Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Notes from Around the Ovals

March 17, 2006

Gallo Gets Better With Age
Gallo Blue Chip may be retired from racing but he is keeping busy, making personal appearances. His trainer, Mark Ford, reports that Gallo made a trip to Quebec City and is heading to Columbus.

"He is going to Ohio for three or four days with Kelly Rucker from the USTA," Ford said. "He loves to travel."

Kelly Rucker, the USTA's customer service manager, is taking Gallo to the Equine Affaire on April 6 to 9. The event bills itself as the "nation's premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering." Gallo will represent the racing side of standardbreds. "When Equine Affaire
found out we were bringing him, they got very excited and are making him part of their Celebrity Showcase," Rucker said. "There are only four horses featured."

Teague Charges Prepping for Stakes
A trio of George Teague trainees are tuning up for the spring and summer stakes. Woodrow Wilson winner Western Ace, who was the runner-up in last year's Breeders Crown, is prepping for his three-year-old campaign. "He's doing well, on schedule to return for some early races in Canada," said Teague. "The first big test for him will come in the North America Cup. It'll be the first time I'm going to race in it."

Rainbow Blue, the 2004 Horse of the Year, is close to qualifying. "She's doing fine," he said. "All reports are good. She hasn't lost anything mentally or physically. She knows why she's here. I think she's anxious to get back out there. Everything with her is on schedule. She'll qualify in a few weeks."

Teague's stellar three-year-old filly, Future Destiny, is enjoying a brief rest. "She's good and sharp," he noted. "I'm bringing her up [to the Meadowlands] April 5 for the Blossom. I miscalculated originally and thought it was earlier. I'll get a race for her before then."