So, I attended both the LA Derby and Risen Star. I saw two different horses on those days but they were both named Vicars In Trouble. Looked completely different and better yesterday and showed it on the track. Now, I know it could be because of his pattern - a huge number knocked him back a bit - coat was dull - didn't look good. Yesterday looked grand. So far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary.

But wait there is more. After his Risen Star race - which wasn't that bad - they shipped him to Florida to Mike Maker. Wait What? They shipped a horse that had wintered for 4 months or more at FG to Gulf. WHY? To run in Fla Derby? He had 2 works over the GP strip and then they shipped back to Louisiana. Now, I'm not suggesting anything nefarious here but can someone in the press please ask the question - (and if it has been asked and answered well - nevermind)EDIT - just read Privman's article in DRF and mentioned foot abcess> why did you ship to Florida? I heard - again unsubstantiated - that horse had a foot abcess and Maker wanted him in his barn in Florida to treat directly.

But, really as a player I think we should know this information. Maybe they wanted to train him over GP to see if he liked it to consider the Fla Derby? I don't know and apparently neither does anyone else. This is not sour grapes. I would never have played Vicar at that price. I just want to know and I think everyone should too.
michael