Lane Way Entered in Green Flash Handicap

With no changes in our status in the G2 Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs, Lane Way has officially been entered in the G3 Green Flash Handicap going five furlongs on the turf on Saturday, September 2nd at Del Mar.  This handicap is a WIN AND YOU'RE IN for the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint. 

Mike Smith will return in the irons and break from post 6 in a 12-horse field. 

Race 9 will have a post time of 5:30 p.m. PT (6:30 MT). 

We’re excited to see our son of Into Mischief back in the starting gate on Pacific Classic Day!

Simply Enchanting Update

Simply Enchanting continues to make progress in her training after a slight extension to her jogging stint at Wavertree. 

She has now begun galloping and following a few good weeks of galloping we will look to ship her into trainer Phil D’Amato. Farm trainer Ciaran Dunne believes if everything goes smoothly he’ll have her ready by the end of next week. 

The plan will be to ship into Phil’s barn at Los Alamitos where he starts and preps the majority of his horses, especially 2-year-olds. We hope to post some updated footage before she heads out. 

Laurie with Simply Enchanting in Ocala, Florida.

Seize The Grey - Workout and Update

Seize the Grey was back on the work tab on Saturday morning at Saratoga, covering a half-mile in :49.00 flat. This was a maintenance drill for your son of Arrogate and he did everything right according to the Lukas barn. 

Race plans will be discussed with D. Wayne Lukas early this week but it remains doubtful our 2-year-old will be entered in the G1 Hopeful S. on Saturday at Saratoga. 

Looking ahead, options like the G3 Iroquois at Churchill Downs (Sep. 16) or the G1 Claiborne Breeders' Futurity could be considered. 

The Body of the Great Ruffian Relocated from Belmont Park to her Birthplace - Claiborne Farms

Maybe second only to Secretariat is the legend of Ruffian, the filly who won every race while setting new track records until her fateful match race with Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure. She was winning when she faltered. They did everything they could, but were unable to save the great mare. They buried her in the infield at Belmont Park with her nose pointed toward the finish line.

Some said Ruffian was the greatest horse that ever raced, greater even than Secretariat. I've heard it said that she was in the lead at every call of every race she ever finished. Now, with Belmont Park in the process of renovations, her remains were carefully removed and she's now been returned home to her birthplace at Claiborne Farms in Kentucky.

Ruffian is a legend whose accomplishments have not faded with time. I think I need to go visit Claiborne Farm one day. 

Article: NYRA Relocates Remains of Ruffian to Claiborne Farms

Ruffian

Mo Temptation Transferred to Trifecta

Trainer Doug O’Neill opted to ship Mo Temptation to Trifecta Farm where she will take a break from racing. She has been hand-walking for about one week and has handled everything well according to the team at Trifecta. Trifecta is located across the street from San Luis Rey Downs and is a tremendous facility and program.

Seize The Grey Post-Stakes Place Workout

Seize the Grey 

(2-Year-Old Colt) 

Comments: Arrogate x Smart Shopping

Date: August 26, 2023 

Track: SARATOGA 

Distance: Four Furlongs 

Time: 49:00 Breezing 

Track Condition: 

Fast Surface: Dirt training 

Rank: 16/49

Our comments:

He was 16th of 49 works this morning on the Saratoga training track, but a 49 second 4F a week after his monster close from last place to give him a stakes-placed finish looks pretty darn good to us!

We'll post his official report when it's received. 

Lane Way - Another Option

Lane Way was also nominated for the Green Flash Stakes at Santa Anita, also identified as a win-and-you're-in for the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint. Lane Way ran 2nd in the Green Flash last year to Lieutenant Dan who has now apparently retired. There'll be some strategy at play in the next few days. We'll see what lies ahead for our guy.

Pioneer Prince Workout Recap

Pioneer Prince breezed a half-mile from the gate in :48.20 this morning on the outside of stablemate Persia. "Prince" broke fairly well and followed his workmate a few lengths behind, traveling comfortably under Jessica Pyfer. 

