Calling an audible

Previously, I thought our next race would be Friday. But, we got Unreal General in on Thursday (race 5). Additionally, we will have Dawn Raider going on Friday (race 6). That means the deadline for any purchases or sales of WG shares for this quarter will be Thursday.

I wish everyone a happy and safe New Year.

Matt

"Pity the Fool"

Regular readers of this blog know that I have nicknames for all of our horses. Previously, I have referred to Tytus as simply "T". After today's effort, we should be calling him "Mr. T". While pulling away to a 5+ length victory, he set a track record. No horse in the 82-year history of Tampa Bay Downs has run a faster 6.5 furlong race. Visit Tampa's website to watch the replay and/or read the press release about the record.

As far as yesterday's race is concerned, I thought Miltos ran a great race. After chasing a fast pace, she was able to hang on for third while battling Starlet Sky in the stretch. All things considered, it was a very encouraging effort.

Not all news was good this week. We claimed a horse in Miami on Monday - Love Divine ($16k split 3 ways). She ran poorly on Monday and it looks like she has a few physical issues. As such, we will have to be very aggressive with her to minimize our loss exposure.

Next Race: We are done racing in 2007 - it was a great year! (full summary for the quarter and year will be sent out in mid-January). We'll be entering Dawn Raider for a race next Friday. Our first race in 2008 will mark the deadline for additional purchases of Web's Gems shares or redemption requests. Right now, it looks like the price per share will be approximately $12.

Matt

Off and Running

We made our '07-'08 debut today in Tampa. Diablo ran an ok 4th. The footing was soft and she got banged around a little. More importantly, 3 horses ran faster than she did.

Next races: Miltos takes on an old friend on Wednesday (race 8). One of her 9 competitors will be Starlet Sky (to date, my favorite horse that we have owned). On Thursday (race 6), Tytus faces a tough group of $32k claimers. The race is at 6.5 furlongs - a distance we think he will like.

We tried to claim a horse today (a runaway winner in race 5), but it didn't work out. We are looking at one running in Miami on Monday and may look at one running against Tytus on Thursday. Stay tuned.

Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays to all.

Matt

Back in the saddle

We got Diablo into a race on Saturday (Race 7). The race is going a mile on the turf and the field looks ok. She might be a little rusty, but the race should give us a pretty good idea of how she fits in with the stock down there.

Jamie on TV....For those who have access to HRTV, check out the Hawthorne replay show (10:00 a.m. on days after races). This week, they have been running an interview that was taped with Jamie while he was there. It's about 5 minutes long and worth a watch.

It sounds like we'll have some new investments next quarter, so I'll be intensifying my search for our next runner.

Matt

Patience

The action on the track has been a little slow, but it should pick up very soon. Tytus and Peagus turned in a couple nice workouts this morning. Diablo, Raider, and Miltos will be entering races within the next 10 days or so. Others are getting a nice break and/or waiting to get out of claiming jail (2nd week of January).

So take the time now to finish your Xmas shopping, attend those holiday parties, and cheer on the Vikings or your fantasy football team. We have one partner who is expecting the birth of his son any day now. In the meantime, I have been watching the races at Tampa and taking notes for potential claims down the line. Enjoy the break.

Matt

Expectations

Last week, Ravencliff runs 4th at 12-1 odds and we are encouraged by his effort. Yesterday, Unreal General runs 4th as the 3-2 to favorite and it's a disappointment. Both lost by just a few lengths. While both add roughly the same amount to the bankroll, it's funny how differently the races are viewed because of the expectations.

Next race: ?? We tried entering 2 today for Tuesday at Tampa. Diablo's race didn't go while Raider's race overfilled and we were left on the outside looking in. That's kind of the way it goes in the first few weeks at Tampa when they run just a couple days a week. When their full racing schedule kicks in later this month, our action should ramp up considerably. Speaking of later this month.....

...As we march towards another quarter-end, I remind you that shares in Web's Gems will be available for purchase and sale. For those who are thinking about redeeming, this quarter-end would be ideal. The end of a tax year would be a good time to sell if you need the money and/or you think this investment might not be suited for you.

If you want to buy or sell, please give me a little notice so that I may plan accordingly. Thanks.

Matt

Mother Nature 1 Web's Gems 0

It was a snowy, windy, rainy, icy, cold day in Chicago. The 2 jockeys we had lined up to ride our horses today (Thornton and Wade) were seriously injured yesterday and we had to settle for less than ideal pilots. All in all, it was not a bad day with a 2nd and 4th place finish. Tytus broke sharply and had the lead for most of the race but was run down late by a 17-1 longshot who likely ran a career-best race. In the next race, Ravencliff got to the lead with about a furlong to go, but just couldn't hold off 3 horses who were closing fast. There was about a length between the top 4 runners and it was 7 lengths back to the 5th place horse. At 12-1, "Raven" certainly outran his odds and he should be good to go in his next race.

Next Race: ? We'll be enetering Unreal General tomorrow for a race next Friday. Opening day at Tampa Bay is next Saturday!! In case anyone is interested, a few of us will be in Tampa on Jan 11-13. It was 80 and sunny there today (as I look out my window and see 1/2 foot of snow on the ground).