Here’s the Kicker shipped out of Saratoga and arrived safely to her Florida base. We will let her get settled in and back into a steady training pattern, and will be sure to pass along updates as they come to us.
We stopped by trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr.’s barn on the Saratoga backstretch this morning to check in on Here’s the Kicker. She has been brought along slowly following that disappointing effort in her most recent start, as is standard given her EIPH episode in that race. She also acted up a bit one morning during training where she came back with some superficial scrapes—those are healing up and are not a longterm concern. Plans are to let her tell us when she is ready to race again, and when the time comes it will likely be in a second-level allowance race in New York. The first half of the regular Saratoga meet, which begins July 10, might be more realistic rather than shipping down for something sooner at Aqueduct.
Here’s the Kicker earned a strong 86 Beyer Speed Figure–the fastest of her career–for yesterday’s win. We’ll be seeing trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. at the OBS sale this week and plan to get his thoughts on next plans when we talk to him.
Here’s the Kicker did not spike another fever after Saturday morning, but her white blood cell count was found to be elevated, so she did have an infection that she appears to have fought off. She’s been given an easy week to return to full strength, but should get back to tack walking tomorrow then be back to normal training come next Monday. There are a couple of races for her in January that we’ll likely choose from, but for now we’ll just let her ease back into things.
Here’s the Kicker was back on the work tab this morning at Palm Meadows and was credited with three furlongs in :38.75. Trainer Saffie Joesph Jr. reported, “she got away a bit quick the first 1/8, so her rider slowed it down towards the end.” Given your daughter of Liam’s Map missed her work last week, Saffie wasn’t looking for anything serious this morning. All remains well.
Here’s the Kicker breezed three furlongs in :37.20 this morning on the outside of Lady Blitz. Breaking off from the quarter-pole, this work continued one furlong past the wire. Your daughter of Liam’s Map had to be urged on a bit to keep up but did stay in contention with Lady Blitz until the gallop out.
She has remained sound and will continue on a weekly work schedule.
Here’s the Kicker continues to progress in her training at Wavertree Stables. Following a short stint of jogging, your daughter of Liam’s Map began galloping during the second week of February leading up to our showcase which took place on Feb. 10. Since then she has galloped steadily and is now ready to begin some light-speed work again.
Our team will be in Ocala for the upcoming OBS 2-year-old in-training sale and will follow up with additional updates this coming week.
Join MyRacehorse to see the newest members in the MRH stable up close and personal. You’ll get to experience a day in the life and learn what it takes to get your horse to the winner’s circle. We will transport you to Wavertree Stables, one of the top two-year-old in training facilities in the world and Two Springs Farm. Our tour has been very popular but you can still purchase your tickets for Sunday, January 14th.
After the training, you will come back to the barn to witness how the horses are cared for as they utilize the swimming pool, vibrating plate, salt water spa and other first class treatments available at Wavertree Stables. Hear from the riders, grooms and foreman for the inside scoop on how your athletes are progressing in their training and what to expect in the weeks to come. You will also have a moment to share an up close and personal moment with the horses. This will be a hands on tour!
You will then head to Two Springs Farm to meet with trainer Nellie Breeden and learn about her breaking and rehabilitation processes as well as see the MyRacehorse stable members onsite on the end of the shank. Horses which will be shown on this tour include, but are not limited to, Savvy Sassy ’22, Brandy ’22, Blue Curl ’22, Here’s the Kicker and Lady Blitz .
Upon conclusion of the farm tours, you will head back to the World Equestrian Center. We highly recommend you take a walk around the brand new WEC. It is open to the public and free of charge to watch the various horse shows taking place within the grounds. There are also some great shopping and dining options around the property as well! To learn more about the World Equestrian Center, click here.
Tickets to this exclusive MyRacehorse experience are available NOW for $140.00 per person (non-refundable) on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to purchase your tickets.
We hope to see you in sunny Ocala!