Friday May 21: LEAVING NEW YORK

Had not trained particularly well going into the Snow Chief. The race was a disaster. He chased a hot pace before folding up shop on the turn. It was nice to see him moving in the right direction out of that effort. Today he ran clear of an overmatched Mark Glatt trainee. 24.00, 1:00.80 - Acting more professional and striding out like a fitter horse. Coming back around for Team O'Callaghan.

Sunday May 23: CHERRYBLOSSOMMISS

Sadler gray has come out of her March effort at Sunland Park really well. Her most recent drill sure seems like a sign that she is ready to run again. Responded to pressure at the wire with a nice turn of speed. I had her running out with a bundle of energy past the wire. My watch read 47.20 which was a second faster than officially given. Very strong.

Monday May 24: VIRGINIA WAY

Two year old filly from the Craig Dollase barn makes an impression early in a simple quarter mile drill in company with two year old colt You Bettor Beware. Virginia broke behind and made up ground with a rail move. Not a hint of hesitation when blowing through on the rail of erratic work-mate. The shorter the drill, the easier it is to be fooled. But I could not help but be impressed. Will be sure to follow this one closely over the next month.

Zenyatta took a step forward in her pattern leading up to the Vanity. The drill was different in a couple ways. This was the most forward I have seen her in a team drill. Broke a couple back but was on the neck of stable-mate El Vino before the turn. In the vast majority of the drills that I have seen she will actually fall further behind on the turn before reeling in her prey. Today she seemed more focused and was in attack mode early. The most important part of this drill was the stretch. As she cruised clear of El Vino I was expecting her to start losing interest. But she did not lose interest. She remained focused on her task and kept putting space between herself and El Vino. Her gallop out was by far the best of this series. Positive progression for the champ.