Our good mare Ice Orchid planned for Arazi but puffy ankle from workout said no. Vets viewing scans and X-rays see nothing. We’ll see what a week or two does and if all well Apple Blossom an option.

Tough Shortleaf season with Whelen Springs and Ice Orchid sidelined briefly but back soon. Gar Hole retired and Caddo River to stud. Black Apple has stepped up winning three this season but 2021 crop needs to wake up.

Pleased to inform that Whelen Springs returns to training after a brief rest. Joining Schultz in KEE to prep for summer/fall in NE. Also, Ice Orchid back training after brief vacation with puffy ankle now tight and cold. OP racing soon.

Ice Orchid is telling us that she is ready to move on to from racing. An honest Graded Stake placed winner of over $500m will go to Caddo River now. Also, KY grass specialist Vivar will retire to Shortleaf Farm to buddy with Gar Hole in retirement.

Three head in today. Key races for each to tell us what we need to know. Either step up or fade down. No excuses. I’m sure the result will be a mixed review. That’s Racing!!

Team heading to Ocala to inspect crop of 2 yos in training there with Fisher and Bradshaw. Those ready will soon be dispatched to the track for late summer/fall racing. Others to follow. Dismal result of the 3 yo crop, worst in our history, needs a lift from new blood.

Team report from viewing 2 yo’s in Ocala and, as is normal, a Champion or two in place plus multiple G1 winners 😊. All undefeated now so the challenge for trainers is to shape and develop these young athletes. It’s an interesting project each year.

Closing our worst OP season in years with 4 entered this weekend. Looking forward to the young stock coming up soon. Nice group, well regarded by handlers at Ocala TCs. OP stock off to Monmouth with Schultz and KY with Ortiz and Medina. A few with summer holiday for R&R.

OPs end means horses off to KY and Monmouth with Shultz. Black Apple to farm for R&R and prep for grass racing in fall. Arky’s summer vacation. Couple up off the bench, including Whelen. 2 yos metering in off the TCs. Lots of racing to do before home again.

As horses change bases after OP makes racing slow for a bit. Ortiz and Medina to KY, Schultz to the NE based at Monmouth with easy access to NY, PA, NJ, VA, MD and DE tracks. Good for AR Breds. Stable to ramp up soon with selected 2 yos joining older vets now. Others later.

After a tough OP season with poor results, levels were found where our horses can compete, most for other stables. Now fresh young stock is arriving at track to begin their careers. Interesting time with surprises pro and con.

Point Clear by Malibu in first start in CD 6f Maiden Spl stumbles badly at break to trail last at first call, rallies to second, splitting horses and closing like a pro in 1;08+ time. “Good One” says Ortiz dismounting.

Early summer racing is slow after busy OP. Breathers for some, turnout for others. Still, 2 yo’s all in early breezes to join older mates for an exciting late summer, fall in prep for home track, OP

Stable activity ramping up with 2 yo’s nearing their first starts at Ellis, Saratoga and Monmouth. Whelen Springs back in training and Black Apple coming out of freshening. Looking forward to action in fall prep for busy OP season beginning in Dec. Racing requires patience.

We’re excited about our 2 yo filly Quietside, impressive winner in her first start at SAR. Most important is that she rated and responded when asked. Could be a good one.

Stable waking up in prep for 25 OP. Older stock back in action after holiday. Searcy wins at Monmouth and Whelen and Black Apple back in training. . 2 yos beginning to race with Quietside in Spinaway Sat. Busy fall schedule planned.

Despite running a great race, Quietside is second in GI Spinaway. Mud not ideal but same for all. Home sound and healthy so we’ll get’em next time.

Keeneland winding down record year for yearling sales. Broad buyer appetite for individuals of all levels. Industry appears healthy with an abundance of players from all over the world. Our homebred focus seems prudent when viewing prices for yearlings sold.

For those who may not have noticed, Keeneland just sold 2,735 horses for over $411 million in 12 days.