Tag Archives: High Spirit

Bam Runs 3rd, is Sold

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It wasn’t exactly the way we wanted it to end, but Bam finished 3rd yesterday. It was clear early in the race that he was fighting the restraint of jockey Seth Martinez. Obviously, Seth didn’t want him to run himself out of the race early. Unfortunately, after fighting restraint early in the race, Bam ran out of gas in mid-stretch and finished 3rd, beaten just over three lengths.

In four starts, Bam gave us two wins, a second and a third. The good news is that he certainly ran well when on the track, the bad news is that he didn’t get to the track enough. In all, it was worth it to send Bam to Chicago as it ended up being a profitable trip for the group.

Following the race, Great Bam was sold for $3,000 to a group that includes Kevin Lay. In all, that’s a pretty fair price given the fact that there will be no racing in Chicago for the next six weeks and the fact that they are still dealing with the Equine herpesvirus issues that leave them quarantined at the track. Had the quarantine not been in place, we likely could have gotten a little more as he could have been sent to another track; however, once a quarantine goes into effect, there isn’t much that can be done.

If you’ve been following Hawthorne’s racing recently, you’ve noticed that their claiming activity has more or less come to a complete stop due to these issues. Thus, this seemed like a fair price and will allow us to close out the group per the original club agreement.

Some of you may remember that Kevin was involved in the racing club last year. Hopefully this means you’ll be able to continue to follow Great Bam and maybe we’ll see him back at Canterbury in 2013!

If my math is correct, in total, the 2012 racing club compiled a record as follows:

Downerbythemeadow

1 Start (1 Second)

Great Bam

4 Starts (2 Firsts, 1 Second and 1 Third)

Lovely Tak

3 Starts (1 First and 2 Fourths)

High Spirit

3 Starts (1 First and 2 Thirds)

Thanks to everyone that joined this year’s club. We’ll be back after the holidays with updates including information regarding the finalization of the sale and a final financial update once all of the bills have been paid.

Have a great holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

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Racing Club Financial Update

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Here’s an update to where the clubs stands financially as we kick off the Hawthorne Meet. This updated account of our financial position includes Great Bam’s September earnings in addition to September training expenses and August and September vet bills.

Here’s a closer look at the numbers:

Racing Club Balance 8/31 – $19,959.22

Earnings:

Great Bam Second Place Finish (9/3) – $2,340

Total Racing Club Earnings – $2,340

Expenses:

Great Bam Day Rate (30 days at $60 per Day) – $1,800

Great Bam Pony to Post – $25

Trainer Fee to Clay Brinson for Great Bam (9/3) – $234

Jockey Fee to Nik Goodwin for Great Bam (9/3) – $117

Equine Retirement Fees – $2

Great Bam Dentistry (9/5) – $85

Great Bam Shipping Bill to Illinois – $350

Illinois Racing License – $25

August Veterinarian Expenses:

Great Bam

Raceday Medication – $95

Electrolytes, Vitamins and Enzymes – $147

Thyroid Medication, Joint Lubricants and Supplements – $195.32

Lovely Tak

Raceday Medication – $40

Electrolytes, Vitamins and Enzymes – $110

Thyroid Medication, Joint Lubricants and Supplements – $382.26

High Spirit

Raceday Medication – $115

Electrolytes, Vitamins and Enzymes – $120

Thyroid Medication, Joint Lubricants and Supplements – $381.66

September Veterinarian Expenses:

Great Bam

Electrolytes, Vitamins and Enzymes – $27.45

Thyroid Medication, Joint Lubricants and Supplements – $88

Total September Training and August and September Vet Bills – $4,339.69

Total Remaining Balance – $17,959.53

Best of luck in the race on Saturday! Let’s hope for a win.

Great Bam Saturday Race Preview

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Back by popular demand, here’s a preview of Great Bam’s race on Saturday. As was mentioned in the previous post, he’s been installed as the 2-1 favorite on the morning line.

