Since arriving in the barn of trainer Carmen Auciello, Thorn In Your Side has found a new stride, and the conditioner hopes that continues when Thorn In Your Side contests the second leg of the Autumn Series, Friday, November 22 at Woodbine Racetrack.
The talented sophomore has posted a 4-1-0 record from five starts since arriving in the Stouffville trainer’s stable.
Auciello, who has enjoyed a career year with over $1.8-million in purse earnings, recalls his first glance at the sophomore.
“My first impression of him was ‘wow this horse is fast,’" he said. “He's big and strong and he’s built like a machine.”
Auciello admits not many changes were made to the eight-time winner until he lined up behind the gate.
“I thought maybe a different driving strategy might work out against the lower non-winners conditions,” Auciello said. “I love sending them right to the front and so far it’s worked out well for him.”
Auciello admires many qualities in his youngster, but one particular admiration stands out.
“It’s definitely his gate speed,” he said. “Anthony (driver Anthony MacDonald) says he's the fastest horse off the gate that he's driven in a long time. That’s a very important quality to have, especially when you’re racing at Woodbine.”
Auciello says he has high hopes in the Autumn Series for Thorn In Your Side.
“Going into the series I thought he was the horse to beat, and I think he still is,” he said. “He got out-sprinted last week, but I've made a request to keep the fractions honest this week and not turn the race into a sprint.
“I'm confident he can bounce back and win this week and have a good shot in the final,” he continued.
The end of the calendar year is near and Auciello has bigger things in mind for Thorn In Your Side.
“I think he's going to get stronger and mature into a real nice animal,” he said. “He's still fairly green and lightly raced and that sets him up well for next year and beyond.”
The son of Mach Three has banked $73,477 in his career for owner High Stakes Stable Inc of Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Auciello is also on the verge of a career milestone. His talented stable has earned 105 victories this season, one shy of his career high set last season.
When Thorn In Your Side contests his division (Race 10) of the Autumn Series, he will look to match his trainer’s record from last year and provide a record-setting victory in the $34,700 final next Friday, November 29.
To view the harness racing entries for Friday at Woodbine, click the following link: Friday Entries – Woodbine Racetrack.
(WEG)