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Straight Line's First Foal-Sunday February 15, 2009
Straight Line’s first foal hit the ground late Friday night at Fairberry Farm. This was the first foal for the mare Y’alls Special which is owned by Andy Sauve and according to farm manager Bob Cheek, is a nice big colt that hit the ground at around midnight.
Straight Line OK After Slight Bout Of Colic-Monday July 28, 2008
On Friday afternoon Straight Line was showing some signs of discomfort while in his paddock and was subsequently taken to the University of Illinois Equine Clinc. He ended up having a small obstruction in his upper bowel which was treated with oils and medications. Straight Line passed the obstruction and is doing fine and will be under observation through the night returning back home Tuesday morning. He was also a bit dehydrated after the ordeal and will now be given oil and electrolytes with his mash at dinner.
Straight Line Covers 21 Mares-Monday July 7, 2008
Straight Line’s initial year at stud shows that he covered twenty one mares. At the start of the season he was very enthusiastic to begin his new career which at times was a hinderance, but soon learned to control himself and became much more professional.
There were ten in house mares (9 by Nancy Vanier and 1 by Andy Sauve) along with 11 outside mares.
4 at $2,500
1 at $2,000
1 at $1,750
2 at $1,500
2 at $1,250
1 at $1,000
Straight Line At Stud-Monday March 31, 2008
I visited Straight Line a couple of weeks ago and he does look to be in fine form in his paddock and really enjoyed all the peppermints and pats on the head he received. He has covered fourteen mares so far with a few more with pending contracts waiting to be confirmed.
With the impressive win by the undefeated Big Brown, we are hoping to capitalize on the derby buzz this young colt by Boundary (Straight Line’s sire) is creating.
A New Career For Straight Line-Sunday April 15, 2007
After giving me some of the most exciting and memorable moments of my life, Straight Line has been retired from racing due to an injury to his pastern. It seems as though his uncharacteristic performance at Hawthorne may have been a sign that he was just not right. After working in preperation for the Commonwealth Stakes at Keeneland, Straight Line showed some filling in his pastern which subsided, but then flared up again on Wednesday in which assistant trainer Glen Brookfield called for an ultra-sound. The diagnosis was not favorable, as the ligamments had pulled away from the tendon, an injury that would take close to a year to recover from with results that usually do not allow the horse to come back to his same level of competition.
Straight Line is in fine spirits and under no distress, all he needs right now is some time off before his new career as a stallion prospect is to begin. We have already looked into some of our options in regards to interest in standing him at stud and we will all be a part of the decision on what will be best for all of us and Straight Line.
We found Straight Line as a yearling and brought him along through the highs and lows. We almost lost him to an infection as a two-year old, all the way up to a multiple graded stakes winner with earnings of close to a half a million dollars.
Straight Line has been so good to all of us that we will all miss seeing his heart and determination on the racetrack and the thrills and excitement he provided. There are people who spend countless amounts of dollars and in some cases a lifetime to be involved in a horse like Straight Line, but for some reason or another, they never get the experience that we all were lucky enough to share with each other. I want to thank all of you and especially the big horse for the ride and the dream.
Bill Cartwright
Let's Try It Again-Wednesday April 11, 2007
Last year at this time, Straight Line made the Grade II $400,000 Commonwealth Stakes his first start off a layoff, with not much success. Straight Line was kept in training over the winter and used races at Turfway Park and Hawthorne as prep’s for this year’s Commonwealth. We had a few bumps in the road and with what was looking to be his fifth win is six starts, Straight Line was slammed into the rail at Turfway and ultimately came out of the race with filling in his left hind ankle and cuts on his hocks. Subsequently, we lost some training time with him and were forced to run at Hawthorne on a surface that he was never comfortable with.
With all that behind us, Straight Line will be making his next start this Saturday in the Commonwealth Stakes at Keeneland. He will be part of a field of twelve with Miquel Mena in the irons who rode Straight Line to victory late last year while equaling the track record at Turfway Park. Mena has worked Straight Line numerous times and knows the horse well.
Straight Line Works Easy 5/8ths-Sunday March 25, 2007
Straight Line worked an easy 5/8ths in 1:02 and change Saturday morning at Keeneland. This was his first work since the race at Hawhtorne and was mainly used as a maintenance move. Straight Line was under a firm hold and galloped out a strong 3/4’s. “He came off the van a little tired after the ship and I really didn’t want to do to much with him yet, he’s fit, and we just wanted to let him stretch his legs a bit, said assistant trainer Glen Brookfield.
Straight Line Finishes Fourth-Monday March 19, 2007
The Hula Chief was being used as a prep for better things down the road for Straight Line, and that is exactly how we are looking at it after his fourth place finish on Saturday. Straight Line has been training and winning on polytrack surfaces for the last six months along with a win at Churchill Downs, another surface that he has shown a liking to late last year. Although the Hawthorne strip on Saturday was favoring speed, it was also a dry, sandy surface that was giving way, much like the way Aqueduct’s track was last year in the Cigar Mile, another race in which Straight Line faltered.
He broke well and was placed forwardly by jockey Eduardo Perez, but when asked on the turn to pick it up, he pretty much spun his wheels and faded to fourth beaten just over thirteen lengths. He galloped out strong and returned with his ears pricked and walked sound while cooling-out after the race. Straight Line did hit his left front a little which is something that has happened before when he competes on loose tracks. “There was no swelling and he was walking around the shed-row trying to kick everything that got in his way Sunday morning,” said trainer Brian Williamson. ” I don’t see us losing anytime with him in ragards to training because of it, added Williamson.”
