Beethoven's trainer happy

Beethoven(Sky Mesa) is doing well after his fourth place finish in the Holy Bull stakes yesterday at Gulfstream Park. His trainer, John Ward was satisfied with his placing.

"He's bright and happy this morning." Ward said. "He lost by exactly the amount of lengths you would expect when you start in the outside post while giving up weight to the winner(8 lbs.). It was a learning experience. Considering that, I'd have to say I'm satisfied with his performance."

Beethoven carried 122 lbs from post ten with a relatively short run to the first turn, on a track not favoring the outside post positions. The Fountain of Youth is a possibility and he should have no problem cutting back to a one turn race. Ward has no motivation to take him out of town, he wants to see his horse's muscle development improve.

Here also is a list of today's works.

Patena

Gulfstream Park

Four furlongs

52:20 Breezing

Fast

Dirt

29/33

Flat out

Oaklawn Park

Five furlongs

1.06:00 Breezing

Fast

Dirt

73/80

Pioneerofthenile

Santa Anita Park

Five furlongs

59:40 Handily

Fast

Synthetics

4/58

Stardom Bound

Santa Anita Park

Five furlongs

1.02:00 Handily

Fast

Synthetics

48/58

I do have to say, Pioneerofthenile is always really impressive in his work times. Super smoking works always it seems. Anyway have a great SuperBowl night!

Kirsten