Ummm.... Okay, you talked me into it.

He may not have a lot of gas left in the tank.  In fact, this will probably be his last year as a racer.  But I just couldn't resist Ettore Fieramosca at such a bargain price.

This horse set a World Record and has won almost $70,000 in his last three races; and I get him for a measly $1000?  Jeez, I bought a pair of alligator-skin boots last week that cost more than that!

He has a career record of 31-8-9-3 with earnings of $1,533,200 and I'll wager that he still has enough speed left in him to win a few bucks.

Refractor to Gold Cup on short rest?

On the heels of his easy victory at the GR2 Perth Cup, the connections at Otsego Farms are seriously considering sending Refractor to the GR1 Gold Cup on just 17 days rest.

There is precedent for this quick back up.  In 2006, Otsego Farms sent Nightwing to both races.  He finished 2nd in the Perth Cup behind the legendary 2-miler Promised Land, then got his revenge by beating her to win the Gold Cup two weeks later.

"The thought has crossed my mind," Otsego owner Jim Webber quipped when asked if he would enter Refractor for the race on June 16th.  "He was fairly fresh after the easy win on the 31st, so I am definitely giving it some thought."

Top prospects for 2016

One the whole, it looks like the crop of racers coming up in 2017 will be a superior batch, but we have a few racers that are currently in training for 2016 that should make some waves.  Listed below are the top four 2yo prospects for next season.  

French Twist (colt) - Deux Francais x Nova

Trainers insist he will be a distance horse, but parentage suggests otherwise.  He's showing great speed to go along with above-average stamina, which makes me think he'll me a miler-type who won't let up.  Looks like a stalker and he's good on dirt or turf.  A big, strong fellow who should top out at 17.3 hands when fully mature.

Vinyasa (colt) - Union Jack x Arctic Fox

What he lacks in speed, he makes up with courage and gut-wrenching stamina.  He's strictly a turfer, which is good given the plenitude of distance races on grass.  He is also very large and muscular, projecting at 17.3 hands fully grown.  He's a 16F horse if there ever was one.

Zombieslayer (colt) - War Machine x Affirm Gal

He's a compact racer, but full of heart.  Equally comfortable on grass or dirt and has the stamina for classic distances.  A propensity for come-from-behind theatrics makes his races edge-of-the-seat affairs.  Looks quite a bit like the old man, even as far as height and weight are concerned.

Brick House (filly) - Machete x Domino

A charmer who is very popular in the stable.  Working very well out of the gates and has good speed.  She looks like a sprinting prospect who'll work primarily on dirt with maybe an occasional foray on turf.  We're very high on this filly, and her  progress and potential is the main reason dam Domino will stay on as an Otsego Farms broodmare.

Looks like I made the news again!

Otsego welcomes Astrapios

Graphic courtesy of Circle F Farms

At the podium for his weekly press conference, eyes blinking as the camera's  flashed incessantly, Otsego Farms owner Jim Webber cleared his throat and answered the question that had been shouted out by more than a dozen reporters; "Yes, we have acquired the 2yo colt Astrapios from Circle F for $1.75 million."

In a groundbreaking transaction that saw the normally tight-fisted owner fling open the vault, Otsego Farms picked up the stayer prospect for a sum normally reserved only for well established racers.

"The connections at Circle F were initially reluctant to part with Astrapios.  Eventually, I had to meet with Tia (Circle F owner Tia Francisco) herself to hammer out the deal", an amimated Webber continued.  There were some other considerations in addition to the cash, but nothing unusual."

The training staff at Otsego Farms envisions Astrapios as a 12-16F racer, which is why he was coveted so much.  "I have a fondness for stayers, that's no secret.  This is a gamble, but I feel that Astrapios has unlimited potential", Webber said as he left the podium.

A busy five minutes in the office of Jim Webber

Otsego Farms owner Jim Webber is sitting at his desk going over potential pairings for the next breeding season...

JW (thinking to himself):  I think I'd like Union Jack and Shattered Record together again.  You Know My Name has worked out pretty well so far...

Secretary (on intercom):  Mr. Webber?  You have a call on line one.

JW:  Who is it Celeste?

Secretary:  It's Amanda.  She wants you to come to London next week.

JW:  Thanks.  (picks up call)  Mandy?  How are you?

A:  Just smashing Jim.  Thanks for taking my call.

JW:  No problem.  What can I do for you?

A:  Any chance you can pop over to Bally Doyle next week?

JW:  Business or pleasure?

A:  Business of course!

JW:  I'd love to Amanda but I'm going to be in Dubai all next week.

A:  Dubai?  This time of year?  Whatever for?

JW:  Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum has asked me to be his child's Godfather.

A:  Really?  Does the Muslim faith allow for that?

JW:  I think they are making a special allowance in my case.

A:  Well, tell the Sheik I said hello.  I met him at the UAE Derby a couple years ago.

JW:  Will do.  Listen Amanda, I'm sorry to cut you off, but I really have to run.

A:  OK.  Give me a ring when you get back.

JW:  I will.  Cya!

A:  Toodles!

JW (into intercom):  Celeste?  Can you hold my calls for the next hour or so?  

Secretary:  Sure, except you've got an urgent call on line two right now.  He's been holding.

JW:  Who?

Secretary:  It's Ryan Okerstom of Spartan.

JW (as he pushes the button for line 2):  Dammit!  What in the Hell does that.... Ryan!  Buddy!  What's up?

R:  I just wanted to know if you're going to the Belmont this year?

JW:  I sure am.  I might even drop in Azrael as a late entry, but either way I'll be there.

R:  Sweet!  We've shipped Theorist already.  Umm.... how are you getting there.

JW:  The jet.  How else?  Ahhh... you're looking for a lift huh?

R:  You're a mindreader bud.

JW:  Yeah right.  OK no problemo, I can pick you and Karie up at Metro Airport easily enough.  Can I transfer you to my secretary to make the arrangements?  I'm kinda busy at the moment.

R:  Sure.  Thanks alot Jim.  We'll see you in a couple weeks.

JW:  Allrighty.  See ya Ryan.  Hang on a sec... (transfers call back to Celeste)  Celeste?  Can you figure out the logistics of picking up Ryan at Metro when I fly to the Belmont?  He's still on the line.  Thanks.

JW (thinking to himself again): Jeez.  Where was I?  Oh yeah, Union Jack and Shattered Record.  All I need to do now is find a stud for Domino and I'll be all set...