The one that got away...

Typical, so typical.

Last week, THE PETE SHEETS identified Whirlwind as a Live Longshot after seeing her finish a very good 2nd to subsequent repeater, Francis, at Flamboro. As it turned out, the free-legged mare broke at the gate and lost all chance. She was 10-1. She did pace a big middle half while trying to make a recovery and I once again saw a lot of the hidden ability that led me to being interested in her in the first place.

So she's back in-to-go last night. Ouellette replacing the younger Zeron. Live Longshot status again. I wasn't about to give up on her just because of one aberration. As predicted, she was twice the price, so I liked her twice as much. The masses are so predictable.

As they were lining up behind the gate, I called out to my wife in the kitchen saying, "Honey, come watch -- this one's going to make THE PETE SHEETS famous!" She didn't come. Stayed in the kitchen. Good woman.

Luc gave her a great drive right from the get-go. Left for position, saved ground while tracking from 3rd. Heading to the far turn, she was positioned perfectly and I could see she was going to be able to slip out and take a run at the tiring leaders. I was playing catch driver from the couch like a real mongrel. "Where is she?", The General queried from the kitchen. "Second over, cannot lose!". Kiss of death.

In the clear and home and cooled in the stretch, this horse that I had built this relationship with over the past three weeks -- the one which, like a supportive parent, I stuck with even though she had made a bad mistake the week prior -- hung at crunch time and was picked up by another longshot.

So close. Too bad this is horseracing and not horseshoes.


Today's a busy day at THE PETE SHEETS Headquarters (the computer room at my house -- "Headquarters" just sounds so much better!). The Flamboro, Grand River and Mohawk versions of THE PETE SHEETS will be available later this afternoon.

Want to get on the mailing list? Simply send an email requesting such to thepetesheets@hotmail.com and you'll join the other 114 harness racing fans that are already receiving THE PETE SHEETS daily. It's a free service to subscribers!

Time to get some work done. Have a great day everyone!