A new year; a new track; a new surface; a new jockey; a new class level; what will be the net result?
Paralyzing Eyes, the Bruce Jackson-trained filly that we've been following since her debut in June, made her first start of 2013 Friday. It was her first career start at Santa Anita, and her first ever start on a fast dirt track. Paralyzing Eyes also got a new rider for the occasion, as Jockey Orlando Mojica was on her back for the first time. There was even a change in the tote board, as Paralyzing Eyes' odds dropped below 50-1 for the first time in her career, with her going to post at Final Odds of 14.5-1.
But the big story is that Paralyzing Eyes made what many call the biggest class drop in racing, going from Maiden Special Weights (well, state bred Maiden Special Weights) to Maiden Claiming. For the first time in her career, Paralyzing Eyes ran with a price tag on her head, specifically $20,000. And, whether it was the class drop, the new track, the new surface, the new jockey, or some combination thereof, Paralyzing Eyes did show improvement Friday over her previous performances.
But not much.
For the first time in her career, Paralyzing Eyes was able to beat more than one competitor to the finish line. But that's pretty much it as far as the positives go, as Paralyzing Eyes crossed the wire eighth in the field of eleven, fifteen and three quarter lengths behind the winner, Warren's Gussie (8.0-1). The full chart of the race, Equibase style, is available here.
So now we know that Paralyzing Eyes' connections are willing to put her in for a tag, and thus take a chance on losing her at the claim box. Will they drop her further down the class ladder her next time out, in order to increase their chances of finally getting her that first win (while also increasing their chances of losing her to another owner)? And just how many more starts will they give Paralyzing Eyes before retiring her to broodmare status? I'll continue to follow Paralyzing Eyes in this blog, because (as I've written before) I find this type of story quite fascinating; hopefully, at least a few of you do as well.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
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