Horse Racing questions and answers

[str]

and STR here are a couple of others ... I know you like watching the video's!
Commissioned Workout Report



Commissioned worked five furlongs in 1:00 flat yesterday morning at Santa Anita Park. He can be spotted under jockey Armando Ayuso on the outside of a pair from the Papaprodromou barn. Dan mentioned that Commissioned has been a bit green still in his two most recent works, and as you can see in the video above he is wanting to lean in a bit in the stretch while carrying his head higher and cocked to the outside as a result. Dan is considering adding “cheater” blinkers in his next work, which are a small cup in hopes to focus his attention at the task ahead. This was still a solid work overall, but we feel there are still improvements to be had—which is a positive.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...2278864687.mp4

Love watching videos. Thanks Batt.

Inside horse is climbing, that is, wasted high leg action which slows him down. A shadow roll might help him level off some. Might like two turns down the road.

Horse in the middle seems to understand things more than the other two. But already has a shadow roll on so seems mentally ahead of the others.

Outside horse ranged up nicely but seemed lost when he was in front. Small cup Blinkers should help with the focus to finish stronger. They are still learning though. All three will get better.

[str]

Thanks STR! yeah Dad and Mom missed the race ,he was in the hospital... still dealing with stuff he got to see the replay though! and thought the same thing.

Check out this "pocket Rocket " may just be my next SNC on the turf this time! no need for a name or number!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFVDaUKt5q4

Oh My !

22.36
22.28
11.70

56.38

Lolol.

[batt33]

Caldera Update



We checked in on Caldera yesterday morning at Highlander Training Center and your son of Liam’s Map could not have looked any better. He now has eight days of galloping under him and started yesterday galloping twice around the Highlander track. “He’s engaged in his training, always willing to do more,” said Jeff Hooper.

While time does most horses some good, this break from the racetrack has really done this colt well, allowing him to finally fill out into that big frame of his. We're excited to see how he progresses from here.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/MyMovie141_1760716952831/MP4/MyMovie141_1760716952831.mp4

[batt33]

and STR here are a couple of others ... I know you like watching the video's!
Commissioned Workout Report



Commissioned worked five furlongs in 1:00 flat yesterday morning at Santa Anita Park. He can be spotted under jockey Armando Ayuso on the outside of a pair from the Papaprodromou barn. Dan mentioned that Commissioned has been a bit green still in his two most recent works, and as you can see in the video above he is wanting to lean in a bit in the stretch while carrying his head higher and cocked to the outside as a result. Dan is considering adding “cheater” blinkers in his next work, which are a small cup in hopes to focus his attention at the task ahead. This was still a solid work overall, but we feel there are still improvements to be had—which is a positive.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/IMG2551_1762278864687/MP4/IMG2551_1762278864687.mp4

[batt33]

Just before turning for home, he’s making that run and I said to myself, go on Batt !
Well, he flattened out but you got that one last shot of adrenaline didn’t you ?
in a way, kind of what the games all about. I know your dad got a quick jolt as well.
Some gifts man cannot give but a horse can.

All cool stuff as you know Batt.

Congratulations on a great experience to you and your family. Your a lucky guy.

Thanks STR! yeah Dad and Mom missed the race ,he was in the hospital... still dealing with stuff he got to see the replay though! and thought the same thing.

Check out this "pocket Rocket " may just be my next SNC on the turf this time! no need for a name or number!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFVDaUKt5q4

[str]

He is home safe... around the far run I thought he had it just like last year........ but wasn't his day

Just before turning for home, he’s making that run and I said to myself, go on Batt !
Well, he flattened out but you got that one last shot of adrenaline didn’t you ?
in a way, kind of what the games all about. I know your dad got a quick jolt as well.
Some gifts man cannot give but a horse can.

All cool stuff as you know Batt.

Congratulations on a great experience to you and your family. Your a lucky guy.

[ProSportsEdge]

Honestly I think this might happen to some degree in harness racing, but I do not know for sure, but if it is happening anywhere in flat racing other than some rinky dink track as small and backwards as Charlestown at least and probably less than that , I would be stunned. For a trainer to say something like that at let's say Pimlico , Del. Park , Parx. is simply unheard of. In my time it did not exist. If you could give me more info as to who would do this or where the race took place I could better speak too it. Please let me know.

