New! Sept 2016
Pyscho Sister WINS BIG and Keeneland 2016
Updates:
It was a pleasantly warm evening off the bay on the outskirts of San Francisco at Golden Gate Fields when 11 fillies and mares entered the starting gate for the 8th race on Sept 16 to compete for a mile on the turf. The air of anticipation engulfed the atmosphere for those at Royal Victory Thoroughbreds as Pyscho Sister, off an overly eager yet encouraging race at Del Mar, was the first of the group to enter the starting gate. This was her second effort on grass and both her pedigree and conformation indicated she could improve on the lawn. As the other competitors completed loading for the race, the moment was here and our questions would soon be answered. Would she break well? Could she improve on the grass? Would she compete at this level?
The starting bell rang to alert us the race was on and eleven competitors’ sprang out of the gate and began their stampede towards the critical first turn. Within a few seconds of the break, Pyscho Sister showed an eagerness to run confidently in the front of the pack. As she banked into that first turn, the others were content allowing her to dictate the pace and she obliged without anyone pressing her on the lead. Whenever a horse runs on the lead, those early fractions are critical indicators of how the race may unfold. If the race leader is moving too fast, it is unlikely he/she will sustain their lead until the finish line. The first quarter mile was completed in 24 1/5 seconds which was not burnout fast. Good, but she was pulling hard in order to go faster and even the race caller comments that her rider is “unsuccessfully trying to tap the brakes”.
Previous Blogs
Jan2016: Getting Started
Mar 2016: Logo, Silks & Opening Day
They continued down the backstretch with Pyscho Sister still leading by almost 2 lengths and moving at a moderate pace of 49 2/5 seconds when halfway home. So far so good. As she led her foes into the final turn, the race tightened with several fillies making their move to overtake the leader. Pyscho Sister's alert jockey took a quick peek behind to size up the competition. They exited the final turn with Pyscho Sister holding her lead as she cornered and pointed towards home. Wow! The crescendo of excitement increased when her jockey finally asked her to go full out and she exploded down the lane to extend her lead with every step! Our excitement peaked as she crossed the finish line winning by an official margin of 5 ½ lengths! Wow. That felt GREAT! Great ride by Frank Alvarado and a big day for Pyscho Sister.
Pyscho Sister leading around 1st turn and extending her lead down the stretch!
Pyscho Sister in Winners Circle!
The momentum of the Pyscho Sister’s win at Golden Gate was a fantastic feeder for the biggest thoroughbred auction of the year, known as Keeneland September held annually in Lexington Kentucky.
Keeneland's view from Barn 41
Over the course of two weeks, more than 4000 yearlings went through the ring and we are very excited about a promising young filly we purchased by the accomplished stallion City Zip. We are especially partial to City Zip as he was also the sire of Rooster City, our most accomplished horse to date. I will include more information and pictures of this new filly in the horses section soon.
To Fast Horses and Good Times Together!
Victor Bahna &
Royal Victory Thoroughbred Team