Straight Line was on a van early Monday morning on his way back to Keeneland, he should arrive sometime in the late afternoon.
Straight Line to Take On Six In Hula Chief-Thursday March 15, 2007
Straight Line arrived at Hawthorne Thursday afternoon to take on the likes of Fifteen Rounds, High Expectations and Star By Design in the Hula Chief Stakes this Saturday. The Hula Chief is scheduled as the eigth race on the card with Straight Line being ridden by jockey Eduardo Perez in the field of seven sprinters. He has been training great, and we are looking for a good effort to give us a springboard to the Commonwealth at Keeneland on April 14th. Straight Line will gallop on Friday morning under the watchful eye of trainer Brian Williamson, followed with a light jog the morning of the race.
Straight Line Gears Up For Next Start-Saturday March 10, 2007
Since the debacle at Turfway Park in his last start, Straight Line has in the last month, put together a string of impressive works for his next start. He is being pointed to the Hula Chief Stakes, a six furlong sprint on Saturday March 17th at Hawthorne Racecourse. Straight Line worked four furlongs in .47 and change Saturday morning at Keeneland for his final work and will ship early Thursday morning and should arrive in Chicago by mid-afternoon.
There were thoughts of waiting until March 25th for a race at Oaklawn for Straight Line’s prep for the Commonwealth at Keeneland on April 14th, but the timing comes up better with the race at Hawthorne. It will be an easier ship and he will be under the care of trainer Brian Williamson who knows Straight Line well.
Some of the horses pointed for the Hula Chief are Fifteen Rounds, High Expectations and Star By Design, a rider has not yet been decided.
Straight Line Works Deceiving 5/8ths- 9/05/2005
"It was probably one of his better works" said trainer Brian Williamson
after Straight Line's latest work in which he went 5/8ths in 1:05. "I
told the rider to take a nice hold the first part and then chirp to him
at the top of the lane and let him finish-up, he got the last eigth in
11.2 and galloped out strong," added Williamson. Straight Line came
back to the barn bucking and playing and was handful while getting his
bath.
Straight Line Works 5/8ths- 9/01/2005
Straight Line worked 5/8ths in 1:01.2 Thursday morning at Arlington
Park
under jockey Shaun Bridgmohan. He was well within himself during the
whole work while Bridgmahan sat still without any urging. Straight Line
galloped out 3/4 mile in 1:14.1 and will walk the shedrow tomorrow.
Straight Line Works On The Turf- 8/25/2005
Straight Line set foot on a turf course for the first time during
training Wednesday, and he liked it. After balking when jockey Shaun
Bridgmohan tried to turn him the right way to get his work started,
Straight Line did everything right. He went well in hand down the
backstretch and around the far turn, but flew home under light urging
from Bridgmohan. "Phenomenal," was how Bridgmohan described the breeze.
Clockers caught him in 51.3 for a half-mile, a fast work with the dogs
placed far out onto the track. Trainer Brian Williamson said he timed
Straight Line's final quarter-mile in about 22 seconds. Straight Line's
next possible start could in an overnight 3-year old grass stakes on
September 17th. (from article by Marcus Hirsch in DRF)
Straight Line Last To First In Forward Pass Stakes- 8/15/2005
Straight Line showed his tenacity and determination this Saturday at
Arlington Park by coming from last to first to win the Forward Pass
Stakes by a half a length. In his previous races, Straight Line showed
a tendancy to be on the lead or at least press the front runner's, but
this time jockey Shaun Bridgmohan was able to get him to relax early on
and at one point, had the whole field in front of him. When asked by
Bridgmohan for his run at the quarter pole, Straight Line responded
with a burst that propelled him past pace setter and eventual second
place finisher Wonone. With the winner's share of $28,800 in the
Forward Pass, Straight Line boosted his career earning's to over
$224,000. He came back to the barn in good order to celebrations and
peppermints, which I think he likes second only to the competition of
racing and beating other horses to the finish line. Congratulations to
the connections of Straight Line, trainer Brian Williamson,
owner's Michael Mininni, Charlie Thompson, Andrew Sauve, Mark
Slobodnik, Nancy Vanier and Straight Line's groom Perdro, who keeps him
happy and healthy. He will walk the shed-row for the next three days
and his next scheduled race is yet to be determined.
Straight Line Draws Post One In Forward Pass- 8/11/2005
“Straight Line”
next scheduled start will be this Saturday in the
Forward Pass Stakes at Arlington Park with jockey Shaun Bridgmohan
getting the call. Straight Line drew post position one and will be
facing nine three year olds in this 7/8ths race which is slated as the
seventh race on the card.
Straight Line Has Final Prep For Forward Pass- 8/07/2005
“Straight Line”
worked a bullet four furlongs in .47 flat this morning in
his final tune-up for the Forward Pass Stakes this Saturday at
Arlington Park. With Chris Emigh aboard, Straight Line started the work
in company and after zipping the first quarter in .22, he moved ahead
of his workmate and galloped out 5/8ths in 1:00 while under nice hold.
Arlington Park's leading rider Shaun Bridgmohan will be riding Straight
Line for the first time in the Forward Pass which is run at 7/8ths of a
mile on the dirt course Saturday August 13th at Arlington Park. Cutting
him back to a sprint distance, which Straight Line has excelled at,
should help him after his last two starts, both of which have been
route races at a 1 1/8th.
