Crop Circles, Bigfoot, the Bermuda Triangle, and Quake.

Mysteries.  Unexplained phenomenon. 

Does the Loch Ness Monster really exist?  Can anyone explain the composition of Dark Matter?  And most perplexingly, why does KRF keep running the 4yo filly Quake at 16 furlongs?

Admittedly, Quake got her career off to a bang when she finished 4th at 16F in her debut.  Thus encouraged, KRF entered her in two more 2-mile races and Quake rattled off back-to-back wins, with impressive times of 3:20 and 3:19, no less.

Since then, Quake has come to earth.  She's had five more races, all at 16F, and finished 8,5,3,3,8.  To make matters worse, her times have regressed.  Quake has been unable to recapture her early magic, making me wonder why KRF insists on running her exclusively at 16F.

The simple truth is... this filly isn't a 16F horse.

Look at her running style.  I've watched several of her races and it's always the same.  She breaks well, takes an early lead, fades in the last 4-5 furlongs.  Wash.  Rinse.  Repeat.

Her HRF fantasy numbers don't support the theory that she is a stayer either.  Yes, she has an above-average Kick rating of 992, but her Stamina rating of 70 screams 9-11 furlongs.  She's got good speed, much better than most long distance horses.  Combine that with her front-running tendancies and you might even have some success at 8F.

I tried to make an offer on Quake a while ago, but never received a reply from Karie.  I even approached Ryan, trying to make an end run into KRF.  He said she'd never sell, so I quit trying.

It kills me to see this horse languish at 16F against the likes of Refractor, Pluto, Alphabet, and all the other real stayers.  She simply cannot beat the top tier horses at 2 miles.  Not gonna happen.  Ever.

My advice?  In this order...

1. Sell her to me, or
2. Run her at 8-11 furlongs, or
3. If she must be run at 16F, do it in Stakes races.

Horses at the crossroads...

As year-end beckons, the urge to clear out the stable becomes stronger and stronger.  There are a couple racers in particular who are very close to being sold...

3yo colt Schoolboy Heart was a impulse buy from Sunshine Stables a few months ago.  He has some decent tools, and is a later maturing type, so I thought he might be worth a chance.  His PSR's have been climbing in the last four races, 36, 71, 78, 89; but I'm thinking that he may have very limited potential.  Perhaps that stall would be more valuable if it was vacant?

3yo colt Art of Seduction was purchased last year as a long-term prospect.  His AR says sprinter, but his low speed / high stamina ratings scream stayer.  He has generally been more productive at longer distances, but he's not showing enough to keep me interested in this experiment.

Both of these colts are racing this weekend and their performances will dictate whether they are on the sales board or not by Sunday afternoon.

Additionally, I am contemplating making some kind of change with my broodmares.  I'd like to introduce some new blood, but it will require moving a mare or two to accommodate the prospective newcomers.  I've got Nebula joining the ranks at the end of the season, giving me 10 broodmares, which is exactly where I want to be numerically.

False Demon, Second Strike, and Shattered Record are mares that could potentially be sold or traded.  FD and SS were both acquired specifically to breed with stable icon War Machine, but the results have been less than expected so far.

I have scoured the available mares at Endless Vista, and I can only say that the pickings are mighty slim.  Prices on mares have gone through the roof in the past couple years, so a straight-up purchase may be out of the question as well.  A broodmare trade may be a possibility.  If anyone has any suggestions or offers, I'm willing to listen.

Inconceivable!

Is it possible that Otsego Farms could consider selling stable icon Nightwing?

It has been discussed recently at the highest levels because there just isn't enough room for five stallions, and that's the road I'm heading down.

Currently we have three excellent distance stallions; Nightwing 14, War Machine 12, and Union Jack 10.  Additionally, we have two current racers who beg to stay on after they retire; Refractor, and Methy Bus.

Refractor is a no-brainer as a stallion prospect.  He has shown world-class ability at 16F, stringing together an eye-popping list of times and PSR's.  He may be the best 16F horse that Photo-Finish has seen.  His unique abilities guarantee him a spot as a stallion at Otsego Farms.

Methy Bus was not originally in my plans as a breeder.  His continued excellence however, has caught my attention.  He has exceeded 100 PSR in 15 of 21 career races and has proven to be a GR1 threat at distances from 8F to 12F.  His ability, consistancy and potential length of career make him a prime stallion prospect.  This sets up a dilemma for Otsego Farms.

As stated above, I am not inclined to keep five stallions.  My stable stall limit of 60 is inviolate and the plan calls for three stallions.  Four would be a stretch, which would cause an annual alteration of my plan, but would be workable.  Five is out of the question.

Given my current inclination to keep Refractor and Methy Bus after they retire, something has to give, and that something may be Nightwing's spot as an Otsego stallion.

