Posted by Avram Freedberg
Giant’s Causeway was a wonderful racehorse and is now a wonderful sire. This stakes race, the 8th race with post time at 4:43PM, is named after him. There is Canadian Ballet and some other tough horses too, especially West Ocean, who set a racecourse record in her last race. She gets better and better. Hope Ahvee’s Destiny does too!
We’ve never been to Keeneland. So, we’re schlepping there for Ahvee’s race… and I do mean schlepping; two flights and 4 hours in each direction, all in one day. Plus, it means canceling a night out with close friends. Seems crazy even to me… but what we won’t do for a little excitement! Hopefully, Ahvee’s Destiny will make it exciting. We do love that horse!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
We're goin' to Kentucky!
Posted by Avram Freedberg
No, not to the Kentucky Derby, but to Keeneland on April 17th for a $100,000 purse running against fillies and mares, including Canadian Ballet. It’s a pain in the butt to get there from here, especially last minute… but we’re going to try. It’ll be even tougher on Ahvee’s Destiny. She has to ship from Florida to Lexington, KY tomorrow and find herself in new surroundings. We know that Rajiv Maragh will be her rider, also for the first time (Johnny V. is riding in a million dollar race elsewhere and C.C. Lopez is injured. They both have won more than once on her).
In short, she’s got a tough road in front of her, no matter what post position, she gets. First race of the year against top competition, long trip, new race track, new jockey, etc., etc. I’ll let you know post time, post position, etc. when I find out. Go Ahvee!
Hear the Footsteps breezed 5 furlongs in 1:02. It doesn’t compare to stakes winner Wall Street Wonders’ :59 and change but it was ok, nonetheless. He should start soon at Belmont.
Holy Blitzer breezed 4 furlongs a few days ago. Linda is looking for a spot for her. I’m hoping she’ll try her at a longer distance. Of course, you know how much Linda loves grass…
BTW, did you see the front page story on how the Addams Family Musical is defying the critics and selling tickets galore? It’s got some good reviews and most importantly, good word-of-mouth. Go, Nathan!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
No, not to the Kentucky Derby, but to Keeneland on April 17th for a $100,000 purse running against fillies and mares, including Canadian Ballet. It’s a pain in the butt to get there from here, especially last minute… but we’re going to try. It’ll be even tougher on Ahvee’s Destiny. She has to ship from Florida to Lexington, KY tomorrow and find herself in new surroundings. We know that Rajiv Maragh will be her rider, also for the first time (Johnny V. is riding in a million dollar race elsewhere and C.C. Lopez is injured. They both have won more than once on her).
In short, she’s got a tough road in front of her, no matter what post position, she gets. First race of the year against top competition, long trip, new race track, new jockey, etc., etc. I’ll let you know post time, post position, etc. when I find out. Go Ahvee!
Hear the Footsteps breezed 5 furlongs in 1:02. It doesn’t compare to stakes winner Wall Street Wonders’ :59 and change but it was ok, nonetheless. He should start soon at Belmont.
Holy Blitzer breezed 4 furlongs a few days ago. Linda is looking for a spot for her. I’m hoping she’ll try her at a longer distance. Of course, you know how much Linda loves grass…
BTW, did you see the front page story on how the Addams Family Musical is defying the critics and selling tickets galore? It’s got some good reviews and most importantly, good word-of-mouth. Go, Nathan!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Horseplay... but not horse related
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Today, my Producer hat is on… as it was last night at the opening of the Addams Family Musical. Everyone had fun with the horseplay that was going on in front of us. Everyone except most of the critics. However, the show had only mixed reviews in Chicago, yet it set box office records for its run. Of course, the most important critic from my point of view (Rhoda), loved it and was surprised at how good it was. My partner Mary Beth’s husband, Wes, loved it too and predicted a long run.
Poor Jerry Zaks, the “Creative Consultant.” He got blamed for whatever shortcomings the critics found. The truth is, he made it a much better, tighter, funnier show. It just proves that when you’re in the line of fire, be prepared to hear, “INCOMING!”
Did you know that Wicked, the long running #1 hit musical got poor reviews? In the end, it’s the people and the word of mouth that counts the most. Nathan Lane is simply wonderful! Don’t be surprised if he wins a Tony ( I don’t think they’ll take points off because his accent wasn’t pure Spanish but maybe the Hispanic vote will be important!).
It’s a fun night of theater. Ask anyone who’s seen it. Go. Enjoy!
