Pocket Aces Racing To Conduct Seminar at Keeneland September Yearling Sale

In an effort to educate and inform their partners, as well as any other interested parties, Pocket Aces Racing will be conducting 2 two hour seminars/tours at the Keeneland September Yearling sale on Sunday, September 19th.

Our goal is to familiarize everyone with the process we use to select and purchase the newest editions to the Pocket Aces Racing stable at public auction. Some of the information to be covered will be pedigree and conformation analysis, vetting, establishing credit, bidding procedures and post purchase care.

Those participating will also have the opportunity to tour Keeneland's beautiful sales grounds and receive and "insiders" perspective of how the sales work.

The seminars/tours will be conducted at 9:00am and 12:00pm on the 19th. Anyone who is interested can contact Marc A. Wampler at (859) 312-6272, ctiwamp@windstream.net or Jared Shoemaker at (606) 922-9325, jshoemaker@pocketacesracing.com

Pocket Aces Racing Batting a Thousand!!!

With her daylight victory at Presque Isle on August 13th Dixie's Hope raises Pocket Aces Racing's win percentage, from starters, to 100%! That's no small feat considering the fact that only around half of all horses make it to the track and only about half of the horses that make it to the track make it to the winner's circle! That makes your random odds of buying a winner around 25% but with Pocket Aces Racing it's a sure thing.

A Pair of Aces

In this edition of Here's The Deal we ask a few questions of Pocket Aces Racing members Bob and Carol Leggett. Bob and Carol own shares in our promising 3-year-old Cozzene filly, Dixie's Hope, and our exciting 2-year-old Medaglia d' Oro colt named Posso Volare

HTD: Could you give our readers a little background information on yourselves? Where you're from originally, where you live now, careers, children, etc.

Bob: My family moved to Lexington, KY from Montgomery County, MD in the summer of 1970. While in high school, I met Carol and we have been happily married for more than 34 years. We have 3 children and 1 grandchild. After more than 30 years of public service, during which I provided oversight and management of several public pension plans with multi-billion dollar portfolios in executive director and chief investment officer capacities, I retired and returned to Kentucky. Carol and I have found a great community in Louisville to call home.

Carol: I grew up in Lexington, Ky where my parents still live as does one of my three brothers. Although I was a stay at home mom for several years when our kids were little, I have worked for almost 20 years with school support programs in Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Louisiana at the local, regional and state level. I am still working but only part-time now for the Kentucky Department of Education. As Bob said, we have one wonderful granddaughter who lives in Lexington, but, is a frequent visitor to our house. We have two grown daughters and a son who is a senior in college. As much as I enjoyed the places where Bob's work has taken us, it is nice to be back in Kentucky.

HTD: How where you introduced to the sport of thoroughbred racing?


Bob: While working part-time during the formative high school years, my employer and I would occasionally take brief excursions to Keeneland to enjoy the races; I've been a fan ever since then.

Carol: Horse racing was always a part of growing up in Lexington and I don't remember a time that I wasn't aware of it. But, the first time I actually went to the track (Keeneland) was as a college student.

HTD: Bob, imagine you have just been appointed to the imaginary position of "Commissioner of North American Thoroughbred Racing". What's the first thing on your to do list?

Bob: Promote the National Racing Compact, a proposed interstate compact for racing and wagering as a viable means to promote uniformity in the industry.

HTD: Carol, competition, socializing and risk reduction are all important components of thoroughbred racing partnership participation. Could you rank those three components in order of which is most important to you and give a brief explanation why?

Carol: While competition is an enticing factor and risk reduction by participating in the sport through a partnership is a key consideration, socializing is most important to me. It has been fun to meet new people and share the racing experience with them. I especially enjoy access to the paddock before the race along with other ownership amenities provided through Pocket Aces Racing like being with our partners and friends in the suites during the races.

HTD: If you could win one race what would it be?

Bob & Carol: The Kentucky Derby. It's the event that continues to live up to its billing as the two most exciting minutes in sports.

HTD: Bob, I know you are a pretty serious handicapper. What's your favorite track to play and why?

Bob: Arlington Park provides racing and wagering opportunities that fit best with my handicapping approach. Additionally, it is a beautiful track, with nice amenities, that offers yet another reason for us to visit one of our favorite cities.

HTD: Outside of thoroughbred racing, what are a few of your other hobbies and interests?

Bob: American history, reading, travel and wine.

Carol: Theater, movies, music, travel, reading, good wine, and spending precious time with my family.

With today's edition of Here's The Deal we will begin a series of interviews with partners of Pocket Aces Racing, L.L.C.

We will start with Steve and Kate Wilt, both racing enthusiasts from Louisville, KY.



HTD: I know both of you have had very interesting careers in aviation and marketing, could you give our readers a few details on what you have accomplished in those fields?
S: I was the Executive Vice-President of Braniff Airlines/Operations and a 3 year veteran of the White House Chief of Staff office and reported directly to General Alexander Haig. I was also decorated with a Bronze Star and 2 Purple Hearts while flying attack helicopters in Vietnam. Spinal injures, as a result of being shot down twice, curtailed my flying and executive careers.

K: I was the Manager of Young Adult Marketing for the Miller Brewing Company as well as holding the Managerial positions in the NYC sports and entertainment marketing world. I am currently the proprietor of My Racing Heart, L.L.C. working with Consumers Choice Coffee with marketing the My Racing Heart Artisan Roasted Coffee brand.

HTD: How were both of you introduced to the sport of Thoroughbred Racing?

S: My introduction was mainly through my wife but most importantly, to me, is why it appeals to me. Racing is akin to flying, there is a very high level of skill demanded from everyone involved, plus the personal commitment to be as good as you can be. Risk is a part of both endeavors but you minimize that risk by being prepared and alert.

K: I have loved horses and racing since the age of 6. I wouldn't say I needed an introduction really, they have always just seemed to be a part of my life.

HTD: Is Pocket Aces Racing your 1st experience with Racing Partnerships?

S&K: We have participated in 2 other syndicates and both were unpleasant experiences.

HTD: Why did you select Pocket Aces Racing as your partnership of choice?

S&K: First and foremost the communication with Pocket Aces Racing has been far superior to anything we experienced with the other 2 syndicates. We love the transparency in each deal too. In addition, we greatly appreciate the commitment Pocket Aces Racing has shown not just to their horses but the entire breed.

HTD: What Pocket Aces Racing horses have you invested in?

S&K: We own shares in each horse on Pocket Aces Racing's current roster. The rationale has been different for each:
Pure Victory - A friend introduced us and we really liked Pure Clan, a Grade 1 winning filly by the same sire - Pure Prize
Dixie's Hope - A share became available and she was ready to race.
El Corredror x Peanut Gallery 2008 - Sire breeds good fillies and the price was right.
Medaglia d' Oro x Retiro Park 2008 - Couldn't pass up.

HTD: If you could win 1 race what would it be?

S&K: A Breeders' Cup Race or dare we dream...The Kentucky Derby.

HTD: Outside of horse racing what are a few of your hobbies"

S: Watching Fox News, yard work, dogs and wine.

K: Cooking, Topsail Beach in N.C. and our dogs (Jezabelle, Nelliebelle, Clarabelle and Crawford),

HTD: Any suggestions for good restaurants in Louisville?

S&K: Rootie's (for wing's), Furlongs (for Cajun) and Napa River Grill (special occasion).

Pocket Aces Racing Aquires 2 New Racing Prospects

Well, after several months and a few thousand miles travelling to Florida and Maryland to inspect nearly 2,000 horses Pocket Aces Racing has acquired 2 new racing prospects for its stable. We believe these are 2 very special horses as it has been extremely difficult finding 2-year-old horses in-training that meet our very rigid pedigree, physical and performance standards at prices that allow us to syndicate them affordably.

