July 2024 Stable Highlights

 July 2024 Stable Highlights

July 1 - MON

• Fireball Birdie entered 7/6 -  R#3, P#2 - 1 mi turf race, Lone Star
• Nakoma is the official registered name of Rylee's Song '22
• Seize The Grey - one year anniversary of his first start!
• Lady Blitz scheduled to have 2nd procedure on 7/8
• Isle Blue had a hiccup. Abscess costed her 3 days training. 

July 2 - TUE

• Blue Devil continues to jog. Will begin galloping soon.

July 3 - WED

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July 4 - THU

• HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
• Seize The Grey arrives at Saratoga.
• Seismic Beauty breezed 5F in 1:00.00 flat at Los Alamitos. 1*/4
• Adaay In Asia worked 5F in 1:02.40 at Santa Anita. 7/8
• Isle Blue worked 4F in 50:20 at Saratoga. 15/16
• Isle Blue doing well but will "probably not be an early starter."

July 5 - FRI

• Guinevere worked at Keeneland - Dirt  5F  1:01.60  Breezing  2/4
• Here's The Kicker worked: Palm Meadows  Dirt  4F  50.40  27/40

July 6 - SAT

• Fireball Birdie ran 5th at Lone Star R#3 - 1 mi on turf (1st turf race)
• Seize the Grey galloped over the Oklahoma track at Saratoga 

July 7 - SUN

• A Day to Remember: Santa Anita  All Weather 5F  1:02.00  Handily 27/42
• Straight to Glory: Keeneland  Dirt 4F 49.20  Breezing  17/54

July 8 - MON

• Good Cop had minor cold and muscle issue. Should return to training at Belmont soon.
• Fancy Quality returned to Keeneland and has been jogging. Should pick up soon.
• A Day To Remember pointed toward July 16th MSW for his return race.

July 9 - TUE

• Seize The Grey breezed a sizzling 59:22 for 5F at Saratoga this morning.
• Seize The Grey: Notification that a stallion deal was struck with Gainesway!

July 10 - WED

• Seize The Grey -- official announcement of a deal with Gainesway Farm. :)\
• Nakoma: Saratoga Dirt 4F 48.83  Breezing  17/50
• English Jubilee: Woodbine  All Weather Track  4F  50.20 Breezing  12/22

July 11 - THU

• Lanes Way arrives at Silver Springs, pending Old Friends acceptance.
• Seismic Beauty: Los Alamitos  Dirt  5F  1:00.00 Handily   1*/7
• Adaay In Asia: Santa Anita All Weather  4F  47.60 Handily  1*/4

July 12 - FRI

• Here's The Kicker: Palm Meadows  Dirt (Wet)  4F  48.05  Breezing 6/34
• Secret Crush graduates to outdoor turnout, Silver Springs. 

July 13 - SAT

•  Legitify (previously owned) to run in 2nd 1000YD at Los Alamitos, R1.

July 14 - SUN

• Seize The Grey pointed to the G3 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga.
• Seize The Grey: Lukas feels Jim Dandy an ideal prep for the Travers.
• Fireball Birdie: Lone Star meet ending. He'll be moving to Remington Park.

July 15 - MON

• Simply Enchanting: Santa Anita  Dirt 4F  47.20  Handily  5/88
• Simply Enchanting: Filly seems off. D'Amato to run more tests.
• Pioneer Prince: Santa Anita  Dirt 5F  1:00.20  Handily 12/60

July 16 - TUE

• Seize The Grey: Saratoga 6F dirt (fast) 1:11.52   1/1
• Seize the Grey - Lukas VERY pleased with work and track condition

July 17 - WED

• Adaay In Asia: Del Mar  7/17/2024  Turf  4F  49.20 Handily  1*/4
• Adaay In Asia ran a bullet, but 2 SECONDS slower than SA All Weather

July 18 - THU

• Adaay In Asia, Simply Enchanting, Seismic Beauty now at Del Mar.
• Blue Devil galloping. He's about 1 week ahead of train-back schedule.
• Blue Devil expected to go to Steve Asmussen in about 1 month.

July 19 - FRI

• Adaay in Asia entered in 32k clmg, 7/25 R#3, P#9/10, Talamo, Del Mar.
• Isle Blue: Gate training needs more attention. Potential start Aug.
• Lady Blitz RETIRES after 2nd unsuccessful tie-back surgery.

July 20 - SAT

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July 21 - SUN

• Seize The Grey: Entered in G2 Jim Dandy (Saratoga). Post #2 of 6
• Seize The Grey will face Fierceness and Sierra Leona in the Jim Dandy.
• Isle Blue works from gate. Best time of all works to date. 4F / 49.85

July 22 - MON

• A Day To Remember "absolutely cruising" in work before Fri debut.
• Good Cop - taking break after showing stress to muscles and joints 

July 23 - TUE

• Seize The Grey works 4F / 45.99 predawn at Saratoga. All systems go!
• Fireball Birdie arrived at Remington Park and exercised over the track.

July 24 - WED

• A Day To Remember paddock schools at Del Mar.
• Adaay In Asia paddock schools at Del Mar. 
• Lady Blitz arrived safely at Machmer Hall where she'll retrain for riding.

July 25 - THU

• Adaay In Asia: Del Mar R#3  Finished 7th and CLAIMED. :'(
• English Jubilee work: Woodbine  All Weather  4F  48.60  Breezing  18/46

July 26 - FRI

• A Day To Remember: Del Mar R#4 (1st start since July 2023). 
• A Day To Remember run a game 3rd, 1/2 length behind winner

July 27 - SAT

• Seize The Grey in G2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga. 4TH PLACE

Catalyst Update

The team at De Meric Farm passed along updated photos of Catalyst galloping this morning. She looks great and they remain very pleased with her progress.

Blue Devil Update

Blue Devil continues to do great with Susan Montayne in Ocala, FL and completed his first bit of speed work this morning. 

He two-minute licked a quarter-mile (two furlongs). The term “two-minute lick” is used because when a horse travels a mile in two minutes each furlong takes 15 seconds.

Susan has been thrilled with how he’s done since returning to training and will continue picking up the pace each week

Nakoma Update

Our daughter of red-hot freshman sire Vekoma was recently taken out of training for some heat in her leg. Trainer Jena Antonucci went ahead and had Nakoma's tendon scanned this morning and the findings were what we would hope for--she has no lesion or any notable damage or injury. She's just going through a growth spurt and needs some time to allow her body to catch up so as to avoid an actual injury. 

The short version is that Nakoma will remain in the barn in Saratoga, but they'll back off on her training for the next 30 days or so. Patience is the name of the game with these young horses, and Nakoma's in great and attentive hands. 

We just want to state again, that we are so glad this promising filly is in Jena's barn where she's getting daily hands-on observation by her talented and knowledgeable trainer. It's the reason a possible issue was caught before it developed into a major setback. Thank you, Jena! :D

Straight to Glory Workout Report

 Straight to Glory was back on the tab as planned this morning at Keeneland, covering four furlongs in :51.20. He breezed on the inside of a mate and proved best in this work. 

Given the minor gap between works, Wesley wasn’t looking for anything faster than this and he will hopefully remain on a weekly schedule from here on out.

Seize The Grey Post-Jim Dandy Update

Seize the Grey exited the Jim Dandy in good physical order according to trainer D. Wayne Lukas. 

D. Wayne is not counting out the G1 Travers, but we are also exploring other options. A stronger showing in the Jim Dandy certainly would have made the decision more straightforward.

We need to be tactical with our next race target as it’s an important race for his career to continue for the remainder of the year. While we don’t have a lot of time between now and a spot in September or so, we have explored the idea of freshening him up as much as possible after what’s been a busy first half of the season and point to one final prep before a G1 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile run.

Races like the G1 California Crown, G1 Pennsylvania Derby or perhaps something at his home base of Churchill Downs are all under consideration, but we’ll let the dust settle a bit more and talk things over further with The Coach, the team at Gainesway before firming up plans.

Isle Blue Update

Isle Blue currently under the care of Dr. Larry Bramlage has been released to Miacomet Farm. 

His recommendations and instructions are as follows:

• Two weeks of stall rest
• Three weeks of stall rest with hand walking.
• 30 days of paddock turnout
• Following paddock turnout, radiograph both ankles to determine readiness for training.

These next two months will be on the quiet side for Isle Blue as rest will be the most important thing for our daughter of Speightstown. We will post further updates as they are available.

Nakoma Update

We caught up with trainer Jena Antonucci today to discuss Nakoma's status as we were hoping to see her return to the work tab this past weekend. 

Jena noted that the filly has been carrying some warmth in a tendon in her left front fore and for that reason she's remained patient/conservative with her training. There is no effusion and the filly hasn't been lame, but she's likely going through some sort of physical changes that Jena is hopeful are just typical "baby stuff."

If the heat persists through this week, she'll run some additional diagnostics (I.e. ultrasound the tendon), but as of this moment Jena isn't overly concerned. 

We're in no rush with the filly and will just let Jena guide her along at the pace she deems appropriate. 

Seize The Grey Race Recap

Seize the Grey finished fourth of six in the Jim Dandy on Saturday with a pretty good trip and no obvious excuses.

He broke cleanly, and was guided into a rail spot by Jaime Torres to sit fourth down on the fence as they went an average pace. He had every chance heading for home, but just never got going from there.

While he had been closer to the pace in his last few races, we did not mind that ride at all and don’t think showing more speed early would have resulted in a better finish. Longshot Pony Express was hard-ridden to the front (but later finished last), and Fierceness figured to be piloted aggressively as well (and was), so forcing the issue would’ve only gotten Seize the Grey involved in a potential speed duel.

Jaime had been instructed to let Seize the Grey find his own rhythm and put himself where he wanted to be, and that’s what he did. He felt what we saw—they were in a great spot nearing the lane, but just didn’t fire.

Ultimately, Seize the Grey was a bit flat again and once again just didn’t run back to his big effort in the Preakness. 

We’ll see how he comes back, huddle up with the team and share the game plan when we have it.

Our Recap

Of course, this was a major disappointment for us in that "Ceasar" didn't run much more competitively. He seemed primed for a huge effort, but was really bothered by the kickback when he didn't go to the lead, and this is not the first time that has happened. He's won at Saratoga before, and that was going right to the front and never taking any kickback. He won the Preakness at Pimlico the same way. 

It may be that Ceasar simply needs to have the lead when kickback is going to be an issue, and that hopefully he can handle any speed duels that develop on the front end. 

A change in distance has also been suggested, but we don't see the scenario playing out any differently if kickback is involved. 

We'll see where he goes from here.

 

Seismic Beauty Work Out Report and Possible Entry

Seismic Beauty breezed five furlongs from the gate again this morning at Del Mar. She was credited with a final time of :59.40.

Our daughter of Uncle Mo worked on the outside of her stablemate, breaking a step slow still but much better than last week. She powered down the stretch through the early part of this work, allowing her workmate to get on even terms into the turn and took over command in the later stages. 

Trainer Bob Baffert was extremely pleased, noting he is going to consider a six and one-half furlong maiden special weight on August 3rd for our filly. We’ll make sure she exits the work in good order but if everything continues well, the plan would be to enter on Wednesday for next Saturday. 

A Day To Remember Runs 3rd

A Day To Remember ran a great race for his first start back after a very long layoff. It was fun to see him picked by almost everyone at FanDuel as the likely winner. He finished a game 3rd giving only 1/2 a length to the winner and finishing a head behind the 2nd place finisher, after running at or near the front for most of the race. Very game effort and he should do better next out with the added fitness from this race.

Here's The Kicker

Here’s the Kicker breezed four furlongs in :47.70 while on the inside of stablemate Champions Dreams. This was another solid breeze from our daughter by Liam’s Map who is inching closer to the races. She is now about ready for her 2024 debut!

While we have not received confirmation from trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., we expect him to consider a maiden special weight that will be contested over five furlongs on the grass on August 4th at Gulfstream Park. 

With entries being taken this Saturday, we’ll see how she exits the work tomorrow and have further conversations with Saffie if he feels she is ready. 

Adaay In Asia Claimed

Adaay in Asia had a good early race today at Del Mar, improving from 5th to 3rd before falling back in the stretch to finish 7th. 

She was claimed out of the race, along with four other horses. 

We now bid another horse farewell from our steadily dwindling stable. Retirements and claims have hit us hard the last couple of months. 

Adios, Adaay. You are a lovely girl, and we hope you find a good life and many successes on the road ahead. 

We'll continue to follow her throughout her racing career, as we have the three other horses who've been claimed from our stable. 

Lady Blitz Retirement

Unfortunately, the second tie-back performed on Lady Blitz has failed. We knew it would be a long shot re-doing the surgery, but given we had come this far, we felt we had to try again. It is apparent now that we have no other option but to retire Lady Blitz.

Carrie Brogden of Machmer Hall, which consigned at the Saratoga Select Sale in 2021, has generously offered to take Lady Blitz and assist in the process of retraining and rehoming her.

Follow Up

We are pleased to report Lady Blitz arrived safely at Machmer Hall where she will transition into her second career. Carrie Brogden shared a video of her out in the pasture this morning.

A Day To Remember Paddock Schools at Del Mar

A Day To Remember paddock schooled at Del Mar today, ahead of his 2024 debut on Friday. A Day To Remember has run once before, on 7/29/2023 at Del Mar. It was the same day Seize The Grey broke his maiden in his second start at Saratoga. We're hoping "Remy" can make up for lost time. 

Adaay in Asia also paddock schooled in the same group, but was not caught on camera. 

Good Cop Taking a Break

Our exciting 2YO son of Belmont winner, Tiz The Law (first crop), is going to take a break after it was determined his muscles and joints are showing some signs of stress. Not surprising for a 2YO just starting serious training, and we're 100% on board with addressing a problem before it develops and giving these babies the time they need to mature into strong and competitive athletes.

The downside is that he probably won't have a start at Saratoga this summer, but that's okay. We think he has a bright future ahead, and are glad he's being given every opportunity to develop at his own pace and grow into his frame. You may recall Seize The Grey was given a freshening last October and took most of the winter off -- and look where he is now! 

Enjoy your time off, Good Cop! 

Seize The Grey Press Updates

Gainesway Farm Announcement of Seize The Grey - Gainesway Farm

 Looking at Close Race for 3YO Male Eclipse Champion - Bloodhorse

Fiercesness, Sierra Leone, Seize The Grey Looks to Rebound in Jim Dandy

Equicurrean - Article on Seize The Grey - Saratoga Press

The Jim Dandy - The Four Major Races Within the Race - Forbes

A Day To Remember Update

A Day to Remember had his final tune-up this morning ahead of Friday’s maiden special weight, absolutely cruising over the Seaside oval. Trainer Mark Glatt was extremely pleased stating, “He’s ready to roll.” 

Glatt had a solid opening weekend at Del Mar, winning three races including yesterday’s Wickerr S. 

Let's hope that momentum will carry into next week.

Santa Anita 7/15/2024 All Weather Track 5F 1:00.80 Handily 2/29

Secret Crush and Lane Way are Neighbors at Silver Springs

Secret Crush remains in good order while in round pen turnout at Silver Springs. Our son of Candy Ride is being allowed more space every week and loved the attention from his owners during a visit this week while next to his farm mate Lane Way. 

Dr. Wes Sutter is monitoring our colt.

Pioneer Prince Now at Del Mar

Our son of Pioneerof the Nile arrived at Del Mar for the meet a few days ago, and is seen here checking out his nameplate. He's a character!

Here's The Kicker Workout and Update

Here’s the Kicker returned to the work tab yesterday morning, breezing five furlongs in 1:01.05 over the Palm Meadows main track. 

She breezed on the inside of stablemate Holiday Pay. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. reported, “I thought she moved well with a colt that’s been in good form in his works. We should run in this book that just came out. I’m happy with her.”

We will follow up once a race target has been picked out.

Seismic Beauty Work Out

Seismic Beauty breezed a half mile from the gate this morning at Del Mar under jockey Kazushi Kimura. She was credited with a final time of :46.20. (Her official time was slightly more, as you'll see below.)

Breaking on the outside of a stablemate, your daughter of Uncle Mo completely missed the break and spotted her workmate a few lengths. Once recovering, she switched to her correct lead near the wire and traveled well, gaining a bit of ground on her work partner. Though she was never able to get on even terms with her workmate, trainer Bob Baffert was still pleased with the effort. 

“I thought I had her more prepared from the gate. She’ll be much better next time,” he said.

We’ll expect to see her remain on a weekend work schedule pending everything remains in good order. 

In spite of not catching her work partner, Seismic Beauty turned in a very nice time for 4 furlongs.

Del Mar 7/20/2024 Dirt 4F 47.00 Handily from the gate 9/121

Isle Blue Works

Isle Blue, our 2YO Speightstown filly, has turned in her best work yet for 4F. Details as follows:

Saratoga 7/21/2024 Dirt training 4F 49.55 Breezing from the gate 13/27

This was her 7th official work, and her 2nd from the gate.

Trainer Christophe Clement identified her gate work as potentially holding her back from an August start, so we hope this was a step in the right direction. 

A Day To Remember is Entered

At long last, A Day To Remember has been entered to run at Del Mar on Friday. This info is as follows:

7/26/2024 FRIDAY - A DAY TO REMEMBER - Del Mar - MSW - 5F - R#4 - P#7/12 - Umberto Rispoli - 5:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM MT

Our American Pharoah colt has not run since July 29 of last year, which coincided with Seize The Grey's second start and first victory. We wish our boy well as he attempts to make up for lost time.

 

Nakoma Update

Nakoma did not record an official breeze this week. She is doing well, but Jena Antonucci decided to focus on gate work for the filly this week, after Nakoma put in a particularly spirited gallop one morning after breaking from the gate. After that, Jena didn't feel an official breeze was necessary or prudent. Nakoma will likely breeze again some time this coming week and we'll report back after she does. 

Seize The Grey Entered in the G2 Jim Dandy, Draws Post 2

HERE WE GO! 

Seize The Grey has been entered in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga next Saturday, July 27th. The race is #10 on the program and will be run at 1-1/8 miles. "Ceasar" will start from Post 2 with Jaime Torres will be up. The race is at 5:43 ET / 3:43 MT. 

Other entries include Sierra Leone (Post 1), Batten Down (Post 3) and Fierceness (Post 6). Only six horses were entered in the race. Fierceness scratched out of the Haskell Stakes on Saturday to run here instead. 

The last three horses to win the Jim Dandy were Forte (2023), Epicenter (2022) and Essential Quality (2021). 

Adaay In Asia Update

Sometimes things don't go according to plan. 

Our beautiful Adaay In Asia, who was purchased after a 4 race win streak in the UK, has yet to win a race in the US. This girl shines in the morning, running very quick times, but can't seem to put it together in the afternoons for her races - most of them stakes. 

Sadly, the managing entity has decided to drop her in class. 

Info: 7/25, Del Mar R#3, P#9/10, Joe Talamo up, 3 PM PT / 4 PM MT. 

Fingers crossed! 

Isle Blue Update

Isle Blue galloped this morning over the Oklahoma track at the Spa. She returned to the work tab on Monday, breezing four furlongs in :49.85 over the Oklahoma track. 

The Clement team is pleased with how she is doing physically but has had some issues with her at the gate. From a fitness standpoint, the barn feels she is only a few weeks away from being ready to debut but she will need to make some additional progress at the gate before considering race options.

If she progresses quickly at the gate, we could have a few options in early August to consider (see below):

August 4th: Maiden Special Weight - 6F

August 11th: Maiden Special Weight - 7F

Blue Devil Update

Blue Devil is currently a week ahead of his train-back schedule and is pictured galloping today. He is expected to head to Steve Asmussen in about a month. Blue Devil is a 5YO campaigner who is graded stakes placed and has earnings of over $350,000. He's by Uncle Mo out of a daughter of Lemon Drop Kid. He ran E-speed figures in excess of 100 in his last four starts. Excited to see this guy back in competition!

Seize The Grey Workout

Seize The Grey Update: "Ceasar" turned in a 6F work this morning in 1:11.52 that was described as a "sharp breeze." He was the only horse that worked this distance. The Coach said he looked "exceptionally well" and that for him to do what he just did "really encouraged" him. 

He also commented that the track was much "loser and sandier" on Belmont day than it's current condition, which seems much better suited to Ceasar's running style. 

Mr. Lukas will make the determination in the coming days if Ceasar will have another work prior to his expected start in the G3 Jim Dandy Stakes on July 27th and we'll keep you posted. 

There are currently 19 horses nominated, and official entries will be taken this Sunday, July 21st. 

Additional info posted online (MRH not the source):  

Left 6 furlong pole full of run posting splits 11.30, 23.00, 45.97, completed distance 111.90.

Fireball Birdie Update

Fireball Birdie exercising over the Lone Star track on July 14th. With the meet at Lone Star ending, he'll be moving on to Remington Park. [Screenshot from video]

Caldera Photos

A few photos of Caldera, our 2YO Liam's Map colt who will be headed to D. Wayne Lukas. Photos taken at current training facility. 

Photo credits for all - Jennifer Ellis

Simply Enchanting Update

"Ella" has returned to California from Churchill Downs after her disastrous last race, her poor performance not being attributable to anything except a very high heat index that day. 

She breezed in company at Santa Anita with recent 2YO stakes winner Vodka With a Twist, covering four furlongs in :47.20 for the 5th fastest time of 88 works. Although the time and ranking sounds exceptional, our daughter of Nyquist was second best when it came time to quicken and was a bit dull according to her exercise rider Jessica Pyfer. 

We watched the video that was sent to us and agree that, although Ella ran a fast time, she just didn't seem to go with Vodka when the filly took a run at her. 

Trainer Phil D’Amato reported that Simply Enchanting is in perfect order physically, but still feels something seems off with her. As a result, Phil will run another full blood panel on her to ensure her liver enzymes and everything else is in good order. 

We’ll report back once she settles in at Del Mar or we receive any additional information. 

[Photo of an earlier work. Photo copyright credits - Ernie Belmonte/Past the Wire] 

Saratoga Training Times for Three Horses

Saratoga Training Times: Saturday

Seize the Grey: 5:30 a.m. (Oklahoma Track)

Nakoma: 8:05 a.m. (Main Track)

Isle Blue: 8:20 a.m. (Oklahoma Track)

Statement by Gainesway Farm on Seize The Grey

 

Can we just add that we're absolutely thrilled our "Ceasar" will be going to Gainesway Farm! :D

Legitify (Previously Claimed) Back for Another 1000 Yarder

Legitify (recently claimed from us) will run in his 2nd 1000-yarder at Los Alamitos tomorrow. This time he will be running non-winners of 2. 

The race is open to TBs/QHs, but all entries appear to be TB. Legitify won his last 1000 yard race on June 29th. 

INFO:  R1  P5 / 7  Armando Aguilar up  6:10 PT / 7:10 MT

[Photo from previous race. Photo credits - Terri Ibers.]

Seismic Beauty Works a Bullet in Yesterday's Breeze

Seismic Beauty (Uncle Mo x Knarsdale by Medaglia d'Oro) breezed five furlongs in 1:00 flat yesterday for the bullet at Los Alamitos. She breezed by herself and did it very well, finishing up with good energy. Assistant Trainer Mike Marlow had her galloping out 6F in 1:14.40. It's very exciting to see this talented 3YO filly progressing the way she is, but she still has a few more tests ahead. With horses beginning to transition to Del Mar next week, we won't expect it to be too much longer before we see Seismic Beauty ship to Bob's main string.

Los Alamitos 7/11/2024 Dirt 5F 1:00.00 Handily 1*/7

Secret Crush Update

Secret Crush was cleared to begin round pen turnout at Silver Springs. He will receive a gradual increase in the amount of additional space he is given.

Here's The Kicker Turns in a Nice Breeze Over a Wet Track

Our Liam's Map filly, Here's The Kicker, is moving forward after her rest break, re-train and change of trainer to Saffie Joseph Jr. earlier this year. She just turned in a very nice work at Palm Meadows Training Center on wet dirt track. Very excited to see what's next. 

Palm Meadows TC  7/12/2024  Dirt  4F  48.05  Breezing  6/34 

Lane Way Arrives at Silver Springs

 Lane Way arrives at Silver Springs pending acceptance into Old Friends.

Adaay in Asia Runs a Bullet "Maintenance" Work

Adaay in Asia breezed a maintenance half-mile this morning over the Santa Anita training track under jockey Armando Ayuso. She was credited with a final time of :47.60. 

Santa Anita 7/11/2024 All Weather Track 4F 47.60 Handily 1*/4

This returned a bit faster than what trainer Phil D’Amato was looking for, but she did it all on her own. Your daughter of Adaay will have one final breeze, which will come at Del Mar before her next start.

Her next start will no doubt be a drop in class to a claiming race, which is unfortunate considering how brilliantly she's been working on the All Weather Track, which isn't yet open for racing, but will be in the near future. If we can hold on to her, a switch in surface may be what she needs, but we don't know if she'll have that opportunity. Now that Golden Gate is closed  :'(  there are currently no other options that we are aware of for competing on an All Weather Track in California. 

Seize The Grey Update

We got a report from trainer D. Wayne Lukas discussing Seize the Grey’s breeze yesterday. He could not have been more pleased. He said it was a super work, and he did it all on his own power and galloped out in 1:12 2/5 for six furlongs. 

Wayne went as far as to say it was one of Seize the Grey’s best works ever.

A decision on his next race hasn’t quite been hammered out yet, but Wayne said he would be happy in either spot (Jim Dandy at Saratoga or Haskell at Monmouth Park). We’re going to monitor the expected fields for a few more days, confer with the Gainesway team, and pick a direction. The decision is not critical until before the Haskell draws next Wednesday.

Once we his next start is officially chosen, we’ll post an update. 

Nakoma Puts in a "Stellar" Work!

Nakoma, our recently named daughter of Vekoma, turned in a "very stellar" half-mile breeze this morning at Saratoga, in 48:83. 

According to the report, she was a bit too much for her workmate to handle, and finished out way ahead, moving in an effortless gallop and not being asked for much from her rider. 

Trainer Jena Antonucci was very pleased, as you can imagine. (So are we!) 

Nakoma is on the outside in the lead. [Photos are screenshots from a video we were sent.] 

Simply Enchanting Back in California

Simply Enchanting returned to Santa Anita Park this past Friday in good order. She has since picked up training and returned to a routine training schedule in Southern California. 

We will follow up in the coming days.

Seize The Grey has a Stallion Deal!

We have some BIG news. 

An offer has been accepted for Seize The Grey to stand stud at the beautiful Gainesway Farm in Lexington, KY after he finishes his career. There, he'll join legendary stallions such as Tapit, McKinzie, Afleet Alex, Karakontie, Spun To Run, and others. 

"Ceasar" will continue to run for the foreseeable future and has a potential road map laid out for him, should he continue to improve, as we anticipate he may as a son of the late, great Arrogate. 

Part of the deal includes the partnership retaining a small share of his breeding rights, so not only has this guy been our "Horse of a Lifetime," but we may have the opportunity to be involved in the future successes of his progeny and the hopeful extension of Arrogate's great legacy to the breed in the years to come. 

Once again, we have been blessed beyond measure and are so grateful to be counted among the many partners who bought into a chubby little rose grey yearling - one of Arrogate's very last foals - who blossomed into a champion and took us on this amazing journey over the last two years. 

Here's a short video on the beautiful Gainesway Farm. 

Press releases:

Daily Racing Form

Paulick Report

BusinessWire

Horseracing Nation

Seize The Grey Sizzles a :59.22 at Saratoga

Seize the Grey posted a sharp five-furlong work this morning in Saratoga, stopping the clock in :59.22. 

We will huddle up with trainer D. Wayne Lukas tomorrow, get his feedback on the work and how Seize the Grey came out of it, and work on nailing down a target between the Haskell and Jim Dandy. 

Stay tuned for more.

A Day To Remember Update

A Day to Remember breezed 5F in 1:02 flat Sunday morning over the training track.

Our son of American Pharoah worked solo as trainer Mark Glatt has this colt in maintenance mode leading up to the maiden special weight in July 26th he is targeting. If entered, it will mark nearly a year since he last ran in his debut race, placing 3rd. 

From a fitness standpoint, we knew he would be more than ready by this time to go five furlongs and the biggest priority is keeping him happy and healthy. A Day to Remember will have one or two more breezes leading up to the race.

Lady Blitz Follow-Up

Lady Blitz underwent a second procedure today and all went smoothly thus far, Dr. Madison reported. As we saw after the first attempt, we are by no means out of the woods yet. The sutures will be removed in 10-12 days, and at that point another scope will be performed, followed by an additional scope at 30 days. Lady Blitz will otherwise be on stall rest and hand walked for the next month.

We’ll remain in contact with the team at Wavertree and will report back with updates on Lady Blitz’s recovery and the status of the tie-back as we receive more information.

Fancy Quality Update

Fancy Quality transitioned back to Keeneland last week where she has begun jogging and is due to be rechecked by Dr. Landry in the next few days. Stable Manager Alan Shell reported she was moving and doing well prior to leaving Magdalena. We don’t imagine it will take her long to pick things up pending clearance from Dr. Landry. 

Good Cop Update and Progress

Good Cop has been at Belmont with Todd Pletcher and after an initial breeze to get into Todd's program, he got the sniffles, which set him back a few.

While recovering from his baby cold, they also worked on a gluteal muscle that was a bit tweaked, so it'was a productive couple of weeks while he was on the mend.

The NY-Bred son of Tiz The Law (who happens to be off to a flying start at stud) is now 100% and will likely return to a breeze schedule within the week, give or take.

Good Cop has always impressed us, so hopefully that trend continues as he gets back into a workout pattern.

Fireball Birdie Race Recap

 Fireball Birdie checked in fifth beaten two lengths today at Lone Star Park.

He sat a good inside stalking trip early, but just couldn't quicken as much as he needed to in the lane.

He was running outside of his condition, and the true '2X' types dominated the race, running 1-2-3.

Considering the competition and that it was his first turf and two-turn attempt, we hope that this was an effort he can build on.

LANE WAY on Wait List for Old Friends

      We are pleased to report we have received positive news from Old Friends! While they have a long waitlist, they are interested in offering retirement placement for Lane Way.

     For the time being, Lane Way has remained at Sunshine Farm in Bradbury, CA, but the plan is to ship him to Silver Springs in Kentucky on Monday. Then he'll be near Old Friends when they hopefully accept him this fall. Our 7-year-old gelding has remained on stall rest during the initial period of his recovery, but it shouldn't be too long before he can be turned out in a small outside pen.

     We expect to have another update some time this summer from Old Friends regarding official placement. We hope to be able to visit him at Old Friends at some point in the future.

Here's The Kicker Workout Report

Here’s the Kicker breezed a solid half mile this morning at Palm Meadows Training Center and was credited with a final time of :50.40. 

Our daughter of Liam’s Map breezed on the outside of stablemate Spirit Moon, always traveling in hand. This is back-to-back solid breezes from Here’s the Kicker who appears to be moving in the right direction.

Caldera Update and Event

After a nice break since his purchase, Caldera, our stunning son of Liam's Map, is progressing nicely since graduating to jogging according to farm pre-trainer Dave Scanlon! According to Scanlon, "He is moving great. He looks good, and has grown and matured,” The next step for the colt will be to continue to build up his fitness in preparation for heading to joining "Coach" D. Wayne Lukas, hopefully in mid to late August.

In the meantime, Caldera owners will have the opportunity to visit the farm in Ocala, FL. During this visit, they will have the chance to get up close and personal with Caldera and watch him in action on the track in a morning training session. It's a fantastic opportunity for many of the owners to meet the horse and see his progress firsthand. The event will be held on Saturday, July 13th, from 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM. 

Straight to Glory Update

We caught up with trainer Wesley Ward on July 2nd and he reported that all is well with Straight to Glory. Wesley is just being a bit cautious with him as he gets started again, but based on what he has seen thus far he says, “He will get you a win.” We are not sure yet how high the ceiling will be for this colt, but he looks like a solid runner—and we are not too far away from a start.

Fireball Birdie has Work Cut Out for him in Next Start

Fireball Birdie ("Firebird") had his final tune-up breeze Monday morning at Lone Star Park, covering three furlongs in :38.60 (see above). This is a standard final drill in the Asmussen barn, which gives the majority of its stable an easy three-furlong blowout the week of a race.

As we reported in our entry update, the idea of trying the turf has been a thought for quite some time due to the success of his siblings, most notably Up with the Birds. This will come with some challenges, though. 

Not only will Fireball Birdie be trying the turf for the first time, but he will be going two turns for the first time and skipping a condition. While half of the field of eight are N1X (non-winners of one race other than maiden or claiming) horses, this is a N2X (non-winners of two races other than maiden or claiming) and four of the top contenders are all multiple winners. From a numbers standpoint, Fireball Birdie will need to improve to crack the board in here, but in reality, he does not need to improve that much. 

If we are right regarding the surface and distance upside, the improvement needed could be well within reach. Asmussen strikes at 16% when moving from dirt to turf and 16% when going from a sprint to a route. In addition, Steve and his youngest son Erik have teamed up to have quite the meet at Lone Star Park, winning at 26% together and we were lucky enough to team up with this duo last week for a win with MyRacehorse stablemate Classic Cut.

A reminder, Saturday's third race has a post time of 2:31 p.m. CT. Fireball Birdie has been slated the morning-line fifth choice with odds of 8-1. Click here to enter our winners' circle lottery.

About the competition (click here for the past performances):

#1 Illustrator (3-1): Was fourth two weeks ago in the Canterbury Park Derby. It must be noted that that race was taken off of the turf and run over a muddy track. The two-week turnaround is a bit concerning given the ship back and forth from Minnesota, but the return to turf will be very beneficial.

#3 Devil’s Mischief (6-1): Ran a career-best Beyer Speed Figure (69) in his most recent start. Still seems a notch below.

#4 Rusty (20-1): Beaten a combined 43 1/2 lengths between his last two starts. Will add the blinkers for the first time, but that seems like a shot in the dark. Hard to support.

#5 Louis the Champ (12-1): Stablemate to Fireball Birdie. Has been beaten by many of the other contenders in this field. Would be a shock.

#6 Mind Bolt (5-2): The deserving morning-line favorite. The $160,000 2-year-old purchase has shown talent from the get-go, winning on debut at the Fair Grounds. He flopped against winners for the first time, but responded with a career-best race, earning a 79 Beyer Speed Figure in start number three. He has tactical speed and is the horse to beat.

#7 Third Street (9-2): Was second to #8 Kentucky Dawn a few weeks ago. The barn is hot, striking at 21% this meet, but we would lean towards playing against this one.

Isle Blue has a Minor Hiccup

Isle Blue (unraced 2YO daughter of Speightstown) did not work back this past weekend due to an abscess. She only missed three days of training and is back galloping consistently. She should be back on the work tab this week and we will follow up once she breezes.

Seize The Grey - One Year Anniversary

SEIZE THE GREY ran his first race one year ago today!

He ran 8TH after a lazy sightseeing tour down the home stretch. :/ We all groaned. He came back in his 2nd race on July 29th--with pretty low expectations--to shock the heck out of everyone when he pull off a win and major upset at Saratoga! Jaime Torres was aboard for the first time that day. 

What an incredible year it's been!!!! 

[Photo credits - Christine Hayden. First start at Ellis Park, coming off turn on extreme outside.]

Fireball Birdie Race Update

Fireball Birdie ("Firebird") has been entered in Saturday’s third race at Lone Star Park, a first-level allowance for 3-year-olds which will be contested at one mile on the turf. Given our son of Uncle Mo is a half-sibling to Grade 1 winner and $1.8-million earner Up With the Birds, who did all of his running on turf or synthetic, we feel it's worth not only stretching "Firebird" out in distance but also attempting a surface change. 

He will be #2 (of 8 ) and Erik Asmussen will take over riding duties for the first time. Post time is 2:31 PM CT. 

[Photo credits from an earlier race - Sharon Miesen]

Fireball Birdie - from an earlier race
Photo credits - Sharon Miesen

Seize the Grey Turns in Another Good Work

SEIZE THE GREY turned in his final work this morning at Churchill before shipping out. He breezed in company with maiden Cowboy Code and was credited with five furlongs in 1:00 flat. 

Our son of Arrogate started some five lengths behind his workmate down the backstretch under regular jockey Jaime Torres and always traveled the best. He loomed up with ease into the turn and bounded down the stretch under no asking. 

The Lukas barn was pleased with the work and reported that Seize the Grey cooled out well. As long as he checks out of his work in good order, he will van to Saratoga on Tuesday as we prepare for his next start in either the G1 Haskell (Monmouth Park) or G2 Jim Dandy (Saratoga). 

We are very excited to be able to share the feed with you from this morning's work, since it was done by Churchill Downs and available to the public. 

Churchill Downs: Seize The Grey and Cowboy Code Work

More exciting updates are expected soon.