Azar, Off the Tracks new big hitters for Pletcher
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HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Todd Pletcher found himself a new Kentucky Derby prospect on Sunday while also picking up a potential major contender for the Kentucky Oaks.
Pletcher sent out Azar to register a three-quarter-length decision over Kelly’s Touch in a 1 1/16-mile optional-claiming race on the main track Sunday. The outing was the first on dirt for Azar, a son of Scat Daddy who was a Grade 2 winner on grass at 2 last year.
“I thought Azar responded really well,” said Pletcher. “From the outside post, he put himself in decent position, and he closed resolutely down the lane. It was a good effort from him. I think we put ourselves in a position where we have some options. He’s run well on the turf, and he’s run well on dirt, so I think that puts everything in play, including maybe Polytrack.”
Pletcher said one possible spot for Azar is the Grade 3 Spiral Stakes on April 2 on the Polytrack at Turfway Park.
Pletcher also welcomed the graded stakes winner Off the Tracks into his barn after Newtown Anner Stud purchased a majority interest in the undefeated filly from her previous owner, J Stables, last week. Off the Tracks won the Grade 3 Schuylerville on opening day at Saratoga last summer and then had a small chip removed from her knee. She launched her comeback Feb. 21 with a 4 1/4-length triumph in the 6 1/2-furlong Margate Handicap.
“She’s a big, strong filly,” Pletcher said. “We’ll probably breeze her next weekend and then make out a game plan. The Gulfstream Park Oaks is probably the logical spot for her.”
Pletcher also has Rachel’s Valentina as a possible starter in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks, a 1 1/16-mile race here on Florida Derby Day, April 2. Rachel’s Valentina, a daughter of Rachel Alexandra, has not raced since her second-place finish behind Songbird in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
“She’s had three breezes since she’s come in,” said Pletcher. “She should be ready around the first week of April. Whether it will be here or Keeneland, I haven’t decided.”
Pletcher also said Sunday that Tommy Macho will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing knee surgery. Tommy Macho opened his 2016 campaign with a runaway victory in the Grade 3 Fred Hooper here on Feb. 6.