West Point Thoroughbreds’ star performer Awesome Gem returns to the racetrack for his season debut this Thursday at Golden Gate Fields. The 9-year-old son of Awesome Again has been training forwardly for Craig Dollase after taking the winter off following a solid 2011 campaign.
“This is a great spot to get him started, looking forward to some good races in 2012,” Dollase said. “He’s happy and healthy, and loving his job, and we’re excited to get him back to the starting gate.”
West Point Thoroughbreds’ star performer Awesome Gem returns to the racetrack for his season debut this Thursday at Golden Gate Fields. The 9-year-old son of Awesome Again has been training forwardly for Craig Dollase after taking the winter off following a solid 2011 campaign.
“This is a great spot to get him started, looking forward to some good races in 2012,” Dollase said. “He’s happy and healthy, and loving his job, and we’re excited to get him back to the starting gate.”
Awesome Gem looks to extend his career record of 9-15-5 and earnings of $2,738,270 in the one-mile turf allowance. Our Grade 1 winner faces four other runners and will break from post one under jockey Russell Baze.
“It’ll be great to have the Gem back in action,” said West Point Thoroughbreds founder and president Terry Finley. “He means the world to all of us here at West Point, and the fact that he’s happily preparing for this year’s campaign is a testament to his longevity and to Craig’s excellent program.”
Awesome Gem is the winner of the 2010 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) and has been first or second in a remarkable 15 graded stakes races. His recent wins include the 2011 Longacres Mile Handicap (gr. III) and the Lone Star Park Handicap (gr. III) in the same year.
“He just keeps on ticking,” Finley remarked. “When you talk about a racehorse who loves to run, there’s no doubt he’s the poster child.”
WPT also sends out the hard knocking Mr. Candy Bar in Thursday’s race. Best of luck to his Partners as well.
Awesome Gem winning the 2010 Hollywood Gold Cup (G1):