Horses Come and They Go

July isn't getting much better as you may have surmised by my absence from this space. No need to tell the world what's going on (though I may write about it later), but like my mother says, "Kids are your greatest joy and can cause the greatest heartache." Thankfully everyone is healthy and this too shall pass, but the havoc caused is very real and has kept me away from the blog for quite a while. Quite frankly it will continue to keep me away for a while longer. I have some quiet time here before dawn Pacific Time before this day awakes to try and kick my ass so some thoughts on Diplo, who was claimed this past weekend at the end of the Hollywood Park meet.

Diplo was purchased privately by some friends in California earlier in the year. I jumped in for a small share in order to keep my hand in California racing and to take the opportunity to race with friends. In his 10 starts for us, he had a record of 1-3-3 and earned right around $39,000 - enough for us to eek out a small profit when augmented with the claim. Of the three starts he finished off the board, he still managed 4th in two and only a fifth in one. He is the very definition of an "honest racehorse".

In one respect I was fortunate to have not made it out to meet Diplo in person because I didn't have the opportunity to get attached to him. By all accounts he was great around the barn, so that would have made the claim a bit tougher to take. He was claimed for $25,000 which was a bit more than what was paid for him. He finished a solid third in the race, beaten only 3/4 of a length. I think he can win at $25,000 and maybe even at $32,000, but he has yet to prove that. If I had to have put a price tag on him before this race it would have been right in this ballpark so he was neither a bargain nor overpriced. You've got to place your horses where they can win and that's what Doug O'Neil did with Diplo. This time he was claimed. It happens. But if you are spotting your horses fairly, you can take losing one in stride knowing you were doing the right thing by the owners and the horse.

Thanks to Tom and Jeff in California for letting me in on Diplo (I hope Russ enjoyed the run from his vantage point!). Thanks to the Doug O'Neil barn for managing the horse so well. And thanks most of all to Diplo for a fun, honest run these past few months.

Consistent Diplo Back on Hollywood Turf

Tabby Lane has been in an unfathomable funk for six weeks, One for Zetta continues to take her time in making her debut but Diplo has been stellar since his three year old debut in February. Never has he been worse then 4th in his eight starts and even then only twice. Granted, he only has one win, but since that win he's been second twice in levels higher than his maiden breaking victory.

Saturday he takes on a eight others back on the Hollywood Park turf course in a $32,000 claiming race for 3-year olds going a flat mile.

1. Brother Louis (Gonzalez/Valdez) - First time on the turf, but no stranger to California, he broke his maiden on the artificial surface here last year going a mile and a sixteenth. Since then he has run exclusively in New Mexico bred restricted races finishing fourth each and every time. Moving to a $32,000 claiming race may appear to be class relief, but not when you move from Sunland to Hollywood.

2. Otto Von Voom (Mullins/Baze) - A new arrival to the Jeff Mullins barn some improvement should be looked for here, especially coming down from an $80,000 Optional Claiming race. Turf Paradise races were excellent and appears to be a more natural miler.

3. Ministers Power (Bonde/Espinoza) - First trip over the strip was in a state bred $43,000 Allowance last out but was fourth at this level at Santa Anita in March. Has won easily up north at lower levels but this is a different kettle of fish.

4. Keen Bidder (Lloyd/Talamo) - Has shown nothing since coming to America. Big drop into this one to try and make something happen.

5. Saravas Wild Again (Knight/Quinonez) - Outfought by Diplo down the stretch last out to be denied second place. Cuts back to a mile and will definitely be in the mix here.

6. Rock Solid Charm (McAnally/Rosario) - Moving south but moving up. Never count out Ron McAnally, but this will be tough.

7. DIPLO (O'NEILL/PEDROZA)

8. Jacob's Tiger (Puype/Gonzalez) - Been trying better but not having a lot of success. Stretching out for the first time but has the numbers to go longer. Broke maiden in an MWS, albeit a state bred race. Doesn't appear to be in this group but hard to figure the class angle.

9. Strikingly Sinful (Becerra/Santiago Reyes) - Hasn't sniffed the winner's circle since maiden win as a two year old and probably won't here.

Ministers Power looks to be the lone early speed in this race though you have to think that sprinters Jacob's Tiger and Strikingly Sinful will go early out of habit if nothing else. This should put Diplo in a nice stalking position for most of the race. One thing we've learned about him over the past few months is that he does not give up and he is one game gelding. He is actually the choice of the DRF in this one, which never fails to make me nervous, but I have to agree that he looks good - not 3-5 good, but he belongs and he's ready but races aren't won on paper and once the gates open anything can happen.

