Optimism prevails for 2009 racing season

There is an underlying feeling of optimism in our stable this off-season that is different from what I've felt in the past.

In previous seasons, I've been very confident of individual horses. For instance, Nightwing was always was a threat to win. Unfortunately for him, Nightwing was often running head-to-head with the likes of Memcay, Chatterbox, Promised Land, Troll Tower, and in my opinion, the greatest horse in PF history Thunder Arctic.

I also had supreme confidence in War Machine. As I have mentioned ad nauseam, I thought he was unbeatable in his prime and I expected nothing less than a win every time he raced.

However, the rest of my racers at those times did not provide the same level of confidence.

Which brings us to 2009.

We are brimming with confidence. The depth of talent that we possess and the broad scope of abilities has us literally wriggling with impatience to hit the track.

We have sprinters, milers, and routers on both dirt and turf. We have young horses with great promise and older horses that are just hitting their prime. Overall, the scope of our current talent is the broadest in the history of Otsego Farms and includes the following horses:

1. Doomsday 5yo male - Still has speed. If placed wisely, this frontrunner can win on dirt or turf at 7 furlongs or less.
2. Big Easy 5yo male - Does this star miler have another year in the tank? Averaged around 100 on his speed scores last season.
3. Union Jack 4yo colt - Should be one of the premier turf stayers in 2009. Looking forward to the big money 4+ races.
4. Nova 4yo filly - She'll be tough to beat on dirt at 7 or less. Not being nominated for Sprinter of the Year in 2008 was a travesty.
5. King of the Sea 4yo colt - Very competitive at 8-10 furlongs. We'll pick races carefully to maximize his chances.
6. Kid Flash 3yo colt - Showed some promise as last season progressed. Probably will stay at 8 or less furlongs.

Additionally, our 3yo sprinting filly, Lady Katherine looks ready for a breakout season. Big Slick, and Mister Fantastic, a couple of sharp big-lunged 2yo colts, may impress.

We have hope that 3yo colt Firefighter has matured and can perform better. Nightwing's offspring, 2yo Night Thrasher will get a look this year as well.

We are projecting 20-25 wins this season in approximately 105 starts.

Does that sound too optimistic to you?

Don't bet against it.....