Todd Quast, trainer and general manager of Gold Mark Farm in Ocala, Florida, recently took the time to update the status on a quartet of yearlings IEAH Stables currently has under his care as he prepares them for racetrack careers.
     "They are developing nicely and will continue to improve with time and trainin," he said recently. "They have all been broke to the walker, line driven in the round pen, and ponied in the round pen. They have also been ridden in the round pen, taken outside to the arena, and have all galloped forwardly. In the near future, they will be going out to the track.
     "Before the move to the track we stress a very good foundation as it enables them to better handle what will go on at the racetrack.  It is early in the training process, but we've gone along without many hitches to this point."
     He gave insight on the individuals, stressing it is difficult to have concrete opinions at this stage because of the rapid changes in the animals which will occur mentally and physically.

     Stick and Move (Cherokee Run / Sugar Punch Filly): "This looks like a very quick and early filly who has a lot of energy and a good mind. She is very well behaved and does not make any mistakes. She is light on her feet and covers a lot of ground. She is sound and does not make any noise with her throat. I think she could be an early prospect if we want her to be. She is aggressive in her training and shows a good and fluid action."

     For more information on Gold Mark Farm, call 352-369-3377 or visit www.goldmarkfarm.com. The full-service, state-of-the-art training facility’s features include a three-quarter-mile Safetrack synthetic surface, two 36-stall barns, two fully enclosed walkers and round pens, 10 wash racks, a toe ring, and arena.
     LAST UPDATED: November 7, 2008