"Luck", Lasix and 42 & Change...

OK, don’t be looking for the fastest half mile of the day, the 42 and change is what Wewoka Switch paid in breaking his maiden yesterday in the 8th at Gulfstream. A blog favorite, the son of Harlan’s Holiday, dropped and popped with the addition of blinkers in a much improved effort. The race was originally scheduled for the turf, and I hope the connections continue down that path. Congrats to Nick Zito and Dream Walkin’ Farms. It was a Red Solo Cup performance.

I was late to the “Luck Party” but watched 2 hours back- to- back Thursday night. Great casting, pretty good acting, with a script chock full of backstretch and grandstand vernacular. However, it does highlight the dark side of racing, with its various broken-down bust-out characters. Who would want to visit a racetrack if they thought they would run into any of these losers? Here’s a suggestion. If the writers of “Luck” are only going to focus on the down and out, could they please inject a little humor, at least?

Maybe it’s too early to tell, but “Luck” won’t do much for racing except tarnish our rich and beautiful sport.

TVG ‘s Round Table last night was a chat about Medications in Racing, which quickly turned into taking sides on Lasix. Most of the participants were knowledgeable and respective members of the Racing Community. (I said most)
There are definitely two distinct views on the issue. I know where I stand. You have to do what’s in the best interest of the horse’s health and welfare. Period. If the public perception is skewed, then it is the industry’s job to educate the public. Like for instance, it is a huge misconception that medication (like Bute and Lasix) is not used in Europe and other countries. But in fact, it is used frequently in training, up to a race.

Nice racing around the country today, including Tampa Bay. I like Game Drive in the third, on the lawn in the Opt claiming $75,000, NW x1. And Keertana is returning in the Grade 3 Endeavor S.

Setsuko, in the 10th at Santa Anita, has been a horse that I have always liked, but who has been a big disappointment. He has now been gelded. I look for a turnaround here.