As the calender hits December 1st, our horses have reached their winter destinations and have all settled in.
First things first, Surfer Rosa has been retired from racing as she just wasn't showing us she wanted to be a racehorse. She was retired to the Illinois Equine Humane Center where she will get a month off before being retrained.
That leaves us with four horses with Richie Scherer who is now down at the Fairgrounds. We are pretty excited about experiencing a full season in New Orleans and we feel we have the horses who can compete there.
Prospect Knight came out of his entry level allowance victory in fine order and will enter on Saturday for a 2 other than allowance race on December 8th. We are hoping the Fairgrounds racing secretary will put up a 9 furlong race sometime in the meet as we really feel he would love the additional furlong.
Albin's race was rained off on opening day at the Fairgrounds (Thanksgiving Day) and is now running this coming Sunday in what was a surprise race for us. It wasn't on the overnight but they must have had issues fulling the card and put out some additional extras. This is great considering we thought we were gonna have to wait until mid to late December to get a start into him.
Rochelle Rochelle had a very rough trip in her race last week and she will come back in the same spot towards the middle of December.
Mr Mojo Risin is going to be turned out for 30-45 days as he hasn't been putting out full effort in his last two starts. The turnout should help him get over the stuff that is bugging him and might help him from a maturity level also. We are hoping to get him back to the races mid to late March.
Gondorf arrived in Florida the first week of November and started his winter campaign out with a bang. He ran a very good race on Saturday losing by only 3 3/4 lengths. If there wasn't a pesky 99/1 shot bothering us on the front end we think it would have even been closer at the end. We are hoping he provides a late Xmas gift when he comes back in an one other then allowance race at Gulfstream Park going 11 furlongs on turf.
We had a change in plans in regards to our broodmares this year after Governor Quinn of Illinois decided to veto the slots at the track bill in Illinois. Our focus has always been on Illinois racing since we started this operation but it has become economically impossible to survive here.
Wundelia has been sent to Ontario to Dan Mooney's farm, Huntington Stud, where she will foal her Yes Its true progeny. He was recommended by our Canadian trainer Brian Lynch and we are looking forward to seeing what she will foal this year.
Top Royelle will be pensioned after she foals her Desert Party progeny. She has been sent to Dr McCrosky's farm in Waterloo, Il and both mom and foal will stay there to be raised. Top Royelle's first foal, the Dehere filly, has been at Rea's Quarter horses for almost two months now as she goes through the breaking process. While short in stature, she has progressed well and according to Barbara Rea, has been quick to please, a good sign. Hope she is quick in general!
Bob's Bean's only foal, the Johar Filly, is also at the Rea's and she is a completely different filly. Long in the back and tall she is still growing and hasn't come around as quick as the Dehere filly. There is no set timetable when it comes to breaking horses and she will tell us when she is ready.
Hope everyone has a great holiday season,
BGR Racing Team
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
End of Summer and Playoff run
In hockey, you will see players that are contending for the playoffs grow "playoff" beards. Some look great, some look ridiculous. Add me to the ridiculous column. As our roster made their playoff run (end of September at Arlington), I started growing a beard. After this weekend, the beard was shaved. To say it was disappointing is an understatement, but what doesn't kill you will make you stronger.
Prospect Knight went to Hoosier to try and win an allowance race and in the oddly run race he was hung out wide on both turns and finished an 'ok' 4th. He will get the opportunity to run out of his own stall at Hawthorne towards the middle of October.
Rochelle Rochelle finished an even 4th in her last race. She will get a surface change, some class relief, and some more distance in what should be a good spot at Hawthorne on October 9th.
Gondorf was the victim of a jockey that had never been on him. He rated beautifully on the lead and was able to set comfortable fractions but instead of going on with it, the jock let some horses get close to him and he folded up. He is going to come back on short rest and try the marathon distance of 14 furlongs in a starter allowance race on October 9th.
While we learned some things about how Albin wants to run, his last place finish this weekend was rather disappointing. In his two bad races at Arlington, he was in between horses the whole time and he has proven that he wants to be outside of all the horses, almost like he feels safer out there. His next spot is yet to be determined but will take place sometime towards the end of October at Hawthorne.
Mr Mojo Risin did not show the late kick that he has had in his races and will undergo some tests to make sure things are alright internally. He will also look for a spot at the Hawthorne meet.
Surfer Rosa finished a dull 9th on closing day and she will get one try at the bottom at Hawthorne and most likely be retired towards the end of October.
Both yearlings filly (Dehere/Top Royelle and Johar/Bob's Bean) are going this weekend to Rea's Quarter Horses to be broken. This process tends to take between 30-90 days and they do a great job there. The Dehere/Top Royelle filly will go to New Orleans to continue her training sometime around the first of the year and the Johar/Bob's Bean filly will probably need more time to grow into her body.
Both weanings (Yes Its True filly and Cactus Ridge Colt) are doing well. Both broodmares will be leaving after Thanksgiving to go to their Illinois farm to give birth to their foals.
The summer is over, but racing continues. Looking forward to the Hawthorne meet and their increased purses.
Prospect Knight went to Hoosier to try and win an allowance race and in the oddly run race he was hung out wide on both turns and finished an 'ok' 4th. He will get the opportunity to run out of his own stall at Hawthorne towards the middle of October.
Rochelle Rochelle finished an even 4th in her last race. She will get a surface change, some class relief, and some more distance in what should be a good spot at Hawthorne on October 9th.
Gondorf was the victim of a jockey that had never been on him. He rated beautifully on the lead and was able to set comfortable fractions but instead of going on with it, the jock let some horses get close to him and he folded up. He is going to come back on short rest and try the marathon distance of 14 furlongs in a starter allowance race on October 9th.
While we learned some things about how Albin wants to run, his last place finish this weekend was rather disappointing. In his two bad races at Arlington, he was in between horses the whole time and he has proven that he wants to be outside of all the horses, almost like he feels safer out there. His next spot is yet to be determined but will take place sometime towards the end of October at Hawthorne.
Mr Mojo Risin did not show the late kick that he has had in his races and will undergo some tests to make sure things are alright internally. He will also look for a spot at the Hawthorne meet.
Surfer Rosa finished a dull 9th on closing day and she will get one try at the bottom at Hawthorne and most likely be retired towards the end of October.
Both yearlings filly (Dehere/Top Royelle and Johar/Bob's Bean) are going this weekend to Rea's Quarter Horses to be broken. This process tends to take between 30-90 days and they do a great job there. The Dehere/Top Royelle filly will go to New Orleans to continue her training sometime around the first of the year and the Johar/Bob's Bean filly will probably need more time to grow into her body.
Both weanings (Yes Its True filly and Cactus Ridge Colt) are doing well. Both broodmares will be leaving after Thanksgiving to go to their Illinois farm to give birth to their foals.
The summer is over, but racing continues. Looking forward to the Hawthorne meet and their increased purses.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Internal BGR Roster competition
Someone smart who I can not remember once said that throughout life you gradually get better at whatever you do and you will always be learning. Same holds true for thoroughbred racehorses. This summer, our stable has continued to break through and has been moving up the class ladder as we continue on this quest of a successful racing stable.
