Post by Cruisey on Apr 1, 2015 22:58:31 GMT -5
JUVENILES
Barely Smokin – Has the young bay colt certainly impressed the crew at Firestone since the day he was born. His race record is one shy of perfect, and he’s been showing his potential as a fierce Triple Crown contender already. “Harley’s the type of horse who keeps getting better as he keeps running. He came off of a tough fourth place finish in The Wire Finish Cup Juvenile Dirt and rallied back March Week 4 with a win in the Close Racing Stakes against four of the of the season’s top juveniles”. Trainer Carter Leeson beamed when he explained the colt’s progress. “We’re excited to see how he runs in April”.
Fire Goddess – While the small filly’s season isn’t going as Carter had hoped, there is still lots of time for her to progress. “She’s been placing steadily against really tough groups of juveniles, and she has a lot of time left to mature.” The chestnut filly still only has one win under her name, but the cut throat juvenile HOTY races will really help her toughen up in the long run. “Fancy works great, she takes everything in stride with no questions asked. She’ll be a real threat next year when the Triple Tiara comes around. But for now, we have to focus on the Magic Million Fillies series.”
Hellfire – With a mistake in her racing schedule forcing her to run on turf, the black daughter of Catching Fire and Blood Of The Angel proved to trainer Carter Leeson that she has the heart and guts to run on any surface. “The Finish Cup is not a race to take lightly. Flame was thrown on the turf with no warning and she responded better than ever,” says Carter. “She will most definitely stick to the dirt after my mistake, but despite that she runs very well in her works and is definitely looking like she wants a win next time out.” Her next race is an undercard, where hopefully she can run a race that earns her a win.
Like A Lady – This two year old daughter of Sweeto Cheeto has really taken a liking to running in second place. A recent second in the ever-tough Ontario Lassie Stakes should set her up nicely for the Magic Millions Fillies Turf. “Lady is an interesting character. She can be so mean, yet so determined to get the job done.” Her most recent workout had her fired up, and her jockey had a little bit of difficulty handling the young mare. “She’s definitely a firecracker, that one. That’s what makes her fun to ride; although she may be too smart for her own good,” jockey Sammie Pickett commented on the filly, who will be racing April Week 1.
Scintilla – The small black mare certainly cannot get away from third place finishes. Although her place percentage is an impressive 100%, more than half of those placings have been in third. Trainer Carter Leeson was pleased with her most recent workout, where she kept close with stablemate Like A Lady. The daughter of Foolish Lad is looking strong, and is actually entered into a race named in his honour. Carter laughed when this was mentioned. “Hey, if she doesn’t win this race, I might just have to reconsider with her!” He shook his head. “But on a more serious note, she’s been running fabulously and all we can do is hope that she racks up a win next time out.”
Innerstellar – Hot-tempered and straight up mean, the bay son of DT Jupiter has been absolutely phenomenal. Both of his wins have been in HOTY races, which really helps out when competing against lower classed horses. “There’s no doubt that this horse can make it far in the sprinter ranks. He fully takes after his mother, and that really has shown early on in the season.” Tyler ran a bullet workout and looks ready to go for his debut in the Magic Millions sprinter race. “He’s a looker for sure, and he’s definitely one to watch further on in the season. I am very impressed with how he’s been taking things since coming to Firestone.”
Dancing On Nails – A very recent newcomer to the Firestone barns, the massive chestnut colt is already amazing in Carter’s books. Coming from unknown bloodlines, Carter had him imported because the Firestone turf sprinting horses were lacking. Carter was beaming when we asked him about the horse. “He’s amazing, that one. First race out, breaks his maiden in a HOTY race no less!” Carter laughed. “He reminds me of Red Herring after watching him run. He has all the signs of being a Red Herring doppelganger. Both late starters, they both broke their maiden on the first try. Now all we ask of Dudley is to win his Magic Millions race, just like Big Red did.”
CLASSICS
Speak Easy – Well on his way to the Triple Crown, the foundation horse for Firestone Racing is looking in better form than he was last month. He’s continuing to grow and fill out, and is really starting to look like a seasoned racehorse. “He felt amazing, really. He’s starting to grow out of his lazy stature and becoming a lot more active and aware of his surroundings. I think this isn’t hindering his performance at all; if anything it’s making him more competitive.” Jockey Johnny Garner commented on the three year old. He whipped through the five furlong workout in 1:01.73 and looked good doing it. “I have a feeling he will do really well this year. The competition is a lot tougher, but he’s proved that he can handle it.”
