Jedi Code's return to the track was a bigger deal than I realized. Here is an edited press release from Churchill Downs on 11/11/08:
When Janis Whitham’s Jedi Code broke his maiden at second asking in last-to-first fashion at Churchill Downs, the son of Empire Maker showed up on many Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) watch lists. A fifth-place finish for trainer Ian Wilkes in his 2008 debut at Gulfstream Park brought out the erasers.
“We discovered a chip in his knee after the Gulfstream race,” said Wilkes.
Jedi Code did not return to the races until Nov. 9 when he was a fast-closing second in a seven-furlong allowance race. Jedi Code was last in the field of 12 at the head of stretch and was blocked on a couple of occasions in the stretch before getting clear.
“I was really pleased, he ran a good race,” Wilkes said. “It is great to get him started again. I wanted to give him a little longer, but this gives him a chance for next year.
“He had already missed the major three-year-old races this year and Mrs. Whitham was fine with that. You always want to see how they will do coming back and he did well Sunday.”
Wilkes said Jedi Code would not run back before the end of the meet Nov. 29, but be pointed to a four-year-old campaign beginning in Florida at Gulfstream Park.
I actually had inside news about his injury right after it happened, but could not share it with you all. I knew they had plans to help Jedi Code make a full recovery and return to the race track. It was tough to not rally support for him and explain why he disappeared. I have anxiously awaited his return, and he has returned strong. So I look forward to Gulfstream Park. Thanks to Churchill Downs for reporting on him.
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Arrrrr placed 2nd today in his race at Finger Lakes. The announcer at Finger Lakes pronounced Arrrrr's name correctly and was amusing to watch. There was only one speed horse, in a field of five horses (orignially six but a horse was scratched). Arrrrr likes a little bit of a set up and he had to maintain the pace to keep in the game, so the speed pulled through in the end.
6th Race - Finger Lakes - Thursday, November 13th, 2008
Conditions: Allowance, $17,400, Open 3 yo's & up, 6F, Dirt.
Off Time: 2:28 Start: 5 went. Good for all. Ridden out. Track: Good Weather: Cloudy 45o
Pedigree: 6 - Bluespowerhouse, Dark Bay or Brown Gelding, 4, by Badge - Blues Power by Cure the Blues
Fractions: :222, :451, :573, 1:11 (:22.50, :45.36, :57.78, 1:11.01)
# Horse Jockey Weight Win Place Show
6 Bluespowerhouse Flores Jeremias 122 5.70 2.30 2.10
2 Arrrrr Carr Dennis 120 2.50 2.10
4 Keen Impact Castillo Elaine 122 3.00
Wager Type Payoff Winning Numbers Pool
$2 Daily Double $40.00 1-6 $4,360
$2 Exacta $12.20 6-2 $43,402
Owner: My Purple Haze Stables
Trainer: Bruce D. Anderson
Breeder: Michael Anchel & Raylene Anchel (NY)
Also Ran: 5 - Dream Runner, 1 - Lil O's Expression
Scratched: Star of the Bar
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/instant.cgi?type=inr&country=USA&track=FL&date=2008-11-13&race=6
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Fun Workouts
Lord Vader
Date: November 10, 2008
Track: HAWTHORNE
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 48:60 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 4/15
Big Bad Leroybrown
Date: November 11, 2008
Track: SANTA ANITA PARK
Distance: Six Furlongs
Time: 1.16:80 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Track
Rank: 7/9
