Distaffers Seek Glory in Demeter Harvest Trophy
Vermont - I marked the date on my calendar. September 16, 2000. It marked the date of my temporary return from my sabbatical, and the date of one of the world's biggest sporting events, The Equinics. In an unprecedented combination of equine sportsmanship and fierce competitiveness, twelve tracks from across the world have sent their best horses to the green pastures of Vermont to compete in fifteen disciplines. In the thirteenth race, fillies and mares will lineup to compete for the Demeter Harvest Trophy to be run over a mile and a quartet with a purse of $1.25 million.

Most owners shipped their charges in last week to get them accustomed to the track. Despite rain earlier in the week, the track has been sealed and upon inspection appeared very tight. Wednesday workout times were brisk and most of the owners seemed pleased with their charge's condition. With sweat evaporating from their backs in the crisp September air, the horses were led back to the barns to rest for the weekend ahead. The entire field in post position order is:

Fuzzy Fuzz - Trained by Miesque the three-year-old daughter of Fuzziano rides a seven race in the money streak into the race. Miesque commented on his filly saying, "We feel good coming into this race. We ran a strong second at this distance in a GI in our last, and we expect to move forward off that effort.

Zone Tickling - Trained by Saver the daughter of Rahy sports almost $100,000 of route earnings. Saver described his mare's outlook saying, "We feel that our last race represents a move forward for her. She rebounded from a form low and should acquit herself better today."

North Vote - Trained by Therabbit the daughter of Northern Baby shows fourteen in the money results from seventeen route tries. Therabbit commented on North Vote saying, "Her Delaware race was really good. Her last effort was not her best effort, but she never really got hold of the track. She has settled in nicely here."

Thirsty Bold - Trained by Sunairfarm the daughter of A.P. Indy enters the race off an impressive stakes victory. "I thought her last victory was an excellent springboard to this race. She closed well and ran through the finish line. The added half-furlong should not be a problem," Sunairfarm's representative said. Pearl Guitar - Trained by Rosepearl, the three-year-old daughter of Dayjur faces older for the first time. Her trainer said, "Our main concern today is how she'll respond to facing more mature fillies and mares today. I guess we'll know after the first half-mile."

Ms. Prospector - Trained by Slewbetcha, the daughter of Mr. Prospector has shown an excellent early turn of foot. Making her second start off the layoff, Ms. Prospector should contest today's pace. Slewbetcha said, "I felt her last race was more of an effort to get her fit. We brought her here only a couple days ago, because she sometimes loses focus when she travels. She looks ready now though.

Diplomatic Banjo - Trained by Tuzla13, the daughter of Palace Music should be close to the pace. "We'll try and sit behind the speed and see what happens when we ask her to run," said the trainer. Frisco Top - Trained by Inhanf, this graded stakes placed daughter of Forty Niner has earnings of almost $300,000. "We have one of the best jockeys in the world up on her and my mare is versatile enough to sit behind the speed. We should get a good trip, and hope she can fire through the stretch," said Inhand.

Tarbash's Birds - Trained by Bradpitt, this daughter of Storm Bird has won six of her last eight races. Her trainer said, "You can toss her race back week 690. That was her first start off the layoff, and she needed the race. Our model will be like week 627 where we won at this distance. She's trained forwardly up to this spot."

Blade Moving - Trained by Irishman the races second betting choice is daughter of Machiavellian. She enters today's spot off a victory. "We really needed that last race. She hadn't run too well heading into the spot. She rebounded nicely there and has been kicking down the stall walls this week. I like the way she's heading into this race," said Irishman.

High Cozzene - Trained by Racelord, the striking daughter of Cozzene enters today's race with four wins her last five races. Racelord shared his thoughts before the race saying, "When I saw the draw I felt really good. My mare has good late foot and there is a lot of speed today. We are going from turf to dirt, and she won her last start on the dirt. She looks primed for a huge effort today."

First Ryder - Trained by Whirlaway the well-muscled daughter of Risen Star enters today's race with the most accomplished recent resume. With two graded stakes wins, she looks to have a class advantage over many in the field. Speaking at his barn, Whirlaway said, "This mare is a real grinder. There looks to be enough speed in here to prevent anyone from getting an easy lead. Hopefully we'll have enough horse to pick up the pieces."

Three traits, courage, competitiveness, and heart, determine the makings of a champion. Sportsmanship, spirit and pride encompass international sporting events. This weekend, championship thoroughbreds and international sportsmanship will merge on one track in the green mountains and rolling pastures of Vermont. One horse's connections will walk away with a gold medal, however each entrant deserves the full admiration of the world for making the 2000 Equinics a true triumph. Until next week, here's hoping you are cashing and not trashing those betting slips.