As for you critics… eat a worm!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Today, my Producer hat is on… as it was last night at the opening of the Addams Family Musical. Everyone had fun with the horseplay that was going on in front of us. Everyone except most of the critics. However, the show had only mixed reviews in Chicago, yet it set box office records for its run. Of course, the most important critic from my point of view (Rhoda), loved it and was surprised at how good it was. My partner Mary Beth’s husband, Wes, loved it too and predicted a long run.
Poor Jerry Zaks, the “Creative Consultant.” He got blamed for whatever shortcomings the critics found. The truth is, he made it a much better, tighter, funnier show. It just proves that when you’re in the line of fire, be prepared to hear, “INCOMING!”
Did you know that Wicked, the long running #1 hit musical got poor reviews? In the end, it’s the people and the word of mouth that counts the most. Nathan Lane is simply wonderful! Don’t be surprised if he wins a Tony ( I don’t think they’ll take points off because his accent wasn’t pure Spanish but maybe the Hispanic vote will be important!).
It’s a fun night of theater. Ask anyone who’s seen it. Go. Enjoy!
As for you critics… eat a worm!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Fun with Horses
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Saturday was a big race day at the Big A… The Wood Memorial, The Bayshore, The Carter, The Excelsior. Two Stakes races for 3-yr. olds and two for 3 yrs and older. It started off as a beautiful sunny day and ended up cool in heavy fog and fizzle (not quite drizzle). I went with Robbie and we met Robbie’s friend “Pressman” (does he have a first name?) and his guest, Freddie Bond, who used to be a professional clocker for NYRA (they clock the times of the horses-in-training who breeze that day. Those times are published in the Daily Racing Form). We met in the Trustees dining area on the 4th floor. They ate from the buffet. I pulled out my matzah, egg salad and tuna salad. It was still Passover.
Steve Byk of radio’s At the Races had LloyDobler running in the 2nd race and Linda Rice had an entry in the 5th race. I also had made arrangements with Adam Coglianese (can you believe he’s Jewish?), the track photographer, to pick up our Winner’s Circle photos from Holy Blitzer’s maiden victory the week before.
I went down to the paddock area before the 2nd race with Freddie Bond and Gary Sciacca (LloyDobler’s trainer), figuring I’d get the photos and wish Steve Byk good luck (can you believe he is Jewish?). I ran into Byk on the way to Adam’s office and we chatted. Then I got the photos and bet LloyDobler to Win and Place. As LloyDobler got passed in the stretch, I thought it was all over, but it wasn’t. Lloyd came back and drew even. The two horses ran that way until just before the finish when the other horse put his head in front. Since LloyDobler was 8-1, the “Place” ticket was still generous and I had the joy of an exciting race to the finish.
When it was time for Linda’s race, Rob an I went down to the paddock to wish her good luck and see if we could get any good info. Linda said she’d be happy if the horse stood up in the gate. In his lat race, he got fractious and rolled under the gate. Then, we met the owner of Abilio, who told us the horse was not running the right distance. So, we asked Byk who he liked in the race and followed his selections. We were almost distraught when Abilio caught the two pacesetter’s and proceeded to win easily and pay $26.60. So much for good info!
A few races later, Linda joined us in the Trustees room. It was a nice day even when the weather turned cold and foggy. I had the winner in the 10th race and Rob shared in a winning Trifecta that paid over $500 in the last race.
On Sunday morning, Rhoda joined me and we met Johnna, Wayne and Wayne’s girls, Carly and Hannah, at Linda’s stable. Abby, Linda’s assistant, brought her pony, a Quarter-horse named Tucker (whom she had staying with a friend at another barn) to the little corral and all the kids, big and small “rode” Tucker. I think there is one photo with fear in the face of the big, fat cowboy who was born in Brooklyn, when he asked Tucker to “go” and Tucker started moving (not running, mind you, just moving). “Whoa, boy!” It was hard enough for me to get on you (I had to step up on the back of a pail). “Go easy… I’m Jewish, you know.”
Then, Tucker asked me if I knew that Adam Coglianese and Steve Byk were Jewish. So, I invited him to have some gefilte fish but he preferred the carrots and peppermint cookies. Only after he ate them all did he ask if they were Kosher for Passover. He was happy when I got off his back. You could almost see him smile.
Anyway, since it was Easter, there was no regular training of the horses. So, Abby was able to bring out Holy Blitzer, Conseated Lady, Hear the Footsteps and Robbie’s horse, Jess Not Jesse, so we could feed each of them and watch them run behind the groom for a few steps to observe their natural gaits. Everyone except Jesse looked great. Jesse had some gauze on an ankle that must have been bothering him.
It was a lot of fun and just before we left, Wayne brought out what turned out to be a moldy Kosher for Passover birthday cake to wish Rhoda a Happy Birthday, since she was Sweet 16 just days before. It was a passable cake as long as you Passed Over (get it?) the mold. Despite the mold, it was a lovely gesture and capped off a fun time at Belmont.
So, what does all this lead up to? Well, it’s very hard to stay annoyed at someone that makes it possible for you and little kids to have a good time. So, for the moment, we remain firmly (?) ensconced in Linda’s stable and Ahvee’s Destiny will be entering a race in Gulfstream Park in Florida for either Sunday, Monday or Wednesday, depending on when the Racing Secretary at Gulfstream lists the race and depending on whether there are sufficient entries to schedule the race. We will try and go down for the race and see family and friends.
Ahvee’s Destiny breezed 4 furlongs in 49.3 today, not as fast as recently but she did NOT run down her rear hooves. Hopefully, she’s being saved for the race. If this race does not go, she has been nominated for the Keeneland race in Kentucky… but that’s a back-up position.
I love that horse and look forward to seeing her compete. (Yeah, I look forward to seeing her win!)
More to come!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Saturday was a big race day at the Big A… The Wood Memorial, The Bayshore, The Carter, The Excelsior. Two Stakes races for 3-yr. olds and two for 3 yrs and older. It started off as a beautiful sunny day and ended up cool in heavy fog and fizzle (not quite drizzle). I went with Robbie and we met Robbie’s friend “Pressman” (does he have a first name?) and his guest, Freddie Bond, who used to be a professional clocker for NYRA (they clock the times of the horses-in-training who breeze that day. Those times are published in the Daily Racing Form). We met in the Trustees dining area on the 4th floor. They ate from the buffet. I pulled out my matzah, egg salad and tuna salad. It was still Passover.
Steve Byk of radio’s At the Races had LloyDobler running in the 2nd race and Linda Rice had an entry in the 5th race. I also had made arrangements with Adam Coglianese (can you believe he’s Jewish?), the track photographer, to pick up our Winner’s Circle photos from Holy Blitzer’s maiden victory the week before.
I went down to the paddock area before the 2nd race with Freddie Bond and Gary Sciacca (LloyDobler’s trainer), figuring I’d get the photos and wish Steve Byk good luck (can you believe he is Jewish?). I ran into Byk on the way to Adam’s office and we chatted. Then I got the photos and bet LloyDobler to Win and Place. As LloyDobler got passed in the stretch, I thought it was all over, but it wasn’t. Lloyd came back and drew even. The two horses ran that way until just before the finish when the other horse put his head in front. Since LloyDobler was 8-1, the “Place” ticket was still generous and I had the joy of an exciting race to the finish.
When it was time for Linda’s race, Rob an I went down to the paddock to wish her good luck and see if we could get any good info. Linda said she’d be happy if the horse stood up in the gate. In his lat race, he got fractious and rolled under the gate. Then, we met the owner of Abilio, who told us the horse was not running the right distance. So, we asked Byk who he liked in the race and followed his selections. We were almost distraught when Abilio caught the two pacesetter’s and proceeded to win easily and pay $26.60. So much for good info!
A few races later, Linda joined us in the Trustees room. It was a nice day even when the weather turned cold and foggy. I had the winner in the 10th race and Rob shared in a winning Trifecta that paid over $500 in the last race.
On Sunday morning, Rhoda joined me and we met Johnna, Wayne and Wayne’s girls, Carly and Hannah, at Linda’s stable. Abby, Linda’s assistant, brought her pony, a Quarter-horse named Tucker (whom she had staying with a friend at another barn) to the little corral and all the kids, big and small “rode” Tucker. I think there is one photo with fear in the face of the big, fat cowboy who was born in Brooklyn, when he asked Tucker to “go” and Tucker started moving (not running, mind you, just moving). “Whoa, boy!” It was hard enough for me to get on you (I had to step up on the back of a pail). “Go easy… I’m Jewish, you know.”
Then, Tucker asked me if I knew that Adam Coglianese and Steve Byk were Jewish. So, I invited him to have some gefilte fish but he preferred the carrots and peppermint cookies. Only after he ate them all did he ask if they were Kosher for Passover. He was happy when I got off his back. You could almost see him smile.