Straight Line Works Easy Half Mile- 8/02/2005
“Straight Line” worked an easy half mile today at Arlington Park in .52
flat while going each furlong in an even 13 seconds. This was his first
work since the Round Table Stakes on July 16th which was seventeen days
ago. "He needed a freshner with the Ohio Derby and Round Table both 1
1/8th races two weeks apart, along with the ship to and from Ohio, he
needed a littlle break," said Harvey Vanier. Harvey also added that
both he and trainer Brian Williamson have been taking Straight Line out
in the afternoons to soak up some sun and graze for thirty to fourty
minutes a day. Straight Line's next scheduled start could possibly be
the "Forward Pass", a 7/8ths overnite stake at Arlington Park on August
13th.
Straight Line Finishes Sixth in Round Table- 7/17/2005
“Straight Line”
finished a disapointing sixth beaten 9 3/4 lengths as the
3-1 second choice in Saturday's $100,000 Round Table Stakes at
Arlington Park. He raced close-up while chasing quick fractions before
tiring with an 1/8th of a mile to go with eventual winner Devilment
running in stakes record time. The 1 1/8th distance looks to be out of
the realm of his ability, and after a short freshener we will look for
races at a mile or under for his next start A turf start is possibly
on the turf.
Straight Line To The Round Table- 7/14/2005
“Straight Line”
will make his next start in the $100,000 Round Table
Stakes this Saturday at Arlington Park. The race attracted a total of
nine runners and will be contested at a 1 1/8th on the dirt course and
is scheduled as the ninth race on the card. Jockey Chris Emigh has the
return call on Straight Line and will carry 118 lbs while breaking from
post seven.
Straight Line Finishes Fifth In Ohio Derby- 6/29/2005
“Straight Line”
finished fifth beaten 4 3/4 lengths in the Grade II Ohio
Derby this Saturday at Thistledowns. Soon after the break Straight Line
settled just a length behind and outside of pacesetter Hal's Image with
moderate fractions over the deep slow track. He briefly took the lead
just before the turn for home while dropping down to the rail when
Magna Graduate assumed the lead who was then passed by eventual winner
Palladio. He came out of the race in good order and was on a van back
home to Arlington Park early Sunday morning. Straight Line's next start
is undetermined.
Straight Line To The Ohio Derby- 6/29/2005
“Straight Line”
will make his next start this Saturday in the Grade II
$350,000 Ohio Derby at Thistledowns with Chris Emigh getting the return
call. There are eight entered for the 1 1/8th contest on the dirt and
besides Straight Line, the list includes Magna Graduate, Pinpoint,
Unbridled Energy, Hal's Image, Palladio, Silver Haze and It's Time To
Shine. This will be Straight Lines second try around two turns, in his
first attempt he finished fourth in the Lane's End at Keeneland as a
two year old. He is scheduled to leave for Ohio early Thursday morning
and upon arriving, will bed down in his stall for the night and gallop
on Friday morning over the Thistledown track and jog early Saturday
morning.
Straight Line Works 3/4- 6/20/2005
“Straight Line”
worked 3/4 of a mile in 1:13 and galloped out 7/8ths in
1:25 at Arlington Park this morning with Chris Emigh aboard. He worked
well within himself and made a good impression on jockey James Graham
who noticed the work from the stands. Graham worked Straight Line at
Keeneland a couple times last year as a two year-old and said he likes
what he sees in the colt. He will have one more scheduled work early
next week and is being pointed towards the Ohio Derby on July 2,
keeping the Iowa Derby the day before as an option.
Straight Line Works Easy Half- 6/14/2005
“Straight Line”
Straight Line worked four furlongs in 49.1 this morning at Arlington
Park with jockey Chris Emigh aboard. "He's pretty fit right now
especially after his last race, I just wanted him to stretch his legs a
little bit, said trainer Brian Williamson." We are leaning towards the
Grade II $350,000 Ohio Derby as the scheduled next start for Straight
Line. The Ohio Derby is 1 1/8th on the dirt and will be run Saturday
July 2nd at Thistledowns.
Straight Line Wins Impressively- 6/5/2005
“Straight Line”
scores an impressive four length victory against older
horses in a $31,000 allowance race at Arlington Park with jockey Chris
Emigh aboard. Straight Line led at every call with swift early
fractions of 23.1, 45.2, 1:09.3, with the 7/8ths in 1:21.4, while
finishing up the mile in a quick 1:34.3 over a track listed as
wet-fast. After the race jockey Chris Emigh said, "turning for home I
just had so much horse underneath me that he just did it all by
himself". Straight Line returned to the barn after the race in good
order and was greeted with mints and congratulatory strokes to the head
by some of his fans and friends. He buried his head in his feed tub and
will walk the shed-row for the next 2-3 days. Congratulations to all
the connections of Straight Line, Michael Mininni, Charlie Thompson,
Andrew Suave, Mark Slobodnik and Nancy Vanier.
Straight Line Entered To Run On Saturday- 6/2/2005
“Straight Line”
will make his second start of the year at Arlington Park
this Saturday. He is cross entered in the seventh race, a mile event on
the dirt and the Awad stakes, which is a mile on the turf. With the way
that Straight Line has been training, we are leaning towards the race
on the dirt, but will keep both our options open. Straight Line will be
reunited with jockey Chris Emigh, who was aboard for his maiden win and
the Honest Pleasure Stakes at Arlington Park.
