stroke of genius

Normally, I could go on for a number of paragraphs related to this recent piece in the Bergen Record, but it's too easy, number one, and, number two, burning bridges in public forums ain't my bag. I much prefer the face-to-face kiss off. Best of luck with the subcommittee, anyway. I imagine that there will be an unbearably shortsighted type deal to announce just prior to the Breeders Cup, with all parties openly celebrating their bit of pissing into the wind before heading up to the parterres for crab cakes. Just good to know that there are certain things you can count on in this world. (That's gentle chiding, people.)

As for our little operation, no pre-Breeders' Cup press events in the plans (Fortuna not running in the Distaff, FYI), but all still in pretty good order. Nautical Agent and Fortuna have both come back well from their last at Finger Lakes. We'll look to run the Agent back in the next two weeks depending on how the races fill and Fortuna, our favorite problem child, might be moving on to that second career I spoke of in an earlier post. No, not competitive eating, though it could ultimately prove a viable third option for her, but the breeding shed, where she might actually do alright. We've got a few promising leads; there might be something done within the week or so. No tears, please, unless they're tears of joy.

Down in Maryland both Mass Romantic and Veiled Reference keep on trucking. Mass Romantic worked 5/8ths over the weekend in 1.04 (this was her first time at the distance) and will likely come back next week at a quicker tempo. She seems to be hanging in there just fine. The knee is good and her head is in the game. Her new stablemate, Veiled Reference, pulled into town this week and has taken the few days to adjust to her new surroundings. I'd guess that Tim will breeze her back sometime the middle of this week. Word is that she shipped in well and looks the part. We'll take the next three weeks to sharpen her up and then get things started at Laurel Park early next month.