Anyway, since it was Easter, there was no regular training of the horses. So, Abby was able to bring out Holy Blitzer, Conseated Lady, Hear the Footsteps and Robbie’s horse, Jess Not Jesse, so we could feed each of them and watch them run behind the groom for a few steps to observe their natural gaits. Everyone except Jesse looked great. Jesse had some gauze on an ankle that must have been bothering him.
It was a lot of fun and just before we left, Wayne brought out what turned out to be a moldy Kosher for Passover birthday cake to wish Rhoda a Happy Birthday, since she was Sweet 16 just days before. It was a passable cake as long as you Passed Over (get it?) the mold. Despite the mold, it was a lovely gesture and capped off a fun time at Belmont.
So, what does all this lead up to? Well, it’s very hard to stay annoyed at someone that makes it possible for you and little kids to have a good time. So, for the moment, we remain firmly (?) ensconced in Linda’s stable and Ahvee’s Destiny will be entering a race in Gulfstream Park in Florida for either Sunday, Monday or Wednesday, depending on when the Racing Secretary at Gulfstream lists the race and depending on whether there are sufficient entries to schedule the race. We will try and go down for the race and see family and friends.
Ahvee’s Destiny breezed 4 furlongs in 49.3 today, not as fast as recently but she did NOT run down her rear hooves. Hopefully, she’s being saved for the race. If this race does not go, she has been nominated for the Keeneland race in Kentucky… but that’s a back-up position.
I love that horse and look forward to seeing her compete. (Yeah, I look forward to seeing her win!)
More to come!
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Dilemma
Posted by Avram Freedberg
Ahvee’s Destiny had another “bullet workout” yesterday. She was the fastest of all those who worked 4 furlongs on the grass. When I heard that she had no heat in her feet, I was excited… until Linda said she wore down her rear hooves. This would indicate that she may be experiencing some discomfort and running in an unusual manner to relieve the discomfort. Linda will be watching her carefully over the next few days.
Ahvee’s Destiny was the Queen of Linda’s Stable for a while. However, when Canadian Ballet beat her and went on to win several other Stakes races, Ballet became Linda’s turf darling, just as Mother Russia is her darling on dirt (both are owned by Obviously New York Stable whom we’ve partnered with on 4 2-yr.olds). The reason I’m bringing this up is because I have a dilemma. Ahvee’s Destiny is our darling. Since the two darlings run in similar races, Linda seems to be giving preference to Canadian Ballet. For example, she is pointing Ballet to the Keeneland race with the $100,000 purse that she at first said Ahvee would run in (Ballet was going to run in a higher level Stakes called a Grade 3 Stakes) for the same purse money. Ahvee’s race was not Graded. This was okay with me. However, she has now opted to aim Ahvee for a much cheaper race at Gulfstream, while putting Ballet in the easier $100K race at Keeneland (easier than the Graded Stakes which would attract a higher level crowd and is open to the boys as well as the girls).
She feels that Ahvee has done so well because Linda has placed her in the right kind of races. Good management for a good horse (but not as good as Ballet). Well, I feel that Ballet is a good horse too but we’re not scared of facing her, if need be. Ahvee’s Destiny HAS been the beneficiary of Linda’s good management. No doubt. However, Ahvee’s Destiny also has talent and a lot of heart. So, it is hard for me to want to take a backseat to Ballet.
Linda also is fixated on Ahvee’s Destiny being a turf sprinter at no more than 5 ½ furlongs. She may be right but in my business, we test such theories. Even when we’re sure we’re right, we test. Often, we find we weren’t so right. The next grand slam product turns into a bunt… or even worse, a strikeout! So, Ahvee maybe exactly what she thinks she is but if she can do more, there are many more opportunities, many more races to choose from and more purse money to be won.
What are our choices? We can insist that she enter the horse in the races we believe she should be entered in. We can insist she runs her at different distances, maybe even on different surfaces (in addition to dirt, there are many synthetic tracks). However, this sets up an adversarial relationship with the trainer. Further, if the trainer does not believe a horse can do certain things, she might not train them in a way that would be most helpful to the horse’s competing successfully. She might even (subconsciously, of course) train her to lose to prove her point. Is that professional? Certainly not… but its been known to happen. I can guarantee you when you send back an overcooked fish you ordered in a restaurant, the replacement will be almost rare a goodly percentage of the time.
