I expected to have this info early yesterday but only received it later in the day when I was already attending a wedding. Numismatic was dehydrated and required intravenous fluids. His white blood cell count was not normal. The Vet thinks he was just finishing a low-grade cold. The Vet will check him tomorrow and, if all is well, he will be entered again for next weekend.

MarvelthisBliss ran on Saturday night, while I was attending a concert by the Midtown Men (four originals from Jersey Boys who sing Four Seasons tunes and songs from the 60’s. They’re produced by my friend Ken Wirth). The strategy for our almost 9-1 pacer from the number 2 position was to put him in back of the number 1 favorite, Myster Bono. This would force the inner horse to run into the wind while Marvel would run covered up… an easier trip. I brought my I-Pad to the concert but could not get a video signal. So, I talked to Eric at the intermission. Our plan did not work out that way.

Myster Bono appeared rank (hard to handle) and we were forced to go to the front. MarvelThisBliss ran well but could not stave off the stretch charge of the 2-1 GreatHeartHanover whose odds were affected by a lot of late money. Still we ran second and brought home our first harness racing paycheck. He paid $6.40 to Place and $6 to Show (the high show price is reflective of all the money bet on Mr. Bono to Show but he ran off the board).

I was surprised to find out that Harness racing purse distribution is different from Throughbred racing. First place gets 45% compared to 60%. Second place gets 25% compared with 20%. Third gets 15% compared to 10%. Fourth gets 10% compared to 5%. Fifth gets 5% compared to 2 or 3%.

We hope to get the opportunity to see them race next weekend. Of course, who knows when our grandson will decide to appear. The due date is the 21st. So, we have to be on our toes.

Best,

A.