Diplo on Turf: Fluke or Favorite

Diplo hopes to shine on Belmont Day on the opposite side of the country as he takes on seven others in another $40,000 claiming race at Hollywood Park. Diplo surprised many jumping up in class and finishing a strong second at this level in his first try over the turf. He isn't likely to be 40-1 again tomorrow and we will see if turf is truly his favored surface.

Here is the field:

1. Tis (Quinonez) - Broke his maiden over the main track at Santa Anita in a $32,000 Maiden Claiming race. Came back and finished 5th in a turf allowance here at Hollywood. Dropping in here to try and get things going again.

2. Summer at Del Mar (Talamo) - Broke his maiden over Diplo two starts back but Diplo fought him off in his last to beat him by 3/4 for second. Ready for the rubber match but has not worked well since that last start.

3. DIPLO

4. Siete Machos (Santiago Reyes) - Weakened last out finishing a last placed 7th in the race Diplo and Summers at Del Mar finished 2nd and 3rd. Adds a 16th of a mile...probably not.

5. Really Uptown (Bejerano) -After six weeks off, he's back on the turf dropping back into the claiming ranks. He's been more effective at lower levels, but the Beyers fit here.

6. Saravas Wild Again (Baze) - Only three starts at three he's been steadily improving in MSW company up north at Golden Gate. In for $40,000 here and going longer than he ever has and trying the turf for the first time.

7. Brother Louie (Valdez) - New Mexico bred broke his maiden at two at this distance over this turf course. Since then he has had a steady diet of 4th place finishes in New Mexico bred restricted races at Sunland Park. Looks to b a cut below.

8. Came Aboard (Espinoza) - DIPLO's stablemate looks tough in here. Claimed off a win at this level two back with a fourth in an $80,000 Optional Claimer last week.

Siete Machos and Really Uptown should press the pace early on. The other six entries all look to stalk from just off the pace and there is only going to be so much room to be able to do that. Breaking from the three hole should give Diplo a bit of an advantage early, but could get him trapped down on the rail late as the pack moves. Pedroza has done a great job since taking over as pilot in keeping Diplo out of trouble and should that continue tomorrow we're going to have a real chance. It looks to be a cavalry charge finish and we'll need some racing luck to nail it. We'll know tomorrow afternoon if Diplo is growing into a turf specialist.

Diplo Steps It Up

When Diplo broke his maiden on May 1 you could hear a collective sigh across the country as his partners finally exhaled. All the near misses were a thing of the past and he was now a winner. It was time for us to savor the moment and bask in the afterglow of a well-earned victory.

He came back from his win in fine fettle. So well, in fact, that trainer Doug O'Neil brought him back after only 11 days to give the turf course a try. The gelding was sound and tearing it up - like he finally knew what winning was all about. Whether it was the jock switch to Martin Pedroza or just having the light switch on upstairs, Diplo acted the part of a winner and was ready to go.

In the effort to promote full disclosure here, this is how I thought his next race would set up:

He finally broke his maiden after several tries and dropping down through the ranks, settling at the $25,000 claiming level. In my years of watching races it's rare to see a maiden step up beyond the class they broke through. It happens, of course, but for the most part the best a Maiden Claiming $25,000 could hope to do against winners is score against $16,000 claimers. Perhaps even drop as low as $12,500. That was the direction I thought we'd end up going in and I would have had no problem with the decision.

In his first spot over the turf, O'Neil picked out a $50,000 claiming race going a mile over the Hollywood Park turf course. When Diplo went off at odds of 40-1, I can't say that I was surprised. Quite honestly I was hoping he'd be able to sneak up for third and pick up a decent check. There were no fairy tale endings here with our boy swooping down the stretch and on to victory, but something interesting did happen. Our boy ran like he knew what he was doing.

Diplo broke well and Pedroza had him in good position mid-pack down the back side. Between the quarter and half mile poles he slid from third to fourth and I though, "well, he gave it a brave run". But Diplo was not through. Far from it. He made up ground through the bend and by the time they straightened out for home he was in second, only a length and a half from the front. He gained steadily through the lane to finish second by 3/4 of a length, though in fairness to the winner, Camp Victory, it wasn't like the winner was ridden all out to hang on at the wire either.

