Barbaro Updates: 74
updates are now here.
Update 652: The Keeneland Sales continue into their fourth day with a couple more seven figure purchases (Bloodhorse: Pulpit, Distorted Humor Colts Bring Seven-Figure Prices Thursday at Keeneland and Thoroughbredtimes: Jess Jackson buys Pulpit colt for $1.3-million). We do know Michael Matz has returned from Keeneland and is now back at Fair Hill. (I asked him how the sale was when I saw Michael this morning, he said he did a lot of walking!) Michael was on his way to visit Barbaro this afternoon when I called Peter, so while I have no update from the visit it is good to know things are back to a more usual routine for Barbaro!
I have been working on updating the FAQ (not finished updating, but keep the questions coming).
Update 651: Yesterday Juliet went to Golden Gate Field with a basket of goodies she had prepared in the hopes of visiting Lost in the Fog. Unfortunately despite the best efforts of those on the security gate she was unsuccessful (Tried to Visit Foggy Today). I think she was a little surprised to hear from Greg Gilchrist later in the day!
Update 650: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (wednesday night). I just stopped by Michael Matz's barn (10:00 am) and heard from Michael (yes, he is back from Keeneland). I would have seen him on the track this morning if the weather was not so grim. Rain, rain, rain. I rode one on the woodchip track first thing, shedrowed one a little later, and called it quits for the morning.
I did call up New Bolton to inquire about the status of the Barbaro Fund. This is what I learned, as of August 30th, the entire fund is a little over $1.2 million, with 1,431 donors. The funds received in honor of Dr. Richardson: $11,511. 243 donors! Impressive!
Update 649: Today's Barbaro update will again likely be delayed, due to the sales in Keeneland (prices have settled down after the opening two days: Thoroughbred Times: Average price, median continue rise at Keeneland, Maktoum springs for third straight topper and Average, Median Rise During Day Three of Keeneland Sale).
It looks like Funny Cide will be running on saturday (as Barclay told us on tuesday): Funny Cide in Brooklyn off short rest, it includes the following excerpt:
Cornelio Velasquez worked Funny Cide five furlongs on Tuesday and though the final time of 1:02.36 was slower than the gelding normally works, Velasquez told trainer Barclay Tagg that everything went well.
"I had him in the Kentucky Horse Park by the time he got to the gap, but when I got back to the barn [Velasquez] he was so excited," Tagg said. "I said to him 'What's wrong with him?' He said, 'I just eased up on him, the race is on Saturday.' "
The article also includes news on the Jackson's and Barclay's Stormy Kiss, also scheduled to run on saturday at Belmont, and options for Showing Up for the Breeders' Cup.
We just added a picture of Mike Rea, who is "long reigning" a yearling. This is done to help with the horse's mouth and get a little stearing etc. before we actually get on the horse.
Update 648: Rachel, from Kennett Florist left the following comment from today (updates 73 timestamp: 8:28pm)
So much to relay from NBC today. This morning Alie and I were on the road bright and early to serve 300 donuts, coffee and juice to the campus before their Town Hall Meeting. This is something that had never been done before according to Dr Sweeney, and we were happy to do it on behalf of a fan of Barbaro. The staff that we talked to were so grateful and send their thanks for everything that is done for them or any of the animals there. When I was bringing the leftover donuts to the main building, they asked if I was coming back with carrots for B. So before I got in my truck, I called the shop and told them to load them up, our boy needed carrots.
This afternoon, I brought up some baskets of those lovely organic green top carrots as well as some stud muffins (just got a new batch in today) and other treats. Mrs Jackson had just left visiting Barbaro, so sorry I had missed her would have like to have told her how you all are rallying behind what ever she needs. Let me reiterate what I had commented on yesterday. Mrs Jackson is asking all of us to contact our respective senators (I will post a list when I receive it), and pressure them to move on S1915. Ask them to get it pushed straight to the floor and by pass the committees... and that it needs to happen now, this year. What I know about governement wouldn't fill a thimble, so I am only relaying what Mrs Jackson has requested. She is going back down to Washington on Friday, hopefully we will here something when she gets back.
I also had a chance to meet the donor horses "mom"/caretaker. We had a basket for her kids this afternoon and we had a chance to talk. She has been working there for 19 years and does truly feel as these animals are her kids. She has been buying them goodies out of her own pocket for years. So she sends very big thanks to all of those who have specifically sent baskets of apples, carrots, etc to her children.
Thank you to all you fans aka maniacs!
WE BELIEVE!!!
Update 647: I just did a telephone interview with Ramon Dominguez, who rode Bluegrass Cat in the Derby and Miraculous Miss last saturday at Delaware. I wanted to get his perspective not only on these two horses, but of course on Barbaro, who he rode against on a few occasions. Ramon is the leading jockey at Delaware Park, and just also seems to be very cool. Here is what he had to say:
On the Derby and Barbaro:
Bluegrass Cat is very cool horse, and was very easy to ride. Todd Pletcher, prior to the race, gave me little instructions. We had a great trip. He broke very sharply to gain a good position. Going into the first turn I was able to come over to the rail to save as much ground as possible. On the backside I was able to ease him out, and by the 5/8ths pole I was just behind Barbaro. Without question Barbaro was traveling the easiest of all the horses. By the 3/8ths pole I was getting pretty excited and at the quarter pole I tried to make my run. It was between the 3/8ths pole and quarter pole I realized Barbaro had too much, Edgar had let him lengthen his stride ...
On the Preakness and Barbaro:
I rode Diabolical in the Preakness. I was in front of Barbaro when the accident happened, but I heard a jockey hollering, glanced back and saw a horse being pulled up. It was very very sad. It put a huge dark cloud over the entire race. I am now thrilled to see Barbaro has made it this far, and his prognosis looks more positive.
More on Barbaro:
I did ride against Barbaro a few times. For example in the race at Laurel (Futurity on the grass) I rode Diabolical who was second to Barbaro. Barbaro was as cool on the grass as he was on the dirt. He had a very quick turn of foot. He would pick up the bit like a sprinter would. He is a very good horse, I hope he makes it.
On Bluegrass Cat:
As a jockey I always check the form and follow the horses I have ridden. Of course I wanted to follow Bluegrass Cat (Johnny Velasquez returned from injury to reclaim his mount) as I rode him in the biggest race, you get attached to horses you ride in the big races. I was sad he was injured after the Travers but happy it is not considered life threatening. He should do well as a stallion, he is very well bred.
On Miraculous Miss and the Endine Stakes at Delaware:
She was very calm in the gate, absolutely no problem at all. She did break a little slowly. She is an extremely nice filly. This is the fourth time I have won with her. Each time she runs the same race, when it is time to go, she just explodes.
Nancy in CA: I think you make a good point - We do have the prospect of winning the Senate but then being vetoed by the president (based on what i have also heard on the White House's position on this issue) so pressure and noise in that direction is also needed.
Lisa in Colorado
Posted by: Lisa Leach at September 13, 2006 9:43 PM