The connections of millionaire Shadow Play have opted to pass on a bye to the Breeders Crown final and participate in this Saturday's $25,000 three-year-old colt pace elimination at the Meadowlands.
"We declined the bye," trainer and part-owner Dr. Ian Moore told Trot Insider this afternoon. "The colt wouldn't have raced for three weeks and he needed a race."
Shadow Play's last start was on Nov. 1 in the American National, which he won by a length in 1:49.3. The week before, the pacing sensation finished a strong second by a neck to Somebeachsomewhere in the Messenger Stake.
Moore told Trot Insider that the winner of 16 races is gearing up for his Breeders Crown debut.
"He trained good for me at Mark Ford's farm on Saturday, he's staying in good shape."
Moore and his partners, the R G McGroup Ltd of Bathurst, N.B. and Serge Savard of Saint-Bruno, Que., have been enjoying a thrilling year with their standout colt, whose accomplishments include the Windy City Pace on Oct. 10, the Little Brown Jug on Oct. 18 and the Adios on Aug. 9. Last week it was announced that Blue Chip Bloodstock Inc. of Wallkill, New York purchased an interest in Shadow Play and will bring him back to the races at four before standing him stud.
The son of The Panderosa has drawn Post 6 in this Saturday's sixth race at the Big M with regular pilot Dave Miller scheduled to drive.
To view Saturday's entries, click here.
The sport is racing not
The sport is racing not STALL REST--GOOD LUCK TO IAN and his connections in the ELIM--
Blaine Gregan,
Moncton,NB.
Dr. I Moore, Good to see
Dr. I Moore, Good to see you are getting your horse some work before the final. I am sure Shadow Play appreciated that two weeks off after that mile at the American National. Good luck in the elimination. With a little luck and a good drive we should see him in the final as well.
Good for you Dr. Ian Moore.
Good for you Dr. Ian Moore. The people in the grandstand want to see a champion racehorse, race. I've followed your racing season this year, with a keen enthusiasm and must say it's a shame you have such a spectacular horse (Shadow Play) the same year another horse (Somebeachsomewhere) is so overwhelming in the same class.
Your perseverance and determination to race when the opportunity arises indicates to me, your a true horseman, that realizes the best horses get beat. It's what gives them character and a personality and an identity with the people wagering on them. It's no shame to be beaten in a race at least you tried to win and put on a good show for the fans of the sport.
Come to think of it, the sport is called Horse Racing isn't it?
Not everyone will be cheering for the Beach in the up coming slug fest. Good Luck!!