The second was a spot better than I had hoped, It it was more than that. The way Diplo ran was important. He obviously enjoyed the grass and his run through the stretch was aggressive and characteristic of a race horse with a lot of grit and heart. He showed he not only belonged with "better" horses, but could be a force to be reckoned with as well.

I don't know what's next, but this race opened up all kinds of possibilities.

Diplo on the Turf

Diplo comes back to the races after breaking his maiden a scant 11 days ago. It's a pretty ambitious spot but it's also his first try over the turf so you never quite know if he'll jump up on the new surface. Would I like to have seen him have a few more days off? Of course. I also think that Doug O'Neil has forgot more about horses that I'll ever know.

The field is pretty tough, but small and there's a chance we could sneak up and get a piece of the the $37,000 purse in the $50,000 claiming race which will go a mile over the Hollywood Park turf course.

Here are the entries:

1. Summers in Del Mar - This one topped Diplo in a $32,000 Maiden Claiming race last out. He had 3 MSW races over the turf and the worst performance of the 3 came at the mile distance though he was steadied and very wide.

2. DIPLO

3. Gilligan - Dropping way in off of $80,000 Claiming and $32,000 Allowance races. Has shown some improvement since moving to the turf as well. Almost always competitive.

4. Camp Victory - Broke his maiden over this very turf course last year. Coming off a $32,000 claiming victory and earning an 83 Beyer.

5. Keen Bidder - English horse has not shown much since coming over to the States. Certainly needs the drop.

6. Siete Machos - A couple of close seconds over the turf and another one that comes back on short rest. Even shorter rest than our boy Diplo.

7. Seventh Star - Unlike his Commonwealth counterpart, this horse fired completely in his first try in the US leading every step of the way after some lackadaisical efforts in Ireland and earned an 88 Beyer to boot.

This is a tremendously difficult spot for our guy. If Seventh Star had it's light turned on coming to the US, he'll run away with this one. Gilligan is almost alone on the next level, consistently hitting the low- to mid-70's in his Beyer ratings. You can go to Camp Victory, but that nice 85 came over the synthetic and his turf numbers have not been as steady. There is a chance to grab a nice paycheck finishing third, but he could easily trail this field as well. It's an interesting spot for sure. I hope he enjoys the turf and surprises the hell out of me.

Diplo Scores First Lifetime Win

I know I didn’t go so far as to say it was now or never for Diplo, but I also knew that it was close. Thankfully on Derby Day now came before never and Diplo scored his first lifetime victory and overcame his “close but no cigar” pattern of 2010.

Under Martin Pedroza – regular rider Rafael Bejerano had a previous commitment in Kentucky this past weekend – Diplo broke smoothly in the middle of the pack and was guided to the rail in the $25,000 Maiden Claiming race at Hollywood Park. Chasing fractions of :22.19 and :45.62, Diplo began making up ground at the half mile pole. Through the turn and into the stretch he seemed to be a bit pinned down inside and I was not sure if he have the running room to get through, even if he had the kick to do it. Pedroza stayed patient and when the front two horses slid out a bit he had his opening and sent Diplo through. I’d like to say he went through the hole like a shot, but under strong urging Diplo gained through the stretch and came eyeball to eyeball with Big Wags. For a few strides it looked as if the last head bob would determine the outcome, but then Diplo pulled ahead and, eventually winning by a half length.

It felt great to get Diplo off the snide. He had been paying his way, which is always nice, but I was happy for him to break through and get that first win. Now that it’s finally out the way, you wonder if a light was just switched on in a previously dark room – “Ohhhh….I’m supposed to be the FIRST one to be done!” I’m not saying that Diplo can carry us to the Breeder’s Cup, obviously, but let’s take a look at our very own Tabby Lane. Since she finally broke her maiden at the $10,000 level after 6 failed attempts at lower levels has had five starts, winning three and coming in second in another and earning $29,106 racing competitively as high as $32,000 Optional Claiming. Sometimes all it takes is that first win to pull it all together for a horse and I’m hoping that’s the case for Diplo. Right now he’ll rest up and we’ll see what’s next for him when he’s ready.

