Happy Holidays from 

Rising Star Thoroughbreds!

Photo credits: Samantha Decker

Song of the Lark '21 Update

Trainer Keith Asmussen reports that our Uncle Mo yearling is doing well in his initial stages of training at El Primero Training Center in Texas. 

Asmussen, the father of Steve Asmussen who will train the colt once he reaches the racetrack next year, said Song of the Lark ’21 is currently getting a routine and brief respite — which is typical during this time of year during the breaking process for yearlings — and will be back under saddle soon. 

We'll keep you updated on his future progress.

Magical Ways Post Race Update

Magical Ways enjoyed a few easy mornings following Thursday’s race. 

The 3-year-old earned a 76 Beyer Speed Figure for his fifth place effort. This number appears above average given the margin he was beat. 

Pending all things continue well, it would be expected Magical Ways next target will be on Jan. 15th, a maiden special weight going one mile and one-eighth at Aqueduct.

One Last Night '21 Introduction

We recently added this French bred filly to our roster after purchasing shares in December. Go to her profile page to read about her exciting pedigree, trainer, and future plans. 

This is an update of activity on One Last Night '21 over the last few months:

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2022

One Last Night '21 arrived from the Arquana Sale in France at Kenny McPeek's Magdalena Farm in Lexington on September 28, 2023 where she began her journey to the racetrack. There is a lot of excitement and anticipation about this yearling daughter of top European stallion Wootton Bassett arriving in the Bluegrass State. She will now begin the breaking process that will lay the groundwork for her training.

UPDATE OCTOBER 2022

One Last Night ‘21 is currently at Kenny McPeek’s Magdalena Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. His team there reported that the  daughter of Wootton Bassett has settled in well since arriving from France, and they are pleased with how the filly has adapted to her new surroundings. Currently, One Last Night '21 is being turned out for 2 to 3 hours each morning. They plan is to start exercising her in the round pen next week. 

UPDATE DECEMBER 2022

Our yearling daughter by Wootton Bassett has transferred to Florida and is moving along in her training at trainer Ken McPeek’s farm in Ocala. At the first MRH Owner Experience farm tour last weekend, McPeek’s assistant introduced the filly to partners. She really is a stunner. The report included video where the handlers described her as "one of the favorites" and that she is nicknamed "Meg The Colt" because she acts more like a colt than a filly. We hope that translates into boldness on the track at a later date. This weekend marks the second event at McPeek’s farm and we are awaiting a new report. 

Pioneer Prince Workout Pattern

As we approach a potential debut for Pioneer Prince in the next month or so, here's a look back at his workout patterns, all at Santa Anita. The partnership is excited to see him run his first race!

Pioneer Prince

Workouts

Date Time Rank Tr .Dist Sf

2022-12-15 0:59.80 1/28 SA 5F Dirt

2022-12-07 1:02.001 4/21 SA 5F Dirt

2022-11-30 0:49.40 15/22 SA 4F Dirt

2022-11-23 0:49.80 17/28 SA 4F Dirt

2022-11-18 0:36.20 1/7 SA 3F Dirt

2022-11-11 0:50.80 33/41 SA 4F Dirt

2022-11-05 0:36.00 1/11 SA 3F Dirt

2022-10-31 0:25.40 1/2 SA 2F Dirt

2022-10-24 0:24.80 2/5 SA 2F Dirt

Magical Ways Finishes 5th in 2nd Start

Magical Ways ran a great opening to his race today at Aqueduct, staying with the three other leaders until they were coming out of the turn onto the stretch, and then he let the other horses get by him and seemed to maintain his pace as the others accelerated. 

The post race commentary by the jockey was that he never stopped trying and that, all in all, he thought it was a good race experience and he probably learned from the race.

We'll see how he comes back before we give a sigh of relief for a safe trip...and then look ahead to his next start. 

Here he is in a screen shot before the turn. He's #7 and though you can't see him well in the photo, the numbers at the bottom of the screen show his position in second place. 

Race Day for Magical Ways!

See details posted above in "Upcoming." He's got a tough race today. It's scheduled for 2:08 PM Mountain time (4:08 PM Eastern). 

We're hoping for a safe and productive experience for his 2nd start.

Go, Magic! 

