The $3.5 million winner Mr Muscleman made his first public appearance in 15 months on Tuesday in a qualifier at The Red Mile. The 8-year-old gelding finished third, timed in 1:57, under ideal circumstances.
Of course, Mr Muscleman has a record of 1:51.1 as a 5-year-old, but he’s been plagued by lameness in recent years. Last year he made only six starts, two of them being in Sweden’s Elitlopp, before his season ended.
I saw the big guy a month ago walking through the stable area while hitched to a power cart. He’s been trained by Noel Daley since his freshman season.
In his qualifier on Tuesday, Mr Muscleman sat third in the field of seven all the way and never threatened the leader, the 3-year-old Hartmann, a son of Yankee Glide. Ron Pierce drove Mr Muscleman and he let him ramble the final quarter in 26.4, but Hartmann trotted his final panel in 26.2 to win easily. In fact, the 3-year-old filly Lunar Dream OM trotted past Mr Muscleman in the stretch with a final quarter in 26 seconds to claim second.
No one expects miracles after 15 months away from the races. A mile in 1:57 won’t win any races in Mr Muscleman’s class, but the real test for him will be to stay sound as he gets further qualifiers and races. We know the speed is there.
Hi Young Buddy!! Probably
Hi Young Buddy!!
Probably the real test for ALL us old veterans is staying sound enough to perform (albeit at a slower pace than in our younger years;-))
One of the tests of good owners and conditioners (in my mind) ... is to know when to 'call it a day'. While I would have loved to see Mr. M return to his former capacity, he couldn't. I was relieved for the old fella that they stopped with him.
Perhaps his place in 'blogland' could be taken by Mr. Big? Take care my friend.