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.