $500 to enter her in another race at Penn National. Well, that was the first two parts of the trifecta… the Finney Stakes did not get sufficient entries and did not run and we had no alternate race. The race in Pennsylvania came up with a soft field, except for Canadian Ballet, who ended up winning the race in a time that would have made Destiny very competitive.
Then came the coup de grace… Linda had me spend $1500 to enter Destiny in a race in Canada, plus there were licensing fees, etc. Figure we spent $2000. However, after seeing the entrants, Linda did not want her to compete and scratched her from the race. No race, no action, $2000 lighter!
So, I am here for two weeks with not one race (Arielle’s Song was entered but there were too many horses). That and the trifecta above cause much frustration. Then I thought I found races in which Linda should have entered Destiny. However, she showed me I was wrong about the conditions. I felt really foolish.
Then, we spoke about the other horses. Hear the Footsteps should race on August 7th. It’s Truly Ahvee, the two year old colt will point for a race August 14th and Destiny will either race at Monmouth on August 15th or at Saratoga on August 18th. Arielle’s Song will be entered as soon as the appropriate race is scheduled. Unless she does well, she is headed for a lesser racetrack and eventually out of inventory. Linda says the same will have to be the situation with Holy Blitzer, whose knee is deteriorating.
Of the two remaining Obviously New York Stable 2-yr olds, Millie Money will likely get to the races first, if she starts eating again and Obviously Tuesday should get to the races by the end of the Meet.
I’ve come to the realization that my expectations were not realistic. The past two years have seen us come to Saratoga one day and Ahvee’s Destiny would win a Stakes race the next day. The camaraderie we’d had with other owners is still there, just not as constant or as strong as it appeared to be. The trainer is a star, so I can’t expect her to be spending lots of time with us. So, we’ll have to settle for what we can get. C’est la vie.
As for the house, it (and even the pool) are in shape and ready for the guests about to arrive. I can see we’re likely to be going back and forth after the 15th. That is the reason we took the house for the whole season. Now, if we can just win some races…
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Linda is a beautiful woman as well as a leading trainer. I made a lunch date with her while Rhoda was busy with her friends at the Fabulous Fillies luncheon. We had a nice lunch and then she took me to look at yearlings on display who would be sold at tonight’s auction. Finally, she invited me to see her apartment. Well, my fantasies were in full gear as we went up to her beautiful apartment. She gave me the tour, including the Master Bedroom but I was precluded from even fantasizing when her parents greeted me. Oh well!
At lunch, we reviewed the horse situation with special emphasis on last week’s mistake riddled situation with Ahvee’s Destiny. I hit the trifecta with Ahvee’s Destiny last week. First, she was entered in The Finney Stakes for Sunday. She was the defending champion and, since the race is named for a repeat sponsor of the Saratoga Meet and the Racing Secretary said they expected 8 or 9 horses to compete and the weather was forecast to be good, I did not authorize spending $500 to enter her in another race at Penn National. Well, that was the first two parts of the trifecta… the Finney Stakes did not get sufficient entries and did not run and we had no alternate race. The race in Pennsylvania came up with a soft field, except for Canadian Ballet, who ended up winning the race in a time that would have made Destiny very competitive.
Then came the coup de grace… Linda had me spend $1500 to enter Destiny in a race in Canada, plus there were licensing fees, etc. Figure we spent $2000. However, after seeing the entrants, Linda did not want her to compete and scratched her from the race. No race, no action, $2000 lighter!
So, I am here for two weeks with not one race (Arielle’s Song was entered but there were too many horses). That and the trifecta above cause much frustration. Then I thought I found races in which Linda should have entered Destiny. However, she showed me I was wrong about the conditions. I felt really foolish.
Then, we spoke about the other horses. Hear the Footsteps should race on August 7th. It’s Truly Ahvee, the two year old colt will point for a race August 14th and Destiny will either race at Monmouth on August 15th or at Saratoga on August 18th. Arielle’s Song will be entered as soon as the appropriate race is scheduled. Unless she does well, she is headed for a lesser racetrack and eventually out of inventory. Linda says the same will have to be the situation with Holy Blitzer, whose knee is deteriorating.
Of the two remaining Obviously New York Stable 2-yr olds, Millie Money will likely get to the races first, if she starts eating again and Obviously Tuesday should get to the races by the end of the Meet.
I’ve come to the realization that my expectations were not realistic. The past two years have seen us come to Saratoga one day and Ahvee’s Destiny would win a Stakes race the next day. The camaraderie we’d had with other owners is still there, just not as constant or as strong as it appeared to be. The trainer is a star, so I can’t expect her to be spending lots of time with us. So, we’ll have to settle for what we can get. C’est la vie.
As for the house, it (and even the pool) are in shape and ready for the guests about to arrive. I can see we’re likely to be going back and forth after the 15th. That is the reason we took the house for the whole season. Now, if we can just win some races…
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Saratoga... a different experience
Posted by Avram Freedberg
They say you can’t go home again. Part of the reason for that saying, is that conditions change, you have certain expectations that may not be realizable, you’re used to magical things happening and now it’s mundane.
Each of the past two years, we have arrived in Saratoga and Ahvee’s Destiny has run in a Stakes race the day after our arrival… and WON! What a wonderful way to start your vacation.
This year we arrived to find the house we were renting rife with problems. We walked in to find a cleaning person “finishing up.” Suffice it to say that in our opinion, she hadn’t really started. The refrigerator was filthy. The first time I tried the Master bath shower, it started spewing mud on me. All the windows were open and the flies roamed throughout. It was hot and uncomfortable. When it rained, it leaked on my sink in the Master bath. There was no remote control for the garage. And, the pool looked like a swamp.
So, we had a cleaning person we knew come in and clean. We dealt with each of the problems – one by one. Only the pool remains an issue and even that has been made more presentable, though it’s not usable yet.
We have not had one horse race yet. Ahvee’s Destiny was scheduled to race Sunday in this year’s edition of The Finney Stakes, which she won last year. Inexplicably, the race did not fill (with entries) and was not used. So, we’re caught in a dilemma about where and when to race her.
Arielle’s Song is preparing for her “do or die” race. If she doesn’t do, she may no longer be a race horse.
Hear the Footsteps arrived this week. He is still pointing to a race on August 7th. However, he is a little thin. So, is It’s Truly Ahvee, who had a nice breeze today but was reported as “running out” a bit. So, we’ll have to see how he comes out of the breeze tomorrow.
Two out of four of the Obviously NY Stable 2-yr olds, have been famed out due to physical problems. Holy Blitzer is still at Belmont with some soreness. And, Katy’s Office Girl has been sent to a farm an hour north of Belmont for 60 days.
On the plus side, we’ve had fun with good friends and are situated right next to the Oklahoma training track. So, we wake up to see horses all around us. We’ve gone to several concerts and are seeing Maroon 5 tonight and Sting with the Royal Philharmonic tomorrow night. Last night, we spent some time with Bo Derek at a charity event because we were with Bay Buchanan, whom Bo wanted to meet and greet. Plus, we had fun at the auction. The historic Canfield Casino venue was very special.
It’s always fun to feed the horses at the stables and be out watching them train early in the morning. We find it at once peaceful and exhilarating. The food has been really good. I’m sure the waistline has grown!
Hope all is well with you. Still room available at the inn for next mid-week… Have a lovely weekend!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
They say you can’t go home again. Part of the reason for that saying, is that conditions change, you have certain expectations that may not be realizable, you’re used to magical things happening and now it’s mundane.