After Albin ran his lifetime top clearing his 25nw3 condition, Prospect Knight ran a bangup 2nd at Hoosier Park last week. In taking the blinkers off, he settled nicely and fought hard to save 2nd to get beat only 2 lengths while earning an 86 Beyer. The winner got a very good trip, as did we, but I think we will be in a perfect spot for a win coming up when he returns in the middle of September.
4 days later Gondorf proved our thoughts of him being a good horse were not incorrect. Even the announcer proclaimed such thing as in his race call he proclaims "And Gondorf, pulling away like a good horse". It is a great feeling when the thoughts you have had come true. Our reasons for sending him to Canada were to take advantage of his statebred status and we thought their unique turf course would play towards his running style. He proved those who believed correct as he ran a 92 Beyer, a lifetime and BGR Stable top. All reports are that he came out of the race in good order and he will point towards a turf allowance race towards the end of September.
Rochelle Rochelle tried the polytrack once again and was pace compromised throughout the whole race. We will talk with Richie about a spot on the same day as Prospect Knight at Hoosier Park but it could be a touch quick for her to return. If not at Hoosier we will consider the end of the month at Arlington or opening week at Hawthorne.
Albin ran today in the 9th race and ran 4th. Looking at the race on paper, we were looking for a super fast pace and while we did get a decent pace, Albin was too far back and used his good closing kick to finish 4th place, beat less then three lengths. He will return in the same condition closing weekend at Arlington.
Mr Mojo Risin also ran today but for the 2nd straight time he received a no chance trip. In the first two furlongs of the race he seemed uncertain of the footing as this was his first chance to run on grass, after getting over that he settled nicely on the backside and at the half mile pole he started making a solid run only to never get a clear path. As frustrating as it may be after the race, the good news is that it seems like we have a talented horse on our hands and hopefully sooner then later he will get to show those talents. He will also return closing weekend in the same condition.
Surfer Rosa is fighting for her racing career on Monday as she goes in the last race. We are hoping for a solid performance in what should be the ideal situation to show her racing prowlness.
We are one more month away until we start at least one racing career from our first homebreds. While we are still talking about how and when to start, the plan is for Top Royelle's first foal, a Dehere filly, to start the breaking process October 1st, and we might give the Johar filly some time so she can continue to grow.
After Albin ran his lifetime top clearing his 25nw3 condition, Prospect Knight ran a bangup 2nd at Hoosier Park last week. In taking the blinkers off, he settled nicely and fought hard to save 2nd to get beat only 2 lengths while earning an 86 Beyer. The winner got a very good trip, as did we, but I think we will be in a perfect spot for a win coming up when he returns in the middle of September.
4 days later Gondorf proved our thoughts of him being a good horse were not incorrect. Even the announcer proclaimed such thing as in his race call he proclaims "And Gondorf, pulling away like a good horse". It is a great feeling when the thoughts you have had come true. Our reasons for sending him to Canada were to take advantage of his statebred status and we thought their unique turf course would play towards his running style. He proved those who believed correct as he ran a 92 Beyer, a lifetime and BGR Stable top. All reports are that he came out of the race in good order and he will point towards a turf allowance race towards the end of September.
Rochelle Rochelle tried the polytrack once again and was pace compromised throughout the whole race. We will talk with Richie about a spot on the same day as Prospect Knight at Hoosier Park but it could be a touch quick for her to return. If not at Hoosier we will consider the end of the month at Arlington or opening week at Hawthorne.
Albin ran today in the 9th race and ran 4th. Looking at the race on paper, we were looking for a super fast pace and while we did get a decent pace, Albin was too far back and used his good closing kick to finish 4th place, beat less then three lengths. He will return in the same condition closing weekend at Arlington.
Mr Mojo Risin also ran today but for the 2nd straight time he received a no chance trip. In the first two furlongs of the race he seemed uncertain of the footing as this was his first chance to run on grass, after getting over that he settled nicely on the backside and at the half mile pole he started making a solid run only to never get a clear path. As frustrating as it may be after the race, the good news is that it seems like we have a talented horse on our hands and hopefully sooner then later he will get to show those talents. He will also return closing weekend in the same condition.
Surfer Rosa is fighting for her racing career on Monday as she goes in the last race. We are hoping for a solid performance in what should be the ideal situation to show her racing prowlness.
We are one more month away until we start at least one racing career from our first homebreds. While we are still talking about how and when to start, the plan is for Top Royelle's first foal, a Dehere filly, to start the breaking process October 1st, and we might give the Johar filly some time so she can continue to grow.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Albin wins, Arlington increases purses
The legal battle with the casinos over the 3% that was earmarked for the Illinois Thoroughbred racetracks and horseman has finally ended, in favor of the horseman. Arlington has already increased their purses 21%, and those increases should be around for following 3 years. If the racetracks are able to get slots also, the purses could become the highest in the Midwest, making racing here extremely viable.
Albin proved that his last place finish in his race on July 21st was a fluke as he galloped in a conditioned claimer on August 4th. He received a very good Thorograph figure in his August 4th win and he will go back to facing allowance company the first week of September. Hopefully he continues to improve.
Rochelle Rochelle and Prospect Knight made their return to Arlington Park the first week of August. Rochelle Rochelle returned to the turf in a lackluster performance last Friday. She will get some class relief towards the first week of September.
Prospect Knight has been given 14 days of light training and will get back to it starting tomorrow. He will work around the 20th of August as we target an allowance race at Hoosier Park on August 27th.
Mr Mojo Risin ran a sneaky good 5th in an allowance race on Million Day. Despite only being able to run for a quarter mile, he was only beat 4 lengths to a couple older horses on what we consider his non-preferred surface. The next couple weeks he will get some special attention and focus to his behavior in the gate. His first two races he has broke tardy which has caused him to be shoveled back to last. We will try and get him to break a little cleaner so he doesn't have to make up so much ground. He'll also return the first week of September.
Gondorf ran back after his maiden crushing to finish a fading 7th place. He never really got a chance to settle in that race and while we do believe he is allowance worthy, he will get some class relief and hopefully a return to the turf.
Surfer Rosa was suppose to run today but was scratched because Arlington took the races off the turf after the deluge of rain yesterday. Considering her race got 30 horses and was split into 3 divisions, it is probable that they will bring it back as an extra fairly quickly.
The Claiming Crown is at the Fairground this year and we have nominated four horses (Prospect Knight, Gondorf, Albin and Mr Mojo Risin). As of right now, Albin has a chance to be running that day but alot can change between now and the end of December. The Claiming Crown gives the working man horse a chance at making stakes type money. Its a novel idea that is great for our type of operation.
Not much to report from Arundel Farm regarding our foals and broodmares. October 1st is getting closer and closer for both of the yearling fillies and their first trainings begin. This is the first crop of homebreds for Bob Gary Racing, and while they are not named yet, we are eagerly awaiting them for debut, hopefully in 2012.
Albin proved that his last place finish in his race on July 21st was a fluke as he galloped in a conditioned claimer on August 4th. He received a very good Thorograph figure in his August 4th win and he will go back to facing allowance company the first week of September. Hopefully he continues to improve.
