Jun 10, 2016 Pyscho Sister, Take 2
Updates:
Just three short weeks ago, Pyscho Sister impressively debuted in the slop at Emerald Downs in a tough maiden allowance race, finishing third after recovering from an awful start. She returns on Saturday, Jun 11 in a similar race, including a full field of 11 horses. Returning from her last race are the 2nd through 7th place finishers plus a few stout newcomers that will bring their best on Saturday. The winner from that last race graduated from maiden ranks and cannot run back in this condition, but otherwise, this race is very much a rematch of the race three weeks ago!
Anxiety and excitement have resumed control of most brain activity since Wednesday when she was entered. Her first race was a strong performance and very encouraging. Since then, I’ve envisioned her improving, getting a good start and out-finishing all her opponents. I’ve caught myself dreaming of that moment after victory when we gleefully bound over to the Winners Circle and watch her proudly enter, beaming and exuding nothing but confidence. Reality then returns as I read the entries for Saturday and Psycho Sister is listed as the #5 horse in race #4. YES!! It’s GO TIME once again!
In preparing for the race, we draw upon the experience of the previous race, assess our strategy and evaluate our chances of reaching the winners circle. I admit to watching the replay of the last race more than a dozen times in search of an angle we can use for Saturday. Several horses return with strong potential, top jocks and impressive breeding and we cannot dismiss any entry especially considering less than four lengths separated the 2nd through 7th place finisher’s last time out. This sets up as a wide open race as reflected by the morning line with a lukewarm favorite of 7 to 2 odds and Pyscho Sister opening at a generous 6 to 1 odds.
This is an important race that will hopefully stamp her as a ‘stakes worthy’ filly. A win on Saturday will assure her of this status and satisfy our aspiration from the moment she was purchased in 2014 as a yearling. As such, this race sets up as a ‘moment of truth’ for owner, trainer and horse. Her appearance in the paddock will give us an indication of her readiness and I’m optimistic about her preparation and attitude to date. Hopefully, she can rise to the occasion on Saturday afternoon and give us a thrill!
The forecast on Saturday calls for showers and the potential for a sloppy surface. We know she can run through the mud based on her debut performance but I still prefer a dry track to see how she runs on a more typical surface. Regardless, all systems are go at this point. Francisco Duran will return as her pilot and he’ll leverage his experience in guiding her once again. Like last time, she will hopefully run a strong race, finish well and return to the barn in sound condition and once again I will marvel at her competitive nature and graceful athleticism.
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