Anisette nearing return, possible for Gamely

Anisette, the winner of two Grade 1 races for 3-year-old fillies in 2023, has returned to trainer Leonard Powell’s stable after an early winter break.

First or second in all six of her starts last year, Anisette may have her 4-year-old debut in the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes at Santa Anita on May 27, Powell said.

Anisette was turned out after winning the Grade 1 American Oaks at 1 1/4 miles on turf as the 3-5 favorite on Dec. 26.

“We’ll probably have her ready in May,” Powell said.

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Powell said it is unclear whether Anisette will have a prep race prior to the $300,000 Gamely Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

“I’ll let her dictate that to us,” he said.

Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Anisette has won 5 of 9 starts and earned $606,871. She won two stakes on turf at Del Mar last summer – the Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes at a mile, and the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks at 1 1/8 miles in consecutive starts.

“She’s carrying good weight and is very happy to be back,” Powell said. “She’s in a good mindset.”

The 4-year-old gelding Dr. Venkman is scheduled to rejoin trainer Mark Glatt’s stable this weekend after a winter break.

Dr. Venkman won 2 of 3 starts in 2023, ending the season with a second by a head as the 6-5 favorite in the Perryville Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs at Keeneland on Oct. 21.

Trainer Howey suspended

Trainer Quinn Howey, who had starters in California and Kentucky in recent weeks, was suspended by Golden Gate stewards on Feb. 23 for failing to pay a debt of $17,355 to a farrier, according to a published ruling.

The decision stated that Howey had failed to respond to a written response to appear before the stewards for a hearing on Feb. 22.

Howey, who did not return a phone call seeking comment on Thursday, has had two wins this winter at Golden Gate Fields, and has had a small number of starters at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, and Turfway Park since last fall.

Howey has won 433 Thoroughbred races since 2006. He won the 2020 Snow Chief Stakes with Indian Peak and the All-American Stakes with Navy Armed Guard at Golden Gate Fields in 2021.

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