Silent Heart – Ever since switching Heather to the turf, her record has gone from placing 38% of the time to a full 100% over the course of three months. “It’s like something finally clicked in her brain.” Trainer Carter Leeson stated. The bay filly put in a nice six furlong workout in 1:16.20. “She’s really starting to find herself. She feels completely different, too. I’m glad the filly is finally doing well, the constant fourth place finishes were really starting to take a toll on her. But now, she’s even gotten her first HOTY win of the season.” Says jockey Johnny Garner.
Dark Maiden – Small and feisty Mai has been making her way up the ranks slowly, starting with the Stride Of Perfection series run Week Two. “I’m not really sure where she will be at come the middle of the season. It’s really hard to say with the sprinting races being so scarce early on.” Trainer Carter Leeson stated earlier. The bay filly worked a nice three furlongs in 39.60 seconds, saving her energy for her next outing. “With the new tracks opening, I hope to get her running fairly consistently again so she can really shine.”
Whispering Melody – The daughter of Seattle Song had her first glimpse of real Triple Tiara competition in the past month. She didn’t win, but her amazing work ethic landed her a third place in the Davona Dale Stakes against Nirvana and Impressionable. “She’s looking good; her race record really doesn’t do this horse justice. The miler dirt competition is super tough this year, but Wendy’s taking it all in stride and learning from her downfalls.” The bay filly breezed five furlongs in 1:02.80 and is preparing for her April debut Week 2, where she will be running in an undercard to hopefully get that fifth win.
Refute – The bay colt has had the rest of the month of March off to regain his composure and continue working on his race tactics. “I can’t really say anything on how he will perform in his Week Two race, as of now there aren’t any entries so he may not even run. All I know is that he’s performing well in his workouts and he’s looking a lot better.” The son of DW Flamekissed galloped five furlongs on the turf in 1:02.40; a time a lot slower than his last timed workout, but he was merely going for a well-paced gallop rather than a breeze. “I’m confident in this one, I may not sound like it but I really am. He’s a tough horse to crack, but I have no doubts he will bounce back fairly quickly.”
Siren Call – The Shiver Me Timbers daughter is still having a slower season, but that doesn’t stop the filly from being as competitive as she can be. The Sprinter Crown races don’t start until May/June, but Siren has been training as hard as ever. She blew by a three furlong workout in 36.60 seconds, really proving that she is ready to win her next outing. “I mean, I’d prefer if she was racing more, but unfortunately the sprinting races are almost non-existent early on and we just have to wait until summer. Nonetheless, she’s looking and feeling great, and all I can ask of her is a few more HOTY wins to get her to grade one.”
Flashing The Declaration – The three year old sprinter is still moving at his own pace, but there is still hope for later on in the season. “I love the new tracks for him, and the smaller fields really help boost his race record and confidence.” Carter said. The black colt ran four furlongs in 48.80 seconds, not a bad time for him. “He’s still struggling, but I am keeping confidence in him. He’s due to win a race sooner or later, and with a 100% place percentage this season, he should be able to do it no problem.”
Vetanda – Still one win away from Grade Four, the sabino colt hasn’t looked stronger than now. “The Reach for Perfection series I think is really good for him. There are horses of his age and class, with equal records and it’s pretty fair game for any one of these horses to win.” Carter stated earlier. The son of Blanchette worked five furlongs in a 1:02.80s time. “All we can do now is wait and see how his races play out. Hopefully they’re good enough for a win.”
Arlequinn – A potential early retirement may be in the books for the Memorial’s Blaze son. With still only two races under his belt in Year Fifteen, the bay stallion has still been working consistently to keep him in shape for when he does get a race under his name. His most recent workout had him at a nice galloping pace in 38.80 seconds. “Hopefully he will continue to look at ease until his next race and we will see where it goes from there. If he doesn’t pick things up by July, he might have to be retired to the breeding shed early.”
