February 5 - Informed Decision

Years ago, I communicated with George Strawbridge, and we decided on painting his retired Lucarno who won the St. Ledger in England, one leg of the Triple Crown. Mr. Strawbridge mentioned that he had a couple good fillies for the track, but he was superstitious and didn't want to paint them until they were finished at the track. Within a week of the Eclipse Award as the top female sprinter's retirement, Mr. Strawbridge, true to his word, had this girl on my easel. He did the same thing the following year when her stablemate and Eclipse winner, Forever Together retired. We did this dance four times and I root for all his horses and hope he remembers me when they leave the track.

Informed Decision was by Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos. She's arguably the best horse he ever produced and owes her silver coat to him.