Donegal Racing
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World Wide Action

March 20, 2017

Dear Partners and Friends,

It's true, Donegal is truly a global operation this week.

First a quick look back:

DONEGAL MOON made a very solid return to the races and Todd Pletcher was quite happy with him. 86 Beyer sprinting was very encouraging.

FAHAN MURA had yet another horrible trip yesterday and could easily have won. If you are wondering how many of you texted me about the trip the answer is nine. She has better days ahead!

Yesterday we had two pretty snappy breezes by ARKLOW 
(best of 63) and IRISH FREEDOM (he was 3rd best of 78).

Arklow (3-Year-Old Colt)
Date: March 19, 2017
Track: FAIR GROUNDS
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 47:40 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 1/63

Irish Freedom (3-Year-Old Colt)
Date: March 19, 2017
Track: SANTA ANITA PARK
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 47:60 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 3/78
 
We will not change plans for ARKLOW and he will go next in a $70,000 MSW Turf race at Keeneland on April 8. Brad Cox indicates that ARKLOW was first out yesterday on what was a very tight surface and that contributed to his eye popping breeze time. Brad still strongly suggests the grass race at Keeneland and that is what we will do.

I talked with Martin Garica, Raphael Bejerano (who was up) and Bob Baffert after the breeze yesterday. They were all very positive about what they described as an easy gallop of a breeze just ten days after his last race. I will meet with Bob Baffert Wednesday in Dubai to chart next steps for IRISH FREEDOM. I don't believe Bob is yet convinced he should send IRISH into the deep end of the pool but we will know in a couple of days.

This week we will see GORSE return to the track in Race 9 on Wednesday at 4:55 p.m. EDT at Tampa Bay.

On Friday, We will see MANNING in Race 9 at the Fairgrounds. Both of these colts should run better this week.

And of course on Saturday, it is the TEN MILLION DOLLAR DUBAI WORLD CUP. Bob Baffert says this is the toughest World Cup in history and I can't disagree. On top of that the track is viciously speed favoring. So why I am hopeful? I can't explain it. I know our boy is training the best of his life and I just think it is his turn to make some noise. Luck of the Irish anyone?

I arrive in Dubai Tuesday evening and will try to send daily reports beginning on Wednesday.

Good luck to us all!

Jerry

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