Inferno – The gray gelding is certainly impressing Carter this season. Every single race he has been in has been exceptional finishes, with three firsts and two seconds. Inferno is on fire, and there has been no stopping the four year old. “Fern is blowing me away by a long shot. I never expected this great of a start to the season from him, but he continues to get better each time he runs. I think he’s ready to start entering some HOTY races this season.” He worked a solid five furlongs in 1:01.20 and certainly impressed Carter during his run. “No doubt this horse is our underdog of our senior crop and he’s proving me wrong every chance he can.”
Devil’s Blessing – The bay stallion is still sitting on one win away from grade three, and he’s kind of unfortunately become one of Firestone’s under-known horses. “The competition is extremely tough these days; the younger horses are becoming stronger much quicker than they used to, which is leaving our older horses a bit confused and anxious.” Carter Leeson stated earlier. Cian’s last workout had him at a time of 1:04.04, a little bit faster than his last five furlong breeze. “He’s slowly getting stronger. He didn’t have the best start to his four year old season, but hopefully that will change throughout the year.”
Lost In Memories – The little sabino mare has started placing better as the season moves on. With two races out of the money, the daughter of Memorial’s Blaze is due for her 8th win soon enough. “She’s a fighter, that one. Emma has to be one of the weirdest horses I’ve met. She can be so calm and shy at home, but as soon as you trailer her over to The Wire or Green Horse Fields she’s on attack mode.” After her six furlong workout last week, Carter had her gallop an easy four furlongs in 52.10 seconds. “She should hopefully bounce back quickly from her third in week one. I know the grade three fields are tough, so all I ask of her is a place in the top three.”
Ghost Rider – Something about the four year old mare doesn’t seem like she should be with the seniors. “She always has the mindset of a yearling. She’s childish and immature, but she has a heart of gold and will do what she’s told within reason.” The chestnut mare ran a four furlong blowout in 50.22 seconds, two seconds faster than stablemate Lost In Memories. “There’s no doubt she’s a speedy horse, she just really doesn’t look like it at first glance. She may be a complete idiot sometimes, but Gia knows how to get the job done, and she does it with style.”
Silver Serendipity – The gray mare has been full of spunk and attitude lately. She, too, is on the edge of grading up, seeing as she needs just three more wins to make it to G1. “Demi is lovely; she’s a hard worker and it really shows on the track.” Despite having a 100% place percentage last year, it unfortunately did not carry over to this season seeing as the turf sprinter rankings have taken a turn in toughness. “Demi is giving her all in these races, which is all we can really ask of her at this point. Hopefully when the season rolls on and there are more sprinting races will Demi be able to really shine in her element.” The mare pulled off a three furlong breeze in 37.25 seconds, a very solid effort for her.
Coco Cabana – It looks like the season might be picking up for the grade three son of Seattle Song and Fleet Goddess. Coco finally picked up his first win of the season in the Assiniboian Derby this past Week One. “The thing about this horse is that he never gives up. If he has a bad race, he will kick himself into gear and boot up for the next race. It is quite unfortunate that people don’t see this horses’ true talent.” Coco ran a five furlong gallop in 1:02.22, which should comfortably carry him over to his next race in Week Three.
White Rose – This mare is another one of the horses that have been struggling with placing well due to the very tough grade three fields. “She started off the season great, but that suddenly took a turn for the worst and ever since she has been out of the money.” Carter mentioned. The bay horse works with Silver Serendipity, and her last workout proved that the mare can be quite competitive. This week, she ran five furlongs in 1:01.60 by herself, and looked quite good doing it. “I hope smaller fields show up so that she can regain confidence and show the onlookers who she really is.”
Aquatic Addiction – The bay stallion has certainly made himself at home and welcome ever since he stepped foot onto Firestone property. The son of Shiver Me Timbers has been doing extremely well in the older dirt sprinter category alongside stablemate Sophie’s Voice. “Theo is currently the Red Herring of our older string right now. He’s carrying the pack being our only grade one right now, and he’s doing a great job of it, too.” He worked a beautiful three furlongs with a clocked time of 36.60 seconds, just 0.6 seconds faster than Soph. “There’s not much to say about him, other than the fact that I’m excited to see how he does in the near future in the Older Sprint Horse races.”
Sophie’s Voice – The chestnut mare has been raced a little bit more than her stallion counterpart, Aquatic Addiction, but nonetheless she has been very good. “It’s a little disappointing to see a great horse like her consistently finish second place, but in all due time she will get her wins.” Daughter of Cryin Out Loud worked with Theo and her clocked time was 37.20 seconds. “Soph is looking great, and is definitely ready to come out with a win next time out.”
Dark Maiden – Small and feisty Mai has been making her way up the ranks slowly, starting with the Stride Of Perfection series run Week Two. “I’m not really sure where she will be at come the middle of the season. It’s really hard to say with the sprinting races being so scarce early on.” Trainer Carter Leeson stated earlier. The bay filly worked a nice three furlongs in 39.60 seconds, saving her energy for her next outing. “With the new tracks opening, I hope to get her running fairly consistently again so she can really shine.”
Whispering Melody – The daughter of Seattle Song had her first glimpse of real Triple Tiara competition in the past month. She didn’t win, but her amazing work ethic landed her a third place in the Davona Dale Stakes against Nirvana and Impressionable. “She’s looking good; her race record really doesn’t do this horse justice. The miler dirt competition is super tough this year, but Wendy’s taking it all in stride and learning from her downfalls.” The bay filly breezed five furlongs in 1:02.80 and is preparing for her April debut Week 2, where she will be running in an undercard to hopefully get that fifth win.
Refute – The bay colt has had the rest of the month of March off to regain his composure and continue working on his race tactics. “I can’t really say anything on how he will perform in his Week Two race, as of now there aren’t any entries so he may not even run. All I know is that he’s performing well in his workouts and he’s looking a lot better.” The son of DW Flamekissed galloped five furlongs on the turf in 1:02.40; a time a lot slower than his last timed workout, but he was merely going for a well-paced gallop rather than a breeze. “I’m confident in this one, I may not sound like it but I really am. He’s a tough horse to crack, but I have no doubts he will bounce back fairly quickly.”
Siren Call – The Shiver Me Timbers daughter is still having a slower season, but that doesn’t stop the filly from being as competitive as she can be. The Sprinter Crown races don’t start until May/June, but Siren has been training as hard as ever. She blew by a three furlong workout in 36.60 seconds, really proving that she is ready to win her next outing. “I mean, I’d prefer if she was racing more, but unfortunately the sprinting races are almost non-existent early on and we just have to wait until summer. Nonetheless, she’s looking and feeling great, and all I can ask of her is a few more HOTY wins to get her to grade one.”
Flashing The Declaration – The three year old sprinter is still moving at his own pace, but there is still hope for later on in the season. “I love the new tracks for him, and the smaller fields really help boost his race record and confidence.” Carter said. The black colt ran four furlongs in 48.80 seconds, not a bad time for him. “He’s still struggling, but I am keeping confidence in him. He’s due to win a race sooner or later, and with a 100% place percentage this season, he should be able to do it no problem.”
Vetanda – Still one win away from Grade Four, the sabino colt hasn’t looked stronger than now. “The Reach for Perfection series I think is really good for him. There are horses of his age and class, with equal records and it’s pretty fair game for any one of these horses to win.” Carter stated earlier. The son of Blanchette worked five furlongs in a 1:02.80s time. “All we can do now is wait and see how his races play out. Hopefully they’re good enough for a win.”
SENIORS
Arlequinn – A potential early retirement may be in the books for the Memorial’s Blaze son. With still only two races under his belt in Year Fifteen, the bay stallion has still been working consistently to keep him in shape for when he does get a race under his name. His most recent workout had him at a nice galloping pace in 38.80 seconds. “Hopefully he will continue to look at ease until his next race and we will see where it goes from there. If he doesn’t pick things up by July, he might have to be retired to the breeding shed early.”
Inferno – The gray gelding is certainly impressing Carter this season. Every single race he has been in has been exceptional finishes, with three firsts and two seconds. Inferno is on fire, and there has been no stopping the four year old. “Fern is blowing me away by a long shot. I never expected this great of a start to the season from him, but he continues to get better each time he runs. I think he’s ready to start entering some HOTY races this season.” He worked a solid five furlongs in 1:01.20 and certainly impressed Carter during his run. “No doubt this horse is our underdog of our senior crop and he’s proving me wrong every chance he can.”
Devil’s Blessing – The bay stallion is still sitting on one win away from grade three, and he’s kind of unfortunately become one of Firestone’s under-known horses. “The competition is extremely tough these days; the younger horses are becoming stronger much quicker than they used to, which is leaving our older horses a bit confused and anxious.” Carter Leeson stated earlier. Cian’s last workout had him at a time of 1:04.04, a little bit faster than his last five furlong breeze. “He’s slowly getting stronger. He didn’t have the best start to his four year old season, but hopefully that will change throughout the year.”
Lost In Memories – The little sabino mare has started placing better as the season moves on. With two races out of the money, the daughter of Memorial’s Blaze is due for her 8th win soon enough. “She’s a fighter, that one. Emma has to be one of the weirdest horses I’ve met. She can be so calm and shy at home, but as soon as you trailer her over to The Wire or Green Horse Fields she’s on attack mode.” After her six furlong workout last week, Carter had her gallop an easy four furlongs in 52.10 seconds. “She should hopefully bounce back quickly from her third in week one. I know the grade three fields are tough, so all I ask of her is a place in the top three.”
Ghost Rider – Something about the four year old mare doesn’t seem like she should be with the seniors. “She always has the mindset of a yearling. She’s childish and immature, but she has a heart of gold and will do what she’s told within reason.” The chestnut mare ran a four furlong blowout in 50.22 seconds, two seconds faster than stablemate Lost In Memories. “There’s no doubt she’s a speedy horse, she just really doesn’t look like it at first glance. She may be a complete idiot sometimes, but Gia knows how to get the job done, and she does it with style.”
Silver Serendipity – The gray mare has been full of spunk and attitude lately. She, too, is on the edge of grading up, seeing as she needs just three more wins to make it to G1. “Demi is lovely; she’s a hard worker and it really shows on the track.” Despite having a 100% place percentage last year, it unfortunately did not carry over to this season seeing as the turf sprinter rankings have taken a turn in toughness. “Demi is giving her all in these races, which is all we can really ask of her at this point. Hopefully when the season rolls on and there are more sprinting races will Demi be able to really shine in her element.” The mare pulled off a three furlong breeze in 37.25 seconds, a very solid effort for her.
Coco Cabana – It looks like the season might be picking up for the grade three son of Seattle Song and Fleet Goddess. Coco finally picked up his first win of the season in the Assiniboian Derby this past Week One. “The thing about this horse is that he never gives up. If he has a bad race, he will kick himself into gear and boot up for the next race. It is quite unfortunate that people don’t see this horses’ true talent.” Coco ran a five furlong gallop in 1:02.22, which should comfortably carry him over to his next race in Week Three.
White Rose – This mare is another one of the horses that have been struggling with placing well due to the very tough grade three fields. “She started off the season great, but that suddenly took a turn for the worst and ever since she has been out of the money.” Carter mentioned. The bay horse works with Silver Serendipity, and her last workout proved that the mare can be quite competitive. This week, she ran five furlongs in 1:01.60 by herself, and looked quite good doing it. “I hope smaller fields show up so that she can regain confidence and show the onlookers who she really is.”
Aquatic Addiction – The bay stallion has certainly made himself at home and welcome ever since he stepped foot onto Firestone property. The son of Shiver Me Timbers has been doing extremely well in the older dirt sprinter category alongside stablemate Sophie’s Voice. “Theo is currently the Red Herring of our older string right now. He’s carrying the pack being our only grade one right now, and he’s doing a great job of it, too.” He worked a beautiful three furlongs with a clocked time of 36.60 seconds, just 0.6 seconds faster than Soph. “There’s not much to say about him, other than the fact that I’m excited to see how he does in the near future in the Older Sprint Horse races.”
Sophie’s Voice – The chestnut mare has been raced a little bit more than her stallion counterpart, Aquatic Addiction, but nonetheless she has been very good. “It’s a little disappointing to see a great horse like her consistently finish second place, but in all due time she will get her wins.” Daughter of Cryin Out Loud worked with Theo and her clocked time was 37.20 seconds. “Soph is looking great, and is definitely ready to come out with a win next time out.”
