Vertical Oak

8th-Churchill Downs, $132,590, Alw (NW2X), Opt. Clm ($125,000), 9-20, 3yo, 6f, 1:09.15, ft, 2 3/4 lengths. GIANT MISCHIEF (c, 3, Into Mischief--Vertical Oak {MGSW, $773,095}, by Giant Oak) made a triumphant return off a near seven-month absence, landing this stakes-quality sprint in sharp fashion. The 7-5 favorite was off fairly and was hustled along early, but did not quite have speed enough to head them off and settled on the heels of the leaders to the turn. Angled away from the inside and into the four path going ominously well...

I have some thoughts on why fewer people want to own racehorses and why existing owners are shrinking their operations or getting out altogether. I breed to race about 15-20 mares in California, Kentucky and New Mexico. I buy 5-10 yearlings each year. I run in about 200 races per year, winning about 20% with 50% in the money. I have licenses in at least 10 states each year. I hire respected and successful trainers. I lose money on my racing operation. Lots of it. In years when I sell...