New! Dec 2016
"Showing them a Clean Pair of Heels"
Updates:
The sky was gray and overcast off the bay on Nov 25 following a night of heavy rain. All the races originally scheduled for turf at Golden Gate Fields were moved to the all-weather track due to the rain showers. This was an expected racing change as a soggy turf surface is unstable making it unsafe for both horses and jockeys. One of the affected races was the 3rd race on Nov 25, featuring Pyscho Sister competing against five other filly and mares.
Earlier this year, Pyscho Sister started her career on the dirt surface at Emerald Downs but wasn't very flashy in those efforts. She travelled to California to try turf and showed a marked improvement through an encouraging effort at Del Mar followed by a convincing victory at Golden Gate Fields. She clearly stamped herself as a turf runner in those races! However, due to the recent rainfall, she would have no option on this day with all races on the all-weather surface or she could scratch out of the race due to these conditions. Given the small field and training experience on the all-weather track, we elected to run her.
2016 Updates and Blog updates
Jan2016: Getting Started
Mar 2016: Logo, Silks & Opening Day
We held onto our optimism with just a six horse field and the absence of other speed horses. Thus, Pyscho Sister could use her early turn of foot to dictate the pace of the race. Her inside post position complimented her running style boosting our hopes. At the same time, this was an entirely different surface and horses do perform differently on different courses. Throughout the nerve wrenching pre-race activity, her betting odds drifted up to 5-1 before closing at 5-2 as we scrutinized every betting move. What are they thinking? The betting favorite (8-5) had out run Pyscho Sister during her last race and previously raced on this all-weather surface. We would need to take her down to win this race. It was now post time! It's Go Time.
The gates flew open and all six contenders broke clean and sharply. The fillies were off on this one mile and 1/16 adventure! Heading into the first turn, Pyscho Sister looked confident in taking charge and extending her lead to an easy three lengths around the first turn. Was she going too fast too soon? She tired during her last race and finished third simply because she was too eager early in the race. Would this happen again? Recognizing the potential to tire before the finish line, her jockey relaxed her down the backstretch while maintaining a dwindling lead. Into the final turn under the crescendo of the crowd, she confidently turned towards home one step in front of looming cavalry just behind her. Gut check time. Could she hang on or would she tire approaching the finish as the betting favorite took aim on the rail.
They're off at Golden Gate Fields as Pyscho Sister breaks from the 1-hole
Down the Stretch They Come…………. to the sound of thundering hooves sprinting home towards the finish line! Pyscho Sister pinned her ears as her jockey shook the reins. At this prompting, she found another gear and drew ahead of the charging field. As she moved forward and looked like a winner, the track announcer proclaimed “Pyscho Sister is showing them a Clean Pair of Heels”! She was now well clear of the others and showing the class of a winner! Yes! Another win! She sprinted home to win by a comfortable and convincing four lengths. Yeah, that’s my Girl!!
We are all so proud of Pyscho Sister. She has now won two of her last three races, including a win on turf and a win on the all-weather track. It was also rather impressive so see her win while leading the entire way as this particular surface at Golden Gate tends to favor horses that close off the pace. After the race, she returned to the barn looking relaxed and satisfied. She must have also been hungry as she quickly ate up her post-race treats! As we look ahead, the competition will get tougher and the rewards may increase. Her star is starting to rise and her future and potential are very exciting! We’re looking forward to her next race with great enthusiasm and eagerness.