Of course, you can go with another trainer. This happens all the time. However, for me, there is discomfort in going that route too. Linda found this horse. She’s trained her for almost 4 years. We had many exciting races together. Etc. Etc. Etc. It is a difficult decision. One owner had his horse claimed away when Linda thought the horse’s soundness was in question and the new trainer got him to win 2 Graded Stakes in a row after claiming him for $25K. So, Linda can be wrong.
Anyway, that is the dilemma. It’ll be a tough decision.
Speaking of claiming horses. Holy Blitzer just won at the $12,500 level and Linda has entered her again this Saturday to run at the $15,000 level… not a big jump. Are we ready to lose her? I sure was after her first start but now that she’s a winner… I guess we’ll see what happens with this horse too.
Hope you’re enjoying your Passover, Easter or just the current and upcoming good weather.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Ahvee’s Destiny had another “bullet workout” yesterday. She was the fastest of all those who worked 4 furlongs on the grass. When I heard that she had no heat in her feet, I was excited… until Linda said she wore down her rear hooves. This would indicate that she may be experiencing some discomfort and running in an unusual manner to relieve the discomfort. Linda will be watching her carefully over the next few days.
Ahvee’s Destiny was the Queen of Linda’s Stable for a while. However, when Canadian Ballet beat her and went on to win several other Stakes races, Ballet became Linda’s turf darling, just as Mother Russia is her darling on dirt (both are owned by Obviously New York Stable whom we’ve partnered with on 4 2-yr.olds). The reason I’m bringing this up is because I have a dilemma. Ahvee’s Destiny is our darling. Since the two darlings run in similar races, Linda seems to be giving preference to Canadian Ballet. For example, she is pointing Ballet to the Keeneland race with the $100,000 purse that she at first said Ahvee would run in (Ballet was going to run in a higher level Stakes called a Grade 3 Stakes) for the same purse money. Ahvee’s race was not Graded. This was okay with me. However, she has now opted to aim Ahvee for a much cheaper race at Gulfstream, while putting Ballet in the easier $100K race at Keeneland (easier than the Graded Stakes which would attract a higher level crowd and is open to the boys as well as the girls).
She feels that Ahvee has done so well because Linda has placed her in the right kind of races. Good management for a good horse (but not as good as Ballet). Well, I feel that Ballet is a good horse too but we’re not scared of facing her, if need be. Ahvee’s Destiny HAS been the beneficiary of Linda’s good management. No doubt. However, Ahvee’s Destiny also has talent and a lot of heart. So, it is hard for me to want to take a backseat to Ballet.
Linda also is fixated on Ahvee’s Destiny being a turf sprinter at no more than 5 ½ furlongs. She may be right but in my business, we test such theories. Even when we’re sure we’re right, we test. Often, we find we weren’t so right. The next grand slam product turns into a bunt… or even worse, a strikeout! So, Ahvee maybe exactly what she thinks she is but if she can do more, there are many more opportunities, many more races to choose from and more purse money to be won.
What are our choices? We can insist that she enter the horse in the races we believe she should be entered in. We can insist she runs her at different distances, maybe even on different surfaces (in addition to dirt, there are many synthetic tracks). However, this sets up an adversarial relationship with the trainer. Further, if the trainer does not believe a horse can do certain things, she might not train them in a way that would be most helpful to the horse’s competing successfully. She might even (subconsciously, of course) train her to lose to prove her point. Is that professional? Certainly not… but its been known to happen. I can guarantee you when you send back an overcooked fish you ordered in a restaurant, the replacement will be almost rare a goodly percentage of the time.
Of course, you can go with another trainer. This happens all the time. However, for me, there is discomfort in going that route too. Linda found this horse. She’s trained her for almost 4 years. We had many exciting races together. Etc. Etc. Etc. It is a difficult decision. One owner had his horse claimed away when Linda thought the horse’s soundness was in question and the new trainer got him to win 2 Graded Stakes in a row after claiming him for $25K. So, Linda can be wrong.
Anyway, that is the dilemma. It’ll be a tough decision.
Speaking of claiming horses. Holy Blitzer just won at the $12,500 level and Linda has entered her again this Saturday to run at the $15,000 level… not a big jump. Are we ready to lose her? I sure was after her first start but now that she’s a winner… I guess we’ll see what happens with this horse too.
Hope you’re enjoying your Passover, Easter or just the current and upcoming good weather.
Best,
A.
Visit the Official Avram Freedberg website!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