Straight Line Works 3/4ths- 5/31/2005
“Straight Line”
worked 3/4 mile on Sunday morning in a swift 1:12 flat
while galloping out 1 mile in 1:42. Jockey Chris Emigh was aboard for
the move which was the fastest of all works at the distance. "He was
going so nice and easy and well within himself that the time kind of
surprised me of how fast he really went" said trainer Brian Williamson.
There is a race on Saturday June 4th at Arlington Park which could be
Straight Line's next start.
Straight Line Works 5/8ths- 5/23/2005
“Straight Line”
worked 5/8th's in a posted 1:01.2 on Sunday morning at
Arlington Park. He worked in company with stable-mate Win Me Over and
the two went along as a team for the entire work while galloping out
3/4's in 1:14. Jockey Chris Emigh who was on board again, after the
work said, "he felt great, I just sat still on him the whole way
around, he did it nice and easy, well within himself". Straight Line's
next scheduled work will be within the next 5-6 days. Trainer Brian
Williamson says, "I want him to extend himself a little bit, maybe go
3/4's, start out easy then let him finish up and gallop out strong."
Straight Line Works 5/8ths- 5/16/2005
“Straight Line”
worked an impressive 5/8ths today in 1:00.2 at Arlington
Park with Chris Emigh up for the ride. It was his first work over a 1/2
mile since the Swale Stakes in early March in which he sustained a
minor shin injury. He broke-off on even terms with work-mate Treat Me
Neat, a recent two-time winner, and continued that way through the
entire work while galloping out 3/4's in 1:13.4. "It was not so much
the time that was impressive, it was the way Straight Line did it" said
trainer Brian Williamson. "Emigh did not move one bit on Straight Line,
while the jockey on the other horse was throwing some crosses and getting
into him a little bit so they could finish up together" Williamson
added.
Straight Line works at Arlington- 5/11/2005
“Straight Line”
worked an easy 1/2 in .52 today with jockey Shane
Laviolette up. Harvey wanted to get him out early before the rains
came, so he hit the track at about 6:30 this morning. Harvey told Shane
not to let him do to much in the dark and with the storms on the way.
Harvey was really happy with the way he went, and how he looked doing
it. Shane said he felt great underneath him and that he really wanted
to do more. He will walk the shed-row tomorrow and resume galloping on
Friday.
Straight Line works Half Mile- 5/03/2005
“Straight Line”
worked a half-mile today in .49 at Keeneland, it was the second fastest of twenty eight at the distance. Straight Line will ship to Arlington Park on Thursday May 5th.
Straight Line works 3/8ths- 4/28/2005
“Straight Line”
worked 3/8ths this morning in .36 while galloping out in 48.3 at Keeneland for his first breeze since the Swale Stakes on March 5th. He was sent out just after the break and was very eager to get started, "I told the rider that if he wanted to do more after the 3/8ths to just let him gallop-out, said trainer Harvey Vanier. He was just kicking up his heels and feeling good while getting his bath after the work and will walk the shed-row tomorrow.
Straight Line Close To First Work- 4/24/2005
“Straight Line”
is galloping nicely and is close to having a breeze scheduled within the next few days depending on the weather at Keeneland. He continues to gallop aggressively with excercise rider Jennifer Allan in the saddle. "He tried to run-off with me this morning and is really feeling good and wants to do more" said Allan. We are looking at the Northern Dancer Breeder's Cup Prep, (a mile on the dirt at Churchill Downs May 28th), as a possible return to the races for Straight Line. The timing of this race fits nicely into his schedule and would give him about five works up to the race.
Straight Line Resumes Training At Keeneland- 4/14/2005
“Straight Line”
is back in training after having his shin x-rayed on Tuesday, and getting over a slight cold after shipping from Florida to Kentucky. The shin looks great, and Straight Line jogged over the Keeneland training track the last two days and is scheduled to gallop this Friday. "He is full of himself and feeling good," said assistant trainer and excercise rider Jennifer Allan. I will be in Kentucky this weekend to check on Straight Line and watch him gallop on Saturday.
Straight Line Moves North- 4/01/2005
“Straight Line”
will be shipping out of Gulfstream Park in Florida to Keeneland on Sunday April 3rd, and arrive in Lexington on Monday. He will be bedded down in deep straw to relax and get some much needed rest after the long van ride and then walk the shed-row the following day. We hope to get the final x-rays of his shin later in the week, and with a good prognosis, start to move forward in his training. If all goes well, the next step for Straight Line could be the Derby Trial on Saturday April 30th.
Straight Line Taking It Easy- 4/01/2005
“Straight Line”
continues to have easy gallops while he is recovering from the sore shin that he suffered after the Swale Stakes. Straight Line is still being treated with electro-magnetic therapy and iodine based paint solution which creates what's called "a scurff". The paint promotes blood-flow to the shin area which in turn helps the healing process. Since the scurff is the equivelant to a scab and there is iodine still in the area, follow-up x-rays cannot be taken until the area is completely clean. We look to have the x-rays done sometime this week.
Straight Line To Back Off Training- 3/12/2005
“Straight Line”
will take it easy after coming out of last weeks Swale Stakes with a minor sore left shin. He will jog for the next two weeks while being treated with electro-magnetic therapy which will help the healing process. If all goes to plan, Straight Line should be able to resume full training towards the end of the month.
