Otsego Farms 2017 Preview

Using the strong 2016 season as a springboard, Otsego Farms is anticipating an even more successful 2017.

Owner Jim Webber gave the following quote at his annual pre-season press conference.  "We've got a very strong core of veteran racers, some up-and-coming younger racers, and a bunch of promising 2yo's."

6yo males Refractor and Methy Bus will lead the way, with 4yo colts Astrapios, Jack the Ripper, and Crackerjack, plus 4yo filly Xtra Gold lending solid support.

Webber commented, "We're expecting a bounce-back season from Refractor.  Astrapios should blossom as a top-notch distance threat.  Rip will continue to improve, and Methy Bus will continue to be the quiet, dangerous racer that he has always been."

Big things are also expected from 3yo colts Battlestar, French Twist, and Vinyasa.  "Battlestar in particular has our rapt attention," Webber continued.  He has unbelievable stamina and could see 16F later in the season."

2yo colt Steel Lion (War Machine x Ace Of Grace) and 2yo filly Tricky Woo (Yeager x Domino) appear to be the top candidates among the new racers.  Webber predicted, "Steel Lion is the total package and projects as a 10-12F racer, and Tricky is just plain fast.  She likes to run from behind though... not my favorite strategy for a spinter, but it's what she does.  We'll see how it works out."

Otsego Farms is also extremely pleased to announce the acquisition of 5yo male stayer Alphabet.  Webber gushed, "I've wanted this horse for years and I could not be more pleased that he now wears our blue and gold livery."

With the quartet of Refractor, Astrapios, Alphabet, and Battlestar, Webber thinks that Otsego Farms has assembled the strongest team of 16F racers in Photo Finish history.  "All four have Excellent stamina and having that many in one barn is almost unprecedented."  Otsego Farms actually has a fifth horse with Excellent stamina in untested 3yo Hollands Best.

New broodmare On The Prowl is a welcome addition, plus House of M and Nebula also join the ranks in the breeding shed, providing some fresh blood.

All in all, things are looking good for 2017.