Pioneer Prince - Naming Celebration Photo

A "Naming Celebration" photo of Pioneer Prince (known previously as I'm A Looker '20), a son of Pioneerof the Nile (sire of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah) out of I'm A Looker by Henny Hughes (the sire of the great Beholder). What a pedigree this guy has! He's currently training in Southern California with Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella.

Smart Shopping '21 Photo Op

Photo taken by one of the partners in the last 48 hours of our soon-to-turn-two Arrogate colt, currently tagged as Smart Shopping '21 (later named Seize The Grey). She reports he's a total love bug who enjoys being petted! Here's hoping he's a successful legacy to his immortal sire.

Photo credits: Courtney Key

New Additions!

We have now entered partnerships on several promising yearlings, and our Magnificent Seven just became the Terrific Twelve. 

We currently have one 3YO (Magical Ways), four 2YOs (Coexist, Disdainful, Mo Temptation and Pioneer Prince) and eight yearlings all set to turn a year older on January 1st. 

2023 looks like it could be an exciting year!

We'll be introducing each of our new yearlings in the coming days, starting with Enchante '21, (now Simply Enchanting) who just had her page completed. 

Disdainful Update

After Disdainful cast in his stall prior to the Grade 3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes at Del Mar last week, he has been gone over with a fine tooth comb to assess any potential injuries or setbacks. 

The results? Disdainful has a bruised pelvis.

This is about as best case scenario as we could get, and not a major setback, but he will need some time off to rest, recuperate, and thoroughly heal before returning to the track. 

Disdainful has been sent to a farm in Southern California where he is expected to get up to 60 days of rest before he is re-evaluated prior to returning to training just to ensure he has had all the time he needs to properly heel.

As always, the welfare of the horse is always our first priority and we expect this time off may end up being a blessing in disguise as it will allow Disdainful to grow and mature and hopefully return as an even better 3YO this coming spring.

We'll keep you posted as we get further reports. 

Earlier photo of Disdainful(IRE) taken in Ireland.

I'm A Looker '20 has been registered as PIONEER PRINCE

It's official! I'm A Looker '20 (temporary tag) has now been registered as Pioneer Prince.

His official page (at top) and all previous post label references (linked on the sidebar) will now be changed to Pioneer Prince though historic posts made before he was registered will still refer to him "I'm A Looker '20" temporary tag.

Magical Ways Entry

We have received the entry notice for Magical Ways! 

December 15th 

Aqueduct 

Race# 8 

1 mile turf MSW 

Post time: 4:08 PM Eastern (2:08 PM Mountain)

Romero Maragh is up

Go Magic!

Mo Temptation Enjoying Time Off at Kingfisher Farm

We received a report, photo and video of our Mo Town daughter, Mo Temptation, from Kingfisher Farm this morning.

According to their staff, Mo Temptation has been "a joy" to work around due to her quiet nature, and she is settling in well for her rest.

Mo Temptation's photo is posted below.

Magical Ways Workout Report - 12/08/22

Magical Ways had his final breeze this morning at Belmont Park, covering a bullet four furlongs in 47.62 seconds (1/24). The 3-year-old colt worked in company with Celestial Moon, a fellow 3-year-old maiden. 

The barn felt this was an improvement from last week, noting the few extra days he received in between works had him fresh. 

As long as Magical Ways looks good over the next two days, he will be entered in the one-mile maiden special weight on Dec. 15th. The entries draw on Saturday, Dec. 10th. 

Go Magic!

Photo of an earlier work in company.
Magical Ways is the outside horse.

 

Bullet Work for Magical Ways at Belmont

In his tune up for a possible start on December 15th, Magical Ways ran a bullet work this morning at Belmont Park. Go Magic! 

Horse Workout Notification 

Magical Ways (3-Year-Old Colt) 

Your comments for this horse were: Partnership - son of MacLean's Music 

Date: December 8, 2022 

Track: BELMONT PARK 

Distance: Four Furlongs 

Time: 47:62 Breezing 

Track Condition: Good 

Surface: Dirt training 

Rank: 1/24

Our Latest Yearling Acquisition

 Meet Song of the Lark '21, a bay colt by Uncle Mo and out of an impressive mare line. 

You can learn more about this promising youngster by clicking on the Song of the Lark '21 page.

Disdainful OUT of the G3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes

Well, it's definitely been a run of bad luck lately, but we were sent an alert that Disdainful cast in his stall yesterday, resulting in what is believed to be only superficial injuries. But a decision was to made to err on the side of caution and keep Disdainful out of the G3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes at Del Mar so he can be fully accessed and also to allow him a bit of time to heal his bumps and bruises. 

