To all,
Foremost, congratulations to all the Dee Tee 03 partners who made Rampillion and Tuesday at Delaware Park possible, and to ALL 125+ members of Dee Tee Stable who participate. While the third win overall in 25 starts for the Stable, this was our first 'maiden-breaker' and puts the first of hopefully two stamps of success on our ambitious initial attempt to buy and develop yearlings.
Hearty congratulations and warm appreciation go to Chuck and his staff and Linda Albert and hers for bringing our determined Came Home filly together for another chance upon which she capitalized. Rampillion has had some tough luck and nagging problems holding her back, but she is a hard trying horse that has more to offer yet. No matter what kind of field it was she faced Tuesday, she was exceptionally good and simply buried her foes.
Clinton Potts deserves our thanks of course for riding a perfect race. Potts gave Rampillion her 'head' after the opening quarter when she broke sharp and was determined to get the lead. Potts let her run instead of fighting her, as she excelerated when he tried to take hold. He was very impressed with her and looks forward to riding her back. Potts joins Jose Velez Jr. and Hector Rosario Jr. as riders who have won in the Lime and Royal.
Thanks to Darren and Chris Dattillio and Dave Blaha for making the drives to beautiful Delaware Park for the race. As some of the most active and eager members of Dee Tee, it was great to share the experience with them Tuesday, and I especially appreciate their sentiments expressed above. It was a wonderful day from start to finish Tuesday and certainly will be one of the most memorable experiences ever for me personally. Since our first start at Keeneland in April 2007, this was the 9th Stable race I've been able to attend, and indeed being on hand for the win was exceptionally sweet and gratifying.
Being at the track with friends and enjoying the shared experience it promotes is what the game is about. Making the trip with Steve Haskin and Andy Serling, who have been exceptionally generous with their guidance and support of my career in racing media, was particularly enjoyable and uniquely enhanced the day's pleasure for me.
And thanks to everyone on DT who follows the Stable, roots for its' runners, and takes authentic pleasure in its' exploits. I know not everyone can participate in Dee Tee, but I'm glad most here feel like they are a part of the shared experience because you are.
Steve
Chris and Darren Dattillio, Steve Haskin, Linda Albert, Dave Blaha
