Nicanor Ships to Fair Hill
Nicanor leaves Stephens Thoroughbreds at 11:00 a.m., taking one last walk through tree-lined paths leading from spacious barns. With his legs wrapped in shipping bandages and his halter taped to prevent rubbing, the Dynaformer colt is alert and well-behaved. He takes a final look at his surroundings. He does not cause a commotion.
The Blood-Horse is there, represented by photographer Louise Reinagel. Photos are taken, the colt’s history recorded. His supervisors are graciously accommodating. They say good-bye.
Vincente Gordstieta leads his charge onto the Brook Ledge van and turns him loose inside the spacious box stall. He gives Nicanor a final pat, but the colt is already looking ahead, ears pricked, eyes searching.
Far away in Louisville, trainer Michael Matz is speaking to reporters about his Kentucky Derby starter, Visionaire. He will not be in Maryland when Nicanor arrives, but Michael’s right-hand-man, assistant trainer Peter Brette, is holding down the fort. He expects the colt to ship in at Fair Hill around 5:30 a.m. on May 1.
The Blood-Horse will be there also, as photographer Jim Coarse prepares to greet the colt early that morning. And later, after he settles in, Brette is prepared to give a full update.
Meanwhile, Nicanor rides through the night. It is time for him to embark on the next stage of his young career. The serious training is about to begin.
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