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Hey STR; When you get a chance if you can look over the BRIS PP's for 7/6 BAQ R5. You can access thru Linda Rice or Into Mischief. Your guy Dutrow has the #4 Gentlemen Joe running 1st off the claim. According to the BRIS they say suspicious drop in class. Can you educate me on what you see? THX in advance. and BTW Dutrow hitting at a 28% clip at BAQ. pretty darn good. Look forward to his SPA horses.
I saw the form. I did not care for the lone work after 30+ days so I think I would have given that a lot of consideration while trying to put the race together.
Do you see what I mean?Comment -
Very Cool STR....Always enjoyed escorting "Smokey Bear" to the special needs classrooms or had them walk up at an outdoor event..... Pure Joy sometimes when you make that connection.Yes among other things of being a firefighter I was "event planner and security coordinator" for Smokey lol .... You always needed to watch out for kids in a SpongeBob back pack wanting to hug Smokey from behind!Comment -
Here are some of my horse updates... I talked about a few of them but... I have a couple more lol
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Visceral Breeze Report
[/COLOR]
Visceral worked a solo five furlongs in 1:14 flat Saturday morning at Santa Anita. Jockey Diego Herrera said he got a little unfocused with it being a solo breeze, but he was still pleased with it overall and said Visceral felt good. At this point it's all about maintaining fitness ahead of a start at Del Mar in the coming weeks.
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Straight No Chaser Workout Report
Straight No Chaser breezed a bullet five furlongs in :59.20 (1/72)this morning at Santa Anita Park. Your 5-year-old breezed in company this week, rating off of his mate down the backstretch. He got onto even terms into the turn and quickened very nicely at the top of the stretch, completing the work with a big gallop out.
This was an extremely nice work from your son of Speightster who seems to be thriving at the moment according to trainer Dan Blacker. We will still have two additional breezes leading up to the G1 Bing Crosby on July 27th but we couldn’t be happier with how today’s breeze went.
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Isle Blue Workout Report[/COLOR]
Isle Blue breezed a half mile in :50.20 on Thursday morning over the Oklahoma track at Saratoga. Your daughter of Speightstown began the work a few lengths behind her mate, Incredible Journey but quickly got on even terms at the head of the stretch and finished with good energy. This was another solid work from Isle Blue who continues to improve each week according to assistant trainer Miguel Clement as you will hear in the video above. Miguel reiterates that he does not believe she is meant to be an early 2-year-old but is still happy with her.[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Seize the Grey Galloping[/COLOR]
Seize the Grey was spotted galloping by XBTV this morning over the Oklahoma track at Saratoga. Click here to watch.
[/COLOR]Comment -
del R8
#6 nomos (8-1)
@ 4:14
an uncle mo/tapit combo (kingsbarns) going in a stakes turf marathon at delaware..not suggesting a play to anyone (although looks possible) but just pointing it out as we've been discussing KB trying turf at some point..this one also trained by toddComment -
The 59 and change work was well within himself. Very nice move.Here are some of my horse updates... I talked about a few of them but... I have a couple more lol
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Visceral Breeze Report
[/COLOR]
Visceral worked a solo five furlongs in 1:14 flat Saturday morning at Santa Anita. Jockey Diego Herrera said he got a little unfocused with it being a solo breeze, but he was still pleased with it overall and said Visceral felt good. At this point it's all about maintaining fitness ahead of a start at Del Mar in the coming weeks.
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Straight No Chaser Workout Report
Straight No Chaser breezed a bullet five furlongs in :59.20 (1/72)this morning at Santa Anita Park. Your 5-year-old breezed in company this week, rating off of his mate down the backstretch. He got onto even terms into the turn and quickened very nicely at the top of the stretch, completing the work with a big gallop out.
This was an extremely nice work from your son of Speightster who seems to be thriving at the moment according to trainer Dan Blacker. We will still have two additional breezes leading up to the G1 Bing Crosby on July 27th but we couldn’t be happier with how today’s breeze went.
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Isle Blue Workout Report[/COLOR]
Isle Blue breezed a half mile in :50.20 on Thursday morning over the Oklahoma track at Saratoga. Your daughter of Speightstown began the work a few lengths behind her mate, Incredible Journey but quickly got on even terms at the head of the stretch and finished with good energy. This was another solid work from Isle Blue who continues to improve each week according to assistant trainer Miguel Clement as you will hear in the video above. Miguel reiterates that he does not believe she is meant to be an early 2-year-old but is still happy with her.[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Seize the Grey Galloping[/COLOR]
Seize the Grey was spotted galloping by XBTV this morning over the Oklahoma track at Saratoga. Click here to watch.