Diplo Giving it His All on Derby Day at Hollywood

I’ve spoken to several folks about Diplo (Pleasant Tap – Blackjack Angel – Polish Numbers) over the past few days and my take on him is that the poor bugger has run into a hot horse every time he’s been on the racetrack. He’s tried hard and nearly gotten there, but can’t seem to make it happen. On Kentucky Derby Day out at Hollywood Park, Diplo will take on 11 other maidens and try to finally break through and be called a winner. He’s dropping in class from $32,000 to $25,000 and I’m hoping that this drop and the change in scenery from Santa Anita will make our boy the buzz saw this time rather than the wood.

Here is the field in the 6.5 furlong sprint:

1. Tea Party Time – second time out and is also dropping in from $32,000. Raced wide and green in debut so there is room for improvement.

2. Big Steven – Has not raced since early August of his two year old year in a non-descript 3.5 furlong dash. It’s going to take a lot of improvement to race with these.

3. Warren’s Peanut – Like Diplo, he’s 0 – 8, but he has never been close while our boy has hit the board 5 of 8 starts with 3 fourths.

4. Big Wags – Improved nicely on the drop last out and he dips a bit again. Should be a real tough one.

5. DIPLO

6. Unusual Justin – Back in under a week and hasn’t shown much for a while. Abrams must see something the rest of us don’t.

7. Burciaga – Stepping up in his 3-year old debut. Probably needs at least one.

8. Roos on the Loose – Like Diplo, one that’s in the money more times than not. Would like to stalk the pace, but there doesn’t seem to be any pace in here!

9. Tizexchange – A slight drop in his second lifetime start. Showed some early speed before fading in debut. Certainly needed the race and post race works have been decent.

10. Who U Foolin – Another with a slight drop after a speed then fade debut. Tizexchange looks like the better of the two, but vast improvement is necessary.

11. Eminent Honor – 0-22 with no a sniff of the tote board on his PPs.

12. Big Jay – Had a bit of a breather and comes back at this level again. Consistent Beyers that are better than most of the field, he just has not been able to hit the top of the board. Adds Tyler Baze and cutting back in distance. Looms largest.

With Rafael Bejerano taking some time to sightsee in Kentucky this weekend, Diplo gets a new pilot, Martin Pedroza who has been no slouch this year winning at a 16% clip. With no real pace in the race it’s going to be a cavalry charge at the end and Diplo will need to dig in and show some heart in order to prevail. He belongs with the best in here, I’m hoping the racing gods (and you too Russ) are smiling down on him Saturday!

Diplo 2nd; Hello Race Fans Adds New Feature

Diplo Second at Santa Anita

Diplo is still the bridesmaid and not the bride. Despite an excellent race, he finished a relatively distant second to Summers at Delmar at Santa Anita yesterday afternoon. He was back at the $32,000 Maiden Claiming level after some forays up the ladder to $40,000 (Cal Bred) and $50,000. The race was seven furlongs over the Pro-Ride which appears to be his favored distance.

This trip, he broke alertly and Rafael Bejerano let him move up in to the top four rather than be taken back in the pack. He tracked the leaders well through the turn where he seemed to get into a little bit of trouble getting boxed in. Bejerano was patient and when the hole opened up he went, but by then Summers at Delmar had already circled the field, had shaken clear and sailed to the finish over 5 lengths to the good. The good news, though, is that behind Diplo there was almost 3 lengths to third making him "clearly the best of the rest" according to the chart caller.

He's certainly paying the bills and it will be nice when he finally earns that first win.

Hello Race Fans Adds Index to Site

First off, if you haven't been over to the site, take a click trip and head on over. They have all kinds of information to help you get to know racing a bit better whether you are a novice or an expert. Recently added to the site is an index page which reports the results of a survey among experts on a given topic. Kicking off this feature is the Top 5 Handicapping Books of all time. Yours truly along with a group of other industry experts gave our opinions on what we consider to be the best handicapping books on the market. I hope you enjoy the breakdown and even add a few to your library!

Diplo Looks to Break Maiden on Sunday

The road to the Triple Crown marches on, but across the country, thousands of racehorses that have no chance of being in Louisville the first Saturday in May are still loading into starting gates and hoping to be late bloomers. One of those heading to post on Sunday is our friend Diplo at Santa Anita. After a few weeks off, Diplo is back in action taking on a full field of 11 other maiden three year olds going seven furlongs over the Pro-Ride in a $32,000 Maiden Claiming race. Here is how the field breaks down:

1 Bog Wags (Glatt/Espinosa): Dropping in from two subpar efforts in MSWs. Didn't turn many heads, but these droppers can always step up against lesser.

