{"id":44318,"date":"2018-02-22T15:47:42","date_gmt":"2018-02-22T20:47:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=44318"},"modified":"2018-02-22T15:47:42","modified_gmt":"2018-02-22T20:47:42","slug":"equinics-i-seek-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=44318","title":{"rendered":"EQUINICS – I SEEK YOU"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vermont (VT)\u00a0 Saturday, February 24, 2018 — 1:40PM EST | Race ID : 2049003<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Grade I \/ Group 1 – Sponsored – Purse : $1,250,000
\n4 Year Olds and Older\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Owner Restricted
\n8\u00a0\u00a0 Furlongs | ~1600 Meters | One Mile\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fast Dirt
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\"Vermont\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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\nA full field of fourteen older male milers will meet in the I Seek You event of the 2018 Equinics,\u00a0 from the state fair grounds in Rutland,\u00a0 Vermont.\u00a0\u00a0 This race will be contested at a flat mile (or ~1600 meters for the metric fans) over the mile dirt oval,\u00a0 with the entries battling it out for the winner’s share of the $1,250,000 purse,\u00a0 and for the glory and recognition that comes with a victory in one of these prestigious events.\u00a0 All of the Equinics trophy presentation ceremonies are a blast,\u00a0 and this should prove to be no exception.
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\nThis race is named in honor of the only sim three year old dirt Triple Crown winner,\u00a0 I Seek You.
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\nI\u00a0 SEEK\u00a0 U<\/strong>
\n2002 horse, (Gone West x Unfuwain x Mr. Prospector)
\nOwner\/Trainer: indy\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Record: 28-14-4-1; $5,116,580
\nSix time G1 winner,\u00a0 Triple Crown winner,\u00a0 placed in three other G1’s.
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\nThe handicapper had a real tough time with this field.\u00a0 Finally,\u00a0 he just threw up all his papers into the air and rated a five horse group as the co-favorites at 7\/1 on the morning line.\u00a0\u00a0 This is a solid group of milers,\u00a0 with a good mix of front runners and late closers.\u00a0 This should be an exciting race,\u00a0 and the stretch run should be quite a sight.\u00a0 Let’s take a closer look at the field in post position order and see what the figures may reveal.
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\n1
\nDANCE NOW<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Midas \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0KY \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a06G \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0scharenberg \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0F Gossett \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a08\/1
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\nLeading the post parade is this light grey six year old gelding,\u00a0 who closed well for 2nd last out in the G3 It’s All Your Fault stakes at this trip,\u00a0 sizzling a 118 SP# from midpack.\u00a0 Tiznow toughie,\u00a0 out of the stakes placed sim mare Just Zoot (by Storm Cat),\u00a0 was a dull 8th one back of that in the G2 Middle Ground Mile,\u00a0 stabbing a 111 SP# while never a factor.\u00a0 He just missed getting the money in his prior try in the G3 The Salvatore Mile,\u00a0 slashing a 115 SP# from the middle of the pack.\u00a0 Scharenberg<\/strong><\/em> trainee has four wins at this route,\u00a0 will need smooth trip from the rail – his prior inside post assignments were not his best efforts.
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\n2
\nHALCON<\/strong> <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sim Hispano\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0KY \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a05M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0argentino8 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0A Jolly \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a07\/1
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\nSpeedster from the argentino8<\/strong> <\/em>barn exits a hot race mile,\u00a0\u00a0 where he went wire to wire with a 119 SP# in his 2018 debut.\u00a0 Scratch bred Uncle Mo master (by Forty Niner),\u00a0 tired badly late to finish 11th in the G1 Sterile Mile one before that,\u00a0 dropping a 109 SP# dueling on the lead.\u00a0 He smoked an open allowance at this distance in his previous start,\u00a0 drilling a 119 SP# making all the pace.\u00a0 Looks like he can get to the front from inside barrier;\u00a0 certainly eligible to clear them and not look back,\u00a0 if he can avoid a speed duel with LUCKI DAN.\u00a0 One of the five co-favorites on the handicapper’s early line.
