It is just another day for the blood bay colt, Nicanor, full brother of the legendary Barbaro.
The early sun is shining, and he can feel its warmth as he and Messeging walk through the shed rows on their way to the track for a morning work, life is good.
Tomorrow he will load into the starting gate at Gulfstream Park in race No. 8 for a $40,000 Maiden Special Weight at one mile on the dirt.
Across the nation a small tingle has grown into a tangible buzz. Three years of anticipation and expectation have grown in our human minds with phrases like—"...filling big shoes...," ..."as good as Barbaro...," "...his chances for the Derby...," "...will he deliver like his brother...," "...what about a Triple Crown..." floating around among horse racing fans.
Tomorrow, Nicanor will feel the afternoon sun, have a walk out onto the track with his pony horse Messeging. He will make his run around the track in company of other "clueless" youngsters, all in their element. A good bath and nice hay will follow, life is good.
He will be making an auspicious Saturday debut nestled quaintly between the G-III Holly Bull Stakes for 3-year-olds and the G-1 Donn Handicap for older horses.
Many will be watching him leave the starting gate with Edgar Prado aboard, sporting the familiar blue and green silks of the Jackson owned Lael Stables. Sitting on the edge of seats, fingers crossed, all will be hoping to see some flash of brilliance—a smashing win, a commanding, dominating stretch run, all the while, reminded how much he looks like his fallen brother.
This first race will only pose more questions in regard to Nicanor. It is only in the long run that the answer will come.
Can he mend our broken heart is what we really want to know.
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