Nov 2, 2007

Leapin’ Lou Messina

Our title is handed down courtesy of Leapin’ Lou Messina, a New Orleans boxing promoter in the l960s. He got his nickname, it was said, when he leaped into the ring to stop a fight in which his guy was getting roughed up. His other dubious passion was betting on short priced horses. Lou was a certified bridge jumper who loved to bet thousands to show on perceived good things. Minimum payout in those days was $2.20 to show so a guy could grab a quick l0% for his trouble.

One stormy afternoon Lou raced up in his white Cadillac, leaving the motor running while he dashed in to make his only play of the day. I remember that it was raining hard all day but that didn’t stop our man from laying it down on a horse owned by T. Alie Grissom and ridden by David Whited who was miles on top of the jockey standings at the Fair Grounds.

Whited quickly opened up a daylight lead in the six furlong race and opened up around the turn to lead by five coming to the eighth pole. His mount began to come unglued at that point but bravely battled on with only three sound legs. He figured to hang on for third but the pain was too much and he lost a head bob for show.

Turning to me in the Fair Grounds press box he said, “Kid, this is a hard way to make an easy living”.

Nov 1, 2007

Good Deals

We spent $l5,000 of Norman McAllister’s money to purchase Papoose (by Apalachee) a few years back and she is the dam of Shilla who won the $l55,895 Fanfreluche Stakes at Woodbine on October 27.

A mare of our own named Coax Classic was sold to Ken Ramsey and her daughter produced the recent New York stakes-winner Cannonball. Cannonball went on to further glory six days later, finishing third in the inaugural Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf. Ramsey is in the black about $l million on that trade.

Four Star Sales alumni had a big weekend, too. Jupiter Pluvius remained undefeated in Ireland, taking the Group III Killavullan Stakes, becoming a hot item for next May’s 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Jupiter Pluvius is a $475,000 Saratoga sale yearling bred by Smoot Fahlgren.

Good timing, indeed, as Four Star has on offer on November 6 a half-brother to Jupiter Pluvius selling at Keeneland by Successful Appeal.

It gets even better. The dam of Lawyer Ron and her 2007 colt by champion Smarty Jones go through the auction ring at Fasig-Tipton on November 3.

Four Star graduates have been competitive in exalted company in recent days. Grade I winner Hysterical Lady added to her reputation with a gallant second in the Breeders Cup Distaff. Dream Rush and Adieu are Grade I winners.

Next Of Kin

FATHERLY COMPASSION

Father who smiles with teeth as white as snow
And looks out at the world.
Who is fur and cloth.
Whose eyes are made from ocean water.
Whose nose is a small mountain.
Whose life is a snake
Who golfs for eternity
Is brightening the universe
Is listening to the sound of the world jumping around
Who has passion for horses
Whose first name is Dan
Who enjoys Keeneland and golf
Who has many brothers
Whose wisdom sparkles conversation
Who has a heart full as a balloon
Who had a mind as strong as a tornado
Who has an honest soul
Is the owner of two cats
Who goes to the derby each year
Whose love for me is never ending
Who I will always keep in my thoughts.


Brody Kenny
Room 6A, Christ The King School
2004
Lexington, KY

Oct 30, 2007

It's a miracle...such birth pangs to get this little fellow floating through the thin air of the cosmos.

Evren of Turkey midwife to the creation. Hoo Hoo Hoo, this is going to be fun.

"What hath God wrought"