Rochelle Rochelle and Prospect Knight made their return to Arlington Park the first week of August. Rochelle Rochelle returned to the turf in a lackluster performance last Friday. She will get some class relief towards the first week of September.
Prospect Knight has been given 14 days of light training and will get back to it starting tomorrow. He will work around the 20th of August as we target an allowance race at Hoosier Park on August 27th.
Mr Mojo Risin ran a sneaky good 5th in an allowance race on Million Day. Despite only being able to run for a quarter mile, he was only beat 4 lengths to a couple older horses on what we consider his non-preferred surface. The next couple weeks he will get some special attention and focus to his behavior in the gate. His first two races he has broke tardy which has caused him to be shoveled back to last. We will try and get him to break a little cleaner so he doesn't have to make up so much ground. He'll also return the first week of September.
Gondorf ran back after his maiden crushing to finish a fading 7th place. He never really got a chance to settle in that race and while we do believe he is allowance worthy, he will get some class relief and hopefully a return to the turf.
Surfer Rosa was suppose to run today but was scratched because Arlington took the races off the turf after the deluge of rain yesterday. Considering her race got 30 horses and was split into 3 divisions, it is probable that they will bring it back as an extra fairly quickly.
The Claiming Crown is at the Fairground this year and we have nominated four horses (Prospect Knight, Gondorf, Albin and Mr Mojo Risin). As of right now, Albin has a chance to be running that day but alot can change between now and the end of December. The Claiming Crown gives the working man horse a chance at making stakes type money. Its a novel idea that is great for our type of operation.
Not much to report from Arundel Farm regarding our foals and broodmares. October 1st is getting closer and closer for both of the yearling fillies and their first trainings begin. This is the first crop of homebreds for Bob Gary Racing, and while they are not named yet, we are eagerly awaiting them for debut, hopefully in 2012.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
As fortunes turn....
It can be pretty amazing the experiences that you go through within this business. The second that you think you can get things turned around, a new rule gets magically invented by a racing office or someone gets sick. It felt like a month ago we could do no wrong for the first time and then unfortunately we have been brought back to reality.
Gondorf was entered today to run in a 7f turf race at Woodbine and after looking at the race we made the conscience decision to run in what is a better suited race for him on Saturday. Little did we know that the higher ups at Woodbine have now created a scratch list, which is where you are not allowed to enter back for a specific amount of time. While it is only 5 days, that means we will have to miss this race on Saturday (which he would have been a top three choice) and potentially we can't enter for a lesser race on Sunday. Unfortunately considering how small of an operation we are, missing even 5 days worth of opportunities does hurt how I run this business, but the good news is that since Gondorf did win on the polytrack, it is likely we will be able to get another race for him towards the first week of August. All indications from Brian is that he will continue to move forward and he has the potential to be a fall/winter handicap horse on the polytrack or turf at tracks such as Keeneland or Gulfstream Park.
Prospect Knight ran a dismal race at Delaware Park last weekend. He came out of the race with a severe case of pharyngitis (which would be considering strep throat in humans). He will get healthy and hopefully have a start around the last week of July / first week of August somewhere. The type of situation regarding Knight makes you want to pull your hair out cause we believe he is an above average horse, except above average races won't fill, and when they do fill the timing just isn't right. This causes us to run above where we belong thus below par performances. If we were to run him in below average races, we would then be taking on the risk of losing him, and he isn't the type of horse we can afford to lose. The good news is that his regular rider Jose Flores galloped him this morning and is inching closer to getting back in the saddle. That would be a welcome return for the Philly string.
Rochelle Rochelle is back training and should be ready the first week of August.
Albin took on tougher company in an allowance race a couple weeks ago and ran a great 4th considering he was wide the entire time and made a premature move. Race dynamics and post caused that and he should be returning soon.
Surfer Rosa ran back for the first time at Arlington and ran an 'even' 6th. She will return to the turf next time and everyone is in agreement that she will have to run well for her not to be retired.
Mr Mojo Risin worked this morning in a smooth 49.0 flat. We are hoping to be able to run him fairly soon as he is doing well.
All reports from Arundel are that the yearlings, broodmare, and foals are doing well. I'm sure they are enjoying the nice green grass that Kentucky should have after all the rain they have received in late May and all of June. The foals are about 2-3 months away from being weened and the yearlings will leave October 1st to be broken and start their racing careers.
Gondorf was entered today to run in a 7f turf race at Woodbine and after looking at the race we made the conscience decision to run in what is a better suited race for him on Saturday. Little did we know that the higher ups at Woodbine have now created a scratch list, which is where you are not allowed to enter back for a specific amount of time. While it is only 5 days, that means we will have to miss this race on Saturday (which he would have been a top three choice) and potentially we can't enter for a lesser race on Sunday. Unfortunately considering how small of an operation we are, missing even 5 days worth of opportunities does hurt how I run this business, but the good news is that since Gondorf did win on the polytrack, it is likely we will be able to get another race for him towards the first week of August. All indications from Brian is that he will continue to move forward and he has the potential to be a fall/winter handicap horse on the polytrack or turf at tracks such as Keeneland or Gulfstream Park.
Prospect Knight ran a dismal race at Delaware Park last weekend. He came out of the race with a severe case of pharyngitis (which would be considering strep throat in humans). He will get healthy and hopefully have a start around the last week of July / first week of August somewhere. The type of situation regarding Knight makes you want to pull your hair out cause we believe he is an above average horse, except above average races won't fill, and when they do fill the timing just isn't right. This causes us to run above where we belong thus below par performances. If we were to run him in below average races, we would then be taking on the risk of losing him, and he isn't the type of horse we can afford to lose. The good news is that his regular rider Jose Flores galloped him this morning and is inching closer to getting back in the saddle. That would be a welcome return for the Philly string.
Rochelle Rochelle is back training and should be ready the first week of August.
Albin took on tougher company in an allowance race a couple weeks ago and ran a great 4th considering he was wide the entire time and made a premature move. Race dynamics and post caused that and he should be returning soon.
Surfer Rosa ran back for the first time at Arlington and ran an 'even' 6th. She will return to the turf next time and everyone is in agreement that she will have to run well for her not to be retired.
Mr Mojo Risin worked this morning in a smooth 49.0 flat. We are hoping to be able to run him fairly soon as he is doing well.
All reports from Arundel are that the yearlings, broodmare, and foals are doing well. I'm sure they are enjoying the nice green grass that Kentucky should have after all the rain they have received in late May and all of June. The foals are about 2-3 months away from being weened and the yearlings will leave October 1st to be broken and start their racing careers.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Gondorf ROMPS!!
The feeling is amazing when a plan comes together. Gondorf was born in Canada and we made the conscience business decision to send him to where he would run for the best purses against the easiest competition. He backed up that decision by demolishing a maiden claiming 20k race to win by 9.25 easy lengths. He went straight to the lead and never really even felt the whip. Gondorf showed he had some talent at 3 years old which lead us to believe he could be a very good older horse. His breeding also leads towards his best races coming when he is 4 years old and up. Reports from Brian Lynch are that he came out of his race in good order and is quite proud of himself. He is one horse that never lacked charisma.
