We’re off to Israel tomorrow night for a couple of weeks. No horse racing in Israel.

Posted by Avram Freedberg

I’d hoped to be able to send you photos of It’s Truly Ahvee and Cricky’s GoldenEyes but Linda has not sent them to me yet. At present, we have not nominated either to a sale because they will not be ready for April. However, on Feb 15th the Maryland sale closes. So, Linda and Pat will have to decide whether to nominate either or both by then. If Cricky’s GoldenEyes gets nominated, we will be changing his name in deference to Cricket, our dear, departed dog whose likeness appears on our jockey silks and after whom our stable is named.

We’ve sent leases for a new home rental in Saratoga that back up to the Oklahoma training track. It is not as centrally situated as the smaller house we discussed but they made the price so good for 4 bedrooms, we had to go in that direction. When we get the signed lease back, we’ll know it’s really done. Then, we can start talking about your summer visits.

We’ve been frustrated with the lack of runners. Hopefully, the string of horses will advance in their training and we’ll get some action by Spring. Depending on which groundhog you believe, it’ll either still be Winter when we return or Spring will be in view. Let’s hope for an early Spring, so Staten Island’s rodent can rule over Pennsylvania’s.

Here’s an interesting story… Linda Rice is not noted for getting 2-yr. olds to the races very quickly, though she is noted for getting them to the Winner’s Circle when she does finally run them, especially in Turf Sprints. On the other hand, one of her most famous winners, City Zip, was racing early and swept several Stakes races in a row during his 2-yr. old summer. I asked her what was special about him, that allowed her to get him ready so early. Turns out, she didn’t get him ready. She didn’t get to be his trainer until after his first race which was handled by another trainer! I was hoping to apply the lessons learned to our 2-yr. olds, but c’est la vie!

Look forward to more frequent updates on our return.

Love to all,
A.


Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!