Weekly recap

This past week went pretty well for us on the racetrack though we had a few physical setbacks, none look too serious. Kickin n Screamin's 2nd place finish was a good effort on Thursday at Arlington. On Friday, Rain Shower won a hard fought stretch duel by a head to win the 5th race at AP, a $25000 claiming race for Bob Gary. (chart) She ran decently in two allowance races since we claimed her at Keeneland but we were looking for a win and she and Rene Douglas got the job done. She will most likely run back in a similar race for $25000 on the turf in a few weeks. In the 7th at Arlington on Friday afternoon, Fading Light made her first start for us since we purchased her from the Keeneland January sale. The race was a 1 1/8th turf allowance race and we drew post position 11. She showed a little more speed than usual, though still 10 lengths off the pacesetters. She made a nice run through the stretch, was steadied slightly at the eighth pole and wound up in third place about 4 lengths behind the winner. it was a good effort for a filly who hadnt run in a long time. (chart) Galaxy Lady ran third at Ellis Park yesterday. She broke a step slow from the rail and as it turns out must have hit the gate when breaking as she had 2 big welts on her side where she knocked the skin off. She put forth a mild rally to get third, just missing second place. (chart) For the week we ran four horses and had a record of one win, one second and two thirds which is a pretty good week.

Aldebutante worked yesterday over the Churchill beach. She went in 50.60 in hand under Cherie and I told her not to let her do more than that because the track was so deep and tiring. Apparently water for the track isn't in the budget. She galloped out very well which is not surprising considering how easily she worked. We are planning on working out of the gate on Friday. That will be a big work because it will be the last strong work before she runs. We cant afford to miss any days or have any setbacks if we are going to make a race on the 10th.

Rampillion worked 3 furlongs in 37 seconds which was a pretty good move. Going in company with Graphite Halo, Rampillion started off well and finished up good despite the deep conditions. She was pretty winded afterwards but cooled out in good condition. She will also work on Friday going 3 furlongs once again. Graphite Halo, who has grown immensely the last six weeks, was under a strong hold throughout and will work another three next week also. She will also do some gate work as will Rampillion.

Makutus continues to train strong on the road back to the races. He worked a nice 5 furlongs in 101 which was the 5th fastest of 28 workers at the distance. Cherie said that he hit the ground fine and galloped out with good energy. He was a bit winded returning to the barn which was not surprising considering the condition of the track. Makutus was scheduled to return to the races at Turfway park in September but it looks like he will be ready far in advance of that meeting.

Comeback 'two minute licked' for 5 furlongs and galloped strong afterwards. He will most likely work 3 furlongs next weekend. Campaneris has trained well though she is still quite a bit behind most of the other 2 year olds because of her late start.

Mercury Rising worked 4 furlongs in 50.80 without company. He did fine but doesn't have much fire in him without company. He will need a few more sharp works before he heads to the Finger Lakes to begin his racing career.

Appoint is turing the corner physically and has trained in a much more foward manner lately. She will begin working and doing serious gate work soon.

Colonel Klink continues his steady march towards his racing debut on August 9th at Arlington Park. He worked in 101.60 out of the gate under a strong hold of exercise rider Willie Dunn. Colonel Klink was in company with Albin but outbroke him and waited on him for a short while before going on by himself. Albin still has trouble leaving the gate and that has to be improved upon if he is going to run on the 17th at AP on the turf in his first start. He wound up working in 103.60 after his slow start.

Inky Blanford has been turned out for 30 days at his owners farm for some R&R. Shades of Hope has worked a few quarter miles in Ocala and is scheduled to ship North in a few weeks. Jacques Sparrow has a minor injury and will have a brief break from training. E Major is doing well and is scheduled to work 1/2 mile on Monday at AP. She is being pointed to a turf sprint on August 22nd at AP. E.T. Baird will be her new jockey. Carl S. is doing fine as is Normanruth. Moonlight Flite has spent the last week on the Aqua Pacer at Bluegrass Equine Center, which is her 1st exercise since injuring herself at Keeneland this spring. Bubble Berry, Cool Clue, Bob's Bean and two returning horses Solomons Buddy and Sox A Fire have all also been training on the Aqua Pacer.