We went to Laurel yesterday. Pietrelcina making his second start for us. Fresh off a rallying second going a furlong shorter three weeks ago. We went full of hope, like we always do. We left, full of disappointment, like we usually do. Usually, because in this sport, you’re a star if you win at 20 percent. One out of five. Or four out of five. Half full? Half empty?
Pietrelcina finished seventh, beaten 4 lengths for everything; a nose, head, neck and a neck for third. Third would have paid $4,714. Seventh paid $300.
Sent off second choice, the 4-year-old Maryland-bred settled, eased into and then flattened out. Looked like he bounced to me, hard race off a layoff three weeks ago, just ran a bit evenly this time. Sure, a few gaps closed when we needed them to open. Maybe he crept into it, too fast, too soon. Wicked hot. Turf was firm.
As always, the sport a swirl of ifs, ands and buts. All I know is getting to Laurel Park seemed a lot shorter than getting home from Laurel Park. Ah, the long drives home.
