While the COVID-19 pandemic has halted harness racing across North America, many horses are still gearing up for their 2020 campaign. For one, Southwind Amazon is just wondering what is going on.
Trainer Paul Holzman has said that Southwind Amazon, the gutsy Camluck gelding that recently became a millionaire earner, is confused with the fact that no racing is currently taking place. The conditioner stated that this is the first break Southwind Amazon has had in four years.
Holzman currently has him on a different schedule of training once a week to keep him fit and allowing him a good amount of paddock and play time, which he enjoys.
Racing has come as second nature for Southwind Amazon, who doesn’t take to training or jogging regularly, according to Holzman. Before COVID-19, Southwind Amazon's longest hiatus from racing was in 2016, a three-week break while travelling from Florida to Pennsylvania.
After a slow start to his career, Southwind Amazon began to turn things around in 2015 at age five while racing on the Ontario circuit. He banked $60,953 that season and won seven of his 27 starts.
Southwind Amazon, pictured coming from off the pace to win at Mohawk in 2015.
“He was racing for a friend of mine at Rideau Carleton,” said Holzman. “When he started to get too good for the track, he called me up and asked me if I wanted to purchase him.”
Southwind Amazon was purchased for $30,000 in February 2016 and wasted no time getting to work for Holzman. He quickly turned heads with a spine-tingling 1:49.2 performance just five starts into his tenure with his new connections.
Holzman attributes Southwind Amazon's breeding to the success of his career.
“Every Camluck I have owned are very rugged and willing racehorses and able to overcome anything,” he said, adding he has been impressed with Southwind Amazon’s toughness and versatility. “He always tries 110 per cent, even if he isn’t 100 per cent.”
Southwind Amazon has gotten the opportunity to take on some of harness racing’s greatest champions in Grand Circuit events. While he hasn’t always had the best racing luck, Holzman feels that Southwind Amazon can compete with the upper echelon. Currently, his schedule focuses on the Open circuit of Scioto Downs and Northfield Park, but Holzman doesn’t count out attending some of the bigger events.
“The plan is to go week by week with him. I tend to go wherever he goes, and my ears are always open to race as long as it’s feasible.”
Northfield Park has been home for Southwind Amazon, as the northeast Ohio track has been the scene of 98 of his 126 starts since 2017. Southwind Amazon has become a hometown favourite, as he competes against some of the best horses not only in Ohio, but in North America.
Southwind Amazon, pictured at the wire at Northfield Park.
“When you’re talking about horses that I consider ‘local’ or ‘Northfield regulars,’ Southwind Amazon is the best horse I have seen in my 29 years here,” said Dave Bianconi, the executive VP of racing and simulcasting at MGM Northfield Park. “No horse has been as dominant as long in our top overnight classes as him.”
Holzman feels that Southwind Amazon has put himself and owner Ameer Najor on the racing map.
“I’ve done a lot of great things at a smaller level, but it’s not been as fun as racing 'Amazon.'”
At age 10, Southwind Amazon is still at the top of the conditioned game in Ohio, and the plan is to continue with him until his 14-year-old season.
(With files from the USTA)