We lucked out weather wise on both Saturday and Sunday. Turf course was firm and the sun shone.

Katy is a sweet horse. The way she finishes races is exciting. However, she often is so far back that her run still falls short. That is the situation with Saturday’s race.

Last year’s Eclipse award winning Jockey, Ramon Dominguez was hurt on Friday in a fall. So, he took Saturday off. Jose Espinoza was the sub. Since we love our puppy, Jose, so much, we hoped it was meant to be. He got a good start, then let her settle to the back with one of the race favorites. However, when the other took off, he stayed back. Nonetheless, when he finally called on her to run, she closed to within 1 3/4 lengths of the winner but only a fourth place finish. Had he started earlier with the other horse, they could have been in it at the end. C’est la vie!

On Sunday, Holy Blitzer looked like a big white steed from fairy tales… something the prince would ride to rescue the fair damsel. She was beautiful… until the race started. The opening of the gates left her flatfooted and in last. Ramon was back today but he said she ran scared and was intimidated by the others. Last year on this date Ramon was on her for an easy win at this distance on this racetrack in a faster time. What can I say. Linda says she looks better, has been training better, etc. but she didn’t perform as well. As they say, “that’s horse racing!”

On the other hand, our friend Patsy’s horse, Gitchee Goomie, ran a great race in the $100,000 Mount Vernon Stakes. Alan Garcia, who sometimes can’t get out of the gate, did a masterful job. While she didn’t win by a lot, it seemed like an easy victory. We joined Patsy’s daughter Lisa and trainer Rick Violette in the Winner’s Circle and after our loss, we toasted their victory and drowned our sorrows with champagne, courtesy of the New York Racing Association. As Patsy reminded me, we’ve had those victories in the past and we hope for more in the future for us and for her.

Best,

A.