Straight Line Suffers Shin Bruise in Swale- 3/03/2005
“Straight Line”
suffered a slight shin bruise during the running of the Swale stakes on Saturday at Gulfstream Park. He broke alertly and was comfortably into the race when jockey Brice Blanc felt Straight Line take a bad step going into the first turn. Blanc then wrapped him up and just galloped home the final 1/8th of a mile. Straight Line's prognosis is very encouraging and the next 5-7 days will let us know where we are in regards to what the next step will be for Straight Line.
Straight Line To Take on Ten Others in The Swale- 3/03/2005
“Straight Line”
will kick off his three year old campaign this Saturday in the Grade II $150,000 Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The seven furlong event is scheduled as the ninth race on the card and will be televised on ABC along with the Fountain Of Youth Stakes. Straight Line drew the six post position with regular rider Brice Blanc aboard and will run on lasix for the first time. The undefeated Lost In The Fog shipped in from the west-coast will also be in the race and drew post position eleven.
Straight Line's Final Tuneup- 2/26/2005
“Straight Line”
worked 5/8ths today in 1:01.4 with company in his final work before the Grade II $150,000 Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday March 5th. He broke off on even terms with his work- mate and finished up a head in front under restraint. He then galloped out strong and returned back to the barn in good order. Two of the probable starters for the Swale are Lost In The Fog and Chandtrue, both undefeated colts based on the west-coast. Other's include Vicarage, Natural Phenomenon, and Around The Cape.
Straight Line Works 5/8ths- 2/21/2005
“Straight Line”
continued to prepare for his first start of the year with a 5/8ths work in 1:00.2 at Gulfstream Park this morning. "He galloped out real strong and definitely got something out of this work" said assistant trainer Jennifer Allan. He will have one more work before his scheduled start in the Swale on March 5th. The clockers caught the last part of the work, so Straight Line will only be posted going a 1/2 mile in 48.2 breezing.
Straight Line Works 5/8ths- 2/16/2005
“Straight Line”
worked a bullet 5/8ths in 1:00.4 breezing at Gulfstream Park today with regular rider Brice Blanc aboard. He broke off a 1/16th of a mile behind a pair of horses while Blanc used them as a target for Straight Line to focus on. He caught up with them down the stretch and galloped out another 1/16th. Straight Line is scheduled for two more works with some easy gallops the week leading up to the Swale on March 5th. He also worked on lasix today and will run on lasix for his next start.
Straight Line Moving Forward- 2/08/2005
“Straight Line”
worked 1/2 mile this morning in .49 while galloping out well within himself. Brice Blanc once again was on-board and is scheduled to ride Straight Line for his next work sometime next week going 5/8ths, possibly in company. We are pointing towards the $150,000 Grade II Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park on March 5th for Straight Line's first start of the year.
Straight Line Getting In Shape- 2/03/2005
“Straight Line”
continued his series of recent work-outs, when he went a 1/2 mile this morning in .50.3 at Gulfstream Park. This was his second work within the last week and is scheduled to hit the work-tab again on Tuesday February 8th, weather permitting. These series of slower works, that are closer together, will help to get him fit after having a break at the end of last year.
Straight Line Works- 1/29/2005
“Straight Line”
went a 1/2 mile this morning in .50 flat at Gulfstream Park with Brice Blanc aboard for the work. Straight Line warmed-up with an easy jog to loosen-up then galloped to the start of the work, where he then eagerly broke-off to begin the drill. "He got a little tired towards the end of the work, which I anticipated, but galloped out good," said assistant trainer Jennifer Allan. She also added, "We have scheduled to put another 1/2 mile or 5/8ths move into him February 3rd."
Straight Line Works 3/8ths- 1/24/2005
“Straight Line”
worked an easy 3/8ths in .38 at Gulfstream Park today with Brice Blanc aboard. This was his first work since being off since last November and showed an eagerness to do more, which was very encouraging. He jogged up to the beginning of the work and broke off well while turning each 1/8th a little faster than the last. He galloped out strong and returned back to the barn playing around, showing that he his happy to be back at the racetrack. We look to have a few 1/2 mile works into him within the next couple of weeks before moving up to 5/8ths.
Straight Line Arrives At Gulfstream- 12/30/2004
“Straight Line”
arrived at Gulfstream Park in Florida on Wednesday afternoon in good order to begin training for his upcoming three year-old season. He was resting in his stall and checking out the new sites after vanning in from Rightaway Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. He will be clipped after spending the month of December in the cooler weather of Kentucky and will walk the shed-row for the next few days. We look for him to get back to the track to start jogging and galloping at the beginning of next week.
Straight Line recuperates from Hock Infection- 12/30/2004
“Straight Line”
has been taking some time off at Rightaway Farm in Versailles, Kentucky after his bout
with a hock infection which prevented him from running in the Jockey Club in late November.
He has responded well to treatment while enjoying some time off after his exciting two year-old
season which included wins in the Gr. III Iroqouis and Honest Pleasure Stakes. Straight Line is
scheduled to ship to Gulfstream Park in Florida to begin training for his three year-old season
sometime in early January.
Straight Line to take time off due to hock infection- 11/26/2004
“Straight Line”
will be given time off due to an infection in his left hock that was found early Monday morning.
He was sent to the Hagyard, Davidson, Mcgee equine clinic in Lexington where he is being treated
for the ailment. He was scheduled to run this Saturday in the Kentucky Jockey Club at
Churchill Downs in which he would have been one of the favorites. Straight Line will then
be shipped to Rightaway Farm in Versailles, Kentucky for some rest.