2 Dr. Tong (Stein/Atkinson): Was as close as he's ever been last out at this level, but was still beaten by 5 horses and 6 1/4 lengths.

3 Jenary Joe (Robbins/Flores): 1st time starter (Ronton-Dear Delilah-Expelled) has shown little in his workout pattern to indicate he's ready to strike first out.

4 Summers At Delamar (Canani/Talamo): A very solid closing second place finish last out at this level after dropping in from MSW. The extra half furlong may help. Should be dangerous.

5 Chimu (Garcia/Quinones): Lost rider last out coming off an improved second effort at this level. If all is OK upstairs, should be in the mix.

6 Outrageous Fortune (Puype/Stherland): The other 1st timer in the group (Event of the Year-Half Moon Bay-Bertrando), but he's out of a barn that hits 11% 1st timers and 20% the first time entered in a MCL. Workout pattern is solid. Should be ready to fire.

7 Sky'squickscore (Stute/Rosario): Both attempts at this level have been solid but not spectacular. Looks like the added half furlong is going to be a hindrance rather than a help.

8 DIPLO (O'NEIL/BEJERANO)

9 Warren's Mr Lucky (Guitterez/Amadore): Has shown little that predicts anything but a back of the pack finish in here.

10 Iotabgray (Powell/Pedroza): Hasn't started since a flat effort at Del Mar last summer. Workout pattern is fine, but nothing to recommend here.

11 Manogold (Cerin/Reyes Santiago): Given the trouble involved last out, his debut wasn't as bad as it looks. Works leading into this are solid and trainer is firing at 25% in second time maiden starts. Could be a nice price.

12 Bettingonthefly (Fanning/Smith): All three tries this year have been an ever closer second. Could be the extra half furling is all he needs. Loses Talamo this time, though.

Can our boy win this race? Yes, he absolutely can. He has improved every start while moving up in class each time. He drops back now to what should be his comfort zone and is fit and healthy. TVG's wags last out wondered if Diplo has the will to win given that he's picked up a check every outing but can never seem to make it to the top. We'll see on Sunday as all indications point to this being his beast chance so far to join the ranks of the winners. A big field never helps and there are certainly some real contenders in here, but I believe he can finally break through this time and chalk up his first (hopefully of many) wins. Best of luck Diplo - come home safely!

Diplo: Santa Anita 2nd 3-12

Diplo is coming back a little under two weeks from his solid 3rd place finish in a $40,000 Maiden Claiming race to take on a group of six other maidens in a $50,000 Maiden Claiming race. Interestingly enough he is scaling back to six furlongs from a mile last out. After his fast closing three year old debut it really seemed like he needed more ground but in his last race at a mile, he stalked nicely enough, was beaten pretty handily by a couple of MSW droppers, but handled the rest of the field easily from the top of the turn onward. It makes some sense that he may be able to sprint. As a friend of ours pointed out after that initial start: he seems like a late closing sprinter. Could Lloyd be right? Let's take a look at this afternoon's second race:

1. Let's Go Indian (Hendricks - Solis) - Dropping in from Maiden Special company and coming off the turf. The turf effort was mediocre, but the main track races were a pair of 4th place finishes with mid-60's Beyers. Certainly a threat.

2. Zilarator (Baffert - Garcia) - Two months off out of a Maiden Special. It was a marked improvement over his final two-year old effort. If he can step up once again, the improvement and class relief could put him on the board.

3. Skimming Skipper (Ricardo - Rivera) - While it's hard to discount any MSW dropper, this guy's been off since last June, getting smoked by 24 in that one. His training pattern is pretty solid, but it's tough to think he'll be a factor.

4. Drink At Last Call (Mullins - M Baze) - Coming down south from Golden Gate, this horse has been close in all three career starts with consistent Beyers in the mid-60s. Finished a good second in a rare $100,000 Maiden Claiming race over this strip in early January. Could be the one to beat.

5. DIPLO

6. Harlan's Tune (Koriner - Talamo) - Lone speed. Lone speed. Lone speed. Hasn't raced since Del Mar and really hasn't blistered the training strip coming back either. It'll take some, for sure. Probably reasonably the fourth choice, but could surprise if gets loose.

7. Cranky Jack (Abrams - Quinonez) - Interesting first timer in here. Solid works, this son of Unusual Heat could threaten if ready. Abrams is only 4% with first timers so he probably needs one, but an interesting horse.

