Many of you have checked the entries for Friday’s race and have found that Tahitian Queen is the morning line favorite at 7/2. That is enough to get anyone’s hopes up. This can be a humbling game so I am a proponent of keeping expectations low. I did the program comments for Friday and have her as my third choice. This does not mean I don’t think she can win. In fact I think she is a top contender in this group. The blinkers go back on and we have a trainer change. I expect the horse to improve in Tammy’s barn.

What we all hope for is a safe trip for Tahitian Queen and Jose Ferrer.

This will be a fun experience win or lose.

The third race is scheduled to go at 7:56. Horses should begin arriving in the paddock just after race 2 is complete. Tahitian Queen Stables members that would like to come to the paddock should meet near the paddock entrance gate around that time. That gate is located right where the jockeys come out to enter the walking ring. I will be there to help direct traffic and get everyone in. We have a very large group involved here, perhaps one of the largest to make a trip to the paddock.

Paddock protocol:
Tahitian Queen will be wearing the red saddle towel assigned to program number one. You will see a placard on the ground with a 1 on it just as you enter the gate. That is where Jose Ferrer will go when he comes up out of the jock’s room. We will congregate in that area. There is a gravel path that leads from the gate to the saddling area. Be sure to keep that path clear so that the valets and racing officials can move back and forth to complete their tasks.

We need to make sure we don’t frighten the horses as well. As I mentioned before, this is a large group, unlike any that these horses have seen. So we just need to be cognizant of the athletes.
Always keep in mind: Horses always have the right of way. We don’t exit the paddock until the last horse makes her way out of the walking ring en route to the track. The number one rule is to use common sense.

I will be heading to a SAM machine after that. You can watch the race from the terrace that hangs over the track apron. There is a section reserved for horsemen and owners. Feel free to sit there or any lucky spot you might have.

Watch the first couple of races and see where the winning owners enter after the race for the winners’ circle photo. Should Tahitian Queen win, we would all crowd in there for a photo right after the race.

I look forward to seeing you here on Friday night. If you have questions, it is likely others have the same ones. Please feel free to post them using the comments link below. I will respond so all can see. Or email me if you want.
jm

Signing off for now, your favorite filly