Kid Chocolate
 

I thought he ran a really good race. He was rolling at the end. Unfortunately I had him boxed in the tri without the winner. Oh well.

But I thought he ran really well. I think he is really improving. Finished really well.

Got in some trouble but finished well congrats team

Thanks guys. After the ridgling issues and gelding, followed by entrapping and needing a tieback surgery, he's finally healthy. Gary & his team have done a great job getting him to where he is. His success as a 4yo shows how valuable being patient is with a horse.

Thursday was a career best (70 Beyer) and as noted, he had the early trouble (caused by Franco and the 4 coming over on him) and a hiccup making the first turn. It was his first time around 2 turns and the inner turf is a sharp layout. Having come from the success at Belmont, he might prefer the more expansive Mellon course in that regard.

Gaffalione loved him and said he responded every time he asked. Noteworthy too that Tyler said he'll keep stretching out and doesn't appear to tire. With 75-80 Beyers winning NY-ALW/N1X's, we'll look to one of them at 8.5f-T at the end of the meet.

As to the winner, Brittany Russell was VERY clever bringing King's Honour up for that spot. I think she's a real talent. Has Hello Beautiful in the Audubon Oaks Sunday at Ellis (which is my Beat Byk selection).