Each of the past two years, we have arrived in Saratoga and Ahvee’s Destiny has run in a Stakes race the day after our arrival… and WON! What a wonderful way to start your vacation.
This year we arrived to find the house we were renting rife with problems. We walked in to find a cleaning person “finishing up.” Suffice it to say that in our opinion, she hadn’t really started. The refrigerator was filthy. The first time I tried the Master bath shower, it started spewing mud on me. All the windows were open and the flies roamed throughout. It was hot and uncomfortable. When it rained, it leaked on my sink in the Master bath. There was no remote control for the garage. And, the pool looked like a swamp.
So, we had a cleaning person we knew come in and clean. We dealt with each of the problems – one by one. Only the pool remains an issue and even that has been made more presentable, though it’s not usable yet.
We have not had one horse race yet. Ahvee’s Destiny was scheduled to race Sunday in this year’s edition of The Finney Stakes, which she won last year. Inexplicably, the race did not fill (with entries) and was not used. So, we’re caught in a dilemma about where and when to race her.
Arielle’s Song is preparing for her “do or die” race. If she doesn’t do, she may no longer be a race horse.
Hear the Footsteps arrived this week. He is still pointing to a race on August 7th. However, he is a little thin. So, is It’s Truly Ahvee, who had a nice breeze today but was reported as “running out” a bit. So, we’ll have to see how he comes out of the breeze tomorrow.
Two out of four of the Obviously NY Stable 2-yr olds, have been famed out due to physical problems. Holy Blitzer is still at Belmont with some soreness. And, Katy’s Office Girl has been sent to a farm an hour north of Belmont for 60 days.
On the plus side, we’ve had fun with good friends and are situated right next to the Oklahoma training track. So, we wake up to see horses all around us. We’ve gone to several concerts and are seeing Maroon 5 tonight and Sting with the Royal Philharmonic tomorrow night. Last night, we spent some time with Bo Derek at a charity event because we were with Bay Buchanan, whom Bo wanted to meet and greet. Plus, we had fun at the auction. The historic Canfield Casino venue was very special.
It’s always fun to feed the horses at the stables and be out watching them train early in the morning. We find it at once peaceful and exhilarating. The food has been really good. I’m sure the waistline has grown!
Hope all is well with you. Still room available at the inn for next mid-week… Have a lovely weekend!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Holy Blitzer
Posted by Avram Freedberg
She got a bad state today when she was looking the wrong way when the gate opened. However, Cornelio Velasquez did a good job setting her to task and before long she was third. As they neared the stretch turn, he had her advancing 4 wide. I was excited. She looked good. The leader was fading and she was coming on. As they passed the furlong marker, Cornelio (inexplicably, as far as I was concerned) ducked in with her and tried to take her between horses, rather than pursue the clear outside path he had already established. Keep in mind, he was told by her last jockey that she spooks easily.
Well, you can guess the outcome. The horse to her inside got scared of the whip used by the jockey to her further inside and came out right into Holy Blitzer. She was now sandwiched between horses and lost all chance to proceed to victory. I don’t get it… but there it is. I’m going to place a real nice bet on her next time, if she faces similar competition at Saratoga.
Speaking of Saratoga, the race meet starts Friday. We’ll be in Saratoga until mid-August and then as needed for races our horses participate in.
Hope to see you there!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
She got a bad state today when she was looking the wrong way when the gate opened. However, Cornelio Velasquez did a good job setting her to task and before long she was third. As they neared the stretch turn, he had her advancing 4 wide. I was excited. She looked good. The leader was fading and she was coming on. As they passed the furlong marker, Cornelio (inexplicably, as far as I was concerned) ducked in with her and tried to take her between horses, rather than pursue the clear outside path he had already established. Keep in mind, he was told by her last jockey that she spooks easily.
Well, you can guess the outcome. The horse to her inside got scared of the whip used by the jockey to her further inside and came out right into Holy Blitzer. She was now sandwiched between horses and lost all chance to proceed to victory. I don’t get it… but there it is. I’m going to place a real nice bet on her next time, if she faces similar competition at Saratoga.
Speaking of Saratoga, the race meet starts Friday. We’ll be in Saratoga until mid-August and then as needed for races our horses participate in.
Hope to see you there!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Belmont meet ends Sunday
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Hopefully, Holy Blitzer will win the 8th race on Sunday on the grass at 6 furlongs. She runs against our friends’ Patsy Symon’s Gitchie Goomie and Larry Goichman’s High Cry and four or five others. Apparently Ramon Dominguez thinks High Cry has a better chance than Blitzer, since he opted to ride that horse even though he won with Holy Blitzer easily in her last race. He replaces Cornelio Velasquez on High Cry. Now, he will ride Holy Blitzer. Oh well, we don’t seem to get a lot of respect for our horses.
Katy’s Office Girl has a slight condylar fracture of her ankle. It will require stall rest and a slow comeback. Unless her ankle gets better and she doesn’t show the fracture on her 10-day follow-up X-ray, we can presume it will be 90 – 120 days before she is training again.
Ahvee’s Destiny “ran down” in her race at Suffolk Downs. I believe this means she “burned” her hooves during the race and is being treated with TLC and no workouts. She is aiming to race on August 1st at Saratoga in the same race she won last year, The Finney Stakes.
Hear the Footsteps in putting on weight. If he doesn’t bleed in his workouts, he will race on August 7th at Saratoga.
Arielle’s Song is due to breeze early next week. If she stays well, she will race soon at Saratoga. It may be her last chance as a race horse.
Stuck With you (I mean, It’s Truly Ahvee) and the Obviously New York two-year olds continue Gate Training and will breeze next week. Hopefully, they are on the verge of competing on the race track.
Cricky’sGoldeneyes is still on the farm in Florida. He will not come North until September but Pat says he’s doing well… maturing and enjoying himself.
We’ll be a Belmont to root for Holy Blitzer. Go Blitzer!
Have a nice weekend.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Hopefully, Holy Blitzer will win the 8th race on Sunday on the grass at 6 furlongs. She runs against our friends’ Patsy Symon’s Gitchie Goomie and Larry Goichman’s High Cry and four or five others. Apparently Ramon Dominguez thinks High Cry has a better chance than Blitzer, since he opted to ride that horse even though he won with Holy Blitzer easily in her last race. He replaces Cornelio Velasquez on High Cry. Now, he will ride Holy Blitzer. Oh well, we don’t seem to get a lot of respect for our horses.
Katy’s Office Girl has a slight condylar fracture of her ankle. It will require stall rest and a slow comeback. Unless her ankle gets better and she doesn’t show the fracture on her 10-day follow-up X-ray, we can presume it will be 90 – 120 days before she is training again.
Ahvee’s Destiny “ran down” in her race at Suffolk Downs. I believe this means she “burned” her hooves during the race and is being treated with TLC and no workouts. She is aiming to race on August 1st at Saratoga in the same race she won last year, The Finney Stakes.
Hear the Footsteps in putting on weight. If he doesn’t bleed in his workouts, he will race on August 7th at Saratoga.
Arielle’s Song is due to breeze early next week. If she stays well, she will race soon at Saratoga. It may be her last chance as a race horse.
Stuck With you (I mean, It’s Truly Ahvee) and the Obviously New York two-year olds continue Gate Training and will breeze next week. Hopefully, they are on the verge of competing on the race track.
