We had great fantasies when we claimed this horse in June. We thought he’d run in Saratoga and give us some summer fun. We thought his numbers were good enough for him to be competitive. What we didn’t figure on was his poor condition. He had to rest and regain his strength.

We still hoped he’d make it up to Saratoga later in the meet… but no. He hurt himself in training  and it took five months to get him ready to run. Linda put him in a claiming race with a cheaper “tag” (claiming price) than the one from which we claimed him. It was an invitation to all trainers to “drop a slip” in the claiming box, which takes place before the race is run.

This strategy only makes sense if you can win the race and get the first place part of the purse. Even if that would happen, we’d barely break even on the cost of the horse… but Linda said it would be difficult to keep him sound. So, we went for it.

We’d only seen the horse for the first time last Saturday. So, we had no time to build any affection for him. No one went to the race today, not even Linda. Now he’s gone.

So, let’s get to the race. He was wearing number 5 but ended up in the 2nd gate slot because others scratched. Commentator Andy Serling said the inside was playing poorly in prior races, so he had one strike against him. He also said that Linda was 0 for 19 entering a horse into a claiming race after a layoff. Strike two!

They got into the gate and when it opened, Jose Ortiz got him going on the inside. He lay third. However, there were two in front of him of lots right behind.

Jose moved him up to challenge the leaders. He seemed to have some trouble keeping up but one of the horses faded and on the stretch turn, Our Caravan was able to cut the corner and gain some ground. Now, he was first but being challenged by a different horse. First, Our Caravan pulled away and then the other horse started dropping back… but there was more trouble coming on the outside.

The #10 horse who had been running back in the pack had built up a head of steam and was passing horses. He had Our Caravan in his sites. It looked like he was going to pass him. Jose actually turned back to see who was coming. He worked hard to stimulate Our Caravan, who hung in there. I’m praying for the wire. My heart is beating fast and I’m all tense.

The lead is down to a half length, a quarter, a head… and, mercifully, he crosses the finish line first! Wow, that was close. No need for the EMS for me.
I was happy and, now, i hoped he wouldn’t be claimed… but you already know that conclusion. So, thank you and good-bye to Our Caravan. It ws Linda’s and Jose’s third win of the day.

Very few people let me know whether they wanted/needed more photos in these messages. Thank you to those who did respond.

I’ll have more info on what we’re doing with our broodmares for next season and, hopefully, where and when we will be racing again.

Since we’re a little more than a week from Thanksgiving, we wish you a very happy holiday!