Surfer Dude - Lecomte (Grade 3) Fair Grounds KY Derby Prep
SURFER DUDE - Pictured above breaking his maiden at Churchill - ran yesterday in the Kentucky Derby points race the Lecomte at Fair Grounds. Going a mile and a sixteenth, Surfer Dude pressed the pace with favorite Epicenter, going quick fractions. When they turned for home, Surfer Dude tried to make a move at Epicenter but emptied very quickly and ended up tiring to last.
Despite his pedigree screaming that he can go as far as one would like, his physical prowess and muscular front end makes me think seven furlongs to a mile is about as far as he wants to go. Clearly a very talented colt, but I'm somewhat glad that he didn't run well so that he will possibly be shortened up to races that will fit him. I also wonder if he bled, which stepping off the Derby trail will allow him to run on Lasix.
Results and Replay HERE
Tiz Life - 3rd in Maiden Special Weight at Sam Houston
Late last night, TIZ LIFE - the older brother of Surfer Dude - ran in a MSW on the turf at Sam Houston. He was a bit on the muscle, and even broke through the starting gate prior to the race, though the gate crew did a great job holding him so no harm was done. He raced forwardly, but a bit rank under a hold from the jockey. Turning for home, Tiz Life took a brief lead before getting collared by the favorite and another, but fighting on for 3rd. Now that he has put two solid performances in, we are going to take the blinkers off in an effort to get him to settle a bit more in his races. Despite seeming like he would perform on the turf, I think he's actually better on dirt so we will aim for that as well.
Replay can be found HERE by looking for Race 9 on 1.22
Updates
SHEZAPISTOL - "Pistol" had a solid work this week before the freeze moved in at Oaklawn Park. The clockers got her way off, as Steve had her in 38.1 and our friend Ron had her at 38 flat. Heavy track and just what we wanted, she should work again sometime late next week.
NEWSCASTER - Newscaster is entered next week at Sam Houston for a $30,000 claiming tag - but after looking at the form we are going to scratch him. Newscaster is a clear standout in the race and we really don't want to lose him for the $30,000 at this point, so we are working on something else. The problem is we really can't find any spot, so it will take a bit of work and cooperation from the racing secretary.
RISING EMPIRE - Aiming for a MSW at Fair Grounds on Feb. 4th going a mile and a sixteenth
STRONG LIGHT - pictured above - is being aimed for a MSW race at Gulfstream on Pegasus Day, next Saturday the 29th.
Everyone else is working solidly and making the right moves. I'll be back with a recap of the works this week and other updates.