Cricky’sGoldeneyes is still on the farm in Florida. He will not come North until September but Pat says he’s doing well… maturing and enjoying himself.
We’ll be a Belmont to root for Holy Blitzer. Go Blitzer!
Have a nice weekend.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Seabiscuit Stakes
Posted by Avram Freedberg
That’s the name of Ahvee’s Destiny’s 5 furlong grass race from post 6 at Boston’s Suffolk Downs tomorrow. She’s closer to home (but we can’t go because of prior commitments – BOO!). She’s got a tough race but it’s less of a ride for her to get there and a larger purse than the race at Presque Isles Downs. It’s at 3:27PM tomorrow but not on TVG as I originally thought. So, watching it stream on the computer will have to do.
True to Tradition and stablemate, Awakino Cat, will be the toughest competitors if Jiu Jitsu Jax scratches. Otherwise, he may be favored. H G Ramos is the number 2 rider at Suffolk Downs, so we can only hope he will do as well as Harry Vega did with her at Presque Isles Downs on June 8th.
C’mon Ahvee, it’s the Seabiscuit Stakes. He wasn’t a horse that was loved by the pundits, just by the public. We’re your public and we love you. Do it to it!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
That’s the name of Ahvee’s Destiny’s 5 furlong grass race from post 6 at Boston’s Suffolk Downs tomorrow. She’s closer to home (but we can’t go because of prior commitments – BOO!). She’s got a tough race but it’s less of a ride for her to get there and a larger purse than the race at Presque Isles Downs. It’s at 3:27PM tomorrow but not on TVG as I originally thought. So, watching it stream on the computer will have to do.
True to Tradition and stablemate, Awakino Cat, will be the toughest competitors if Jiu Jitsu Jax scratches. Otherwise, he may be favored. H G Ramos is the number 2 rider at Suffolk Downs, so we can only hope he will do as well as Harry Vega did with her at Presque Isles Downs on June 8th.
C’mon Ahvee, it’s the Seabiscuit Stakes. He wasn’t a horse that was loved by the pundits, just by the public. We’re your public and we love you. Do it to it!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Ahvee's Destiny will NOT race tonight
Posted by Avram Freedberg
She will race on Saturday at Suffolk Downs. More info Friday.
Avram C. Freedberg
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She will race on Saturday at Suffolk Downs. More info Friday.
Avram C. Freedberg
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Thanks for your good wishes
Posted by Avram Freedberg
A week ago I was feeling more like a young man. Last Friday night, I came down with a blitzkrieg cold. On top of my having problems with the thin air up here, I could not sleep a wink. Frankly, I was scared… couldn’t breathe, couldn’t sleep, heart beating heavily in my chest.
So, of course, I just kept doing things, got in touch with my wonderful doctor who is always available and phoned in prescriptions, took my daughter’s recommendation and got a neti pot, and took up Hillary Zitter’s offer to use oxygen. Saturday night I slept a little, Sunday night best night of sleep yet. Between Friday night and tonight, I went ballooning, did a lot of walking, went to an amusement park and actually rode a small coaster, visited Betty Ford Gardens and Nature Center, etc., etc. I’m tired, still feel sick BUT FEEL ALIVE!
I couldn’t argue with Linda Rice about scratching Holy Blitzer for a softer race. When you scratch a grass horse for another race, you never know if the weather will see that next race taken off the grass. She certainly would have been competitive. As it turned out, her stablemate, In Te Domine, won the race easily.
That begs the question, “was she scratched in favor of the other horse?” At this point, it is moot. Linda will look for another race and we’ll see how she does.
In the meantime, Ahvee’s Destiny is going back to Presque Isle Thursday night for a $48,000 allowance race against the boys. I’ll get to see the past performances of the entrants tomorrow. However, it is likely she will be in good shape versus the field. Then she will run at Saratoga on August 1st in a Stakes race she won last year, The Finney Stakes.
She had a bullet workout today, breezing handily 4 furlongs in 48.80. She’s ready. Go Ahvee!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
A week ago I was feeling more like a young man. Last Friday night, I came down with a blitzkrieg cold. On top of my having problems with the thin air up here, I could not sleep a wink. Frankly, I was scared… couldn’t breathe, couldn’t sleep, heart beating heavily in my chest.
So, of course, I just kept doing things, got in touch with my wonderful doctor who is always available and phoned in prescriptions, took my daughter’s recommendation and got a neti pot, and took up Hillary Zitter’s offer to use oxygen. Saturday night I slept a little, Sunday night best night of sleep yet. Between Friday night and tonight, I went ballooning, did a lot of walking, went to an amusement park and actually rode a small coaster, visited Betty Ford Gardens and Nature Center, etc., etc. I’m tired, still feel sick BUT FEEL ALIVE!
I couldn’t argue with Linda Rice about scratching Holy Blitzer for a softer race. When you scratch a grass horse for another race, you never know if the weather will see that next race taken off the grass. She certainly would have been competitive. As it turned out, her stablemate, In Te Domine, won the race easily.
That begs the question, “was she scratched in favor of the other horse?” At this point, it is moot. Linda will look for another race and we’ll see how she does.
In the meantime, Ahvee’s Destiny is going back to Presque Isle Thursday night for a $48,000 allowance race against the boys. I’ll get to see the past performances of the entrants tomorrow. However, it is likely she will be in good shape versus the field. Then she will run at Saratoga on August 1st in a Stakes race she won last year, The Finney Stakes.
She had a bullet workout today, breezing handily 4 furlongs in 48.80. She’s ready. Go Ahvee!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Holy Blitzer
Posted by Avram Freedberg
She may be scratched today. More info when I’m feeling better.
Avram C. Freedberg
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
She may be scratched today. More info when I’m feeling better.
Avram C. Freedberg
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Holy Blitzer
Posted by Avram Freedberg
She’s scheduled for Sunday, July 4th at Belmont. She’s paired with In Te Domine from Linda’s barn in a 7 furlong race on the grass. If she can run as well as she did in her grass debut, she will be very competitive. David Cohen is in the irons. Let’s see what the Jewish boy can do.
I’ll be trying to watch from Beaver Creek, CO, land of the jet setter. Skiers, hikers, white water rafters, etc. What the hell am I doing here anyway!? I’m not sure but I know my task master keeps me at it. Maybe she hopes I will succumb to the thin air up here. Still here though. What’s a nice Jewish boy doing in a non-air conditioned condo with two crucifixes in the bedroom? I guess he was probably a nice Jewish boy too.
IPAD still giving me problems but found this PC in the lobby. Go Holy Blitzer!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
She’s scheduled for Sunday, July 4th at Belmont. She’s paired with In Te Domine from Linda’s barn in a 7 furlong race on the grass. If she can run as well as she did in her grass debut, she will be very competitive. David Cohen is in the irons. Let’s see what the Jewish boy can do.
I’ll be trying to watch from Beaver Creek, CO, land of the jet setter. Skiers, hikers, white water rafters, etc. What the hell am I doing here anyway!? I’m not sure but I know my task master keeps me at it. Maybe she hopes I will succumb to the thin air up here. Still here though. What’s a nice Jewish boy doing in a non-air conditioned condo with two crucifixes in the bedroom? I guess he was probably a nice Jewish boy too.
IPAD still giving me problems but found this PC in the lobby. Go Holy Blitzer!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Three thirds do not a win make
Posted by Avram Freedberg
I was never as confident about a race. I was sure Hear the Footsteps would win today… until I saw him enter the paddock sweaty and all lathered up. To quote Robbie, “I wouldn’t bet a nickel on this horse today!” Of course, we had already bet many, many nickels.