Straight Line worked 5/8ths in 1:02.3- 11/22/2004
“Straight Line”
worked 5/8ths in 1:02.3 in his final tune-up for the Grade II Jockey Club at Churchill Downs next Saturday.
Brice Blanc was on board for the work on a track listed as muddy. "It was nice," said Blanc. "I just opened
my hands a little bit and let him stretch out." Blanc also added, "He acts like he's improving everytime;
he's getting more mature." Straight Line will walk the shed-row on Sunday, and is scheduled to return to
the track on Monday.
Straight Line Stretches His Legs- 11/13/2004
“Straight Line”
went 5/8ths this morning in 1:04.2 at Churchill Downs. He was scheduled to go 1/2 mile but was so strong
that trainer Harvey Vanier decided to go an easy 5/8ths. He came back to the barn to cool out in good order.
This work was used primarily as a maintenance move and his next work is scheduled for Sunday the 21st where
he will go a sharp 5/8ths in preparation for the Jockey Club on November 27th at Churchill Downs.
Straight Line draws off to win by five lengths in the Gr. III Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs for his second stakes win and boosting his bankroll to over $160,000.- 11/08/2004
“Straight Line”
scored an impressive five length victory
for his second stakes win in the Gr. III Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs this Saturday.
He broke alertly and relaxed nicely for jockey Brice Blanc just behind the front runners
who were setting quick fractions of 22.3, 45.3, 1:10.4 for three quarters of a mile.
"When I hit the turn, I got bumped by another horse and he kind of got mad and when I
smooched to him, he just took off and just kind of drew off from everybody, he feels
like he has another three or four gears" said Blanc. Straight Line finished up the mile
event in a snappy 1:36.3 and while cooling out, was dragging his hot-walker around the barn,
which is a good indication that the race didn't seem to take to much out of him.
He also went straight to his feed tub later in the evening and finished up his well-deserved
dinner. He walked the shed- row the following morning and came back from the race
in good order.
Straight Line To Run In The Gr. III Iroquois- 11/04/2004
“Straight Line”
will make his next start this Saturday in the $100,000 Grade III Iroquois at Churchill Downs.
The one mile event is slated as the tenth race on the card with a total of seven
runners including Greater Good, the winner of the Kentucky Cup Juvenile.
Brice Blanc has the return call on Straight Line who will be carrying 122 lbs while
breaking from post position two.
“Straight Line” worked four furlongs- 10/29/2004
“Straight Line”
worked four furlongs today in .49 flat at Keeneland, it was the second fastest of eleven at the distance.
Straight Line is nominated for the one mile Grade III $100,000 Iroquois at Churchill Downs
on Saturday November 6th. He will ship to Churchill Downs on Sunday October 31st to
get him acclimated to the surroundings and surface. Some horses have shown a dislike
to the racing surface and this will give us an opportunity to see if it is to his liking.
“Straight Line” worked 5/8ths of a mile.- 10/24/2004
“Straight Line”
worked 5/8ths in 1:00 flat on Saturday morning at Keeneland and continues to work well.
“Straight Line” worked four furlongs- 10/18/2004
“Straight Line”
worked four furlongs in 48.4 on Sunday morning at Keeneland for his
first work since the Lane's End. It was the second fastest of twenty six
works for that day and he did it well within himself. Assistant trainer
Jennifer Allan said that "he's feeling and looking great since the race
and he was on his toes the entire time while cooling out after the half mile
move."
“Straight Line” finishes Fourth- 10/11/2004
“Straight Line”
finished fourth in the Grade I $500,000 Lane's End Breeder's Futurity beaten only five lengths for first.
He was very professional in the paddock area and seemed to enjoy looking around at all the people and
television cameras that were there to watch some of the best two-year old colts in the midwest compete.
Brice Blanc was thrown aboard, and the two of them made their way through the tunnel out to the racetrack
where over 25,000 people were in attendance. Straight Line showed a little nervousness before entering
the starting gate and began to wash-out on his shoulders, which can happen to young horses in this high
energy environment. He broke alertly and was well-placed by Brice Blanc on the rail only one to two lengths
off the leaders. He showed a little rankness going into the second turn, but then seemed to settle going
down the backside while laying third turning for home. When asked for his best by Blanc, Straight Line
dug down and showed determination to be only beaten a half length for third and just over five lengths for
first. He galloped out well and came back to be unsaddled with his ears pricked. He came back to the barn
in good order and after cooling out, he scoped clean and was waiting for some well deserved peppermints
and rubs on the head. He ate up all his feed that evening and will walk the shed-row for the next three days. It was a very encouraging performance for this young horse who has shown so much ability while going two-turns for the first time. His Beyer number for this race was 82.
“Straight Line” to Run in Lane's End- 10/07/2004
“Straight Line”
will break from post position eight in a field of twelve for Saturday's Grade 1 $500,000 Lane's End Breeder's Futurity at Keeneland.
Brice Blanc will be aboard for the first time in this one mile and one sixteenth event slated as the seventh race on the card.
“Straight Line” prepares for Lane's End Futurity- 10/04/2004
“Straight Line”
had his final work in preparation for Saturday's
Lane's End Futurity at Keeneland. He went 5/8ths in 1:00.2 in hand
and did it very nicely with James Graham aboard who finished fifth
in the jockey standings this year at Arlington. Hewill walk
tomorrow and return to the track on Wednesday.
“Straight Line” resumes training- 10/01/2004
“Straight Line”
arrived at Keeneland on Wednesday and resumed training
on Friday morning. "He came off the van bouncing and looked good"
said Jenny Vanier, assistant trainer and daughter of Harvey Vanier.
