Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 12, 2025, 6:35 AM

A mixed bag for the trotting fillies on Monday at the Red Mile.  No earthshaking scoops or inside information to air here.  Feel free to ask in private message or hopefully at the track soon for my free (for a reason) opinions.  Enjoyed hanging out with two fellow Stable clients, Ed and Wendy.  We told a bunch of war stories, past and present.  Debated a few topics.  Very enjoyable time for me, and I hope for them as well.  The afternoon just whizzed by.

Jolene Hall  impressed me, especially at the wire as she was battling traffic and was desperately stretching her neck forward in her fight for place honors.

Jailbird Jog trotted a race horse quality final quarter of 26 flat.  If I was fortunate enough to be an owner, then the conservative drive by Tetrick wouldn’t bother me at all.  But I don’t have any inside knowledge on the whys and wherefores.  All I know is that she finishes her miles strong, which unfortunately is an outlier in this year’s 2 year olds.

I did get to meet Eric and Cathy Patalan afterwards, and they couldn’t be more gracious and welcoming.  Wendy and Ed said that they had a similar experience before the races.  Without question, Eric and Cathy put their hearts and souls into the horses in their care.

Will wait for AMac’s report, but maybe Zina was not reacting well to the bit configuration.  Not sure if it was a change or just the unending mystery of why these beautiful animals keep their handlers guessing on what works best from race to race.

Degas is a real sweetheart in the barn.  But she, like many, failed to fire in the stretch off fairly modest fractions.  At least the track announcer didn’t butcher her name this week. 

Anyway, the barn area is jammed full of most of the sport’s top trainers, as the Commonwealth’s investment and commitment to the “dual eligibility” feature of the KY stake program is abundantly paying dividends.  I imagine that those same trainers are making multiple visits to the area’s farms and inspecting the 2025 yearlings.

I should have taken pictures…I really need an assistant.

Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 12, 2025, 7:37 AM

Just watched AMac’s video recap on Monday’s Lexington races.  The mucous report on Degas must have come in later.  I will say that those barns are hot and stuffy.  A lot of fans going but it can be a tough environment.  Hopefully, this heat breaks soon.  Glad they scoped her.

But don’t blame Dan Noble for the 30 second opening quarter in Jailbird’s race.  Noble was outside post.  Floated and parked to the quarter before clearing.  He modestly stepped on the gas as soon as he made the front.  The other 5 went to the pylons early and were content to stroll along.

Quote from pcmark15 on August 12, 2025, 11:33 AM

@bgtolex25

Quick question, do you need a license to get into the barn area like you do in Ohio ?

 

Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 12, 2025, 12:36 PM

Quote from pcmark15 on August 12, 2025, 11:33 AM

@bgtolex25

Quick question, do you need a license to get into the barn area like you do in Ohio ?

 

No, but you will need one to gain entry to the paddock.  I was surprised too.  Thx to Ed and Wendy for giving me the scoop.  

Now the gate to drive into the barn area is restricted, so you have to walk over from the grandstand area.  Not sure if you would have the same access on non-race days or early in the morning if you just wanted to watch training sessions.

Quote from Purple Aura on August 12, 2025, 7:47 PM

Norm we had a great time hanging out with you. Sadly hanging out was better than the racing. Looking like Zina is making my Jug week schedule a lil easier. 🙂

Quote from Purple Aura on August 19, 2025, 2:03 PM

I emailed Anthony about Kentucky tomorrow. His reply made it sound like he isn't going and James will now drive Degas, Jolene, and Zina who he was likely to drive anyways. I can't go, I don't have a winner this year. I'm guessing with me not there and Anthony not there The Stable SWEEPS the card at Red Mile tomorrow. 🙂

Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 19, 2025, 2:51 PM

I might make it and go offer whatever service that I can be to the team…fetch some food and water…whatever makes their life easier with 4 fillies in to go and Cathy at 1/2 speed on her injured leg.

Quote from Purple Aura on August 19, 2025, 5:15 PM

Degas scratched. 

Quote from Lonnie on August 19, 2025, 7:42 PM

Quote from Purple Aura on August 19, 2025, 2:03 PM

I emailed Anthony about Kentucky tomorrow. His reply made it sound like he isn't going and James will now drive Degas, Jolene, and Zina who he was likely to drive anyways. I can't go, I don't have a winner this year. I'm guessing with me not there and Anthony not there The Stable SWEEPS the card at Red Mile tomorrow.

👍