Reade Baker Racing Stable Newsletter
December 2000

Articles:


Stakes Winners in 2000
Cool'n Collective
Cool'n Collective

COOL N' COLLECTIVE IS THE TOP EARNER IN THE STABLE
Cool N' Collective saved ground in the 1 1/16 Elgin Stakes on September 4th to win the event by one length. Reade for Earle Mack purchased this 3-year-old son of Ruhlmann privately in June 1999. Unraced as a two year old, Cool N' Collective ran 2nd in his debut race at Aqueduct in March. He won his maiden allowance race at Woodbine August 18th, followed by his win in the $100,000 Elgin Stakes. While consistently improving his speed buyer with each start, his 99 beyer in his most recent start, was good enough to secure a second in the Grade 2 Pegasus at the Meadowlands. His total purse earnings for the year topped $245,730.

Ruby Shoes
Ruby Shoes

RUBY SHOES WINS THE $143,000.00 FANFRELUCHE STAKES AT WOODBINE.
Ruby Shoes tap-danced her way around the course to capture a 2 1/2 length victory on Sunday, October 22nd in the Fanfreluche Stakes. The winner's share of the purse was $90,408. The Fanfreluche was run on a fast track, much to the liking of this two-year old daughter of Highland Ruckus out of La Vera, by Bold Commander. Ruby Shoes is named after owner, Arthur Barkin's son Reuben and not the famed Wizard of Oz shoes. As the story goes, when Reuben was a toddler just learning to speak and get himself dressed, his parents repeatedly confirmed Reuben's question like statement...“Ruby shoes?” Yes...“Ruby shoes.” (And not his brother's shoes.) Reade on behalf of Arthur Barkin and partner Leonard Feigman at the CBS yearling sale purchased Ruby Shoes in September 1999. The purchase price was $26,000. The filly's purse earnings to-date total $135,708. Her record is 6 - 2 -1 -0. More news about Ruby Shoes may be forthcoming following some news that her second place in the Victorian Queen Stakes on October 4th may change to the number one spot. This would add an additional stakes win to her record, and $42,300.00 more to her account. We'll keep you posted!

katherin of Ascot
Katherine of Ascot
KATHERINE OF ASCOT WINS THE CLASSY'N SMART STAKES
Katherine of Ascot was both classy and smart in winning the $100,000 added, Classy'N Smart Stakes on Wednesday November 15th at Woodbine. The 1 1/16 race was the first stakes win for this 4-year-old daughter of Ascot Knight out of Avens by Briartic. Bred by Dom Romeo's Terra Farms, this gutsy filly showed her competitive spirit right from the start of the race. Sitting just off the pace of the front running fillies, when asked to pass them she responded with enthusiasm. Katherine of Ascot earned $116,394 in purses at Woodbine and will race in

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Woodbine Gets Better

The 2000 Woodbine thoroughbred race season ended a week earlier than originally planned. The reason for the early ending was to accommodate a renovation to the main track. According to the media guide, the specifications for the main track's surface has approximately 3 1/2" of loose cushion and 3" of compacted cushion on top of 6" of limestone screening 3'' B gravel drainage and another 6' of limestone screen and native clay. Over the years, routine harrowing and track maintenance from season to season, has led to the contamination of the cushion with the limestone. The project, scheduled for a two week completion date included the removal of the cushion material, inspecting and making repairs to the base, adding 2 - 3" of limestone and then laying a new cushion comprised of a mix of 2/3 track soil and 1/3 brick sand for a total final mix of 81% sand and 19% silt and clay material. The $600,000 project is under the supervision of the Manager of Racing Surfaces, Ron Aspden. When opening day arrives March 31st, 2001 we probably will not see any visual difference but the horses and riders should feel the improvements.

Phase one-removal of track surface.

18,0000 tons of new cushion material waiting to be laid.


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Woodbine Gets Bettors

Congratulations to the Ontario Jockey Club's Directors and staff for their record setting 2000 season. Woodbine closed the 2000 season with significant increases in total handle and purse distribution. Total handle from all sources exceeded $293 million, up from $261 million in 1999, for an increase of 12 percent. Of that increase, wagers accepted from off-track facilities in the US were ahead by 42.2 percent. Total purses earned by horse people during the meet was over $75 million, for an average per-race distribution of a remarkable $50,479. The total disbursement of purses advanced by 49.7 percent vs. 1999. Also of interest was an increase in telephone account wagering in Greater Toronto from $5.9 million in 1999 to $9.7 million this year.


