ANOTHER ROCKNROLL
The Cheyenne Gang’s exceptional broodmare Marilyn Sue (Matt’s Scooter-Nadia Lobell) just delivered an extremely handsome and leggy colt by Rocknroll Hanover and he too is very reminiscent of the father.

Speaking of Nadia Lobell, her final offering IN THE REDLIGHTS by Rocknroll’s three quarter brother Red River Hanover has grown into a stunning yearling. She’ll be part of our fall yearling consignments. Glowing reports on the first offerings of Red River Hanover continue come from as good friend Carl Becker would say in his signature call “EVERYWHERE”.

WIRE TO WIRE
That was another absolutely superb column by Andrew Cohen illuminating the Nascar scenario at the Daytona 500.

And get this, there’s not even PARI-MUTUEL wagering on the car races and they are not even remotely dependant upon casino subsidies for survival.

SO WHAT IS THE STORY?
All sorts of speculation and innuendo was bandied about recently concerning horses that allegedly turned up with banned substances in their blood after being sold at auction which led to a scratching from one event and may or may not have resulted in their being returned to the original consignor.

In that this story could have broad implications in the manner in which racehorses ultimately are presented and sold, it would appear to be a tale worth telling-whatever the facts happen to be.

RALPH PENZA
Saddened to hear about the passing of long time NBC reporter and anchorman Ralph Penza a fixture of New York’s Channel 4 for these last few decades. Mr. Penza’s interview with Rocknroll Hanover garnered national attention as part of his coverage of the barn fire at Perretti Farms last March.

Speaking of passing it was a tad disconcerting reading the October passing of Robert “Bob” Marks (no relation) a horse owner from Perth Ontario. Didn’t know the man but it was startling to see that name in print nonetheless.

DEAN HOFFMAN
Best wishes to long time friend and colleague Dean Hoffman who is retiring from the USTA after seemingly centuries of distinguished service. Don’t know any of the details involved but trust his authoritative historical and pedigree anecdotes will be continued in some readily available forum.

BREEDING SHED OPEN
Might not seem like it weather wise but its breeding season once again. Our first mare to Rocknroll Hanover this year was CAMADIAN a Camluck sister to the exceptional sisters Glowing Report and Must See.

THE COUNT B
It was I’LL BE SEEING YOU coming from far back to win the Count B final at Woodbine the other night which kind of whets the appetite for an interesting blood cross to occur later on.

I’ll Be Seeing You is a Real Desire from the Jennas Beach Boy mare Babe Watching she from Cheer Me Up one of two producing daughters of the great Leah Almahurst. The other daughter Best Of Memories is of course the dam of last year’s Jug winner Mr. Feelgood in addition to the gifted Remember When. Cheer Me Up is also the dam of long time open winner Rob Roy Mattgregor in addition to Beach Bound who’s accounted for a stakes winner or two in recent years.

Babe Watching, the second foal of Cheer Me Up did not stand the greatest though it didn’t deter her from winning some $150,000+ in a solid racing career. This year she’s slated to drop a Real Desire brother or sister to I’ll Be Seeing then will be bred to Rocknroll Hanover. That should present an interesting scenario seeing as how it puts Leah Almahurst on both sides of the pedigree.

Leah Almahurst is the dam of Rocknroll Hanover’s great sire Western Ideal in addition to being the granddam of Babe Watching. Toss Rocknroll’s dam Rich N Elegant into the mix and there’s no shortage of maternal power input.

Bob Marks