Thrills and disappointments

Jackhammer outduels Bene There at the Dubai Sheema Classic

Weeks 13-14 were pivotal for Otsego Farms.  We had some stunning successes, and some critical shortfalls.

On the plus side, Jackhammer showed incredible grit down the stretch in winning the Dubai Sheema Classic by the slimmest of margins over Pendfold's 4yo Bene There.  Clearly spent,  Jackhammer nevertheless dug deep to nose out the victory, also knocking off Rainbow's mega-star Metalloid in the process.

Never short on colorful expressions, jubilant Otsego owner Jim Webber mopped his brow and stated, "I may have soiled myself at that finish..."

Le Chiffre had an easy time in cruising to a 8-length victory in the Melbourne Cup.  This marks the second straight year that Otsego Farms has won this race, with the aforementioned Jackhammer winning it last season.

Rico Suave solidified his Kentuck Derby berth with a strong first place showing in the Gallery Furniture.com Stakes.  He was challenged by the Long Island Hayburners colt My Wife (what's with that name?) but had a little too much and pulled away for the victory.

Otsego Farms' stated goal of having four entries in the 2019 Kentucky Derby took a bad turn when three of the horses failed to make good on their opportunities.  Infinity World finished 4th in the same race Rico Suave won.  Then Lapsus and Helikaon finished 3rd and 4th in the UAE Derby; both horses had extremely odd trips, settling waaay back and only making moves when the first two places were already pretty much settled.

Battlestar, hoping to defend his Dubai World Cup title, scratched out when the track came up fast and dry.  He won it last year when the track inexplicably came up muddy. 

We must mention the 2yo colt Hella Good (War Machine x On The Prowl), who finished 6th in the Dubai Juvenile, and looked darn good in doing so.  His future looks very bright.