GROUNDHOG DAY

UPDATE 12:29 P.M.

SILENT NAME coming to GARDINER

(photo courtesy of CHARLES PRAVATA, at his alydar_1978 site at www.flckr.com)

Grade 2 stakes winner SILENT NAME (JPN), a son of the amazing stallion SUNDAY SILENCE, is on his way to Ontario from Kentucky to stand the 2009 season at Gardiner Farms in Caledon East.

The fee will be $5,000.

SILENT NAME won the Grade 2 Commonwealth Breeders' Cup on Polytrack at Keenelend in 1:21 1/5 for 7 furlongs.
He was also 2nd beaten a neck to KIP DEVILLE in the Frank Kilroe Mile on the grass and 3rd in the Grade 1 Eddie Read and Shoemaker Breeders' Cup Mile Handicaps.

SILENT NAME is the 2nd Frank Stronach-owned stallion to come to Ontario this year (Silgo Bay is also at Gardiner).



Happy Birthday to my brother
and Fred Flintsone - Groundhog guys!

(Canadian Press photo this morning from Adrian Wylde, Willie whispers in the Mayor's ear - rats! 6 more weeks of winter!)


SKIPPING KIP

He's baaaaack. KIP DEVILLE, who has been in a tailspin since he was beaten in the Woodbine Mile last fall here in Toronto, came back to top form for IEAH and co. in the Gulfstream Park Turf at 1 1/18 miles.
The grey guy led all the way and raced the distance in 1:45 3/5.
Canadian bred SLIGOVITZ (Sligo Bay) was 5th.
The DUBAI DUTY FREE on March 28 could be next for the 6yo by Kipling.



KENTUCKY ICE STORM has left farms in skating rink mode:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=13543



FORT ERIE NEWS CAN BE FOUND...

From the Ontario HORSEMEN'S BENEVOLENT and PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION website at

http://www.hbpa.on.ca/



PATENA WORKS

First prep for Kentucky hope PATENA since he moved to Rick Dutrow Jr.'s barn in Florida. Yesterday he went four furlongs in on a modest 52 2/5.
The Seeking the Gold colt is owned by IEAH, John and Glenn Sikura and Dominic Dilalla.


CLYDESDALES ARE SUPER

From yesterday's Super Bowl broadcast - 2 of the BUDWEISER commercials including JAKE, who tries to race!