[/COLOR]
Isle blue looked well walking back to the shed. Did you see right at the end of the video that she thinks she is going into the barn at the middle opening instead of going straight? Watch it again and watch her ears just before she makes that right move and you could see her deciding to make that right instead of going straight. The ears and eyes speak the loudest. So fun to see that little stuff back at the barn.
Thanks Batt !Comment -
I always enjoy your input STR! Glad you enjoyed the "back at the barn video"! I was a little hesitant in posting that because it wasn't an "action video". haha I did have to go back and look....wow! nice observation!
I do have a couple of more in that stage if you are interested in following.."Caldera" going to LukasSo what stands out about Caldera?According to consignor Dave Scanlon, he was very popular among buyers and handled the whole process with ease and charisma. Here are some fast facts about this athletic colt:
- Caldera leveled off nicely in his :10 flat breeze, showing off a huge stride length (27.5 ft.) that was the biggest of any horse to work the day he did
- He galloped out in :10 4/5 and :23 1/5, giving the impression that he possesses both speed and stamina
- Hails from the female family of 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline--that's right--the incredible Flightline!
- Caldera's sire Liam's Map is a proven sire with accomplished runners such as G1 winners Colonel Liam, Juju's Map, Basin and Wicked Whisper
- Steep, historic Phipps pedigree with over 20 graded stakes performers in the first four generations
Caldera is currently back with Scanlon and he will begin ramping up his training again in about 30-45 days. We gave him some time off after the sale, like we do with all of our 2-year-olds. We also had his vet clean up a P1 chip in his ankle that we saw during the sales process. It is a common issue with young horses, and it was removed in April, putting him on target to begin preparations in early June.
Scanlon is always great with content, so we would expect a lot of great updates this summer as the journey to a debut begins!
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lost some info so cut it up....
The other horse is Nakoma a 2 year old filly by the " en Fuego "sire "Vekoma" out of a unbridled mare Rylees song.. trained by Jena anntonucci.
Had her first work [COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Rylee's Song '22 Breeze Report
[/COLOR]https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/IMG2955_1719757360095/MP4/IMG2955_1719757360095.mp4
Rylee’s Song ’22 turned in her first work at Saratoga Sunday morning, covering three furlongs in :36.33 outside of older filly Dash of Lemon. She galloped out in :49 2/5. Jena was very pleased with the move. The filly got a little tired past the wire, but that’s just a function of fitness and one of the main reasons why they breeze. She was very professional in company and has been thriving in her new surroundings.
STR and others If this is to much .... I copy that .. I will narrow down the post! But I kinda figured 2 things.... for people on the site who follow horses but may not know just how much effort goes into getting a horse to the track... it may open some eyes.
To have someone like you who knows "the business" inside and out from top to bottom to give an out side view of what "they are saying" is awesome!
Okay last thing... yeah we get to reminisce a little to when we were"active on the backside" of course you way way way more than me!
Batt
Last edited by batt33; 07-09-24, 03:18 PM.Comment -
Well pretty cool for me.... even with the small percentage! Able to be a part of his babies for ever!..... uhm "pimp daddy" lol
Over the past couple of months we have had a number of stallion farms reach out to inquire about Seize the Grey. Winning the Pat Day Mile and the Preakness in the span of two weeks certainly stamped him as a legitimate stallion prospect. Although his effort in the Belmont was a bit disappointing, it did not seem to lessen the interest from the stud farms. We have been in discussions with several stud farms and, as of just minutes ago, signed an agreement with Gainesway Farm. It is a deal that could be worth over $12 million if Seize the Grey earns the kickers, or performance bonuses, available to us. We did want the opportunity to stay in on his stallion career, so we have retained 10% equity in his breeding.