Can Diplo win this race? Yes he can. If he has become stronger with each consecutive race, he is going to be very tough in here, but he will need to make another step up. I think our partner, Jeff, put it best in an e-mail earlier: he could finish 1st or he could finish 6th.

Think positive thoughts and come home safely, buddy!

Tonight's Show: Diplo, Tabby and How Much is Too Much

I'll be kicking off the weekend tonight on my Blog Talk Radio show at 9 PM Central Time: Diplo is scheduled to make his third start in 21 days on Friday and Tabby Lane is entered in her first race for us on Saturday on Tampa Bay Derby Day. I'll share some brief previews of their respective races, how we came to claim Tabby Lane and I'll touch base on just how often should a thoroughbred racehorse race.

Any thoughts on that last subject? Leave me a comment, drop me a line (ted@grevelisracing.com) or listen to the Show live this evening. It's also available for download through iTunes shortly after the conclusion of the half hour.

Diplo, Tabby and Condition Book I

I apologize about the delay in posting here. It seems like when it rains, it pours and for the third month in a row sad news struck our household. My dear grandmother, Kay Kokoreas, passed away at the age of 93. She lived a long and very full life, but that never makes the passing any easier for those of us left behind. So I was back in my home state of Massachusetts with family for the week and just was not motivated to sit in front of the computer much. For better or for worse, I'm back and there are some doings to get to, which always helps.

Diplo 3rd in Second Race Back

Doug O'Neil brought Diplo back to the races with nine days rest and he finished a nice 3rd in a Cal Bred $40,000 Maiden Claiming race at Santa Anita. This race was a bit further than his 2010 debut going a mile. The distance may have been right, but the time off showed as he came out a bit in the stretch and seemed a little ragged finishing the race. That said, he was beat by two Maiden Special Weight droppers and was only out of first by 3 1/4 lengths. He was over four clear of his next rival and really showed he belonged. I would think we'd see a bit more rest this time and we won't see him entered again until late in the month of March.

Tabby Lane Back at the Track

Tabby went back to the track this past week to gallop and recover from the race where we claimed her. She galloped nicely at Tampa Bay Downs and the generally consensus is that she's most definitely NOT going to be back in a $10,000 claiming race next out. Where that next out will be yet, I do not know, but there are some higher level claiming and some allowance possibilities coming up in the next few weeks so we should see her again on the track soon.

Condition Book I is Out

I always feel like Steve Martin from the movie "The Jerk" when the first condition book from Canterbury Park comes out. No sooner had I seen it online than I received it in the mail. It felt like Spring, even though we have 2 feet of snow on the ground! We start racing up here the day before the Preakness and this 25th Anniversary Season promises to be a good one. I'm looking forward to what the marketing group there has planned for the coming season!

We're still looking for folks that want to join in with us on a Minnesota bred filly that will run at Canterbury this summer. Her cost is reasonable and for $1,000 you'll get a 10% share of her plus expenses covered until the meet opens. As always, we hope she can pay her way from there. Please touch base if you're interested. Time is running short.

A Little More Than Two Months

It seems like such a short period of time but when I look out of the window at the piles of snow still out there and a low temperature this morning of 1, opening day at Canterbury Park seems like a very long time from now.

Since I started running these partnerships the same thing has happened every year like clockwork: we get a group together early, try to get one more going before the meet but just can't get it together and then, after the first week of racing, the e-mails and phone calls come asking if we are going to be starting another group for the season! I'm trying really hard this year to try and nip this one in the bud.

I rarely ever do a solicitation blog. That's not what this is all about. This is my forum to share with folks what it's like trying to get this thing off the ground and share our experiences as we campaign our runners. Last year it was all about Fizzy Pop, I Am Woman and the star crossed Miss Belle Express. This year we have our recent claim Tabby Lane and our small share in Diplo. Now that we're geared up, we should be showing more action here on the blog as well.

But back to my annual dilemma.

We have an opportunity for a Minnesota bred three year old filly that will very likely be a Canterbury only horse - of course you never know until you race 'em. She promises to be an 'action' type horse that should be able to entertain a group all summer long with hopefully a picture or two along the way. The entry point should be low, but the time to get her into real training is now. She'll need several weeks just to get her wind into her before she starts any speed training and have any hope of being ready for the beginning of the meet. Please drop me a line at ted@grevelisracing.com or click on the winner's circle photo above right to visit the website to get more information.