Yeah, that makes sense — it’d be surprising to see that kind of thing happening at bigger tracks like Pimlico or Parx. Smaller circuits can be a different story, but at that level, it’s usually way more regulated. Curious to see if any details come out about where this supposedly happened.

[JBEX]

by army mule sunday


lot's of them going tomorrow and with things being so slow this week will extend it a day



baq 5 (1:24)
5 army proud (6-1)


del mar 6 (6:01)
1 saint mihiel


del mar 8 (7:01)
5 debby's gal (5-2)


laurel 4 (1:43)
7 hooraw (20-1)

[batt33]

He is home safe... around the far run I thought he had it just like last year........ but wasn't his day

[batt33]

looks a lot better !!! Hope he runs well!

[batt33]

Thanks for your input STR! As far as SNC.... I will be watching the walking ring closely.... when I was onsite.... you could see he was agitated in the paddock as they were adjusting something to the mouth area... and then in the walking ring he was not a happy camper. Once out on the track he seemed to calm down....

[str]

A big "Great job" to Delmar track superintendent who has this track both turf and dirt, fast, firm, and most importantly FAIR. No bias or speed, rail, closers, whatever stuff. Fair. Like it is supposed to be for this event.

It seemed like the best horse won each race.

I say that because when it is deep, as it was prior to the meet, it is a lot easier to make a mistake than it is get it perfect. It's not easy. But this maintenance crew made it look like it is.

Assuming it stays that way and no reason to think it will not, I've glanced, not finished by far, but have a couple of horses you guys should take a long look at.
Don't let me talk you off anything you like including favorite numbers, first one to poop in the post parade, or whatever. Lol.

These are just a few things that caught my eye first time through some of these races. I hope some of it is helpful.

2nd race : It's a 3 yr. old and up sprint. 6F. The 8 horse looks to have the biggest upside. As a 3 yr. old, he sizzled in his last race and won easily. But, he got loose on the lead against maidens. Don't think that lead will be as comfortable today so I will try and beat the favorite.
Also, in allowance races like an "A OTHER THAN" the best 3 yr. old will often win. They run against older horses who have never won an allowance race. They haver had plenty of chances and the talent usually gobbles them up. But... when the condition of " or claiming price 50,000" is also part of the condition, it can open this race up to some pretty salty old dogs.
Several in here who can win but I will try the 1 horse who is 6 for 9 lifetime and has already won this condition 2 years ago. He was 2nd to The Chosen Vron, who would be 2-5 in here so I will probably look there. And hopeful the favorite gets flustered, I will play a 1-3 exacta. Why? Because if you look at the 3's form, he tends to run his best races every other race. 5th, 1st, 5th, 2nd, 9th, ? . I'll toss in a 1-3 exacta which should be a decent price and a small 3-1 so if he beats the 1 I don't explode.

I only spent about 5 good minutes on the 3rd race, so I might see something at 2nd look but the 9 horse, Breath Away, is trained by Miguel Clement who is Christopher Clements son. Christopher passed away this summer from a rare type of cancer. He will most assuredly be inducted in to the Hall of Fame , hopefully next year as he is as deserving as just about anyone. He was, in a word, spectacular at what he did. Two of those things he did was train horses, and raise his children. Both HOF worthy achievements. I had the pleasure of meeting him once and was impressed at hello. He was just one of those rare people that just have " it". So that win play will be with both my head and my heart.

4th- A 7/8ths rac e. The rail is always very difficult to win from coming out of a chute. File that away for future thoughts. Why? Because you either have to go hard, sit and most likely get shuffled back, or get lucky. Of course, the best horse typically creates their own luck, but use that down the road, not just in here. Rail posts in chutes are not an advantage. In one turn races, the outside post, known as the " box", is the best post . Why? Because you can control everyone inside you due to the fact that the far turn is coming up and all horses will slide over 3-4 feet on the track towards the inside when they switch leads, whiuch is lead legs to race on. Their bodies slide over to the left side around turns and that takes away racing room for the inside horses. That is why you see horses getting checked just prior to the far turn. Those jocks inside have to either get up in that spot, using their horses prematurely, or take back to avoid the sliding over that the field will be doing. So you have to GO or check back,. Meanwhile, the outside position is controlling everything and making other riders ride according to what the outside pressure is doing. Hope that makes sense.

Anyway... a quick look at this race has me respecting the heck out of the 6 horse Sweet Azteca. She will be the favorite but without a deep dive, she looks real tough. So does the Baffert horse, the 8. All I'm seeing so far is chalk in here.