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Congratulations

to first time purchasers at auction, Derek Cornelius, and Simon Bower.


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Welcome

To the following new owners who joined the stable in the fall of 2000.

John Stavropoulos, Edmonton, Alberta

Hal Veale, Edmonton, Alberta


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Time to Decide
Time to Decide wins her Maiden Allowance race at Woodbine for owners Simon Bower & R. Baker.

Trainer's Message

trainer



I'd like to start by thanking all of my clients of 2000 for their horses and confidence in me as a trainer. Training horses never gets stale. Each spring is filled with renewed optimism as the 2 year olds begin their careers and the older horses return with maturity. New clients and new horses also add interest and potential for another great season. The ongoing challenge to find exceptional horses to train exists and each year we see more interest coming from owners outside Ontario, especially from the United States. I welcome new owners who share in my pursuit of the good horse. Our staff of 20 contributes directly to the day-to-day care of the horses and I'd like to thank all of them for their individual effort and commitment. We finished the season with a record year in purse earnings and with your support I feel positive that we can continue to achieve even more success in 2001. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season and much success in the New Year. - Reade


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New Owner Seminar

It was a windy warm Sunday when we held our New Owner's Seminar August 20, 2000. The day began bright and early at 8:00 am. We met in the Munnings Room of the Woodbine Club. Racing analyst, Jim Bannon provided an overview of the industry, and a warm welcome to all of the participants. Following a morning of presentations given by Janis Maine, Victoria Pappas, Arthur Barkin, Simon Bower, and Dave Vaughan, covering issues of ownership costs, methods of getting started, tax implications, and insurance, we boarded a bus for a tour of the stable. This is always the favourite part of the seminar. Prospective new owners get a chance to see thoroughbreds in their own environment and have a chance to witness the high level of care that is provided. Demonstrations were given on thoroughbred conformation and on the equipment used for racing and exercising the horses each day. Next it was back to the Woodbine Club for an afternoon of live racing and a spectacular lunch. As a result of the Seminar, Derek Cornelius decided to become a thoroughbred owner. Reade purchased 4 yearlings and 2 weanlings for Derek and himself in partnership.

Mattor of Honor

Derek, Karen, Austin & Alexis with 1999 Matter of Honor colt out of Stradocaster, named Wolverine


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Horses Purchased At Auction in 2000

Buying a horse at auction is one of the best ways to get involved and to develop a good horse. Reade purchased the following horses at auction this year for himself and clients. Two-year-olds in Training Time to Decide, by Wavering Monarch out of Simply Joy, for R. Baker and Simon Bower Parkavenueprincess, by Ascot Knight out of Regal Memory, for R. Baker and J. Maine Yearlings Matter of Honor colt out of Stradocaster, for R. Baker and Derek Cornelius Dehere filly out of Cape Fire, for R. Baker and Derek Cornelius American Chance colt out of Edgy, for R. Baker and Derek Cornelius Ascot Knight colt out of Lady Be Smart, for R. Baker and Derek Cornelius Friendly Lover filly out of Flowing Melody, for R. Baker and J. Maine Tricky Creek filly out of Fabulous Sign, for R. Baker and R.M.C. Stable Williamstown colt out of Please Come Home, for R. Baker and Huntington Stud Mystery Storm colt out of Present Moment, for Arthur Barkin and Leonard Feigman Weanlings Peaks and Valleys colt out of Star Majesty, for R. Baker and Derek Cornelius


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Queen's Plate Prospects

Always searching for a 3 year-old Canadian-bred colt or filly who can win the $1 million Queen's Plate Stakes. From our two year olds of 2000, our prospects include; Octahedron, a colt by Personal Flag out of Solid Eight. He is owned by Cinnamont Stable & Associates, and is a full brother to stakes winner Euchre. Also in the running is Jonah B. Quick, a colt by Regal Classic out of Set Destiny, owned by R.M.C. Stable, and Orchard Street, a gelding by Ascot Knight out of Kalispera, owned by Earle I. Mack.


