Thursday, October 2, 2008

Sunday a big day

We got a little lucky at the entry box today and hoping that carries over to the races Sunday when Makutus and Albin are both scheduled to run at Keeneland. Makutus, who was originally supposed to run Friday but had the race pushed back due to lack of entries, is in the 5th race which is an allowance race going 1 1/8th on the polytrack. Albin, who was entered in both a maiden special weight race on the polytrack and the Woodford Reserve Stakes on the turf, was fortunate to draw into the stake when only 11 others were entered.

Makutus race is a tough one as several of the other runners are coming off sharp races at various tracks around the country. He appears like the main speed and hopefully jockey Rene Douglas can ration out that speed and hold off the closers.

Albin drew post number 11 of 12 but that may not be as big of factor as usual because of his closers style. Rene Douglas will also ride him in the $200,000 Woodford which is a Grade 3 race and part of the Breeders Cups "Win and your in" series. Hopefully he can save some ground in the first turn, get a good position down the backside behind a solid pace and get through coming for home.

Comeback broke alertly from the gate and got right into his work but became a bit distracted when the horse he was working with pulled up after going less than 3 furlongs. His time of 50.20 would have been at least a second quicker if he had company throughout. He is improving with maturity and a Churchill start is looking good.

Appoint worked her 1st half mile going 51.20 after going 3 furlongs in 37.80. She galloped out well and is progressing nicely. We will go a few more half miles with her and will do some gate work her this week.

Carl S. and Rampillion went 49.60 in company, galloping out in 104. They broke off a little early and worked head and head throughout. They are both training well and should make starts at Churchill in November also.

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