Rain anyone?

This is getting ridiculous. After the Philadelphia area set a record for rainfall in any month ever (at least according to recorded history) during August, September has already had more wet days than not. Of course there isn't anything that us mere mortals can do about it (other than incessantly whine) so we must adjust training schedules, monitor forecasts and pray that our turf horses find races between storms.

We will be attending the yearling sale at Keeneland for books four and five and will be looking for good looking bargins from regional programs in the Northeast such as PA, NY and MD. Get in touch with me if you are interested in buying a yearling or perhaps going partners on something that we purchase. The top of the market may still be solid and NY breds could be a bit overpriced as people look ahead to the racino at Aqueduct opening this fall but the levels at which we look to purchase ($30000 and lower) will be the softest part of the market.

Mustang Island ran about as well as he could finishing third on Monday at Monmouth. Stretching out to 1 1/8 on the grass which is further than he has ever run before, he stalked a slow pace, made a nice move at the top of the stretch and just ran out of gas the last 50 or so yards. We had planned on running back in the 32000nw3 race going 1 1/16th the same day but it didn't fill so we wound up in the allowance race which was a touch further than he probably wants to go. Mustang is such a versitile horse as the start before we purchased him he led a 6 furlong turf race through fractions of 22 and 44 and there he was Monday rating in third behind a 49.3 pace.

Target Practice ran 5th last Saturday at Delaware Park after setting swift fractions. Not only did he set a fast pace for the first 5 furlongs, but soon after faced a challenge going into the far turn and was never able to get a breather. Target came out of the race in good shape and we will look for a similar spot soon.

Lyle's Angel ran a fantastic race on August 29th at Parx, finishing a good second to a 1-5 favorite who had to work hard to get by her late. She showed much more early speed after breaking sharp from the rail, contesting the pace through fractions of 22.58 and 45.57 before winding up second best by little more than a length in a fast time of 1:16.18 for the 6 1/2 furlongs.

Six Clicks finally broke through and got DMD Thoroughbreds into the winners circle. Shipped all the way to Presque Isle Downs for his first try over the polytrack, Six Clicks got a great trip, sitting 4th behind the early speed before moving around them on the turn, opening up at the top of the stretch and cruising home. He will remain at Presque Isle under the care of Glen Wismer and we are looking at a race on the 24th before the meet ends on the 1st of October.

Cascades Comet has moved to Parx, taking the final steps down the comeback path which looked improbable not that long ago. She worked a sharp half mile from the gate, going 47.55 in company with Jelly Dount last Saturday and will work one more time this coming weekend before we enter her for a maiden race on the 18th of September.

Jelly Donut working in company with Cascades Comet broke alertly on his way to a 47.55 half mile which was tied for 5th best out of 32 that worked that distance. He is being pointed for a MSW race on September 17th at Parx and while you would tend to think with his size that he would be better going longer, as he gets fitter he seems to be finding more speed.

Train Fare worked a steady half mile on Tuesday at Westampton Training Center, getting the distance in 52 flat. She is slowly turning the corner and I hope to get her to the races soon.

Southern Access worked a nice four furlongs on Tuesday at the training center in company with Goonsquad. She went in 50 after setting the pace for her work partner. This was the third solid work in a row for her and she will be heading to Parx for her next work.

Goonsquad wound up breaking off behind Southern Access, took a little dirt before making a strong move around the turn and finished up well. She was timed in 49.3 and is also ready to move to the racetrack to get her gatework in.

Beverly's Spirit has been alternating between galloping and swimming in her training program. She is doing fine, just still a bit immature.

Red Baroness returned to the worktab on the 31st, going four furlongs in 51.40 in company with Slumber Smarty who also went in 51.40. Both are overdue to work back as we are waiting on the track to dry out.

Angry Dragon did not take to the dirt track at Monmouth as well as we had hoped and came back with a swollen right eye, with a dirt clod being the most likely culprit. Just this morning she had an abcess popout of her left front foot which could have also been a contributing factor to her poor performance. We are still thinking of wheeling her back on the 20th at Parx on the turf if she can resume regular training this weekend.

All Peace N Quiet worked 49.21 on September 1st, her first work over the Parx surface. She has trained steadily over the last 6 weeks and has moved closer to her return to the races in a few weeks.

Double Edged Sword has been training fine after a brief freshening. Look for him to work this weekend if the weather permits.

Fusaichi Pretty has gone back to light exercise as she recovers from a minor injury.

Hemissesu has been doing an extensive amount of gate work over the last few weeks. Her problem isn't that she is scared or afraid or a bad actor at the gate. The issue is that she is perfectly willing to go in nicely but  unfortunately leaves the gate at the same speed! Going in company has picked her head up a bit and she will work this weekend at Parx.

Hippocrates Jones ran a bang up race last week at Penn National, coming from far back to run 2nd on the dirt. We have not been able to get him back on the turf due to the rainy weather and it was encouraging that he showed a good closing kick on the dirt once again. There is a 7500 nw2 race going two turns at Parx on the 25th that looks like a logical next step.

Normandruth worked for the 2nd time off of a long layoff last week at Parx. He is doing well and will also be returning to the worktab this weekend.

Sligolicious is going to be retired and made into a show horse

Crownme is a new addition to the stable. He is a 2 year old PA bred by Rubiyat owned by Crown Racing. So far he has trained right along with no problems.

Expedite is another new 2 year old PA bred. He is also owned by Crown Racing and is by Request for Parole. Unfortunately he sustained a minor injury prior to his arrival and will miss a few weeks while recovering.