He did not spike a fever, which can happen to some horses after a
ship, and finished off all his feed which is all a good indication
of how he is feeling. Kentucky is where Straight Line began
preparing for his racing career this spring and seems to enjoy the
cool air and surroundings of Keeneland. He is scheduled to have one
work at the beginning of the week and depending how he comes out of
that work will determine if he will run on Saturday October 9th in
the Gr.1 $500K Lanes End Breeder's Futurity. Nominations for that
race came out on Thursday with a total of 29 horses, with a majority
of the New York horses staying east and the California horses
staying out west.
“Straight Line” finishes 2nd.- 9/23/2004
Congratulations to everyone
involved with Straight Line after his seconded place finish in the
Arlington-Washington Futurity at Arlington Park. As expected Rocky
River was the post time favorite and right from the outset he was
very headstrong and set early fractions of 22.4: 45.1: 1:10.1.
Straight Line with CH Marquez aboard broke alertly and then settled
nicely about five lengths off the leader. While turning for home he
was taken off the rail and was set down for the stretch drive where
he gained ground to finish in a dead heat for second by a
diminishing neck to winner Elusive Chris. It was nice to see him be
able to rate off the stiff early fractions and finish up down the
lane. Straight Line while still showing some immaturity down the
stretch, did not switch leads and is still something that we are
still trying to teach him. He came back to the barn to a full house
of fans, and really seemed to enjoy all the attention and could not
wait to bury his head in the feed tub. He resumed galloping today
and will be shipped down to Keeneland sometime during the middle of
next week where there is a possibility that he may make his next
start on October 9th in the Grade I $500,000 Lanes End.
“Straight Line” to run Sunday- 9/16/2004
“Straight Line”
will be running in the (1 mile) Grade III $200K
Arlington-Washington Futurity on Sunday Sept. 19th. He drew post
position two in a small field of six, and will be ridden by CH
Marquez Jr. while carrying 119 lbs. The rest of the field consists of
Elusive Chris, Exceptional Ride, Rocky River, Santana Strings and
Three Hour Nap.
“Straight Line” works out at .5 mile- 9/14/2004
“Straight Line”
worked a half mile today in 49.3 for his final tune-
up in preparation for the Grade III $200,000 Arlington-
Washington Futurity at Arlington Park. It was a solid work that
should set him up nicely for a good effort on Sunday. CH. Marquez
Jr. has the call to ride and this will be the jocks first time on
Straight Line in the one mile event. Chris Emigh who had ridden
Straight Line for his first three starts will be riding Don Von
Hemmel's undefeated Rocky River, who had a quick work on Sunday
going 5/8ths in 58.4
“Straight Line” works out at 2 miles- 9/13/2004
“Straight Line”
worked up a pretty good lather while galloping a
strong two-miles on Saturday morning. He was kicking and playing
during his bath afterwards and the hot-walker had his hands full
while cooling him out in the shed-row. I was pretty much leaning
towards not running him in the Arlington-Washington Futurity on
Sunday Sept.19th, but with the way he is full of himself and is
feeling good since his sub-par performance at Ellis, there really is
no reason not to give him the opportunity. He is scheduled to work
on either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week for his final tune-up,
and we will see how he comes out of it to make a final
determination. Just to clarify, the work that was posted for
Straight Line on Sept. 7th was incorrect. The clocker at Arlington
by mistake, had Straight Line going 5/8ths in 1:05 where in fact he
went 3/4 in 1:16 and galloped out in 1:29. It was his first 3/4
worked and said Brian Williamson, "we needed to make him to go a
little slower at the beginning and then finish up the work strong
and then also gallop out strong."
“Straight Line” works out at 5/8s- 9/07/2004
“Straight Line”
worked today at Arlington going an easy 5/8ths in
1:05 which was 17th of 27 this morning. "I told the rider to take a
good hold of him the first half mile which went in 52.5. He then
finished up the final quarter in .24 while galloping out good in
1:29" said trainer Brian Williamson. He also added that "I'm trying
to get him to relax a little the first part and then turn it up a
little at the end". After the work he was scoped and was clean with
just a small trace of mucus on the very top of his trachea. Straight
Line is nominated for the Arlington-Washington Futurity at Arlington
Park On September 19th, and the next week will let us know if we will
run or not.
“Straight Line” works out for first time since Ellis- 9/01/2004
“Straight Line”
worked for the first time since his last race at Ellis
Park. He worked an easy half-mile by himself under Chris Emigh in
51.2. "I wanted him to go out there and really just relax and not do
to much" said trainer Brian Williamson. Straight Line continues to
take antibiotics for the congestion and is feeling and looking good.
We will see how he reacts in the next week or so and then decide if
the Arlington -Washington Breeder's Cup Futurity will fit in his
plans on Sept 19th....
More Ellis news for “Straight Line”- 8/24/2004
It was also discovered that during some part of the race on Sunday,
Straight Line lost his front right shoe. With all the things that
came about, his first ship, the mucus in his lungs along with the
heat and losing one of his shoes, there were many things against this
young colt to overcome. The encouraging thing about the race was that
Straight Line came up alongside the leader without really being asked
after a half mile in 44.3 which showed his competitive spirit,
determination and natural speed.
