Race 23

On Super Bowl weekend we started our 2010 racing campaign in New Orleans chanting:

"WHO DAT! WHO DAT!"

"WHO DAT SAY CHARLEY GONNA FINISH IN EIGHTH!"

That's right Rabbit fans, we finished a poor eighth in our opener at the Fair Grounds. We had dropped the General down to a 25k Claiming tag in hopes of competing for a nice purse against 10 other horses. We even had changed jockeys, putting Robbie Alborado aboard to see if that might get us in the Winners Circle.

As usual, Charley started out on the lead and Robbie set a dawdling pace for the 1st quarter at 26.3. We loved that. However, he quickened Charley to a half mile of 50 and that seemed a little fast. Charley led to the head of the stretch, but against the rail he started to short stride and was passed by most of the field down the lane- finishing 8th.

Trainer Pessin was disappointed and none to pleased with Robbie's ride as he felt that Robbie had given up on Charley and didn't ride him at all through the last furlong. While that was true, an "In the Money" finish wouldn't have been possible even if Robbie rode him hard to the finish.

Picture upper right is a great looking Charley trotting back after the race and the picture below left is Charley on the lead the first time round the track. All the way down is the video of the race.

Down to watch the race was partners Peggy, & Jean along with Rick and his 2 younger sons Brett & Brad. While down there we met up with long lost Auntie Pamela, her daughter Eve, Eve's husband Jaimie and their little cherub Ruby. So even though we got whupped pretty good we met up with family and this is what this endeavor is all about.

In terms of what's next - who knows. We would like to get one more race at Fair Grounds and then swing Charley up to Arlington via Keeneland. But he is going to have to run a bit faster to regain his form of 2009.

BUT WE STILL LOVE OUR CHARLEY AND WILL GET 'EM NEXT TIME!