My Own Private Favorite
Wednesday, Suffolk Downs
Race 7: Ascot Doll (5-1) never looks like much on paper, which is good for the bettors who follow this 10-year-old gelding. His last two wins have been at great prices (18-1, 28-1). As he’s dropping a smidge in class from his last two outs to almost the level of his last win, he’s not likely to go to post at such high odds this time. Still, he might just warrant a bet here. [Results: Final odds 8.10, ran 6/9. But he looked marvelous doing it. What a horse!]
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5/27/05 Addendum: Ascot Doll was retired this spring with a minor ankle injury, one from which he is expected to recover fully but serious enough that he can’t continue racing. During his career, the Doll made 111 starts (13-11-15) and earned $253,518 — a modest record, to be sure, and one that doesn’t reveal the game spirit this sweet gelding displayed every time he raced. He’ll be missed on the track at Suffolk Downs.
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3/18/06 Update: The Doll is in excellent health, and lolling about the Kentucky Horse Park waiting to be adopted.
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4/25/06 Happy ending: Ascot Doll left the Secretariat Center late last week for his new home. He has a new owner who’s crazy about him, ample pasture, and companions. He couldn’t be better off. I still miss the goofy chestnut a bit in Boston, but I’m happy to know that in his retirement he is safe and loved, thanks to the good work of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
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7/10/10 Note: I was crazy for Ascot Doll, can you tell? He was an total pro on the track, a goofball in the barn; a horse who always ran with great heart, if not great speed. I still think of him often.
Ascot Doll in retirement. Photo by Ashulee Switzerland (February 2009).