#1 Anthony’s Prayer (12-1) – Has been toiling at this level for quite a while and is winless since 2012. Has been beaten handily by lower competition in his most recent efforts. One the outside looking in. At most, a pace factor.

#2 Exchange Legend (20-1) – Broke his maiden at the very bottom this summer at Fairmont Park. Has not done well against winners in two subsequent efforts. He is lightly raced and only three so he is eligible to get better.

#3 Old Low Down (5-1) – A competitive sort that has been in the mix. Expect him to be close to the lead, potentially stalking the pace. Spent the summer on Arlington’s Polytrack and now returns to dirt where he has never finished worse than third in four career starts. Trainer hasn’t done well this year… 0 for 2012.

#4 Trust More (9/2) – Narrowly missed last out at Fairmont. Hadn’t really been close since breaking the maiden in January at Oaklawn Park. Finally showed a little speed last time out and have to expect they try to do the same again on Saturday. Pace player.

#5 Gracies Brudder (12-1) – Dropping in class and returning to the dirt where his only previous career start was a complete disaster. Hard to figure out what he’ll do, but have to think he goes for the lead. Interesting on the class drop, not on present form.

#6 Taxes (15-1) – Has been soundly defeated by easier competition in his last two. Wouldn’t expect a major reversal today. Definite outsider.

#7 Abaco Storm (4-1) – Has been running against tougher, has absolutely no early speed which means he’ll be coming from way off the pace. That running style isn’t as bad at Hawthorne but traffic can still be an issue. Bam defeated him twice back in March when the two ran heads up. Likely to be a late threat.

#8 Cherokeechallenger (20-1) – Has never raced on real dirt and has not defeated a single horse in three starts in 2012.

#9 Jack’s Big Fella (30-1) – Just broke the maiden against much softer competition. May have a little early speed but shouldn’t be anything too dangerous. Just need him to break cleanly so that Bam can get away in good order.

#10 Great Bam (2-1) – He’s probably going to go off at just below this morning line price if the race is bet as I expect. Shouldn’t be too much speed to deal with but needs to secure a good position. Hopefully he’s a little more fit this time around and he’ll be able to sit just off the pace before finishing with authority. Striking the lead too early in the race may not necessarily be good for him as he may need something to run at. If he runs his best, it’s his race to lose.

Without going into too much detail, it appears that High Spirit is well-spotted in his Hawthorne debut. His late-running style will be much better suited for that track than for Canterbury’s. Wouldn’t be at all surprising should he happen to win. At 6-1 on the morning line… may need to make sure to get out here so you can bet both of the runners!

Great Bam Entered for Saturday

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As was the plan, Great Bam has been entered for Saturday’s races at Hawthorne Race Course. Seth Martinez was named as the rider and Bam drew post 10 (of 10 entries) in Race 4. He has been installed as a rather heavy favorite on the morning line at just 2-1 which is a little surprising for a horse that is 1 for 31 lifetime. However, on paper, he certainly does fit with this group.

There is some other speed in the race so he may be best suited to sit just off the leaders and try to make a closing move in deep stretch. It’s historically been difficult to win at Hawthorne in wire-to-wire fashion, so that would be the ideal trip. The big key will likely be whether he decides to settle down early in the race or if he becomes tough to handle.

According to the Daily Racing Form, the race is scheduled to go off at 3:40pm. Hopefully many of you will be able to make it out to Canterbury to watch him run!

Also, High Spirit has been entered on the card in Race 2. It appears that Clay has been retained to train him once again for his new owner Jill Houston. You can check out full entries for the Hawthorne Card here.

Racing Club Financial Update Through August

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We’re back at the track today and it’s always a weird feeling when the live race meet ends. It’s quite a ride during the season and it’s an odd letdown when it all comes to an end. This year, it’s quite a different mood here as the cooperative marketing agreement between Canterbury Park and Mystic Lake Casino ensures that racing will not only be here in 2013, but it will be here in a big way.