It would be a very tough business decision, since Nightwing was the cornerstone that built Otsego Farms.  In my first year of operation, he earned $3.6M, putting me on the map and giving me instant success.  It would be very hard to reward Nightwing's contribution with a ticket out of town, especially since my longtime goal was to keep him forever.

However, the ultimate decision will be put off for at least one more season.  Both Refractor and Methy Bus will race at least one more year.  In fact, Methy Bus, with his long career peak may race two or three more seasons.

I'm thinking about it now though, and it's not pleasant to contemplate my stable without Nightwing...

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...

Otsego Farms - Home of Worthless Horses?

Captain Britain - Worthless?

I've tried to sell two horses in the past week and have had zero success.  Even extracting a bid from the Photo-Finish populace has proven elusive in the case of these two horses.

Captain Britain is a lightly raced 3yo, sired by Union Jack, and yet could garner only a single bid; and just $1000 to boot.  He has not burned up the tracks yet, but has had some success and currently sports a 7-1-0-2 record with earnings of $92,500.  This seems like a horse that would attract some attention, especially given how Union Jack has become a very desirable stud.  After getting just the one bid, I decided to keep him.

A nice young broodmare was also up for sale.  6yo Domino who is by War Machine out of Sharp Cat, received just one bid for $1000.  With a decent track record and superlative breeding, I thought this mare would certainly be worth the $50,000 reserve.  I've seen some mares used in breeding that are clearly inferior to Domino and yet, no one saw fit to pick this girl up.

Perhaps I am overstating Domino's value.  There are dozens of mares that retire every year, many of them becoming broodmares.  So, because there is such a ready supply available, any mare who was not a superstar is commonplace and valueless.

However Domino has a unique set of traits that lead me to believe she may in fact be a valuable commodity.  She is very strong on dirt surfaces, 5-5-5.  With a 92 top speed she is capable of producing sprinters and with a 69 stamina she is also capable of producing miler-to-classic racers.  I like her versatility and since I no longer have an issue with stalls for breeders, I'm gonna keep her.

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. 

A slight miscalculation...

I don't really know what I was thinking.

I thought I had to choose between Nebula and Domino for my 10th and final broodmare spot.  I chose Nebula, and put Domino up for sale. Looking at my stable today, I counted my broodmares over and over, and even with the introduction of Nebula next year, I'll have just nine.  Hmmm.  Now where did that 10th broodmare go?

Looks like I could have kept Domino after all.

But after thinking about it, I've decided to sell her anyway.  I'm really looking for some fresh blood, and Domino herself being a product of War Machine, is anything but fresh blood.

She is currently listed on the sales page, but there is no guarantee she'll reach her reserve (she should, she's definitely worth a measly $50,000).  If she comes back due to an insufficient bid, I'll find her a home somewhere.

Since I do need a 10th broodmare, I'll have to start beating the bushes for something suitable.

Broodmare for sale

Domino, the 6yo chestnut mare by War Machine out of Sharp Cat is available on the sales page. She had a racing record of 24-3-5-6 with career earnings of $202,025.

Her AR looks like this:

Domino (2009), 15.3 hand chestnut filly

By War Machine out of Sharp Cat by Storm Cat

This horse will mature quickly and be at peak performance early (2-3).

This horse will have an average performance peak, at least two racing seasons.

This horse prefers hard dirt.

This horse prefers soft dirt.

This horse prefers mud.

This horse is ok on hard turf.

This horse is ok on soft turf.

This horse is very hardy and unlikely to fall victim to injuries.

This horse has average ratability.

This horse appears to be a sprinter.

Even though her AR stipulates sprinter, she may have the ability to produce milers, or even classic type racers because her stamina rating throughout her career was 69 .

I bred her to Machete and Yeager the past two seasons and got a couple very nice looking fillies.  Those AR's are available upon request.

Chance meeting. Part Two.

"Mike, you gotta get back into the horse racing business."

Mike took a sip of beer and gazed out at the field.  "Nah,  It's not gonna happen."

"I know you're doing consulting work for Sunshine Stables and that keeps you involved, but it's not the same as running your own stable Mike."

"I'm happy with the way things are now.  If Holli needs help, I give her a hand.  I don't need to be more involved than that."

Our conversation ebbed and we watched infield practice for a few moments in silence.  Voices were raised behind us, and I heard snippets of the conversation, which was concerning the best boxing knockouts of all time.. 

I turned in my chair and joined the conversation.  "No offense Tommy.  Your KO of Pipino Cuevas was a thing of beauty, but I think the Mike Weaver knockout of Big John Tate was the best."

Tom Selleck after swallowing shrimp.

