Smokie comes second at Fair Grounds. Rose to race on Sunday.

[geowarrior]

Citi Smoke ran at Fair Grounds in an allowance for 2 year old males. Another one of those heart-in-mouth races where he bumped at the start, was all over the track in dead last position, then pulled off an astonishing stretch run to be beaten only half a length for second by the favorite Tony Terrific (Gone West). The distance was 1 mile on the turf. I really think he has incredible raw talent, but with quality horses in the field he has to settle faster. Still a great result I think, and Smokie's antics always make for great entertainment.

Oriental Rose will run at Fair Grounds in a 1 mile turf allowance on Sunday. This is her first shot on the turf and at the distance, so I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

[jagger]

I'm only going to say it once. And, you heard it here first. Smokie is going to do something significant as a three year old.

[BenB]

I,ll wrote it before Smokie needs time to grow in him self, than you will see what,s happening.
He will learn the game.
Never the less Congrats.
Fingers crossed for Rose.
I do not doubt if she can handles turf, but I think she likes a little of juice
in it

Ben

[geowarrior]

OK everybody (and thanks). You heard Jagger. I'll be holding him to it!

[geowarrior]

Oriental Rose came fifth after a bad start (Fair Grounds, allowance, 1 mile on the turf) where she was left in the gate. She was gaining ground in the final quarter and overtook quite a few horses in the final stretch. I would call it a promising performance first time at the distance and on the surface, but it's a little hard to evaluate. She might like a dirt route better. Oh and Ben, the turf track was firm.

[BenB]

I,ll find it quite amazing, wondering what could have happened if she started as good as the others.
I do not think there is a good, or soft turf track around somewhere and an
allowance race for her.
They switch them to the dirt I suppose.
Keep my fingers crossed for the next opportunity.

[geowarrior]

I got an update from our managing partner yesterday. Apparently Rose started to move backwards in the gate just as the starter was pushing the button, but it was too late for him to stop. The starter came up to our m.p. and trainer and apologised for her terrible start. Then the jockey tried to save ground along the inside and the condition of the grass was terrible, he had to 'steady' her slightly a couple of times before he was able to start with the final run. The jockey described her trip as 'horrifying'. After the race she was discovered to have thrown a shoe. Also the vet discovered mucus in her airways, an allergy apparently. Poor Rose, she did remarkably well in the face of all that.

[Roguelet]

Sounds to me like she did a wonderful job in the face of all those adversities. Sounds like with a little racing luck she should get to the winner's circle next time!

[freshman]

Wow, it is almost scary how knowing the "real" inside story changes the things you assume about a horse. Sounds like Rose did very well condsidering her racing luck and has a real chance to improve in her next and other upcoming starts. Go Rose!

Thanks for sharing the info about Smokie and keeping us on top of all his progress. He sounds like an exciting one to watch, very fun. Be sure to keep us posted about him

Hey, don't forget us when Smokie or Rose hits it big! What promising youngsters you have...

[geowarrior]

If any of them hit it big I will definitely remember my supportive friends here on the board. However my share of Smokie, Rose and Gear It Up is so small that your share is going to be miniscule! But it's the thought that counts right?

[madelyn]

I just like cheering you on!

[geowarrior]