Barbaro Updates: 639
updates are now here.
Update 3786: Jeremy Rose has had his suspension reduced: Rose Suspension Reduced to 90 Days.
Update 3785: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.
This week has already seen its share of speculation about Lava Man's future after his last-place finish in the Eddie Read Handicap; his connections seem to be leaning very strongly toward his retirement.
It seems clear that the 7-year-old gelding is past his peak as a racehorse; his recent effort was his sixth loss in a row. His last win, in the Gold Cup, was very hard-fought indeed and some suggest that it may have taken the wind out of his sails to a certain extent.
However, Lava Man himself seems to be following the path recently blazed by Funny Cide -- he clearly thrives on training and life at the track, but doesn't seem as interested anymore when it's time for a real race. Given all that he has accomplished (going from $50,000 claimer to over $5 million in earnings), it seems that the timing may be right for him to emulate Funny Cide yet again and become a stable pony. While not specifically outlining that strategy, trainer Doug O'Neill sounds ready to make the call:
"It's so frustrating because he trains so well and he looks good physically," O'Neill said. "But at the same time, he's a fan favorite, he's lost six in a row and just to retire him sound would be a good feeling.Some may suggest that a stall is waiting for him at Kentucky Horse Park (and, indeed, that might be a good place for him at some point down the line), but given his determined efforts not to win outside his California home (and everyone knows a Californian who has tried, and failed, to live elsewhere, only to wind up back in California), I would keep him with his friends at Santa Anita, but perhaps in a new role. Green But Game asks what you would do with Lava Man here."Unofficially, he's retired in my mind, but the owners want some time to think about it."
In the meantime, Curlin (whose own more official poll continues until the end of July) worked out at Saratoga over a sloppy track; his younger stablemate Pyro also took to the mud in a workout for the Jim Dandy on Sunday -- Saratoga is almost upon us...
Update 3784: A quiet morning for me this morning, I only had four to ride. We had lots of workers as well as a few horses with the day off. The four I rode all went nice and easily for a trouble free morning for me. The siren did go off a couple of times and I saw a couple of loose horses tearing off through the tunnel to exit the track.
The OTTB of the Week competition is nearing it's conclusion with the last selections. While we had planned to select eight finalists altogether, you have to indulge us as we actually selected ten. The final three finalists to join the seven already selected are:
Courageous Comet
Sabovee
Carson City Kid
Congratulations to all those selected and to all those who have thus far added their OTTBs to the OTTB project. You are helping promote these amazing athletes.
Next week we will figure out a voting mechanism so everyone can vote on their favorite selection. The winner will receive $500 to go to their horse rescue of choice.
Update 3783: Curlin had his first work yesterday since his second in the Man o' War. He went an easy half mile: Curlin Back on Work Tab at Saratoga.
Please keep calling, writing and making appointments.
For Canadians: Canadian Horse Defense Coalition Call to Action.
Hay, FOB's!
Am I first today????
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It promises to be another hazy, hot, humid day here in Chester County...but as I type, there is a squirrel relaxing on the branch of the pine tree.
I plan to go to KF and drop off my contribution to Edgar's HOF Induction commemoration. I feel this is truly going to touch his heart and strengthen the bond between him and the FOB's.
Healing, Love, Peace
ONS, OMPH
Padme
Posted by: Padme (Lyn Gilbert) at July 22, 2008 11:20 AM