Barbaro Updates: 220
updates are now here.
Update 1545: NoBiz worked today, a half in 47 and change. His final piece of work in preparation for saturday's Fountain of Youth. Barclay is pretty high on his horse: Tagg touting Nobiz Like Shobiz entering Fountain of Youth, excerpt:
"Michael Matz had reason to be confident with Barbaro last year," Tagg said. "He had one of the most fabulous horses anyone had seen in a long time and he has him in great position for the Triple Crown. I think my horse could be on that same level."
This is high praise from Barclay who is typically conservative. Barclay was also one for high praise for Barbaro early in his career, after watching him win the Laurel Futurity.
Update 1544: A tough day in Dubai for horses acquired from US interests. Discreet Cat was scratched due to a slight fever this morning. Thor's Echo was beaten more than four lengths in his first start since his DeFrancis win (when he narrowly beat the Fair Hill trained Diabolical who is scheduled to run on saturday at Gulfstream). Kentucky Derby hopeful Day Pass could only manage fourth in his first start beyond a mile. Argentine classic winner stars at Nad al Sheba, Discreet Cat scratched
Update 1543: Another great morning this morning to be riding horses at Fair Hill. Given that there is plenty of rain forecast to arrive over the next 24 hours all horses were to go out to the track today (no shedrowing as that is what we will likely be left to do tomorrow) so we did not start riding until just before 7 am. My first set was Hawty Creek to the track. We were first on the track, and for a change I decided to jog her the wrong way back to the five eighths pole, turn her around and gallop her. She trained well. By the time we left the track the track was very busy for sure. My next two sets were Tim's, Slew (with Tim on Nonpariel) and Nautical Agent, who I had not yet ridden on the track. She went nicely, jogging and hacking two turns. I then rode four more finishing up riding only a little before 11 am. Ron, the blacksmith, then came to shoe Hawty Creek. She had not been shod in about six weeks and was certainly ready for new shoes. We also entered her for sunday. Philadelphia Park took our entry, lets see if the race goes (it was an extra) and then lets see if they let us ship into Philadelphia Park to run. I would assume they would not have taken the entry if they were sure they were not letting any horses in from Maryland. Anyway, all in all, a very busy and productive morning. Now lets wait for the rain!
Update 1542: Delaware Park has named a stakes race for Barbaro: BARBARO MEMORIALIZED WITH DELAWARE PARK STAKES RACE:
Delaware Park's Chief Operating Officer, Bill Fasy today announced that it has officially changed the name of the Leonard Richards Stakes to the Barbaro Stakes. Like the Leonard Richard Stakes, The Barbaro, will be a Grade III race for three olds and will be run July 15th during Delaware Park's Delaware Handicap weekend, July 14 and 15. This renamed stakes race will continue to feature a guaranteed purse of $300,000.
"Our new Racing Secretary, Ismael "Izzy" Trejo, suggested the idea of The Barbaro Stakes, and we all agreed this was a terrific way to memorialize Barbaro's legacy and to honor the Jackson family and Dr. Dean Richardson ," said Bill Fasy. Added Trejo, "The deep admiration and love everyone felt for Barbaro was truly overwhelming. To be able to honor such a tenaciously spirited horse, whose remarkable career started here at Delaware Park in 2005, with its own Stakes race, makes the racing family here at Delaware Park extremely proud."
Great news from Delaware Park. This will of course not have any effect on our planned April 29 visit to celebrate Barbaro.
Discreet Cat is no longer running today at Nad al Sheba after spiking a slight temperature this morning: CAT TO GO STRAIGHT FOR WORLD CUP. The plan now is to go straight to the Dubai World Cup where he will meet Invasor and others. HRTV is showing the races today from Nad al Sheba.
Me first--Wow
Good mornig FOBs, Gang at Fair Hill, and Alex
Looking forward to a great weekend of racing--hope all have a safe race.
P.S. Expected to be 80's for temp. today in south Texas
Posted by: Linda at March 1, 2007 11:22 AM