Now that the Kentucky Oaks is in the history books and the mighty filly Blind Luck has emerged the winner by a nose over the hard trying Evening Jewel, everybody is probably wondering what’s next for the daughter of Pollard’s Vision.
But before I update you on that, I have to say that this race was one of the most heart pounding stretch runs I’ve seen in awhile—especially since you all know how much I love Evening Jewel and was rooting for that little filly with all my might. She put up an awesome fight, that’s for sure.
While I can’t help but love Evening Jewel’s connections because of their humble background, persistence in the game, and love of the horse, after spending some time with Blind Luck’s trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, his passion for the sport also rings true.
An extrememly understated and humble guy, Hollendorfer was highly praised by Blind Luck’s other co-owners after the race for his dedication to his horses and his hard work in preparing Blind Luck for her big run. Apparently the man wakes up every day at 3:30 a.m. to take care of his horses and works until the sun goes down. That’s pretty amazing to me.
Hollendorfer reported on the morning of May 1 that Blind Luck came out of her race in fine shape, and he can now set his sights on a second half of 2010 goal for his star filly.
“She’s doing just fine and looking good after the race,” Hollendorfer said. “She’ll fly back to California either tomorrow (May 2) or Monday. We met our spring goal now, which was to get her to the Kentucky Oaks and now it’s time to set out a plan for the rest of the year. I would think she’ll run at least once in New York at some point. We would like for her to be healthy enough and doing well enough to make it back to Churchill Downs in the fall for the Breeders’ Cup.”
Trainer Jim Cassidy gave a report on Evening Jewel as he was boarding an airplane at Louisville International Airport Saturday morning heading back to California.
“I can’t believe how good she’s doing this morning after a race like that. I wished I would have run her in the Kentucky Derby.”
Evening Jewel earned $106,343 for her Oaks efforts and pushed her bankroll to $516,943, built on a record that has seen her run first or second in eight of her nine races.
Following her demanding race April 30, Cassidy said he was surprised to see how well Evening Jewel had come out of it.
“She was just bouncing, feeling good at the barn this morning,” he said. “She’s something. I’ve got a plane for her for Monday morning and I’ll probably pick out a race for her at Hollywood Park in five or six weeks.”
Can't wait to see what she does next!