As always, the welfare of the horse comes first and we are in 100% agreement with this decision. 

Hopefully there will be another good spot for him in the near future. It's disappointing, but we're extremely grateful the injuries appears to be minor and should be fixed with a little TLC and rest.

I'm A Looker '20 Workout

Horse Workout Notification 

November 30, 2022 

I'm A Looker '20 (2-Year-Old Colt) 

Date: November 30, 2022 

Track: SANTA ANITA PARK 

Distance: Four Furlongs 

Time: 49:40 Handily 

Track Condition: Fast 

Surface: Dirt 

Rank: 12/18

Disdainful on Track for the G3 Stakes, But...

Disdainful(IRE) is now at Del Mar and we received a report he worked very nicely on Del Mar's dirt oval for Graham Motion in preparation for the Grade 3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes on December 4th. 

But...we're now in Wait-to-See Mode as the race could possibly over-prescribe and Disdainful may not get a slot. We won't know for sure until Thursday at the earliest. Meanwhile, we'll keep our fingers crossed and post any news as soon as we can.

If Disdainful does make it into the field, he'll have a change of jockey with Joel Rosario in the irons, due to John Velazquez having to return to New York for other commitments. 

We'll keep you posted as we know more. 

Coexist - Take Two

We received a detailed update on our soon-to-be 3YO filly, Coexist, today. 

She has been cooling her heels in Kentucky since August when she incurred a rear suspensory injury in a 'bumper car' type incident shortly after the gates opened for her first race at Saratoga. Her injury appears to have since heeled and she seems to be enjoying farm life.

She was inspected yesterday to determine her status. A plan was drawn to put her back into training and access her physical and mental situation, to see if she wants another shot at being competitive.

As with all things, the horse comes first, so much will depend on how she takes to training both mentally and physically.

We'll keep you updated as time progresses and we receive more reports. 

Best wishes, Coe!

Disdainful Works at Del Mar

Prior to his upcoming start in the Grade 3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes at Del Mar on Sunday, December 4th, Disdainful has been shipped out to the West Coast where he turned in what was probably an easy maintenance work this morning at Del Mar.

We look forward to his first test in a stakes race. 

 Disdainful (IRE) (2-Year-Old Colt)

Date: November 27, 2022
Track: DEL MAR
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 50:40 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 15/18

Magical Ways Works

 Magical Ways (3-Year-Old Colt)

Date: November 27, 2022
Track: BELMONT PARK
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 49:03 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt training
Rank: 36/132

Mo Temptation at Kingfisher Farm

Mo Temptation has arrived at Kingfisher Farm where she is expected to undergo 60-90 days of rest and rehab after the discovery of a troubling area in her knee. Although she could have gone on to run in her scheduled race, the team decided to that giving her time to let the area clear up before continuing with her training was the best choice for Mo.

We are in 100% agreement with this decision, because the horse must always come first.

Mo will be re-evaluated after her time off to ensure the area is no longer showing any issues before she returns to training in the spring.

Kingfisher Farm is located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California.  

Earlier photo of Mo Temptation

Major Step Forward for Lady Blitz

We received a wonderful update on our Audible daughter!

"We’re delighted to report that Lady Blitz made a seamless transition from training in the grass fields to now galloping over the main track and has even begun the early process of gate schooling. 

She’s been training on Wavertree’s main track for several days now."

This filly has taken the transition from grass field to dirt training track like a pro, and trainer Ciaran Dunne seems very happy with her progress. 

Here's a still from the video we received. 

We're very encouraged as this lovely filly is about to turn the corner to her 2YO year!

I'm A Looker '20 Workout Report

 (2-Year-Old Colt)

Your comments for this horse were: I'm A Looker '21 - partnership

Date: November 23, 2022
Track: SANTA ANITA PARK
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 49:80 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 3/8

Magical Ways Workout Report - 11/20/2022

Magical Ways had his first work back yesterday morning since his debut on Nov. 11th. The 3-year-old colt worked in company with fellow maiden and stablemate Celestial Moon. 

Assistant trainer Leana Willaford reported the colt has been in really good order since his debut. As we mentioned in our most recent update, pending all goes well and the Mott team believes he is ready to stretch out to a mile, the logical target is the maiden special weight on Dec. 15th going the one mile at Aqueduct.