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\n3
\nTAP SUZY<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Empire State\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0KY \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a05M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0snag \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0H Harzheim \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a07\/1
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\nLight grey five year old horse makes his 2018 debut.\u00a0 He ended 2017 with a poor 13th place finish in the G1 Sterile Mile,\u00a0 posting a 105 SP# while never in it.\u00a0 Tapit tomcat,\u00a0 out of the graded placed sim mare Suzyniner (by Forty Niner),\u00a0 just failed to hold on when 2nd in the G1 Breeders’ Bowl Dirt Mile,\u00a0 pasting a 112 SP# in a pace setting performance.\u00a0 His prior try was a victory in the G2 Middle Ground Mile,\u00a0 popping a huge 123 SP# from just off the pace.\u00a0 Seven of his eight career wins were at this distance;\u00a0 one of the five co-favorites should track HALCON and look to get the jump on the deep closers into the lane for owner\/trainer snag<\/strong><\/em>.
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\n4
\nINSIDE PITCH<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Megalopolis\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0KY \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a04M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0gallantbloom \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0S L Ledwith \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a028\/1
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\nHailing from the gallantbloom<\/strong><\/em> stable is this Street Sense strider,\u00a0 out of the sim mare Fielder’s Choice (by Grand Slam),\u00a0 who apparently disliked the sloppy surface last out when 11th in the G3 The Pal’s Hope at this route,\u00a0 casting a 100 SP# while no factor.\u00a0 Brown four year old colt came on for 3rd one before that in the G3 It’s All Your Fault Stakes,\u00a0 also at a mile,\u00a0 crashing a 117 SP# from the middle of the pack.\u00a0 In his previous start he closed well for 2nd in the G2 South Bend Derby at 8.5 panels,\u00a0 copping a 114 SP#.\u00a0 Stretch runner looks to rebound off last,\u00a0 should be part of the cavalry charge home;\u00a0 will need top try to impact this group if the handicapper’s 28\/1 rating is an indication.
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\n5
\nLUCKI DAN<\/strong> <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Minn. Testbarn\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0KY \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a05M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0falcon12 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0N Ambrose \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a011\/1
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\nScratch bred Smart Strike stroller (by Danzig) seeks third straight win making his initial grade\/group appearance.\u00a0 He wired the MNTB Dirt Mile last time over,\u00a0 zapping a 116 SP#.\u00a0 One back of that he ran off with a restricted allowance at 8.5 furlongs,\u00a0 zinging a 111 SP# leading at every call.\u00a0 One before\u00a0 that he failed to hold on in an open allowance at 6.5 panels,\u00a0 zipping a 106 SP# making all the pace.\u00a0 Runner from the falcon12<\/strong> <\/em>racing group will have to contend with HALCON on the front end,\u00a0 gets serious class test trying for Equinics glory.\u00a0 Handicapper gives him a decent shot at 11\/1 on the morning line.
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\nDIVERGENT STREAMS<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0NWRC\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0KY \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a04G \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0hardhead \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0J Dawg \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a031\/1
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\nReformed claimer picks a tough spot to make his stakes debut,\u00a0 after taking a NW1x allowance at this trip,\u00a0 sticking a 109 SP# from just off the pace.\u00a0 Light grey four year old gelding got caught late when 2nd in a NW4x allowance at 8.25 panels,\u00a0 smacking a 112 SP# prompting the early pace.\u00a0 War Front wrangler,\u00a0 out of the stakes placed sim mare In The Books (by Tapit) was claimed for $60,000 in his prior start,\u00a0 a wire to wire score,\u00a0 slinging a 109 SP#.\u00a0\u00a0 Continues to improve for the hardhead<\/strong><\/em> barn,\u00a0 but has never faced a field like this.\u00a0 Handicapper holds him as the longest shot in the field at 31\/1.
