The Third Time Will Be the Charm!

In his second race, "Lenny" finished a respectable second by about half a length to On Vacation, trained by Bill Mott. It was a very good race and Lentenor continues to show great promise, especially as he races down the stretch. There continue to be some "green" tendencies, but overall, I think the Jacksons as well as Michael Matz should be pleased with the way he performed.

Lenny broke from the 5 post position and bobbled a bit at the start. Those who followed his brother will remember this seems to run in the family. Nonetheless, he pulled himself together and settled in nicely along the rail at 6th. He made a bold and exciting move along the back stretch and at that point looked like he had a clear lane in front of him along the rail. However, the jockey held him back and the lane closed up.

As they turned for home. Lenny appeared to change leads and again lost a step. Also the traffic closed in around him and he was, once again, forced to go wide. All of which he handled very well and it truly looked like he was going to win with a quarter mile to go. However, On Vacation hung on and Lenny finished a game second, continuing to lengthen out his stride.

There was some drifting down the stretch--another indication of his youth--but overall Lenny ran well, made a good showing and should win the next time out. Personally, I think this horse likes to make his move fairly early and rather than try and rate him, they probably should let him go. I don't think this is a horse that would stop once in front. I don't think he likes to wait as long as he has. I know he doesn't like traffic. He needs to be on the rail or on the outside, not in the middle of the pack.

I also do not think the distance or the surface were problematic. He can run on anything and don't be surprised if Matz runs him back on the dirt. It is important to point out that Lenny has been running with some very good horses which shows that his connections think highly of him.

I predict that his next start will be at Gulfstream, probably on or around opening day, January 3. It is not important to win as a two year old but it is important to run and gain race experience before the three year old campaign begins. Is he a Derby horse? Maybe. He needs to break his maiden next time out and then move up in class fairly quickly and decisively to qualify for the Derby but all of this is still very do-able.

Lenny turns 3 January 1 and his three year old season should be incredibly exciting if he continues to learn and improve as he already has. This is a smart and game horse. Let's hope he stays healthy and gets to make a trip to the winner's circle next time out. If nothing else, if makes you realize all over again how very special Barbaro was since he entered the Derby undefeated.