Weekly Update
Weekly Stable Update
Peter Petrify
Coming off a respectable fourth-place finish his last time out, Pete once again overcame a difficult outside draw at Saratoga Harness. Despite leaving from the far outside, he was able to get away second and secure a perfect pocket trip. Pete remained in the pocket for the entirety of the race before making his move late. Although he was unable to catch the leader, he turned in a strong second-place finish. Pete will now be relocating to Minnesota to join Nick Roland’s barn, where he will be racing at Running Aces. We are thrilled to open up a position with Nick and continue expanding our stable into the Midwest.
Beef N Cheddar
The outside draw proved to be a bit much for Beef to handle in his first start at Plainridge this past week. Beef showed his early speed, leaving from the outside 7 post and clearing to the lead. However, as the field reached the second half of the race, he was unable to maintain that advantage and was eventually swallowed up by the rest of the field, finishing eighth. A first start over a new track can often be challenging, so we’ll put this one behind us. Beef returns to Saratoga Harness this Saturday night, where he drops down for some class relief to the $12,500 claiming level and draws inside with the 3 post. We look forward to seeing how he performs at this level.
Manhattan Artist
Arty enjoyed a well-deserved week off after putting together several consecutive strong efforts. He returns to action this Saturday night at Saratoga Harness in his usual class, drawing the 5 post. We look forward to seeing how he performs after the freshening and hope to see him pick up right where he left off.
Beat Bobby Bayou
Coming off a strong third-place effort in his Saratoga debut the week prior, Bobby turned in another respectable performance back at Tioga Downs this past weekend from the rail. He took advantage of the inside draw by getting to the early lead and controlled the tempo until around the three-quarter mark, when the pressure began to mount. Although he was unable to get the job done on the front end, Bobby continued to battle gamely and finished a close fourth in a trotting mile that went a respectable 1:56 and change for the class. Bobby gets the week off this week as we await entries for his next start.
Cruzin America
Cruzin was unable to get the job done at Pocono Downs this past weekend despite the support of the bettors, who sent him off as the 9/5 favorite. He got away well from the gate and looked to be in perfect position for a pocket trip behind a longshot leader controlling the pace. Cruzin remained comfortable in the pocket until the final turn, when he tipped to the outside looking ready to go right by the leader. Unfortunately, he just didn’t have it this time and was unable to gain any ground despite the ideal trip. It was a blanket finish with horses charging from all directions, but despite being in contention throughout, Cruzin ultimately finished seventh. He will get the week off as we await entries for his next start.
Phantom Tom
Coming off a respectable third-place finish in his Maine debut at Cumberland Raceway the week prior, Tom put in another competitive effort despite the outside draw. Although he crossed the wire fifth, he was placed fourth following an inquiry involving the original third-place finisher. It was a blanket finish, with Tom missing the winner by just a head while also pacing the fastest final quarter of the race. Tom continues to show that he belongs with these trotters in Maine, and we look forward to seeing him improve as trainer Chris Dubois continues to get to know him and he settles into his new surroundings.
Dance Machine
Coming off a week of rest, Dance Machine made his Batavia debut for the LLC this past weekend and turned in a very respectable performance, finishing a clear second in a $9,000 event. He paced the fastest final quarter of the race and missed victory by just a head. That now makes two consecutive second-place finishes for Dance Machine, and we look for him to continue that strong form this Saturday night back at Batavia Downs, where he draws the 6 post.
Wonka Bar
Wonka enjoyed a well-deserved week off this past weekend and returns to action this Saturday night under the lights in his usual class at Saratoga Harness. He draws inside with the 3 post and regular driver Jim Devaux returns to the bike. Although he is still searching for his first career victory, Wonka has been remarkably consistent of late, recording four second-place finishes and two third-place finishes in his last seven starts. We look forward to seeing if he can keep that consistency rolling this weekend.
Yamaka
Yammy has been unable to make much of an impact over his last few starts and has had a relatively quiet month due to some difficult post positions and racing luck. Nonetheless, the veteran remains in action, and trainer Chris Dubois believes the upcoming Maine Fair circuit should provide some good opportunities for him to get back to his winning form.
RobinTheCradle
Robin enjoyed a well-deserved week of rest after winning his second consecutive race while also setting a new lifetime mark of 1:53.1 over the Northfield Park half-mile track. Robin returns to action this Saturday night at Scioto Downs in a $15,500 event. He draws the 6 post and will look to extend his winning streak to three in a row for the stable.
DiscoveringTheHunt
The drop in class proved to be beneficial for Hunt last time out as she turned in her strongest performance yet for the stable. Racing from off the pace seemed to suit her well, and she closed strongly late to finish a clear second in a $15,000 event at Yonkers Raceway this past Friday night. She now steps back up in class for an eye-catching $21,000 event this Friday night. Hunt draws the rail with Jordan Stratton back in the bike and is listed at 4-1 on the morning line. We look forward to seeing how she performs in one of the top mare classes at Yonkers.
Besta Blue Chip
Our Chapter Seven yearling, Besta Blue Chip, recently came down sick and has been taking some time off to return to full health before resuming his racing career. His health and long-term development remain the top priority, so we will continue to be patient while awaiting further updates on this promising two-year-old trotter.
Top Notch Treasure
Coming off his second consecutive Maine Sire Stakes victory, Top Notch wasted no time picking up another gate-to-wire win, remaining unbeaten and improving to three-for-three early in his racing career. He fired off the gate from the 5 post, cutting a sharp opening quarter in :29 before backing the pace down to a comfortable 1:02.1 half while controlling the race on the front end. The even-money favorite looked like he might threaten late, but Top Notch measured him off with confidence to secure another impressive victory.
Weekly Recap
Overall, the stable continued its strong stretch this past week, highlighted by three impressive second-place finishes across three different tracks. The biggest story of the week, however, was Top Notch Treasure remaining unbeaten with his third consecutive victory, continuing to make easy work of the Maine Sire Stakes circuit. With several horses back in action this weekend, we look forward to another exciting week of racing. Stay tuned for more results as they come in.