Here’s a look at the club’s finances through the end of August.

Final Balance as of 7/31 – $17,122.90

Earnings:

Lovely Tak 3rd Place Finish 8-17: $1,080*

High Spirit 3rd Place Finish 8-18: $1,210

High Spirit 1st Place Finish 9-2: $5,400

High Spirit Claim: $3,500

Sale of Lovely Tak: $1,500

Total Racing Club August Earnings = $12,690

Expenses:

Lovely Tak Day Rate (31 Days at $60 per Day) – $1,860

Great Bam Day Rate (31 Days at $60 per Day) – $1,860

High Spirit Day Rate (30 Days at 60 per Day) – $1,800

Lovely Tak Shoes (8/10) – $120

Great Bam Shoes (8/23) – $175

Lovely Tak Pony to Post (8/17) – $25

High Spirit Pony to Post (8/18 and 8/30) – $50

Equine Retirement Fees – $2 per Start – $6

Jockey Fee to Nik Goodwin for Lovely Tak (8/17) – $65*

Jockey Fee to Denny Velazquez for High Spirit (8/18) – $75

Jockey Fee to Adolfo Morales for High Spirit (8/30) – $540

Trainer Fee to Clay Brinson for High Spirit (8/18 and 8/30) – $661

Coady Photography for High Spirit Photos – $1,092.27

July Veterinarian Expenses:

Great Bam

Equine Pain Medication – $53.58

Thyroid Supplement – $22.75

Lovely Tak

Raceday Medication – $103.58

Electrolytes, Vitamins and Enzymes – $176

Thyroid Medication, Joint Lubricants and Supplements – $510.25

High Spirit

Floating Teeth – $80

Raceday Medication – $35

Electrolytes, Vitamins and Enzymes – $85

Thyroid Medication, Joint Lubricants and Supplements – $458.25

Total August Training and July Vet Expenses – $9,853.68

Total Remaining Balance – $19,959.22

* Lovely Tak originally finished fourth in her race on 8/17. However, Royal Gamble (the second place finisher) was disqualified for a positive test following the race. Therefore, we were awarded third place money.

You’ll note that this statement does not include September racing transactions which would include a second place finish for Great Bam worth $2,600 before expenses or the August vet bill. These will be reflected on the next statement.

Clay’s first group of horses will ship Saturday. Not sure if Bam is part of the first group yet or not. We’ll let you know when we find out more.

High Spirit Picture and Great Bam Race Preview

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First of all, the photo of High Spirit is available now at the THIRD FLOOR information booth. You can pick up these pictures any day of the week. The information center is open seven days a week typically from 10AM – 6PM… later on weekends.

Please be sure to pick up your photo, they are already paid for. Some of you still have not collected your Lovely Tak photo. We have photos for all members of the club for both races.

Reminder, Great Bam is entered tomorrow, closing day in the second race of the afternoon (approximate post 2:04pm). If you are going in the paddock, meet us outside of the paddock shortly after the conclusion of the first race. Here’s a look at the field:

#1 I’m L W (15-1)

Quite honestly, this is one of the stranger entries I have ever seen. The horse hasn’t raced since 2007 (at a track that is no longer open). The nine-year-old has ten career races, showed works at Emerald Downs last summer but never raced, and now is entered here on closing day. Quite frankly, 15-1 is ridiculously low… should be 50-1… or more.

#2 British Fleet (5-1)

One of five in the field that made his last start at Prairie Meadows, this guy has run five consecutive second place finishes, albeit it against Iowa-bred company. Has some gate speed and should be a part of the pace. A definite contender.

#3 Shadow Edge (6-1)

The leading rider ends up here – on another Iowa invader. Has a touch of speed but not as quick as a few of the others in here. Probably slightly below British Fleet in terms of ability.

