Here's some good news.

[Betsy]

You know, we always hear such negative stories in racing, so I thought I would post about a really positive development.

Miner's Claim was a very promising Mineshaft colt in Canada last year (3/4 brother to Shaniko). He ran 2nd in the Rushaway and then ran in the Bluegrass, finishing 6th. However, he actually ran well in that race as he apparenly had a tough trip and lost a shoe. Here is a summary of those events:

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/ne...w-headed-derby

Even though Briarwood Stable's MINER'S CLAIM (Mineshaft) could finish no better than sixth, trainer Mark Casse found out one thing for sure.

"I know we've got a pretty good horse," said Casse of Miner's Claim, who made a bold run down the backside and was within four lengths of the lead in the stretch before flattening out. "I think if he had been in the position he was supposed to be, I think he would have run very well."

The position Miner's Claim wasn't supposed to be in was last entering the first turn.

"He broke good and went about three strides and stumbled really hard," Casse said. "Then he went another three strides and stumbled again really hard and (jockey) Patrick (Husbands) thought he broke down. What he did was, and we didn't know it until he got back, he grabbed his left front shoe and sprung the shoe, so when he was running, the shoe would go up and down. We could not walk him this morning until we got his shoe fixed."

Miner's Claim could not sustain the big run he made down the backside, but Casse liked what he saw.


** Me again: well, this colt was going to run in the Marine Stakes at Woodbine in May, but he came down with a terrible case of colic. He had two surgeries and they didn't think he was going to make it. Here's the good news - he's not only made it, but he's back working. Today he worked at Woodbine in 1:00 and change for 5 furlongs - this is his 3rd work.

I can't express how happy I am that Miner's Claim survived, nevermind that there's a good chance he's going to run again this year. Usually we hear it when horses don't make it, but here's one who did.

[my miss storm cat]

Nice story. Thanks for posting it.