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.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!