Blue Prize rerouted from Doubledogdare to La Troienne

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Trainer Ignacio Correas said the decision to scratch Blue Prize as the likely favorite from the Grade 3, $100,000 Doubledogdare on Friday at Keeneland in favor of the Grade 1, $500,000 La Troienne on May 3 at Churchill was made for several reasons.

“First of all, we’d like to get another Grade 1 for her,” said Correas, referring to her victory here last fall in the Spinster. “And she loves Churchill. Also, Monomoy Girl isn’t running in the La Troienne, and the Doubledogdare looks tougher than a normal Grade 3.”

Blue Prize, a 6-year-old Argentine-bred mare, has won three graded stakes from six starts at Churchill and was a solid fourth behind the once-beaten Monomoy Girl here last November in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. The La Troienne had been targeted as the first start this year for Monomoy Girl, but she had a bout with colic and will be forced to bypass the race.

Blue Prize breezed five furlongs in 1:01.20 over a fast track Wednesday at Keeneland, marking her 14th work since mid-January. “She is very fit,” said Correas.

Besides Blue Prize, other known prospects for the 1 1/16-mile La Troienne include Divine Miss Grey, She’s a Julie, and Teresa Z, while a lengthy list of possible starters includes Escape Clause, Chocolate Martini, and Gio Game.