March 2024 Highlights

March 2024 Highlights (initial monthly summary)

March 1st

•  Isle Blue (2YO) gallops 1-1/4 miles at Two Springs Training in Florida

March 2nd

• Mo Temptation breezed a 2f bullet in 23.40 at San Luis Rey
• Lane Way nominated to the Grade 3 San Simeon S. on March 9th, Santa Anita

March 5th - Wednesday

• Legitify works 4f in 47 flat - 2nd fastest time of 120 works at Santa Anita.

March 7th - Thursday

• Straight to Glory (Royal Duet) to be gelded

March 8th - Friday

• David acquires share of Lane Way for his birthday

March 9th - Saturday

• Catalyst runs 6th at Gulfstream Park after a solid effort for the first 3/4 of the race.
• Lane Way grabs a fast closing 3RD in the Grade 3 San Simeon Stakes at Santa Anita.

March 10th - Sunday

• Pioneer Prince logs first career win on the Santa Anita downhill turf.
• Fireball Birdie runs a bullet for 5F at Sam Houston

March 12th - Tuesday

• D. Wayne Lukas opts to point Seize The Grey to the Jeff Ruby Derby prep

March 15th - Friday

• Guinevere (Royal Duet) - Bullet work for 5 furlongs in 58.6!
• Blue Devil to be transferred to Steve Asmussen's barn upon return
• Fireball Birdie to transfer to Oaklawn Park from Sam Houston
• David acquires 2 more shares of Lane Way

March 16th - Saturday

• Secret Crush runs 2nd at Gulfstream Park, losing by a nostril in 2nd career start.
• Seize The Grey is given entry and draws post 9 in the Jeff Ruby Kentucky Derby prep.

March 17th - Sunday, Happy St. Patrick's Day

• Secret Crush earned an 84 Beyer speed figure for his 2nd out, a 20 point increase over debut
• Fireball Birdie arrived at Oaklawn Park and did a gallop over the track. Debut may be soon!

March 18th - Monday

• Seize The Grey works 5f in 1:00.60 at Turfway Park.
• Adaay In Asia not competitive in dirt work in company, 5f in 101.40
• Adaay In Asia is pointed to Grade 3 Wilshire turf stakes on March 30, instead of dirt ALW.

March 19th - Tuesday

• Fireball Birdie does first "get acquainted" work over Oaklawn Park track

March 20th - Wednesday

• Legitify targets a 6-1/2 furlong turf debut (flat course) at Santa Anita on 3/31

March 21st - Thursday

• Good Cop - Glowing report received from Aron. He's currently at Ocala Stud.
• English Jubilee's race was not written. May be entered tomorrow for Wednesday.
• Seize The Grey - A lot of positive handicapping coming in for the Jeff Ruby. 

March 22nd - Friday

• Seize The Grey arrived at Turfway Park and had a jog over the tapeta surface
• Lane Way nominated to the G2 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland on 4/6

March 23rd - Saturday

• Mo Temptation runs a near bullet work of 47.20 for 4F at San Luis Rey Downs
• Simply Enchanting needs more time, is off the Kentucky Oaks trail
• Adaay In Asia is nominated to the G3 Wiltshire Stakes at Santa Anita
• MRH sends a special "Good Luck Seize The Grey" newsletter recap
• D. Wayne Lukas was interviewed about Seize The Grey for Oaklawn at Dawn
• Seize The Grey runs 3rd in the Jeff Ruby (Derby Qualifier - earned 25 points)
• Seize The Grey moves up in rank to #15 on the Kentucky Derby leader board

March 24th - Sunday

• Secret Crush may target The Mannister Stakes at Keeneland on April 14.

March 27th - Wednesday

• Seize The Grey is being pointed to Blue Grass Stakes in DRF article 
• Lane Way nominated to the G2 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland.

March 28th - Thursday

• Blue Devil showed lameness, checked, needs more time off.
• Lane Way now targeting the Siren Lure at Santa Anita. Shakertown unknown.
• Legitify worked a 4F bullet in 47.40 this morning at Santa Anita

March 29th - Friday

• Racing canceled at Santa Anita due to rain forecast. This will cancel:
• Adaay In Asia - Wilshire Stakes on Saturday
• Legitify in DEBUT on Sunday
• Seize The Grey potential Blue Grass or Lexington Stakes entry announced.

March 31st - Sunday - HAPPY EASTER

• Adaay In Asia (re)entered in Wilshire Stakes on Thursday, 4/4
• Legitify (re)entered for DEBUT on Thursday, 4/4

*** END OF MARCH ***

Seize The Grey - Derby Update

The Arkansas Derby, Florida Derby and UAE Derby in Dubai were all run today, so more horses have earned points and shifted Seize The Grey further down the list. 

As it stands right now he's about #21, so with no further injuries, scratches, etc. he probably would not make it into the starting gate. (He'd need to be #18 or higher with the two guaranteed spots for foreign horses.) We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks. 

On a good note, Just Steel (Ceasar's stablemate and former work mate) came in 2nd in the Arkansas Derby today, so it appears D. Wayne Lukas will have at least one horse going to the Derby.

Simply Enchanting Doing Well

We were sent a video of Simply Enchanting's exercise this morning at Santa Anita, and we're posting a screenshot from that. She's doing well. 

SIDE NOTES: 

Note that the two horses who defeated her in the Sunland Oaks - winner Recharge and 2nd place Candy Aisle - finished 5th and 9th in the Fantasy Stakes later that day. 

Lemon Muffin, trained by D. Wayne Lukas who also trains Seize The Grey, finished 7th. :( 

Lemon Muffin and Seize The Grey both won on Feb. 24th, when she won the Honeybee Stakes and "Ceasar" won his first race (a salty Allowance) off his freshening over the winter (his first race since October of 2023). Those two generated some press that day. 

  

Seize The Grey MRH Update

MRH alerted the partner group that we have several options moving forward for Seize the Grey's path to the Derby, including both the G1 Bluegrass Stakes and the G3 Lexington...so it seems "the Derby dreams aren’t quite over yet." 

A DRF article came out regarding Seize the Grey being pointed to the G2 Blue Grass S. on Apr. 6 at Keeneland. MRH spoke directly with “The Coach” and he couldn’t be happier with the son of Arrogate since the Jeff Ruby. D. Wayne’s #1 goal is to get Seize the Grey into the Kentucky Derby, and the Blue Grass comes up first with entries being taken on Tuesday, Apr. 2. "Ceasar" was also nominated to the G3 Lexington, which will be held on Apr. 13th. We'll keep you posted on the next step.

Guinevere Pops a Bullet

Very nice 5F work this morning from our Justify daughter. 

Looks like Guinevere (The Royal Duet) may have worked in company with Landed, another trained by Ward who ran 2nd in the Maddie May Stakes at Aqueduct in February. Landed is Omaha Beach x Medalglia d'Oro.

Keeneland 3/29/2024 Dirt 5F 59.80 Breezing     1*/20

Seize The Grey - More Press

Snippet from an article shared to our partnership group. Find the full article here:

Breeding Digest: No Oscar Nominations for Typecasting

Legitify Update

 We've got good news and bad news. Legitify worked a bullet this morning at Santa Anita: 

Santa Anita     3/28/2024     Dirt     4F     47.40      Handily   1/25

The bad news? It looks like racing is being cancelled at Santa Anita due to the rain forecast this weekend, so he may not be debuting on Sunday. If not, we expect to see him soon. Our son of Justify seems sharp as a tack right now! (Photo of David with Legitify in Ocala last year.)

Lane Way Report

Lane Way was able to breeze a maintenance unrecorded half-mile this morning on a foggy Santa Anita track before expected rain over the next few days. As you will see in the video above, the son of Into Mischief looked well from the minimal we could see in the stretch and his exercise rider Jose Contreras said our veteran felt great. Everything remains well for Lane Way since his comeback race and our plan is to target the Siren Lure S. on April 21st at Santa Anita.

Blue Devil Update - Needs More Time Off

Unfortunately, after returning to jogging with Susan Montayne at Sequel Farm, Blue Devil was noticeably off behind. Given he had just transferred to Susan’s place from being on the turnout for over 60 days at Lynwood Stables, Susan gave him a few days off, but he showed no improvement when at the jog. Susan recommended running some diagnostics (X-rays) on his hind end (stifles/hocks) based on what she was seeing from him on the track, and those came back clean. We had an additional set from our pre-purchase exam back in December to compare to as well. As nothing was learned, we opted to send Blue Devil nearby to Dr. Smith at Peterson and Smith for a full lameness exam. Following his exam, an ultrasound was performed, which revealed moderate ticking and a moderate tear in the medial lobe of the proximal suspensory ligament. A comparison ultrasound of the right hind showed a normal proximal suspensory ligament and further supported his left hind being the source of lameness.

We will discuss with our resident veterinarian Dr. Jeffery Berk and Dr. Smith to develop a plan moving forward, but unfortunately our son of Uncle Mo will need additional time. It’s certainly frustrating given he just received time off and there's no way of knowing exactly when this injury happened. When Blue Devil left Jeff Hiles's barn in January, he and his veterinarian deemed the horse sound. While he was not in training with Gene Recio at Lynnwood Stables, no lameness was ever noted. Perhaps it happened out in the field or the break from daily training drew out the lameness, but regardless we have an issue we need to attend to. Everything appears healable, but as mentioned above, it will require time. Once we have a final timeline and rehabilitation plan, we will report back. 

Seize The Grey Identified as Blue Grass Stakes Competitor

Exciting, but I don't think this is as cut and dried as the article made it sound. Is Ceasar looking for more Derby points? That will be up to him, his fitness level and how he's training on the road ahead. 

The Blue Grass is just one option in a rapidly dwindling array of opportunities. He is still technically a 2YO. He chronologically doesn't turn 3 until April 20th. Although he is currently ranked #15 on the Road to the Derby, he's still a youngster with no graded stakes wins. 

The Derby is now a little over 5 weeks away. We will take it day by day and trust our Hall of Fame trainer to make the right calls for him. 

Lukas Pointing Seize The Grey To Blue Grass

Fancy Quality: The Story of Sunday Silence

Fancy Quality's second dam, Danuta, was sired by Sunday Silence, giving the great Japanese sire considerable influence in her pedigree. 

How unfortunate that this accomplished horse was not considered "commercially viable" to American breeders. As the saying goes, our loss was Japan's gain. Maybe it's a blessing that his blood is now carried in the breed through great sons like Deep Impact. Someday our loss will come back to haunt us when a descendant of Sunday Silence wins the Kentucky Derby or Triple Crown. That day may be coming soon. 

________________________________________________________

Article written by @CWCPCCL "Lexi" via X

Sunday Silence’s beginnings were less than auspicious.  Foaled in Kentucky at Stone Farm in 1986, he survived a near-lethal virus as a weanling.  His conformation—knock-kneed and pigeon-toed—was less than ideal, and so when he was originally up for sale as a yearling at Keeneland in Kentucky and Hollywood Park in California, no one bought him. 

En route to his planned return in Kentucky after these disappointments, the driver of his transport van suffered a fatal heart attack, flipping the vehicle.  Miraculously, Sunday Silence emerged more or less unscathed, and went back to California to train under Charlie Whittingham.  

His racing career got off to a positive start—as a 2 year old, he broke his maiden (won his first race) on his second try.  Heading into Kentucky Derby season in 1989, he won the San Felipe Handicap and Santa Anita Derby—the latter by 11 lengths.

That was when things started to get interesting!  Sunday Silence was now pitted against Easy Goer, the Champion 2 Year Old of the previous year and favorite for the Kentucky Derby.  Despite a slow pace, a sloppy track, and several bumps, it was Sunday Silence who prevailed, winning the 1989 Kentucky Derby with Pat Valenzuela up.  Onward he went, to Pimlico and the Preakness.

What followed was one of the most thrilling races of the 1980s Battling desperately down the stretch, Sunday Silence and Easy Goer hit the wire as nearly one.  Again, though, it was Sunday Silence who came out on top.  He was now primed for a potential Triple Crown.  Alas, it was not to be.  In their next meeting, at the Belmont Stakes, Easy Goer romped, coming out on top by 8 lengths and running what was at the time the fastest Belmont behind Secretariat’s.

The pair would meet for a final time in the 1989 Breeder’s Cup Classic.  Following a second place finish in the Swaps Stakes and a win in the Super Derby in Louisiana, Sunday Silence prepared to face off against his rival at Gulfstream Park.  A massive burst of energy propelled Easy Goer forward at the very end of the stretch, but Sunday Silence held on to his previously established lead, winning the Classic.  For his efforts, Sunday Silence was voted Champion 3 Year Old Male and Horse of the Year.

Sunday Silence continued to race as a 4 year old, but an injured ligament forced his retirement.  He was sold to Kenya Yoshida, owner of the Shadai Stallion Station, in Hokkaido, Japan.  There Sunday Silence lived out his days, becoming Japan’s leading sire for 13 years straight.  He died in 2002, but left an indomitable mark on the world of Thoroughbred racing, both via his personal accomplishments and through his stud career. 

Sunday Silence

Fancy Quality
Wootton Bassett x One Last Night
Dam is by Elusive Quality x Danuta by Sunday Silence

Fireball Birdie Works at Oaklawn Park

Fireball Birdie ("Firebird") breezed a solo five furlongs from the gate in 1:01.80 this morning at Oaklawn Park. Our son of Uncle Mo stopped the clock at :49.80 for the half-mile under a good hold from his rider Keith Asmussen, and did everything well according to the Asmussen team. The 3-year-old colt galloped out willingly from the 1/8 pole at the top of stretch and seemed to have plenty left in the tank. Fireball Birdie continues to pick up the pace nicely and MRH will discuss a tentative plan for him with Steve.

Mo Temptation Update

Mo Temptation exited her recent work in good physical order and was spotted jogging this morning at San Luis Rey Downs. 

With rain hitting the area and more rain expected over the weekend, the daughter of Mo Town will continue to jog and gallop for the remainder of the week and bypass Saturday’s breeze. 

Mo Temptation will return to the work tab next weekend and will begin gate-schooling in the near future as she continues to build her fitness.

[Our comments: It appears Mo Temptation may be approaching the time when she'll be entered in a race with gate schooling on the horizon. She has one start, on July 23, 2023, when she finished 7th of 12 in a MSW at Del Mar. As a now 4YO, we hope she has the maturity and strength to take her career forward.]

Adaay In Asia Update

Adaay in Asia breezed five furlongs in 1:01.80 this morning in an improved breeze from last week. She is now targeting the G3 Wilshire Stakes this coming Saturday at Santa Anita. The weather forecast for this weekend is calling for rain, so being on turf we are hoping for limited precipitation. We’ll keep an eye on the forecast. [Photo credits to Terri Ibers from a previous race]

Seize The Grey After Race Update

All reports are positive out of the Jeff Ruby for Seize the Grey! 

Our colt earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 84 and a 93 E speed figure! 

The team will stay in close touch with trainer D. Wayne Lukas over the next two weeks as four more major Kentucky Derby point races could play a big factor in the rankings. Right now, Seize the Grey stands #15 with 27 points. 

[NOTE: He is technically in the #14 spot at present, because Endlessly's connections stated he will not be entering the Kentucky Derby.]

Seize The Grey Kentucky Derby Leaderboard

 

Secret Crush Steers Toward Keeneland Stakes as Next Race

Secret Crush has continued in good order since his recent second-place finish at Gulfstream Park and has remained at Palm Beach Downs. Our current plan is to target a maiden special weight on April 14th at Keeneland going one mile and one-sixteenth (8-1/2 f.) on the dirt. 

This potential start has been added to the Upcoming roster at the top of the posts, pending any changes.

Here's The Kicker/Lady Blitz Speedwork Update

Here’s the Kicker had her second work in company with stablemate Lady Blitz on Tuesday morning at Wavertree. Breezing another three furlongs, your daughter of Liam’s Map breezed much better this week according to farm trainer Ciaran Dunne. She is scheduled to work back again next Tuesday.

Lady Blitz breezed three furlongs on Tuesday morning in company with MRH stablemate Here’s the Kicker. This was your daughter of Audible’s second breeze since her break and farm trainer Ciaran Dunne felt Lady Blitz worked good as usual. She is scheduled to breeze again next Tuesday, working a half-mile. We’ll follow up when she breezes again.

Simply Enchanting to Pass on the Kentucky Oaks Trail

Simply Enchanting has still been taking it easy at Santa Anita Park since our last update but did return to galloping this morning. Despite all diagnostics returning clean as we recently mentioned, Phil felt she needed additional time before picking up with anything more in regards to her training.

Of course, there is some disappointment here from the standpoint that she won’t have enough time to run in another Kentucky Oak’s prep, but we still believe we have a very nice filly on our hands and will have plenty of big opportunities throughout the remainder of the year.

Screenshot from a video of Simply Enchanting's
work this morning at Santa Anita.

Mo Temptation Runs a Near Bullet Work

Mo Temptation breezed a sharp half-mile this morning at San Luis Rey Downs and was credited with a final time of :47.20 (2/18.) Admittedly this was a little faster than we or Kim Marrs would have hoped for being her first half-mile but she has been on a very gradual progression plan to this point and has had plenty of foundation under her. There is some additional rain expected next Friday and Saturday which could affect her next work but pending she exits this work in good order we should see her back on the work tab in the next 7-10 days.

Mo Temptation (MD) Doug F. O'Neill Filly 4YO 47.20 handily 2/18

Seize The Grey Runs 3rd in the Jeff Ruby Stakes

Though we were all hoping for a 1st or 2nd that would usher Ceasar into the Kentucky Derby gate in May, we had to settle for a hard fought 3rd. Even so, he ran a great race and really showed his grit during a rough second turn where he was bumped and packed out by the eventual winner, and still came running hard right up to the wire. The question about his performance on tapeta for the first time was also answered. 

Seize The Grey is #9 on the outside, vying for 2nd here

The order of finish was: 

• 1st  Endlessly  (Ceasar's pasture mate from foalhood at Mill Ridge Farm)
• 2nd  West Saratoga
• 3rd  Seize The Grey
• 4th  Triple Espresso
• 5th  Lucky Jeremy (the New Mexico horse)
• 6th  Woodcourt
• 7th  Dancing Groom
• 8th  Northern Flame
• 9th  Otello
• 10th Noted

Freedom Principle scratched just prior to the race. 

Here's the video of  the race:

His jockey, Nik Juarez, had this to say about the race.

Other notes:

With the additional earned points, he has moved up from #57 to number #15, which would put him in the Kentucky Derby gate as of now, but there are more 100-pointer Derby preps ahead that will change the point standings further. 

We'll wait to see how he comes back from the race, and what The Coach has to say about the next step.

Some positives from the race is that he has now earned over $250,000 and is ranked #3 on Arrogates progency list for 2024. He also earned a 93 E figure in the race, which is his best yet. We'll report on the Beyer figure when we receive notice. 

A Word from Nik Juarez - Seize The Grey's Jockey

In a special pre-race word from "Ceasar's" jockey, I've attached a link to the video below. This may not be accessible by everyone.

A Word from Nik Juarez

Seize The Grey is Focus of Dawn at Oaklawn Interview

Seize The Grey's legendary, Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, was interviewed by Nancy Holthus about "Ceasar" for the Dawn at Oaklawn program this morning. Very big day today!  

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas with interviewer Nancy Holthus.

Seismic Beauty Soon Ready to Return

Seismic Beauty, our Uncle Mo filly, continues in great order during her R&R with Julie Stack in California. We are nearing the end of her 90 days off and expect her to transition back into the barn of trainer Bob Baffert at Los Alamitos in the early part of April. Julie reports she couldn't be doing any better.

Lane Way Nominated to Shakertown Stakes @ Keeneland

Lane Way's not about to be upstaged, I guess. He was just nominated to the Shakertown Stakes (Grade 2) at Keeneland on April 6th! Road trip?

Seize The Grey - Official Race Notice

Seize the Grey, our strapping son of Arrogate, will take on 11 other challengers as he vies for 100 Kentucky Derby points in the G3 Jeff Ruby. As the first-ever MyRacehorse runner to join Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas's barn, he has taken his owners on an incredible and sometimes surprising ride. 

He's coming off of a dominant first-level allowance win at Oaklawn Park and has been training "lights out" according to the Lukas team. Though he will be facing stiff competition, Seize the Grey knows a thing or two about pulling off upsets. It was Seize the Grey who belied 16-1 odds when besting Dornoch, one of the current favorites for the Kentucky Derby, last summer at Saratoga in only his second start.

Horses who do well in the Jeff Ruby have gone on to make major impacts in the Kentucky Derby as of recent years. In fact, the 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike finished fourth in this race. Last year's Kentucky Derby runner-up Two Phil's won the Jeff Ruby last year. 

Post time is 6:25 PM ET / 4:25 PM MT this Saturday, so please join us in cheering on Seize the Grey and his owners!

Seize The Grey has Arrived

Seize The Grey is in the house! Our son of Arrogate has arrived in Florence, Kentucky and had his first jog over the Turfway Park tapeta. On behalf of the partnership, we are so appreciative of everyone who has offered "best wishes" to our colt across multiple social media platforms in the last few days. On the threshold of a dream, indeed! Safe race, Ceasar!

Seize The Grey and His Childhood Friend!

What a coincidence! We mentioned earlier than Endlessly may be the main threat in Seize The Grey's big race tomorrow. Well, guess what we just found out? These two grew up together at Mill Ridge Farm! (Baby photos are from Mill Ridge. "Ceasar" is the lighter colt who was already starting to grey out.)

Endlessly at Mill Ridge

Seize The Grey and dam, Smart Shopping at Mill Ridge

Magical Ways WINS Again!

MAGICAL WAYS WINS AGAIN!!!!! I knew this was going to be this guy's year. So sorry we no longer own him, but he seems to be in great hands from what he's showing on the track. 

He's logged two wins and a second from three starts in 2024. Absolutely awesome! The son of Mclean's Music notched his second victory in a row at a 1-1/8 mile $82K Allowance at Aqueduct, adding another cool $45,000 plus to his winnings. He is really showing his true colors at last, and they are winning ones!

Good boy, Magic!!! 

CONNECTIONS AS OF CURRENT ENTRY:

Jockey: Romero Ramsay Maragh

Trainer: Rudy R. Rodriguez

Owner: AB Racing LLC Owner Link

2024 and Career Stats 

2024 STATISTICS

Starts Firsts Seconds Thirds Earnings

3             2             1             0         $86,350

CAREER STATISTICS

Starts Firsts Seconds Thirds Earnings

15             5             1             1         $173,220

Good Cop Update

We got a glowing report from Eclipse on Good Cop today, who is currently in training at Ocala Stud in Florida. Hard not to get excited when they referred to our colt as "the golden boy."  

I'll include a couple of screenshots from the video but they don't do him justice. He is training very well and expected to head to Todd Pletcher's barn before May 1st! 

He's from the first crop sired by Belmont winner and Kentucky Derby runner-up, Tiz The Law. Really looking forward to his continued progress.

Good Cop is on far right

English Jubilee Still on Track to Start at Tampa Bay

English Jubilee is still on track to start at Tampa Bay, however her race for Sunday was not written.

The race is expected to be on the card for Wednesday, and if so, she should be entered tomorrow.  

Seize The Grey Race Overview - Jeff Ruby

Saturday marks an exciting moment and opportunity for Seize the Grey and his owners as he attempts to lock in his spot in the starting gate in Kentucky Derby 150. The son of Arrogate will take on eleven rivals in the 12th race at Turfway Park, the $700K G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks. Post time is approximately 6:25 p.m. ET. As with any graded stakes race, and in this case one with Kentucky Derby points on the line, it is a competitive field of 3-year-olds. Seize the Grey drew post nine and will be piloted by Nik Juarez, who was aboard for his comeback victory at Oaklawn Park one month ago.

See below for a closer look at the field.

#1 Freedom Principle (30-1): A stakes winner at two over the Gulfstream Park Tapeta, but has failed to fire at three in two turf attempts. At long odds, he’s worth a look given past success over a similar surface.

#2 Dancing Groom (20-1): An impressive MSW winner at the Spa as a 2-year-old and a distant third downstate in the G1 Champagne. Since graduating, he has been thrown in against some tough competition, facing graded stakes company in his four subsequent starts. Hard to back him given his last three efforts, but put in a sharp work over the Tapeta at Gulfstream as a final prep and picks up Frankie Dettori.

#3 Lucky Jeremy (8-1): Son of Lookin At Lucky is in sharp form, but is facing a deeper field come Sunday. Take nothing away from the winner of the Sunland Derby, who invaded from CA following defeats behind Nysos and Wynstock. This will be his first try on the all-weather surface, but on pedigree he should handle it. The likely pacesetter.

#4 Noted (10-1): Flopped as the chalk in his most recent start in the G3 Kitten's Joy. Dual surface stakes winner, but has never seen the synthetic. If Pletcher and Saez struck at 10-1 ML odds would you be shocked? We’ll leave it at that.

#5 Agate Road (7-2): Cross-entered at Fair Grounds, and recent reports on social media suggest he'll be heading to NOLA. If he does show up here, however, he must certainly be respected. He's a two-time winner on turf including the G2 Pilgrim at two, so you would have to expect he will handle the surface.

#6 Northern Flame (5-1): Third in the G2 Rebel, finishing in front of the runner directly to his outside here. Will be tactically placed and has enough early foot to contest the lead if need be. His two wins have been in wire-to-wire fashion, so perhaps that is what he needs, but would expect him to receive plenty of early pressure. On an improving pattern and has to be respected, but he’s a play against for us given the expected trip.

#7 Woodcourt (8-1): Was just a $50K claim three starts ago and will now have an opportunity to earn a run for the roses (though he's not Triple Crown nominated). Respectable attempt in the G2 Rebel, finishing six back from Timberlake. He is a winner over the surface and clearly on the improve, but our gut says he’s still a notch below.

#8 Otello (15-1): Least experienced runner in the field. Is a stakes winner, but failed to fire in his graded stakes debut, which was also his two-turn debut. The runner-up of the G3 Holy Bull returned to win the Tampa Bay Derby. Don’t completely discount.

#9 Seize the Grey (6-1): Impressed at Oaklawn Park in an N1X in his sophomore debut. Regardless of the level of competition he faced, to be able to perform as he did with as limited of a work tab as he had speaks volumes. This effort also produced career-best Ragozin (12 3/4) and Beyer (82) figures. D. Wayne Lukas has raved about his training since the race, which has included three five-furlong drills capped off by 1:00.60 work on Monday. Will lose Lasix on Saturday as he returns to a stakes race, but this was never an issue as a 2-year-old. We would have to expect he is only going to improve in this second start off the bench and with even a slight improvement he is a serious contender.

#10 Endlessly (5-2): Southern California invader began his career three-for-three, suffering his first loss in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. He returned with a win in the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate over Tapeta and this nine-furlong distance, but did have to work hard for it. Earned a career-best BSF of 87, which is the best of the field, and that race has produced three next-out winners, albeit in much softer spots. He is the deserving favorite.

#11 Baytown Chatterbox (50-1): The longest shot in the field for good reason. Doesn’t seem to have much business being in here.

#12 West Saratoga (20-1): Winner of the G3 Iroquois against Seize the Grey back in September, but has dropped off form of late. He did run a respectable third in the G3 Sam F. Davis but will still need to improve to win this.

NOTE: After this was posted, Agate Road is expected to scratch and run in a different Derby prep, and one of the Also Eligibles is expected to move into the field. 

Seize The Grey - Jeff Ruby Analysis

Right at the Wire (handicapper) has provided this video with an overview of the race on Saturday and Seize The Grey's competition. Though this is the toughest race "Ceasar" will ever run and he doesn't yet have the stakes winner "creds" that a few of the others carry, he did have some positive things to say about Ceasar's potential.  

Straight to Glory Update - The Royal Duet

Straight to Glory is doing well since his recent gelding procedure at Stonestreet Farm. While this has caused him to miss a few weeks of breezes, farm trainer Ian Brennan reported he is ready to return to the work tab later this week. 

Before the gelding procedure, he had two half miles under him (both over the turf) and will return this week with an easy half mile. Pending a satisfactory breeze and he exits it in good order, the plan will be to ship him back to Wesley Ward at Keeneland. We should receive another report after his work, and if so, we'll post it on this site. [Photo from December at Stonestreet]

Legitify Potential Debut Announced

We have gone back and forth with trainer Richard Mandella to determine what is the best starting spot for Legitify as he is ready to make his debut. Despite his pedigree being influenced by the turf, his works on the dirt haven’t given us a reason to not consider main-track options as well but after further thought, we mutually agreed the turf option would be best. 

Coming off the heels of a very nice work yesterday, Mandella believes the six and one-half furlong distance over the flat turf course on Mar. 31st should be perfect for him. If anything were to change, we do have a six-furlong dirt option on Apr. 6th which could be considered.

Fireball Birdie Completes First Work at Oaklawn Park

Fireball Birdie ("Firebird") performed his first work after arriving at Oaklawn from Sam Houston earlier this week. We believe this was a leisurely "get acquainted with the track" work, but he still performed 5F in a respectable time. Expect a debut soon. We'll post a work update if/when we receive one.

Oaklawn Park 3/19/2024 Dirt 5F 1:02.60 Breezing 7/15

Report

Fireball Birdie officially transitioned to Oaklawn Park a few days ago and was able to pick up right where he left off in his training. This morning, your son of Uncle Mo breezed five furlongs on the outside of stablemate Ride for Sul with jockey Keith Asmussen aboard and was credited with a final time of 1:02.60.

We were provided a video of his work and he looked good, finishing a nose ahead of his workmate.

A Look at the Jeff Ruby Field

Here are the anticipated competitors in the Jeff Ruby. We're getting intel that Agate Road may scratch in favor of another Derby prep race. Endlessly appears to be the horse to beat, but just to get in this field these horses have some strong credentials and Seize The Grey, himself, is getting some respect.

Link to Jeff Ruby Study Guide

Full address:  https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/study-guide-2024-jeff-ruby-steaks/

The questions for Seize The Grey are how he'll handle the synthetic and how many opportunities he'll have to work over the surface once he arrives, and how he'll handle a track where he's never run.

The downside is that this may be the toughest field he's faced, though he did defeat some good horses including Dornoch in earlier races. He'll need to win to make it into the Derby, and that's a tall order. A second place finish could possibly get him in the door, but it depends how many points some of his competitors earn if he'd be in the top 20. 

The positives are that he's maturing by the week, he's been logging some strong works, and he has a great post position and more distance in this race to utilize his late closer running style. He may be at the back of the pack early on, but if it's his day, he'll come running like a bullet train late in the stretch. 

Our Thoughts

We all know Seize The Grey is probably going to do his best running later. If he doesn't make it into the Derby, at least he had this wonderful opportunity and was good enough to get this far, this fast, which is far better than any other horse we've ever owned or partnered on. 

Though we'd love to see him qualify, the Kentucky Derby is a huge field of  talented horses and jockeys who want to get the win, so it can be grueling and risky. If he gets in, we'll be thrilled and so blessed. But if he doesn't, we won't be heartbroken. There's still a lot to look forward to -- the Preakness and Belmont are still ahead in the Triple Crown series, and Traverse (where his sire and Arcangelo scored big in previous years), the Breeders Cup, and so many other targets to aim him toward if he doesn't strike while the iron is hot this round. 

Like his immortal sire, as he matures we'll begin to see just how good he really is.  

Photo credits Debbie Stuebe Lee

Adaay In Asia Update and Next Target

Adaay in Asia breezed five furlongs in 1:01.40 yesterday morning at Santa Anita Park under Geovanni Franco. Our mare breezed in the dark at 6:30 a.m. and the work started off in company, but Adaay in Asia did not kick on with her workmate down the stretch as hoped and was a well-clear second best. 

She has been training up for a dirt allowance on Mar. 23rd and while all her previous dirt works were intriguing, when she was put to the test with another workmate she did not respond the same way.

The positive thing is she came out of the work in good order but we don't see it being worthwhile to try her on the dirt at the open allowance level. We will now target the Grade 3 Wilshire S. going one-mile on the turf at Santa Anita Park on Mar. 30. 

Nominations will close later this week and we will follow up once they have been released. 

Seize The Grey Workout

That's a good time. And only 5 days before the Jeff Ruby, it may just be a maintenance work. We're hoping he heads to Turfway Park soon so he can get a couple of gallops over the synthetic track before the stakes on Saturday. (He's never run on a synthetic surface before.) We'll keep you updated on any reports this week.

A Day To Remember Update

A Day to Remember was spotted galloping this morning at Santa Anita Park. Our son of American Pharoah is thriving at the moment and trainer Mark Glatt couldn’t be happier with him. While his schedule isn’t penciled in, we expect to see him pick up with some speed work next week.

Screenshot from a video we received

Fireball Birdie Update

We have a Fireball Birdie update from a track insider at Oaklawn Park:

Fireball Birdie galloping a mile over a muddy track at Oaklawn Park this morning, after shipping in yesterday from Sam Houston Park! Looking at the new condition book it looks like if all stays well he may be pointed to the MSW 6 furlong race on Arkansas Derby Day, March 30, 2024. That’s if all stays well and everything goes good, of course.

"Firebird" has fired off some quick works at Sam Houston recently. Here's hoping the Oaklawn Park suits our son of Uncle Mo well. 

Fancy Quality Update

Fancy Quality is back jogging at Silverleaf Hills Training Center in Ocala, Florida. Shaun Charlton passed along this video of her on the track this morning and reported it shouldn’t be too long before she gets into the groove of light galloping. 

Our daughter of Wootton Bassett received approximately 60 days off after having to be scratched a few days before her targeted debut on January 18th. Following a full 30 days of turn out, she was cleared to resume under tack and all remains well at this stage.

Screenshot from a video

Pioneer Prince Targets Next Start

PIONEER PRINCE returned in good order from his win on March 10th, and was jogging on the Santa Anita track this morning looking pretty proud of himself. If all continues well, he'll target a 6-1/2 f turf starter allowance (flat course) on April 5th at Santa Anita. [Screenshot from a video below]

Video of Today's Race with Secret Crush

Ooooooooooooh, what a squeaker! Big improvement over his debut. He's coming along. He was still being fractious in the gate, but broke well in spite of it. Exciting times ahead for this guy, and we expect he may be stretching out beyond a mile in the next couple of outs.

Secret Crush  #4

Gulfstream Park - Race 1 - 03/16/2024 - #4 with Irad Ortiz up

AFTER RACE REPORT

It was a tough loss for Secret Crush this afternoon in Gulfstream’s opener, finishing second by the smallest of margins. Our 3-year-old son of Candy Ride broke well from post 4 and was ridden to be forwardly placed by design. Irad Ortiz Jr. contested the lead while on the inside of a line of three horses including the post-time second-choice, #7 Reynolds Channel who loomed with an early move at the half-mile pole.

Irad was shuffled back and immediately started to work his way off the inside. #3 Dilger beat Secret Crush to the spot initially, forcing Irad to be patient and allow him to pass before moving towards his outside. Once Secret Crush got into the clear, he responded with a strong late rally and with one additional jump likely would have been the winner. 

Trainer Todd Pletcher was pleased with the effort but still reported our son of Candy Ride was timid on the inside even with the addition of blinkers. All in all, it was still a positive effort. Our colt responded well to both the added distance and the addition of blinkers. It would be expected even more distance would likely suit him well with the thought of going around two turns next time as this race was contested around one turn.

We’ll follow up with more updates as we get them from the Pletcher team.

FOLLOW UP

Secret Crush returned to Palm Beach Downs this morning following his second-place finish yesterday afternoon at Gulfstream Park. Our son of Candy Ride earned an 84 Beyer Speed Figure for his performance which is a 20 point jump over his debut figure of 64.

Very Exciting Day for Seize The Grey

This afternoon, the entries and post positions for the Jeff Ruby Derby Prep race next Saturday were announced. After some initial worry that he didn't make it into the race (based on some erroneous information that was posted), we received reassurance that he may still be selected as an entry and that the entries and post positions would be announced LIVE on Facebook. 

Then it was a bit of a nail biter as the 4 PM hour approached (2 PM here) and we waited for the live feed of the announcements and post draws. The ceremony included a few speakers and a little of the history of the race, and the sponsor Jeff Ruby Steaks. 

If you'd like to view the live feed, you should be able to follow this link to Turfway Park's page on Facebook. Jeff Ruby Steaks Entries and Post Positions

This is the outcome:

He's in! And he drew Post #9! What an excellent post for a grinder/closer.

Now, his work is cut out for him. He MUST run 1st or possibly 2nd in the Jeff Ruby next Saturday to earn enough points for the Kentucky Derby. 1st place awards 100 points. 2nd place awards 50. This is one of the handful of races as we approach the Derby timeframe that is a 100 Pointer. The Louisiana Derby is another that will be held the same day at the Fairgrounds.  

He's been given his chance -- maybe with more than a little Divine intervention -- so now it's up to him, his legendary trainer, and the good Lord to to take this next giant leap forward.

Go, Ceasar!

We'll post any updates we receive from D. Wayne Lukas or MRH this week.

Blue Devil Update - Change of Trainer

We are thrilled to report that Blue Devil will be coming off his rest soon and transitioning into the barn of Steve Asmussen! Our newly-acquired 5YO veteran (multiple wins and Grade 2 stakes placed) will be looking to step it up in the next phase of his career. 

Top trainer Steve Asmussen has been quite successful with horses transferring into his barn which have included Champions Curlin and Midnight Bisou, and G1 winner Max Player. Steve currently trains Catalyst and Fireball Birdie for us. 

We're very much looking forward to Blue Devil's return. 

Guinevere (The Royal Duet) Runs a Bullet on a Wet Track at Keeneland This Morning!

Wow! Our daughter of Justify is flying. Here next start is anticipated to be April 5th. (See above)

Keeneland 3/15/2024 Dirt 5F 58.60 Breezing 1*/21

Fireball Birdie will be Moving as he Approaches Debut

We were sent a video of Fireball Birdie galloping at Sam Houston Race Park yesterday morning. The Asmussen Barn really seems to be pleased with his progress. We are expecting him to transfer to Oaklawn Park soon which is where Steve is tentatively looking for his debut.

Go, "Firebird."

The "Ruby" Draw to be Held Tomorrow...and Then We'll Know

The Jeff Ruby Steaks is a big step on the road to the Kentucky Derby. It's also the only prep held on a synthetic surface. Seize The Grey has been nominated for this stakes, along with 107 other 3YO Thoroughbreds. That said, many of the entries may have been made just as a contingent and won't be entered in the actual race because they elect to take another path or to steer off the Derby trail. It's hard to know exactly how many were actually entered. So... 

Will Seize The Grey be in the field, will he make the draw and what will his position be?

We'll know tomorrow. 

The draw will be held between 4:00 - 4:30 PM. We believe that's Central Time, but we'll confirm.

Best wishes to Seize The Grey on what could be a huge step in the direction of the Roses in May. 

Seize The Grey prior to his second start at Saratoga
which he won, defeating one of the now-Derby favorites, Dornoch
2023 Eclipse Award nominee Jaime Torres up
July 29, 2023
Photo credits/copyright to Shawn  Taylor

The Royal Duet - Guinevere Update

Guinevere had her first work back last Friday, March 8th, following her debut and covering five furlongs in 1:01 flat over Keeneland’s main track. Your daughter of Justify breezed on the inside of Bundchen, a fellow maiden 3-year-old filly, and always had the upper hand in this work. The Ward Team has remained pleased with your filly since her debut.

We are still targeting the aforementioned maiden special weight on opening day at Keeneland (April 5th) which will give her three additional works leading up to the race.

Seize The Grey in the Press

Steve Haskin's Derby Rankings is a source many look to for their Kentucky Derby hopefuls and Seize The Grey (along with several others) got a mention this week in Kentucky Derby Rankings - Week 8 (dated March 11th) under "Knocking On The Door."

Here's the link: Steve Haskin's Derby Rankings - Week 8

BIG UPDATE FOR SEIZE THE GREY

Seize the Grey breezed five furlongs in 1:01.20 on Monday morning at Oaklawn Park. As we all know, the talk of Derby has been very exciting and we now have a new update and timeline for our colt.

After discussions with Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, he has decided the best option is to bypass the Hot Springs Mile at Oaklawn Park and instead target a Kentucky Derby prep, the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks, at Turfway Park on March 23rd. 

This decision stems from how well our son of Arrogate has been training in the mornings and ‘The Coach’ feels he will handle the Turfway Park track well. It’s the best spot for us to get into the Kentucky Derby. The winner earns 100 Derby points and second place gets 50. Seize the Grey will need to run either first or second in order to “guarantee” a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. This will give him one final work in between and we will follow up with the Lukas barn in the coming days. 

Fireball Birdie Approaching Debut

Fireball Birdie worked his second five-eighths from the gate on Sunday morning in 1:00.82 at Sam Houston Race Park. Our 3-year-old colt worked in company with stablemate and 2x winner Black Powder. With two nice stamina drills put into him and a total of five works (four official) since returning to the track, you son of Uncle Mo shouldn’t be too far from a debut. We’ll chat with trainer Steve Asmussen this week to get a better idea of what that timing will look like.  

Lady Blitz and Here's The Kicker Update

Lady Blitz remains in good order at Wavertree Stables and will have her first work back tomorrow morning. Our daughter of Audible is scheduled to breeze an easy three furlongs from the quarter pole in company with MyRacehorse stablemate Here’s the Kicker.

PIONEER PRINCE WINS in 4th Career Start

Pioneer Prince, our son of Pioneerof the Nile, won his 5th career start today at Santa Anita Park, R#5. Good on ya, Prince!!! Below is a video of the race. We'll be posting updates and more photos soon. 

Fireball Birdie Fires Off a Bullet!

Fireball Birdie, our Uncle Mo colt trained by Steve Asmussen, ran a bullet work this morning at Sam Houston.  

Date: March 10, 2024

Track: SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Distance: Five Furlongs

Time: 1.00:82 Breezing

Track Condition: Fast

Surface: Dirt

Rank: 1*/11

This colt (we've shortened his name to Firebird for short), is looking very promising as he moves forward with his training. 

Simply Enchanting Update

Simply Enchanting returned to a jogging routine 10 days ago and has jogged for about a week total given a few days off due to weather. 

We did have one minor scare over the last few days as she was carrying a tiny bit of fluid in her right front ankle. She has always been 100% sound since returning from New Mexico, but out of precaution, trainer Phil D’Amato had diagnostics performed. Phil did say she had two cuts on the inside of the right ankle from her race which were likely caused when getting sandwiched at the top of the lane, but the lingering inflammation (though minor) presented itself as a potential bone chip. X-rays returned clean of any chips, but an MRI was recommended by Dr. Ryan Carpenter due to one suspicious view on her X-rays. 

Thankfully, everything returned clean and she was cleared to resume training as normal. She only missed one day of training due to the MRI and will pick back up galloping in the next few days.  

Secret Crush Race Entry

Secret Crush turned in a strong work from the gate this morning at Palm Beach Downs, breezing a half mile in :48.92. Working on the inside of unraced stablemate Quester (775k yearling purchase and is entered for his debut on Saturday), your son of Candy Ride always held the upper hand and kicked on nicely in the later stages. Secret Crush had blinkers added in today’s breeze and will run in them on Saturday.

As expected, trainer Todd Pletcher proceeded with entering in the targeted maiden special weight going one-mile and was carded as Race 1 on Mar. 16. Secret Crush drew post 4 (of 8) with Irad Ortiz Jr. returning in the irons. Post time is 1:10 p.m. ET.

Mo Temptation Update

Mo Temptation breezed three furlongs this morning in :36.80 at San Luis Rey Downs. Assistant trainer Kim Marrs remains pleased as the training intensity has increased, reporting, “She has really woken up!  ...and I am thrilled with her training so far.”

We still have ways to go but all reports are positive to this stage.

Lane Way Finishes a Hard Fought 3rd in the G3 San Simeon

Lane Way was third in today’s G3 San Simeon Stakes at Santa Anita Park and was unfortunately compromised due to not getting the most ideal trip. 

Our veteran got away from the gate well settling right off the early speed as expected early on but then found himself boxed in behind the speed with nowhere to go when #6 Ottoman Prince pressed to his inside. The field hit the dirt crossover in fairly compact company and our gelding had nowhere to go. By the time he was able to get clear running room, it was too late to catch the winner. He put in a nice late rally to hold off his stablemate Sumter and only came up a neck short for second and only beaten by three-quarters of a length for the win.

While it’s frustrating because we believe he could have won this race with a clean trip, it was still a positive to return with a solid effort. 

Upon inspection back at the barn, he suffered a cut on the back of his front left ankle. Whether that was caused from his hind foot, or another horse when things got tight is unknown but it does appear superficial. 

The Mandella team will monitor him and we’ll be back with a post race update.

Follow Up Report

Lane Way exited Saturday’s G3 San Simeon S. in good order. Our 7-year-old was a bit stiff but this is nothing out of the norm, especially given a hard effort. As mentioned in the post-race update, he did suffer a cut on the back of his ankle which is confirmed only superficial and should heal right up with no issues.

He earned another strong Beyer Speed Figure of 95 and an E-speed figure of . An updated copy of his lifetime past performances can be seen below.