Mr Mojo Risin is set to make his debut on Wednesday at Arlington. Considering he is a maiden, the uncertainty can leave you anxious. It is very hard to simulate race conditions in the training hours so you really do not know what he will do in a live race.
Albin was scratched from his last start because the race was taken off the turf. While we do want to try him one more time on the poly, it was just not the right circumstance. He has trained well for what will be his first chance at allowance company the first week of July.
Rochelle Rochelle's last race was run in very hot conditions and that kind of knocked her out. She has been given a minor breather and will run the first week of July. We are considering a couple races including getting her back on the lawn.
In this day in age, connections just do not campaign horses like they use to. Once they win a MSW with a young horse, they are automatically thrown into a stakes race instead of 'running them through their conditions'. This has caused some frustration on our part as we have been looking for a race for two weeks now for Prospect Knight. This has forced our hand to try some of the bigger fish in a stakes race at Delaware Park on July 9th. Knight continues to mature as he was a late 3 year old and while our preference is to run him in an allowance race, you have to go in races that will fill, and those allowance races are just not filling. This is an acid test for Knight and it should help us plan the rest of the summer for him.
Surfer Rosa is back in training and is looking better. We are still uncertain if she will make it back to the races and at what level.
Reports from our broodmare farm are that Top Royelle and Wundelia are doing great, along with both of their yearlings (Dehere and Johar fillies) and foals (Yes Its True filly and Cactus Ridge colt). We are hoping to make it down in October to spend some time with them.
Mr Mojo Risin is set to make his debut on Wednesday at Arlington. Considering he is a maiden, the uncertainty can leave you anxious. It is very hard to simulate race conditions in the training hours so you really do not know what he will do in a live race.
Albin was scratched from his last start because the race was taken off the turf. While we do want to try him one more time on the poly, it was just not the right circumstance. He has trained well for what will be his first chance at allowance company the first week of July.
Rochelle Rochelle's last race was run in very hot conditions and that kind of knocked her out. She has been given a minor breather and will run the first week of July. We are considering a couple races including getting her back on the lawn.
In this day in age, connections just do not campaign horses like they use to. Once they win a MSW with a young horse, they are automatically thrown into a stakes race instead of 'running them through their conditions'. This has caused some frustration on our part as we have been looking for a race for two weeks now for Prospect Knight. This has forced our hand to try some of the bigger fish in a stakes race at Delaware Park on July 9th. Knight continues to mature as he was a late 3 year old and while our preference is to run him in an allowance race, you have to go in races that will fill, and those allowance races are just not filling. This is an acid test for Knight and it should help us plan the rest of the summer for him.
Surfer Rosa is back in training and is looking better. We are still uncertain if she will make it back to the races and at what level.
Reports from our broodmare farm are that Top Royelle and Wundelia are doing great, along with both of their yearlings (Dehere and Johar fillies) and foals (Yes Its True filly and Cactus Ridge colt). We are hoping to make it down in October to spend some time with them.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Albin WINS!
The Arlington meet started out with a bang as Albin ran an impressive race to win a conditioned claimer on Preakness Saturday. It was a very emotional win considering Albin is named after Bob's late father. Albin came out of the race good and we are pointing towards a rise in class for his next start in the middle of June.
Prospect Knight made his return off the layoff to run a sneaky good race. While finishing fourth, the three horses ahead of him ran a shorter distance and were also older horses. Knight was a late foal and should continue to get better. While we are still considering the Barbaro Stakes on July 9th with him, we will go ahead and circle the straight 3 year old allowance race on June 19th at Parx Racing as his next spot.
Rochelle Rochelle ran a good 2nd in her race last week and Chuck has decided to wheel her back quickly considering how well she is doing. Same spot and should be one of the choices in the conditioned claimer.
Mizz Liza ran a dismal race and Chuck also decided to bring her back quick, and also taking the blinkers off. Time is ticking with her as she has to show she wants to be a racehorse sometime soon.
Mr Mojo Risin will have one more work till his scheduled debut the first week of June. He has trained forwardly and we still trying to see what type of horse we have.
All reports from Brian Lynch in Canada have been great in regards to Gondorf. He will have a couple more works and should be ready to roll the first week of June.
Surfer Rosa has returned off her minor layoff and she will need to prove she wants to be a racehorse to stay around. She looks better but sometimes you just never know.
Prospect Knight made his return off the layoff to run a sneaky good race. While finishing fourth, the three horses ahead of him ran a shorter distance and were also older horses. Knight was a late foal and should continue to get better. While we are still considering the Barbaro Stakes on July 9th with him, we will go ahead and circle the straight 3 year old allowance race on June 19th at Parx Racing as his next spot.
Rochelle Rochelle ran a good 2nd in her race last week and Chuck has decided to wheel her back quickly considering how well she is doing. Same spot and should be one of the choices in the conditioned claimer.
Mizz Liza ran a dismal race and Chuck also decided to bring her back quick, and also taking the blinkers off. Time is ticking with her as she has to show she wants to be a racehorse sometime soon.
Mr Mojo Risin will have one more work till his scheduled debut the first week of June. He has trained forwardly and we still trying to see what type of horse we have.
All reports from Brian Lynch in Canada have been great in regards to Gondorf. He will have a couple more works and should be ready to roll the first week of June.
Surfer Rosa has returned off her minor layoff and she will need to prove she wants to be a racehorse to stay around. She looks better but sometimes you just never know.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Spring begins
Spring has begun in the Chicagoland area and Arlington can't get here fast enough. The winter has been long and rough in the Chicago area and hoping wintering in Florida will benefit us early.
As for bad news, we have two retirements to announce. Big Shake, simply put, did not want to compete as a racehorse. He is currently being looked at as a possible hunter/dressage prospect by some people in the Philly area and will not race anymore. Unfortunately the purchase of The Magic Bus did not turn out. While he is a healthy horse and looks fantastic, unfortunately his body doesn't want to help out when running. After some tests at the famed New Bolton Center, it was determined that when he is put under pressure of a race, his throat closes up like he were having an allergic reaction, causing him to faint. We can't in good conscience continue to race him considering that lives (both human and equine) would be at risk. He is currently being shopped as a stallion prospect in both the Midwest and South America. It is a blow to Bob Gary Racing but we will bounce back.
On to some good news, Mizz Liza makes her return after her dramatic fall last race as she will be running at the Atlantic City boutique meet. She should appreciate her return to the lawn and hopefully she will romp in this turf race.
Rochelle Rochelle was one of three excluded in her Atlantic City opportunity and her race today at Philly did not fill. This is one of the more frustrating part of the business as you have a horse that you want to run yet you can't find a reasonable spot for her to run. She will point towards May 17th at Parx as there are two races for her (15nw3 and a starter 12.5nw3).
Mr Mojo Risin, Albin, and Surfer Rosa are leaving Florida today and arriving at Hawthorne tomorrow afternoon and will be under the care of Richard Scherer. All three horses will be spotted aggressively and should produce at the upcoming Arlington meet.
