Triple Threat

When reading the past performances in the Daily Racing Form, you don't come across many horses who have won on the 3 racing surfaces: dirt, turf, and synthetic. With yesterday's win at Presque Isle, Stumbling Block now joins that group. It was a very exciting race as Block found a little extra gear in the final 50 yards to get up in time. While the race was not a "stakes" race, the purse was higher than most stakes races run here this year at Canterbury. However, in the process of winning, it became clear that I am Block's unlucky charm. I have seen him race in person twice and he hasn't hit the board in either while he has won the other four. I guess I'll be watching his next race on TV/online. Combined with Dawn Raider's runner-up effort on Thursday, it made for a very good weekend on the track.

Looking ahead, Wild Adventure makes her Presque Isle debut on Wednesday and puts her 4 race winning streak on the line. While the field is short on runners (5), it looks like an evenly matched bunch with a variety of running styles for handicappers to ponder. There are a couple who should flash early speed ensuring a honest pace, albeit not a suicidal one. There are couple who look like they do their best running late. And then there is W.A. - thus far, she has shown the ability to stalk just behind the pace and put in her run as they turn for home. With that setup (on paper), it looks like it will be a jockey's race. If our jock (Ronnie Allen) senses the front runners are going too slow, he'll need to move our filly early in the race and force the issue. Conversely, if they are going too fast on the front end, he'll have to be patient enough to let the speed backup, but know when to make his move in order to get a jump on the 2 closers. Should be fun to watch - good luck to us!!