The deal is predicated on a $3.5-million base valuation that increases by the following amounts for the listed milestones:
· $3 million for a Travers win
· $4 million for Breeders’ Cup Classic win
· $2 million for another Grade 1 win (not named above)
· $1 million if he’s named champion 3-year-old
“Seize the Grey has everything to be a successful stallion, including the pedigree, the physical and the on-track accomplishments,” said Michael Behrens, CEO and founder of MyRacehorse. “We wanted to make sure he was at a farm and with a team that gave him every chance to thrive as a stallion and that’s exactly what we get with Antony Beck, Brian Graves and the entire team at Gainesway.”
There will be more specifics and details to come, but there are three very important deal points we wanted to share:
1. We only sold his breeding rights, not his racing rights, which means the horse does not transfer to Gainesway until his racing career is over. We did agree to certain conditions as to when that racing career ends, and the breeding career begins, and will share details in the coming days.
2. We have decided to sell 90% of Seize the Grey’s breeding rights and will be staying in for 10% to allow us to have some additional financial upside,
Last edited by batt33; 07-09-24, 07:44 PM.Comment -
2. We have decided to sell 90% of Seize the Grey’s breeding rights and will be staying in for 10% to allow us to have some additional financial upside, support him with mares, and go on what we think will be an incredible journey with Seize the Grey’s second career.
3. The inspection process was finalized this morning and has been deemed satisfactory and the bill of sale was then executed. A payment of $3,150,000 (90% of base purchase price) is to be transferred on July 20th. MRH will have a shareholder distribution prepared and delivered by no later than July 29th.
Again, there will be additional specifics and details to come over the next few days, but we wanted our owners to hear this exciting news first before it was announced to the press.
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That sounds good Batt. Real glad to see the horse getting more than 60 days for cleaning up that ankle. That might be the timeframe people say but an awful lot of those ankles say differently. 4-5 months seals the deal typically and what's the rush.
And by the way, those 10 flats are nice to see but I used to cringe with happiness when I saw that. What I mean is happy to see the move, scared to death to see the wheels in a week. All in all, sounds very optimistic.
You are in great hands with Mr. Scanlon. He is top notch.Comment -
Batt, I fully enjoy them. It's the training side not just the races and that for me, well, it was my life for a long time. I am happy to help interpret any of this or just share the ride with you as it goes. If I over step, just tell me and I'll shut up.lost some info so cut it up....
The other horse is Nakoma a 2 year old filly by the " en Fuego "sire "Vekoma" out of a unbridled mare Rylees song.. trained by Jena anntonucci.
Had her first work [COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Rylee's Song '22 Breeze Report
[/COLOR]https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/IMG2955_1719757360095/MP4/IMG2955_1719757360095.mp4
Rylee’s Song ’22 turned in her first work at Saratoga Sunday morning, covering three furlongs in :36.33 outside of older filly Dash of Lemon. She galloped out in :49 2/5. Jena was very pleased with the move. The filly got a little tired past the wire, but that’s just a function of fitness and one of the main reasons why they breeze. She was very professional in company and has been thriving in her new surroundings.
STR and others If this is to much .... I copy that .. I will narrow down the post! But I kinda figured 2 things.... for people on the site who follow horses but may not know just how much effort goes into getting a horse to the track... it may open some eyes.
To have someone like you who knows "the business" inside and out from top to bottom to give an out side view of what "they are saying" is awesome!
Okay last thing... yeah we get to reminisce a little to when we were"active on the backside" of course you way way way more than me!
Batt
It's All good with me Batt.Comment -
Sidamara ???Comment -
STR okay I will continue to do the other behind the scenes video's and as "Leroy" would say to the "great gildersleeve" "are you kidding" There is NOWAY you are overstepping anything.... I value your input and observations
That being said From over a month ago
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Caldera Update
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Caldera continues to do very well down in Ocala. He was cleared at the beginning of the month to move on to the next steps in his return to training, and has been on round-pen turnout and using the Eurociser since then. He'll continue with that protocol for the rest of this week and starting next week will go back under tack and begin jogging again.
Enjoy the accompanying photo and video taken of him this morning. We're super pleased with how he looks and are excited to watch him progress from here.https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...8123743810.mp4
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13 days ago[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Caldera Update[/COLOR]We checked in with farm trainer Dave Scanlon this morning who reported Caldera is now back jogging on the track. “He is moving great. He looks good, has grown and matured,” said Dave.