Albin returned to the races at Tampa the other day and ran a real good 6th place. Him returning was bittersweet as it has taken a long time and while he didn't collect a paycheck, this race set himself up to be in a great spot towards the end of May at Arlington.
Mr Mojo Risin has grown out of his baby issues and we are looking forward to seeing him for the first time since he was a yearling.
Surfer Rosa has added weight and her coat has gotten better and we are hoping for an early June return for her.
Prospect Knight is enjoying his time off at the farm and will return this week as we target a perfect spot towards the end of May. We are hoping for a big summer from him as he continues to improve.
Gondorf is getting the ultimate equipment change this weekend as he has been quite the project for his new trainer, Brian Lynch. Hopefully this change will allow him to be easier on himself, more manageable for the help, and provide himself a long career. We are targeting a race towards the end of May at Woodbine with him.
Top Royelle and Wundelia have been confirmed in foal to their respective stallions. Top Royelle was bred to Desert Party and Wundelia was bred back to Yes Its True. Both foals are doing absolutely great and abnormally large for being only 45 days old.
Good luck to everyone Derby Week and here's to having a successful spring.
As for bad news, we have two retirements to announce. Big Shake, simply put, did not want to compete as a racehorse. He is currently being looked at as a possible hunter/dressage prospect by some people in the Philly area and will not race anymore. Unfortunately the purchase of The Magic Bus did not turn out. While he is a healthy horse and looks fantastic, unfortunately his body doesn't want to help out when running. After some tests at the famed New Bolton Center, it was determined that when he is put under pressure of a race, his throat closes up like he were having an allergic reaction, causing him to faint. We can't in good conscience continue to race him considering that lives (both human and equine) would be at risk. He is currently being shopped as a stallion prospect in both the Midwest and South America. It is a blow to Bob Gary Racing but we will bounce back.
On to some good news, Mizz Liza makes her return after her dramatic fall last race as she will be running at the Atlantic City boutique meet. She should appreciate her return to the lawn and hopefully she will romp in this turf race.
Rochelle Rochelle was one of three excluded in her Atlantic City opportunity and her race today at Philly did not fill. This is one of the more frustrating part of the business as you have a horse that you want to run yet you can't find a reasonable spot for her to run. She will point towards May 17th at Parx as there are two races for her (15nw3 and a starter 12.5nw3).
Mr Mojo Risin, Albin, and Surfer Rosa are leaving Florida today and arriving at Hawthorne tomorrow afternoon and will be under the care of Richard Scherer. All three horses will be spotted aggressively and should produce at the upcoming Arlington meet.
Albin returned to the races at Tampa the other day and ran a real good 6th place. Him returning was bittersweet as it has taken a long time and while he didn't collect a paycheck, this race set himself up to be in a great spot towards the end of May at Arlington.
Mr Mojo Risin has grown out of his baby issues and we are looking forward to seeing him for the first time since he was a yearling.
Surfer Rosa has added weight and her coat has gotten better and we are hoping for an early June return for her.
Prospect Knight is enjoying his time off at the farm and will return this week as we target a perfect spot towards the end of May. We are hoping for a big summer from him as he continues to improve.
Gondorf is getting the ultimate equipment change this weekend as he has been quite the project for his new trainer, Brian Lynch. Hopefully this change will allow him to be easier on himself, more manageable for the help, and provide himself a long career. We are targeting a race towards the end of May at Woodbine with him.
Top Royelle and Wundelia have been confirmed in foal to their respective stallions. Top Royelle was bred to Desert Party and Wundelia was bred back to Yes Its True. Both foals are doing absolutely great and abnormally large for being only 45 days old.
Good luck to everyone Derby Week and here's to having a successful spring.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
New addition and updates
This time of the year is considered breeding season because broodmares are foaling and are also being bred. Breeding season usually starts around Valentines Day (no pun intended) and can go all the way until late June. Because thoroughbreds all technically have the same birthday (January 1st), you usually want to get the foal on the ground no later then March so they have time to mature.
Wundelia foaled a beautiful looking Yes Its True filly (picture below) in early March. Foaling proved to be difficult because Wundelia was a maiden mare and the filly was abnormally large for a maiden broodmare.
Both Wundelia and Top Royelle are back in Kentucky at their boarding farm, Arundel Farm, and reports from Arundel are that all is well with both foals and mares. Top Royelle has already been bred to Desert Party and we will hear towards the end of April if she is in foal. Wundelia should be coming into cycle relatively soon and will go back to Yes Its True as long as the foaling didn't take hurt her in anyway.
We are in a transition period with both horses and people. Our trainer Chuck decided that it didn't make fiscal sense to come back to Chicago and we have assigned Richard Scherer to run our dwindling Chicago team. Albin, Mr. Mojo Risin, and Surfer Rosa will come to Chicago towards the end of April. Gondorf is being sent to Canada and will be under the care of Brian Lynch.
We have been flirting with the idea of running our best horse, Prospect Knight, in some of the higher quality stakes coming up, such as the Wood Memorial or Illinois Derby. After his blowout win, he confirmed that he wants to be a good horse as he ran 2nd in one other than at Parx, where he was much the best to a horse that got a great trip. After talking it out with Chuck, we have decided that we will enter back in that same allowance race at Parx Racing on Saturday, to run on April 5th and then he will get a well deserved month off so we can point towards a summer campaign. Our long term goal is going to the Pennsylvania Derby, which is run on September 24th.
Big Shake is getting his chance to have one shining moment on April 8th at Penn National. We have come to the unfortunate point where if he doesn't win this race he will be retired to the best retirement program in the country that is run at Parx Racing.
Mizz Liza was the receiptant of some controversy in her return race as while she was entering in the first turn she stumbled badly because of a bug boy that failed to look over and see their was a horse in his path. Jose Luis Flores, who we have had alot of luck with, was hurt in the spill and is out 3-4 months. It is hard to look on the bright side of an injury, but Jose and Jason Nguyen are lucky that Jose's injury was not worse. Here it to hoping that Jason finds new work in a different occupation.
Albin is gonna run on April 20th down at Tampa Bay Downs which will be his return race after being off for over one year. He has been working good and has stayed sound throughout the process, which is obviously the most important thing.
Gondorf is being picked up on Thursday to go to Woodbine and we are hoping to get a race into him in April. Hopefully we will have a plan put together by Mid April.
Rochelle Rochelle ran back yesterday. She finished fifth but after watching the race I'm not real sure it was her to blame considering our jock made 3 different moves throughout the race. She will point towards a race at Atlantic City Racecourse towards the end of April.
No news on Surfer Rosa and Mr Mojo Risin is back into full training after a minor foot aliment.
Wundelia foaled a beautiful looking Yes Its True filly (picture below) in early March. Foaling proved to be difficult because Wundelia was a maiden mare and the filly was abnormally large for a maiden broodmare.
Both Wundelia and Top Royelle are back in Kentucky at their boarding farm, Arundel Farm, and reports from Arundel are that all is well with both foals and mares. Top Royelle has already been bred to Desert Party and we will hear towards the end of April if she is in foal. Wundelia should be coming into cycle relatively soon and will go back to Yes Its True as long as the foaling didn't take hurt her in anyway.
We are in a transition period with both horses and people. Our trainer Chuck decided that it didn't make fiscal sense to come back to Chicago and we have assigned Richard Scherer to run our dwindling Chicago team. Albin, Mr. Mojo Risin, and Surfer Rosa will come to Chicago towards the end of April. Gondorf is being sent to Canada and will be under the care of Brian Lynch.
We have been flirting with the idea of running our best horse, Prospect Knight, in some of the higher quality stakes coming up, such as the Wood Memorial or Illinois Derby. After his blowout win, he confirmed that he wants to be a good horse as he ran 2nd in one other than at Parx, where he was much the best to a horse that got a great trip. After talking it out with Chuck, we have decided that we will enter back in that same allowance race at Parx Racing on Saturday, to run on April 5th and then he will get a well deserved month off so we can point towards a summer campaign. Our long term goal is going to the Pennsylvania Derby, which is run on September 24th.
Big Shake is getting his chance to have one shining moment on April 8th at Penn National. We have come to the unfortunate point where if he doesn't win this race he will be retired to the best retirement program in the country that is run at Parx Racing.
Mizz Liza was the receiptant of some controversy in her return race as while she was entering in the first turn she stumbled badly because of a bug boy that failed to look over and see their was a horse in his path. Jose Luis Flores, who we have had alot of luck with, was hurt in the spill and is out 3-4 months. It is hard to look on the bright side of an injury, but Jose and Jason Nguyen are lucky that Jose's injury was not worse. Here it to hoping that Jason finds new work in a different occupation.
Albin is gonna run on April 20th down at Tampa Bay Downs which will be his return race after being off for over one year. He has been working good and has stayed sound throughout the process, which is obviously the most important thing.
Gondorf is being picked up on Thursday to go to Woodbine and we are hoping to get a race into him in April. Hopefully we will have a plan put together by Mid April.
Rochelle Rochelle ran back yesterday. She finished fifth but after watching the race I'm not real sure it was her to blame considering our jock made 3 different moves throughout the race. She will point towards a race at Atlantic City Racecourse towards the end of April.
No news on Surfer Rosa and Mr Mojo Risin is back into full training after a minor foot aliment.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Two sides to every coin
As always in life, there is two sides to every coin. With the spring time coming, changes are coming, horses are going to their spring and summer locations, and plans, yes, I said plans, are starting for one of our horses.
On the good side, Prospect Knight was flattered yesterday when a horse that he drilled by almost 10 lengths came back to run 3rd in a stakes race at Turfway Park. According to Chuck and assistant Susan Ditter, he has really turned into a 'monster' and things continue to look up for him. We are pointing towards either a starter allowance race or allowance race at Parx Racing next week. If he were to run to his last race next week, we will point to bigger and better things, such as the Illinois Derby or even the Wood Memorial (assuming a short field because of Uncle Mo)
Rochelle Rochelle continued her winning ways when winning a starter allowance race yesterday at Parx Racing. Our Parx string has been on absolute fire lately and there is no better place to be on fire with your racing stable then Parx Racing. Rochelle was dead last at the 1/4 pole and ran them down on the outside to win by a nose. It is a toss up for me on becoming our most exciting race in BGR history with Surfer Rosa's closing performance at Arlington last year.
Now on that other side, the bad side of the coin, Big Shake is just not progressing like we have hoped, matter fact he just hasn't gotten better out of his first race. He got drilled at Parx Racing in a bottom level maiden claimer race and after that there just isn't many options for a maiden 10k turf horse in this country. He is getting one more chance to win, at the bottom level at Penn National, and if he doesn't win, he will be retired to the Philadelphia Retirement Program or our assistant trainer has asked about turning him into a stable pony.
The Magic Bus stumbled and fell at the end of his race which caused all of his connections to almost faint. Something like this has never happened before to not only us, but to Chuck, who has been involved in racing for over 20 years. Luckily, he came out of the experience with just some scraps and we are currently evaluating him. There is a race on March 20th that we are considering but we are proceeding with caution considering the circumstances.
Surfer Rosa ran a disappointing race last week at Tampa Bay Downs in her two turn debut. We thought she was perfect for that race but she obviously tried to tell us different. She was very anxious before the race and very hot, which we are hoping lead to her disappointing effort. The same race has been carded back for March 16th and we are considering that spot.
Albin and Mr Mojo Risin are getting closer to racing and Mizz Liza has shipping to Parx Racing for a race towards
the end of March.
Top Royelle gave birth to a good looking chestnut Cactus Ridge colt the last week of February.
Dr. McCrosky does a great job in downstate Illinois and we are looking forward to Wundelia's foal, who should be coming any day now. Wundelia will go back to Yes Its True and Top Royelle has been assigned to the Darly stud, Desert Party.
On the good side, Prospect Knight was flattered yesterday when a horse that he drilled by almost 10 lengths came back to run 3rd in a stakes race at Turfway Park. According to Chuck and assistant Susan Ditter, he has really turned into a 'monster' and things continue to look up for him. We are pointing towards either a starter allowance race or allowance race at Parx Racing next week. If he were to run to his last race next week, we will point to bigger and better things, such as the Illinois Derby or even the Wood Memorial (assuming a short field because of Uncle Mo)
Rochelle Rochelle continued her winning ways when winning a starter allowance race yesterday at Parx Racing. Our Parx string has been on absolute fire lately and there is no better place to be on fire with your racing stable then Parx Racing. Rochelle was dead last at the 1/4 pole and ran them down on the outside to win by a nose. It is a toss up for me on becoming our most exciting race in BGR history with Surfer Rosa's closing performance at Arlington last year.
Now on that other side, the bad side of the coin, Big Shake is just not progressing like we have hoped, matter fact he just hasn't gotten better out of his first race. He got drilled at Parx Racing in a bottom level maiden claimer race and after that there just isn't many options for a maiden 10k turf horse in this country. He is getting one more chance to win, at the bottom level at Penn National, and if he doesn't win, he will be retired to the Philadelphia Retirement Program or our assistant trainer has asked about turning him into a stable pony.
The Magic Bus stumbled and fell at the end of his race which caused all of his connections to almost faint. Something like this has never happened before to not only us, but to Chuck, who has been involved in racing for over 20 years. Luckily, he came out of the experience with just some scraps and we are currently evaluating him. There is a race on March 20th that we are considering but we are proceeding with caution considering the circumstances.
Surfer Rosa ran a disappointing race last week at Tampa Bay Downs in her two turn debut. We thought she was perfect for that race but she obviously tried to tell us different. She was very anxious before the race and very hot, which we are hoping lead to her disappointing effort. The same race has been carded back for March 16th and we are considering that spot.
Albin and Mr Mojo Risin are getting closer to racing and Mizz Liza has shipping to Parx Racing for a race towards
the end of March.
Top Royelle gave birth to a good looking chestnut Cactus Ridge colt the last week of February.
