Trips December 23
Fairgrounds
AWESOME JILL (Race 7@FG, December 19, 2013, one mile turf, AOC $75,000) The fourth choice was several wide in first turn while chasing the favorite all the way into the far turn. Shortly after entering the turn she bobbled and stumbled for no apparent reason and lost ground dropping back to third. She rallied again to pass another horse and just missed place.
Gulfstream
HARDLY (Race 9@GP, December 19, 2013, one mile turf, AOC $75,000) The fourth choice raced near the rear until the field moved into the turn where she made her first move. She was forced to check near the top of the stretch and fell to the rear of the large field while the leaders were already racing for the wire. She rallied again and traveled inside and began to pass foes. She then altered course and swung wide and closed with a fury to barely miss second.
Hollywood Park
MIDNIGHT LADY (Race 3@HOL, December 20, 2013, 6 furlongs turf, Claiming $25,000) Favored filly was away well and under tight restraint down the backstretch. She was boxed in the final portion of the turn and stayed on the rail. Her situation worsened all the way to the 1/16th pole where she finally got some room and lost the win in a photo after a courageous effort. By far, the best filly in the race.
Tampa
CHILLIN DYLAN (Race 1@TAM, December 21, 2013, one 1/16th miles, Claiming $6,250) The heavy favorite traveled well down the backstretch along the rail. Started to rally midway in turn and was screaming for racing room. When trying to get free at top of the stretch he was slammed and knocked sideways, forced to take up and alter course. He finished third after a terrible trip.
Turf Paradise
MOJAVE SECRET (Race 6@TUP, December 17, 2013, 6 ½ furlongs, Claiming $6,250) Third choice in the wagering was most unfortunate but ran valiantly. He tracked the leader into the turn and when he drew even with that one another foe was at his neck to the outside. The leader then blew the turn and forced several horses very wide and caused significant loss of ground to those affected. MOJAVE SECRET rallied, although there was no chance to win, and closed with determination to get second.
Turfway
STEW BOY (Race 4@TP, December 19, 2013, one mile, Claiming $12,500) The longshot was away well and tracked the leader down the backstretch. Fell back to third at half mile mark and rallied just before top of the stretch. Was without a place to go in mid-stretch and had to hesitate, tried to go outside but there was no room and dropped back to the rail. Continued to put forth an excellent effort and was defeated narrowly.