Aeterna’s Choice delivers long-awaited win for First Turn Stable
by James Platz
Aeterna’s Choice and driver Jordan Ross kicked clear of the field with a burst Wednesday evening (Sept. 3) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The 6-year-old gelding held the competition at bay in the stretch to secure First Turn Stable’s first seasonal win. Members of the fractional ownership group piled into the winner’s circle to celebrate the win.
I’d like to say I was there to take in the atmosphere and bask in the glory of a long-awaited win. Unfortunately, on this night, my day job and various side endeavors monopolized my time. Earlier in the day I had made a note that Aeterna’s Choice was set to race in Hoosier’s sixth race, a $6,000 claiming handicap. But when the gate folded, I found myself immersed in work and just lost track of the time. That is, until my phone lit up twice in quick succession.
It’s not unusual to receive texts throughout my day. As a society, we love the convenience of sending a quick note (or scores of them) whenever a thought comes to mind. But getting two in back-to-back fashion grabbed my attention. So, I paused my work, curious as to what awaited. There on my screen were notes from Jacob Rheinheimer and Frank Baldachino, each congratulating me on the victory. I had texted Jacob, who serves as Hoosier Park’s race marketing manager, the previous Saturday when his horse, Foolish Pride, broke through to win on the fair circuit. At the time I joked that he had one more win than the First Turn Stable. Wednesday night he reached out to say that we are now tied. Baldachino offered congratulatory words and observed I was absent from the winner’s circle.
When I decided to join First Turn Stable in 2024 and document the experience, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would HRU faithful care to read my periodic updates? I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the response. Over the last two seasons I’ve fielded multiple questions, mostly focused on how I’ve enjoyed First Turn and fractional ownership. As a writer that has covered racing for over two decades, I’ve had the pleasure of forging friendships with many. On occasion I’ve taken a moment to send a quick congratulatory note to owners or trainers following a win. To be on the receiving end Wednesday night was fun.
Back to the matter at hand: victory. Since Wednesday night’s triumph, I’ve been thinking about the significance of the moment. Those close to me have often heard me talk of context and perspective. Providing some context, anyone that was a First Turn Stable member last season and returned in 2025 endured more than a year between wins. To add further context, we missed most of last summer while attempting to claim a horse… unsuccessfully, I might add. That’s significant, and perhaps subconsciously it has contributed to my habit of sometimes focusing less on each race because the notion of victory can seem out of reach.
Having said that, it could be easy to wallow in the string of defeats instead of holding hope for a better result next time out. This is where I apply a bit of perspective to the First Turn endeavor. Looking at the big picture, we have been fortunate to have an extended season this year. As I mentioned above, First Turn did not have a racing interest for a good portion of last year’s Hoosier Park meet. This year we are racing into September. That’s a victory!
We have also had the good fortune of fielding a horse that is a competitor. Since being claimed by trainer Patrizio Ancora, Aeterna’s Choice has made seven starts for First Turn Stable. He has finished on the board in all but one start, meaning he has earned a check six out of seven weeks. How can you be sour about that? Owners dream of having a horse like Baldachino’s On To Norway, whose winning streak has reached double digits. But if you can’t collect wins, consistently collecting checks is mighty appealing.
Not to be overlooked is the effort of Ancora and his wife, Rebecca, who condition Aeterna’s Choice. Before entering their barn, the pacer had a single win to his credit this season. In that June start he paced the mile in 1:54.1. Wednesday night the gelding paced to a two-length score in a lifetime best 1:53.4. What is also impressive is that Aeterna’s Choice has been timed in under 1:54 in six of his starts, recording a beaten time of 1:52.3 when he finished out of the money. He isn’t merely filling a spot behind the gate; he is a threat to win every start.
In the weekly missive sent to First Turn members, Patrizio and Rebecca talked about the win and Aeterna’s Choice.
“We were thrilled to get everyone to the winner’s circle for the first time this year last night.” they said in the Thursday email. “He is the best feeling/happiest horse we have in the barn and just getting better with each week!”
So, on one hand it is a bummer to have missed out on the winner’s circle experience. Ironically, I also missed First Turn’s win last year, instead watching at home on RTN. But observing how Aeterna’s Choice has progressed, there is optimism that another photo op is possible before the Hoosier Park meet concludes. If Lady Luck has a sense of humor, the next win will come the week of the Lexington Selected Sale. No complaints, only gratitude.
