The stable tallied win number 19 on Thursday when Jimmymac Bear crushed seven rivals in a $12,500 claimer at Pimlico on Thursday. Ridden by Sheldon Russell (who else?), the 5-year-old son of Grand Slam secured an easy lead and an easy pace before cruising to a 5-length win over Penitent Prayers and Sir Diamond.

Owner Tim Hopkins claimed the Texas-bred for $19,000 on March 16. He faltered that day, winding up fifth, beaten 4 1/2 lengths. Considering he was second in a two-other-than allowance in his previous start, it wasn’t a great effort.

When you claim horses, it’s like opening Christmas presents from old aunts who see you once a year. Put down the the Jello mold and delicately unwrap the box, hoping she didn’t buy you Underoos (now, that you’re 17). We took Jimmymac Bear home and waited. A month later, we dropped him a couple of pegs in the claiming ladder and wound up with a winner. Nobody claimed him, so we’ll have him to fight another day.

We set an audacious goal this year. Well, again, my crackpot Internet designer set the goal – 50 wins for the year. So far, we’re on schedule, Jimmymac (cool name, huh?), made it 19 on the year. Things will get tougher as horses lose conditions and the deep stables return from Florida. Hopefully, we have a strong band of 2-year-olds bolstering the starting lineup, including a colt by Sharp Humor and a filly by Rahy, who arrived from Florida this week.