Maggi Moss’s Keys to Success
Maggi Moss (pictured) knows that to be in the Sport of Kings one has to be dedicated. Spending time reading over the Daily Racing Form, watching races across North America and using a gut feeling are tools Moss uses to be successful in horse racing.
Currently sitting in a tie for leading owner at Oaklawn, Moss scored her first stakes win at Oaklawn Park with Native Ruler in yesterday’s King Cotton Handicap. Claimed for $25,000 at Oaklawn, Native Ruler helped showcase Moss’s ability to find horses with talent, and give them a chance.
“I spend a good four to five hours a day watching races, studying past performances, and communicating with my trainers,” mentioned Moss. “I have a good team working for me, and communication with them is key. You have to be dedicated to what you do to be successful. I live it and die it, I do love horse racing.”
“There are three things that are key to being successful in horse racing: passion, giving back, and work ethic. Passion for me is number one, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without a great passion for horses,” Moss admitted.
Moss has her largest string of horses here at Oaklawn and there’s a good reason why.
“I really love Oaklawn, and really like racing secretary Pat Pope. He does such a good job filling the races and making competitive races,” Moss commented. “It is fun watching races that are competitive, and one doesn’t have to worry about a horse sitting in the barn. Pat writes a well diversified condition book.”
Oaklawn fans can look for Moss to make an appearance at Oaklawn on March 13th, where Moss will be talking to people who may be considering getting into the sport as an owner, on behalf of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders’ Association (TOBA). To get information regarding the new owner seminar fans can log onto www.toba.org.
Jonesboro Unlikely for Essex Handicap
When it comes to the older horse handicap division at Oaklawn Park, there are no shortage of horses to choose from on the backside. Nominations for the Essex were released today and racing officials stated a field of seven or eight are possible for the mile and asixteenth race.
Trainer Randy Morse is a bit weary on the chances of barn star Jonesboro (pictured) to make the 61st running of the Essex Handicap. The son of Sefapiano has had foot problems in the past and is just shy of earning $1 million.
“We are not 100 percent sure, but it is most likely Jonesboro will not run in the Essex. We’ll know for sure in a couple of days. The bruised foot is bothering him again, but it is nothing serious,” confirmed Morse, “He is too good of a horse to take any kind of chances.”
The seven-year-old ran second in last year’s edition of the Essex, but came back and took the Razorback Handicap later in the meet. In his last start at Oaklawn Jonesboro ran game second to Shim’s Pride in an Allowance race.
A Little Bit More
Trainer Gary “Red Dog” Hartlage (pictured) still is contemplating plans for his top filly French Kiss. “I really prefer her next start to be in an allowance race, there are none in the latest (condition) book,” commented Hartlage in the racing office this morning. “Another win here would be a good confidence builder. If we can’t get an allowance race for her, the Pippin is where we will go. It would be fitting to run her on Valentine’s Day in the Pippin Stakes with a name like French Kiss.”
The Martha Washington stakes can add Affirmed Truth to the list of possible starters confirmed owner Dr. K.K. Jayarman. The Arkansas bred filly broke her maiden on January 23rd and will be eligible for the Rainbow Miss on Saturday, March 25th depending on how things go in the Martha Washington. Dr. Jayarman and his wife Vilasini have taken three editions of the Rainbow Miss in 1995, 1998, and 1999.
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