Missed it by that much

We were a neck (about 3 feet) away from a 6 race winning streak to wrap up a GREAT month. Raider ran a nice race and with Secret Lies' win today, the purse was just about what we paid for her a couple weeks ago.

We've got 3 more coming out in the next couple days including the debut of No Tolerance. It should be a very interesting weekend to start the new month.

Matt

This date in history

1/31/06 - 2 years ago, WG saddled its first winner - Leather N Lace. 35 wins later, it is still exhilirating to see our colors cross the finish line first.

Good luck to us today.

Matt

Second Career

About 100 yards from the finish line, cruising to a 5+ length score, Ravencliff made my heart skip a beat as he jumped over some grooves in the track left behind by the starting gate. While it did not cost him the race, it might have cost him the track record - missed by .29 seconds. Maybe he is auditioning for a second career in steeplechase racing (jumping over hurdles).

That makes 4 in a row - we go for 5 or 6 with Thursday's doubleheader. Also, Brigade makes his return to the races on Friday (race 10).

Matt

Convincing Victory

I guess taking the blinkers off Miltos last race was a good thing. She won her last race by 8.5 lengths and today's race by 9.5 lengths in a wicked fast time. She finished 6F in about a half-second faster than Tytus did on Tuesday. A very impressive victory to cap off a great week (3 for 3)!

We'll be hard pressed to strecth the winning streak to four - Ravencliff steps up into Allowance company on Tuesday (race 9).

Matt

Best Day Yet

2 wins in one day!! This definitely qualifies as the most successful day in Web's Gems Stable's short history. Running as eratic as a 3-wheel shopping cart, Tytus made things interesting in his win. We had to survive a jockey's objection, but we were able to hold on to the victory. "T" can run fast, but he also is a little goofy between the ears. Let's hope he grows up/matures and can learn how to run more efficiently.

I thought Diablo would like the turf sprint, but I was concerned when the sod came up a little soft. While that is not her best surface, she was able to close with a rush for an exhilirating score. This being her third race in the last month, we should probably give her a little rest.

For an objective review of today's races, visit tampabaydowns.com to read a summary of the owner/trainer/jockey double - some good ink for the stable.

Matt

Rusty

Well, I would say that Peagus definitely looked like a horse that was coming off a 5 month layoff. Assuming he comes out of the race ok, his better races are yet to come. Looking forward to Tuesday, we have another doubleheader. I am really curious to see how Diablo runs at the 5F distance and Tytus looks like he is in a good spot.

Matt

1 out of 2

It was a good day for the stable - as expected, General ran a better race than his last outing and won going away. In the other race, despite a tardy break and a wide trip all the way around the track, Ravencliff put in a gutty 3rd place effort. He got some much-needed conditioning out of the race and should be poised to move forward in a few weeks.

The old man (Peagus) comes back for us on Saturday (race 7). I am anxious to see how he runs in his return to his favorite track.

Matt

New Addition - Secret Lies

When it comes to our stable, I try to compile horses at various claiming levels so that we are diversified and can easily find races at the various tracks. I have been trying to fill a void in our stable for a while - we were lacking a lower-priced female. We added a "cheap" mare today ($8k split 2 ways) - Secret Lies. She is a 6 year-old Florida-bred who at one time was a very nice filly. She has been off-form for a while and we thought she might be eligible to improve with a switch to Jamie's program. So far, she has checked out fine physically.

For those thinking about betting on Thursday's races, I think General would be the better option. I expect a better effort than we saw a couple weeks ago. Ravencliff is in a deep field and he might be a little hard-pressed to get the mile distance off the shelf. I would demand at least 4-1 or better before wagering on him.

Matt

Better Late.....

.....we ran into some Spam issues and I was unable to update the blog for a couple days. In any event, for those who still may not know, Miltos ran a big race yesterday. The hot early pace set the table for her to come from behind and pull away for an 8.5 length victory. With 2 races in less than 2 weeks, she will get a little rest before returning later this month/early February.

Next race: ??? it will be relatively quiet for the next week, but we could see a few runners in about 10-15 days out. I will be spending this weekend in Tampa and should get a chance to put together the 4Q07 and year in review while in the air. While down there, I will pick up the last 4 winner's circle photos and post them to the blog sometime next week.

Matt

Nice Effort

Diablo ran a solid race today (3rd place). It's very tough to go wire-to-wire on the lawn at Tampa. Plus, the distance (1 1/16 miles) looks like it will be too long for her. Next race, we will try to find a shorter distance.

We are applying that same angle for our next race - Miltos Express runs on Tuesday (race 8). She comes off the lawn and shortens up to 6.5 furlongs. It looks like an ok spot for her.

Matt

Much Better

After a suprisingly poor effort by General yesterday, Raider shook off the rust today and rallied for an impressive score on the lawn. It was good to see him start his Tampa campaign on a high note that will hopefully lead to a long, productive meet.

Diablo wraps up our week of racing tomorrow in an evenly-matched contest. Her post (#10) is not the greatest, but if she is on her game, it should be fun to watch. You go girl!

Matt