I've posted on several occasions about this girl; but, to bring everyone quickly up to speed: Applauding, a four year old filly by Congrats out of a Forestry mare, broke the track record at Keeneland in her debut as a two year old; won her second race by a half-dozen lengths at Louisiana's Fair Grounds; and then, despite no noticeable injury, took almost a full year's vacation before winning her third career start at Churchill Downs in November. Three wins in three career starts at three different tracks with three different jockeys.
After her win in November, Trainer Al Stall was quoted as saying that he would take Applauding to Oaklawn Park for their winter meet. So, after a couple of workouts at Keeneland in December, it was off to Arkansas, where Applauding worked four furlongs on January 7.
But competing at Hot Springs was not to be; as Applauding's owner, Ramona Bass, decided to transfer Applauding to Trainer Michael Matz, shipping the filly to South Florida, where she's been working out at Palm Meadows. Since her victory at Churchill Downs back in November, Applauding's public workouts have been:
12/06 - Kee - 4F - 50.20 - 8/9
12/15 - Kee - 5F - 60.80 - 1/8
01/07 - OP - 4F - 49.80 - 4/41
01/24 - PmM - 4F - 50.02 - 19/21
01/30 - PmM - 4F - 48.77 - 2/24
02/04 - PmM - 4F - 47.80 - 1/52
Applauding has now been entered in Sunday's Race 10 at Gulfstream Park, the Grade 3 Hurricane Bertie Stakes. Presuming that she makes it to the starting gate, it will most likely be the first race of Applauding's career where she will not be the Post Time favorite; that distinction may possibly go to the highweight in the field, Applauding's half-sister Emma's Encore, of whom we posted here last Summer after she won the Grade 3 Victory Ride Stakes at 39-1.
So, Good Lord willing, Applauding will finally get to face graded stakes competition Sunday. Here's hoping that she makes it to post and has a safe trip.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
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