Random thoughts to Enlighten and Provoke

A few thoughts about stables and horses...

• Golden Gate decision to sell broodmare Grecian Formula (dam of a couple marginally successful horses) and buy broodmare Morra (one of the worst horses in PF history) - INADVISABLE.
• Smokey's Stable picking up 7 wins in this weekend's racing - INCREDIBLE.
• Saintsrow unraced 2yo Badge winning first race in track record time, and being an offspring of Dubai Gold, who was recently purchased by the Long Island Hayburners for a bargain price of $300,000, which prompted Stonewall Stable guru Bill to say Dubai Gold is and will be a great sire - INTUITIVE.
• Pegasus Song's eventual place atop the all-time earnings list - INEVITABLE.
• Only one bid on a steady, productive racer like Kid Flash - INEXPLICABLE.
• Stupidity of jockey riding Chancellorsville this weekend in never having the horse above effort level 3 for the entire race - INCONTROVERTIBLE.
• Potential winning streak of Jenny's My Gal of Foxies Lodge - INCALCULABLE.
• Ettore of Olmo Dorato's absolute refusal to say a bad word about anyone or anything - INSPIRATIONAL.
• The letter "W" in the word "vowel" - INTERVOCALIC.
  

Kid Flash fails to draw reserve; Will remain in Otsego

Kid Flash garnered only one single bid, $50,000 from Elite Thoroughbreds, which was not enough to cover the $75,000 reserve price. Therefore, he will stay at Otsego Farms to finish the season as an active racer.

Admittedly, Kid has had a bit of an off-year in 2010, but has still been in the money in 4 of 6 races and has earned approximately $74,000. His speed scores have been respectable at 100, 99, 98, 98, 88, and 82, so he still has shown adequate speed.

We toyed with the idea of dropping the reserve in the final hours to facilitate a sale, but decided against it.

Union Jack to retire at season end

Union Jack, the 5yo male who is small in stature but big in heart, will be retired at the end of the 2010 season, joining Nightwing, War Machine, and Big Easy as Otsego Farms studs.

Jack, who has fashioned a career record of 35-13-7-7 thus far, has seven Gr1 wins, the biggest of which was The Derby during his 3yo season.

He is a very solid choice for a stable who has turf-loving mares with stamina. He does have surface flexibility though, so even mares who like dirt could consider Union Jack. He had just four career starts on dirt and two of them resulted in PSR's above 100.

There will be five open spots at $30,000 each, two of which are already spoken for. Reservations can be made here, or via email to mvpcandidate@gmail.com.

His AR is disclosed below:

Union Jack (2005), 15.2 hand bay colt
By Portsmouth out of Dragon Flyer by Tagula

This horse will mature quickly and be at peak performance early, ready for the Derby.
This horse will have an average performance peak, at least two racing seasons.
This horse will be near peak potential for the Derby.
This horse is good on hard dirt.
This horse is ok on soft dirt.
This horse is good in mud.
This horse prefers hard turf.
This horse prefers soft turf.
This horse will fight tooth and nail if challenged at the wire.
This horse is very hardy and unlikely to fall victim to injuries.
This horse obeys its jockey and is flexible in its pacing.
This horse has average curve handling abilities.
This horse just keeps on going after it has the lead, it doesn't let up.
This horse handles traffic ok.
This horse is very consistent, lives up to its potential most times.
This horse recovers fairly quickly between races.
This horse has average weight carrying capacity.
This horse usually comes from midpack.
This horse accelerates like a bullet!
This horse has average speed out of the gate.
This horse has average speed.
Handles 1 1/4mi to 2mi.

Otsego considers pairings for upcoming breeding season

I've got four studs and four broodmares for next breeding season. That means, for the first time, my pairings will all be in-house. The question is, who to match with whom?

The Studs:

1. Nightwing - Dirt or Turf. Stayer.
2. War Machine - Dirt. Classic.
3. Big Easy - Dirt or Turf. Miler.
4. Union Jack - Turf. Classic to Stayer.

The Broodmares:

1. Shattered Record - Dirt or Turf. Classic.
2. Nova - Dirt. Sprinter to Miler.
3. Shadowcat - Dirt or Turf. Sprinter to Miler.
4. Affirm Gal - Dirt or Turf. Miler to Classic.

The match that jumps out at me is Big Easy x Nova. They have distance chemistry and even though Nova was strictly a dirt runner, Big Easy was great on dirt as well. Perhaps the foal would even gain a little more tolerance for turf. I may even have to stray from my superhero naming habit for this one. The name Big Bang seems perfect.

Next up is a match for War Machine. Either Shattered Record or Affirm Gal would do just fine. However, AG seems a little better on turf and War Machine was not fond that surface, so therefore I'd say that it will be War Machine x Shattered Record.

