Barbaro Updates: 308
updates are now here.
Update 2054: Shake The Bank, trained by Graham Motion, was employed as a rabbit for Better Talk Now to great effect a couple of years ago. He has since been discharged of that role and today ran for the first time on his own merits. He was second in a stake at Monmouth!
Update 2053: A lovely morning this morning at Fair Hill. I had nothing to do but decided to go in and see Redaspen after her race. She looked well, if not a little tired. She had been walking a little this morning and was then out grazing for an hour. A nice relaxing day after her major effort. Tim was in good form. I saw Graham Motion at the gas station after leaving Fair Hill, our conversation started with how well Redaspen had performed yesterday.
Update 2052: Flashy Bull, who ran in the Derby last year (not very well), seems to be finding his best form now as a four year old. He won the feature race of the day, the Grade 1 Foster: Flashy Bull Charges to Rich Foster Triumph.
Redaspen's second yesterday looks even better given they broke the track record and she was giving the field 2 pounds: Karen's Caper Sets Monmouth Mark in Eatontown.
Update 2051: Redaspen ran a huge race today at Monmouth in defeat. She was beaten three quarters of a length by Karen's Caper, but was closing well. This was a big step up for her today and she really came through. She was, as usual, at the back going into the final turn. She had to be switched wide for running room, and ran them all down aside from one. A great performance.
Chelokee won the Northern Dancer Stakes under Ramon Dominguez (Chelokee Won't Give In, Wins Northern Dancer BC). He was headed at the eighth pole and it was sheer determination that got him in front at the wire. A nice result for sure.
I was at Delaware Park watching the races. It was a great day to be at the races with a couple of stakes carded at Delaware.
Update 2050: Hard Spun is getting a short break after his triple crown exploits, he was one of only two horse to compete in all three races: Hard Spun earns some time off track: After three legs of Triple Crown, DelPark-based horse won't race again before August.
Windedoc spotted Larry Jones the sunday following the Belmont: Breakfast at Belmont, Sunday, excerpt:
In the paddock I notice Larry JOnes walking quickly, his familiar cowboy hat on. I run to catch up to him. I want to thank him for running his horse in all legs of the TCs. He is too fast for me & disappears down to the jockeys' quarters & back up with the owner's silks, which have been washed & pressed. I realize he is trying to avoid the press & has raced back to the barn where Hard Spun is waiting to ship out. But Larry looks exhausted, his stride that of a very tired, disappointed individual. The rest of the morining limps on. most employeees too tired to converse.
Update 2049: A bright morning this morning at Fair Hill. I had four to ride. First out was Mediman. She went to the Tapeta track and galloped a mile and a half. She seems in good form. Tim stayed behind in the barn, getting Redaspen ready for her trip to Monmouth. Next out was Nautical Agent. She went across the fields. It was her first day out since her race at Delaware Park. She felt great. I also saw two foxes who alertly dove into the woods as Nautical Agent and I got close. Third set was Real Lace. She went to the Tapeta track and literally drug me around for a mile and a half. I was pretty exhausted by the time we pulled up. Tim went with us on Gator Nation. Gator looked good passing me going down the lane. Finally I rode Linda's Pistol. He went to the gate, he is running on monday and needed a six month gate card. He was a little reluctant to load, but mostly fine. He galloped around very nicely. As we were walking home he dropped his head, I assumed to pick some grass. Then he went to his knees, at this point I hopped off. Then he went down ... and rolled!
Update 2048: Churchill Downs hosts the marquee Grade 1 stake today, the Stephen Foster: Master Command sets sights on first Grade 1 win in Stephen Foster. The undercard includes Chelokee's return to the races after winning the Barbaro Stakes on the Preakness undercard. Of course our interests lie at Monmouth where Redaspen will be put to a major test for her first start in a graded stakes.
Good morning, Barbaro! Good morning, Tim & Alex! Good morning, fellow Fans!
Safe trips to all who are racing today and special speed to Redaspen, Chelokee, Aunt Henny and Miss Belga Bound. If I were a betting woman...LOL!
Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever
Posted by: Marg in Maine at June 16, 2007 11:15 AM