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.

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