Trainer Richard Mandella was once again pleased with this drill, reporting that Persia was fitter and ready to run five furlongs with jockey Hector Berrios aboard. This was Pioneer Prince's second half-mile work and he will continue to build on his foundation before looking for a return to the races.

Lane Way Works 5F in Under a Minute - What's Next?

Lane Way breezed a razor-sharp bullet five furlongs in :59.60 (2/95) this morning at Del Mar from the gate under regular exercise rider Jose Contreras. Our veteran gelding was just a touch slow initially from the gate but quickly got into stride and looked powerful down the stretch. Working from the gate, this work was completed on the backstretch and Lane Way continued his speed throughout the entirety of the work.

The Path Ahead 

With nominations being released for the G2 Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs, Lane Way has about a 50% chance of getting into the race. While there is always a large number of nominations, trainer Richard Mandella believes the G2 placing would be good enough to get us into the body of the race. 

Preference into the field is determined by: In the event that more than twelve entries pass the entry box, the starters will be determined at that time with preference given to the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Sprint winner at Ellis Park, Graded or Group Stakes winners (in order I-II-III) then Graded or Group Placed (2nd or 3rd), Open Stakes winners, then highest turf earnings in 2023. Any horse excluded from running because of the aforementioned preference shall be refunded the entry fee and supplementary nomination fee if applicable. 

In communication with the Kentucky Downs racing office, Lane Way is currently ranked 16th (12 will run) on the list of probable entrants which excludes horses who are not considering the race despite being nominated. Of course, the last thing we would want to do is ship to Kentucky and not get into the body of the race or be stuck on the also-eligibles. 

Over the next five days, we will have to make a final decision as entries for the G3 Green Flash at Del Mar are taken on Wednesday for Saturday, September 2nd (Pacific Classic Day). Green Flash nominations closed yesterday and should be released later today. We will remain in touch with Kentucky Downs throughout the weekend and early next week to monitor any potential changes as the Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint was Richard’s preference given the distance and the lucrative purse. 

As soon as we have any word of which direction we will confidently go we will report back.

Fireball Birdie Runs First Official Work - 8/24/2023

Fireball Birdie 

(2-Year-Old Colt) 

Comments: Uncle Mo x Song of the Lark 

Date: August 24, 2023 

Track: CHURCHILL DOWNS 

Distance: Four Furlongs 

Time: 53:60 Breezing 

Track Condition: Fast 

Surface: Dirt 

Rank: 29/30

Our Commentary:

Fireball Birdie ran his first official work this morning at Churchill Downs. (8/17/23 photo below as he was being shipped to Steve Asmussen's barn.) 

It was a slow work, which is not surprising, but the distance was 4 furlongs--not 2 or 3. He ran it in 53.60. 

Fireball Birdie is a son of top sire Uncle Mo out of Song of the Lark by Seeking The Gold. His dam has produced two stakes winners, including a Canadian Horse of the Year, Up With The Birds. We expect at least six more works before he'll be ready to start, which would put his earliest start date sometime after the beginning of October, if all goes well. 

Our barn name for him is "Firebird."

Official Update:

Fireball Birdie had his first official breeze this morning at Churchill Downs, covering a half-mile in :53.60. Working in company on the outside of a $550,000 son of Gun Runner, Holster, who also just shipped in from Laredo, Texas with our colt. 

This was a typical first work in the Asmussen barn, having the riders up in the saddle throughout the early stages and only asking our son of Uncle Mo in the final sixteenth to the wire and on the gallop out. 

The work times will never be flashy with new 2-year-olds in the Asmussen barn, but following a couple of easy breezes Steve will begin to ask him for a bit more.

Track Bias (What the Fans are Saying)

Track bias generally means how the racetrack is playing, For example, the inside near the rail may be deep and to be avoided, or it may be fast. A professional jockey generally knows what the surface of the track is like at any particular point and it can change with the weather and other conditions. 

This post refers to a different type of "track bias." There was a recent discussion by a partnership group of which track is "the best." Opinions varied of course, but the argument was interesting and a bit educational.

"Toga [Saratoga NY], better Horses, better Jockeys, better everything."

"Kentucky has superior purse structure with an infinitely lower operations than East Coast, West Coast or Florida. 

Two best summer meetings are Del Mar and Saratoga.[San Diego and Saratoga NY respectively]

For winter nobody beats the Championship Meeting at Gulfstream. [Miami area] 

Spring and Fall belong to Keeneland and Churchill Downs. [Kentucky]

Most top jocks magically appear at all these tracks. 

And as for breeding there is Kentucky and everyone else."

"Del Mar nicer but much better racing stock east. Their[sic] begging for Horses west. Purses are not even close anymore with Saratoga much higher." 

"Del Mar, but Saratoga turf is a little better."

"No comparison Saratoga is Better in everything."

Where our partnership horses are currently located:

            Seize The Grey - 2YO - Saratoga (has raced, has won, stakes placed)

            Lady Blitz - 2YO - Monmouth Park (has raced, has placed)

            Lane Way - 6YO - Del Mar (has won, stakes winner, track record)

            Pioneer Prince - 3YO - Del Mar (one start, official works)

            English Jubilee - 2YO - Woodbine Canada (official works)

            Simply Enchanting - 2YO Los Alamitos, CA 9/10/23 (will begin breezing)

           

            Not currently racing (Resting or maturing)

             Fireball Birdie - 2YO - Churchill Downs (official works)

             Legitify - 2YO - Del Mar (official works)

             Fancy Quality - 2YO - Keeneland (official works) 

             A Day To Remember - 2YO (West Coast, started/placed, official works)

            Guinevere - 2YO (official works, Kentucky)

            Mo Temptation - 3YO (started, official works, West Coast)

            La Cuvee '21 (unofficial tag) - 2YO (official works, NY)

            Secret Crush - 2YO (Ocala - not yet sent to trainer)

Dell Mar Update - Hurricane Hiliary Aftermath

We are pleased to report all horses at Del Mar [including Lane Way, Legitify and Pioneer Prince] made it through the tropical storm in good order. 

Each individual barn and the Del Mar Fairgrounds staff took all necessary precautions to ensure all horses were in a covered stall with the addition of preparing for any potential flooding issues. The track was closed today and was a clean-up day for the barn preparing themselves for the remainder of the week. 

Tomorrow, the track will re-open for joggers only due to CHRB protocols. Please note, do not be alarmed if any breezes are delayed as horses have now missed two days of training and can only jog tomorrow. Our team will follow up with any additional updates later in the week regarding their training.

Where's Secret Crush?

Secret Crush is still at Wavertree in Ocala, along with Simply Enchanting. This flashy dark bay has been galloping a mile and a half daily on the Wavertree track. He will probably be the last of our 2021 youngsters to be sent to his trainer, and will probably not get started until late 2023 or early 2024. Todd Pletcher will train him.

Just to recap, Secret Crush is a son of top sire Candy Ride, who also produced Gun Runner. His dam is Elarose. She is a daughter of top sire Storm Cat out of top racehorse and producer Take Charge Lady. We're pretty excited about his potential, but he probably isn't going to be ready to strut his stuff until his 3YO year. 

This is our most recent photo of the 2YO colt. 

Secret Crush at Wavertree - 07-21-2023

Seize The Grey is STAKES PLACED!

After a very rough start where he was in last place, and a pretty rough and bumpy trip, Seize The Grey went wide and really opened up in the stretch, moving from last to 3rd before the wire to earn his first stakes black type, and in a stakes at Saratoga to boot!

His heart and talent were fully on display today, and we think he learned a lot. For a moment, he looked a lot like his daddy and it was quite a thrill to see. He galloped out well and with his ears pricked.

We anticipate his future will include races with more distance, but we'll be anxiously awaiting the report from D. Wayne Lukas and possibly Joel Rosario, his jockey. 

Here's the race:

If you'd like to view the entire coverage including commentary (lots of it regarding Seize The Grey both before and after the race, here's the Saratoga Live coverage that's set to begin right at the opening commentary for the race. (NOTE: You can fast forward through some of the commentary that doesn't pertain and the commercials, but don't advance the video a lot, because this coverage of the Saratoga race day lasted for hours and even a small advancement takes you ahead many minutes.) 

Saratoga 8-18-2023 set to Race 8 Coverage

Bloodhorse had some good things to say. [Seize The Grey was] "...roaring past horses with every stride" and "rallying relentlessly." : Skidmore Stakes article

REPORT

Seize the Grey was a solid third in today’s Skidmore S. at Saratoga, beaten by two and three-quarter lengths. Your son of Arrogate was not fast enough out of the gate and was the early trailer with jockey Joel Rosario trying his best to put him in the race. While he was the pace-setter in his maiden victory, facing all experienced horses and winners today was a different story - facing naturally quicker horses from the gate.

The early tempo was fast and Seize the Grey entered the stretch in dead last but made a huge move in the center of the track. Your 2-year-old colt came flying on the outside and finished clear third best. 

Seize the Grey made a nice impression today, being forced to overcome some adversity. Being the trailer in a 5 1/2 furlongs race is never easy and Seize the Grey surely needed some more ground to show his best potential. Stretching him out in the future will only do him good as we expected but we are pleased with this effort against winners for the first time. 

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for him and we’ll report back in the coming days with news from the barn.

RACE RECAP

D. Wayne Lukas-trained juvenile Seize the Grey, coming off a second-out graduation score at Saratoga last month, handled his first stakes test with aplomb in Friday's rained-off Skidmore Stakes at the Spa. Off slowly, the grey sat last early and found additional trouble at the top of the lane. He wasn't deterred, however, and kicked on nicely under Joel Rosario to grab third before galloping out very strongly. We can't wait to see what the son of Arrogate does as he continues to mature and get more ground to work with.

Lady Blitz Post Race Report

Lady Blitz exited her race on August 13th in good order and was shipped back to Monmouth Park where she will resume her training. As expected, the daughter of Audible earned a 36 Beyer Speed Figure for her first start on the turf. 

We will see how our 2-year-old trains in the coming weeks and build up a plan moving forward, but at this time trainer Todd Pletcher is looking to get her back on the dirt for her next start.

Our commentary:

Lady Blitz was sent "back to the minors." She shipped to Todd Pletcher's barn at Monmouth Park from Saratoga. No specifics were given, but we're guessing they want to give her an opportunity to win against slightly softer competition than she's been facing at Saratoga. She also is expected to return to racing on dirt. 

Lady Blitz has so far tallied one 3rd in three starts and that was on opening day at Saratoga. In her defense, her first race at Monmouth Park was a mudbath and her 3rd was on turf, which she obviously didn't care for. This may be a good move for her.

Lady Blitz on opening day 2023 at Saratoga

Lane Way Works a Bullet - Fastest of 37 Works

Del Mar 8/17/2023 Dirt 5F 59.00 Handily 1/37

Some really nice works from this guy lately!!! 

The Report:

Lane Way turned in another powerful breeze this morning at Del Mar, working a bullet five furlongs in :59 flat. On a foggy morning, our veteran was all business from the get-go and cruised down the lane, covering the last furlong in :11.40. 

Both trainer Richard Mandella and exercise rider Jose Contreras were all-smiles following the work, reporting that Lane Way did everything easily and on his own. Richard feels this strong work will do him a lot of good fitness-wise and we remain on target for the G2 Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint on September 9th.

Fireball Birdie Ships to Churchill

Fireball Birdie is en route to Steve Asmussen’s barn at Churchill Downs where he will further his training.

Seize The Grey is IN!

 Skidmore Stakes at Saratoga on 8/18/2023.

Lane Way's Work of the Day

Seize The Grey's works have been getting a lot of attention recently.

Lane Way says: "Hold my beer, youngster!" 

Seize The Grey: Article on his Competition for the Skidmore Stakes

 No Nay Mets Brings Winning Form to the Skidmore Stakes

Legitify Work Out

Legitify breezed a half-mile from the gate in :48.60 this morning at Del Mar, working on the outside of 2-year-old filly Persia (daughter of multiple G1 winner Miss Temple City). 

Working under Jose Contreras, your colt broke good from the gate and traveled comfortably in the stretch. His workmate re-engaged in the turn and took the best in the work being credited with a half-mile in :48 flat. 

Trainer Richard Mandella was pleased with this first strong drill and reported that Persia was not far from making her debut and therefore asked a little more from her.

A previous work at Del Mar

SEIZE THE GRAY Report: Work & Race Entry

Our targeted allowance race for Seize the Grey did not go for Thursday, August 17th at Saratoga and was not written back on the overnight. This does not come by complete surprise as the filly’s division was not used either. With limited maiden winners, the race did not catch enough entries and therefore was not used. 

As a result, “The Coach” put his thinking cap on right away and entered Seize the Grey in the Skidmore Stakes on Friday, August 18th at Saratoga. This stake is contested over the five-and-one-half furlong distance on the turf. 

Please note, the Saratoga Springs area is expecting some rain expected throughout the week, especially on Thursday afternoon/early evening (the day prior to the Skidmore S.) which could put turf racing in jeopardy on Friday. Given the way your colt handled the off-track in his maiden win, this would be a benefit to him. 

Joel Rosario, one of the strongest finishers in the game, will be in the irons of our 2-year-old, break from post 4 (of 10). Post time for the 8th race will be 4:58 p.m. ET. 

Seize the Grey was also nominated yesterday to the Sapling Stakes at Monmouth Park on August 26th. This stake is contested at the one-mile distance over the dirt. A full list of nominations should be released in the coming days. 

Right now, our Hall of Fame trainer plans on sticking with the Skidmore Stakes after watching him blow out three furlongs this morning in :34.60! We will have to keep a close eye on the weather forecast throughout the week and will make a final race decision in the coming days.

Lady Blitz Race Recap

In her turf debut, Lady Blitz finished ninth beaten by 15 1/2 lengths in today’s maiden special weight at Saratoga. 

Breaking sharply from the gate, Luis Saez had a tactical position early on behind the leaders and traveled comfortably down the backstretch in 4th position just behind the three leaders. Unfortunately, Lady Blitz lost momentum on the turn and was never able to excel when needed at any point in the race. She was squeezed between a horse shifting outward from the rail, and an outside horse shifting inward, and was checked hard. She never recovered prior to the finish. 

Todd Pletcher discussed the outcome with the MRH team following the race. Both Todd and Luis felt she was not comfortable on the turf and we will now look at a race back on the dirt. 

We'll see how she exits this race and a plan will be built with the Pletcher barn moving forward.

Fireball Birdie is Shipping

We are pleased to report that Fireball Birdie is scheduled to ship into one of Steve Asmussen’s strings on Wednesday. Farm trainer Keith Asmussen feels your colt is ready to transition to full training and we’re excited to see him progress in the coming weeks. Keith reported he was able to get some speed work into him at the farm and does not believe it will take him long at all to be ready to officially breeze once he settles in. Fireball Birdie will likely start his training at Churchill Downs and we’ll follow up when your 2-year-old arrives in Steve’s barn. Fireball Birdie is sired by top sire Uncle Mo out of Song of the Lark, a Seeking The Gold daughter. He is a half-sibling to Canadian Horse of the Year, Up With The Birds.

Lady Blitz - 3rd Race Results

Not Lady Blitz's day today. It was her first start on turf and first start going long - 1-1/16th mile. She broke well in the lead, took up a good stalking position in 4th, then got in some bad traffic around the far turn, had two horses on either side squeezed in on her and she had to be checked hard. No run in her after that. We're awaiting word if she came out of the race okay. It was a very rough trip for her the last third of the race. We'll post the race summary once we receive it from the team. [Photo credits to partner Anne Smith.]

Lady Blitz in the Saratoga saddling paddock
before her 3rd race. Luis Saez up.

Legitify Gate Schooling

Legitify was seen gate-schooling this morning at Del Mar and galloped nicely on the main track afterward. Our colt exited his first gate-work in good order and everything remains in good order for the son of Justify.​

Lady Blitz Entry

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Saratoga R#2

MSW - 1-1/16th m. on turf

Post #4 / 10

Luis Saez up

11:44 Mountain Time

Magical Ways Wins at Saratoga

Magical Ways gets the WIN at Saratoga today in a photo finish! He's #2 in the white blinkers, fending off a challenge and a bump from his rival. (We no longer own him, but still follow.) 

Hurray, Magic!

Magical Ways is the #2 horse
with the white blinkers.

Mo Temptation Update

Mo Temptation returned to the work tab on Saturday morning (8/5/23) at San Luis Rey Downs, covering a bullet half-mile in :47.40. Working solo, this was a serious work back for the daughter of Mo Town two weeks following her career debut. 

However, the filly did exit the work a bit sore in her right knee which will lead the O’Neill team to further evaluate this issue.

Lady Blitz - Next Start

Lady Blitz worked a half mile on Saturday morning in company with Foxhole a Kentucky bred by Constitution out of Elaborate by Cherokee Run. (He made his debut at Saratoga on July 21st, placing 2nd.) 

Lady Blitz stopped the clock in 50.88 seconds. Todd Pletcher was happy with the work from our filly, but it did show him that her best races will most likely be longer and on the grass. Todd plans to enter Lady Blitz for her next start this Sunday, August 13th going a mile and a sixteenth on turf at Saratoga. 

Entries will be taken tomorrow. We'll keep you posted.

Lady Blitz with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up 
at Saratoga on opening day before her second start.

"Ceasar" runs a "Maintenance Work" - in 48.25!

11th fastest time of 107 works at Saratoga's Oklahoma training track on 8/6. Mr. Lukas said it was just a maintenance work to keep him happy. This guy just continues to improve.

Prayers for safe and sound works and career going forward. 

May he make his daddy proud!

Magical Ways (formerly owned) entered at Saratoga

Got the final entry for our (formerly owned) Magical Ways in R#8 at Saratoga on 8/10. $16k claimer. 7f. Definitely a field of well-bred horses that have never won two races. 

"Magic" appears to be the favorite, as of now. Wishing him the best! 

Photo of Magical Ways from a former race at Aqueduct

Legitify Does First Work from the Gate

Legitify had his first gate-work yesterday morning (8/7) at Del Mar, covering three furlongs in :36.80. Trainer Richard Mandella was happy with the way our colt popped out of the hand opened gate (meaning the gate was manually opened by the gate crew.) 

Everything remains in good order for the son of Justify as he moves along in his training.

First Official Work - Fancy Quality

Fancy Quality (GB) 

(2-Year-Old Filly) 

Comments: By Wootten Bassett 

Date: August 6, 2023 

Track: SARATOGA 

Distance: Three Furlongs 

Time: 37:55 Breezing 

Track Condition: Fast 

Surface: Dirt 

Rank: 13/18

News:

1) First official work

2) She's now at Saratoga

3) Kenny McPeek is opting to train her on dirt

REPORT:

Fancy Quality transitioned to Saratoga last week and had her first official breeze over the Saratoga main track. She was credited with a three furlong work in :37.55. With trainer Kenny Mcpeek based at Saratoga daily, he wanted to be able to see your filly firsthand in the early stages of her progression. We will follow up with some video content in the coming week. 

FOLLOW UP:

Wootton Bassett continues to impress as a stallion as his son Bucanero Fuerte won the Grade 1 Keeneland Phoenix S. impressively on 8/12/2023 at the Curragh.

Catching Up with Lane Way

All the excitement in the last week with Seize The Grey and A Day To Remember put a few of our other horses on the back burner and here's an update on our stakes winning, Santa Anita course record holder Lane Way, who is never to be discounted. 

"Lane Way breezed four furlongs in :48 flat on August 2nd at Del Mar. Our veteran gelding handled himself like a pro per usual and visually did it effortlessly. 

“He looked like he was just galloping out there,” laughed the Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella. 

As we have previously mentioned, the G3 Green Flash Handicap on September 2nd is one of our targets but Richard also wants to keep Kentucky Downs open as a possibility and will also keep in mind the $1,000,000 G2 Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint on September 9th. 

We still have a few weeks before having to iron out a final decision but all things remain in great order for Lane Way."

Mo Temptation Runs a Bullet

Horse Workout Notification 

Mo Temptation 

 (3-Year-Old Filly) 

Comments: Daughter of Mo Town 

Date: August 5, 2023 

Track: SAN LUIS REY TRAINING CENTER 

Distance: Four Furlongs 

Time: 47:40 Handily 

Track Condition: Fast 

Surface: Dirt 

Rank: 1/6

A Bullet for Pioneer Prince

Pioneer Prince (Pioneer of the Nile) ran a bullet work this morning and the fastest time of 18 working over 3f at Del Mar at 36 seconds flat. It's encouraging, but next week he's expected to advance to a half mile (4f) work so we're eager to see what he can do at that distance.

Seize The Grey - Whoop! There It Is!

Seize The Grey gets a pretty major mention in this Paulick Report article from his Hall of Fame trainer yesterday (August 3, 2023). 

To be sure, it's very early days and he's got a lot to prove...but the partnership is feeling "Hopeful" and I think we might have just gotten a whiff of May roses. 

https://paulickreport.com/news/breeders-cup/lukas-last-samurai-very-much-worth-of-having-a-shot-in-whitney/

Fancy Quality - New Photo

Exercising at Kenny McPeek's stable at Keeneland. Our Wootton Bassett filly is needing more time to mature, but her sire is one hot property across the pond, and he has also had some big winners here. Kenny McPeek is known for finding gems (including Curlin and Take Charge Lady) so the partnership is hoping this girl will end up being another diamond in the rough. A "Fancy Quality" diamond in the rough. :) 

Fancy Quality
Screenshot from a video
07-28-2023

Re-Introduction of Simply Enchanting

Photo taken after her rapid growth phase. Isn't she stunning?

Simply Enchanting
July 31, 2023

The Royal Duet - Guinevere Update

Our team checked in on Guinevere this morning at Gainesway. She looks great while remaining on turnout and has let down nicely. She is due to be re-checked in the near future and we will follow up once that has taken place.

Lady Blitz Workout Report

Lady Blitz breezed a half mile over the Oklahoma turf course at Saratoga last week on the outside of an unnamed Justify colt. Stopping the clock in :49.54 seconds, Lady Blitz was the best to the line but didn't gallop out as well as Todd Pletcher would've liked. Lady Blitz will likely get another work over the turf course before her next start is decided.

The Royal Duet - Guinevere Update

Guinevere remains on turnout at Gainesway Farm. This is a recent photo of our Justify filly.

Just WOW!

 

More on A Day To Remember's Race

I think poor A Day To Remember ("Remy") got sold a little short with all the hoopla about Seize The Grey.

Remi ran the same day as Seize The Grey and finished 3rd. He actually had a very good race--and had the BEST debut of any of our 2YOs to date!

He was in the lead or just off it for most of the race, but tired in the late stretch and faded to 2nd. Then Heartland (you might want to remember that name) came up the rail like an express train to win it.

Heartland is trained by Bob Baffert and is probably one of the most talked about 2YOs in the country right now and was named a TDN Rising Star. Remy had some tough competition! But he earned a 73 Equibase figure which is very good for a first timer and we expect he'll be a monster in one of his next starts. 

Here are photos taken by the partners who were there.

A Night To Remember is #6 - outside post. Good break!

On the lead coming into the turn

Neck and neck coming out of the turn

Loses lead to Slider. Heartland coming up rail.

Heartland takes lead, Slider 2nd, A Day to Remember 3rd

Seize The Grey - Big Plans

Exciting news this afternoon!

