Just "O.K."

As the horses were loading into the starting gate today, I was asked for a prediction. Objectively, I offered a “fifth place”. While it wasn’t a lack of confidence in our filly, it was simply that the entire field looked competitive on paper. Therefore, I was not too disappointed in a fourth place finish. There were 3 fillies faster than her today. In fact, she beat a few nice fillies including a pair trained by the best trainer on the planet (Steve Asmussen).
Tom and I discussed multiple theories after the race in an effort to make sense of the race. While we did not reach a consensus on “Why” she ran the way she did, we did agree on the answer to the question “what next?” Assuming she comes out of the race in good shape, we’ll point her towards a race near the end of the month at a lower class level in hopes of finding some softer competition. The end result: her 4th place today still put more $$ in our bank account than Block’s second place effort last week.
Speaking of Stumbling Block, A few of us are heading to Tampa this weekend to check in on him. There is a chance we’ll get to see him run on Saturday if the race fills. Regardless, I will touch base with Jamie to determine what lies ahead for him over the next few months as the Tampa meet winds down.