Dr. McCrosky does a great job in downstate Illinois and we are looking forward to Wundelia's foal, who should be coming any day now. Wundelia will go back to Yes Its True and Top Royelle has been assigned to the Darly stud, Desert Party.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Since the last update
Since that last update that Roller Coaster that we talked about continued to be in the valley of the ride as the East Coast has just had a heck of a time with the winter weather. We have lost count of actually how many races we have had cancelled on us in spots that we felt really good about. Obviously mother nature is uncontrollable, and Parx has been very good to us since we ventured there, but these last 30 days have been difficult.
The 10 day report for the Philadelphia area seems promising and we are hoping to take advantage of that starting tomorrow with Prospect Knight running at Parx in the 7th race. Parx did some major maintenance to the track after the plethora of winter storms caused it to be in horrid condition and we are praying to every god that they get a full card in tomorrow. Knight is in a great spot and he should run a huge race and a win would definitely ease some of the recent pains, just hope that the lost training doesn't catch up with him in the final yards.
The Magic Bus was also a victim of multiple cancellations and he is schedule to be entered tomorrow for a race on Tuesday at Parx Racing. We have been eagerly awaiting his return to the races after his debut, which turned out to be against Dialed In, who won the Holy Bull Stakes (GIII) out of his maiden win against Bus. We are a different horse now and while sprinting is probably not our game, we are hoping for a strong finish from him before we venture into route races.
Our last victim in the Philly region has been Rochelle Rochelle. She came out of her maiden win in great shape and we had her in a competitive spot to win right back but that race was cancelled. We then forced her into a less then ideal 7 furlongs race and I am kinda glad that race was cancelled. We have turned our focus with her to Penn National coming up towards the end of the month in a conditioned claimer.
Surfer Rosa made her return to the races at Tampa Bay Downs last weekend. She finished 8th in the off the turf 5 furlong race and should provide the necessary fitness to perform at a high level in about 10 days at Tampa in her route debut. Tampa Bay Downs can be very hard to work with sometimes with their condition book and specifically turf races, but when you get a 'SPC' date for running in a off the turf race, they are worth more then gold.
Big Shake, Mizz Liza, Gondorf, and Albin are all being pointed towards races within the first 15 days of March. Surprisingly this never ending winter is almost over and it is time to start thinking about where your bloodstock is gonna be racing in the spring and summer.
No news is good news for Top Royelle and Wundelia. Three Chimneys has taken an interest in Wundelia's first foal as we have agreed to send pictures to Three Chimney's so they can post pictures of her Yes Its True foal on Facebook. I am also quite excited to see Wundelia's foal. We are likely to send Wundelia back to Yes Its True for 2012 and we are considering the first year sire Desert Party for Top Royelle.
The 10 day report for the Philadelphia area seems promising and we are hoping to take advantage of that starting tomorrow with Prospect Knight running at Parx in the 7th race. Parx did some major maintenance to the track after the plethora of winter storms caused it to be in horrid condition and we are praying to every god that they get a full card in tomorrow. Knight is in a great spot and he should run a huge race and a win would definitely ease some of the recent pains, just hope that the lost training doesn't catch up with him in the final yards.
The Magic Bus was also a victim of multiple cancellations and he is schedule to be entered tomorrow for a race on Tuesday at Parx Racing. We have been eagerly awaiting his return to the races after his debut, which turned out to be against Dialed In, who won the Holy Bull Stakes (GIII) out of his maiden win against Bus. We are a different horse now and while sprinting is probably not our game, we are hoping for a strong finish from him before we venture into route races.
Our last victim in the Philly region has been Rochelle Rochelle. She came out of her maiden win in great shape and we had her in a competitive spot to win right back but that race was cancelled. We then forced her into a less then ideal 7 furlongs race and I am kinda glad that race was cancelled. We have turned our focus with her to Penn National coming up towards the end of the month in a conditioned claimer.
Surfer Rosa made her return to the races at Tampa Bay Downs last weekend. She finished 8th in the off the turf 5 furlong race and should provide the necessary fitness to perform at a high level in about 10 days at Tampa in her route debut. Tampa Bay Downs can be very hard to work with sometimes with their condition book and specifically turf races, but when you get a 'SPC' date for running in a off the turf race, they are worth more then gold.
Big Shake, Mizz Liza, Gondorf, and Albin are all being pointed towards races within the first 15 days of March. Surprisingly this never ending winter is almost over and it is time to start thinking about where your bloodstock is gonna be racing in the spring and summer.
No news is good news for Top Royelle and Wundelia. Three Chimneys has taken an interest in Wundelia's first foal as we have agreed to send pictures to Three Chimney's so they can post pictures of her Yes Its True foal on Facebook. I am also quite excited to see Wundelia's foal. We are likely to send Wundelia back to Yes Its True for 2012 and we are considering the first year sire Desert Party for Top Royelle.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Roller Coaster continues!
Anyone looking for an easy, no anxiety, no stress work environment need to not get involved in the thoroughbred business. The up and downs for BGR continue to be in full force.
BGR started off 2011 on the right foot when Rochelle Rochelle broke her maiden at Parx Racing. It was a good win and she has been a much improved horse with the blinkers. While I think her preference is to run on the turf, being able to run on the dirt at a place like Parx Racing has been a saving grace for the BGR operation. She was entered today into a starter race that only got 3 other participants and will enter tomorrow for a 15nw2 race. After scouting the three available races for her, we felt it would be best to raise her in class instead of dropping her off the win. She has the potential to earn her way at Parx and the raise will help 'protect' her a little better then the drop.
As for the 'down', Gondorf had been training absolutely great down at the Classic Mile in Ocala, FL. He was entered at Tampa Bay Downs and got in, got into a race with zero speed and was the 2/1 ML favorite, and he is going to be scratched on Thursday because after training yesterday, he was 'off'. We had our vet take a look at him and while it is just a strain, it is disappointing because he was probably gonna win that race. Gondy has been the unluckiest horse we have had, from going up against a 90 Beyer'd maiden breaker at Arlington, to Arlington not using his race when it had 10 horses in it, to this. Luckily our trainer, Chuck Simon, says that Feb 3rd is an option so 16 days is alot better then 4 months.
The Magic Bus makes his 3 year old debut tomorrow at Parx Racing. The Philadelphia area has had some bad weather and had to cancel racing today, but we are hopeful they will run tomorrow, although it will probably be through sloppy going. Bus is bred to relish the off going and you should see a much improved effort in his 2nd start of his career. Drawing the rail did us no favors, but he breaks good and should be able to get off relatively soon, and hopefully he finishes strong.
Prospect Knight ran an interesting race the other day as he was rank for half the race and ended up 3rd at Parx Racing. The trip was eventful and with a cleaner trip, 2nd was definitely reasonable and winning was not out of the realm of possibility. We are hoping to bring him back in 13-14 days in the 25nw2 or the same starter condition.
Tampa Bay Down's racing office did Surfer Rosa no favors when they released their 3rd condition book. We were looking for a route race for her 2011 debut but have decided to run her in the 5f allowance race on Feb 6th. While she does have the opportunity to be competitive in this spot, ultimately she should be a better two turn horse, unfortunately those opportunities are sparse at Tampa.
