Notes - Apr 14

- Not only was Beautiful Venture indeed the first winner for Came Home at Keeneland yesterday, it was the freshman’s sire first starter. And according to BRIS’ Keeneland Daily Notebook, she unseated rider Mark Guidry before the race began and had to be run down by the outriders. Also noted is was Minister’s Bid's monster debut, and that he made mincemeat of the Keeneland speed bias.

- Great news from New Orleans, as the Fair Grounds has applied for an 81-day meeting beginning on Thanksgiving day.

- So, word comes that Bill Turner still thinks that Highland Cat can run on the dirt, and he wants to drop him into a $35,000 maiden claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs. Now, who am I to argue with an experienced horseman like Turner…..I mean, what do I know? But have you seen any evidence that this horse can run on the dirt? He shows no speed, seems to shy away from getting hit in the face, and has failed going short and long. He did have that rally for third in his debut, and that was at 6 1/2 furlongs; but note that he actually lost ground in the stretch to winner Great Point. And if he’s been so far back in his subsequent route tries, how is he going to be close enough in a sprint, even at a lower level? I’m not very happy with this development; the expenses are piling up and time's a-wasting. I prefer the prior plan of giving him a try on the grass, and then, if there’s nothing doing, sending him to some slots state where perhaps he can compete.

And meanwhile, that “runningest thing” Mum’s the Word, who we sold last year, today registered a bullet half mile (of 23) in 47.57 seconds. Oh man!