Disdainful Runs Another Bullet

Nice work for Disdainful this morning at Fair Hill. It was a bullet, but only two horses went the four furlong distance.

He's still on track for the Grade 3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes at Del Mar on December 4th. 

Here's the notice:

Disdainful (IRE) (2-Year-Old Colt)

Date: November 20, 2022
Track: FAIR HILL
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 50:20 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Training
Rank: 1/2

Flightline: The Quest for Immortality

Here's a new short documentary - Flightline: The Quest for Immortality.

Flightline is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds and several other partnerships. His dam was also a partnership horse, owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners who we're involved with.

We believe partnerships are the future of horse racing and through them, thousands will be introduced to Thoroughbred ownership in the coming years. Enjoy.

I'm A Looker Ran a Bullet Work at Santa Anita Today

 (2-Year-Old Colt)

Your comments for this horse were: I'm A Looker '21 - partnership

Date: November 18, 2022
Track: SANTA ANITA PARK
Distance: Three Furlongs
Time: 36:20 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 1/7

Naming Contest for I'm A Looker '20 Begins!

The partnership naming contest for I'm A Looker '20 (Pioneerof the Nile x I'm a Looker) is underway! Soon this guy will have his registered name and we'll be updating this site to reflect his official name once the contest is complete.

Name submissions are being accepted now, and we sent ours:

Look of the Nile - compiled from his dam's name I'm a LOOKer and PioneerOF THE NILE.

No idea if our name will make it into the first round, but it'll be fun to see all the names that the partnership comes up with for this boy.

Here's the schedule:

Smart Shopping '21 Healing and Training Well

We received an update on our partnership Arrogate colt and he continues to heal very nicely, thanks to the laser therapy used on his leg wound. 

We also received a video of his saddle work that showed how well his leg cut has come along and hear how pleased trainer Ciaran Dunne is with the healing process. 

The latter half of the video showed Smart Shopping ’21 galloping in the field. 

His next steps will be the same as Lady Blitz (our Audible filly who is at the same training center).

In the next week or so, he will begin galloping on the main dirt track at Wavertree for approximately 30 days. 

Each day he goes to train, he will become familiarized with the starting gate by walking through it before reaching the racetrack. During that time, he will be treated to twice-a-week visits to the farm’s pool swimming, which is a tremendous way to build endurance and muscle without the strain of weight-bearing exercise. 

Around Christmas, he and the other yearlings at Wavertree will receive a brief refresher and then will pick up where she left off in her training in the second week of January as a newly turned 2-year-old! 

Provided all goes well with this routine, Smart Shopper '21 would be ready to begin short breezes around the third week in February. 

Magical Ways Update

Magical Ways exited his debut effort in good order according to the Mott barn. 

He earned a 54 Beyer Speed Figure. 

As was reported in the race recap, it is likely Magical Ways will get some additional distance in his second career start. The barn will let him ease back into rhythm and monitor how he trains out of the race before locking down our next target but the logical spot falls on December 15th going one-mile at Aqueduct.

We'll add this above as a tentative start. 

One of our new partner photos of Magic.

Mo Temptation Sidelined

We received an update today that Mo Temptation has been sidelined for 60-90 days and will not start this week. 

After reading the full report, we are in 100% agreement with the decision made. The welfare of the horse always comes first. She should come back better, more mature and stronger with the time off, if all goes well, and be a better 3YO for it. 

 

Lady Blitz Update

An update from MRH on our Audible filly and her training in the months ahead.

Lady Blitz Update 

Our team visited with Lady Blitz yesterday at Wavertree and watched the yearling filly during her training session. All remains well with the daughter of Audible who continues galloping in the grass fields. 

Ciaran Dunne provided us with a loose timeline of what to expect in the coming months in terms of a training routine for Lady Blitz. In the next week or so, she will begin galloping on the main dirt track at Wavertree for approximately 30 days. Each day she goes to train, she will become familiarized with the starting gate by walking through it before reaching the racetrack. 

During that time, she will be treated to twice-a-week visits to the farm’s pool swimming, which is a tremendous way to build endurance and muscle without the strain of weight-bearing exercise. 

Around Christmas, she and the other yearlings at Wavertree will receive a brief refresher and then will pick up where she left off in her training in the second week of January as a newly turned 2-year-old!  

