Hall of Fame trainer Ara Davies has sent her filly Time Delay to the “75k Dark Fantasy Stakes” in Canada. Meanwhile, at Tosca Stables Texas, Carolyn Eaton has shipped her filly The White Album to South Africa for a 4 furlong Maiden Special Weight. Both will race on Week 1 Friday. Will both win? We’ll find out!
AND NOW…SIM Series Week 2 Episode 2
“You haven’t figured it out?” I said to Mary Weather. “Then what did Ara mean by F5-ing?”
I turn and look at Mary and notice that it’s already 8:30AM. She stares back at me with that friendly smirk that she always has. Her cap was on perfectly and her outfit immaculately pressed and clean. I’m always wondering how she stays so neat while running my stable. It’s also awkward that I never see her with any goggles or a whip for the matter. Maybe she trains without them. Maybe she’s a naked trainer. I don’t know. She’s new to my stable. “Maybe you should ask a horse whisperer,” she replies regarding the F5-ing.
I take note of her recommendation as I leave my office. Call Clark Hoss when I get back! I love Clark. He always seems to know something about the horses in my stable. Nonetheless, today, I need to catch a flight to Cumberland, Rhode Island to meet Mike Eaton (no relation to Carolyn) and his dirt sprinter Make Me Clever. From there I’ll trek to Toronto and chat with Channi Ruzzo and her dirt sprinter The Proven One. I start driving to John Wayne Airport in Orange County since Jet Blue doesn’t fly to Rhode Island. Bummer.
I arrive at Logan Airport around 7PM local time. My flights to the East Coast always seem so fast these days. I remember when a six hour flight couldn’t be condensed into three sentences. These days, the planes are so fast it’s like teleporting Star Trek style. Beam me up Scotty!
I finally reach Mike’s home and I realize that I’m not in California anymore. There’s actually more trees than buildings. It’s a bustling town of approximately 31,000. In Long Beach, I think 31,000 people live on just my block alone!
Mike is waiting outside already. He’s wearing a hooded sweater and jeans. I find it odd that he runs a stable with out a farm. Despite that, Mike stands multiple stallions including Grade/Group 1 dirt winner Democracy out of Saga and Dethroned, an Heir To The Throne mare. He’s rather new to racing, a SIMster since July 8th, 2007.
I shake his hand and I’m impressed that he didn’t give me the “sloppy fish”. I hardly meet any 16 year olds that have his demeanor. We exchange pleasantries. OK, actually, we exchange the cupped handshake and half hug that guys give each other. We also exchange “What’s up(s),” “How you doing(s),” a “Sweet,” and finally a “Crank that Soulja Boy,” which kind of weirds me out. I’m guessing he’s joking.
We go inside and I notice that he runs his stable from his living room. “Troublemaker” by Weezer is playing on his computer.
“I used to spend twenty-five hours a week running my stable,” Mike says. “But since my computer broke, I’m down to ten. I actually have a normal teenage social life again. Next week I think I’m going to Sadie Hawkins.” He smirks and nods.
I’m 29 and he’s 16, so I have to think back a few years to remember Sadie Hawkins. I quickly change the subject and ask him where Make Me Clever resides.
“She’s in Venezuela right now. I entered her in a five furlong maiden event at Hipodromo Argentino for Week 2 Monday.”
Make Me Clever is a beautiful 16.1 hand black filly out of Inspired Strike and Clever Girl, a Lost mare. She’s actually homebred by Mike. I ask him how he breeds without a farm.
“For now I use farms that are owned by other players. You don’t need permission to use a farm, you just have to ship your horse there and pay the fees.” He says and continues. “You know, I expect Make Me Clever to eventually be a stakes winner. I hate sprinters so I can’t wait for the SIM Community to tell me what to do with her. They probably know what’s best for her anyways. Why did SIM Series let us choose the first race anyways?”
He continues to ramble about how he doesn’t like dirt sprinters and only likes to race dirt routers, how he manages his 300 horses, how he enjoys the competitiveness of the SIM, and how Ara Davies reminds him of his Aunt Janet. I’m assuming Janet’s last name is Eaton as well. We hang out for another hour or so. I tell him that I remember when Weezer became cool back in 1994 when I was fourteen. He tells me I’m old.
I politely thank him for his hospitality and wish him the best for Make Me Clever in Week 2 Monday. I leave for my hotel. I need some sleep before driving the approximate 400 miles to Toronto, Canada to meet Channi Ruzzo and her dirt sprinter The Proven One.
I finally reach Mike’s home and I realize that I’m not in California anymore. There’s actually more trees than buildings. It’s a bustling town of approximately 31,000. In Long Beach, I think 31,000 people live on just my block alone!
Mike is waiting outside already. He’s wearing a hooded sweater and jeans. I find it odd that he runs a stable with out a farm. Despite that, Mike stands multiple stallions including Grade/Group 1 dirt winner Democracy out of Saga and Dethroned, an Heir To The Throne mare. He’s rather new to racing, a SIMster since July 8th, 2007.
