Barbaro Updates: 146
updates are now here.
Update 1123: It was nice to watch the winners' circle celebrations for Russell Baze on HRTV (not sure what they thought of Russell's headware). Both Greg Gilchrist and Harry Aleo were present for the celebrations. It just seems that everyone thinks very highly of Russell, a good person and a family person. As Tom Chapman put it "9531 and counting". Very cool.
Update 1122: Congratulations to Russell Baze, winning the fourth at Bay Meadows with an inspired "wait and wait and up the rail" ride on Butterfly Belle.
Update 1121: Russell Baze is currently 0 for 2 on the day, to break Pincay's record he needs one win. Follow Russell's progress here.
Barbaro is getting coverage in Jamaica. I also think this article was in a China paper. If anyone has the link, please post in the comments.
Update 1120: I just called Mrs. Jackson and Barbaro had another comfortable night (thursday night).
This morning was a little dreary (but warm), but it does seem the rain is now really starting to move in. Tim has a runner this afternoon at Laurel (Gatornation) so hopefully the weather is not too aweful. I rode a couple of horses on the new synthetic track this morning (Tapeta). It just simply feels good underneath you, and it is very consistent. It seems everyone's feedback remains positive, although a few have decided to wait to provide a more concrete verdict when we get some cold weather. Anyway, so far so good for sure. Michael Dickinson was again at Fair Hill to observe and get direct feedback.
Yesterday I mentioned that horsehats had a new Barbaro hat (update 1115): Barbaro Fund Hat. I noted the hats were limited edition, here is more detail (comment from superfecta 2:56pm):
In case you were wondering about the Barbaro hats, they are making 400 and we've already reserved 50 of them here at work, so ordering sooner rather than later is the way forward.
Keep up the good work!
Update 1119: The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase, to be run next sunday, December 10, is the final big global race we will follow. Among the runners are the globe trotting Ouija Board, third most recently in Japan, and (also the globe trotting) Collier Hill, who most recently won the Canadian International under regular jockey Dean McKeown. Ouija Board arrived in Hong Kong shortly after her third place in the Japan Cup, Collier Hill arrived this morning. I called Dean McKeown to catch up quickly on Collier Hill. He said he has been training well. Dean will actually arrive in Hong Kong on tuesday to help with the final preparations of Collier Hill, and assuming I can connect to his cell phone, will provide us some updates. Dean did mention that these two met in Dubai early in the year. Collier Hill beat Ouija Board in that race. Dean noted that Fallon came in for some criticism for his ride (Fallon won the Hong Kong Vase on Ouija Board last year) but Dean thought it was more to do with it being very early in the year for Ouija Board. Clearly we are now at the end of the season, and of the two, Collier Hill will be the fresher. It should be a great race. More information and updates on the race to follow.
I caught up with Barclay Tagg. Both Showing Up and NoBiz are now relaxing in Florida after their tremendous weekend exploits. They won't be running for a little while so will be kept ticking over under light exercise. Stormy Kiss, Jackson's runner tomorrow is ready, and as I called was being visited by the acupuncture lady.
No Barbaro update yet, but will endevour to get one later.
Update 1118: Russell Baze tied Laffitt Pincay's record yesterday: Baze Ties Pincay's All-Time Win Record! and here is the card for today. He has seven mounts including some favourites.
Fair Hill has Xchanger in today in a million dollar race: Officer Rocket, Xchanger to meet in $1-million Delta Jackpot.
It seems a bit dreary out this morning (although warm). I am guessing the weather will mean riding on the new Tapeta surface! The Barbaro update will be later this morning.
Good morning, Alex, Barbaro, and all FOB's!
Alex, thank you so much for all of your hard work and for all of the information you have provided for us on this site. I have learned so much, not only about Barbaro, but also about horse racing, horse-related issues, and compassion,from this site. I will miss the comments from all of the wonderful posters, but I'll continue to look forward to your updates.
Thanks for everything!
Jannie
Posted by: Jannie at December 1, 2006 10:37 AM