Englishman returns to track after missing work

Star 3-year-old sprinter Englishman trained Monday at Keeneland for the first time since coming up with what his connections hope is a relatively minor and ephemeral foot problem.

Englishman, trainer Cherie DeVaux said, merely jogged on Monday morning, but that’s still a hopeful sign with regard to the colt’s participation in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Englishman has been the fastest horse in North America this year on speed figures and will be the Sprint favorite if he runs.

Englishman roared to incredible wins in the Woody Stephens in June and the Allen Jerkens in August, both Grade 1, seven-furlong dirt races restricted to 3-year-olds. He had worked twice at Keeneland toward the Sprint, which would be his first race against older rivals, before missing his scheduled breeze last Friday.

Connections have not revealed the specific nature of the problem, but Englishman has been under the care of a noted podiatrist, and for now, DeVaux said, the situation is trending positively.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.