5th. Only spent a couple minutes here but a couple of thoughts. The Euro horses on turf are almost always better. That said, I will give them all a long look. But in the quick look category, the one horse is tough to get past. Five starts at Delmar, 4 wins and a 2nd. Whew. Going to need to look harder at this race, and will, but my advice is take more than a glance at the Euro horses.
While the 1 horse will need some luck with a tough post, good horses typically can create their own luck.

6th. Have not looked yet. A rule of thumb in here though. Speed always looks real good in this race, but it is brutally tough to go wire to wire here. They will be flying, and that can set it up for a late closer to run in at a nice price. Also, any speed that can get a nice outside spot, and a clean right eye, meaning no outside pressure, can run better than it's form might otherwise suggest. Straight No Chaser did that last year with a perfect outside trip while all the inside horses pushed to keep position and keep a clean right eye( clear of immediate pressure in there face, and right eye.) SNC might get that same just off the lead spot today. Have a friend who owns a piece of him so might just root this one in . I need to look more.

7th. Again, have not gone through the race but as a rule of thumb, this race, fillies and mares going long, is typically very form full, in that, they are pretty consistent. Not to say that a longshot can't win, but if memories serves, favorites have a good record in this race.

8th . Again, have not looked but this is where the Euros excel. The 1 horse is a monster. The 2 horse beat him last year and paid 52.00 doing so. I will look at it but most likely stay with the Euros in here.

9th The Classic. Again, have not handicapped this race yet but... a few things before I have. Fierceness is a monster. No doubt about it. But.. he IS finicky. He does not like to have thing go differntly than he wants them. If yhey do, he seems to losre his concentration for a bit and that can be hard to regain in time to win. So simply put, one of the best in here? Yes. can WIN? Yes. Worth 2-1` or whatever low odds he will be? Probably not in my eyes. It's hard to win this race and 2-1 might be ok if you had a run through the wall type that let's nothing bother them./ But this horse HAS let things bother him, so you are betting on being good enough to win AND not letting circumstances get in the way. Personally , I do not think 2-1 is a fair price to have to deal with all that. Baeza is nice. But first time against olders is a reason for concern. The 3 did great last time but lightly raced. The 4 is the rabbit in here, meaning, Chad Brown is ensuring a fast pace to give Sierra Leone to try to run into late. I will not be very surprised if the 5 , 8 or 9 jump up. They are all solid horses. I will look harder at this race this afternoon but... The horse that is NOT being talked about much is Journalism. 10-1 will make me look hard at him. The jockey change to Jose Ortiz is HUGE. No disrespect to Rispoli but come on, Jose Ortiz is a top 3 rider in the country. When I see 10-1 morning line on this horse, it will have me taking a loooong look in his direction.

10th. Have not looked yet but I see Turf, Appleby, and Buick on grass going long in a grade 1. There might be something else to see, but that gets serious attention from me.

11th Again, have not even looked. I'll say this though. Turf, Aiden O'Brian, Breeders Cup, come on man.
I'll give it an honest look but there has to be a good chance that I'll be ridin in the last race on the turf in a Buick with Aiden O'Brian.

GL everyone Hope this helps.


Please ignore any stuff underneath.

[batt33]

good luck today batt with straight no chaser

Thanks JBEX!

[JBEX]

good luck today batt with straight no chaser

[JBEX]

saturday by army mule @
baq/gulfstream/laurel/del mar

laurel 5 (1:46)
7 lucky esther (9-2)


records kept top of previous page .. this will conclude tracking him at the mentioned tracks

[batt33]

Thanks STR! Again enjoy tomorrow with your buddies!!!

[str]

Yes, Like you said he owes nobody anything! All I really want is for him to do like you said is "come home safe. "
As far Dan Blacker here is a link to an interview he did before SNC . He spent time learning from Richard Mandella, and learning about paying attention to detaill.

https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/earning-their-stripes-dan-blacker/

He sounds like a great guy. So many similarities we share while growing into the head boss. Yeah, it was a lot. Good for him.

Very cool story that brings back memories.

Thanks for sharing Batt !

