On Fire Baby Pointed Towards Apple Blossom Stakes; Interview with Anita Cauley

On Fire Baby is quickly becoming a fan favorite amongst beginners at the track due to her newly publicized “comeback” and her charming facebook personality.

The four-year-old grey filly is pointed toward the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Stakes at Oaklawn Park on April 12, 2013. Experts predict that the Apple Blossom will be On Fire Baby’s comeback! On Fire Baby has already won four out of eight races in her career, which includes the 2012 Honeybee Stakes.

Lady and The Track sat down with Anita Cauley for a casual interview to find out a little bit more about On Fire Baby and the team that adores her.

1) How did On Fire Baby get her name?
My trainer, Red Dog, my girl friends, Marie McDonald and Tawnya Mullins were at the races at Churchill Downs and talking about possible names for the very good-looking gray yearling filly. There happened to be a horse in the next race that was by the same sire (Smoke Glacken) and it’s name had something about “fire”. We all at the same time said “Where there is smoke there is fire” and Gary then said “she will be on fire”. We all agreed that “On Fire Baby” had a great ring to it!

2) Does On Fire Baby have a nickname around the barn? If so, what is it?
Yes, It is Baby!

3) What are On Fire Baby’s Favorite treats?
She LOVES her apple wafers. She also enjoys organic apples and baby carrots.

4) What are a few of On Fire Baby’s personality traits?
Baby is a girl who really knows what she wants. She is very strong-willed and confident. I love that about her!

5) What about On Fire Baby makes her special and sets her apart from other fillies?
She is a really big, strong filly that has always since she was a foal carried herself with such confidence and presence. She was posing for photos when she was three months old!

6) Where is On Fire Baby currently training?
Baby is currently training at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

7) Is On Fire Baby a homebred filly?
Yes she is! I am very proud of that fact. I have On Fire Baby’s mother Ornate as well as three of her sisters (High Heels, French Kiss and Lustful).

8) What are Red Dog’s thoughts on On Fire Baby’s future?
Gary is very hopeful that we might be able to keep Baby happy and racing for a couple more years!

9) Do you have any particular races in mind that you are pointing On Fire Baby towards?
Baby will be pointed to the Grade 1 Apple Blossom stakes at Oaklawn Park on April 12.

10) Do you have a favorite On Fire Baby moment you can tell us about?
She makes my heart race when she steps out on the track whether it is a race or a regular work day.

11) Are you or Red Dog superstitious before a race? If so do you do perform any strange rituals?
Oh, I hate to admit it, but yes! Red Dog usually goes to get a haircut the day before. I usually ask my guests in the saddling area not to take Baby’s photo. That is an old-time superstition. You don’t want a photo before the race, you want the photo AFTER the race!

12) How many horses do you currently own? How many of them are in training?
I Have 4 Mares, 2 brand-new foals this year (expecting two more), 3 year-old horses, 1 two-year old horse, and 4 horses at the racetrack which totals 14 with 2 more coming soon. 5 are in training now.

13) Do you and have any “up and comers” at the barn that I should take note of?
I am really looking forward to the two-year old colt by the name of Wry arriving at Churchill Downs next month. He is out of the mare High Heels, and by Distorted Humor.

14) Can you tell us a little bit about jockey Joe Johnson?
I have known Jockey Joe since he was stable hand that walked horses. That has probably been 20+ years! I love the fact that Joe both works and rides my horses on race day. I feel that that gives us an advantage.

15) Can you tell us more about the “Pink Team” and Horses and Hope Foundation?
I was kindly asked by First Lady Jane Beshear (a accomplished horsewoman herself) during the formation of “Horses and Hope” to be a part of her breast cancer initiative. The board members are called the “Pink Stable”. The mission is to increase awareness, education, screening, and treatment referral among Kentucky horse industry workers and their families.

16) Is there anything you would like the fans of On Fire Baby to know?
The entire barn is so excited to see Baby back in the barn after her winter break. We are all anxiously awaiting her comeback race. It has always been such fun to watch her very competitive spirit!

17) Do you have any thoughts on thoroughbred racing in general you would like to share with the fans?
Well, I must say that I am tickled that you contacted On Fire Baby’s Facebook page. It is so encouraging and refreshing to know that you have taken on the mission of bringing “horse stories” and women together. I love taking people that are new to racing to the track and the stables on the backside of the racetrack. I am always fascinated by their questions. I would love to see more women involved in the sport.

My advice to those that have never been to the races: GO! And when you get there, go right to the rail of the racetrack. Watch with your EYES the horses break out of the gate, listen with your EARS to the thunder of their hooves as they race to the finish, and yes, smell with your NOSE the sweet scent of victory as they come into the winner’s circle all prancing and proud of themselves!

For additional information about On Fire Baby, be sure to “like” On Fire Baby’s facebook page to receive updates on her upcoming races. To read more about “Horses and Hope” and to make a contribution, visit the website at www.horsesandhope.org.

Anita Cauley kindly captured On Fire Baby leaving Florida in the video below. Anita described On Fire Baby as a “ham!”

Lady and The Track would like to thank Anita Cauley for taking the time to make this interview possible. We would also like to thank Sandra Madison for the beautiful photos of On Fire Baby. Good Luck! Safe Run! ~Trixie