Express Train back in training after paddock schooling incident
DEL MAR, Calif. – Several local horses who missed Breeders’ Cup races owing to ill-timed injuries are making good progress, their trainers reported Friday.
Express Train, who had to be scratched from the Classic after injuring a hock in a paddock schooling incident, has gone back to the track for training, John Shirreffs said while watching his horses train Friday morning at Del Mar.
“He’s progressing nicely,” said Shirreffs, who said he had no firm plans for a next start for Express Train, but added the horse will stay in training for 2022 at age 5.
Shirreffs has another top older horse, Midcourt, set for the Grade 3, $100,000 Native Diver on Nov. 20. Both Express Train and Midcourt are owned by Lee and Susan Searing’s CRK Stables.
Richard Mandella said that both United and Bombard are doing well, but will not race for a bit. United had to miss the Turf, while Bombard was an also-eligible for the Turf Sprint.
United’s injured leg “looks really good,” Mandella said.
“I’ll wait a little longer to re-scan it, then turn him out,” said Mandella, who said United is merely walking under shed row.
Bombard, who had a foot bruise, will “get a little break.”
“There’s nothing for him. He’s a sprinter on turf,” