Light gray colt aims for Kentucky Derby

In a press conference this week Otsego Farms owner Jim Webber announced that the 3yo colt Shatterstar will be on a 2012 schedule that will include the Kentucky Derby, and may include the Preakness and Belmont if all goes well at Chrchill Downs.

"He hasn't raced on dirt yet, but he has had an extensive amount of training on it, so we think he'll do just fine," responded Webber when he was reminded that all five career races by Shatterstar have been on turf.

"He hasn't gone past 8 furlongs yet either, but I think he can manage that also", Webber snapped with a hint of irritation at the reporter who mentioned Shatterstar's inexperience on dirt.

Shatterstar, who is by Otsego stable icon Nightwing, and out of Shattered Record, has been in-the-money in all five career races.

The Six: Veteran racers have Otsego owner optimistic for 2012

With a half dozen proven veteran racers at their disposal in 2012, the connections at Otsego Farms are virtually brimming with confidence.

Otsego has some up-and-coming 3yo's (Shatterstar and Rich) and several exciting 2yo's as well (Ultron, Titanium, Huntress, and Starfire) but the brunt of the heavy lifting is expected to be handled by the six veteran racers listed below.

The Six are listed below:

Stowaway, the speedy white 6yo male is back for his final season. He is coming off a very nice season with a record of 9-2-5-1 and a World Record under his belt.

The 5yo male Big Slick returns after posting a 11-2-2-4 mark and consistently hitting the 100 PSR level.

Recently acquired 5yo male Petenwell hopes to continue his fine career with Otsego in 2012. He had 3 victories in 2011 and still has the steam to compete in 2012.

Eminem hopes to make his 5yo season a success after finishing in the money in 9 out of 10 races last year. His speed is still evidenced by five 100+ PSR races in 2011.

Newly acquired 4yo Kostya will return to form with a lighter workload this season. This is a professional racehorse who still has talent.

And last, but certainly not least, stable favorite A View to a Kill is expected to have a big season in 2012. He finished 8-3-2-1 last season and showed flashes of brilliance.

The Six. Our 2012 hopes are pinned primarily on them.

Huntress seeks prey. Applications being accepted during 2012 racing season.

Conversation that took place at Otsego Farms recently between an Australian stable owner and Jim Webber...


"Jingoes! Who is that fine little filly over there, Mate?"

"The chestnut? That's Huntress."

"By Big Easy out of Shadowcat, right?"

"Very good, my friend. I'm impressed."

"You think I'm a few sandwiches short of a picnic? She looks like a corker Mate."

"She is. She'll do any surface and definitely has at least 10 furlongs in her."

"Struth?"

"On the book brother. Looks like she'll be ready early too."

"She for sale?"

"Nope."

"Let's head to the pub for a schooner Mate. I'll shout. We can talk about Huntress...."

"You're buying? Sweet, I'll have the Ferrari brought around."

"There'll be Sheila's, right? We better scrub up."

"You got a one track mind pal. Remember what happened in Japan?...."

OMG. No Mas on the names already!

One month and several incarnations later, I am finally putting the 2012 foal naming marathon to rest. This is it. I'm done. Stick a fork in me.

I have had naming epiphany's, then become disillusioned and made changes more times than I care to remember. I don't recall having this much of a problem in the past. So, without further ado, these are the chosen and final names for all 2012 foals....

Union Jack x Shattered Record
Colt - You Know My Name
Filly - You Know My Name

Union Jack x Flawless
Colt - Captain Britain
Filly - Buffy the Slayer

War Machine x In Spirit
Colt - Kit Fisto
Filly - Shaak Ti

War Machine x Isca's Revenge
Colt - Deep Magic
Filly - Deep Magic

Nightwing x Affirm Gal
Colt - Azrael
Filly - Oracle

Moet x Monsoon
Colt - Maestro
Filly - Moondragon

Revenge x Nova
Colt - Quasar
Filly - Andromeda

Broodmare Monsoon back to Otsego Farms

Monsoon (pictured above), the 7yo brown broodmare who produced the current Otsego racer Sabretooth, has returned to Otsego Farms via auction.

Otsego owner Jim Webber stated, "I really didn't want to sell her previously, but we had a stall crunch and she was the odd horse out. We're very pleased to get her back, especially at that bargain price."

Monsoon was reacquired for $10,000. This breeding season, she will pair with Moet, the sprinting sensation from Foxies Lodge.

Otsego Farms also bought Flawless, an 8yo broodmare with the stately bloodlines of War Chant x Azeri.