Highs and Lows in Weeks 19-20

Results caused a full spectrum of emotions this weekend; from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows.

DISAPPOINTING: 

Crossbones was injured right out of the gate and was 15 lengths back in the blink of an eye.  On pure guts, he rallied late, but still finished 7th and well out of the money.  We are awaiting work from our Vets as to the severity of the injury.

Warp Factor Ten had stable hope running high with a Win and a Place in his first two races.  A 9th place finish this weekend though was like getting a bucket of ice water dumped on our heads.  With just under a month of rest, he looked sluggish right from the start.  He'll get at least 6 weeks off before his next race.

ACCEPTABLE:

Captain Britain was a hair's width from being sold a couple weeks ago.  He gave himself some breathing room with a gutsy 3rd place finish.

Mocha Milkshake is still a baby at heart.  He won't be mature for another year at least.  However, we couldn't pass on the opportunity to give him some experience in a miniscule 3-horse field.  Predictably, he finished 3rd, but didn't look out of place in the race.

Xtra Run is fast.  I'm still trying to figure out what her maximum distance may be.  Obviously 8F is a bit too far.  Her gate speed is improving a little bit, so I feel confident shortening her races to 6-7 furlongs.  I think she'll win her next race.

EXCELLENT:

You Know My Name raced for the first time against colts this weekend and fared very well.  She carried more weight than the winner, colt Zig Zag, but finished a strong 2nd in the Illinois Derby.  This Union Jack filly now has a career record of 8-4-1-0.

Jack the Ripper had a smashing debut in the 7.5F Christmas Stakes.  Going off as a prohibitive favorite at 1/2 odds, Rip ran away from the field, winning by 6 lengths.