Iselin Winner’s Career On Hold as Offers Pour In

Although Runnin Horse Farm’s Rize emerged from his front-running upset victory in Sunday’s Iselin Handicap (gr. II) without any problems, the gelding’s career is on hold as offers pour in to owners Les Steiner and Peter Lombardi.

"We've had lots of offers" since Sunday, said trainer Norman Pointer, noting that an $800,000 offer had been rejected. "He's a good-looking horse with a great pedigree. I'm saying the first million takes him."

A 4-year-old son of Theatrical--Campagnarde, by Oak Dancer, Rize was bred by the late Allen Paulson. He was one of 13 horses bought by Steiner and Lombardi from Paulson for a total of $300,000. “It's turned out to be a great deal," the trainer said.

Previous to the Iselin, Rize had proven himself equally adept on grass and on dirt. He had two victories and three seconds on grass and three wins and one runner-up finish on the main track. Despite finishing second in his only previous stakes competition, Pointer decided conditions were favorable for Rize in the Iselin. There were only five other horses in the race and Rize had drawn the inside post position while carrying low weight of 111 pounds. "I'm willing to take a chance when I have a chance," Pointer said before the race.

"I tell you, a horse like Rize is why we get up every morning," Pointer said of the horse who has given him his biggest career win with the Iselin triumph.