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Inside The Breeding Shed

Whenever possible, we foal our mares in Ontario to take advantage of the lucrative stakes program for Registered Canadian-breds Here is a list of our broodmares and our plans for 2001. The foals are due in 2001. Most of these mares at one

MARE IN FOAL TO MATINGS FOR 2001
Closerthanyouthink Mazel Trick Cape Canaveral
Forbidden Love Matter of Honor Cape Canaveral
Star Majesty Matter of Honor To Be Rested
Windkist Matter of honor To Be Rested
Confidential Mazel Trick Ascot Knight
Please Come home American Chance To Be Rested
Tamarisk Mazel Trick Ascot Knight
Ruth Ann D'or Lac Ouimet Matter of Honor
Twochindordor Exploit Cape Canaveral
Wait For Silence Barren Silver Ghost
Off The Record Barren Matter Of honor

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Horses to Watch

Along with a good group of two-year old colts, we had a good group of two-year-old fillies in 2000, and you can expect to see a lot more of them in 2001. They include Time to Decide, a winner of $66,714 in 2000 and still has all her conditions. Classy Daniela, owned by Terra Racing Stable, she showed great promise in her only two starts and will be fresh to start the 2001 season. Ruby Shoes, owned by Arthur Barkin and camera shy Leonard Feigman, is already a stakes winner and is prepping for her three year old campaign. In the older horses category, Master Stuart, owned in partnership with Terra Racing Stable and Reade Baker, earned $175,355 in 2000 and he still has all his conditions. Sir Lloyd, owned in partnership with Lloyd Simpson, Arthur Barkin and L. Williams, was lightly raced in 2000 and will be fresh for 2001.


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Owner of the Month

What started out as a joke, quietly became a competition amongst owners at the barn as we referred to the client whose payment arrived first as Owner of the Month. So in the spirit of the game, here is a list of owners of the month. Congratulations but most of all, thank you!

MONTH

WINNER

RUNNER-UP

July

Barkin, Arthur

Feigman, Leonard

August

Feigman, Leonard

Jayawardena, Henry

September

Farr, George

Feigman, Leonard

October

Jayawardena, Henry

Feigman, Leonard

November

Feigman, Leonard

Jayawardena,Henry

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Sire Picks For 2001

It is that time of the year again to make your decision on stallions for your mares. When making my selections I look for stallions that can achieve the following criteria. The proven stallion should try to achieve 55% winners, 20 % two-year-old winners, 10 % stakes winners, an AEI (average earnings index) higher than his CI (comparable index) from named foals (NOT STARTERS, and remember to eliminate the present group of two-year-olds from the number of named foals). This information can be found in the latest version of the Stallion Registry published by The Blood-Horse, or you can find the Stallion Registry on-line at www.bloodhorse.com. I would demand a higher percentage of stakes winners from regional sires e.g. Ontario and New York.

In addition to the stallion statistics, it is imperative to know the percentage of mares confirmed in-foal in the last year. I like to see a stallion get over 80% of his mares in foal. With a new stallion, how many mares are being booked to him? This information is helpful in making your decision because there are a number of mares that "come up empty' because a stallion has such a busy schedule that she could not be bred at the right time. You can make the best choice of stallion in the world but unless you are aware of this information, it may all be for not.

If you are sure that you are going to race the offsping, then I recommend that you breed to a proven stallion! If you plan to sell the offspring, the best value can be had if you breed to a stallion that does not have any offspring to the races by the time your horse (or fetus) sells. Even better is the first year stallion. The following list of proven and unproven stallions (listed alphabetically) may assist you with your choices. I tried to keep the lists within 15 sires for each category. New this year, I've added a list of proven Ontario Sires. Let me know if you need any further help purchasing seasons etc. - Reade

CANADIAN / ONTARIO SIRES
Alydeed Bold n Flashy
Ascot Knight Highland Ruckus
Bold Executive Matter of Honor

UNPROVEN SIRES / SALES PROSPECTS
Aljabr Five Star Day More Than Ready
Berstein Golden Missile Richter Scale
Cape Canaveral ** High Yield Shawaf
Cat Thief Intidab Straight Man
Dubai Millennium Lion Hearted War Chant
Elnadim Mighty Yankee Victor
**1st Choice