The gate opened and Hear the Footsteps did not disappoint. He went right to the front. After all, he was supposed to handle this bunch easily. That’s why the bettors made him a 1-4 odds on favorite.
He was on the lead but not easily, since he was constantly pressed by a horse named, “Good to be Me.” Nonetheless, Hear the Footsteps was in front in the stretch with an 1/8 of a mile left. It was at this point, he proved that Robbie was right and that nothing is a sure thing in horse racing. Both Victorious Leader and Good to be Me passed him and another third place finish was his.
What a disappointment. We knew something was wrong from the way he looked before the race. He was scoped after the race. This led to the discovery that he was bleeding internally. So, he had his excuses. Now, we hope he gets some rest, heals up and comes back at Saratoga with his maiden victory. I doubt he’ll see an easier field than today’s group.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
I was never as confident about a race. I was sure Hear the Footsteps would win today… until I saw him enter the paddock sweaty and all lathered up. To quote Robbie, “I wouldn’t bet a nickel on this horse today!” Of course, we had already bet many, many nickels.
The gate opened and Hear the Footsteps did not disappoint. He went right to the front. After all, he was supposed to handle this bunch easily. That’s why the bettors made him a 1-4 odds on favorite.
He was on the lead but not easily, since he was constantly pressed by a horse named, “Good to be Me.” Nonetheless, Hear the Footsteps was in front in the stretch with an 1/8 of a mile left. It was at this point, he proved that Robbie was right and that nothing is a sure thing in horse racing. Both Victorious Leader and Good to be Me passed him and another third place finish was his.
What a disappointment. We knew something was wrong from the way he looked before the race. He was scoped after the race. This led to the discovery that he was bleeding internally. So, he had his excuses. Now, we hope he gets some rest, heals up and comes back at Saratoga with his maiden victory. I doubt he’ll see an easier field than today’s group.
Best,
A.
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Friday, June 25, 2010
Hear the Footsteps
Posted by Avram Freedberg
He’s running Saturday in the 5th race at Belmont from post position 1: Here’s the link to the entries: http://www.drf.com/static/entries/26/eBEL26.html#5
You can see he’s listed as the odds-on favorite. On paper he’s the best of those who have run before but there are first-time runners that we know little about. Let’s hope he runs his race and gets us into the Winners’ Circle.
Cornelio Velasquez (who made some errors last time) gets the chance to make good with him on the Belmont grass. We’ll be there. If you want to join us for lunch in the Trustees room, go to the paddock for saddling him up and, hopefully, the Winner’s Circle photo let me know ASAP. In any case, root usa on.
Best,
A.
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He’s running Saturday in the 5th race at Belmont from post position 1: Here’s the link to the entries: http://www.drf.com/static/entries/26/eBEL26.html#5
You can see he’s listed as the odds-on favorite. On paper he’s the best of those who have run before but there are first-time runners that we know little about. Let’s hope he runs his race and gets us into the Winners’ Circle.
Cornelio Velasquez (who made some errors last time) gets the chance to make good with him on the Belmont grass. We’ll be there. If you want to join us for lunch in the Trustees room, go to the paddock for saddling him up and, hopefully, the Winner’s Circle photo let me know ASAP. In any case, root usa on.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Katy does it again!
Posted by Avram Freedberg
What a weekend! It was the anniversary of my grandmother’s passing, Father’s Day and the 50th anniversary of my Bar Mitzvah and much more. So, we had a big extended family Shabbat dinner on Friday night. I performed in the synagogue Saturday morning. We had a luncheon after services. Then, we headed for New York City to meet friends from North Carolina and Virginia. I took the IPAD with me because I was hoping to get to watch Katy’s race from Belmont. Lo and behold, it worked!
As we got out of the car, I pushed a few buttons and the post parade was visible as we were walking on 40th street. We found our friends and a local bar. It was so close to post time, I put the IPAD on a table and sat down to watch the race. The gate opened and Katy was in the middle of the pack but she easily worked her way backwards to last! It looked to me like she was intimidated by the horses around her. Ramon Dominguez tried to move her up but she seemed to resist.
By the time they came around the stretch turn she was still in the back of the pack. Ramon steered her to a hole between horses but another horse cut in front of them. Finally, he ducked in behind that horse and found daylight. He tapped Katy and she got into gear. As she passed horses, we started screaming, “Go, Katy!” “Go Katy!” And she did go… up to 5th to 4th to 3rd to 2nd. Then, she ran out of stretch and she finished 2nd, one length behind the winner, Maya Charlie. It’s hard to watch her so far back but she sure makes it exciting.
After dinner and Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet, I had a few hours shut-eye and a few hours of golf this morning. Then we met my brother and family at my parents’ home for Father’s Day. I collapsed this evening.
Lots more racing will be coming over the next few weeks and even more next month when Saratoga opens. The excitement is building. We’ve been very lucky with 2 wins, 2 seconds and a third in the last five races. Lots of action.
BTW, for those who want to know how Patsy is doing with her new trainer, Meriwether Jessica won her race as the longest shot in the race and Gitchee Goomie was 2nd today. Congrats to Patsy and her new trainer, Rick Violette!
Best to all,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
What a weekend! It was the anniversary of my grandmother’s passing, Father’s Day and the 50th anniversary of my Bar Mitzvah and much more. So, we had a big extended family Shabbat dinner on Friday night. I performed in the synagogue Saturday morning. We had a luncheon after services. Then, we headed for New York City to meet friends from North Carolina and Virginia. I took the IPAD with me because I was hoping to get to watch Katy’s race from Belmont. Lo and behold, it worked!
As we got out of the car, I pushed a few buttons and the post parade was visible as we were walking on 40th street. We found our friends and a local bar. It was so close to post time, I put the IPAD on a table and sat down to watch the race. The gate opened and Katy was in the middle of the pack but she easily worked her way backwards to last! It looked to me like she was intimidated by the horses around her. Ramon Dominguez tried to move her up but she seemed to resist.
By the time they came around the stretch turn she was still in the back of the pack. Ramon steered her to a hole between horses but another horse cut in front of them. Finally, he ducked in behind that horse and found daylight. He tapped Katy and she got into gear. As she passed horses, we started screaming, “Go, Katy!” “Go Katy!” And she did go… up to 5th to 4th to 3rd to 2nd. Then, she ran out of stretch and she finished 2nd, one length behind the winner, Maya Charlie. It’s hard to watch her so far back but she sure makes it exciting.
After dinner and Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet, I had a few hours shut-eye and a few hours of golf this morning. Then we met my brother and family at my parents’ home for Father’s Day. I collapsed this evening.
Lots more racing will be coming over the next few weeks and even more next month when Saratoga opens. The excitement is building. We’ve been very lucky with 2 wins, 2 seconds and a third in the last five races. Lots of action.
BTW, for those who want to know how Patsy is doing with her new trainer, Meriwether Jessica won her race as the longest shot in the race and Gitchee Goomie was 2nd today. Congrats to Patsy and her new trainer, Rick Violette!
Best to all,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Katy's Office Girl
Posted by Avram Freedberg
I’ve been letting Linda alone this week because her assistant Abby has been out for almost 2 weeks. Hppily, Abby is now well and back. So, I called Linda. She’s home sick!