That’s about everything we could want to hear at this time and we look forward to him progressing just his training over the coming month.
and a lady blitz update
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Lady Blitz Surgery Update
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Lady Blitz underwent her second tie-back procedure today and all went smoothly thus far. Dr. Madison reported that he was able to get her throat well abducted again. As we saw after the first attempt, we are by no means out of the woods yet. The main danger is the sutures cutting through again and abduction not being maintained. The sutures will be removed in 10-12 days, and at that point another scope will be performed, followed by an additional scope at 30 days. Lady Blitz will otherwise be on stall rest and hand walked for the next month.
We’ll remain in contact with the team at Wavertree and will report back with updates on Lady Blitz’s recovery and the status of the tie-back as we receive more information.
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seize the grey update
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Seize the Grey Workout Report[/COLOR]Seize the Grey posted a sharp five-furlong work this morning in Saratoga, stopping the clock in :59.22. We will huddle up with trainer D. Wayne Lukas tomorrow, get his feedback on the work and how Seize the Grey came out of it, and work on nailing down a target between the Haskell and Jim Dandy. Stay tuned for more.
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Seize the Grey Update
We caught up with trainer D. Wayne Lukas today to discuss Seize the Grey’s breeze, and he could not have been more pleased. He said it was a super work, did it all on his own power and galloped out in 1:12 2/5 for six furlongs. Wayne went as far as to say it was one of Seize the Grey’s best works ever.
We haven’t quite hammered out a race decision yet, but Wayne said he would be happy in either spot. We’re going to monitor the expected fields for a few more days, confer with the Gainesway team, and pick a direction when we have to—we really don’t need to decide until the Haskell draws next Wednesday.
Once we’ve officially picked a race, we’ll immediately let you all know.
[/COLOR]Comment -
Nakoma turned in a very stellar half-mile breeze this morning at Saratoga in :48.83 (17/50). She was on the outside, and as you'll see, was a bit too much for her mate to handle despite not being asked for much of anything from her rider. Jena was very pleased as you can imagine[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Nakoma Workout Report[/COLOR]
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Everything sounds right . Right on schedule. Now comes the hard part.... patience. Where no news is real good news.STR okay I will continue to do the other behind the scenes video's and as "Leroy" would say to the "great gildersleeve" "are you kidding" There is NOWAY you are overstepping anything.... I value your input and observations That being said From over a month ago
[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Caldera Update
[/COLOR]
Caldera continues to do very well down in Ocala. He was cleared at the beginning of the month to move on to the next steps in his return to training, and has been on round-pen turnout and using the Eurociser since then. He'll continue with that protocol for the rest of this week and starting next week will go back under tack and begin jogging again.
Enjoy the accompanying photo and video taken of him this morning. We're super pleased with how he looks and are excited to watch him progress from here.https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...8123743810.mp4
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Your horse looks fine. The horse on the inside seemed confused. That expl;ained the left lead throughout which makes any horse tired.Nakoma turned in a very stellar half-mile breeze this morning at Saratoga in :48.83 (17/50). She was on the outside, and as you'll see, was a bit too much for her mate to handle despite not being asked for much of anything from her rider. Jena was very pleased as you can imagine[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Nakoma Workout Report[/COLOR]
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This is a great picture for everyone to understand why hind leg bandages are necessary for quire a few horses.
Don't ever worry about betting on a horse with or withoiut hind bandages. It's simply an angle thing that is as small as 1/100th of a millimeter different in most horses pastern ankles. Has nothing to do with winning, losing or how fast or slow they might be.
Look at the hind legs of the 7 horse, Sidamara. On the hind leg up in the air, see the disc shaped patch overtop of the back portion of the vetwrap. It is directly behind the ball of the back of the ankle. Look closely and you will see that friction has already started to burn away that patch. Without that on, her back ankle would be burned and bleeding like when you skin your knee or elbow. It hurts like hell.
The other hind leg is buried in the dirt of the track but imagine doing that over and over for a minute or two. That would come back a mess, hurt, and take a month to heal, plus allow the horse to think about IT, instead of what the jockey is telling her with his hands.
One way to win, but this is just another of a million ways to lose.
Thats the horse you mentioned Madison. Looks like a nice filly.
Also notice how little foot the rider has in the sirrups. You wonder why it is so easy to lose an iron especially leaving the gate with all the bumping. It's a wonder it doesn't happen more often than it does.
