Barbaro Updates: 418
updates are now here.
Update 2639: Update from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com:
Everyone managed to dodge the rain drops this morning. At least it was not a cold rain. Tim took a couple of sets to the gate and everyone is progressing nicely. I went into the barn this morning and Real Lace was looking at me so I gave her a huge hug and kiss. She is such a lovey girl. She has come out of her race just fine. Who's Happy went accross the fields again in an attempt to keep her under control until her next race. She does enjoy going cross country. Mass Romantic is training nicely and dug right into her dinner last night. Molly is now residing in Red Aspen's stall. She has some big shoes to fill.
Luke was diving at me to get to his grain last night. I think he is feeling his oats just lately. It might be time to go in for a few days and give him some excercise. His feet are feeling fine just now and he is anxious to go out. He was in the porta pad yesterday when a horse got loose and came running back from the track. He knows his job and would have been glad to help out if he was only out of the porta pad. We always know when something is loose because Luke starts to act up even before we can see it. What a champ he is and we are so lucky to have him.
Last night I managed to dodge snapping jaws as I hooked up the water hose. Between Two of Wands and Diva it can be quite a feat to win this game. They both think they are hot stuff. Our Diva looks a lot like Real Lace but is a little bigger in every way. She seems to be smart and willing, not quite as sweet as Real Lace, maybe just a bit sassier (is that a word)? None the less she is built well and plays the part of a tough cookie. Two of Wands (Wanda) continues to improve. She loves to give the guys a hard time but is my sister's favorite. She is really a lovey girl but sometimes she just doesn't want to be messed with. Just like a woman sometimes she just wants to be left alone!
Update 2638: More coverage on one of our favorites: Better Talk Now: He's as Good as He Ever Was, excerpt:
"My answer to that is no," Motion said. "I don't see him losing a step at this point, and, if anything, I think he is better than when he was a 4- or 5-year-old. Not only is he a remarkable athlete, he's matured physically and mentally. He's settled down a lot, and he's a lot more forgiving of us lately. When we ran in the Turf at Lone Star, he bit the crap out of my wife a couple of days before the race. He's still pretty cantankerous, but we've gotten used to his ways."
Superfecta is providing detailed analysis of each of the Breeders' Cup races.
Update 2637: Rain, rain and more rain ... sounds a little like yesterday, and it felt like it too! We did train a few today though, and got wet! Only one set stayed in the shedrow. The track was pretty good though, perhaps a little deeper than usual, but a few were breezing across it so it can't have been too bad.
I rode seven in all, six to the track and they all actually went really nicely. Kelly's Landing is getting ready to leave for Monmouth. He has not run since winning the Sprint race in Dubai, and the handicappers seem to think that is a bit of a problem. We shall see, he looks very well and has been breezing well. Worth a punt at 20 - 1 for sure.
Update 2636: Steve Haskin takes a look at the Breeders' Cup Classic field in light of the draw: Front-end Tactics Loom Key to Breeders' Cup Classic. Personally I do not see Laywer Ron, who is the morning line favorite, winning this race over a mile and a quarter.
The fires in Southern California are devastating. The racetracks are stepping up: Track, farms housing fire refugees, excerpt:
By Tuesday, Del Mar's fairgrounds, horse park, and racetrack area had taken in an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people and about 2,500 horses and other animals, including a pair of zebras, according to the San Diego Tribune. The California National Guard had deployed troops there to offer assistance, and the park was calling for volunteers with equine experience to help with horse care. Interested parties were asked to call (858) 792-5245 before arriving.
Hiya, FsOB! Will I be the first poster today? Maybe or maybe not. Alex, that is awesome what Del Mar is doing to serve as a refuge for animals due to the catastrophic fires. We are all thinking of all who are in harms' way right now. Wishing everyone a productive day! Peace, RMH
#### To Laurie H, lean on, dear FOB. Your words gave us comfort during many worrisome days in early 2007. I hope that Christine can find the answers that she is seeking. Has she considered going to MD Anderson or Mass General for a consult?
To Lorraine: Congrats on the mention of Cobra Strike! It's so cool to have someone directly involved in racing here with all of us!
To Janice: Glad to hear that the lengthy tests didn't reveal any significant problem. But this mystery must be hard for you & Denny.
To Susan in HI: Thank you for letting us know about little Kai. Does he have a candle group started? I hate to think of a little boy being in pain.
To Sandra: Thanks again for your updates yesterday re. the status of the fires.
To Nancy Jean: May your brother stay safe! ####
Posted by: Robyn Hoffmann at October 24, 2007 11:18 AM