Provided all goes well with this routine, Lady Blitz would be ready to begin short breezes around the third week in February.

Magical Ways Debut Race Recap

Magical Ways' debut race recap was actually quite encouraging. Here it is:

Magical Ways Race Recap 

Magical Ways received a good racing education today at Aqueduct in his debut. It was a positive to see him break so well and show early speed while contending with racing in between rivals, which can be an intimidating position for a first-time starter. 

Your colt finished fifth in the 6 1/2-furlong race and we received positive feedback from jockey Jose Lezcano who said when the 3-year-old broke so sharply he allowed him to play a part in the early pace. 

The rider reported that Magical Ways “wasn’t really happy” with racing in between horses, yet said he liked the overall feel he received and believes the colt will improve with this race under his belt and suggested that he would do well stretching out. 

The idea behind stretching out in distance is that the early pace dynamics would likely be slower than a sprint, which in turn would allow Magical Ways to finish stronger than he did today. 

The son of Maclean’s Music was vocal in the paddock and Leana Willaford, trainer Bill Mott’s assistant, said he was simply taking in the race-day scene, which was new to him, and didn’t view it as him being overwrought or misbehaving. 

Leana reached out about 30 minutes after the race to let us know that Magical Ways had scoped clean and was cooling out well. It’s been a long time coming, but we were happy to get this start into today and look forward to seeing him back in the starting gate.

I'm A Looker '20 Workout

 

Horse Workout Notification November 11, 2022 (2-Year-Old Colt) Your comments for this horse were: I'm A Looker '21 - partnership Date: November 11, 2022 Track: SANTA ANITA PARK Distance: Four Furlongs Time: 50:80 Handily Track Condition: Fast Surface: Dirt Rank: 33/41

Update on Coexist

Things have been quiet while Coexist recovers from her suspensory injury, but we received an update today that she is now in Kentucky.

She will be evaluated in coming weeks to come up with a game plan for the next step.

Magical Ways Didn't Hit the Board on Debut

Magical Ways performance today is not what we'd hoped it would be, but it appears he came through the race without incident. 

He was running well early, but the track was wet and it seemed, at least to us, that when he lost the lead he didn't like getting hit by mud and shut down in the later part of the race to run 5th of 6 horses. 

First races are always hard, but the important thing is the horse's welfare. Hopefully this was both a learning experience and will make him even more fit for his next start. We'll share the after-race analysis with you when we received it.

Magical Ways Race Overview

Magical Ways long-awaited debut is tomorrow at Aqueduct, where he'll start as a late 3YO. Below is a very detailed and informative Race Overview  provided by MRH.

_____________________________________________

There have been peaks and valleys on this long and twisty road to launch Magical Ways’ career, so to see your 3-year-old in the entries on Friday at Aqueduct is truly cause for celebration.

The son of Maclean’s Music is among a field of 6 set to compete in the 6 1/2-furlong dirt race. Magical Ways drew post 3 and will be ridden by Jose Lezcano. He is the co-second choice at 3-1 on what is a tight morning-line with not much separating this compact field in the way of odds. Magical Way is one of two first-time starters in this $85,000 Maiden Special Weight. While older horses were eligible to enter, only 3-year-olds comprise the field.

Post time for Race 2 is 12:50 p.m. ET, which by the looks of the weather forecast will be before the heaviest rain hits the area.

Your colt’s Hall of Fame trainer, Bill Mott, is enjoying a spectacular start to the month and is fresh off winning two Breeders’ Cup races last Saturday at Keeneland with Cody’s Wish (Dirt Mile) and Elite Power (Sprint).

With regard to Magical Ways’ start, Mott is an excellent 12 for 61 over the past five years with older first-time starters sprinting on dirt (20%, $3.07 ROI), according to Daily Racing Form Formulator stats. Additional key stats can be found through sire Maclean's Music, who strikes at an above average and very strong 13% with his older first-time starters (the sire average in this category is just 9%). This sire is also very capable with his dirt sprinters, firing at an above average 18%.

Based on Magical Ways’ recent breezes, he should be sharp from the gate and is well drawn in the middle.

Best of luck to Magical Ways’ partners!

About the Competition (in post position order):

Happy Bob (5-2) is the morning-line favorite. Friday will mark his third trip to the starting gate and his first since Aug. 13 when he took money and went off the second choice and finished a well-beaten fifth. The colt’s first start, back in June at Belmont, was solid with him earning a 79 Beyer Speed Figure for a second-place finish to a subsequent graded stakes-placed runner, Accretive.

