Secret Crush Update

We were sent a video from Wavertree trainer Ciaran Dunne showing Secret Crush being walked. He looked as if he has matured significantly over previous updates, and is even carrying a bit of weight. As before, he's a good looking colt!

Ciaran reported the Secret Crush will resume galloping this week. He has developed some behavioral issues due to being rested, and he feels it's time for the colt to resume his training schedule. 

Secret Crush is the last of our 2YO crop to still be at Wavertree in Ocala. We hope his training moves along effectively now and that he'll be ready to go to his trainer (Todd Pletcher) prior to his 3YO year. 

Here are a couple of screen shots of Secret Crush from the video.

Seize The Grey - New Update

We just received the latest update on Seize The Grey, and it's clear that D. Wayne Lukas has made a decision not to steer him toward the Breeders Cup Juvenile this year. 

We're fine with that, and we're sure his trainer is choosing his path in a way that he feels will be best for our young and developing son of Arrogate, who may do his best running as he matures into a 3YO. :D 

Two possibilities on the table in the near future are an allowance race or the G3 Street Sense at Churchill. One of these races could set him up for the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes near the end of November.

We'll see how his next works and future entries pan out. Go, Ceasar! 

[P. S. Ceasar asks that you cheer on his "brother," Arcangelo, in the Breeders Cup Classic this year!]

Lane Way Now Listed as Possible Contender for the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint

Lane Way is now listed as one of the possible contenders for the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint on the Breeders Cup website. 

If he makes it in, he could be facing the likes of Caravel, Motorious, Gear Jockey, Cogburn, as well as three talented horses from the UK and one from Japan. 

A lot can change in the next three weeks, so we're going to sit back and enjoy the ride. :D 

Breeders Cup Turf Sprint

Lane way and Mike Smith.
What a team!!!

Race Not Written for Lady Blitz -- Will Try Again for Sunday

We just received word that the race Lady Blitz was pointed toward at Gulfstream was not written. They are waiting to see if the race will be used on the Sunday card in an attempt to enter her for Sunday.

Here's the full update (edited slightly for context).

The race for Lady Blitz did not fill for Saturday’s race card at Gulfstream Park but was brought back on the overnight for Sunday, October 8th. 

If the race is not used once again, we will keep entering our daughter of Audible and report back when she is successfully entered.

Seize The Grey Runs Bullet Work at Churchill

Seize The Grey ran a sizzling bullet work today at Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs 10/1/2023 Dirt 5F 58.60 Breezing 1*/17

[Edited to add:]

One of our partners was able to obtain a video of Seize The Grey's sizzling work yesterday and it was spectacular. 

Sadly, the video isn't shareable but I did grab this screen shot of Ceasar (inside) with workmate Happy Talk (outside) -- an Arrogate filly. 

Just two Arrogates out for a Sunday stroll. :) 

Watch out for this girl. Happy Talk hasn't started yet, and it looks like she's going to be a GOOD one!

Link to workout on site:  Seize The Grey Churchill Downs 10-01-2023  

Follow up on workout:

Seize the Grey worked a bullet five furlongs yesterday morning at Churchill Downs and was credited with a final time of :58.60. Your colt worked in company on the inside of stablemate Happy Talk, finishing about a neck ahead when crossing the wire. Despite the quick final clocking, our colt was not overly urged and only received a few reminders via the hands of his rider. The duo galloped out well together to complete the work.

Lane Way Graded Stakes Win Recap and BC Prospects

It was an exciting day for all Lane Way owners, as our 6-year-old took down his first graded stakes in yesterday’s G2 Eddie D. and showed how special he is. 

Our veteran was put into a tactical early position by Mike Smith, checking in at third down the backstretch along the rail. It always appeared that Mike had plenty of horse while saving all the ground on the rail, but he did need to work out some running room as he was directly behind frontrunner #5 Noble Reflection. 

Once Lane Way found some lee way, he quickened strongly in the final furlong and was able to get a hold of the lead position. Making his second start off of the layoff, we knew he would be much tighter from a fitness perspective and the added distance was only going to be a benefit. In an interview after the win, jockey Mike Smith commented this will set him up nicely for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint going five furlongs on November 4th at Santa Anita. 

With the Eddie D. not being a ‘Win and You’re In’ race, it is not guaranteed Lane Way will get into the body of the field but trainer Richard Mandella is fairly confident that this win will give him enough points to get in. 

There have been six BC Challenge winners thus far including Caravel, Motorious, Gear Jockey, Bradsell and Live the Dream. Other horses can qualify for the BC is based on a points system, where horses are ranked based on their performance in major races during the year. Points are awarded according to their finishing position in graded stakes. Winning a G2 yesterday earned Lane Way 6 points but his win earlier in the year in the Clockers' Corner did not earn him any points as it was not graded so yesterday's win was crucial in order for him to have a chance to get into the Breeders' Cup. 

These are exciting times and while we all know the five-eighths distance is not our gelding's preferred distance, we have had a goal of making the Breeders Cup race over the last two years and Lane Way deserves the opportunity to run.

Lady Blitz Update - Relocation and Race Entry

Lady Blitz shipped earlier this week at Palm Beach Downs in Florida and acclimated to her new surroundings in good order. 

Our daughter of Audible had improved breezes back at Monmouth Park and trainer Todd Pletcher feels she is race-fit. The plan is to enter her today in a maiden special weight going six furlongs for 2-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park which is scheduled to be run on Oct. 7. 

We'll do a subsequent update when the overnight is released later this afternoon.