[batt33]

friday by army mule @
baq/gulfstream/laurel/del mar
t without
boldface tracks running


dmr 8 (7:05) breeders cup juvenile turf
11 ground support (15-1)

Not without a chance! Jockey's only mount.... gotta love that the connections stay with him! In one race 2 year olds can jump up by leaps and bounds!

watch out for Argos race 10... 3rd lifetime start wins a grade 1.... prat has ridden him in his last 2 starts... I have a little connection to him...

[JBEX]

friday by army mule @
baq/gulfstream/laurel/del mar

boldface tracks running


dmr 8 (7:05) breeders cup juvenile turf
11 ground support (15-1)

[batt33]

Batt, not that you don't already know, but this trainer is a top shelf guy. I don't throw that praise around easily. His attention to detail, which included about 5-6 things I saw in that video but won't bore you folks with it, is what makes me say what I said. In today's game, that might be more prevalent than it was 50 years ago. I knew about 4 maybe 5 trainers in Md. that did all the little things he was doing yesterday. I was fortunate to go to work for one of those 4 or 5 and became his asst. trainer which is why I am able to understand the difference.
Those 5-6 things just aren't taught by the vast majority of trainers. Whoever he came up under, understood what separates good horsemen from great horsemen.

Not being an owner, my stance on this horses last race is this. He owes nobody anything. He has been great. He is great. If he can win, it's a culmination of a brilliant career and a brilliant job by all involved. If he does not win, it is a celebration of a career that was AMAZING. Just come home safe.

It's a win , win in my book. Enjoy it, and good luck.

And again, that trainer is excellent. Man I love attention to detail. It was on full display in that video.

# Respect !

Yes, Like you said he owes nobody anything! All I really want is for him to do like you said is "come home safe. "
As far Dan Blacker here is a link to an interview he did before SNC . He spent time learning from Richard Mandella, and learning about paying attention to detaill.

https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/earning-their-stripes-dan-blacker/

[str]

Thanks STR yes getting to enjoy the ride with my parents has been pretty cool and surreal as with Seize the Grey. The cool thing is get to watch the babies down the road,,, a bunch of mares in foal by STG are selling next weekend at keenland ..

and speaking of SNC here is a morning video.... looking better in the paddock schooling " he tends to get excited" and kinda watching what they re doing around the mouth. When I was down at his last race it looked like both Blacker and the assistant were not happy with something in that regards when saddling him.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...1771119764.mp4

Batt, not that you don't already know, but this trainer is a top shelf guy. I don't throw that praise around easily. His attention to detail, which included about 5-6 things I saw in that video but won't bore you folks with it, is what makes me say what I said. In today's game, that might be more prevalent than it was 50 years ago. I knew about 4 maybe 5 trainers in Md. that did all the little things he was doing yesterday. I was fortunate to go to work for one of those 4 or 5 and became his asst. trainer which is why I am able to understand the difference.
Those 5-6 things just aren't taught by the vast majority of trainers. Whoever he came up under, understood what separates good horsemen from great horsemen.

Not being an owner, my stance on this horses last race is this. He owes nobody anything. He has been great. He is great. If he can win, it's a culmination of a brilliant career and a brilliant job by all involved. If he does not win, it is a celebration of a career that was AMAZING. Just come home safe.

It's a win , win in my book. Enjoy it, and good luck.

And again, that trainer is excellent. Man I love attention to detail. It was on full display in that video.

# Respect !

[ProSportsEdge]

One of my favorite angles was at the Fresno Fair for this exact reason. TBH when you get to the top races all the horses look good. The Fresno Fair was part of the summer fair circuit but there was about 6-8 weeks between the last stop and the Fresno meet. You could most definitely so who brought fit horses and were ready to fire right off the bat.

Yeah, that’s a great point. Those fair circuit gaps really separate the ones that stayed sharp from the ones just showing up for a run. Fresno always had that “who’s ready to fire” vibe early in the meet.

[JBEX]

thursday by army mule @
baq/gulfstream/laurel/del mar

nothing

[JBEX]

***

[JBEX]

pretty much in line! I cannot complain!