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\n7
\nREADY INDEED<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Elite Racing\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0AUS \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a04M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0mightyforego26 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0R Pollard \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a018\/1
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\nRoan four year old colt was a no factor 10th last out in the G3 Narrowly Missed Stakes at 7.5 furlongs,\u00a0 kicking out a 109 SP# over a good surface he probably didn’t care for.\u00a0 More Than Ready mister,\u00a0 out of the sim mare Rare Indeed (by Unbridled’s Song),\u00a0 flew home to take the Koorawatha listed stakes at this route,\u00a0 killing a 119 SP# from back in the pack.\u00a0 My rez’ representative is in town,\u00a0 so I got to talking with mightyforego<\/strong><\/em> about his steed.\u00a0 “I’m very happy to be participating in this year’s Equinics. This colt has taken some time to develop but seems to do his best running at a mile where he has run some very solid speed figures.\u00a0 Although he hasn’t performed well in his two previous graded tries, I’m hoping that the third time is the charm.\u00a0 I am especially proud of this horse because he is out of a mare I bred in my first year of playing the game. His dam was probably one of the first ‘expensive’ breedings I ever made. It was the last year of breeding for Unbridled’s Song and I wanted to have a one of his mares for breeding purposes. So far she has one graded and one listed winner out of 3 foals.”\u00a0 Good luck Dave.
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\n8
\nFOREVER MALIBU<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 GR Simsters\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0KY \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a04G \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0fairhaven1 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0L Radzinski \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a013\/1
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\nMalibu Moon mauler,\u00a0 out of the graded placed stakes winner Forever Forty (by Medaglia D’Oro),\u00a0 faltered to 6th in his seasonal debut in the G3 The Khartoum Challenge at a mile,\u00a0 tossing a 111 SP# after being close early.\u00a0 Bay four year old gelding was an excellent 2nd in the G1 Sterile Mile against others in here in his 2017 finale,\u00a0 throwing a 115 SP# from just off the pace.\u00a0 He was a tiring 6th one back of that in the Breeders’ Bowl Dirt Mile,\u00a0 tabbing a 108 SP# with his usual trip.\u00a0 Runner from the fairhaven1<\/strong><\/em> racing operation should be tracking the pace setters,\u00a0 should be fitter today in second start of the year – upset chance.
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\n9
\nPOPPING OUT<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Blazing Saddles\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0IRE \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a05M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0bsben5 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0D Givins \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a07\/1
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\nAnother of the five co-favorites,\u00a0 this one from the bsben5<\/strong><\/em> stable,\u00a0 flew through the straight to get the money in his latest,\u00a0 the G3 The Khartoum Challenge I at this trip,\u00a0 blasting a 118 SP# from way back in the pack.\u00a0 Bay five year old horse won a residency stakes one back of that at a mile,\u00a0 banking a 117 SP# with another stretch running effort.\u00a0 One before that he just missed when a late running 2nd in the Sundays Rule listed at this trip,\u00a0 bashing a 117 SP# in a twenty horse field.\u00a0 SP#’s have been impressive over the last 5 months,\u00a0 look for the blur in the stretch as this guy flies home from far back,\u00a0 as he should get a rapid pace to chase.
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\n10
\nKING OF JEU<\/strong> <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Universal Racing \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0IRE \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a05M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0fernando \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0O A Haack \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a010\/1
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\nSea The Stars stepper,\u00a0 out of the sim mare Reina Del Mambo (by Montjeu) smoked an open allowance at 8.25 furlongs in latest,\u00a0 flashing a 119 SP# in a front running performance.\u00a0 Bay five year old horse tired late to 3rd one back of that in the G3 The Christmas Stakes at this distance,\u00a0 flinging a 111 SP# after setting all the pace.\u00a0 He tired to 10th in his prior run in the G3 Save A Buck at 8.5 panels,\u00a0 flipping a 106 SP# chasing a runaway winner.\u00a0 Speedster from the fernando<\/strong><\/em> barn faces like minded foes\u00a0 here,\u00a0 will find it difficult to get to the top going\u00a0 into the first turn;\u00a0 may be a bounce candidate off career best effort last out.
