Post by Cruisey on Mar 3, 2015 17:15:22 GMT -5
Three Year Olds
Silent Heart – A disappointing Year Fourteen was all over this little filly. After losing almost every race on the dirt, Carter made the switch over to the turf where Heather really took a liking to the surface. She started off this season in much better condition than the last, where she ran a solid six furlongs in 1:16.00 flat. “Heather was one of those horses which we didn’t really know which surface she preferred before buying her. After testing the waters, she definitely likes running over the turf more. At the time, we stuck her with the dirt before we realized our dirt string was getting a little large. Since making the switch, Heather seems happier and much more comfortable on the turf.”
Dark Maiden – Quick as a fox, little Mai has finally found her stride in the ranks. After a slow first season out, she definitely has found a switch that can alter her speed. Her works have been fairly consistent at three furlongs, and her most recent time was 37.00 seconds flat on the dirt. “Mai is a quick filly. She’s extremely nimble on her feet and can switch positions with a flick of her tail. Since there is a limited amount of three year old sprinter races, we are going to keep things in the undercard with her so she can continue to build her confidence.”
Whispering Melody – The Year Fourteen Encouragement award winner is certainly making her mark in the undercard ranks. The half-sister to Coco Cabana and Like A Lady is taking it slower than her siblings, but looks good doing it. Her five furlong run was timed in 1:04.00, a decent time considering the almost frozen ground. “We currently have Wendy in the same plans as Mai. If she continues to prove herself, we might consider some HOTY races in the future. As for now, she’s looking in shape and ready for the Spring Cup.”
Refute – He is definitely one of the more frustrating horses at Firestone. Despite being in top form, the bay colt out of DW Flamekissed x Finale Slew is taking a beating on the track. Ralph is looking stellar in his workouts, and his most recent time was 1:14.80 over six fast furlongs. Unfortunately, the track results don’t seem to agree with his fitness. He is all over the board when it comes to results, either doing extremely well or bombing the race completely. “We can only hope Ralph continues to improve with time. I was hoping to send him into the Turf Triple Crown, but with the news of his most recent results, those plans might change. If he doesn’t do well in the Palm Beach Stakes, we might have to re-evaluate the colt and keep him in undercards to build his confidence.”
Siren Call – One of Firestone’s prized three year olds, Siren has already proven herself on the track. Her third place in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint only brought her back into year fifteen stronger and with more attitude than ever. Her four furlong blow out resulted in 47.60 seconds of pure speed. The half-sister to Aquatic Addiction and Hellfire, both owned by Firestone, is a major threat to the Sprinter Triple Crown against the boys, and even the Sprinter Triple Tiara against the girls. “Siren is one of our stronger sprinters and she has been ready to prove that since she popped outta her momma. The three year old sprinting category has next to no races, so it’s been harder to find races that actually suit her distance preference. There’s no doubt that she has the speed and heart to win this year’s Breeder’s Cup, and that’s what her plans are.”
Flashing The Declaration – The black colt is taking things in his own hands and at his own pace as he’s liked to show us. Only two wins under his belt, we’ve noticed that the colt simply doesn’t mind taking things slow. “He’s a very laid-back racer, despite what he makes you think when he’s at home in the barn. He’s a born front runner, but he just cruises and keeps the pace fast in hopes to tire out his competition.” Flasher worked at a nice leisurely pace over three furlongs, cruising past the wire in 40.80 seconds. “He may be vicious, but he likes to do things at his own pace. There’s no use in fighting him, so we are just going to let him be for now.”
Vetanda – The other oddball of the group is also taking things into his own hands. Whereas Flasher is the front runner, Vet loves to stay at the back and watch the meltdown happen in front of him. He is the epitome of relaxed, which seems to be why he loves to come in second. Unlike Flasher, he will take whatever is asked of him. This week, he was asked to run five hard furlongs, and he delivered a quick 1:02.60 minute run. “Vet has the advantage of age over the current season’s grade fives. This should help him advance and learn to run at higher speeds over a longer distance. We hope to keep things going for this colt and make his father a wanted sire. His dam’s side is already proven, so we are going to keep pushing him until he can handle the heat.”
