If it was sentimental, they could have claimed him back a couple months ago for $100k. Taking him for $75k yesterday was a better move. This year he'll go into the Gravesend off 30 days instead of the 2.5 weeks he had last year. Aside from the Gravesend, there's probably 10 other small stakes or $75k Optionals they can find for him over the inner during the winter.

I disagree with the ppl who say he should be retired. He's pretty sound, with his feet being the worst of his ailments. To try as hard as he did yesterday in his 70th race, tells me that he wants to run and still can. And if something's not right, he shuts himself down, as he did in the Meadowlands race.

He's made over $200k this year and will go off at something like 3-1 or 4-1 if he makes the Gravesend. If they retired the horse, what would he do?

He can retire to my backyard with all my pasture ornaments, they LOVE having me wait on them hand and foot! :D

The ol' boy's in pretty good shape and no one claims a "charity case" for $75k. I too would be horrified if anything bad were to happen to Spooky but I don't see him being "at risk" at this point.
Seventy five thousand is a LOT of dough to drop on an 8yo gelding and there may be some sentiment involved but they have to look at the investment. He's an Inner Track specialist who got a bonus race with the surface switch this weekend. He should go to the Gravesend and then some of the other winter stakes, as he did last season.

Here's an early look at Spooky's career.

http://www.postcallstable.com/spooky.htm