After temperatures reached the mid-90 here in the Mid-Atlantic this week, it will fortunately be much cooler this weekend. One unlucky runner-up to recap and four to preview.
Last week:
In Saturday’s final race, Dendrobia took another step forward racing for the third time this year. Sent off as the 5-2 favorite, the daughter of Denman raced in mid-pack through the early stages of the 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint. While still racing in the bridle, she had to wait behind horses and didn’t find room until it was too late to challenge the runaway winner. She finished second, picking up another solid check for Cynthia McGinnes and Francis Clemens.
“I was very happy with her,” Tim said. “She was a little unlucky, with the big field and coming from behind. She wasn’t rank behind horses, (jockey Alex Cintron) was able to keep her comfortable. She found a way through and wasn’t intimidated, it showed me a little bit more about her.”
This week:
Simpson races for the first time as a gelding in Friday’s second race at 6 furlongs on the main track. Sheldon Russell will ride.
Katy’s Cooper is a new addition to the barn. He runs in Friday’s sixth. The 4-year-old owned by Jack Garey is unraced since a third-place finish in December at Fair Grounds.
“I like him. He’s been training well,” Tim said. “He has all grass form except for his first race. He’s probably going to be better going longer and probably wants grass, but I believe he can run well with the way he’s been working. Sheldon really likes him.”
Sheldon has the call in the race over 6 furlongs.
Ticker Tape Parade drops down in class and moves over to dirt in Saturday’s nightcap. Enchanted Evening is back in Sunday’s final race. She’ll be competitive if she can get out of the gate cleaner than she did last time.
Still Having Fun is doing well almost a month removed from his triumph in the Grade 2 Woody Stephens Stakes. He enjoyed a few easy days after his trip home and has trained forwardly since.
Keefe family update:
“Ryan is down at the University of Kentucky with Rumsey for orientation,” Tim said Thursday. “She’s getting geared up to go to Montana. It’s pretty cool going out there and being part of that team. Colby and Liam have lacrosse tournaments this weekend.”
Tim was referring to Ryan being part of the Area 2 team for the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships that will be held at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana from July 18-22.
