Gulfstream Park: Undefeated Applauding being transferred to Matz

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The undefeated 4-year-old filly Applauding is in the process of being transferred from trainer Al Stall Jr.’s barn at Oaklawn Park to trainer Michael Matz’s stable at Palm Meadows, Matz confirmed on Wednesday.

Applauding, a daughter of Congrats owned by Ramona Bass, won all three of her starts for Stall by a combined margin of 16 1/4 lengths. She returned from an 11 ½-month layoff to capture her 3-year-old finale at Churchill Downs on Nov. 21. She had previously won a maiden race at Keeneland in October 2011 and an optional claiming race at Fair Grounds in December 2011.

“I didn’t know anything about this until I received a phone message from Al’s assistant at Oaklawn last night that said the horse was being sent to me,” Matz said. “I haven’t spoken to Al yet. The filly is scheduled to arrive here on Thursday morning. I really don’t know the circumstances surrounding the change. Ramona has horses with several different trainers and moves them around from time to time. Naturally getting a filly of this caliber is a very pleasant surprise and a nice addition to the barn.”

Matz said it’s too early to decide where or when Applauding might launch her 2013 campaign.

“I’ll talk to Al about her later, get to know her a little once she arrives and then we’ll make some kind of a plan after that,” said Matz.