"Obviously you haven't seen the Rocky Marciano knockout of Jersey Joe Walcott," Al Kaline chimed in, dismissing me with a wave of his hand.  Selleck mumbled incoherently and nodded his head in agreement, unable to talk with his mouth full of shrimp cocktail.

"Hey Tom, the ocean called.  They're running out of shrimp", Kid Rock shouted.

Amid laughter, the boxing conversation continued and I turned back to Mike.  "I've got Mocha Milkshake going this weekend."

I bought this horse from Noble Farms for $200,000 a few seasons back.  His price was so affordable due to the "matures very slowly" line on his AR.

"I saw that."

"He's still not mature, but I've waited long enough."

Smiling, "Yes, you have."

"So, I can't convince you to get back into horseracing?"

Smugly, "No, you can't."

I gotta decide between these two...

Domino or Nebula?  Which one shall I keep as a broodmare?

There is one stall to be had.  It is currently occupied by Domino, but Nebula will be retiring after this season and if she stays on as a broodmare, it'll have to be at Domino's expense.  It's shaping up to be a tough decision.

My initial gut reaction was to keep Nebula.  She has had a better career and is capable of a little more distance.  Decision made, right? 

Wrong.  There is something staying my hand and I can't explain what it is.

Here are their racing stats on the third race of their respective 3yo seasons:

Domino 77  89  92  69  460

Nebula  80  91  92  68  987

Nebula has a better gate speed, better early speed and a much better kick rating.  In practice, she also had better performances at longer distances even though her stamina rating was lower.  Their top speeds were equal.  Overall. I'd give the nod to Nebula.

However, Nebula had a short performance peak, which she may pass along to her offspring.  Domino had an average peak which is obviously preferable.  In addition, Domino has thrown two really nice looking sprinters; fillies Brick House by Machete, and Tricky Woo by Yeager.  Both have good acceleration and good speed in addition to great surface flexibility.  I really like the look of these fillies so that is a point in Domino's favor.

With her great speed and high kick rating, I kinda feel that Nebula would produce superior foals.  But since I'm very satisfied with Domino's offspring thus far, I'm afraid to let her go.

I'm in particular hurry to make a decision.  It's just gotta be done before the end of the year.  I'll keep thinking...

A chance meeting with an old friend. Part One.

As I was stepping into my Luxury Suite at Comerica Park on October 13th, I could not help but notice a familiar figure walking along.  A tall chap with very good posture.  He had a slightly exaggerated swing of the right arm and a beer firmly clenched in his left hand.  A wide smile erupted on my face as I spotted the Otsego Farms sweatshirt he was wearing. 

I cupped my hands and called, "Hey Mike!"  He spun on his heel.  Any other man might have sloshed a bit of the brew, but not this fellow. 

Recognition dawned on his face.  "Weaver?"

I shook my head and smiled.  That is Mike Noble's pet name for me.  Webber... Weaver, It's a long story.  Mike Noble is the former owner of Noble Farms, a short-lived but successful thoroughbred racing stable.

He dodged and weaved through the crowd and stopped in front of me.  "Nice shirt," I said with another smile.

"This thing?  I 'm just about ready to throw it in the rag bin.  You here for the game?"

"No, I need the extra money so I'm here as a hot dog vender .  Jeez, whatdya think, Mo?"

Chuckling, Mike looked up and down the corridor.  "Where are you sitting?"

I jerked a thumb at the door to the Luxury Suite.  "Right here.  You wanna join me?"

"Nah, I've got some excellent seats myself."

I snatched the ticket stubs I saw peeking out of his front pocket.  "Dude, these are bleacher tickets!  C'mon, you can sit in the Suite with me.  Who are you here with?"

"Just a few guys I know."

"Well they won't miss you for a few minutes.  C'mon in."

Heads turned as we entered the Suite.  I made some quick introductions.  "Mike, I don't know if you ever met Al Kaline?"  I continued, pointing around the room.  "That's Steve Yzerman over there.  That derelict at the bar is Kid Rock.  The other guys are Tommy Hearns, Barry Sanders, and the tall fella is Tom Selleck."

After handshakes were exchanged and hello's spoken, Mike and I settled into a couple leather recliners.  The panoramic view of Comerica Park was stretched before us.  "Mike, you gotta get back into the horse racing business", I stated with no preamble.

Minor transactions

Some recent comings and goings at Otsego Farms...

Newcomer Spy Vs Spy has already bought herself a ticket out of town.  I was hoping she might be late to mature since she was sired by Memcay, but after seeing her AR, and testing her in a couple races, it was obvious that Endless Vista was where she belonged.

Captain Britain was recently put on the market with a modest reserve of $10,000.  I felt that was a fair request for a 3yo colt sired by Union Jack who has a win in just 6 career races.  Photo Finish owners thought otherwise as the Captain attracted just one bid.  The $1000 offered by Josh Kayll isn't going to get the job done.  Rather than negotiate, we'll just keep Captain Britain and see if he can make good in his second chance. 