“Straight Line” Unplaced At Ellis- 8/23/2004
“Straight Line”
finished a well-beaten eighth in the "Ellis Juvenile"
this weekend. He broke well and stalked the leaders that went in
swift fractions of 22.3 for the quarter and 44.3 for the half. He
made a four-wide move to come within a half length of the leader
while turning for home and when asked upon by Chris Emigh, he showed
little response. Straight Line was scoped after the race and showed
no traces of blood but there was a substantial amount of mucus in his
lungs and air passage. This can explain the weak effort down the lane
which was due to the lack of oxygen due to the congestion. He cooled
out fine and was back in his stall at Arlington Park a little after
midnight. He will be treated with antibiotics to clear up the
congestion and will walk the shed-row for at least the next 3-4 days.
“Straight Line” At Ellis- 8/19/2004
“Straight Line”
continues to train forwardly for his race on Sunday
at Ellis Park. The early indications from the racing secretary at
Ellis show that the following horses will be entered to run: Clear To
Close, Diamond Isle, I'm Sky High, Social Probation, Straight Line,
Toliver and Winsomemoneyhoney. Also, Chris Emigh will be making the
trip to ride Straight Line.
“Straight Line” Preps For Ellis- 8/16/2004
“Straight Line”
worked five furlongs today in 1:01.4. It was his
final tune-up for the $100,000 "James C. Ellis Juvenile" at Ellis
Park on Sunday August 22nd. He went well within himself while working
alone and should set him up nicely for Sunday.It was the second
fastest of thirty works this morning.
“Straight Line” works out at half-mile- 8/11/2004
“Straight Line”
had an unpublished work Tuesday going a half mile
in .50. It was the first move since winning the "Honest Pleasure" on
August 1st and was well in hand, "I told the jock to take a nice long
hold on him and didn't want him to break .50" said trainer Brian
Williamson. If all stays on course, we are still looking to go to
Ellis Park on Sunday August 22nd for "The James C. Ellis Stakes".
Straight Line's Rag numbers for his last two races were 20 on July
14th and 11.5 for the race on August 1st.
“Straight Line” wins Honest Pleasure Stakes- 8/02/2004
“Straight Line”
remained unbeaten by leading gate to wire in the "Honest Pleasure Stakes" at Arlington Park on Sunday. He broke
alertly and was given his head leaving the gate where he showed his quick turn of foot to gain the early
advantage. Jockey Chris Emigh then asked Straight Line to relax a little until the turn for home where he
was then confronted by Smoke Smoke Smoke on the inside and Tolliver on the outside. When the outside horse
came up on him, Emigh asked Straight Line for more and he responded by quickly opening up by three lengths.
He was a little green coming down the lane due to the crowd noise and Emigh getting him to switch leads.
"I think he was reacting to the noise of the crowd turning for home," Emigh said when asked about the horse's
erratic behavior in the lane. "He's got a lot of natural speed and got the lead very easily. He relaxed for
me and when I asked him, he responded. I think he'll like things even more as the races get longer." Straight
Line's fractions for five and a half furlongs were 22.3, 45.4, 58.0 and finished up in a snappy 1:04.3. He
earned $31,360 for the win and has a total earning, in just two starts, of over $42,000. When asked if there are
any plans to run him in the $200k Arlington-Washington Futurity on Sept. 19th, we can only wait and see and the
horse will let us know. He finished up all his feed after the race and will walk the shed-row for the next three
days.
“Straight Line” to run on Sunday- 7/29/2004
“Straight Line”
is entered to run Sunday, August 1st in the "Honest Pleasure Stakes" at Arlington Park. “Straight Line”
has been working forwardly and will be confronted by seven other 2 year-olds in the 5 1/2 furlong sprint which
is slated as the eighth race. Chris Emigh has the call to ride “Straight Line” and will carry 116lbs
while breaking from post position 2.
“Straight Line” works 4f- 7/27/2004
“Straight Line”
worked a bullet four furlongs today in 47 flat. He worked alone while the rider sat completely still
and came back to the barn like he wanted to do it again. We will let the horse tell us if we should
go into the race on Sunday. If he continues to do well and with the ease in which he worked this morning,
it looks as though we will enter on Thursday for the Honest Pleasure Stakes on Sunday, August 1st.
“Straight Line” Nominated for Stake- 7/25/2004
“Straight Line”
was nominated for the Honest Pleasure Stakes on Sunday, August 1st - a .50k Overnight for 2 year-olds going
5 1/2 furlongs. He continues to train forwardly since his first race on July 14th and is feeling good on the
racetrack in the mornings, bucking and feeling full of himself. We will wait to see what the condition book has
to offer for 2 year-olds in the next few weeks to determine what will be the best choice for “Straight Line”
to make his next start.
“Straight Line” wins at Arlington- 7/15/2004
“Straight Line”
finished first in his two year-old debut on Wednesday, July 14th at Arlington Park. At the break, the horse
to his immediate outside veered in, knocking “Straight Line“ two paths toward the rail. Jockey
Chris Emigh straightened him out and went quickly to the lead while setting fractions of 22.3 for the quarter
and 46.4 for the half. He continued to increase his lead while finishing four lengths in front in the final
time of 59.3 for the five furlongs. After the race, he came back to the barn in good order and could not wait
bury his head in the feed tub and munch on some hay. He will walk the shed row for the next couple of days.
“Straight Line” works 4f- 7/5/2004
“Straight Line”
worked 4f in .50 on Monday, July 5th. He was under a nice hold with another two year-old. He came out
of the work in good order and is still on schedule to make his racing debut July 14th at Arlington Park.
|
Cartwright
