Cox confirms Muhimma for Ashland; no plans for Just a Touch

Muhimma, a fading third as the 4-5 favorite Feb. 23 in the Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn, has taken up training at Fair Grounds and starts next April 4 in the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland, trainer Brad Cox said.

Muhimma started her career with three wins, the last of them Dec. 7 in the Grade 2 Demoiselle, but her Honeybee defeat came with no excuse.

Cox has no set plans for the 4-year-old colt Just a Touch, who returned from an extended layoff March 1 with a 10 1/2-length first-level allowance score where he earned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure. Just a Touch debuted in late January of his 3-year-old season and after a good second in the Blue Grass finished last of 20 in the Kentucky Derby.

“I got in a hurry with him last year and it got me nowhere. We’re going to take our time,” Cox said.

◗ Just Basking, last seen finishing third Aug. 17 in the Grade 1 Alabama, is entered in a second-level turf allowance race Saturday.

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