Big Shake's leash has gotten shorter after his last run and we are going to drop him in class and change surface to see if that wakes him up. At every point throughout the year, you have to analyze your stock and sometimes you have to make hard decisions if the horse/asset is not performing up to expectations.
Mr Mojo Risin has been slowed by a troublesome shin, he has progressed and should be back on the work tab this week.
Albin has progressed and has gotten full clearance to move forward. He will work this week sometime and hopefully continue to train forwardly.
BGR started off 2011 on the right foot when Rochelle Rochelle broke her maiden at Parx Racing. It was a good win and she has been a much improved horse with the blinkers. While I think her preference is to run on the turf, being able to run on the dirt at a place like Parx Racing has been a saving grace for the BGR operation. She was entered today into a starter race that only got 3 other participants and will enter tomorrow for a 15nw2 race. After scouting the three available races for her, we felt it would be best to raise her in class instead of dropping her off the win. She has the potential to earn her way at Parx and the raise will help 'protect' her a little better then the drop.
As for the 'down', Gondorf had been training absolutely great down at the Classic Mile in Ocala, FL. He was entered at Tampa Bay Downs and got in, got into a race with zero speed and was the 2/1 ML favorite, and he is going to be scratched on Thursday because after training yesterday, he was 'off'. We had our vet take a look at him and while it is just a strain, it is disappointing because he was probably gonna win that race. Gondy has been the unluckiest horse we have had, from going up against a 90 Beyer'd maiden breaker at Arlington, to Arlington not using his race when it had 10 horses in it, to this. Luckily our trainer, Chuck Simon, says that Feb 3rd is an option so 16 days is alot better then 4 months.
The Magic Bus makes his 3 year old debut tomorrow at Parx Racing. The Philadelphia area has had some bad weather and had to cancel racing today, but we are hopeful they will run tomorrow, although it will probably be through sloppy going. Bus is bred to relish the off going and you should see a much improved effort in his 2nd start of his career. Drawing the rail did us no favors, but he breaks good and should be able to get off relatively soon, and hopefully he finishes strong.
Prospect Knight ran an interesting race the other day as he was rank for half the race and ended up 3rd at Parx Racing. The trip was eventful and with a cleaner trip, 2nd was definitely reasonable and winning was not out of the realm of possibility. We are hoping to bring him back in 13-14 days in the 25nw2 or the same starter condition.
Tampa Bay Down's racing office did Surfer Rosa no favors when they released their 3rd condition book. We were looking for a route race for her 2011 debut but have decided to run her in the 5f allowance race on Feb 6th. While she does have the opportunity to be competitive in this spot, ultimately she should be a better two turn horse, unfortunately those opportunities are sparse at Tampa.
Big Shake's leash has gotten shorter after his last run and we are going to drop him in class and change surface to see if that wakes him up. At every point throughout the year, you have to analyze your stock and sometimes you have to make hard decisions if the horse/asset is not performing up to expectations.
Mr Mojo Risin has been slowed by a troublesome shin, he has progressed and should be back on the work tab this week.
Albin has progressed and has gotten full clearance to move forward. He will work this week sometime and hopefully continue to train forwardly.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A Brand new year!
January 1st is not only the start of the new year but it is also every single thoroughbreds birthday. Looking back on 2010, we continued to learn about the racing industry and while we did have a difficult year, we did have some positives to look back on, learn from and hopefully grow upon. With us not adding any horseflesh through yearling sales, all of our horses (besides the two mares and foals) are racing or very close to racing. We have yet to ever be in that situation and it should help things run a little more smoothly.
Big Shake will start the 2011 year off for BGR as he has been entered in the 6th race at Tampa Bay Downs. We are hoping to change tactics with him as we would like to see him involved in the race alot earlier. If there was ever a 'Gallop out' award for horses, he would win the Eclipse.
Not too long after Big Shake runs, Rochelle Rochelle will make her 2011 debut at Parx Racing. She was touched with a bit of bad luck as her race was cancelled with the Philly area got trounced with snow. They redrew the race and we still drew the rail. The way the race shapes up she should have things her own way as there is speed and hopefully she will be able to get off the rail and make the wide and hopeful run that works so well at Parx Racing.
Prospect Knight has had some downtime because his race didn't fill and we are hoping to run him on January 12th at Parx Racing. He was one of the bright spots from 2010 and he should improve as a 3 year old and have a very good year.
The Magic Bus was excluded from an MSW at Parx Racing because there was over 20 horses entered in the race. We are hoping for an extra to be written to run him in or we will wait until January 19th for him to make his 3 year old debut. He has been training forwardly and we should see a different horse from his debut.
Gondorf was entered in an interesting spot today at Tampa Bay Downs but it ended up not filling. He is a horse that we are expecting to carry the load in 2011 and that will hopefully start by him breaking his maiden very soon.
Surfer Rosa made her return in the work tab and Chuck has said a January 23rd claiming race at Tampa is possible for her. She was our first ever 2 year old winner and we are looking forward to stretching her out around two turns. She seems to have tactical speed and a good closing kick, both which are extremely beneficial in turf racing.
Both mares (Top Royelle and Wundelia) have settled in at the winter homes in Waterloo, IL. They are set to foal in mid March and will return to Kentucky afterwards.
Good luck and safe trips for both Big Shake and Rochelle Rochelle tomorrow as we are hoping to start 2011 off on the right foot. Happy New Year!
Big Shake will start the 2011 year off for BGR as he has been entered in the 6th race at Tampa Bay Downs. We are hoping to change tactics with him as we would like to see him involved in the race alot earlier. If there was ever a 'Gallop out' award for horses, he would win the Eclipse.
Not too long after Big Shake runs, Rochelle Rochelle will make her 2011 debut at Parx Racing. She was touched with a bit of bad luck as her race was cancelled with the Philly area got trounced with snow. They redrew the race and we still drew the rail. The way the race shapes up she should have things her own way as there is speed and hopefully she will be able to get off the rail and make the wide and hopeful run that works so well at Parx Racing.
Prospect Knight has had some downtime because his race didn't fill and we are hoping to run him on January 12th at Parx Racing. He was one of the bright spots from 2010 and he should improve as a 3 year old and have a very good year.
The Magic Bus was excluded from an MSW at Parx Racing because there was over 20 horses entered in the race. We are hoping for an extra to be written to run him in or we will wait until January 19th for him to make his 3 year old debut. He has been training forwardly and we should see a different horse from his debut.
Gondorf was entered in an interesting spot today at Tampa Bay Downs but it ended up not filling. He is a horse that we are expecting to carry the load in 2011 and that will hopefully start by him breaking his maiden very soon.
Surfer Rosa made her return in the work tab and Chuck has said a January 23rd claiming race at Tampa is possible for her. She was our first ever 2 year old winner and we are looking forward to stretching her out around two turns. She seems to have tactical speed and a good closing kick, both which are extremely beneficial in turf racing.
Both mares (Top Royelle and Wundelia) have settled in at the winter homes in Waterloo, IL. They are set to foal in mid March and will return to Kentucky afterwards.
Good luck and safe trips for both Big Shake and Rochelle Rochelle tomorrow as we are hoping to start 2011 off on the right foot. Happy New Year!
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