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Saturday, August 30, 2008

Shake(n) Not Stirred

Poor Shake the Bank. Maybe playing rabbit for all those years has indeed ruined him.

On Thursday at Presque Isle, the horse who led most of the way in this year’s G1 Manhattan made the early lead, only to be passed with ease around the final turn by a 20-1 longshot, finishing second against NW4 L runners going 1 mile.

And just who was that 20-1 longshot? Anyone remember a promising California sprinter named Frisco Star?

In 2005, this then 2-year-old stablemate of Lost in the Fog broke the track record for 5.5 furlongs at Santa Rosa in his maiden effort, winning by nearly 9 lengths. He won two more sprints for Greg Gilchrist to open his 3-year-old campaign, including the Novato Stakes at Golden Gate before going to the sidelines with a fractured shin. Brought back later that year, he was retired without ever racing again due to knee problems, and entered stud at Stonewell Stallions in Kentucky. This son of More Than Ready was apparently a...ahem...underachiever, however, so he was placed back into training (with Reynaldo Abreu) early this year. After four sprint efforts at four different tracks (Tampa Bay, Belmont, Charles Town, and Saratoga) on dirt and turf, they try him over Tapeta in his first route attempt—and he wins! You can view nearly all his races, including the PID victory, at Calracing.com.

Nicely done, Frisco Star. Here's hoping he stays safe and healthy.

And if Shake the Bank needs a new gig? Shake, meet Tiago.

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