Taxi Dancer has been very photogenic of late, as she’s returned to greet owner Robin Clements and trainer Vickie Desomer in the winner’s circle following three of her last four outings.
The dark-hued daughter of Givemewhatineed said goodbye to 2010 in style on New Year’s Eve with a last-minute burst for Lemoyne 'Mooney' Svendsen, then came back last weekend to rally from double-digits off the pace at Cal-Expo.
“I told Mooney the other night that 'Taxi' is in the groove right now,” Clements related following the most recent snapshot. “She’s quirky, and you have to spoil her and let her have way or at least do what is comfortable for her.”
Taxi Dancer’s normal schedule finds her spending most of her time at the Desomer Farm because she has a distinct dislike for staying at the racetrack. Instead of being cooped up in a stall at the racetrack, she gets to roam a grass paddock which she shares with constant companion Tutiming Gal.
“She actually hates to stay in a stall here at the track and will dig holes to China,” Robin explained. “She’s a very nervous horse, and has had issues with tying up as well. I have been bringing her and Tutiming Gal back to the farm after the races, even if it meant they had to stay in the stall due to all the rains we’ve been having.”
Despite not getting as much range time as usual, Taxi Dancer is going in great form for Svendsen, as she just sits back and surveys the situation for a half-mile, then kicks into high gear when things get serious.
“Her nerves can get the best of her,” Clements said. “When that happens, she doesn’t feel like dancing and will just sit on the bench, but when she’s feeling good she’ll rock the night away. I don’t know how long this is going to last, because all it takes is a leaf to be the wrong way in front of her and she’ll go back to being nervous, but for right now we’re enjoying the ride.”
Notes
• Fakeutu Bluegrass -- a punctual even-money choice off a pocket trip last week -- and Vic The Brick -- who had pacesetting duties that night -- have received top billing for the second leg of the Peter Lobell Series Friday, January 14 at Cal-Expo.
• Live racing will resume at Cal-Expo on Thursday, January 13 and will continue through Saturday, January 15. First-race post time on Thursday is 5:30 p.m. (PST). First-race post time on Friday, January 14 and Saturday, January 15 is 6:00 p.m.
• On Saturdays, Cal-Expo offers a reduced 15 per cent takeout rate on both the Early and Late Pick-4 wagers, with both Pick-4s having a $10,000 gross-guaranteed pool.