In the meantime, Katy’s Office Girl will run in tomorrow’s 8th race on the grass at 1 1/16 miles with Ramon Dominguez up. Eric Donovan, the track handicapper, has made her the 3-1 favorite. Meanwhile, Considerate, the horse she beat for 2nd place last time out is listed at 8-1. You figure it out! I see the race as being wide open. Of course, I hope Donovan is correct in his assessment and Katy breaks her maiden with a victory! Here’s the race listing: http://www.drf.com/static/entries/19/eBEL19.html#8
Holy Blitzer had a little stomach trouble last week. I hope she’s over it but will get a full report over the weekend.
Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
I’ve been letting Linda alone this week because her assistant Abby has been out for almost 2 weeks. Hppily, Abby is now well and back. So, I called Linda. She’s home sick!
In the meantime, Katy’s Office Girl will run in tomorrow’s 8th race on the grass at 1 1/16 miles with Ramon Dominguez up. Eric Donovan, the track handicapper, has made her the 3-1 favorite. Meanwhile, Considerate, the horse she beat for 2nd place last time out is listed at 8-1. You figure it out! I see the race as being wide open. Of course, I hope Donovan is correct in his assessment and Katy breaks her maiden with a victory! Here’s the race listing: http://www.drf.com/static/entries/19/eBEL19.html#8
Holy Blitzer had a little stomach trouble last week. I hope she’s over it but will get a full report over the weekend.
Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Our congratulations to the winner...
Posted by Avram Freedberg
AHVEE’S DESTINY! The winner of the $100,000 Satin & Lace Stakes.
The queen is back!! (credit to Tom Gregory for that phrase found in his immediate congrats).
What can I say. We were so-o-o nervous. Now, we’re so-o-o-o excited! You gotta love that horse.
The time seemed slow but when you finish in front, you don’t focus on the time. Harry Vega brought her out of the gate smartly, running with Silver Time. She settled in next to that one and pretty quickly assumed the lead. Turning into the stretch, she was in front, closest to the rail. She drew away by several lengths. As the run down the stretch continued, Proud Heiress charged up but could not threaten. Ahvee’s Destiny crossed the line 1 ¼ lengths in front. GO AHVEE!
I’ll let you know about It’s Truly Ahvee tomorrow. Tonight, it’s ALL Ahvee’s Destiny! Yay!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
AHVEE’S DESTINY! The winner of the $100,000 Satin & Lace Stakes.
The queen is back!! (credit to Tom Gregory for that phrase found in his immediate congrats).
What can I say. We were so-o-o nervous. Now, we’re so-o-o-o excited! You gotta love that horse.
The time seemed slow but when you finish in front, you don’t focus on the time. Harry Vega brought her out of the gate smartly, running with Silver Time. She settled in next to that one and pretty quickly assumed the lead. Turning into the stretch, she was in front, closest to the rail. She drew away by several lengths. As the run down the stretch continued, Proud Heiress charged up but could not threaten. Ahvee’s Destiny crossed the line 1 ¼ lengths in front. GO AHVEE!
I’ll let you know about It’s Truly Ahvee tomorrow. Tonight, it’s ALL Ahvee’s Destiny! Yay!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Ahvee's Destiny to race tomorrow night in PA
Posted by Avram Freedberg
We’re taking a chance, but I’m excited. She’s going 5 ½ furlongs but NOT on the grass. She’ll travel to Presque Isle Downs in Erie, PA and will compete on the synthetic surface. Longtime readers will know that Linda feels Ahvee’s Destiny is a grass horse. However, many grass horses do well on synthetic. Since success here would open more races to us in the future, we’re giving it a try, even though “Destiny” could use a little more flesh on her bones. She’s a little thin.
Don’t know who the rider will be (ignore the CC Lopez listing. He’s racing elsewhere). We’re asking Johnny Velasquez and Ramon Dominguez but if they can’t make it, we’ll go with, local rider, Harry Vega.
The race entry is linked below. Aside from the $100K purse, this is an important race for her. We’ll be on the edge of our seats probably watching on TV. GO AHVEE’S DESTINY!
Best,
A.
http://www.drf.com/static/entries/08/ePID08.html#7
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We’re taking a chance, but I’m excited. She’s going 5 ½ furlongs but NOT on the grass. She’ll travel to Presque Isle Downs in Erie, PA and will compete on the synthetic surface. Longtime readers will know that Linda feels Ahvee’s Destiny is a grass horse. However, many grass horses do well on synthetic. Since success here would open more races to us in the future, we’re giving it a try, even though “Destiny” could use a little more flesh on her bones. She’s a little thin.
Don’t know who the rider will be (ignore the CC Lopez listing. He’s racing elsewhere). We’re asking Johnny Velasquez and Ramon Dominguez but if they can’t make it, we’ll go with, local rider, Harry Vega.
The race entry is linked below. Aside from the $100K purse, this is an important race for her. We’ll be on the edge of our seats probably watching on TV. GO AHVEE’S DESTINY!
Best,
A.
http://www.drf.com/static/entries/08/ePID08.html#7
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Races tomorrow, Saturday and now Sunday
Posted by Avram Freedberg
If the rain is not too bad and the races stay on the grass, Katy’s Office Girl will compete in a mile race at Belmont in the ninth race tomorrow. She’ll have stiff competition but we can hope. She does have top rider, Ramon Dominguez aboard. She races from post position #4.
Hear the Footsteps will face some of the same competition as in his first race in the 10th race on Saturday at Belmont. Obviously, we hope he will improve off his first effort and make it to the Winner’s Circle with Rob and Sheri. We won’t be able to join them because Rhoda and I will, hopefully, be having a wonderful time at the Molstre wedding weekend in Newport. We’ll try and watch the race and root him home!
Just found out Holy Blitzer will run 6 furlongs against the boys on grass on Sunday. What a weekend to be away!
Conseated Lady… The Last Chance. We were going to ship her to Presque Isle Downs in Erie PA by way of Finger Lakes Racetrack in upstate, NY. Presque Isle has a synthetic, all weather track that we hoped would allow her to do as well as her grass races and beat the cheaper competition in a $7500 claiming race. However, Linda didn’t like the way she looked today working out, so it doesn’t seem worth the effort. Linda has found her a home as a riding horse. It’s sad… Goodbye, Conseated Lady. Hope you make some family very happy… and vice versa.
That reminds me that Ofcr. Sheila T Rex, the first horse to have the ignominious honor of leaving our stable, runs tonight at Charlestown.
Friends, I hope you have a fun holiday weekend!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
If the rain is not too bad and the races stay on the grass, Katy’s Office Girl will compete in a mile race at Belmont in the ninth race tomorrow. She’ll have stiff competition but we can hope. She does have top rider, Ramon Dominguez aboard. She races from post position #4.
Hear the Footsteps will face some of the same competition as in his first race in the 10th race on Saturday at Belmont. Obviously, we hope he will improve off his first effort and make it to the Winner’s Circle with Rob and Sheri. We won’t be able to join them because Rhoda and I will, hopefully, be having a wonderful time at the Molstre wedding weekend in Newport. We’ll try and watch the race and root him home!
Just found out Holy Blitzer will run 6 furlongs against the boys on grass on Sunday. What a weekend to be away!
Conseated Lady… The Last Chance. We were going to ship her to Presque Isle Downs in Erie PA by way of Finger Lakes Racetrack in upstate, NY. Presque Isle has a synthetic, all weather track that we hoped would allow her to do as well as her grass races and beat the cheaper competition in a $7500 claiming race. However, Linda didn’t like the way she looked today working out, so it doesn’t seem worth the effort. Linda has found her a home as a riding horse. It’s sad… Goodbye, Conseated Lady. Hope you make some family very happy… and vice versa.
That reminds me that Ofcr. Sheila T Rex, the first horse to have the ignominious honor of leaving our stable, runs tonight at Charlestown.
Friends, I hope you have a fun holiday weekend!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Why the long face?
Posted by Avram Freedberg
An old horse joke… Horse steps up to the bar. Bartender says, “why the long face?” (This is followed by the drummer’s “rimshot.”)
Well today, I have the long face. Ahvee’s Destiny has not responded to treatment as yet. She doesn’t look good. This means to Linda Rice that Ahvee is not at her best. Therefore, we should not be pushing her to run in Baltimore on Friday. So I’m cancelling our Acela tickets.
The success of Ahvee’s Destiny has been the inspiration for expanding our stable. Her winnings have also helped the cash flow. However, her last victory was August 9th last year. So, the cash flow has stopped but the costs have risen. Not a wonderful state of affairs. Watching Ahvee’s Destiny run and succeed in Florida, New York and New Jersey has provided much enjoyment to us. Seeing her on the sidelines is very frustrating.
Holy Blitzer is scheduled to run in Thursday’s 4th race at Belmont and Conseated Lady in Thursday’s 9th race. We’ll see how bad the rain is over the next 24 hours and whether Conseated Lady’s race will run on the grass (or not).
The 2-yr. olds are working out in Saratoga. It’s Truly Ahvee (the Yes It’s True colt) went a sharp 3 furlongs in 36.4. Linda had him a second slower but was very happy with his breeze. Two of the fillies we have a minority interest in, Millie Money and Charlie N Alex, also had sharp 37.41 breezes. Linda doesn’t like to start them before Saratoga begins, which is July 23rd.
Speaking of Saratoga, the house we used to rent is now available for the entire season. So it goes. Hope we like our new digs.
Hope all is well with you.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
An old horse joke… Horse steps up to the bar. Bartender says, “why the long face?” (This is followed by the drummer’s “rimshot.”)
Well today, I have the long face. Ahvee’s Destiny has not responded to treatment as yet. She doesn’t look good. This means to Linda Rice that Ahvee is not at her best. Therefore, we should not be pushing her to run in Baltimore on Friday. So I’m cancelling our Acela tickets.
The success of Ahvee’s Destiny has been the inspiration for expanding our stable. Her winnings have also helped the cash flow. However, her last victory was August 9th last year. So, the cash flow has stopped but the costs have risen. Not a wonderful state of affairs. Watching Ahvee’s Destiny run and succeed in Florida, New York and New Jersey has provided much enjoyment to us. Seeing her on the sidelines is very frustrating.
Holy Blitzer is scheduled to run in Thursday’s 4th race at Belmont and Conseated Lady in Thursday’s 9th race. We’ll see how bad the rain is over the next 24 hours and whether Conseated Lady’s race will run on the grass (or not).
The 2-yr. olds are working out in Saratoga. It’s Truly Ahvee (the Yes It’s True colt) went a sharp 3 furlongs in 36.4. Linda had him a second slower but was very happy with his breeze. Two of the fillies we have a minority interest in, Millie Money and Charlie N Alex, also had sharp 37.41 breezes. Linda doesn’t like to start them before Saratoga begins, which is July 23rd.
Speaking of Saratoga, the house we used to rent is now available for the entire season. So it goes. Hope we like our new digs.
Hope all is well with you.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Katy's Office Girl
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Katy will have her first race tomorrow at Belmont on the grass. It’ll be race number 4 at 7 furlongs and she’s paired with the race favorite from Linda’s barn, In Te Domine. Having recently returned from a function supporting the Sisters of St. Dominic, I’m hoping this pairing will be propitious. Katy will be in post position #5, though she will wear the number 1A because of the pairing. Alan Garcia is the jock. He can be great or awful. I’m hoping for great. BTW, did you see him smash into Lookin At Lucky in the Kentucky Derby? According to the race chart, he was forced inside by Paddy O’Prado.
Linda likes In Te Domine to dominate. She’s hoping for 2nd place with Katy.
We’re still on track for Conseated Lady on Saturday, Holy Blitzer on Sunday (both at Belmont) and Ahvee’s Destiny on Friday, May 14 at Pimlico.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Katy will have her first race tomorrow at Belmont on the grass. It’ll be race number 4 at 7 furlongs and she’s paired with the race favorite from Linda’s barn, In Te Domine. Having recently returned from a function supporting the Sisters of St. Dominic, I’m hoping this pairing will be propitious. Katy will be in post position #5, though she will wear the number 1A because of the pairing. Alan Garcia is the jock. He can be great or awful. I’m hoping for great. BTW, did you see him smash into Lookin At Lucky in the Kentucky Derby? According to the race chart, he was forced inside by Paddy O’Prado.
Linda likes In Te Domine to dominate. She’s hoping for 2nd place with Katy.
We’re still on track for Conseated Lady on Saturday, Holy Blitzer on Sunday (both at Belmont) and Ahvee’s Destiny on Friday, May 14 at Pimlico.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Churchill Drowns...
Posted by Avram Freedberg
…but it was beautiful in New York, except near the Throgs Neck Bridge. It took us ~1 ¾ hors to get there just in time to go to the paddock. Turned out Hear the Footsteps’ maiden race was over ½ hour before the Derby was run. Linda Rice said he would come up short but as the race progressed, we got more and more excited.
He was in it from the start. In fact, early on he was first for a stride or two. Then Gabriel Saez settled him down and he ran third most of the way. Around the stretch turn for home, he looked like he would overtake and pass the leader, then draw away… but he did not. They battled down the stretch, head and head. As you can imagine, we were screaming our lungs out and imploring him to pass the other horse. This IS where he came up short, as a third horse came past on the outside. Were bested by two noses to finish third. It was a very exciting race. He could have won up to the very end.
It is the best first race of any of those in our small stable. A very respectable race for Hear the Footsteps. Rob did a very good job of naming him. His sire was Read the Footnotes and the track announcer, as well as the chart of the race (see the link) call him Hear the Footnotes one time each.
http://www.drf.com/drfNCWeeklyHorseDisplay.do?track=BEL&country=USA&raceDate=20100501&raceNo=10
It was nice that Rob’s friend Richard Pressman’s horse, Might Tuff, won at 33-1. It was nice because we were beaten a nose by the horse inside of us (Solar Panel), so good for him, if it couldn’t be us. We’ll get ‘em next time.
Katy’s office Girl is next up Wednesday, if there is not too much rain and they leave it on the grass.
Yeah, there was a Kentucky Derby today. Congrats to Todd Pletcher, one of the country’s leading trainers who had not won the Derby… until today with Super Saver, ridden by Calvin Borel. Seems he can ride anything to a victory in the Derby. Calvin’s won 3 out of the last 4 years. Congrats to Shelly S. who picked this winner. I gotta get him to publish a tip sheet!
Hope for more good news mid-week.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
…but it was beautiful in New York, except near the Throgs Neck Bridge. It took us ~1 ¾ hors to get there just in time to go to the paddock. Turned out Hear the Footsteps’ maiden race was over ½ hour before the Derby was run. Linda Rice said he would come up short but as the race progressed, we got more and more excited.
He was in it from the start. In fact, early on he was first for a stride or two. Then Gabriel Saez settled him down and he ran third most of the way. Around the stretch turn for home, he looked like he would overtake and pass the leader, then draw away… but he did not. They battled down the stretch, head and head. As you can imagine, we were screaming our lungs out and imploring him to pass the other horse. This IS where he came up short, as a third horse came past on the outside. Were bested by two noses to finish third. It was a very exciting race. He could have won up to the very end.
It is the best first race of any of those in our small stable. A very respectable race for Hear the Footsteps. Rob did a very good job of naming him. His sire was Read the Footnotes and the track announcer, as well as the chart of the race (see the link) call him Hear the Footnotes one time each.
http://www.drf.com/drfNCWeeklyHorseDisplay.do?track=BEL&country=USA&raceDate=20100501&raceNo=10
It was nice that Rob’s friend Richard Pressman’s horse, Might Tuff, won at 33-1. It was nice because we were beaten a nose by the horse inside of us (Solar Panel), so good for him, if it couldn’t be us. We’ll get ‘em next time.
Katy’s office Girl is next up Wednesday, if there is not too much rain and they leave it on the grass.
Yeah, there was a Kentucky Derby today. Congrats to Todd Pletcher, one of the country’s leading trainers who had not won the Derby… until today with Super Saver, ridden by Calvin Borel. Seems he can ride anything to a victory in the Derby. Calvin’s won 3 out of the last 4 years. Congrats to Shelly S. who picked this winner. I gotta get him to publish a tip sheet!
Hope for more good news mid-week.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Hear the Footsteps
Posted by Avram Freedberg
You’ll be watching the Kentucky Derby (5:45) when it’s post time for Hear The Footsteps at Belmont (5:49). We will sneak into Belmont for that race in between other engagements. It’s not the Run for the Roses, but I hope he and we make it to the Winner’s Circle!
Katy’s Office Girl’s race overfilled for Sunday. She didn’t make it but they hope to schedule a similar race for Wednesday. Will keep you advised.
Have a nice weekend!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
You’ll be watching the Kentucky Derby (5:45) when it’s post time for Hear The Footsteps at Belmont (5:49). We will sneak into Belmont for that race in between other engagements. It’s not the Run for the Roses, but I hope he and we make it to the Winner’s Circle!
Katy’s Office Girl’s race overfilled for Sunday. She didn’t make it but they hope to schedule a similar race for Wednesday. Will keep you advised.
Have a nice weekend!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
We're racing!
Posted by Avram Freedberg
As you know, Ahvee’s Destiny did not race in Kentucky. She was in a race but she chose to tour the beautiful Keeneland oval, rather than race competitively. Hopefully, she will show up and race at Pimlico on May 14th, the day before the Preakness.
In the meantime, Hear the Footsteps will run in his first race on Kentucky Derby day. However, he’ll be running at Belmont, not Churchill Downs. He may be one breeze short. However, we need to see how he runs because, if he runs well, he will be entered in a NY Stallion Stakes race on May 23rd. He’ll be going 6 furlongs on the Turf.
Katy’s Office Girl will be going in her first race on Sunday, May 2nd, also 6 furlongs on the Belmont turf (Do you see a pattern developing?) against New York breds.
The following weekend will see Conseated Lady return to the racetrack on May 8th. Can you guess the distance and surface? It’ll be in a $25K claiming race but I doubt anyone will claim her after her last two awful performances.
Then, Holy Blitzer, a winner of a cheap claiming race, will return at a much higher level in an allowance race at… that’s right, 6 furlongs on the grass (Grass = Turf) on Sunday, May 9th. We want to see how she does on this surface with a look forward towards running her at a longer distance. Since, we didn’t want to lose her running her cheaply at this time, we are protecting her but making it very difficult for her to prevail.
We’re going to try and make the Sunday races but it’s a very tough season for galas, Bar Mitzvahs and weddings. We’ll be rooting for them from wherever we are!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
As you know, Ahvee’s Destiny did not race in Kentucky. She was in a race but she chose to tour the beautiful Keeneland oval, rather than race competitively. Hopefully, she will show up and race at Pimlico on May 14th, the day before the Preakness.
In the meantime, Hear the Footsteps will run in his first race on Kentucky Derby day. However, he’ll be running at Belmont, not Churchill Downs. He may be one breeze short. However, we need to see how he runs because, if he runs well, he will be entered in a NY Stallion Stakes race on May 23rd. He’ll be going 6 furlongs on the Turf.
Katy’s Office Girl will be going in her first race on Sunday, May 2nd, also 6 furlongs on the Belmont turf (Do you see a pattern developing?) against New York breds.
The following weekend will see Conseated Lady return to the racetrack on May 8th. Can you guess the distance and surface? It’ll be in a $25K claiming race but I doubt anyone will claim her after her last two awful performances.
Then, Holy Blitzer, a winner of a cheap claiming race, will return at a much higher level in an allowance race at… that’s right, 6 furlongs on the grass (Grass = Turf) on Sunday, May 9th. We want to see how she does on this surface with a look forward towards running her at a longer distance. Since, we didn’t want to lose her running her cheaply at this time, we are protecting her but making it very difficult for her to prevail.
We’re going to try and make the Sunday races but it’s a very tough season for galas, Bar Mitzvahs and weddings. We’ll be rooting for them from wherever we are!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Back from Kentucky
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Rhoda and I were both stressed on Friday night in anticipation of our big trip the next day. We weren’t even sitting together on some legs. We had to get up around 4AM. Flight connections were tight. It was costly. Etc. Etc. However, the flights turned out fine. And it wasn’t bad to leave cloudy, rainy and chilly weather for the warmth of Charlotte, NC (brief as our stay at the airport was) and sunny Lexington, KY. We were afraid it was going to be chilly there but it was perfect!
We were greeted at the airport by Kevin, a very pleasant African-American, who was piloting a van from Keeneland Racecourse. He drove us the few minutes to the track, took us to the Racing Commission office, so I could get my photo taken for my Kentucky State’s Owner’s License and then accompanied us to Barn 22 where Ahvee’s Destiny (and Canadian Ballet) were being housed.
Christian, Ahvee’s groom while Jeobani is away in his Central American homeland, took Ahvee out of her stall. She was a little nippy but she let me stroke in back of her ears. She looked great! We took some photos of all of us with her, stroked her a little more and then Kevin took us to the Clubhouse Will Call window to get our tickets.
Keeneland is a beautiful facility, first built by John Oliver Keene as his family home and sold in 1935 to make the race track in 1936. It’s constructed of magnificent stone, much of it limestone, quarried from the property. So, it’s pretty majestic. And, it was crowded, like Saratoga can be. The paddock area has a stall area and a walking circle area. All very pretty with balconies overlooking as well the throngs of race goers crowding the ground level.
After buying a Keeneland hat and some jockey cards (like Baseball player cards), we went up an elevator to the Lafayette Room, a small, elegant dining area, where the hostess, Missy, welcomed us and set us up with everything we would need; from box seats, if we wanted to go outside for the race, to programs and Paddock passes. A little while later a “host,” named David, greeted us and told us he would return to take us to the paddock before our race and to the box seats. All in all, it was quite a greeting. At the New York Racing Association tracks, we’ve never been treated quite like this.
