May 2024 Highlights

May 2024 Highlights

May 1st - Wednesday

•  Pioneer Prince entered Santa Anita Race #3, Optional Clmg no tag

May 3rd - Friday - KENTUCKY OAKS DAY

• Simply Enchanting works, next out may be stakes
• Fancy Quality now working at Keeneland
• Here's The Kicker puts in a good work on turf. Returning soon.
• Catalyst will be rested, supplemented to increase weight
• Kenny McPeek (Fancy Quality) wins Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna

May 4th - Saturday - KENTUCKY DERBY DAY

• Seize The Grey WINS in G2 Pat Day Mile! First GRADED STAKES WIN!
• Seize The Grey becomes Arrogate's top 2024 progeny by earnings.
• Pioneer Prince runs 2nd in his race at Santa Anita, Mike Smith up. 
• Kenny McPeek (Fancy Quality) wins the KENTUCKY DERBY with Mystik Dan.

May 5th - Sunday

• Seize The Grey bounced out of his victory yesterday in good order.
• The Preakness may be the next consideration for Seize The Grey
• Mo Temptation moved to Santa Anita and worked from gate. 5f/1:01

May 6th - Monday

• DRF announces Seize The Grey is headed to Baltimore. 
• Mo Temptation has possible race target on May 17th.

May 7th - Tuesday

• 1 year anniversary of Seize The Grey shipping to D. Wayne Lukas.
• Isle Blue ships to trainer Christophe Clement at Saratoga.

May 8th - Wednesday

• Isle Blue arrives safely at Christophe Clement's barn in Saratoga.
• Here's The Kicker to go to Saffie Joseph, Jr. at Palm Meadows/Gulfstream
• Fancy Quality sent back to R&R

May 9th - Thursday

• Guinevere scratched from race at Churchill Downs due to rain.
• Fireball Birdie entered at Lone Star, 5/17.
• Mo Temptation targeting 6.5f turf at Santa Anita, 5/17
• Legitify - Santa Anita  5/9/2024  Dirt 4F   47.80  Handily  2/29

May 10th - Friday

• Adaay In Asia pointed to the Mizdirection Stakes, downhill turf, 5/18
• Lane Way targeting Daytona Stake on 5/26

May 12th - Sunday

• A Day To Remember has first work back in 10 months, 2f in 26.00  2/3
• Mo Temptation came up a little "off" at morning check; won't be entered 5/17

May 13th - Monday

• Seize The Grey - Preakness Entries and Gate Draws - #6 (of 9), 15-1 M/L
• Seize The Grey - Arrives at Pimlico
• Mo Temptation to be further monitored after coming up off

May 14th - Tuesday

• Good Cop preparing to ship to Todd Pletcher barn
• Caldera purchased (St. Liam colt). To go to D. Wayne Lukas

May 15th - Wednesday

• English Jubilee turns in a work at WOODBINE, 4f in 48.80 on synthetic.
• Muth scratches out of the Preakness. Seize The Grey moves one gate in.
• Adaay In Asia is entered into the Mizdirection Stakes at Santa Anita.

May 16th - Thursday

• Isle Blue 1st work! Saratoga 5/16/2024  Dirt trng  3F  38.66 Breezing  11/18
• Here's The Kicker heads to (new trainer) Saffie Joseph Jr. at Palm Meadows

May 17th - Friday - Black-Eyed Susan Day

• Seize The Grey had a great exercise this morning over the Pimlico track. 
• Legitify had a very fast work at Santa Anita! 4F / 47.60  3rd fastest/48
• Fireball Birdie WINS at Lone Star Park, Race #1! Current E figure 86. 

May 18th - Saturday - PREAKNESS DAY!!!

• Seize The Grey has a lot of partners at Pimlico to see him in Preakness
• Simply Enchanting has solid work -- headed to Churchill Downs.
• SEIZE THE GREY WINS THE 149TH PREAKNESS!!!!
• Adaay In Asia runs 5th in the Mizdirection Stakes at Santa Anita.

May 19th - Sunday

• Seize The Grey earns a 100 Beyer for his Preakness performance.
• Mo Temptation is *RETIRED* from racing
• Simple Enchanting to be shipped to Churchill Downs fr/SA

May 20th - Monday

• Seize The Grey ships to Churchill Downs
• Saratoga runs a Belmont ad with Seize The Grey showcased.

May 21st - Tuesday

• Seize The Grey in Paulick Report as interested in $7.5 m 1/ST Grand Bonus

May 22nd - Wednesday

• Lady Blitz scheduled for tie-back surgery May 30, Dr. Madison - Ocala

May 23rd - Thursday

• Lane Way officially entered in the G3 Daytona Stakes, SA, May 26

May 24rd - Friday

• Guinevere worked 5f in 1:00.60 in company this morning at Keeneland
• Straight to Glory shipped to Keeneland and is jogging. 
• Legitify (race) finished 4th in a field of 8 and was CLAIMED

May 25th - Saturday

• We flew to Louisville to attend Breakfast at the Barn

May 26th - Sunday

• We visited Seize The Grey during Breakfast at the Barn event
• Event held at D Wayne Lukas barn at Churchill Downs.
• Visited the Kentucky Derby Museum and saw D Wayne Lukas exhibit 
• Lane Way finished 5th in the Daytona Stakes. Field of 9.

May 27th - Monday - Memorial Day

• We returned home from Louisville.
• Here's The Kicker has her first easy work at Saffie Joseph's barn.
• Pioneer Prince finished 8th in a field of 12 - SOC, no tag.
• Simply Enchanting entered in a SOC at Churchill Downs on June 1.
• Straight To Glory had first work back - 4f in 50:00 at Keeneland.

May 28th - Tuesday

• Blue Devil to have 30 days of additional rest.

May 29th - Wednesday

• Seize The Grey has first work back post-Preakness, 6f in 1:13 flat!

Simply Enchanting Entry!

SIMPLY ENCHANTING is entered at Churchill Downs on Saturday, June 1, in a salty allowance race! 

She'll be in gate 7 of 12. The field is loaded and this is only her third start, so if she can pull this one off, just WOW! Phil D'Amato trains her and obviously has a lot of confidence in her. 

She had points on the Kentucky Oaks trail until a slight cut, temperature spike, and major rain events at Santa Anita curtailed her ability to work/exercise. She is a daughter of Nyquist and has one win and a stakes place (Oaks points) from two starts. Safe race, Ella! We love ya. [Photo credits Ernie Belmonte, April 2024)

Fancy Quality Update

Our Wootton Bassett filly was originally being pointed to the Kentucky Oaks but seemed to have lost her way. Ironically, her trainer, Kenny McPeek, did indeed win the Kentucky Oaks this year--but with Thorpedo Anna. 

Fancy Quality is enjoying her down time at Magdalena Farm in Lexington, KY and is currently on the equiciser for 30 minutes, twice a day. She will begin turn outs next week where she will spend 6-10 hours each day in an outdoor paddock. 

Seismic Beauty Update

Seismic Beauty, our Uncle Mo daughter, has had her ups and downs, but she has started galloping and is doing well according to assistant trainer Mike Marlow. Mike reported she is roughly two weeks away from being ready to breeze. Looking forward to her continued progress. 

Seize The Grey has First Work Back

Seize the Grey had his first work back following his win in the G1 Preakness and was credited with six furlongs in 1:13 flat. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas was thrilled with the work and said, “He galloped out strongly — He was full of himself doing it. He enjoyed it. That’s what you look for, that energy.”

Lukas had your colt galloping out in 1:26 for seven furlongs. The plan is for him to ship to Saratoga Saturday morning and he will have one final tune up breeze next week in preparation for the G1 Belmont Stakes.

Jaime Torres was aboard for today’s work and his thoughts can be seen here (see bottom of article) in an interview with Bloodhorse.

We Visited Seize The Grey at Churchill Downs!

 

Rising Star Thoroughbreds Visiting Seize The Grey
at the D. Wayne Lukas Barn, Churchill Downs
on Sunday, May 26, 2024 after his Preakness win
at Pimlico the weekend before on May 18th.

So we took a little trip to Churchill Downs to see "Ceasar" this past weekend. It was all part of a barn visit organized by MRH for 50 partners to get exclusive barn access to the famous D. Wayne Lukas barn at Churchill to see Seize The Grey, meet jockey Jaime Torres, and Mr. Lukas's staff. It was a last minute, whirlwind trip but we didn't want to miss the chance of a lifetime to see our Preakness winner.

David was in demand for interviews. He did this one for the Bloodhorse news coverage (wow!) and also a televised interview with a local TV station. This has some great shots of the D. Wayne Lukas barn area and some of our fellow owners who we chatted with are also in the interview. Laurie is in some of the background shots and you might catch the close-up of Jaime Torres signing her Seize The Grey hat and t-shirt! He was so gracious and humble. A really great guy!

Bloodhorse: MyRacehorse Celebrates Seize The Grey at Breakfast

Bloodhorse: MyRacehorse Owners Have Breakfast with Seize The Grey

With Jaime Torres, jockey.

D. Wayne Lukas Kentucky Derby wall

David interviewing with local Louisville FOX News channel 

We also saw Kentucky Oaks contender
Lemon Muffin who was in "Ceasar's" row

Blue Devil Update

 Blue Devil will have 30 more days of additional rest. We'll report back then.

Lane Way After-Race Report

Lane Way checked in 5th in yesterday’s G3 Daytona S. and earned an 89 Beyer Speed Figure. We don’t have too many excuses for his lack of punch late in the race. Our veteran was sitting a nice stalking trip despite the eventual winner, #2 Mucho Del Pro, getting a lonely lead. As the field reached the dirt crossover, Lane Way appeared to be in a winnable position, but he simply was not able to excel home once getting back to the turf.

So far he’s come out of the race in pretty good order. He’s a bit body sore in his hind end, which is not out of the norm for him and he hit his front left ankle again, which is the reason he was equipped with front wraps yesterday afternoon. The Mandella barn will continue to monitor Lane Way, but our tentative game plan is to stretch him out around two turns at Del Mar and point to the Wickerr S. on July 21st.

He doesn’t appear to have lost a step in his morning activity, but you could argue the case that, at his age, he has regressed slightly of late. Perhaps he does not want to run the way the hillside turf course requires anymore, needing that early speed and the ability to quicken late. He always handled the two-turn distance well as a 3-year-old and we are hopeful that the running style of a race like the Wickerr will spark an improved performance. 

___________________________________________

Edited to add: Soreness remained as of 5/30. Lane way has been scheduled for a scan to check for a possible cause.

Straight to Glory Work Out

Straight to Glory had his first work back at Keeneland yesterday morning, covering an easy half-mile in approximately :50. 

Trainer Wesley Ward oversaw this drill and was pleased with the way he went. 

Wesley reported our son of Cotai Glory exited his work in great physical order and sent along a video this morning. Pending everything remains in good order, Straight to Glory will remain on a weekly work schedule.

Here's The Kicker Update

Here’s the Kicker had her first work with trainer Saffie Joseph on Friday morning, covering three furlongs in :38.30 at Palm Meadows. Saffie wasn’t looking for much for her first drill and was pleased with the way our daughter of Liam’s Map settled in and behaved on the track. He will gradually increase the intensity of her training and sent along this video of your filly this morning. 

Legitify Claimed

Legitify was CLAIMED in his third start in a 6-1/2 furlong Maiden Claiming Race. He ran 4th and earned an 83 E-speed figure in the effort. 

Legitify was beautifully bred being a son of Justify out of a daughter on Galileo. We met him in Ocala at the 2YO Showcase in February 2023.

We will miss Legitify and continue to track him as his career unfolds. 

Legitify at Ocala in February 2023

Seize The Grey Tribute by Highlander Training Center

Highlander Training Center in Texas is the facility who gave Seize The Grey his winter freshener and train back to win his first start of 2024, and go on to compete in the Kentucky Derby prep series with a close 3rd in the G3 Jeff Ruby, a win in the G2 Pat Day Mile on Kentucky Derby Day, and then go on to win the Preakness Stakes, second jewel of the Triple Crown, two weeks later. 

We're very grateful to Highlander for the excellent care and training they provided during "Ceasar's" winter respite at their beautiful state-of-the-art facility.

This is a tribute that Highlander Training Center did for Seize The Grey.

Straight to Glory (Royal Duet) is Jogging at Keeneland

We are pleased to report that Straight to Glory safely shipped to Keeneland and was spotted jogging on the track this morning. As you will hear from trainer Wesley Ward, our son of Cotai Glory has shipped happy and sound and could breeze an easy three-eighths in the coming days. 

As of now, Wesley couldn’t be happier with our gelding and we will follow up with news from the barn next week.

Is the Belmont Next for Seize The Grey? And a List of Other Press

Saratoga seems to be wishing it so:

Belmont ad by Saratoga

Here's some of the press. I'll add more as stories pop up and keep updating.

05/19/2024: Lukas is Strongly Leaning to Belmont with Preakness Winner

05/20/2024: Preakness Recap by Steve Haskins (Wow! Amazing history!)

05/21/2024: Lukas Confirms Seize The Grey for Belmont

05/21/2024: Dream Big - Seize The Grey Eager to Run for $7.5 Million

05/22/2024: Preakness Win Makes Jaime Torres Jockey of the Week

05/22/2024: Arrogate's Legacy Continues With Seize The Grey

05/22/2024: The Sport Can Learn From the Preakness, But...

05/22/2024: TDN Discuss Preakness/MRH Michael Behrens  YouTube

05/23/2024: Bloodhorse: Seize The Grey Experience - the Dunnes

05/23/2024: Thoroughbred Daily News: Arrogate

05/24/2024: Seize The Grey Jumps to NTRA Top 10 3YO

05/28/2024: D. Wayne Lukas Isn't Going Anywhere (MSN)

05/28/2024:  Life's a Movie for Torres After Preakness Win (Bloodhorse)

05/28/2024:  Maryland Rallies Behind Outrider (Re: Hunter-Ceasar's escort pony)

05/29/2024:  D. Wayne Lukas Discusses his Stakes Horses

05/29/2024:  Breeding Digest: Some Very Smart Shopping Indeed

05/30/2024:  Interview at MRH Breakfast at the Barn Event (Bloodhorse)

Seize The Grey is Now a Bonafide Legacy of Arrogate

Arrogate's Legacies: Seize The Grey, Arcangelo and Secret Oath
Collage created by the talented people at Horse Racing Fans Page

Seize The Grey will have an unique opportunity to carry on Arrogate's bloodline. Currently only last year's superstar, Arcangelo, has that ability as a multiple Grade 1 winner now a stallion standing in Kentucky. Secret Oath will also have that opportunity, but on a much reduced scale as a broodmare who can only produce a few offspring in her lifetime. 

One thing that's very important to remember is the Seize The Grey is not your typical Arrogate. He got a much earlier start, being stakes placed and a Kentucky Derby point earner as a 2YO, before many young Arrogates had even begun to race. 

Though his early career was a bit rocky, he really came into his own more recently -- after a break for freshening over the winter -- with two successive graded stakes victories, one in the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile on the Kentucky Derby undercard, and on Saturday as the newly crowned Preakness winner in a surprise wire-to-wire performance, defeating Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, Santa Anita Derby runner-up, Imagination, and several other very good 3YO colts. 

The fact that he had a bit of success against some of the best horses of his crop at two adds an asterisk to his accomplishments that translates well as a future stallion prospect to carry on Arrogate's line -- precociousness. That aspect wasn't really covered in this article, but it has a lot of good information. 

Seize the Grey Adds to Arrogate's Legacy

Mo Temptation to be Retired

Unfortunately, after follow-up diagnostics were performed on Mo Temptation, it was discovered she has an issue with her knee. 

This is of course disappointing news as she was race-ready again from a fitness standpoint, but at this point in her career with an issue like this, a decision has been made in the best interest of the horse to retire her. We believe we did everything we could and gave her as much time as possible to make it back to the races, but things did not come to fruition.

We are currently working on rehoming plans and in the meantime, she has shipped to Sunshine Farm in Bradbury near the racetrack. 

We will continue to keep you all updated on the next plan for Mo Temptation.

As owners of "Mo T" we are in hardy agreement with the decision made regarding her retirement. We'll keep you updated on any future news on her next home. 

Mo T was our very first partnership with MRH, so the beautiful daughter of Mo Town will always be a very special filly for us. 

Here's a picture gallery of our time with Mo Temptation.

Post to our followers on our FB Page:

As the winds of fortune so often change in this industry, after our high of seeing Seize The Grey win the 2024 Preakness, we now are faced with a little more somber news as our lovely Mo Temptation is being retired from racing. 

Just prior to being entered for her next start, the Doug O'Neill team noted she was "off." They didn't enter her and observed her closely for well over a week before determining she has developed a knee issue. She has had a series of setbacks, so at this time a decision was made that it's in the best interests of the horse to retire her. They'll begin working a re-home for her in the coming weeks and we'll keep you posted. 

Our promising daughter of Mo Town (believed to have been named in honor of The Temptations who had a contract with Mo Town records) was our first purchase with MRH. In spite of some brilliant works, she only had one start at Del Mar and ran 7th in a field of 12. Her sire, Mo Town, has been a very promising Uncle Mo son, and her dam is a half-sister to the outstanding NY sire, Army Mule. 

We wish her all the best for the next phase of life and will keep tabs on her so we can report any future news.

Adaay In Asia Race Recap

We're still getting caught up on posts after Preakness weekend.

Adaay in Asia checked in fifth in this Saturday’s Mizdirection S.

The bay found herself in a pretty good spot early sitting in second last behind a crowded pace up front. She circled up out wide heading for home, but idled at the back of the pack as eventual winner Miss Lizzy passed her from last. Adaay in Asia was able to pick off some tiring rivals late, but she never seriously threatened for a placing.

For as well as she trains in the mornings, it’s fair to say she once again found the local stakes company a bit too tough. Class relieve for next time might be in order, but we’ll huddle up with trainer Phil D’Amato and our partner in the coming days and figure out a game plan.

SEIZE THE GREY WINS 149TH PREAKNESS STAKES!

We apologize for not posting sooner, but the last 24 hours has been a little crazy for us. Seize the Grey won the 149th Preakness Stakes wire-to-wire, which came as a surprise to many. It appears he's finally maturing into his sire's son, and put his abilities on full display at Pimlico on Saturday, defeating the Kentucky Derby winner, the Santa Anita Derby runner up, the Arkansas Derby runner up, and several other talented horses. Imagination, expected to be the speed in the race, and Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan stuck close, but were never able to overcome "Ceasar's" speed in the race, especially over a track rated as "muddy." This was an incredible blessing for which we are extremely thankful. 

We were thrilled by the finish of the Preakness and feel that our Arrogate son is finally coming into his own. We're looking forward to his future. 

Press: 

NBC Sports: Seize The Grey Wins Preakness

Seize The Grey Wins 149th Preakness Stakes

Lukas Basks in Preakness Afterglow

How I Won the Preakness -- D. Wayne Lukas

From MRH:

WE JUST WON THE PREAKNESS!!

Congratulations STG owners, we just won the Preakness! We hope you’re all celebrating and we’ll follow up with more content soon, for now, go enjoy!

Seize the Grey Race Recap

Can you believe it? You’re a Preakness winner!

Congratulations again to all Seize the Grey owners!

Your son of Arrogate looked like a Classic winner Saturday right from the jump. Jockey Jaime Torres did a great job getting him out to the front, and with Imagination taken a hard hold of to avoid a duel, Seize the Grey was in complete command. He set what we would call average fractions, and they lined up behind him heading for home. Derby winner Mystik Dan did his best to narrow the gap in the stretch, but Seize the Grey and Torres would not be denied and they dug deep while drifting out slightly late to cross the line 2 1/4 lengths to the good.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas is now a seven-time Preakness winner, and we can’t say enough about the great job the living legend and his team have done with your colt.

It was also a second Classic win in as many years for the late Arrogate, whose presence in the stallion ranks is certainly missed, but whose sons will no doubt remain in high demand to carry on his legacy.

We are absolutely elated for all of Seize the Grey’s 2,570 owners and are so grateful for all of your support and involvement. This was the first Preakness winner owned or co-owned by a micro-share group, and we’ll get right back to work tomorrow trying to find the next one.

We’ll of course be following up with more in the coming days on how Seize the Grey exited today’s big win and what the plan will be moving forward. Congrats again!

The Champ!

Our champ Seize the Grey is back at the barn and cooling out in his new Preakness cooler!

Post race report:

We checked in with our G1 Preakness winner this morning and he was alert and happy to have company. He came out of the race in great order and earned a career-high 100 Beyer Speed Figure for his amazing effort.

Best Wishes in the Preakness from MRH

What a journey Seize the Grey has taken owners on thus far! Though he narrowly missed being in the Kentucky Derby (he would have been first also eligible), Seize the Grey put the 3-year-old crop on notice with his dominant victory in the G2 Pat Day Mile the same day, officially earning his way into the 149th Preakness. 

He was initially set to take on eight other challenges, but the morning-line favorite Muth spiked a fever during his travels and had to be scratched (he's okay though!). This left the race a bit more wide open. 

Seize the Grey drew the #6 post position; however, with #4 Muth scratching, Seize the Grey will be breaking from the fifth stall in the starting gate. Thirteen winners have emerged from this starting gate, the most recent being in 2022 when Early Voting defeated Epicenter.

He is one of two horses entered for the "Coach," the other being stablemate Just Steel. 

The weather seems to be leaning towards rain, but of course, that can always change. 

The Coach is confident in Seize the Grey, as are we. Can he become the first horse ever owned by MRH owners to win the second jewel of the Triple Crown? Four years ago, Authentic became the first horse owned by MRH partners to win the first jewel. It would only be fitting that a MyRacehorse stable member would earn a similar distinction in the other two legs.

We look forward to cheering on your beautiful grey with you tomorrow, Seize the Grey owners! Best of luck and the safest of trips to all competitors. 

                                      - MyRacehorse

Fireball Birdie WINS!!!

Fireball Birdie ("Firebird") won his race this evening!!! 

His third start, and second race at Lone Star Park. 

We'll post updates and more info as reports come in. 

 

Legitify Punches Out Three Strong Works in a Row

Legitify's (Justify x Sarrocchi by Galileo) last 3 works at Santa Anita have been very strong. Now if he can just carry that forward into his next race!  

Santa Anita 5/17/2024  Dirt  4F 47.60  Handily 3/48

Santa Anita 5/9/2024 Dirt 4F  47.80 Handily 2/29

Santa Anita 4/22/2024  Dirt  3F 36.00  Handily 1*/9 

Seize The Grey - Ready for the Preakness

Seize the Grey had another great morning galloping over the Pimlico main track today on Black-Eyed Susan Day. Our boy is all set for his big race tomorrow. Here's a couple of photos of his bath this morning, and we'll try to locate video of his work that's shareable. 

A Few Thoughts Before Saturday...

A little over 48 hours to post time and our boy is getting press from coast-to-coast. We are so blessed to be among the many partners of this amazing athlete and can't begin to put into words what we're feeling right now. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

 

Seize The Grey, The Preakness... This is What it's all About

 A great article on the experience of owning shares of a horse who could be headed for greatness. Or not. But getting here is more than half the fun...it's everything. 

Seize The Grey Owners Revel in the Preakness Experience

Here's The Kicker Shipped to Saffie Joseph Jr.

Here’s the Kicker departed from Wavertree Stables this morning and is en route to Palm Meadows to join the Saffie Joseph Jr. barn. 

Our daughter of Liam’s Map should be able to pick up in her training fairly quickly and we wouldn’t expect her to take too long to become race fit. 

Isle Blue First Work Report

Isle Blue Workout Report

Isle Blue had her first work this morning at Saratoga, breezing three furlongs in :38.66 over the Oklahoma training track. Our daughter of Speightstown worked in company with Salamah ’22.

Saratoga 5/16/2024 Dirt training 3F 38.66 Breezing 11/18

Assistant trainer Miguel Clement passed along this photo of your filly following her breeze and is pleased with the way she has acclimated to their barn so far.

Photo courtesy Miguel Clement/MRH

Isle Blue Posts First Official Work

Our 2YO Speightstown daughter. Isle Blue, has begun her journey! 

She's now at Saratoga and has posted her first official work! As expected, her time was not blistering, but is the beginning of a solid foundation. Christophe Clement is her trainer. Unlike last year, we only have three 2YOs (one new and yet to be introduced), but they are all very exciting prospects and training well! 

Saratoga   5/16/2024   Dirt training  3F  38.66  Breezing  11/18

English Jubilee has Arrived

English Jubilee has arrived at Woodbine (Canada) and made her presence known. With several races under her belt as a 2YO, top trainer Mark Casse, and her English Channel x Kitten's Joy pedigree, we're excited to see what she'll do in her 3YO season. 

Woodbine 5/15/24  All Weather Track 4F / 48.80  Breezing 7/21 

Congrats and Race Overview of 149th Preakness by MRH

Saturday’s G1 Preakness S. field got a major shake-up on Wednesday when it was announced that expected favorite Muth would be forced to scratch due to a fever, and now eight runners will race to claim the Woodlawn Vase.

Among that group, of course, is your very own Seize the Grey, who enters the 149th Preakness off a career-best effort when showing good cruising speed en route to a mild upset in the G2 Pat Day Mile. Looking to give Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas his seventh Preakness title, your son of Arrogate could find himself in an advantageous stalking position pressing Bob Baffert’s remaining runner, Imagination. He’ll still need to get faster to defeat the likes of G1 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, but Seize the Grey continues to improve incrementally and is the type of fresh face who can jump up and pull off the upset here, even without the benefit of a longer gap between races that new shooters typically have in the Preakness.

Best of luck to all of Seize the Grey’s owners in this extremely rare and exciting opportunity to compete in a Triple Crown race, and see below for more on the competition.

#1 Mugatu (20/1) - Wasn’t quite able to make it into the Derby, where he would have been seriously overmatched. Did run his best race switching to dirt last time, but will need another huge step forward to have any chance for better than a minor award.

#2 Uncle Heavy (20/1) - Pennyslvania-bred got his nose down on the line in Aqueduct’s nine-furlong G3 Withers S. in February, but that effort came in the slop over a subpar group. Could only manage a distant fifth in the G2 Wood Memorial, and again that has not been a race that’s been flattered subsequently—the one-two finishers were sixth and sixteenth, respectively, in the Derby.

#3 Catching Freedom (6/1) - Last-to-first G2 Louisiana Derby winner put in another solid stretch run to be fourth in the Derby. Makes sense for sure, though have to wonder if he’ll get the set up he needs to pass them all late.

#4 Muth - scratched

#5 Mystik Dan (5/2) - Belied 18/1 odds in Louisville, and certainly won’t be anywhere close to that kind of price this time, especially with the defection of his main competition. In hindsight, most handicappers were probably a bit too tough on his third in the G1 Arkansas Derby and maybe dismissed his G3 Southwest romp as mud-aided. Something close to his Derby effort will make him super tough, though it is noteworthy that he didn’t run well once before off of short rest and trainer Kenny McPeek voiced some concern about the short turnaround to Baltimore immediately after the Derby win.

#6 Seize The Grey (15/1)

#7 Just Steel (15/1) - Seize the Grey’s stablemate looks to bounce back after showing brief speed and fading to 17th in the Derby. He’ll be a longshot, but there are some things to like. He split Muth and Mystik Dan in the Arkansas Derby; will be reunited with top jockey Joel Rosario (no Preakness wins yet himself), who rode him to both of his prior victories; and his current form is a bit reminiscent of Lukas’s 2013 Preakness winner Oxbow.

#8 Tuscan Gold (8/1) - Was already looking like the “wise guy” horse of the race before the scratch of Muth, and now he might vie for second choice. The $600K son of GSW Curlin mare Valadorna romped second out at Gulfstream in January, then was spotted aggressively in the G2 Louisiana Derby, where he was far from disgraced in third after a wide, stalking trip while earning a solid 95 Beyer Speed Figure. He has every right to take another step forward here for a Chad Brown barn that has won two of the last seven Preaknesses with horses who fit extremely similar profiles (on-the-board finish in final round Derby prep, but skipped the first Saturday in May).

#9 Imagination (6/1) - Seven-figure son of Into Mischief carries the torch for Bob Baffert as the Hall of Famer looks to add to his record eight Preakness wins and go back-to-back for an overlapping ownership group. The two graded preps he exits in California were decidedly soft, but he’s got a chance to clear off from the start and never look back. His past performances don’t look too different from last year’s winner National Treasure and it’s only going to take an effort in that ballpark to get the job done here. 

[Seize The Grey ownership graphic designed by partner Leesha Davis.]

Good Cop Getting Ready to Go to Todd Pletcher Barn

Good Cop, our 2YO Tiz The Law colt, is training well at Ocala Stud and David O'Farrell believes he is ready to graduate to Todd Pletcher's program.

He will remain training in Florida until the logistics are finalized for his departure.

We'll post another update once Good Cop has been shipped and has settled into his new surroundings. 

Seize The Grey gets Preakness Gate Draw, Arrives at Pimlico.

 

Seize The Grey Pre-Preakness Press

Jaime Torres Very Thankful for Mount 

Jaime Torres to Get Shot at Preakness Glory with Seize The Grey

English Jubilee Update

Needless to say, the winter and spring did not go as we had hoped for English Jubilee, as all of her races in Florida either got rained off the turf or didn't get used at all. While we'd have preferred she's had a prep race to prepare her to be in peak form for the Woodbine (Canada) meet, she remains fresh and should head North of the border soon.

There is currently a circle around a MSW event at Woodbine on June 1st at 1 mile. The turf season will just be starting at Woodbine then and this is the first turf MSW option, so it could be a starting point for English Jubilee to tune up for a big second half of her season.

We'll report back as the June 1st target nears.

Simply Enchanting Follow-Up

Just a quick follow up on our last update regarding the extra that was thrown up. As anticipated Phil would like to get another breeze or two into her before finalizing a race plan. Admittedly, we were a bit shocked the race was used on the first day entries were taken for it and it was tempting, but Phil believes she isn’t quite ready yet. 

She’ll remain on the same work schedule and we will follow up once any race plans have been finalized.

A Day To Remember Works

A Day to Remember performed his first work in over 10 months, the last being on 7/22/2023 at Del Mar. Our son of American Pharoah's work info:

Santa Anita 05/12/2024 All Weather Track 2F 26.00 Handily 2/3

He has one start on 07/29/2023 in which he placed 3rd against a talented field including Heartland, a son of Justify who was designated as a "Rising Star" based on his performance that day.  

Screenshot from a recent jog at Santa Anita

Photo credits to Terri Ibers
Taken at a recent partners' visit
to A Day To Remember at 
Santa Anita

Mo Temptation Update - We're on Hold

Unfortunately, we received a call this morning from trainer Doug O’Neill that Mo Temptation was a tick-off this morning during the barn’s pre-entry inspection. This will prevent us from entering her in the aforementioned MCL which takes entries today. 

Doug doesn’t think this is anything serious but given her history, he would like to give her a few more days and reassess her status.

Seismic Beauty Update

We checked in on Seismic Beauty this morning at Los Alamitos. Your daughter of Uncle Mo is still jogging but assistant trainer Mike Marlow reported she will begin galloping any day. He is very happy with the way she looks physically and it will be exciting to see her progress again in her training.

Lane Way to Target Daytona Stakes

Lane Way breezed a half-mile in :48.80 over the training track this morning at Santa Anita Park. Our veteran worked on the outside of stablemate Joyrider and was much the best in the team drill. 

Trainer Richard Mandella was very happy with the work and reported he seemed to bounce out of it in good order as well. 

The plan remains to target the G3 Daytona Stakes on May 26th at Santa Anita. 

What AI is Saying about Seize The Grey

We did a search on Seize The Grey, looking for articles on his upcoming possible Preakness Stakes start, and the search engine surprised us by returning some AI results as the top searches. Here's what they said:

General info:

Seize the Grey is a three-year-old colt trained by D. Wayne Lukas and owned by MyRacehorse. He is a son of Arrogate, the 2016 Horse of the Year, and has shown promising form in his early career. Seize the Grey won the Pat Day Mile (G2) on the Kentucky Derby undercard, defeating a strong field of rivals.

In the 2024 Preakness Stakes, Seize the Grey is considered a possible contender, although his exact status is uncertain. He has been pointed to the race by his trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, who has won the Preakness six times.

Seize the Grey’s sire, Arrogate, did not compete in the Triple Crown races in 2016, but his offspring have shown promise in their early careers. Seize the Grey’s victory in the Pat Day Mile was his first stakes win, and he has shown a strong turn of foot in his races.

The Preakness Stakes is a Grade 1 race for three-year-olds, held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is the second leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes.

How does Seize the Grey's running style and tactics compare to those of other Preakness Stakes contenders?

Seize the Grey’s running style and tactics are characterized by his strong turn of foot and ability to close ground in his races. He has shown a tendency to come from off the pace and make a late run to win, which is a common strategy in the Preakness Stakes. Development of first point: Seize the Grey’s running style is similar to that of other Preakness contenders who have a strong late kick, such as Early Voting, who also likes to come from off the pace and make a late run.

Development of second point: However, Seize the Grey’s running style is distinct from that of other Preakness contenders who prefer to be on or near the lead throughout the race, such as Candy Tycoon, who likes to dictate the pace and control the race from the front.

Development of third point: Another notable difference is that Seize the Grey has shown the ability to handle different track conditions, having won on both dirt and synthetic surfaces. This versatility could be an asset in the Preakness Stakes, which is run on a dirt track. 

Entity 1 (Seize the Grey) - description of Seize the Grey with focus on ‘How does Seize the Grey’s running style and tactics compare to those of other Preakness Stakes contenders?’ - has a strong turn of foot and ability to close ground in his races, making him a contender in the Preakness Stakes. 

Entity 2 (Other Preakness Contenders) - description of other Preakness contenders with focus on ‘How does Seize the Grey’s running style and tactics compare to those of other Preakness Stakes contenders?’ - have different running styles, with some preferring to come from off the pace and others dictating the pace from the front.

Can you compare and contrast the racing styles of Seize the Grey's sire and dam, and how do these differences shape his own racing style?

Seize the Grey’s sire, Arrogate, is known for his speed and precocity, while his dam, Smart Shopping, is known for her speed and versatility. This difference in breeding styles could have shaped Seize the Grey’s own racing style in several ways.

Speed and Precocity: Arrogate’s influence on Seize the Grey’s breeding suggests that he may have inherited his sire’s speed and precocity. This could mean that Seize the Grey is capable of quick acceleration and a strong early pace, which is consistent with his racing style.

Endurance and Stamina: Smart Strike, Seize the Grey’s dam’s sire, is known for his speed and endurance. This could have contributed to Seize the Grey’s ability to maintain a strong pace throughout the race and his late kick. His dam’s influence may have also helped him develop the stamina to stay competitive in longer races.

Inbreeding to Seattle Slew: Seize the Grey’s pedigree is inbred to Seattle Slew, a legendary sire of speed and precocity. This inbreeding could have amplified his speed and late kick, as well as his ability to come from off the pace and make a late run.

Combination of Traits: The combination of Arrogate’s speed and precocity, Smart Strike’s endurance and stamina, and the inbreeding to Seattle Slew could have resulted in Seize the Grey’s unique racing style. He may be capable of quick acceleration and a strong early pace, while also having the endurance and stamina to maintain a strong pace throughout the race and make a late kick.

Does Seize the Grey's racing style rely more on his natural ability or the training and conditioning he receives?

Seize the Grey’s racing style is a combination of both his natural ability and the training and conditioning he receives. According to his trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, he wanted to get a race in Seize the Grey to show his natural talent, indicating that his natural ability plays a significant role in his racing style.

Additionally, Lukas mentioned that he’s hopeful of finding a mile race for the horse before the meet ends, suggesting that he’s looking to test Seize the Grey’s endurance and stamina, which are also natural abilities.

On the other hand, the training and conditioning Seize the Grey receives also play a crucial role in shaping his racing style. His jockey, Jaime Torres, mentioned that he could tell Seize the Grey was loaded around the three-eighths pole and went back into the bridle really strong, indicating that the horse has been trained to maintain a strong pace and respond to the jockey’s guidance.

Overall, it’s clear that Seize the Grey’s racing style is a combination of his natural ability, including his speed, endurance, and stamina, and the training and conditioning he receives, including his jockey’s guidance and his trainer’s strategy.