SEIZE THE GREY UPDATE 

"Seize the Grey has come out of his race in good order. D. Wayne Lukas was excited with the release of the new condition book for Saratoga as it included a 6 furlong race allowance race for non-winners of two. With just a little bit over two weeks between that and the G1 Hopeful, it is very odd to see the allowance race in the condition book as it may draw some runners from the Hopeful. The Coach will send Seize the Grey to the track tomorrow morning for the first time since his victory and we will report back on his target. 

For now, D. Wayne has laid out this plan: 8/17 Allowance at Saratoga (6 furlongs), 10/7 G1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland (1 mile and 1/16th), and the main goal 11/5 G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita (1 mile and 1/16th). 

The allowance race, while quick, is a cut back in distance for your colt and he has already proven to be quick out of the gate and be able to control the pace while holding off foes. With six weeks between that race and the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland, it allows Seize the Grey to return to his Kentucky base and prepare after two quick races. 

Additionally, the Claiborne Futurity is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup. 

The end of year goal is the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita, a race that the Coach has won five times. 

This plan is not solid and as it is contingent on how well Seize the Grey returns to the track. If he is not ready for the allowance race on August 17th, we will pivot to the G1 Hopeful on September 4th at Saratoga."

Seize The Grey: PHOTOS AND QUOTES

It's now Tuesday and we've been on a four day high with our Ceasar's big win! 

Yes, it was only a Maiden Special Weight--BUT it was an MSW at Saratoga! with a stellar field of up-and-coming 2YOs including Kentucky Derby winner MAGE's full brother and a half-brother to Arrogate himself! The purse was larger than many stakes race purses at other tracks. And he did it in the slop with a bugboy (apprentice jockey), off an 8th place finish in his last race. No one expected this huge win, maybe not even the partnership, though of course we were all hoping he'd do well. He got so much great press and such wonderful praise. It's been like our wildest dreams came true and it's been magical. What a gift and a blessing! 

The excitement this guy generated with his win (after being completely ignored pre-race) has been amazing. Here's a few quotes and photos.

Comment from partner Pat Allston: 

"An unpredicted Saratoga win by a 2yr old from Arrogate, ridden by a bugboy and with a trainer that's a legend and a very large thrilled ownership group. Oh yeah that's a media headline ......... That's horse racing at its best."

Comment from partner Julie Parriguey:

"I'm sure many of you are like me... chasing the Authentic derby win feeling. Altho not nearly as intense, of course, but of all my wins, for some reason, the electric feeling of this win made the top 5! Maybe because it's Arrogate, maybe Lucas, maybe Saratoga, or maybe the future dream possibilities, or the combination of all of the above, but this is exactly why i suffer from FOMO when new babies are offered."

Comment from partner Christine Congerbouley: 

"He's a ROCK STAR!!"

Comment from partner Leah Ware:

"he flipped his last number...37 to 73!" [Equibase speed figure]

Comment from partner Warren D. Rudman:

"YES!!!!!!!! Not only did he win, he fended off a challenge."

Thoroughbred Daily News Article: 

Seize The Grey Rebounds To Capture Spa Maiden

Legitify Off to a Great Start at Del Mar

Legitify (Justify x Galileo daughter) has done his first two works at Del Mar -- with a bullet and a 2nd fastest time. He's just getting started running shorter works, but he's definitely waiting in the wings for his day in the spotlight.

Weekend Recap

There's nothing quite like the excitement and prestige of owning a Saratoga 2-year-old maiden special weight winner, and MyRacehorse partners got to experience that thrill on Saturday when Seize the Grey dueled and drew off to a convincing victory over a stacked field that included a buzzed-about full-brother to Derby winner Mage and plenty of other pricey and well-bred colts. 

After Seize the Grey's admittedly disappointing debut at Ellis last month, legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas said we could expect a much better effort from the son of Arrogate next time, and that assessment proved right on the money. 

MyRacehorse was also represented by a promising juvenile on the left coast Saturday as Mark Glatt pupil A Day to Remember checked in third after pressing the pace at Del Mar. The handsome son of American Pharoah showed good early speed and figures to step forward next time with the experience under his belt and more ground to work with.