Opportunity Set (3-1) is a first-time starter for trainer Chad Brown. His worktab has been proficient and with the potent connections of Brown and Irad Ortiz Jr. behind this horse, he will get plenty of support at the windows. Like Mott, Brown brings solid stats to the table with his older first-time starters sprinting on the dirt and is 24% in this category over the past five years. Sire Classic Empire is below average (6%) with his older horses on debut, but has strong stats with his dirt sprinters (17%).

Matt Doyle (4-1) has made six prior starts, but this will be his first as a gelding. He lost twice as the favorite, including his most recent start on Oct. 9 at this distance and over this track. He also gets blinkers on for trainer Rudy Rodriguez who is 16% with that equipment change. Wouldn’t rule him out as he has some good second-place finishes behind nice horses, including Early Voting last year at Aqueduct.

Giant’s Fire (6-1) hasn’t raced since February. Three lifetime starts at Tampa Bay Downs all resulted in third-place finishes. Trainer John Terranova fires at 24% with his runners off the bench 180 days or longer. Would prefer to see a comeback race under his belt before throwing support his way.

Tiger Town Boy (6-1) wasn’t a factor on debut at the distance and at Aqueduct last month while showing no early foot. Gets blinkers on for trainer Danny Gargan who wins at 25% with that move. His last race was on Oct. 9, but he only shows one work for this upcoming assignment, although it was a swift one. He’s been cross-entered to run on as a MTO on Thursday, but that race is likely to remain on the turf so he would scratch and run here.

Magical Ways on Track to Debut Friday!

Our 3YO Maclean's Music colt is all set to debut at Aqueduct this Friday, November 11th.

He'll be in Race 2, Post Position #3, a 6-1/2 furlong Maiden Special Weight on dirt, in a field of six horses. J. Lescano is in the irons. His trainer is Bill Mott. The race will be run at approximately 10:50 AM Mountain time (12:50 PM Eastern). 

We're praying for a safe race, first and foremost, but really hoping this guy will have a debut like his sire, who won his first race with an historic first time speed figure. 

Magical Ways' journey to his debut has not always been easy, and some of the partners have been waiting 16 long months to see this promising colt run, so we're all hoping our bay boy with the ghostly star has a very safe and happy experience! 

Go Magic!

Mo Temptation Update - Houston, We Have a Hiccup

The report from the O'Neill barn this morning is not all sunshine and roses. The partners noticed that Mo Temptation skipped her regular work out on Saturday and now we've received the full story:

Mo Temptation had an open gallop on Saturday which was not listed as an official work or had the same intensity, but it was more than your traditional gallop.

Following back-to-back gate drills, she had some pressure (filling) in her knees which required skipping a week of breezes. While the O’Neill team thinks this is manageable and is still hopeful that we can make a debut at Del Mar, all parties agreed to have a nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan) performed on Mo Temptation.

Once we've received the results and consult with our resident vet Dr. Berk we'll get back with Team O'Neill on a path forward.

As is often the case with young horses -- even Flightline, himself -- complications can arise that need to be addressed that can delay or alter a horse's future plans.

On the bright side, this is just an example of how these young horses are carefully managed. The athlete is always the first concern. We care about our horses.

Magical Ways: Early Entry

Here we go! Early Entry Notice on Magical Ways! 

This will be the late 3YOs debut. 

Nov. 11th, Aqueduct, Race 2, PP #3 of 6, $85k, 6-1/2 furlong Maiden Special Weight. 

One other horse debuting, trained by Chad Brown. Some well bred competitors, but this looks like a really great spot for him IMHO. 

Go, Magic! We thought this called for an appropriate theme song. :)

"I Believe It's Magic" from Ghostbusters

Lady Blitz's Future Trainer Takes Two Breeders Cup Races

Congratulations, Todd Pletcher!

Lady Blitz still has several more months of pre-racetrack training with Ciaran Dunne at Wavetree Farm but when she does arrive in Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher’s barn, she will enter the shedrow of a 14-time Breeders’ Cup winner. 

Todd captured 2 races at this year’s World Championships — with Forte in the Juvenile and Malathaat in the Distaff. 

The trainer’s win in both the Distaff and the Juvenile marks his third time winning each. 