Seize the Grey '26 Stud Fee Set

Gainesway Farm has announced its stud fees for the 2026 breeding season, and Seize the Grey’s fee has been set at $25,000. That slight decrease from year one to two is the industry standard and absolutely to be expected as it tends to be easier to attract mares to a stallion’s book in their first year at stud vs. their second when breeders have shifted focus to the next crop of first-year stallions.

makes sense why fees often go down for a stallion's 2nd season

[batt33]

see what your saying about deals and the logic behind them
..will be interesting to see what they decide to do .. with yesterday's poor result ,and being it's late in the year, have to think they might consider breeding her next year

I saw army mule's fee went up $5k which is back to what it was in 2024..nice perspective you gave of how it might have a positive meaning considering the market level he's at ..AM fee dropped from 10 to $7.5k in his second season so we'll see what happens with STG

pretty much in line! I cannot complain!

Seize the Grey '26 Stud Fee Set

Gainesway Farm has announced its stud fees for the 2026 breeding season, and Seize the Grey’s fee has been set at $25,000. That slight decrease from year one to two is the industry standard and absolutely to be expected as it tends to be easier to attract mares to a stallion’s book in their first year at stud vs. their second when breeders have shifted focus to the next crop of first-year stallions.

[batt33]

Sovereignty scratched and Fierceness with a post that most likely gets him pinned early which he has hated in the past gives this Classic a chance to pay off well.
Got the pp’s for Saturday and will try to start looking at Saturdays card tonight. Going to Laurel with 7 friends from back in the day. Going to be a blast and need to find those guys and you guys some winners.

It's going to be fun!

Have an awesome time this Saturday! sounds like a great time!

[batt33]

etwe
Really interesting insight, especially about spotting horses coming off long layoffs and the fitness angle. That “third time off a layoff” tip makes a lot of sense, and you’re right, economics definitely plays a big role for smaller trainers. Appreciate you sharing that experience, not something you hear explained that clearly very often.

One of my favorite angles was at the Fresno Fair for this exact reason. TBH when you get to the top races all the horses look good. The Fresno Fair was part of the summer fair circuit but there was about 6-8 weeks between the last stop and the Fresno meet. You could most definitely so who brought fit horses and were ready to fire right off the bat.

[batt33]

Good luck Batt. I get the bitter sweet thought. Time to reflect on all that he has brought the ownership and stable and not worry too much about winning but emphasizing the overall appreciation of the horse and all he has brought you. Of course you want to win, but if you don’t, it’s a tip of the cap and a big thank you for all he has brought to everyone involved.
You mentioned how much your parents got out of his races and success. You can’t buy that. All you can do is appreciate the heck out of it and realize the rare air he and others have brought you. It’s a part of the game that many never feel. And while I felt plenty of it in my time there, it was never near that level.
Glad you and your family have enjoyed it. It’s great stuff, as you know.

Good luck on Saturday. We will be rooting for you.

Thanks STR yes getting to enjoy the ride with my parents has been pretty cool and surreal as with Seize the Grey. The cool thing is get to watch the babies down the road,,, a bunch of mares in foal by STG are selling next weekend at keenland ..

and speaking of SNC here is a morning video.... looking better in the paddock schooling " he tends to get excited" and kinda watching what they re doing around the mouth. When I was down at his last race it looked like both Blacker and the assistant were not happy with something in that regards when saddling him.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...1771119764.mp4

[JBEX]

Sovereignty scratched and Fierceness with a post that most likely gets him pinned early which he has hated in the past gives this Classic a chance to pay off well.
Got the pp’s for Saturday and will try to start looking at Saturdays card tonight. Going to Laurel with 7 friends from back in the day. Going to be a blast and need to find those guys and you guys some winners.

yes a good scenario for a nice price hit .. sounds like a nice afternoon with your buddies on saturday

[str]

Sovereignty scratched and Fierceness with a post that most likely gets him pinned early which he has hated in the past gives this Classic a chance to pay off well.
Got the pp’s for Saturday and will try to start looking at Saturdays card tonight. Going to Laurel with 7 friends from back in the day. Going to be a blast and need to find those guys and you guys some winners.

[S0BRiquet]

As for Gulfstream Park, I have always thought, having listened to some Hall of Fame names from the 60’s 70’s etc. that running at post time was as important to not only the integrity of the game but it gave off the perception that things were professional. Some of the biggest names in the business would talk about that back then and I was like a kid in a candy shop just listening and learning.
Gulfstream Park does what they do for personnel gain ONLY. I have to be honest. I would not be caught betting into that pool if my life depended on it.
it is the ultimate slap in the face to any fan who wagers or attends there.
It might sound petty but when I trained my horse ( again, how I was taught), and it was prepped to run at 1 pm. That didn’t mean 1:15 pm it meant 1 pm sharp.