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hey str
was wondering if you looked at this race on 7/8 (R8)..ran an impressive 2nd and I think might've won if #9 hadn't been so erratic in the stretch ..delaware park has a you tube channel that shows individual races ..it's the "kent stakes"
also you asked me to remind you ro watch "headline numbers" race (7/4 baq R4)Comment -
She ran VERY well. That race looked like the 9 was home at the 1/4 pole. Had a bunch of horse, but credit to both the winner AND Nomos. She ran very well and was never intimidated by the stuff going on around her. Finished up nicely timewise. She is alright JBEX. Tries HARD.
Headline Numbers: Whew ! Glad to see Chad finally get a nice horse.
Obviously she is really nice. Might not like the kickback if it really comes flying back at her. She had her head up just a little bit early so something to watch for, but after about 3/8ths, she leveled off and was all business.
Other than that, and it's really minor, she was outstanding.Comment -
Hey STR: I heard the morning line maker at MNR say the oddsmaker does not set the line based on who he thinks is best/will win but tries to guess the public opinion on where the money will flow. But I would think it's inherent that a ML Maker's personal opinion would influence where he thinks the money goes. Your thoughts?Comment -
She ran VERY well. That race looked like the 9 was home at the 1/4 pole. Had a bunch of horse, but credit to both the winner AND Nomos. She ran very well and was never intimidated by the stuff going on around her. Finished up nicely timewise. She is alright JBEX. Tries HARD.
Headline Numbers: Whew ! Glad to see Chad finally get a nice horse.
Obviously she is really nice. Might not like the kickback if it really comes flying back at her. She had her head up just a little bit early so something to watch for, but after about 3/8ths, she leveled off and was all business.
Other than that, and it's really minor, she was outstanding.
yeah makes me want to see KB give it a whirl down the road though have my doubts they'll do it if he wins out..be cool if he was not only a turf horse but a marathoner
yeah poor chad lol..the rich get richer ..look forward to see that one go again ..probably shoot for an allowance condition vs a 3 yo stakes .. wouldn't be shocked if she winds up running in this years bc distaff
thanks strComment -
I get what you’re saying EZ .
Several lines maker’s have said that to me from way back. Their opinions are not the job task. Giving the fans the best guess at what the prices will be is. So I would agree with that .
Tricky part might be if the lines maker does like the favorite it could possibly influence the projected price downward by human nature.
From the skeptical perspective wouldn’t it be tempting if you are that lines maker, loved to bet, liked a horse and you made it 10-1 instead of maybe 5 or 6-1?
Thats grounds to be fired but have to think a desperate gambler who happened to be the lines maker has done that at sometime or another.
Another reason I don’t pay any attention to them EZ.
if the horse is hot or cold on the board it’s up to me to figure out why or, bet into the overlay based on my comfort level.
Lastly, what if a 5-1 is pure speed with three other pure speeds but all but one scratches. It immediately becomes a completely different scenario right? Too many variables after the lines are set for me to lean on them.
For all those reasons , I pay no attention to that stuff.
Hope that makes sense EZ.
For more , try word search Clem Florio. Pretty sure I wrote about him in here way back.Comment -
OK STR thx for your take. makes sense.Comment -
My next adventure lol 100% owned by MRH going to Mandella
.Omaha Beach . . . . . .Clair de Lune . . . . . .
.(2013)Dark Bay/Br. Filly .April 6, 2022 { {{{{{{By OMAHA BEACH (2016), $1,651,800, Arkansas Derby [G1], Malibu S.[G1], Rebel S. [G2], etc. His first foals are 3-year-olds of 2024. Sire of35 winners, $3,287,247, including black type winners Kopion (to 3, 2024,Santa Ynez S. [G3]), Hot Beach ($171,695), Launch (to 3, 2024, $163,-760), Sandy Bottom, black type-placed Alys Beach [G1], etc.
1st damCLAIR DE LUNE, by Malibu Moon. 2 wins at 3, $84,463. Dam of 3 other foalsof racing age, 3 to race, 2 winners--French Composer (g. by Jimmy Creed). 3 wins at 3 and 4, placed at 5, 2024,$98,838.Moonlight Joker (g. by Practical Joke). Winner at 2, placed at 3, 20232024, $22,322 $24,244.2nd damCHICALELEE, by Cherokee Run. 8 wins, 3 to 5, $187,296. Sister to RUNNING BRIDE. Dam of 6 foals to race, all winners, including--Touchdown Brown (g. by Cairo Prince). Winner at 2 and 3, placed at 5,2023, $158,000, 2nd Tiznow S.-R (SA, $20,000), I’m Smokin S.-R (DMR,$19,000).Quasar. 3 wins at 4 and 5, placed at 7, 2023, $210,672 in N.A./U.S.3rd damKAZUMINA, by Green Dancer. Placed at 3, $24,120. Dam of 8 winners, incl.--O K TO DANCE. 4 wins at 2 and 3, $198,245, Palisades S. [L], Gaily Gaily S. [L], 2nd Patricia S. [L], 3rd Lake George S. [G3]. Dam of Rivergrade Boy (3 wins to 3, $153,462, 2nd Beau Brummel S., sire).RUNNING BRIDE. 3 wins at 2, $134,468, City of Anderson S.-R (HOO,$42,323), Miss Indiana S.-R, 3rd Ellen’s Lucky Star S.-R. Producer.There Runs Hattie. 6 wins, 3 to 5, $239,475, 2nd Pippin S. [L] (OP, $10,-000), etc. G’dam of WRITER’S ALMANAC (champion in Puerto Rico).4th damPLENTY O’TOOLE, by Raise a Cup. 6 wins, $216,765, San Clemente S., Typecast S., Leucadia H., 2nd Los Cerritos S., 3rd Santa Barbara H.-G1,etc. Half-sister to Toys Are Fun. Dam of 7 winners, including--DEVIL HIS DUE. 11 wins, 3 to 5, $3,920,405, Pimlico Special H. [G1],Wood Memorial Invitational S. [G1], Gulfstream Park H. [G1], SuburbanH. [G1] twice, Gotham S. [G2], Brooklyn H. [G2], Excelsior H. [G2], Broward H. [G3], 2nd Woodward S. [G1], Travers S. [G1], Jockey Club GoldCup [G1], Oaklawn H. [G1], Pimlico Special H. [G1] twice, Philip H. IselinH. [G1], Woodward S. [G1], Whitney H. [G1], NYRA Mile H. [G1], Westchester H. [G3], 3rd Metropolitan H. [G1], Whitney H. [G1], etc. Sire.Believe It Shesdue. Placed at 2 and 3, 3rd Gasparilla S. Producer.Copious. Winner at 3, $16,070. Dam of GRIFFINITE (5 wins, $344,267, Lafayette S. [G3], 2nd Lexington S. [G2], etc., sire), Eishin Olean (Total:$361,558). Great-g’dam of SMOKEM KITTEN [G3] (Total: $109,018).Daredevil. 4 wins at 3, $35,178. Dam of Desert Way (Total: $497,568), etc.Great-granddam of Avon Lady [G1] (in Brazil, Total: $35,379).Breeders’ Cup nominated.KTDF. 3Last edited by batt33; 07-12-24, 07:41 PM.Comment -
Impressive two-year-old filly by runner-up leading second-year stallion and multiple G1 winning millionaire, Omaha Beach headed to Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella on the West Coast.
Clair de Lune ‘22, a daughter of popular young stallion Omaha Beach, was acquired late in the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale for $100,000.
An under-the-radar type that the MyRacehorse bloodstock team has done so well finding at past renewals of the Maryland auction (see GSWs Straight No Chaser and Duke of Love), the Apr. 6 foal turned in a steady and responsive :10 3/5 breeze and solid gallop out (:11 3/5, :24 4/5) that you’d expect from a two-turn horse.
Upon physical inspection, she presented herself with an efficient walk and plenty of balance. She has a large nostril and an intelligent eye. The dark bay gave the impression of one who should improve with time and distance.
Young sire Omaha Beach, whose first runners are sophomores, has proven very popular among breeders and buyers. His stud fee held strong in 2024 at $40,000, and his 2-year-olds this season have fetched as much as $510,000. Omaha Beach is currently second on the North American second-crop sire list by earnings, and leads that group by both black-type horses and Grade 1 stakes horses. His percentage of black-type horses to starters has been particularly strong–at 12.82% as of June 12, 2024–placing him behind only Justify among all U.S. sires with a meaningful number of foals and starters.
Dam Clair de Lune possessed good miler speed, taking a New York maiden special weight and allowance each by open lengths. She is by accomplished broodmare sire Malibu Moon, who has responsible for the dams of MG1SW fillies like Stellar Wind, Bellafina and By the Moon as well as the dam of this year’s leading sophomore colt Sierra Leone.
Hailing from a family that has earned plenty of black-type at a variety of venues, Clair de Lune is a relative of the great near $4-million earner and five-time G1SW Devil His Due.
Clair de Lune ‘22 is currently on post-sale turnout to allow her to let down from the rigors of the auction process and allow her shins to settle due to some soreness that is extremely common in young horses at this stage of their development. After 60-90 days at Peacefield Farm in Temecula, CA she’ll ship to the barn of none other than Hall of Famer Richard Mandella on the SoCal circuit.
Mandella guided Omaha Beach himself to victories in the 2019 G1 Arkansas Derby, G1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship and G1 Malibu S., and has also been at the helm of the career of Omaha Beach’s most accomplished runner to date, the graded stakes-winning filly Kopion.
Mandella and MyRacehorse have also had plenty of success together, teaming up to campaign graded stakes winners Forbidden Kingdom, Lane Way, Moonlight d’Oro and Tizamagician.
Expected on track: Late Summer/Early Fall 2024
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Saw the work. And while the shins are pinchy now, it's probably a blessing in disgiuse. That time off with those shins heated up will allow bloodflow to build and layer more bone which will make her more sturdy as a 3 yr. old.
Sounds like a good deal so far.
Keep us posted Batt.Comment -
On a rather somber morning in this sometimes crazy place we call the United States, I was all set to post about an old racetrack friend of mine that I found out just passed away. I thought about it and then realized that today might be exactly the right day to tell you about him.
In 1976, I started my career as a trainer. Beyond young, another"young" trainer started when I did. He was 13 years older than me but young in the trainers group in Md. His name was Hank Allen.
Having never known the man, I sure did know his name. He played professional baseball, centerfield, for the Washington Senators in the mid to late 60's. I used to go to a lot of day games back then. So of course I knew the name from then.
I started with horses at Pimlico but moved to Bowie for the summer meeting. There, I met Mr. Allen and told him I watched him play when I was younger. Insread of blowing me off, he started asking me questions about that time so of course I asked questions back. We got to be friends pretty quickly while seeing each other a few times passing back and forth to the 3/4 pole gap and watching our horses train.
Do remember that this was the mid 70's. A young black new trainer? No easy task for him to climb that mountain. What stood out to me was how he went about doing it. He was the epitome of class, grace, kindness and had an infectious laugh and smile. Always in a good mood and always asking how things were going. He was such a nice man.
He stayed at Bowie year round and I moved around with each meet so there were periods of time when I did not cross paths with him much. But we always waved or said hi if we saw each other at one of the other tracks.
I loved Bowie ! I'm sure I have said that in here before, but Hank was probably one of the reasons I did. In a time when race had, and still was, a hot topic with everyone seemingly having a strong opinion, with us, it never came up. I think I can speak for him and say that we never gave a damn about race. We just liked each other.
I would ask him about the old Senators but I could tell that when he talked about it, something was just not quite comfortable. Never found out what that was because I did not press the issue once I realized that. But again, always upbeat, always had that smile.
His brother came to work with him at Bowie after a year or two. His name was Ritchie Allen. Yeah, THAT Richie Allen from the Phillies. He was nice as well but reserved and kind of quiet. Not nearly as outgoing as Hank.
Our frienship stayed for as long as we did at the track. Hank retired about 1998. I left 3 years later. I never saw Hank again after that but I will always hold close his friendship, smile, laugh, and upbeat attitude. He taught me alot. Not about horses, about people, about life, and about how you should act. I needed that in my early 20's and I'm not sure he knew that I did. But now that I think about it a minute, he most likely did. Hank knew alot more than he let on. A pretty darn good horseman no doubt. But as for person, he was hard to top. One heck of a guy. One heck of a gentleman.
In his career, Hank won 286 races with 298 seconds and earnings of 3.64 million. His best horse was Northern Wolf who won the very 1st running of the Frank DeFrancis Dash in 1990 and set a track record at Pimlico at 1:09 Flat.
Rest In Peace Harold " Hank" Allen. You played a helluva game sir.Comment -
THX for the story about Mr. Allen STR. A good read.Comment