Lady Blitz will be in very capable hands when she starts her career. But we knew that! 

Magical Ways Works - Five More Days Until First Race

Magical Ways worked this morning in 48.61 for 4 furlongs at Belmont Park. Pretty good time, even though he has been running bullets. This work ranked 54/188. 

We're guessing with his race anticipated on Friday, that this was just a maintenance work and the trainer didn't want him putting out too much effort this close to his potential debut. 

We'll post a follow-up when we hear from his trainer.

I'm A Looker '20 Runs a Bullet Work!

Great start to our Breeders Cup Saturday as our Pioneerof the Nile son (temporary tag: I'm A Looker '20) ran a 3f bullet work this morning at Santa Anita Park. 

He ran it in 36 flat, tied with one other horse for fastest out of 9 works at that distance. 

Very encouraging update.

Jackie's Warrior and Magical Ways both sired by Maclean's Music

With Jack Christopher out of the Breeders Cup Sprint, the current 4/5 favorite is Jackie's Warrior, sired by none-other-than Maclean's Music, as is our about-to-debut Magical Ways. 

Needless to say, we'll be watching the BC Sprint closely. Maclean's Music has gotten a lot of attention as a sire of late. Here's an article on Jackie's Warrior.

The Breeders Cup Sprint is on Saturday at about 12:30 our time. It's a $2 million dollar Grade 1 stakes. 

Maclean's Music - sire of Jackie's Warrior and Magical Ways

Disdainful is Still a GO!

We were very happy to get a report that Disdainful came out of his race on Saturday in good shape in spite of the minor wreck just after the gates opened on Saturday in the Elmtree Allowance at Keeneland. 

If he continues to train well in the coming weeks, he'll have his graded stakes debut at Del Mar on December 4th in the Grade 3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes. 

I'm A Looker '20 Begins Official Works

Our Pioneerof the Nile 2YO has begun to run his official works on Mondays at Santa Anita.

On October 24th, he ran 2f in 24.80 handily, the 2nd fastest time of 5 works at that distance.

Yesterday, on Halloween, he ran 2f in 25.40 handily for the bullet out of 2 works. 

He's also begun some gate training, and was reported as "fiesty" at the start, but that that's totally normal at this stage of the game. 

It appears he's several months out from a start, but we'll keep you posted on his progress over the winter and any other news. 

He will, of course, turn three years old on January 1st. 

Magical Ways Update

Disdainful has really taken the spotlight of late, but we have two more partnership horses getting set to debut. 

The plan remains to debut Magical Ways at Aqueduct on Nov. 11th. 

This colt produced another solid breeze yesterday at Belmont Park for trainer Bill Mott. The 3-year-old colt covered a half mile in 48.42 seconds (12/152) on the training track. 

His sire (Maclean's Music) made history on his debut by winning in the fastest time ever for a first time starter, and Magic's works have been great, so there's quite an undercurrent of excitement in the partnership to see what he can do!

We also want to mention that another son of Maclean's Music -- Jackie's Warrior -- is expected to run in the Breeders Cup this weekend...and may even be the favorite in his race! 

 

Milestone for Mo Temptation's Young Sire

As Mo Temptation continues to prepare for her upcoming career debut at Del Mar next month, we’re excited to share news that her freshman sire, Mo Town, was recognized with his first stakes winner yesterday at Keeneland. 

Key of Life provided Mo Town with a score in the $200,000 Myrtlewood Stakes with her 6 3/4-length romp in the six-furlong dirt race. Yesterday’s gate-to-wire win represents Key of Life's third career victory from 4 starts. 

We hope it's the harbinger of great things to come for Mo Temptation!

Freshman Sire Mo Town

Video from Keeneland Live Yesterday

We have the live feed of Disdainful's race yesterday via YouTube for anyone wanting to see the race.

Forward to about the 3 hour mark to see the saddling paddock and post parade for Race 5 (the link should take you there), or start it about 15 minutes after to see the race footage. And for a bit of Halloween flavor, if you want to see the Headless Horseman make an appearance on his black steed, back it up a little before that! 

Of note, Disdainful won the "Best Turned Out" title yesterday before the race, and the pre-race feed includes the presentation to his groom. Very nice! Not only did he run well, he looked great. 

We'll have some still shots from the race to post in the coming days.