What I'm trying to say is the time to get ready for the summer is now, not May 1st!

Diplo A Fast Closing Fourth

Diplo made his three year old debut after a four month long hiatus from racing on Friday. He stepped out in a $32,000 Maiden Claiming race at Santa Anita. The race was 7 furlongs and there was a suspicion in the camp that he may need a bit longer.

He started clean enough, but it took him a while to get in gear. For a long while it looked as if we were looking at a last place - or pretty darn close to it - finish. Turning for home he was 10th of 12 and swinging wide. In my office I hung my head in front of my computer and my wife offered up her condolences. He wasn't even in the frame of the shot!

Then, strides from the wire, he bolted onto the screen and was really stretching it out and closing well. He didn't make it to the board, but it was as good a fourth place finish as I've seen. After four months off there can probably be no question that he needed a race. Looking at the way this one played out, Diplo needs a bit more distance as well.

He's got the race. Next out we'll get him the distance then stand back and watch.

The Internet, Racing and the Friendship of RuFu

The Internet has revolutionized our lives in many different ways. These days it's nothing to download past performances, bet on races from around the world and watch the live feeds at your desktop. Layer upon this the many racing forum sites, aggregators of racing news like the Paulick Report, Equidaily, the TBA and 'mainstream' press sites like Blood-Horse and the Thoroughbred Times plus Twitter and Facebook and you have quite the repository for gathering and disseminating information. We didn't have access to half this information as recently as 10-years ago.

An interesting phenomenon has grown up around this 21st Century technology: the Internet friendship. Many of us have 'friends' we've never actually met in person. We've touched base via the World Wide Web and exchanges on forums became site messages which became e-mails and then even the occasional phone call. In no time at all you have a friendship that can be as strong as any we've developed at school or in the workplace. MySpace and Facebook have accelerated that process as well.

In this case, it was the demise of Owner's Stable - chronicled here ad nauseum several years ago - that led to my friendship with Russell Fujimoto. In fact, four of us bonded over that experience. There was Russ, myself, Lloyd and Jeff. Over the span of several years we became pretty close. We had a collective dream of owning a horse together under the banner of the Four Horsemen Stable. And not just a claiming horse either, a Breeder's Cup contender. Hell, if you're going to dream, you dream big, right?

Any time Fizzy Pop would race there would be the usual banter among us and well wishing. Russ even called after a few victories. We did the same for Trato, Classielyte and any number of the horses that one or more of us had a piece. We exchanged predictions for big races, sought car buying advice from each other, mulled over possible moves and a host of other things. Our common bond was racing, but over time we learned more about each other. Of course there were many things we didn't know, but there would be time for that. We were all young (all under 50, I believe) and there was time.

Time ran out for Russ yesterday. I learned this morning that he was felled by a heart attack. All the details aren't in, but they don't have to be. We last exchanged notes the day before. No hint of anything being wrong. Then there was the e-mail letting me know late last night. It was stunning news to say the least. The sadness is deep. All the more poignant is that three of us were able to buy a small piece of a horse together just a month ago. We exchanged places to stay in and around Louisville for Breeder's Cup weekend (I told you, we dream BIG!). His love for his family was evident. His passion for racing, the Dodgers and Kings was unmatched. His ability to find humor in just about anything was a tremendous gift - both to him and for his friends.

Owning a piece of Diplo means so much more now than it did last week. He worked this morning at Hollywood Park and I like to think that Russ was there watching him. Keep watching over him RuFu. It was a privilege to be a part of you life. While I'm sad you are gone, I'm glad for the technology that allowed me to be a part of your life.

Say Hello to My Little Friend

This young fellow is Diplo. He is a California bred gelded son of Pleasant Tap out of the Polish Numbers mare Blackjack Angel. He will be training and racing in Southern California in the Doug O'Neill barn. Some friends and I kicked in to buy a small (10%) part of him. In fact, technically this isn't even a GRS purchase, just four dopes buying a piece of a racehorse.

In his very short career, Diplo has a record of 3 starts with a second and a third and just a shade under $7,000 in earnings. He has bounced around a bit from barn to barn and hopefully with some time off - he has been turned out since October - and the steady hand of O'Neill at the helm, he can strut some stuff for us. Time will tell. He's still a young one and has some learning to do - hopefully it won't be too big a curve! I'll keep you all posted.