I took a trip out to San Antonio this past weekend to see how my little racer was doing.  Earlier on Friday before I left, I was looking at the condition book for Sam Houston Race Park.  I noticed that there was an Arabian Allowance on the first day of the meet, November 27th. It's the trail for the Lone Star Futurities - the race Psymin has been nominated for. I said, WHAT??? I didn't know there were trials!! I quickly texted Justice and then spoke to her on the phone. This would mean that we have now 2 less weeks to get Psymin gate certified and with two timed works.

I sent an email to Sam Vasquez, who is my contact for all things futurities. He explained to me that currently, there are 22 colts and 22 filies that remain eligible for their Futurity. Holy Cow! Now, a field can only consist of 12 or 14 (depending on what SHRP decides. I guess 14 for this race). That means that horses will have to fight for their post position in their appropriate race. The trial is not an option. You have to run it if you are still eligible if you want in on the Futurity.

So I sped off to see my boy. I got there in the dark on Friday evening. I turned on the stall lights and I saw Psymin with his new hairstyle.

I think he looks pretty good! Justice said she was conscious of the thought that I wasn't fond of the short style. I think she did a great job. I told him not to worrk, the girls will still think he's sexy.

Saturday morning I headed out to the track. Psymin started to get tacked up and then went onto the hot walker to being his warm-up.  There is a barn across the way that has some loonie TBs.  They get on the walker and kick and kick and kick. There's one that tries to turn around and kick the horse that is on the arm infront of it.  There was another that was kicking out to the side constantly. Psymin just tried to keep his head and butt out of the firing lines!

I got to watch Psymin on his new rider, Carlos.  Ceasar still rides him but when Psymin and Chop Styxx go out together, Ceasar rides Choppy. Little Choppy is still getting used to the track and learning his manners. Psymin is now going well and has gotten over his antics so Carlos can take the reins.

That day, they moved out at a gallop - what I would consider a gallop and not a canter. They went around a mile and then when they hit the lane (the final streatch), Carlos let him go. Justice had told Carlos to push him into it and let him go.  All of a sudden my little monkey was flat out to the ground. No resistance, no hesitation. I was even cheering for him!!

He looked GREAT!!!

When he got back to the stalls, he was rinsed off and put onto the walker. His heart rate was up there, but he wasn't blowing out as hard as I would have expected him to be.  In no time he cooled down, got his toes rinsed again, and then went to his stall for his alfalfa.

Since I had clippers with me, I gave all the horses that needed it, a bridle path and whisker trim. Little Choppy was a good boy! I have to get some photos of him as he is just so darn cute!

Here are some photos of Psymin being the same 'ole guy we know and love.

Talked to Justice yesterday and Psymin and Choppy went out. They did 2 miles and then burned down the lane. She said Psymin looked GOOD. He had a little heat in one of his legs after his Saturday run, but nothing that bothered him. We'll keep an eye on that to make sure all is well.  He is working every other day now so he has off today. Tomorrow he goes down to the gates for training there. I sure hope he is a good boy for that! I wish I was there to take photos but such is life.