Coming in to Otsego Farms is the 3yo colt School Boy Heart.  He is a sprinter/miler type who has pretty good speed, but is still immature.  He is by Thief of Hearts; himself a late-maturing type.  We feel that SBH can pay his way, perhaps a bit more, after he grows up a little.  He sat out there on the sales page for a couple days without a bid, so we contacted our friends at Sunshine Stables and arranged a private purchase.

Refractor alters strategy, wins Melbourne Cup

 Foxie swoons as she realizes her $500,000 WIN bet on Alphabet isn't going to pay off.

With the jockey under strict orders to force the pace, Refractor did everything asked of him and responded with a big GR1 win at the Melbourne Cup.

Otsego owner Jim Webber was trackside and jubilant after the race.  "We knew that Two Thousand would get a lot of attention.  There were experts who picked him based on his class alone; they figured he could do anything.  But with just a couple weeks rest and going at an unfamiliar distance, we knew he was ripe for the picking."

After a brief interruption to accept congratulations from Finlay LaFleur of FDL Lodge, Webber continued, "Normally Refractor will stay back and conserve energy for a late charge.  However, this time we wanted to take the race right to Two Thousand, who's a notorious front-runner.  We figured we we'd rip his balls right off and break his heart.  Oh Jeez can I say that on TV?" After a brief apology Webber went on, "It worked, 'cause once we passed him, you could see the fire go out of his eyes."

"What I didn't expect though was Majestic Rooney being there at the end.  I'm not gonna lie....I could tell that Refractor was gassed and I was concerned.  That front-running strategy took something out of him.  But he showed his tremendous heart at the end in winning that race after Rooney had the lead late."

Sunshine Stables 4yo Pluto finished 3rd, and up-and-coming stayer Alphabet from Foxies Lodge finished 4th.  Also notable was the 5th place finish by 47-1 longshot Zagreb out of JD Kayll Race Club.

Connections at Otsego Farms are targeting the 16F Gold Cup for Refractors next race.

Undeniable urge to sell a horse... again.

I have a fever.  Just like producer Bruce Dickinson, (yes, the Bruce Dickinson) who said "Guess what?  I got a fever.  And the only prescription is more cowbell."  Instead of cowbell, I have the fever to sell a horse.

Every once in a while, I get this itch.  It's overpowering and unexplainable.  I'm going through it right now.  I've been scanning my roster on a daily basis, trying to find a sacrificial lamb to satisfy my primal urge to sell.  In reality, I've got a couple underachievers who are starting to get under my skin.

Captain Britain isn't doing himself any favors by throwing out PSR's in the 75-85 range.  He'll have his 6th start this weekend and he better improve.

Nebula has produced fairly well in her career at Otsego Farms.  With a current record of 16-3-3-4 and steady PSR's in the 90's, you'd think she would be safe.  But this will be her last year racing and I'm not sure that I want to keep her as a broodmare (although that is still under consideration).  I prefer mares with a little better stamina, so if she goes, that will be the reason.

I picked up Art of Seduction as pure speculation.  His high stamina was in direct contrast to his reputation as a sprinter.  I've stretched him out and his PSR has improved with every race, but I'm not sure if he'll ever pan out.  His grace period is about to expire.

I'm trying to not be hasty, but when I get in this mood, something usually happens.

Warp Factor Ten, Nighthawk to debut

Colts Nighthawk (Nightwing x Flawless) and Warp Factor Ten (Run Missy Run x Nova) will both make their first appearance this weekend, highlighting a big week of racing at Otsego Farms.

"I try to find a reasonable field for their first race", Otsego owner Jim Webber responded when asked why it took so long to get the first 2yo's on the track.  "I prefer to insulate my young horses from the chaos of a 20-horse field for as long as possible."

Miler Nighthawk will run in the 5F J.F. Meynink Stakes in a 8-horse field, while Warp Factor Ten will compete in the 5F JFK stakes in a 9-horse field.  "We haven't figured out yet if WFT is a sprinter or a stayer.  Hopefully this race will shed some light", Webber said.

4yo colt Machine Gun will shoot for his third straight win in the $1,000,000 Santa Anita Handicap.  Webber commented, "He's going 10F for the first time, so we're anxious to see how he does."  Machine Gun will face off against another War Machine product, Southern Belle (out of Southern Charm) in what should be an interesting sidebar to this race.

In a race that was discussed at length in the PF Forum, Methy Bus takes on top-flight competition in the 12F Caulfield Cup.  Two Thousand, Druido Supremo, Run On Sentence, and Molecular represent the main obstacles to overcome.  Notable was the late scratch by Isca's Dawn causing Webber to comment, "One less thing to worry about, you know?"