First, Holy Blitzer. Johnny Velasquez took her to the front but two others stayed with her. He didn't urge her to the lead, just let her settle in third. Coming around the stretch turn, he made his move and came even with the two in front of her but then she seemed to run out of gas… "empty out" as the jargon goes. Johnny said, in retrospect, he was sorry he didn't urge her to the lead because she may do better on the lead. As it was, she came in dead last, way behind the next to last horse because when she gave up, Johnny didn't try to press her but save her for another day… when she'll be back running against cheaper claimers.
Many have asked how things are going with my trainer, Linda Rice. We still disagree at times. Because Ahvee's Destiny ran such a poor race at Presque Isle Downs last month, she was hesitant to send her there against some good fillies and mares on the synthetic surface. I felt we should just throw out that race because Harry Vega let her get caught at the gate and she doesn't run well from the back of the pack. And, of course, she won that race last year for her biggest purse. On a good day, she should be able to take those competitors. Nonetheless, I would have felt more sanguine about sending her to Colonial Downs on the grass, if the weather forecast would promise to give her a firm track… but that doesn't seem to be the case. The weather calls for heavy showers on Thursday and isolated showers until race time Saturday night. Ahvee's Destiny doesn't like wet grass, so I would have rather tried Presque Isle. Linda is counting on the competition being easier at Colonial, Hope she's right.
It's Truly Ahvee had surgery last week to release his check ligament. According to Surgeon, Liberty Getman, it was a big ligament and will likely reduce the strain on his tendon that has torn twice. In the meantime, that tendon is healing well. Let's hope she's right and the horse I almost called "Stuck with You" is able to race successfully. So far, he's looked beautiful but lived up to his "almost" name.
Based on the latest Ultrasound, Cricky'sGoldenEyes's tear is healing nicely. Hopefully, with sufficient time, he will be able to make it to the races for the first time. Linda had been liking how he looked in training before he was injured.
Katy's Office Girl will run at Belmont in the first race on Wednesday with Ramon Dominguez aboard. She could be competitive at this level ($20,000 claiming). She loves to come from the back. So, it will depend on how close Ramon can keep her to the pack, race pace, etc. We'll see if the weather holds for her to go one mile on the grass.
Best to all,
A.
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