Finally, another runner!

[henthorn]

Stage Center, my 3yo filly by Geri ex Shake On It, is entered for her debut in a $20,000 maiden claiming race at Oaklawn Park this Thursday, January 25th, ninth race, #7. It is 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt restricted just for 3yo fillies.

We really don't know what to expect from her , except that she seems to be a good student. She's ticklish on her flanks , so she'll wear a blanket over that area to keep the gate walls from bothering her. Quincy Hamilton is up, and he was a great apprentice last year , now a journeyman.

I always thought she was too timid as a youngster , but the boarding farm/trainer said she was agile, sneaky, quick, and always was the hardest one to catch for handling . And she flattened him unexpectedly one day when she was a yearling , with a good back-kick. He said if ever one of mine was a runner, she'd be the one.

Her picture is in the database, and her half-bro is my avatar, Motion Approved. (he used to be my avatar, the gray gelding.)

[geowarrior]

She sounds like a character. The best of luck with her. Let us know how she comes out of it.

[Denise]

Good luck with her!

[BenB]

Good luck, for you and you,re filly

[madelyn]

Good luck tomorrow!

[emmad]

Good Luck look forward to hearing how she does

[Marli]

Henthorn,

Hope your filly has a safe outing- good luck!!

[henthorn]

Well, this 5 1/2 furlong race was a free-for-all, with seven first-time starters out of nine running. Stage flew from the gate like she had been shot from a cannon, immediately was a neck ahead of the rest. But then she fell in behind others in the second flight, and got caught up in traffic. The jockey wasted a lot of ground trying to bring her to the outside to get clear, then pulled her inside just in time to get stuck behind another wall of horses. When she finally got clear in the stretch, she was out of gas.

She finished in fifth place, five lengths from the front, and just ahead of the sixth horse. The final three finishers were far behind the pack. She went off as the second longest shot in the race at 35:1, and put in a valiant effort. She got the "trial by fire" method of learning for her first race, and should gain a lot from it. She seemed to enjoy herself, and comes from miler/router ancestry on both sides. We expect her to move forward from here, and were happy with her effort. There was certainly nothing "timid" about her performance!

[Denise]

I watched the race, and thought she got a very mediocre trip, especially off the final turn turn. He put her behind that wall of horses and she was still game, in spite of the traffic. She didn't quit trying, which is important.
I think she learned a lot and will acquit herself the next time, now that she knows what to expect.
Nice little filly...good luck with her!

[henthorn]

My trainer also faulted the jockey, but I can't imagine how a jockey can possibly prepare or react perfectly in a race with so many unknowns: temperament, racing style, fitness, quality. Quincy is a good rider, and thankfully no one was hurt. Hindsight is always 20/20. The filly from arguably the best trainer's barn won it as a first time starter. He seems to be better at finding the proven combinations of quality horse, preparedness, and top jockey. That's why he is a top trainer.

[Des]

I watched the race myself and was impressed with her run. She certainly outran her odds. At the turn she was looking for some help from her jock as to where to go. She wanted to do some running....She should be better next out with this experience. Hope she came back in good order.

[henthorn]

I just got off the phone with my trainer. She was fine after the race, ate up all her chow, and has no ill effects. Onward and upward!

[geowarrior]

Glad to hear the good news. It sounds like she will be one to watch for the future. Congratulations!

[emmad]

Good to hear she came through her first race well.

Hope she improves for you in her next start.