Booklet returns in allowance
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Six months ago a speedy colt named Booklet was regarded as a major threat to foil War Emblem's Triple Crown hopes in the 127th Preakness Stakes.
But Booklet, who had skipped the Kentucky Derby after enduring a demanding, yet highly successful spring campaign, never posed much of a challenge to War Emblem, who won the Preakness in front-running fashion. After Booklet faded to finish 12th, trainer John T. Ward Jr. decided to give the colt a well-deserved vacation.
On Tuesday, Booklet returns as the likely favorite in the Churchill Downs feature race, a $59,500, allowance at one mile that drew several other stakes-quality horses. Ward said Booklet thrived during his down time and now is ready to race. Booklet won several stakes to begin his career, with his greatest win coming in the Grade 1 Fountain of Youth Stakes in February.
Pat Day, who rode Booklet for owner John Oxley in the Preakness, has opted to ride the colt again Tuesday. As a result, Day abdicates the mount on Twilight Road, a 5-year-old gelding on whom he won the Ack Ack Handicap on opening day of the Churchill fall meet.
Twilight Road, with Rene Douglas riding, is likely to be the top challenger to Booklet in a race that also drew Rock Slide, Dash for Daylight, Medievil Hero, and Virtual G.
* Jake the Flake, winner of the Kentucky Cup Mile in September, most likely will be retired after a serious tendon injury was diagnosed on Friday, trainer Hal Wiggins said. Jake the Flake, a 6-year-old gelding, won 10 of 32 career starts and over $490,000.
* The lone stakes here this coming weekend is Saturday's $150,000 Cardinal Handicap. At 1 1/8 miles on grass, the Grade 3 Cardinal is the filly and mare counterpart to last Saturday's River City. Tom Amoss leads all trainers with seven Cardinal nominees.
* The highlight of this 30-day fall meet, the $400,000 Clark Handicap on Nov. 29, is shaping up as a superb race. Tenpins, Evening Attire, Lido Palace, Dollar Bill, Najran, and Perfect Drift are likely to run.