http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/47102.htm

While this doesn't appear to be a cause to celebrate yet.......he still seems to have some major reservations......it's better than it was a month ago. The message then was that Proud Spell wasn't coming. Period.

The reservations this time, though, aren't just because of the surface. He has some concerns about her condition going into the next 6 weeks, and I trust him enough to do what's right. But at least he's re-thinking his reluctance to try her on a synthetic track. That's a good thing.

I have no doubts that Music Note will be here. The whole Sheikh Mo operation has never sent messages that they wonder about surfaces. They're in the position not to worry about them because the value of their horses isn't really an issue. Barring injury, Music Note will run.

If Bobby F can't whine about weights, he'll whine about surfaces. But I think Ginger Punch will run. She's a good girl, and she deserves the chance to defend her title in the Distaff (I refuse to call it........).

We know that Zenyatta and Tough Tiz's Sis will be here.

The big question is Hystericalady. She has never won on a synthetic surface. I really don't know what JH is doing with her, frankly. She's been tearing everybody up, but gosh darn it, she's been doing it in GII company......when we all know she's capable of better. I think she's the one least likely to line up in the gate.

The fact is that if we can get Zenyatta, Music Note, Proud Spell, Tough Tiz's Sis, Ginger Punch, and maybe Hystericalady in the gate, the Distaff (I refuse to call it......) will be one of the greatest Breeders Cup races ever.

Isn't it wonderful that it's on Friday! What a great marketing idea that is!

He should leave her in the barn. There's a reason she was up the track at Keenland Proud Citizen's get have been absolutely HORRENDOUS on artificial surfaces. Rest her up for a good campaign next year with the Apple Blossom as an early season goal. Music Note ain't winning the Distaff, the 3yo filly championship isn't going anywhere.

-BB

$2 million bucks tends to cause people to think differently the closer we get to pay day!

Ozzy, I would agree with you 100% in most cases. Anyone who says that the money isn't the issue is well, not being honest to say the least. Even in Proud Spell's case, it's surely a factor......but just one, and I don't think the most important one.

Reggie alluded to the 3yo Filly Eclipse Award, and I really think that's what's causing Larry's wavering on his original thoughts. Music Note's lopsided romp in the Gazelle gave her 3 GI wins, one over a tough-trip/DQ'd-from-2nd Proud Spell. Proud Spell "only" has 2 GIs, but arguably the 2 most important GIs for a 3yo filly, and one of them in a gut-wrenching win over Music Note. I think Larry Jones is worried that, if Proud Spell doesn't go in the Distaff, and Music Note wins it against the possible field that may be assembled, it will cost her her well-deserved Championship.

I don't think he likes contemplating that too much. I believe he is thinking that she deserves an opportunity to protect her chances at the title. The money is an extra incentive for sure, but in this particular case, I believe it's more a problem of Proud Spell possibly losing the Eclipse because her trainer wouldn't even let her try. (That's my paraphrase of what's going on in Jones' mind....not a condemnation of whatever he decides).

There's something else, too, that comes into play here, and it's on a completely emotional level. Tragically, we will never know what Eight Belles might have done in her "second season". Proud Spell has different ownership, and I don't think for a minute that she's anybody's B Team. She was special before Eight Belles ever came on the scene. But I can't help but feel that Larry's experiences this year are playing a part in this decision he has to make.

Proud Spell runs in the Cotillion this weekend. Perhaps that race and how she comes out of it will tell the story.

I think with Proud Spell's rather shocking loss yesterday, she is next to certain to be a no-show. It's kind of a relief actually. The game little girl needs a rest, and now maybe she'll get one.

See you next year, little Beauty!

She got beat by a good filly who has just come into the care of a serious move-up trainer. After her stretch duel last out and giving away as much weight as she was, she was ripe for the upset. The field she faced was infinitely tougher than the group Music Note trounced in the Gazelle.

-BB

Just as I thought, Proud Spell is done for the year. The cowboy is doing the right thing. The little girl gets to be a horse for a while, and the Eclipse Award will go where it goes.

She's been doing her thing since February, she's tired, and she needs to go home for a while.

Way to go Larry and Brereton Jones. What's best for the filly is your focus.....you might lose the Eclipse Award, but your girl means so much more than that.

What a class act!

Larry Jones - PROUD SPELL & Gabriel Saez - Brereton Jones

That's just awesome, Dell!

I don't know how you find the pictures that you do, but I'm so glad you do!

That pic of Larry jogging Proud Spell is actually gut-wrenching, given all that's happened to him this year, and the news that he's going to call it a day.

God Bless him!