Well, the Fiz finished third again. Today he went about 1 1/16th miles on the turf at Tampa against other $16,000 claimers.
Fiz got away a step behind, but nothing to raise any concern. What did raise some concern was being carried about five wide heading into the turn. He raced three wide down the backside in nice position about midpack. As they rounded the turn heading for home, he was fanned another five wide, closed well, but only made it to third less than two lengths out of first. Arguably the wide trip cost us the win. I've watched the replay about a dozen times and I really don't know if Luis Gonzalez could have made it inside at any point to save ground. As much as I'd like to place blame, sometimes it's about racing luck and that was one thing we didn't have today.
The winner was lightly regarded 35-1 shot Princeofthestage, though a shout out to Gene Muehleck (horse owner, handicapper and all around good egg in Tampa) who called either Fiz or Princeofthestage for the win. Very impressive handicapping, Gene. Second went to Miami Beat who outfinished the Fiz today by a neck for second.
All in all a game effort again by our boy who had to travel one helluva long distance to pick up the third place check. Fizzy will get ready to travel up to Minnesota next week with the rest of the Rhone string for the opening of the Canterbury meet on Derby Day. More than likely Fiz'll get a couple of additional weeks off as the Canterbury meet rounds into form and the race dates pick up.
Am I disappointed we didn't win? You bet. But he's paying the bills, I think we made a nice claim and I'm looking forward to fun and interesting summer with Fizzy Pop and the members of GRS#1!
4 comments:
Ted--basically a 3 way picture where you missed the nod-a bit of luck and you get your picture taken-very rough stretch run and I was almost suprised no inquiry or objection light was up--very odd grass course yesterday--speed was holding yet the closers could NOT get there-also seemed the rail side of the turf was extra tiring--anyway damn Villa Gomez split my perfectas and tri--did get a 10 cent super and 10WPS on the 6--had 20WP on your horse -felt he was the logical winner but at 35-1 had to cover the 6....yeah the rider did you no favors but I do think you guys landed a turfer.
Trainer of the 6-Noel Hickey (an Irishman that doesn't drink!) was sitting by me and I talked to him after the race-(Noel Hickey-Buck's Boy=Breeders Cup turf winner) and he told me the 6 was an incredibly talented horse but just a total bad actor. He was very pleased with the horse's effort-and when a Breeder's Cup winning trainer talk-you listen. Beaten by a son of Theatrical by a length after a wide trip? You just may have a grass horse there!
Well, we almost covered your bet, but a helluva score on the 6 and a damn nice Super (over $450 for $1.20 wagered in a box) - I was wondering if you had that!
We're excited about getting him onto the turf course at Canterbury - fingers crossed, it could be an entertaining summer.
Ted- enjoy your posts. Stumbled across your site when doing some searching on horse ownership as we are a new group in MN who also made a claim at Tampa and will be at Canterbury this season.
I'll keep a watch out for Fizzy Pop's first race in MN.
Hi Jack! Glad you found us and I hope we can touch base at Canterbury over the summer. Drop me a line sometime and let me know which horse you claimed and the details.
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