Remote Control races Sunday; other news

[henthorn]

Henthorn Racing, Inc. stable news (the Rocking H signature line is from the design on the silks):

Remote Control, my 4yo Okie-bred gelding by Alphabet Soup is in the 8th race June 19th, tomorrow, at Fair Meadows in Tulsa. It is a state-bred ALW, NW3L. He's listed at 9/2 on the morning line, as the third favorite in a field of eight. The race runs at 7pm CDT, with Nena Matz up. She's done well for us before and on him last fall at Remington for his previous owner. This is his third race off a layoff, and he came in dead last in his last two tries (with excuses). Let's hope he gets to enjoy racing tomorrow, and remembers why he wants to be a racehorse again.

He's the only horse currently racing, since I sold Church Law this week due to suspensory injury and long-time poor expense/reward ratio. Maybe the 2yo filly Dreams for Hire will be ready to race by September/October.

My first mare's first foal broke his maiden at Fair Meadows for his owner this week; he is a 4yo gelding by With Approval out of Shake On It, named Motion Approved. It's hard to believe I started planning his conception over five years ago. He's a big gray gelding suited to distance and probably grass, and I wish his owners well. It always looks good on a catalog page to see the mare has one winner from one starter, and it won't hurt me any to see some breeders' bonuses.

[BenB]

Hopefully , luck is coming your way.

Ben

[henthorn]

Remote Control raced well, managed the bull ring well, and won easily tonight. The purse is very welcome, to help turn around our recent considerable losses. Always a front-runner in the past, this race was full of front-runners, and Nena was able to get him to relax and stalk in about fifth place. She started saving ground and passing horses gradually at about the half mile, and passed them all, winning by about 2-3 lengths. He looked so happy with himself!

[ageecee]

Congrats henthorn, now a NW-4 should be in the cards

[Green Hills]

Congratulations henthorn!!! Good job on his part.

[serenarider]

congrats great job:)

[BenB]

Many congrats, you sure owned it.


Ben

[madelyn]

Congrats!! Purse was $21K... I BET that is welcome!

[henthorn]

Thanks, Madelyn. Remote Control doesn't realize how much is riding on his shoulders. You're darn right the winner's share of a $21K purse is very welcome, as no one else is currently producing income. Five mares, two babes, growing yearling and 2yo, 2yo in-training, and two sale-prep yearlings all are depending on this boy to pay for their food, lodging, and tuition. And I've got three mares and a babe to transport back from KY this month. The yearlings won't bring in any sales revenue until September, and I hope to sell one weanling at Keeneland in November. One barren mare at least, still waiting to hear on the final mare, who didn't get bred until June 13th after her May 20th foaling.

The trainer and I agree that if Remote is training well, he's going into a $25K claiming race at Lone Star on the 8th, 7 1/2 furlongs turf (his favorite surface). It has a purse of $22K, and should be much easier than a shorter dirt sprint stake at Tulsa or an allowance/optional claiming $50K or open allowance at either track at $32-37K purse. Though these all have much better purses, a second place finish is only worth 20%, or equivalent of $6400-$7400, whereas a win worth 60% of $22K is $13,200. The only down side is that he might get claimed, but a chance at $13.2K + claiming price of $25K wouldn't be too hard to take. With a gelding, it's very important to place him where he has a good chance of winning, since one bad step leaves him without further earning power, and minimal sales value. Besides, he enjoys racing and being competitive.

P.S. I updated the avatar to show Remote Control, just a homely little knock-kneed sweetheart, and the barn pet. He's spoiled rotten by the groom.