PROVEN SIRES / FOR RACING
Standing for $15,000 or less
Afternoon Delight Jade Hunter Regal Classic
American Chance Lac Ouimet Silver Ghost
Citidancer Lord Avie Skywalker
Conquistador Cielo Lost Code Tour d'or
Dixie Brass

PROVEN SIRES / FOR RACING
Standing for $20,000 - $75,000
Affirmed Gulch Rahy
Carson City Miswaki Silver Deputy
Cozzene Mt. Livermore Sky Classic
Crafty Prospector Polish Numbers Summer Squall
Dixieland Band Quiet American Wild Again
El Prado
**1st Choice

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Owner Awards

Another bonus to racing Ontario foaled horses at Woodbine is the Owner Awards program run by the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. The amount of the owner award is 5% of the total purse. If you own an Ontario foaled horse and he wins a race (other than a stakes race) at Woodbine, you receive an additional 5% of the purse form the H.B.P.A. The best thing is that you do not have to share it with the trainer or jockey.


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Name Claims

One of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a yearling is being able to name it. According to the rules set by the Jockey Club of America, thoroughbreds can be named by February 1st of their two-year-old year without incurring a fee. Hence, every year at this time, owners all across North America take time to find clever, meaningful names for their yearlings and foals. We had a total of 9 yearlings to name. Some were in partnership and two were already named. Along with our partners we agreed on the following names. Watch for them at Woodbine in 2001 as the yearlings turn two. Miss Alexis, Sir Austin, Wolverine, Harbord, Suede, Matter of Law, Friendly Melody, Arcola Creek, and Springhill Lucky.


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What Is An Official Veterinarian?

- By Bruce Duncan, DVM, Commissioner, originally published in the summer 2000 issue of Integrity Matters, an ORC publication.

All participants in racing have a vested interest in safeguarding the health and welfare of their equine partners, but it is the Official Veterinarian's job.

Until 1997, Official Veterinarians had been employees of the Ontario Racing Commission and were known as Commission Vets. This changed when responsibility for hiring the veterinarians overseeing racing was shifted to the racetrack association. The Rules of Racing still govern the duties and responsibilities of the Official Veterinarians, and as such the Official Veterinarians are accountable to the Commission.

As part of its overall review of operations, the Ontario Racing Commission will be re-examining whether the Official Veterinarians should be returned to the employ of the Commission.

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICIAL VET?
  1. Conducts pre-race examinations to determine identification, race soundness
  2. Maintains the Veterinarian's List of horses unsuitable for racing
  3. Maintains the Bleeder's List of horses active on the Lasix program
  4. Communicates daily with Judges/Stewards on racing related issues
  5. Monitors the general sanitation and safety of the animals on the racetrack and acts in situations of animal abuse
  6. Conducts post-race examinations of racehorses
  7. Provides immediate evaluation of horses injured during the course of racing until the animal passes to the control of a private practitioner
  8. Provides testimony at hearings related to racing matters
  9. Ensures measures are taken by the track to control communicable diseases
  10. Maintains records on any horse which has had to be euthanized
  11. Works with other Official Veterinarians and practicing veterinarians to present and share valuable information

For all intents and purposes, the Official Veterinarian is the racehorse's advocate.

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In The Longrun, It's Up To You!

A new charitable foundation has been formed in Ontario to provide assistance in finding homes and or alternative careers for retired thoroughbred racehorses. The LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society also aims to educate the thoroughbred racing community in Ontario about theses alternatives for retired racehorses. This is an important charity and deserves to be supported. Some horse owners take very good care of their retired horses. Unfortunately not all owners are aware of the alternatives and or do not have the resources to keep a horse that can no longer race. Supporting LongRun can mean a gift of compassion for these majestic equine athletes. Funds raised will be used for basic care, feed, veterinary supplies, and blacksmith services as well as blankets, halters and other stable equipment. Tax-deductible donations can be made to;
LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, 555 Rexdale Blvd., P.O. Box 156, Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 5L2.
If you would like more information about the group, or to find out how to adopt or foster a retired thoroughbred call the LongRun hotline at (416) 675-3993, ext. 3440. Email; nvp@ojc.com.


