Blanc slated for February return to saddle

Jockey Brice Blanc is planning a February return to racing after recovering from the effects of a spill at Del Mar in late August.

Blanc was expected to be sidelined until October, but lingering neck issues have prolonged his absence, according to his agent, George Bradvica.

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“He wants to be in perfect condition to come back,” Bradvica said Wednesday. “He has been in rehab for a number of months.

“He just needed to take some time. He should start galloping horses inside a month.”

Blanc was injured when Great Power appeared to clip heels with a rival on the turn of a turf race on Aug. 31.

Blanc, 47, won eight races from 106 mounts in 2020, including the Astra Stakes for fillies and mares on turf at Santa Anita last January on Ms Peintour.