I shake his hand and I’m impressed that he didn’t give me the “sloppy fish”. I hardly meet any 16 year olds that have his demeanor. We exchange pleasantries. OK, actually, we exchange the cupped handshake and half hug that guys give each other. We also exchange “What’s up(s),” “How you doing(s),” a “Sweet,” and finally a “Crank that Soulja Boy,” which kind of weirds me out. I’m guessing he’s joking.
We go inside and I notice that he runs his stable from his living room. “Troublemaker” by Weezer is playing on his computer.
“I used to spend twenty-five hours a week running my stable,” Mike says. “But since my computer broke, I’m down to ten. I actually have a normal teenage social life again. Next week I think I’m going to Sadie Hawkins.” He smirks and nods.
I’m 29 and he’s 16, so I have to think back a few years to remember Sadie Hawkins. I quickly change the subject and ask him where Make Me Clever resides.
“She’s in Venezuela right now. I entered her in a five furlong maiden event at Hipodromo Argentino for Week 2 Monday.”
Make Me Clever is a beautiful 16.1 hand black filly out of Inspired Strike and Clever Girl, a Lost mare. She’s actually homebred by Mike. I ask him how he breeds without a farm.
“For now I use farms that are owned by other players. You don’t need permission to use a farm, you just have to ship your horse there and pay the fees.” He says and continues. “You know, I expect Make Me Clever to eventually be a stakes winner. I hate sprinters so I can’t wait for the SIM Community to tell me what to do with her. They probably know what’s best for her anyways. Why did SIM Series let us choose the first race anyways?”
He continues to ramble about how he doesn’t like dirt sprinters and only likes to race dirt routers, how he manages his 300 horses, how he enjoys the competitiveness of the SIM, and how Ara Davies reminds him of his Aunt Janet. I’m assuming Janet’s last name is Eaton as well. We hang out for another hour or so. I tell him that I remember when Weezer became cool back in 1994 when I was fourteen. He tells me I’m old.
I politely thank him for his hospitality and wish him the best for Make Me Clever in Week 2 Monday. I leave for my hotel. I need some sleep before driving the approximate 400 miles to Toronto, Canada to meet Channi Ruzzo and her dirt sprinter The Proven One.
The CN Tower is obviously visible as I’m driving into Toronto. It’s reminiscent of the Space Needle in Seattle. The view from the top must be spectacular. From what I understand, it’s the highest free standing structure in the world. I wonder if Channi has ever been up there.
I drive through downtown heading north towards the rural areas. It’s been about six hours since I left my hotel in Cumberland. I spent most of the morning thinking about how odd it is that Weezer has withstood the test of time. I mean, they’ve released two major hit albums each 15 years apart. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden…none of those bands can say the same! Even rappers like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog have lost popularity! Anyways, it’s been a weary drive and I’m coked up on caffeine and energy drinks. It’s a rather interesting mix while on the road.
I arrive at Channi’s place and notice that she does not have a full operating farm either. Her home is large, but not enough to house her 250+ horses. As I’m walking up, Channi comes running out. “Oh my! Scott?” She asks. “I can’t believe The Proven One got chosen! Can we call him by his barn name? Plato! Please if you don’t mind.”
She begins jumping up and down and slightly hugs me while happily shrieking into my left ear. I start jumping up and down in rhythm with her, no doubt a product of my caffeine cocktail. I’m not even sure what or why we’re celebrating. She backs off and fixes herself ever so slightly.
“I’m cool,” she blurts excitedly as we begin walking into her home. “I AM really. I’m just so excited. I never get picked for anything! Not even dodge ball!”
When we get inside, I immediately notice her trophy case. It’s almost fully dedicated to her now retired mare Wishing Starfire, a Grade/Group I winning Steeplechaser. Newspaper clippings adorn the walls along with the trophies that she’s collected. There’s also clippings for Blazing Gold and Ryaflight, two of her current stakes winning ‘Chasers. It’s a wonderful display.
“So what’s it like to meet Ara?” Channi asks as she sits down with her notebook computer “She absolutely intimidates me.”
I tell her Ara’s cool as she continues to click away. I can see that she’s continuing her bidding efforts for the recent Trial By Summer (TBS) Auction.
“I don’t know.” Channi continues. “I think she eats people like me for breakfast. I’m so glad Plato isn’t going to be racing against her horse!”
I inquire about The Proven One’s barn name. Why is it that Channi calls him Plato?
“I really like Greek names. Plato is a gift.” She says. “He has prospects galore and I stole him away for real cheap. Plato, the philosopher was a student of Socrates and he helped lay the foundations of Western philosophy. While I don't expect Plato to philosophize about anything ala Mr. Ed style, I surely do hope that he'll help lay the foundations of my stable.”