#4 Big Kenny (10-1)

Yet another Iowa-shipper, this one recently out of the maiden ranks. Butler takes the call here but this one seems to be a tad overmatched. A closer that tried open company maidens at the bottom here last summer and was beaten by thirty lengths. Outsider.

#5 Derby One Thirty (30-1)

A North Dakota bred whose only career victory came in a Yellowstone Downs in 2011. Another that should be closer to 50-1. Would be a complete shock.

#6 Eyeseeyou (8-1)

Man, 35W got a good amount of traffic from this field. Another Iowa-shipper, this one an open company runner that has struggled in his last two starts, beating only three horses. Prior to that he ran off four consecutive second place finishes. Pace factor?

#7 Cape Town Dancer (12-1)

The last of the Iowa invaders, this guy is still a maiden. Not likely to be a major factor in the race.

#8 Jolly Boat (20-1)

A Minnesota-bred facing open company on the final day of the meet. Connections likely wanted to get one more start in this guy. Another that would be a surprise.

#9 Kalico Cowboy (8-1)

An Iowa-bred that broke his maiden in career start number four, he is 0 for his last 11, only hitting the board twice in that stretch. No clear running style, have to guess that Trimble tries to send him a little bit.

#10 Hwy Onetwentyeight (9/2)

Recent maiden-breaker comes back at today’s six furlong distance after a route win. Has been on the pace going longer, may not be able to do that today going six panels. Arroyo needs to work a good trip, but this guy figures to make some noise.

#11 Great Bam (4-1)

Obviously, you all know Bam. Great to get him to the track, now we need to hope for the best. Post shouldn’t be an issue, Goodwin needs to get him out of the gate and secure a good position either on the lead or sitting just off the pace. Good enough to win if he’s fit and if everything goes right.

#12 Indy N Mission (20-1)

Still a maiden that has faltered three times at the bottom already this summer. However, this horse does have speed and could be a factor in making our trip difficult if we don’t get out of the gate. Need to be sure he doesn’t shut off our running lane.

Hope you all have a chance to come out to watch this race. Festival of Champions gets underway today in one hour! Come on out and join us if you can.

High Spirit Wins, Great Bam Entered & More!

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Congratulations on your second victory of the meet! High Spirit did what he was supposed to do last night and dispatched of his competition with relative ease as the wagering favorite!

Adolfo Morales gave him a very good ride keeping him tucked inside early in the race before angling him off the rail and swinging him wide for the drive where he was able to cruise home for the victory. Click here to see the full chart. Replay below:

 

Additionally, he was claimed for $3,500 by trainer Clinton Venner for new owner Jill Houston. In all, not a bad way to have that one wind down as we get the plus part of the purse ($5,400) plus the claim price of $3,500.

Congratulations on the victory! We’ll be working another deal with the photographer so that you can all have a picture of the win. More information to come on that later today or tomorrow.

Next, Great Bam’s race did fill for Monday. It will be run as the second of eleven races on closing day. Post time should be approximately 2 p.m. Make plans to attend closing day and watch Great Bam! It’s the M-Z group’s turn in the paddock. Please be sure to line up outside the paddock shortly after the first race to go in as a group.

He looks to be competitive in this spot. Obviously, we’ll need a little racing luck with a full field and we’ll have to hope that he’s at a pretty high fitness level. In any case, it will be good to see him running.

Lastly, Lovely Tak has been sold for $1,500 to a member of the racing club that intends to breed her next year. This is a good solution as she’ll be going to a good home… the same home as Crown the Cat! The group will collect the $1,500 and it will be placed in the account. Lovely Tak will likely ship out early next week.

We looked for a race for her, but it was clear this morning that there weren’t going to be enough in the race to make it go. Thus, we wish her well in her new career as a mom!

Bam Puts In Strong Workout, Etc

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Great Bam put in one final strong workout prior to his (hopeful) race on Monday. He went out this morning and went four furlongs in 46 and 4/5 seconds under Nik Goodwin.

We’ll enter tomorrow for Monday, hopefully the race gets enough runners to go.

Reminder, High Spirit runs tonight. Post time for his race is scheduled to be 10:49pm.

Also, if you have not yet claimed your Lovely Tak picture, please do so tonight at the THIRD FLOOR information booth. Again, the pictures will only be available at the third floor info booth, directly to your right at the top of the escalators.

High Spirit – Race #9 on Thursday

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As originally posted yesterday, High Spirit was entered for Thursday in a $3,500 Non-Winners of two races in the year claiming race going one mile and seventy yards on the main track. Approximate post time is scheduled for 10:49PM, thus you won’t need to worry about hustling out to the track in time to make the opening race…

This race’s paddock group will be those with last names starting with A – L. If you plan to join us in the paddock, please be sure to report to the paddock enclosure shortly after the conclusion of Race 8.

High Spirit drew post #10 was installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite and will be ridden this time around by Adolfo Morales. He and Clay have done quite well together as of late having won 6 of 8 races together during this meet.

Here’s a look at the full field:

#1 Stitchntwine (12-1)

This eight-year-old can jump up and run big once and awhile but he’s not at his best at this distance. He’ll likely sit mid pack and isn’t likely to be a huge factor.

#2 Ballet Way (15-1)

Soundly defeated in his last five races, this guy has done his better running on the turf. Another that seems unlikely to be making much noise down the stretch.

#3 Big City Bernie (5-1)

Tanner Riggs lands here and this one should play a factor in the outcome. He has enough speed to stay close and has speed figures to prove that he can get the job done. Certainly a contender.

#4 Bean (12-1)

Bean has some early speed and that is good as High Spirit is going to again need a pace setup to get the job done. Outside candidate for the win, but fast enough to set up the race for a closer.

#5 Cachemassa Creek (4-1)

Seven wins in 20 starts over the Canterbury main track and a narrow lost against this competition last time out. Another with speed and we’ll hope he hooks up with Bean and others to set it up for High Spirit.

#6 Vini Vidi Vinci (6-1)

Another that comes flying from the back of the pack, we beat him relatively easily last time when he never really got rolling. With any luck we should be able to do the same on Thursday.

#7 Tsar Tops Dancer (9/2)

The 2010 Minnesota Derby winner has only visited the winner’s circle once since that race and that was in his last start. Moves up the class ladder today to the most logical level and figures to be the biggest danger. Should attend the pace and have opportunity for first run.

#8 Express Air (12-1)

Two average efforts sprinting after a sojourn to Faro to run at North Dakota Horse Park. Would certainly be a surprise against these.

#9 I’m the Gold (30-1)

Has been toiling against N3L for a long time and now moves up to face N2Y. Would be a huge surprise.

#10 High Spirit (3-1)

If he runs back to his last two, he should win this one. Post shouldn’t be much of an issue as he typically takes back off the pace anyway. Look for Morales to try to secure the same type of spot High Spirit had last time and then try to run them all down in the stretch. Let’s hope we can get this guy to the winner’s circle on Thursday!

Great Bam and High Spirit Plans

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Jeff talked to Clay this afternoon to get an update on Great Bam and to discuss an alternative plan for High Spirit.

First, Clay was reasonably happy with the level of Great Bam’s conditioning after watching him workout and cool down yesterday. He is planning on trying to run him in a non-winners of two claiming race on closing day. As of now, that race would be for a $10,000 claiming price, but we’ll have to see how things progress. In the final week of the meet, lots of horses are usually looking to race, so we’ll need to keep an open mind and see if we can find the right race for him.

As for High Spirit, an extra race came up on the overnight yesterday for Thursday. The race is a $3,500 claiming race for horses that haven’t won two races in the year going one mile and seventy yards on the dirt. This is likely to be an easier spot than the race on closing day. Hopefully we can get this race to go and we’ll have a chance to run on Thursday.

Keep your fingers crossed! We’ll let you know when we know more.