Union Jack will be joining the Otsego stud ranks and Affirm Gal will be a spectacular match for him. Her best distance/surface appears to be 10 furlongs on turf and that is exactly what UJ does best. No brainer here. Union Jack x Affirm Gal.

That leaves Nightwing x Shadowcat. It's not a match that I would search out because the distances they prefer are not very compatible, and as I've said in the past, I like to match strength to strength. However, in looking at the AR's, there are several areas in which Shadowcat can improve Nightwing genetics, such as fighting at the wire, curve handling, consistency, and gate speed. Plus Big Easy x Shadowcat produced a classic filly in Huntress last year, so maybe she can do it again.

So...that's how it will be. Any comments?

Sprinter/Miler Kid Flash up for grabs

Kid Flash, the 4yo bay colt by Our Differences out of Change of Scenery is now available on the Photo-Finish sale page. With a career record of 22-3-6-7, he has been a steady and consistent earner.

His AR is posted on the sales page. Minimum bid is $50,000. There is a reserve but it is reasonable.

Superheroes of Racing brace for significant stable turnover; Ready for bold changes

In the midst of a somewhat disappointing season, principals at Otsego Farms have decided that sweeping the floor clean may be the necessary first step in trying to re-establish our winning ways.

Several horses, who are still above-average performers but are nearing the end of the road race-wise, may be moved to new stables or the breeding barn, thus making way for the next generation of racers.

Among the names being discussed are Doomsday, Affirm Gal, Union Jack, Kid Flash, Seven Memory, and Quicksilver.

Affirm Gal and Union Jack will most likely join the ranks of Otsego breeders, but the others, including stable favorites Doomsday and Kid Flash will very likely be sold outright. The future of several other horses are under consideration as well.

Final decisions will be made within the next week or so. Keep an eye open for possible sales or announcements on the stud availability of turf router Union Jack.

Amusing and completely unrelated to racing

My son Grant having some fun with "Reptilia" by The Strokes.

Chancellorsville first. There is no second.

Chancellorsville, our 3yo bay colt by Nightwing out of Plenty of Grace, broke his maiden in stunning fashion this weekend by winning the Grade 2 AAMI Classic.

Win-less, place-less, and show-less in 6 career starts with zero earnings, this win allowed Chance to take home a check for $228,000, covering his $200k purchase price in one fell swoop.

A duel with the FDL colt Mystical Island ended with 2 furlongs to go when Chancellorsville surged into a lead that he was not to relinquish.

Chance becomes the second Nightwing offspring to win a race recently. Sphynx, a 3yo colt from History's Own, finished first in the G3 Cinema Handicap on May 29th. Coincidentally, Sphynx also won in his 7th career race.

We are convinced that Chance will continue to improve, making his poppa, and all of us at Otsego Farms proud.

Shadowcat - Room for her to stay?

Pictured to the left is the member of the X-Men known as Shadowcat, a mutant with the ability to walk through walls, and the inspiration behind the name of our 6yo broodmare.

Shadowcat didn't have a successful record on the track with a record of 15-1-3-1 and earnings of just $36,825. She did show a little speed though with seven races of PSR 96 or higher and a few more in the 80's.

She has produced two very nice looking foals, Tombstone, by Vampirical, and Huntress, by Big Easy. Both foals have surface flexibility and stamina. Tombstone likes a lot of distance and Huntress prefers classic distances.

Given the quality of this colt and filly, I've had to rethink my plans. Initially, I was going to replace Shadowcat in the breeding barn with Affirm Gal. Now I'm scrambling to come up with ideas on how to keep both, to go along with Shattered Record and Nova.

I'll think of something.

Otsego Farms Quality Studs - Reserve Now

Nightwing - Hard charging finisher with endless stamina.

* Never raced in less than a Grade 2 race in 46 career starts.
* Best distance - 2 miles
* Multi-surface capable
* Matures quickly
* Very hardy with machine-like recovery rate
* Good acceleration

Big Easy - Steady, professional, top-flight miler.

* Finished first or second in 23 out of 24 races in prime
* Prefer or Good on all surfaces
* Bullet-like acceleration
* Model of consistency
* Quick recoveries

These two Photo-Finish paragons are available for stud this off season at the reduced price of $25,000. Both stallions will be limited to 5 pairings which will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

Naturally, Otsego Farms will reserve one spot each for ourselves, meaning that just four spots remain for each horse.

Incidentally, War Machine is fully booked for 2010, but 2 spots do remain for 2011 at the reduced price of $100,000.

King sets sail for new home

King of the Sea has been transported to his new home, the stable with the innocuous name of Horse Farm.

The bidding was a disappointment, with only one single bid being registered. The reserve price was dropped to accommodate the $50,000 bid made by Horse Farm. There was a rumor that a late bidder in the form of Sunset Ranch might appear, but it never materialized.

