Movement back in action Wednesday

The filly drew post position 8 in a ten horse field of $8k maiden claimers. The race is carded as the tenth and nightcap. Given the class drop, I expected a softer spot. I still think she can handle this group, but there are a few serious runners in here. Also, there's no telling what the two first time starters have under the bonnet.

Harvey Wins Feature

Jockey displays turf acumen at Santa Rosa once again
Master of the Turf(tm), Barrington Harvey, took the feature today [.pdf warning] aboard the Angelo Tekos trained Private Assets. The previously unraced chestnut colt was pinched a bit at the start after popping out of the one hole. The rail can be a tricky spot for any horse, particularly a first time starter. Expert race rider Harvey panicked not, taking a hold and lying in wait. When hall of famer Russell Baze sent his mount to the lead, apparently prematurely, Barrington found room to the outside and the colt powered home. Save two light taps of the stick, the soon to be star of Mercedes Stables led the field home under a hand ride. No one in Northern California performs better on turf than Barrington Harvey.

The Green Monkey Hype Caravan Revs Up

Regardless of whether the hype is deserved, I'll tune in with interest if and when The Green Monkey debuts. He's the Anna Kournikova of racing. Everyone's interested in them, even if there isn't much actual competing going on.

Thus, do not mistake the July 23, 2007 headline that reads, The Green Monkey Could Swing Into Action at Saratoga with the headline $16m The Green Monkey may make debut at Saratoga from one year and 2 days ago.

Video of My Race Mule

I was gonna buy you a gold tooth, but you don't never smile



While Movement has been garnering most of the attention of late, I also own a small piece of a slow mule. RTR Lost in the Fog, named after the NorCal champion sprinter, lacks his namesake's zip, but never fails to entertain. Here's some video of his last outing. Most will find the Soundtrack--the Junior Wells classic Galloping Horses A Lazy Mule--more enjoyable than vid of a mule walking in a circle and finishing the race in a photo for last. It's still worth a play if you have sound, though.

Movement 4th Again

Movement finished fourth in a solid field of maidens Saturday at Pleasanton. Jockey Barrington Harvey in the irons, pictured.