Click here to view:  Keeneland Live Feed from 10/29/2022

Order of Finish and Notes -- Disdainful

We're extremely happy that Disdainful(IRE) performed so well in today's Allowance at Keeneland, where he rallied to finish a game 2nd after a not-so-perfect trip. 

Here's a look at his competition. General Jim (winner) is anticipated to move up to graded stakes company in his next start.

Order of finish today and notes about competitors. 

1st    #2 General Jim  Into Mischief x Inspired by Grace (Curlin) 

An $850,000 Keeneland Sept 2021 yearling purchase who ran a 1st and 3rd in 2 previous starts.

2nd    #3 Disdainful (IRE)    Kessaar x Shallow Lake (Bernardini)   2: 1-0-1

3rd    #6 Our Dream Rye'd   More Than Ready x On The Trail (Bernardini)

5 starts with a 1st and 3rd, including starts in a G2 (5th) and G3 (6th)

4th     #9 Oscar Award    Oscar Performance x Trade Agreement (Will Take Charge)

5th    #3 Otago    Speightstown x Mom's Deputy (War Chant)  4: 1-1(stakes)-1

6th    #12 Rarified Flair    Honor Code x Truth (Arch)   6: 1-1(stakes)-1

7th    #10 Mendel's Secret   Mendelssohn x Donnie's Secret (Tiger Ridge)  2: 1-0-0

8th    #5 In God's Time    Not This Time x Believe in Wonder (Aldebaraan)  2: 1-0-0

9th    #7 Blame The Good Times    Blame x Celebrategoodtime (Harlan's Holiday)  3: 1-0-0

10th    #11 Fastbyte    Oscar Performance x Gigahertz (Dynaformer)   4: 1-0-0

11th    #1  Steele Money   Brody's Cause x Sunlit Summer (Summer Bird)   3: 1-0-0

12th    #13  Housed    Ghostzapper x Lime Lady (Limehouse)   3: 1-0-1

Disdainful Runs 2nd in US Debut!

We think Disdainful ran GREAT today! 

John Velazquez piloted him expertly through traffic on the rail and powered him up in the stretch to take 2nd in this extremely talented field. We were super happy with his US debut in the 5th at Keeneland and based on the summary and recap from Aron, so was Eclipse.

We'll wait to see how he comes out of this race and continues to train over the next couple of weeks, but his next start could be very exciting! Stay tuned!

Here's a couple of screenshots from Keeneland today. Sorry the banners obscure part of the photo. 

Post Parade

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Disdainful at Keeneland Tomorrow

Good morning, all! We got the detailed pre-race analysis from Aron this morning, and Disdainful will be running against some absolute monsters tomorrow in the 5th at Keeneland, including a couple of proven stakes horses! Still, the mood seems to be quiet confidence, and we don't think he'd be entered in this race if there wasn't a lot of optimism about his chances, so we'll see how he performs against some extremely talented and top-bred horses. 

It's also a huge plus that John Velazquez is up--a hall-of-famer and one of the top jockeys in the country. John has won the Kentucky Derby three times, the Belmont at least twice, as well as at least 15 Breeders Cup races! We couldn't have asked for a better pilot on Disdainful's US debut. 

All systems are go provided it doesn't rain. If it rains, the race will come off the turf course and go onto the main dirt track, and Disdainful will be scratched. Rain is not in the forecast, however. 

As for us, we're just praying for a safe race for him, wherever he finishes, but if he runs well, we'll, of course, be absolutely ecstatic! 

We'll keep you posted.

It's Official! Patsy's Kim '21 Has Now Been Named.....

Lady Blitz!

So, what does it mean?

Her sire, Audible, was actually named for a football term. An "audible" is a verbal signal given by the quarterback to alter the play when he deems it necessary. (At least, that's our understanding.) 

Our mission as a partnership was to suggest football-themed names in keeping with "audible." Not everyone did, which is how we ended up with the top two choices -- Lady Audible and Miss Chievious, ranked #1 and #2 by votes. 

BUT....big flag on the play. Those names were rejected by the Jockey Club, so -- surrrprise! -- it went to choice #3, Lady Blitz. Which IS a football inspired name. 

And we have to admit, we like it a whole lot better than Patsy's Kim '21!

Give us a bit of time and everything on this site will be moved over to the Lady Blitz name and tag for the filly formerly known as Patsy's Kim '21.  

Check it out. She already has a t-shirt!