The course itself is beautifully landscaped with the latest electronic visual aids. However, it is laid out differently than any other race track we’ve been to. At most tracks, the “Clubhouse” entrance is at the finish line end of the homestretch. The Winner’s Circle is proximate to the finish line; not so at Keeneland, where both areas are near the head of the stretch. Rhoda worried that getting from the box seats to the Winner’s Circle was a long haul. I said it’s a problem I hope we’ll be happy to have. Also, the top of the stretch is not parallel to the stands, so some sight lines are difficult. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful track and a beautiful day.
Joe DiGeso, one of the Obviously New York Stable partners who own Canadian Ballet, was also attending, so we sat together and had a bite before his guests arrived. We were all very excited and anxious. Let’s put it this way, when I find it difficult to eat, you know I’m anxious!
When Dave took us down to the Paddock, my adrenaline was on “high.” Ahvee looked beautiful in the paddock. We met the Jockey, Rajiv Maragh, who’d never ridden Ahvee’s Destiny before. So, I was surprised when he asked me why I wasn’t wearing my silks. I told him I’d be wearing them, if he got us to the Winner’s Circle!
Finally, we lead the horses through the tunnel to the race track and I looked at the odds board. Ahvee’s Destiny was 7-1. Wow! I didn’t think we’d be seeing odds this high on her, so I was happy to place my big bets and proceed to the box. The horses were lining up. Since we were in post #1, we went in to the gate first. Rajiv had been told by Linda to get her out of the gate fast. The bell rang… but Rajiv did not get her out fast. She was 6th out of 7 and never improved her position. Boy, were we disappointed… no winning tickets to cash, no Winner’s Circle photos and we had a plane to catch, since the schedules called for us to run back to the airport, so we could make it back home that night. I was in a bit of shock. I felt the tears well up… but I had to focus on getting back to the airport.
We went to the front of the Clubhouse, where Kevin was waiting to take us back to Lexington’s Bluegrass Airport. Linda called to tell me that she was unhappy That Rajiv didn’t get her out of the gate fast. She doesn’t like being in the back. Linda called her a timid horse. I know she doesn’t like dirt kicked up in her face from the horses running in front of her. The race was won in Stakes record time by West Ocean, trained by Todd Pletcher who may have 6 horses in the Kentucky Derby in two weeks.
Even though the flight from Lexington to Charlotte was delayed, they made up the time and our flights home were on time. It was lovely day on one level, obviously disappointing on another. For those who are wondering, our friendly rival, Canadian Ballet finished 4th.
Ahvee’s next race will probably be down in Baltimore next month before the Preakness in the Very One Stakes. Last year that was the exciting race that saw the first four finishers separated by a nose, a head and a nose. We finished third. Ballet finished 2nd. Smart & Fancy was the winner.
Ahvee’s Destiny will be coming to Belmont. We look forward to visiting her and feeding her some carrots. We still love her very much!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Rhoda and I were both stressed on Friday night in anticipation of our big trip the next day. We weren’t even sitting together on some legs. We had to get up around 4AM. Flight connections were tight. It was costly. Etc. Etc. However, the flights turned out fine. And it wasn’t bad to leave cloudy, rainy and chilly weather for the warmth of Charlotte, NC (brief as our stay at the airport was) and sunny Lexington, KY. We were afraid it was going to be chilly there but it was perfect!
We were greeted at the airport by Kevin, a very pleasant African-American, who was piloting a van from Keeneland Racecourse. He drove us the few minutes to the track, took us to the Racing Commission office, so I could get my photo taken for my Kentucky State’s Owner’s License and then accompanied us to Barn 22 where Ahvee’s Destiny (and Canadian Ballet) were being housed.
Christian, Ahvee’s groom while Jeobani is away in his Central American homeland, took Ahvee out of her stall. She was a little nippy but she let me stroke in back of her ears. She looked great! We took some photos of all of us with her, stroked her a little more and then Kevin took us to the Clubhouse Will Call window to get our tickets.
Keeneland is a beautiful facility, first built by John Oliver Keene as his family home and sold in 1935 to make the race track in 1936. It’s constructed of magnificent stone, much of it limestone, quarried from the property. So, it’s pretty majestic. And, it was crowded, like Saratoga can be. The paddock area has a stall area and a walking circle area. All very pretty with balconies overlooking as well the throngs of race goers crowding the ground level.
After buying a Keeneland hat and some jockey cards (like Baseball player cards), we went up an elevator to the Lafayette Room, a small, elegant dining area, where the hostess, Missy, welcomed us and set us up with everything we would need; from box seats, if we wanted to go outside for the race, to programs and Paddock passes. A little while later a “host,” named David, greeted us and told us he would return to take us to the paddock before our race and to the box seats. All in all, it was quite a greeting. At the New York Racing Association tracks, we’ve never been treated quite like this.
The course itself is beautifully landscaped with the latest electronic visual aids. However, it is laid out differently than any other race track we’ve been to. At most tracks, the “Clubhouse” entrance is at the finish line end of the homestretch. The Winner’s Circle is proximate to the finish line; not so at Keeneland, where both areas are near the head of the stretch. Rhoda worried that getting from the box seats to the Winner’s Circle was a long haul. I said it’s a problem I hope we’ll be happy to have. Also, the top of the stretch is not parallel to the stands, so some sight lines are difficult. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful track and a beautiful day.
Joe DiGeso, one of the Obviously New York Stable partners who own Canadian Ballet, was also attending, so we sat together and had a bite before his guests arrived. We were all very excited and anxious. Let’s put it this way, when I find it difficult to eat, you know I’m anxious!
When Dave took us down to the Paddock, my adrenaline was on “high.” Ahvee looked beautiful in the paddock. We met the Jockey, Rajiv Maragh, who’d never ridden Ahvee’s Destiny before. So, I was surprised when he asked me why I wasn’t wearing my silks. I told him I’d be wearing them, if he got us to the Winner’s Circle!
Finally, we lead the horses through the tunnel to the race track and I looked at the odds board. Ahvee’s Destiny was 7-1. Wow! I didn’t think we’d be seeing odds this high on her, so I was happy to place my big bets and proceed to the box. The horses were lining up. Since we were in post #1, we went in to the gate first. Rajiv had been told by Linda to get her out of the gate fast. The bell rang… but Rajiv did not get her out fast. She was 6th out of 7 and never improved her position. Boy, were we disappointed… no winning tickets to cash, no Winner’s Circle photos and we had a plane to catch, since the schedules called for us to run back to the airport, so we could make it back home that night. I was in a bit of shock. I felt the tears well up… but I had to focus on getting back to the airport.
We went to the front of the Clubhouse, where Kevin was waiting to take us back to Lexington’s Bluegrass Airport. Linda called to tell me that she was unhappy That Rajiv didn’t get her out of the gate fast. She doesn’t like being in the back. Linda called her a timid horse. I know she doesn’t like dirt kicked up in her face from the horses running in front of her. The race was won in Stakes record time by West Ocean, trained by Todd Pletcher who may have 6 horses in the Kentucky Derby in two weeks.
Even though the flight from Lexington to Charlotte was delayed, they made up the time and our flights home were on time. It was lovely day on one level, obviously disappointing on another. For those who are wondering, our friendly rival, Canadian Ballet finished 4th.
Ahvee’s next race will probably be down in Baltimore next month before the Preakness in the Very One Stakes. Last year that was the exciting race that saw the first four finishers separated by a nose, a head and a nose. We finished third. Ballet finished 2nd. Smart & Fancy was the winner.
Ahvee’s Destiny will be coming to Belmont. We look forward to visiting her and feeding her some carrots. We still love her very much!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
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