We feel that this was a great buy for Horse Farm. King wasn't a top-tier talent, but he is very solid all-around and has excellent stamina. I really expect him to be successful at stud.

King of the Sea - Off To Auction

King of the Sea, 5yo male by King Midas, out of Sea of Streets, is available for purchase on the sale page.

With a career record of 29-7-6-3 and earnings of $1,090,050, he has been a solid, if unspectacular performer. He has won at distances from 6 to 11 furlongs, and on both dirt and turf. Twelve of his 29 career races have produced PSR's in excess of 100 and another ten have been in the 90's.

He is coming to the end of his racing career, in fact, I had planned on 2010 being his last. He probably won't win a significant amount for the remainder of the season, but it wouldn't surprise me if he had another win or two left in him.

I think though, that he might have interesting possibilities as a stud but I just don't have room for him, especially with a Doomsday retirement looming and quite possibly a Union Jack retirement as well.

Here is his AR:

King of the Sea, 15.3 hand brown colt
By King Midas out of Sea Of Streets by Red Anchor
This horse will mature quickly and be at peak performance early, ready for the Derby.
This horse will have an average performance peak, at least two racing seasons.
This horse will be near peak potential for the Derby.
This horse prefers hard dirt.
This horse is good on soft dirt.
This horse dislikes mud.
This horse is ok on hard turf.
This horse is ok on soft turf.
This horse will fight tooth and nail if challenged at the wire.
This horse has physical problems that may lead to alot of injury downtime.
This horse obeys its jockey and is flexible in its pacing.
This horse has average curve handling abilities.
This horse cruises once it has the lead.
This horse handles traffic ok.
This horse has consistency problems. Doesn't always meet expectations.
This horse recovers fairly quickly between races.
This horse can carry alot of weight and still run well, no problem with handicaps.
This horse always comes from midpack.
This horse has good acceleration.
This horse has average speed out of the gate.
This horse has good speed. Could set records.
Handles 1mi to 1 1/2mi, best distance 1 1/2mi.

He is available now on the sales page. There is a reserve but it is not excessive, in my opinion. This is a steady horse. A stable looking for a decent starter stud could do a lot worse.

"Crank 2" star heats up Kyoto

Jim Webber, owner of Otsego Farms Racing & Stud, is seen here posing with film extras on the set of the action-thriller, Crank 2.

When asked how he was adjusting to the Japanese way of life, Jim said, "I've been enjoying my time here, no question. The...umm....people are very friendly. I've been having a blast whenever I get free time."

"Which reminds me, has anyone seen LaFleur?"

Diagnosis: Win Deficiency

Sixty-one races are in the book and Otsego Farms has only 7 wins. Even more disturbing is the on-the-board percentage of just 39%.

As I mentioned recently in the Forum, this is shaping up to be the worst season in our stables history, and it has me searching through dusty tomes to find a spell of victory that I can cast.

With proven veterans like Doomsday, Affirm Gal, Union Jack, True Ensign, and Confederation, I didn't think I would be scrambling for wins, let alone places and shows.

And to confound me further, these poor results have come in lower graded races. As a rule, I've tried to avoid Gr1 races as much as possible until the Otsego train gets back on the track.

Now back to my search for a spell. Ahh! This will do nicely. Rathmor's Touch of Unpassability. Hmmm, looks like I need some eye of newt. Better give Amanda a call.

Otsego welcomes Deadly Force

Deadly Force, the brown 2yo colt bred and reared by Rivendell Stable, has been acquired by Otsego Farms. Crista was looking to free up stall space and this particular horse caught my attention primarily due to the sire, Dawn Patrol.

I have wanted a horse by Dawn Patrol for some time now and this opportunity was most welcome. Deadly Force is out of Kelly Belle and has a current record of 3-0-2-0 with earnings of $27,000. He looks to be primarily a turf sprinter, although he may get a trip on dirt occasionally.

We would like to thank Rivendell for the opportunity to own this fine colt.

Otsego contemplates joining selling frenzy

There has been a rash of activity on the Sale Page in the past few days. Several stables have entered the fray with multiple offerings. Chiquita, Snowbank, Yeguada, Hutton's, Foxies, and Bally Doyle have all offered at least two horses.

Obviously, owners are beginning to position their stables stall-wise for next breeding season. Getting rid of the flotsam and jetsam early is very wise. It gets much harder to make space later in the season when everyone else is trying to accomplish the same thing.

Of course, not all of the offered horses are rejects. I see at least 5 that I would like to have...if I had the room myself.

Anyway, the crush of sales got me thinking that maybe I should jump on the bandwagon and try to clear some space. These are the horses that I would consider selling either now under certain circumstances, or otherwise at the end of the season.

1. Shadowcat, broodmare. Made expendable by acquisition of Affirm Gal.
2. Doomsday, racer. No room as stallion. Seems to get better with age. May race in 2011.
3. King of the Sea, racer. I suspect he will be a nice sire. No room in Otsego however.
4. Seven Memory, racer. New management may be necessary.