Our 1^st addition to the stable is a filly by El Corredor, out of a stakes placed earner of over $250,000 named Peanut Gallery. El Corredor, a Grade 1 winner himself, is the sire of 6 crops to date with progeny earnings of nearly $20,000,000. In his short career at stud El Corredor has had amazing success with his female progeny as he is already the sire of 3 Grade 1 winning fillies – Adieu, winner of the Frizette-G 1 and earner of over $900,000; Backseat Rhythm, winner of the Garden City H.-G 1 and earner of over $800,000 and Crisp, winner of this year’s edition of the Santa Anita Oaks-G 1 and earner of over $250,000. Physically she is just a gorgeous filly with tons of substance, quality and athleticism. She has been in training since the beginning of year and her consignor tells us that she hasn’t missed a day due to soundness or any other health issue since she began. As of right now we feel like she should be a forward type that could be ready to run within the next few months. Shares in the filly are priced at $1,800 with no bills until October 1, 2010. If necessary, partners will be billed, beginning October 1, 2010, $300 quarterly for expenses. Half shares and discounts for multiples are available.

Our 2^nd addition is a colt by the world class sire Medaglia d’ Oro, out of a Meadowlake mare that has produced a G 3 winner and nearly $250,000 earner named Snorter. We feel like this is a rare and extraordinarily special opportunity for our clients to invest in a thoroughbred with limitless upside. His sire, Medaglia d’ Oro, stands at Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Stud for $100,000 and from just 3 crops of racing age he has already sired champion and horse of the year for 2009 Rachel Alexandra as well as Grade 1 winning colts Warrior’s Reward and Passion for Gold. Physically this colt reminds us a lot of his father, a 7 time Graded Stakes winner and earner of over $5,000,000, as he is a big, strong imposing horse with balance, scope and agility. Shares in the colt are priced at $2,600 with no bills until October 1. If necessary, partners will be billed, beginning October 1, 2010, $300 quarterly for expenses. Half shares and discounts for multiples are available.

Pocket Aces Racing looks forward to answering any questions you might have about our latest offerings. Please fell free to contact Marc A. Wampler (859) 312-6272 or Jared Shoemaker (606) 922-9325 at your convenience.

Here's The Deal Identifies 2010 Kentucky Derby Winner in January Blog Entry

Our post titled "Yes, It's Early but Here Are 5 Horses To Keep An Eye On For The Derby" dated January 26, 2010 identified eventual winner Super Saver as one of the leading candidates to win the 2010 Kentucky Derby winner. Please don't ask how the other 4 did but we got the 1 that mattered most.

Super Saver with the coveted Blanket of Roses


As we pointed out back in January Super Saver should, and did, benefit from his earlier experience over the Churchill Downs track and his expert human connections were a big key in getting this horse to peak at the right time.

Good luck to Super Saver, Calvin Borel, Todd Pletcher and the entire WinStar team at the Preakness!!!

A Great Result in KY for Pocket Aces Racing, Frustration in FL

We’ve always known that Dixie’s Hope had the talent to be a very nice filly but it really wasn’t until last fall until she decided she wanted to be a racehorse. Ever since then the Pocket Aces Racing Team has been waiting anxiously for her to make her 1st start.

Well, she made that highly anticipated 1st start on April 17th on one of the sports grandest stages – the spring meet at Keeneland. As most of you already know she finished a very courageous 2nd as she was nearly last at the half-mile pole and was forced, in her career debut, to negotiate her way through a wall of slower horses from the far turn almost all the way through the stretch. Sal Gonzalez piloted her expertly and Joe Deegan and his staff did an excellent job preparing her for the race.

We’re looking for a turf race at Churchill Downs for her next start, mostly likely around the end of May. We think she’ll be even better on the grass so it should be exciting.

On another, less successful, note Pocket Aces Racing went to the Ocala Breeders’ 2-year-old in-training sale last week and was unable to purchase a horse. Our intent was to buy a colt, bred to go 2 turns, but we just couldn’t find one that met Pocket Aces Racing’s strict criteria that we could afford. We’ve re-grouped after the initial disappointment of not getting anything done and now have plans to attend the Fasig-Tipton Timonium 2-year-old in-training sale. Wish us luck!!! We’ll let everyone know if we get anything bought.