Three-Year-Old Water Cannon

Saturday's $100,000 Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico was horse racing at its best. Three-year-old, Water Cannon took an early lead, lost her edge to the front-running filly Pawyne Princess for nearly a mile and then beat her by a neck to take his fifth consecutive win.

Trainer, Linda Albert called it the highlight of her career.

Co-owner, Ellen Fredel, praised Albert for putting blinkers on the horse. "It shows the power of focus," said Fredel. It has also made all the difference. Since this one change, Water Cannon has won five consecutive races." Fredel weat on to compare Water Cannon with another famously focused athlete saying, "He runs like Michael Jordan -- with his tongue hanging out."

On Saturday, Water Cannon covered the nine furlongs on a fast track in 1:50.50. For his efforts, Water Cannon walked away with a significant piece of hardware. Co-owner Fredel, who owns ten race horses said, "It is the heaviest trophy I've ever won. It must be at least 25 lbs!"

Water Cannon was ridden for the first time by Ryan Fogelsonger. His regular jockey, Ramon Dominguez, was at Keeneland riding Dashboard Drummer in the Lexington Stakes.

Co-owner Pat Dooher said, "He's running about every four weeks, and it's a nice schedule for him." With the Preakness scheduled for May 15th, all eyes will be on Water Cannon, if he is invited to the race.

If so, Fogelsonger will likely be the jockey again. Water Cannon's trainer, Linda Albert is very loyal to Ryan. If Water Cannon does not race in the Preakness, he'll likely be at The Sir Barton Stakes.

On March 27, Water Cannon also won the $60,000 Private Terms Stakes at Laurel Park.

The Maryland bred gray gelding cost $37,000 last May at a 2-year-olds in training sale at Timonium.

Upcoming 2004 thoroughbred races not to miss:

The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, May 1st on NBC
The Preakness Stakes at Pimlico, May 15th on NBC
The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 5th on NBC

Inspire & Be Inspired.

~Jennifer King