Congrats to those involved. That was a sharp debut. A little green but all in all, lots to like.

We would love to have been there at Aqueduct, but it just wasn't possible. Instead I was making a fool of myself at OTB with old men staring at me like I had lobsters climbing out of my ears and Bill trying to nail my feet to the floor. Of course when the inveterate gamblers learned that Bill and I had a piece of this boy, they had a gazillion words of advice and wisdom.:)

We are so happy and so proud of LD his first time out and not against a bunch of tomato cans. Paul Barone called us about 20 minutes after the race to tell us he came out of the race AOK.

Here's the race for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. He's a bit green coming down the stretch, but that's not anything to worry about for the future. It's a learning experience for him. Can't help but notice how he goes whizzing by a very tired winner in the gallop out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPuqrEqzs40&feature=sub

How can anyone not love this face?!~:{>:

Great shots as usual! the stretch dual was excellent since we didn't get to see any of it on the computer! thanks for posting.:tro:

Thanks for the link to the video, the picture, and your enthusiasm. I don't feel quite so foolish, yelling as I watched the race at Santa Anita, knowing I wasn't the only one. I look forward to seeing Lloyd race in person sometime in the spring.

Have to run out for a few hours, so a more involved report will have to wait, but suffice to say it was a nearly perfect afternoon for Dee Tee and the start of Lloydobler's career. We had a great group on hand, a beautiful day at Aqueduct and as ideal a debut as a horse can have without winning. Our Smarty Jones colt handled almost everything he encountered like complete pro, starting with the drive from Belmont to the Big A and his 6 hour stay in the detention barn. He was composed and diffident in the Paddock, with a glistening coat that was dappled throughout. He entered and stood in the gate like it was his 20th start, and did close to everything C.C. Lopez asked.

The experience factors did come into play when he startled a tad as the grandstand came into view, (something he did when he worked on the Saratoga main track the first time this summer), and in his changing leads late in the race. Otherwise, he broke alertly, took lots of dirt and persevered past horses when asked. And obviously, as always, dug in PAST the wire around the clubhouse turn. Lopez was thrilled with Lloyd, and obviously Gary, Chuck and all the partners/supporters were as well. He came out of it fabulously, and as I had Tina write last night, was energetic and happy in his stall after the race. Gary reports this morning he is 100%, ate up and wondering why he doesn't have to go to the track today...

We'll see how he responds the next several day and how he works in the mornings coming out of the race, but there is another 6f MSW in three weeks (2/13) or a 1m MSW in four (2/20) that are obvious targets for a second start. In the meantime, thanks to Chuck and Gary for the great work that went into this very solid start to Lloydobler's career debut, and to everyone who came out in support of the handsome chestnut Saturday.

When will we be able to get BSF for winner and Lloyd?

67

Is that for LD or the winner?

For Lloyd

Thanks. Very respectable for his first time out there.

Thank you. He'll do better next time out - I just know it.

Congrats! Very impressed!:tro:

Lloyd sure has his daddy's ears and even his eyes - nice set of whiskers lol and some serious dapples for winter in NY thanks to the barn for all their hard work and thanks all for sharing pics - think my family is putting money on how many more times the name "Lloyd" comes outta my mouth this weekend, then it's on to the co-workers, well hell even though the snow has finally disappeared it's nice to have something to be really happy about in late January around here ;)

Jonathan

There were a few of us commenting that we expected to see you to make a surprise visit to the Big A yesterday. Sorry you couldnt make this start but I know we will see at a Dee Tee race very soon.

Stephen and I love your pictures! Thanks for sharing!

The pictures are awesome, Michelle!

Facebook photo gallery. Has 20 of Michelle's photos now to start and will add more of everyone's as they come in...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...6111224?ref=ts

Yeah, Dave, I thought about it. I actually had tickets for the prior week-end, but then no race. :(

Luckily, I was able to get to Santa Anita to watch his race (made it with 15 minutes to spare). :D

Nice discussion with Gary and Steve regarding Lloyd on ATR yesterday (Monday).

About 3/4 the way through hour 3 - http://www.thoroughbredracingradione...y=25&Itemid=35

That's a pretty good number for the first time out.