Big Macher shows slight improvement

ARCADIA, Calif. - Big Macher, the winner of two sprint stakes at Santa Anita this year, showed improved soundness in his right front foot on Sunday morning after being vanned off following a workout on Saturday.

Trainer Richard Baltas said on Sunday that it was unclear whether Big Macher had sustained an injury. He said tests will be done in coming days if the 4-year-old Big Macher does not show continued improvement.

“It’s better,” Baltas said. “We’ll soak the foot again today.

“He’s not acting like it’s sore. I’m scared he could have a hairline fracture, but I think he’d be lamer than he is if he had that.”

Big Macher worked five furlongs in 59.80 seconds on Saturday, partially dislodging his right front shoe in the workout, Baltas said.

Big Macher won the California Cup Sprint for statebreds in January and the Grade 2 Potrero Grande Stakes over 6 1/2 furlongs on April 5. In between, he was second in the Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes on March 5.

Owned by Tom Mansor and Tachycardia Stables, Big Macher was considered a candidate for the $100,000 Los Angeles Stakes over six furlongs on May 26 before the incident on Saturday. Big Macher has won 4 of 10 starts and earned $316,428.