Post by Cruisey on Mar 24, 2015 9:25:01 GMT -5
Pictured: Arlequinn being flown in from England after month off
Could a possible early retirement be in the books for Firestone's Grade Three turf sprinter, Arlequinn? The five year old bay son of Memorial's Blaze x Dynasty has missed a whole month of racing, which trainer Carter Leeson responding with a simple, "He's had time off of racing to recuperate and chill out in England while still getting daily runs". The late pickup from Oak Hill Farms in August of last season only ran a total of 8 times between the months of August-December and only four times in his 3YO season. However, his record has him at a solid 85% placing percentage and he placed in all of his 3YO races. The horse has only raced twice this season, with scarce race plans in the future.
"He hasn't been the same since we got him, not at all. Almost like he's lost his desire to run."
We've noticed that G3 undercard sprinting races are hard to come by nowadays, and this could be a major factor in Firestone's decision to retire him to stud. Not only that, but his race record is quite bare compared to many horses at his age and grade. Whether or not this plays a factor in Carter's decision, we can only assume that Arlequinn will continue racing in whatever races are found for him until personally announced by the Firestone team. Carter refused to respond when questioned.
"He hasn't been the same since we got him, not at all. Almost like he's lost his desire to run."
We've noticed that G3 undercard sprinting races are hard to come by nowadays, and this could be a major factor in Firestone's decision to retire him to stud. Not only that, but his race record is quite bare compared to many horses at his age and grade. Whether or not this plays a factor in Carter's decision, we can only assume that Arlequinn will continue racing in whatever races are found for him until personally announced by the Firestone team. Carter refused to respond when questioned.