I'd really like to keep Doomsday as a sprinting sire, but selling Union Jack or Big Easy is the only way that would be possible. Neither horse is inviolate, but Big Easy would probably go before Jack.

Decisions will have to be made in the next few weeks, no doubt about that.

One more step...and the butler gets it.

This still photo is from the set of Crank 2, the action-thriller starring Jim Webber, owner/trainer of Otsego Farms Racing & Stud. Production has recently begun in Kyoto, Japan.

"Luckily, I am fluent in Japanese, which helps immensely since I'll be spending the better part of the next three months here", said Jim as he sipped sake with fellow-horseman Finlay Lafleur of FDL Lodge, who was in Japan visiting the Crank 2 set.

The pair was dining at a traditional geisha house in the Gion district of Kyoto, answering questions about the film and their stables when a maiko beckoned to Mr Lafleur saying, "It is time for your massage Finlay-san. Please follow me".

Glancing at Jim with a smile, Fin wiped his mouth with his napkin, then stood up and said, "Don't wait up Mate".

New sales info sheds light.

With the new addition of a sales history to the Horse Info Page, I have been able to revisit the purchases I've made over the past few years. I must say that I was quite shocked at the amount of cash I've spent. In many cases, it appears I have not recouped my initial investment yet.

Many of the purchase are longer term investments. My eventual total return will include stud fees (in the case of Big Easy) and sturdy talented foals (in the case of Affirm Gal). I'm still happy with every one of these acquisitions and I anticipate that most of them will pan out in the long run.

• Affirm Gal $601,000 - I bought her as a broodmare replacement for Shadowcat. She has raced pretty well, but will never pay back the investment in race purses.
• Big Easy $667,777 - I got one decent season out of Big Easy. He earned over $300,000 in his only season racing at Otsego. He was purchased as a future stud. He has a very nice AR and was one of the top milers of his era, so I expect good things as a breeder.
• Big Slick $300,000 - In fact, the cost was $300k plus a free War Machine breeding, so my actual cost was $600k. He's earned $212k so far and is starting to mature. He should pay his way.
• Candle of Life $350,000 - I like this horse and was feeling charitable to a new stable. Has not come close to covering his cost yet, but he has some talent and will have a long career, so who knows?
• Chancellorsville $200,000 - A son of Nightwing, need I say more? Nice AR. No success yet, but I have faith.
• Confederation $400,000 - This is a very good horse that I thought was a steal at $400k. He has earned over $200k this year so far.
  
• King of the Sea $401,000 - Another solid performer. King's earnings have surpassed his purchase price. I'll probably be selling him later in the season. There is an outside chance that he'll race another year.
• Majestic Song $20,000 - Love this deal. He has ability and endurance. Earned $12,500 in his first Otsego race. He'll earn back that $20k many times.
• Seven Memory $250,000 - Memcay x Deja Vu product has talent, but has been maddeningly inconsistent. Skating on thin ice.
• Stowaway $310,000 - This one will pan out. Generally posts PSR's above 100. We are expecting bigger things.
• True Ensign $300,000 - Eureka did me a favor by selling this fellow at this price. Very talented and worth every penny. Will race for a couple seasons at Otsego, then off as a stallion, probably back to Eureka.

I'm always on the lookout for veteran racers with a little gas left in the tank, or immature horses that have reached the end of the line at their current stable. If you have a prospect for me, my email is mvpcandidate@gmail.com.

Yeah, I know the feeling....

My results were so utterly disappointing this week that I felt exactly like this little chap in the picture.

After I viewed the races, I sat unresponsive at the computer for many minutes. My wife walked by and chirped, "How'd your horses do?" My lack of response told her all she needed to know.

Five races with only a 3rd place finish by Kid Flash to show for it.

King of the Sea, Confederation, Seven Memory, and Rogue all finished out of the money and well out of contention.

This season continues to be one of the most perplexing I have experienced. I feel that I've got talented runners, but I can't seem to find the right combination of rest, surface, and grade. It's like I'm the blindfolded boy swinging at the pinata.

Every week is a new opportunity though. Luckily, I'm a eternal optimist.

Shatterstar vs Domino? Not gonna happen.

It'll never happen in the PF Universe, because I don't race my horses against each other, but it happened in the Marvel Universe as you can see on this copy of X Force magazine.

My Shatterstar is the product of Nightwing x Shattered Record. He's a stunning light gray colt who'll be a 2yo next season. He has surface flexibility and tremendous lung capacity.

The filly Domino is a sprinter with very esteemed heritage; War Machine x Sharp Cat. Also a 2yo in 2011, she'll compete on dirt...hard, soft, or wet, with equal preference.

You want a piece of these bad asses in 2011? Bring it on!