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\n11
\nHAVE NEW DOUBTS<\/strong> <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Racing HQ\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0AUS \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a05M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0zia3 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0B Wu \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a010\/1
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\nBay five year old horse was an even 4th in his 2017 finale,\u00a0 the G1 The I Believe In Christmas Stake at 9 furlongs,\u00a0 grabbing a 114 SP# while 4th around the track.\u00a0 Not A Single Doubt nipper,\u00a0 out of the sim mare Apropos (by New Approach),\u00a0 stalked the leaders and ran off in the stretch,\u00a0 taking the G2 Lewis & Clarke stakes at 9 panels,\u00a0 garnering a 120 SP#.\u00a0 He won a residency stakes at a mile one before that,\u00a0 gaining a 115 SP# tracking the leader.\u00a0 Zia3<\/strong><\/em> protege makes first start of 2018,\u00a0 will get a swift pace to chase,\u00a0 but is he fit enough to contend with some tough customers in this heat.
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\n12
\nTIZ SPECTACULAR \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0\u00a0 All Stars\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0KY \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a05M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0desertdog \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0K Ledwith \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a07\/1
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\nThe fourth of our five co-favorites exits a late running 3rd in the G2 San Valenzuala Breeders Bowl Stakes at 8.5 furlongs,\u00a0 nailing a 116 SP# in a mid pack run.\u00a0 Five year old light grey horse won a restricted allowance at 8.5 panels one before that, nabbing a 117 SP# with the same tactics.\u00a0 Scratch bred Tiznow tomcat’s (by Broad Brush) prior outing was a closing 3rd in the Kris Noia listed stakes at this route,\u00a0 notching a 113 SP# moving from 13th of fourteen.\u00a0 Runner from the desertdog<\/strong> <\/em>racing group gets contested fractions up front to help his late kick,\u00a0 must overcome outside post in large field.
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\n13
\nDONT BE SMART W ME<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 East West Conn\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0KY \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a06M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0sheeba \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0T Small \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a07\/1
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\nOur fifth and final co-favorite comes off a so-so 3rd in an open allowance at 8.25 furlongs,\u00a0 landing a 108 SP# from just off the pace.\u00a0 Brown six year old horse won in the same exact conditions one back of that,\u00a0 lashing a 116 SP# in a five horse field.\u00a0 Scratch bred Smart Strike senor (by Nureyev),\u00a0\u00a0 was 10th one before that against some in here in the G1 Sterile Mile,\u00a0 lucking into a 110 SP#\u00a0 from the middle of the pack.\u00a0 Runner from the sheeba<\/strong><\/em> stable may have his best racing days behind him,\u00a0 but could hit the board for a minor share on best effort.
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\n14
\nROOKIE HAZING<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Pastures Of Green\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0AUS \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a05M \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0xpansion8 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0J White \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a011\/1
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\nWatching them all exit the paddock is this scratch bred Bernardini bubbala (by Wild Again),\u00a0 who wired the G3 The Pal’s Hope at this trip over a sloppy track,\u00a0 rocking a 117 SP# while never headed.\u00a0 Brown five year old horse was an even 3rd one before that in the Fly For Buda listed stakes at a mile,\u00a0 racking up a 108 SP# .\u00a0 In his previous outing he failed to hold on in the Slither listed at a mile on a sloppy surface after leading by as many as 7-3\/4 lengths,\u00a0 settling for 2nd and rambling to a 122 SP#.\u00a0 Xpansion8<\/strong><\/em> trainee likes to be near the early lead,\u00a0 but will have a tough time accomplishing that in this field from the far outside barrier.
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\nGood luck everybody,\u00a0 and may they all come home fast,\u00a0 safe and sound.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Vermont (VT)\u00a0 Saturday, February 24, 2018 — 1:40PM EST | Race ID : 2049003 .     . Grade I<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1219,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[204],"class_list":["post-44318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews","tag-equinics2018"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44318","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1219"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=44318"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44318\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44333,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44318\/revisions\/44333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=44318"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=44318"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=44318"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}