It was quite a comeback for Seize The Grey after his 3 month freshening at Highlander Training Center in Texas this winter. He went into the first race at Oaklawn Park today probably a bit lacking for fitness, but didn't let that stop him from grabbing the lead and winning by daylight!
Our message from MRH was:
Congratulations to all owners as Seize the Grey proves to be much the best in his 3-year-old debut in today’s opener at Oaklawn Park. With a perfect trip under jockey Nik Juarez, our son of Arrogate traveled nicely and battled on in the stretch to win to notch his second career victory. While we knew Seize the Grey might have needed the race from a fitness standpoint, the ‘Coach’ was confident with his readiness and we can only expect him to improve with this race under his belt. It's time to start dreaming again, and first and foremost we will see how he exits this hard trying effort but pending all continues well, a Kentucky Derby prep will be next for this exciting colt.
We'll post further info and a few photos from his race as we receive them in the coming days.
It's time to start dreaming again, indeed!
Hooray for Seize The Grey!
View Nik Juarez's Jockey Cam of Seize The Grey's Win
Our Commentary:
In all honesty, "Ceasar" wasn't expected to win yesterday, not because he doesn't have the talent, but because he wasn't yet back to the level of fitness needed after his 3 month layoff. This was supposed to be a race-to-fitness scenario, but Ceasar had his own ideas. His heart got him to the wire first, and those last few strides where he dug deep and extended his stride reminded us so much of his sire Arrogate. We hope this bodes well for things to come later this year, but to be sure, if he comes back good from this effort and his legend of a trainer decides to take him forward, his next out will be at a higher level of competition and will probably be in the Bluegrass state. (That was a clue. 😉 ) We'll keep you posted on any official news.
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| Photo credits go to Robert Yates Seize The Grey - 02-24-2024 - Oaklawn Win |
POST RACE UPDATE - February 25, 2024
Seize the Grey exited yesterday's race in good physical order and earned a career-best 82 Beyer Speed Figure (90 Equibase Figure). We want to thank not only the Lukas barn but Highlander Training Center for having this colt so well prepared for his return to the races. While his break was short, to come into the track atmosphere and only have three works and perform as he did was ultra impressive. It's always rewarding when a plan comes to fruition but even more exciting as this puts us back in the Derby contention.
In addition, jockey Nik Juarez passed along a video to all Seize the Grey owners following his impressive win. An updated copy of his lifetime past performances can also be seen above. We will discuss with the ‘Coach’ in the coming days and come back with our race plan.
Message from Nik Juarez, Seize The Grey's Jockey
INSIDER NEWSLETTER REPORT
Seize the Grey returned to the races with a thrilling one-length victory in Oaklawn Park's opener this past Saturday! After an exciting two year old season in which he not only defeated Dornoch at Saratoga to break his maiden and finished well in the G3. Iroquoise to earn points towards the Kentucky Derby trail, Seize the Grey earned a rest.
He enjoyed a month of turnout in addition to three months of training at Highlander Training Center before returning to the starting gate. Our now 3-year-old colt by Arrogate kicked off his three year old season by earning a career-best 82 Beyer Speed Figure and seemed to have more in the tank. With a great ride from jockey Nik Juarez, Seize the Grey traveled nicely and battled on in the stretch to notch his second career victory.
With a win in his 3-year-old debut under his belt, his trainer D. Wayne Lukas is confident in this colt and expects him to continue to improve. Lukas was quoted saying that Seize the Grey could use the one-mile $200,000 Hot Springs S. on Mar. 23 as a bridge to a Kentucky Derby points race at Keeneland—either the $1-million G1 Blue Grass S. Apr. 6 or the $400,000 G3 Lexington S. April 13.
So, owners, it's time to start dreaming again.
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