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Facts and Arguments

Sooner Than You Think
Minimum requirements to get a horse fit enough to race;
5/8 70 days
3/4 90 days
1 1/16 120 days

We plan to ship horses into Woodbine Feb. 1st, 2001. This will give us 58 days to opening day, 129 days to the Canadian Oaks at 1 1/8, and 144 days to the Queens Plate at 1 1/4.

Allowances

If a horse is worth $100,000 Cdn., and is healthy, he should have no problem winning the five allowance conditions at Woodbine. The owner's 60% share of the earnings will total over $180,000. The five races include Maiden Special Weight Allowance, Non Winners of 2, NW3, NW4, and NW5.

Finding a Horse

From December to March 30th things are pretty quiet around the thoroughbred scene at Woodbine. It is a good time to review the year 2000 and to make plans for 2001. During the off-season, one might wonder about how to buy a racehorse. Do not fear there is always horses for sale somewhere. Check the Calendar of Events on the back page for a list of horse sales. Trainers like Reade who are also Bloodstock Agents attend most of these sales. If owning a racehorse is in your plans for the future, now is the time to contact Reade about finding you a horse.

Reade Baker Sets New Record

After winning the $143,000 Fanfreluche Stakes race for two-year old fillies on Sunday October 22nd with Ruby Shoes, a new record was set. Reade Baker is the first and only trainer to win the race more than once. Reade sent out the Matter of Honor filly Honoured One to capture the race in 1996.

accepts award
Arthur Barkin (centre) accepts award following win by Ruby Shoes in Fanfreluche Stakes
(partner Leonard Feigman absent).
Armchair Quarterbacks

Have you ever noticed how in major league sports like hockey, basketball and football it seems that the more the owners participate in the running of their teams the lower the team goes in the standings? The same theory can exist in Horseracing. Hire your management team/trainer, meet with them, review the goals, show up on game day and enjoy!

Expensive Pre-sale Examinations

Recent studies of both endoscopic exams (in England) and x-rays (in Kentucky) conclude that both procedures are measurably important in making a purchasing decision at the yearling stage and older.

Promises, Promises

There are promising new procedures to treat bowed tendons and suspensory tears in the racehorse. We have engaged in the treatment on a couple of candidates and hope that the promises are fulfilled.


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SPRINGHILL LUCKY

Springhill Lucky

Springhill Lucky is the name of one of our yearlings (a two years old, January 1st) that we own in partnership with Huntington Stud. His sire is Williamstown and his dam is Please Come Home. This colt is named after Janis Maine's father, John Douglas Maine. John was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, and his family and friends know him as "Lucky". He is an avid fan of horseracing and has been pretty lucky at the windows. Hopefully Springhill Lucky will bring luck to us all.

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WELCOME OWNERS OF HORSES
IN THE UNITED STATES TO CANADA

We Have Stalls for your horses in 2001.

For more information about rates and to discuss how your horse in particular would fit into the exciting Woodbine racing program, call Reade at (416) 249-3630 or email:reade@readbaker.com back to contents


CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 8-13 Horses of all Ages Sale, Keeneland
January 15-18 Winter Mixed Sale, OBS, Ocala

January 6-13

Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, OBS, Ocala
February 6 Opening Day, Woodbine Thoroughbred Meet
February 26-27 Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale,Fasig-Tipton, Calder
March 20-21 Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, OBS, Ocala
March 31 Opening Day, Woodbine Thoroughbred Meet
April 17 Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, Keeneland
April 23-26 Spring Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, OBS, Ocala
June 4 Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, CTHS, Woodbine
July 16-18 Selected Yearlings Sale, Keeneland
July 18-19 Selected Yearlings Sale, Fasig-Tipton, Lexington
August 7, 8 & 9 Selected Yearlings Sale, Fasig-Tipton, Saratoga
August 10 Stallion Access Sale of Seasons & Shares, Saratoga

August 20

Selected Yearlings Sale, OBS, Ocala
September 4 Registered Canadian-Bred Yearlings Sale, CBS, Woodbine
September 10-22 Yearlings Sale, Keeneland
October 15-16 Yearlings Sale, Keeneland
October 22-23 Fall Yearlings Sale, Fasig-Tipton, Lexington
November 4 Selected Fall Mixed Sale, Fasig-Tipton, Lexington
November 4-18 Breeding Stock Sale, Keeneland
November 7-8 Adena Springs Mixed Sale, Lexington
   


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