The lucky seven ventured to Old Dominion in southern Virginia Saturday. And all headed home with their missions accomplished.
Tiz A Giant bounded to the lead after one hurdle, jumped well and finished hard on the bridle in second. Apprentice Whitney Schweizer rode the hurricane with poise.
“He’s a hell of a horse,” Schweizer said. “He had more gas left in the tank. Pulling up was even a problem.”
Jimmy Dan led early, dropped into third and finished second. Again, hard on the bridle. The son of Kitten’s Joy runs right back at Tryon Saturday so we wanted to leave the tank full. Graham Watters was pleased.
“That was good. Jumped good. No one wanted to go, he’s pretty straightforward at home. He’s spot on for next week,” Watters said. “He learned a lot. I’m very happy.”
Penicillin Success returned from a two-year layoff to finish midpack. Apprentice Virginia Korrell did a nice job on the son of Vancouver.
King Tsunami made his hurdle debut for Ben Ffrench Davis. The son of Into Mischief settled sweetly, jumped accurately and closed some ground to finish just behind the leaders. Middleburg here we come.
World Factor made his hurdle debut under Ben French Davis as well. The son The Factor settled farther back, jumped professionally and finished somewhere in the middle. All good. Check the box.
Tuddenham Green made his American debut in the open hurdle. Graham Watters settled him near the back of the six-horse field before gradually working into the race to finish third. Good, solid introduction to these shores for the 5-year-old.
Fits The Jill pulled hard in the open hurdle, jumped well and should be ready for her first NSA start.
Seven tasks checked off the list.