Dick Dutrow’s daily schedule was as on time as a German subway schedule. Not 1 minute off. Attention to detail.
This 10 minutes late crap is not just to squeeze every nickel out of the handle but to give the CAW’s more time to analyze the pools. But we aren’t supposed to realize that. What an inefficient shit hole that place is. I can’t believe people actually bet money there.

Does it show that I am as full to the brim as I can be from all the Bull crap that race tracks are doing to the fan base?

So much about this sport keeps you shaking your head right? As I sit here with the rainy day blues (even have Dylan going in the background)I'm thinking of doing another self-imposed moratorium after the Breeders Cup. I love the BC too much and already have too much invested but it does feel good to come back at it with renewed spirit. Meanwhile, I say the "blues" because of yesterdays news re: Sovereignty and now we no longer have the "Race of the Century" to look forward to. It really is agonizing but what can you do... like Bill Mott said "you don't see it coming and there's nothing you can do about it". True. And you had to know he prob was not going to run come Sat. Mr Mott has that reputation so in my mind yest I counted him out and this mornings confirmation sealed all that.
So hang in there and let's hope the bad guys go away one day. But I'll be like Han Solo and ask you to not tell me the odds on that one.

[JBEX]

wednesday by army mule @
baq/gulfstream/laurel/keeneland/santa anita


keeneland and santa anita are done ..if any are running at dmr tomorrow,friday or saturday will mention (latter two days the breeders cup)

nothing today

[ProSportsEdge]

The only reason I can think of that would be a 0% chance of winning would be if a horse simply is not fit enough to win. That would have to be a horse that has not run in maybe a year or more. Even then , they certainly can win but every now and then you get a horse that just will not work fast enough in the morning to get the lung capacity up to where it needs to be to win. Galloping a horse to get fit only goes so far. In these cases, seeing the horse carrying a lot of extra weight in the post parade is a clear sign. If they are fat , they will rarely be able to run well enough too win. But if you meant did I ever try to not win a race the answer is NO! At Charlestown , many trainers run there horses fit. A great angle there is to bet a horse 3rd time off an extended layoff.Especially if the trainer only has a few horses. It is simple economics.It costs money per day to train a horse up to a race. Ronnie Brown, Runco, Walters etc. can do this . But some of the old timers there can not. They will run 4 1/2 for fitness . Are they trying to win? Probably. But after 2 starts they can run that distance no problem.Pay attention to that . It will happen.

The claiming game was my strength . It is very hard but I loved it. Leatherbury , Dutrow, and Tammaro were masters at it in Maryland when I was learning and when I competed against them. Not so much Bud Delp. Don't get me wrong , he was a brilliant horseman and the job he did with Spectacular Bid was tremendous but when I started out , he was predictable with his placement of claimers and I had plenty of success cherry picking him in the claim box. He let me know about it too.Those 4 guys were as good as claiming trainers get!

Really interesting insight, especially about spotting horses coming off long layoffs and the fitness angle. That “third time off a layoff” tip makes a lot of sense, and you’re right, economics definitely plays a big role for smaller trainers. Appreciate you sharing that experience, not something you hear explained that clearly very often.

[str]

KInda bittersweet " straight no chaser "makes his last start in the breeders cup sprint....
Blacker with some thoughts

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...1500113345.mp4

The final workout....
Straight No Chaser had his final breeze this morning at Santa Anita Park, covering four furlongs in :49 flat while under a very tight hold. finding company was unintentional, but assistant trainer and rider Juan Landeros did everything in his power to keep him from doing more than we wanted.

This was no doubt a bittersweet moment being the final work of Straight No Chaser's career, but there will be plenty of excitement this week as our champ gets to defend his title in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Good luck Batt. I get the bitter sweet thought. Time to reflect on all that he has brought the ownership and stable and not worry too much about winning but emphasizing the overall appreciation of the horse and all he has brought you. Of course you want to win, but if you don’t, it’s a tip of the cap and a big thank you for all he has brought to everyone involved.
You mentioned how much your parents got out of his races and success. You can’t buy that. All you can do is appreciate the heck out of it and realize the rare air he and others have brought you. It’s a part of the game that many never feel. And while I felt plenty of it in my time there, it was never near that level.
Glad you and your family have enjoyed it. It’s great stuff, as you know.

Good luck on Saturday. We will be rooting for you.