Barbaro Updates: 323
updates are now here.
Update 2124: Patrick Biancone, a leading trainer in the US who has also trained in France and Hong Kong, had his barn searched recently: Cobra venom said to be in Biancone barn.
Update 2123: NoBiz was second best in the Dwyer this afternoon.
Update 2122: Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide won this afternoon at Finger Lakes.
Update 2121: Bay Meadows will be in operation for one more year without a synthetic racing surface, plans appear to be to develop the property in 2009: CHRB grants one-year waiver to Bay Meadows.
A nice story to celebrate July 4: Kingly domain: A retired thoroughbred finds a home and escapes the slaughterhouse.
Update 2120: Some rain last night which left the main track a bit of a mess. The Tapeta track was fine as usual. I had three to ride today. First out was Nautical Agent and she went to the Tapeta track along with Tim on Whip Smart. Nautical Agent sat in front by a couple of lengths and galloped nicely for a mile and a half. She then high-stepped it home. Second out was Kitty, she went with the Two Punch filly and we went to the gate. It was Kitty's first time and likely also the Two Punch filly's first time (we were not entirely sure). Anyway, we spent some time with them at the gate, showing it to them, walking them around, and then eventually walking through the gate a couple of times. Its super important the first couple of times coming to the gate is a good experience, and it looks like that was the case with these two today. Finally I had Linda's Precious Partner, and she worked a little on the Tapeta track. She seemed to work well and quickened up niely towards the end. I was blowing harder than she was when we pulled up.
Tim has visitors for a while, his mum and Amanda are now here for their summer holidays!
Update 2119: A couple of big guns from Barclay Tagg's barn racing today, NoBiz and Funny Cide.
Better Talk Now is getting ready to race on saturday at Monmouth: Better Talk Now not slowing, excerpt:
The years have not taken a toll on Better Talk Now.
"I know I've been quoted saying it before, and people are probably getting tired of hearing it, but I feel he is probably as good now, if not a little better, than he's ever been," trainer H. Graham Motion said. "I feel that applies going into his next race."
That next assignment is the Grade 1, $750,000 United Nations Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth Park, a race the 8-year-old gelding won in 2005.
Better Talk Now doesn't appear to have lost a step, based on his most recent effort: a stirring rally to edge English Channel by a head and capture the Grade 1 Manhattan Handicap on the Belmont Stakes undercard.
"I couldn't be happier with him," Motion said. "I'm extremely fortunate to have him, and I feel like he's doing very well right now."
Good morning, Barbaro! Good morning, Tim & Alex! Good morning, fellow Fans!
Happy 4th to all and may your celebrations be enjoyable and stress-free!
I wish I still lived in the Finger Lakes area - I would definitely be at Finger Lakes Racetrack today! Go, Funny! You are still the Man! And best wished to Nobiz, as well!
###
Harriette - I hope your rain chant will work for you, as well as for my area of Maine. We also are in need!
###
Martita - what a peaceful and wonderful way to end my day yesterday, reading your post. You have a gift, my dear!
Prayers to all who have lost loved ones of late. Hold their memories near and dear.
Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever
Posted by: Marg in Maine at July 4, 2007 11:33 AM