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stakes-producing Blazin Sin. In addition, Blaze Carver is by World Champion Wave Carver.
“With One Handsome Man, it was One Famous Eagle’s first crop,” said Hatton. “And his mama comes from a great family.”
Helens First Choice, the dam of One Handsome Man, is a winning daughter of First Down Dash out of Harems Choice. That cross also produced Champion and All American Futurity winner Royal Quick Dash, Champion First Sovereign, Los Alamitos Million Futurity-G1 winner A Regal Choice, Southern California Derby-G1 winner Harems Last Dash, and stakes winner First Rate Choice.
Flying Hooves began Blaze Carver and One Handsome Man’s careers at Remington Park, but the partners had their eyes fixed on Ruidoso. Choosing a jockey wasn’t a problem. Payne simply turned to his father, despite the fact that Larry Payne worked Betabet On Hero once and didn’t like him.
“Dad was talking us out of him pretty quick,” said Nicky. “Dad is pretty blunt—he tells the truth. He said, ‘I’m not trying to
hurt you guys’ feelings, but he ain’t very fast.’ And I’m not trying to beat the horse up at all because he did exactly what we needed him to do, which was get us to our next ones.”
Larry Payne liked both Blaze Carver and One Handsome Man from the beginning. He has ridden Blaze Carver in every start, even admitting responsibility for the colt’s initial fifth-place finish.
“He said that he whipped him too hard,” said Nicky. “He’ll tell you what happened exactly in a race. Dad’s honest, and he calls it like he sees it. ‘Midway through the race,’ he said, ‘I had
to get after him. I knew we weren’t going fast enough. I hit him too hard. But lesson learned.’ And he hasn’t had that problem again.”
Larry Payne rode Blaze Carver in the Rainbow trial and final. When Blaze Carver won his trial, it was a real family affair in the winner’s circle. Payne stayed with the colt for the All American trials, while Oscar Rincon piloted One Handsome Man.
“That’s the key to the ballgame, getting in with the right people,” said Nicky Payne.
“Don’t be scared to ask for help because this industry is very giving. People want to see each other do good.”
While Flying Hooves is just getting started, Payne, Hatton, and Ross hope eventually to be able to expand into the breeding business.
“That’s definitely something we’d like to pursue,” said Hatton. “I think that’s the ulti- mate goal, to run your own horses. But that’s probably a little ways down the line. We’re taking baby steps.”
For now, the three men are having a blast watching their horses compete. Their camaraderie makes it even more enjoyable, and the way they work together as partners has led to their success.
“We all make a decision together—it’s no two against one,” said Ross. “It’s all three of us. We’re good friends, and we’d give the shirt off our backs for each other.”
Hatton agreed, saying, “The horses are important. But the great thing is that we do this as a team and we have a good time with each other. It’s not just a business interest. We have fun together. We’re best friends.”
Curtis Ross, Jorge Sanchez, Armando Rivera, Nicky Payne and Joey Hatton.
Curtis Ross and Trinity Thomas.
Curtis Ross and Joey Hatton at the 2012 Lazy E Yearling Preview.
SPEEDHORSE, December 28, 2012 41
Speedhorse Files
Stacy Pigott/Speedhorse Courtesy Flying Hooves