The Proven One, or Plato as Channi fondly refers to him by, is a $20,000 Steward Bred purchase. Undoubtedly, he IS a steal as most Steward Breds are sold for six to seven figures! He’s sired by One Proves and out of a Villain mare by the name of Innocent. He’s a 17 hand chocolate colt. I ask Channi where he’s currently located.
“Plato is entered at Adolescent Acres in California for Week 2 Friday. I’m going to start him in a 75k stakes race. I hope his handlers and my jockey Laura Flanagan remember NOT to feed him any more donut holes!”
We chat for a bit longer as I have some water. Both Channi and Mike Eaton are impressive newer players with bustling stables to run. They’re horses are primed and ready. I mope around a bit as the caffeine high wears away. Channi continues to monitor her bidding efforts. She's also researching stallions in the Stud Book. Eventually we get to saying our goodbyes.
I leave her home weary and tired from two days of travel and eating in hotels in back to back weeks. I call my airline to change my flight. I decide against going back to Long Beach as I look over my schedule. Next week I’ll visit Chris Simpson and his dirt sprinting colt Acting Up in Brampton, Canada which is actually about 10 miles from here! Somehow I missed that! Then I’ll travel to New Orleans, Louisiana to meet Katy Turner and her turf sprinting colt All For Fun.
I make arrangements to stay in Toronto and book a hotel for the week. The CN Tower sounds like a fun place to visit tomorrow.
I drive through downtown heading north towards the rural areas. It’s been about six hours since I left my hotel in Cumberland. I spent most of the morning thinking about how odd it is that Weezer has withstood the test of time. I mean, they’ve released two major hit albums each 15 years apart. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden…none of those bands can say the same! Even rappers like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog have lost popularity! Anyways, it’s been a weary drive and I’m coked up on caffeine and energy drinks. It’s a rather interesting mix while on the road.
I arrive at Channi’s place and notice that she does not have a full operating farm either. Her home is large, but not enough to house her 250+ horses. As I’m walking up, Channi comes running out. “Oh my! Scott?” She asks. “I can’t believe The Proven One got chosen! Can we call him by his barn name? Plato! Please if you don’t mind.”
She begins jumping up and down and slightly hugs me while happily shrieking into my left ear. I start jumping up and down in rhythm with her, no doubt a product of my caffeine cocktail. I’m not even sure what or why we’re celebrating. She backs off and fixes herself ever so slightly.
“I’m cool,” she blurts excitedly as we begin walking into her home. “I AM really. I’m just so excited. I never get picked for anything! Not even dodge ball!”
When we get inside, I immediately notice her trophy case. It’s almost fully dedicated to her now retired mare Wishing Starfire, a Grade/Group I winning Steeplechaser. Newspaper clippings adorn the walls along with the trophies that she’s collected. There’s also clippings for Blazing Gold and Ryaflight, two of her current stakes winning ‘Chasers. It’s a wonderful display.
“So what’s it like to meet Ara?” Channi asks as she sits down with her notebook computer “She absolutely intimidates me.”
I tell her Ara’s cool as she continues to click away. I can see that she’s continuing her bidding efforts for the recent Trial By Summer (TBS) Auction.
“I don’t know.” Channi continues. “I think she eats people like me for breakfast. I’m so glad Plato isn’t going to be racing against her horse!”
I inquire about The Proven One’s barn name. Why is it that Channi calls him Plato?
“I really like Greek names. Plato is a gift.” She says. “He has prospects galore and I stole him away for real cheap. Plato, the philosopher was a student of Socrates and he helped lay the foundations of Western philosophy. While I don't expect Plato to philosophize about anything ala Mr. Ed style, I surely do hope that he'll help lay the foundations of my stable.”
The Proven One, or Plato as Channi fondly refers to him by, is a $20,000 Steward Bred purchase. Undoubtedly, he IS a steal as most Steward Breds are sold for six to seven figures! He’s sired by One Proves and out of a Villain mare by the name of Innocent. He’s a 17 hand chocolate colt. I ask Channi where he’s currently located.
“Plato is entered at Adolescent Acres in California for Week 2 Friday. I’m going to start him in a 75k stakes race. I hope his handlers and my jockey Laura Flanagan remember NOT to feed him any more donut holes!”
We chat for a bit longer as I have some water. Both Channi and Mike Eaton are impressive newer players with bustling stables to run. They’re horses are primed and ready. I mope around a bit as the caffeine high wears away. Channi continues to monitor her bidding efforts. She's also researching stallions in the Stud Book. Eventually we get to saying our goodbyes.
I leave her home weary and tired from two days of travel and eating in hotels in back to back weeks. I call my airline to change my flight. I decide against going back to Long Beach as I look over my schedule. Next week I’ll visit Chris Simpson and his dirt sprinting colt Acting Up in Brampton, Canada which is actually about 10 miles from here! Somehow I missed that! Then I’ll travel to New Orleans, Louisiana to meet Katy Turner and her turf sprinting colt All For Fun.
I make arrangements to stay in Toronto and book a hotel for the week. The CN Tower sounds like a fun place to visit tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment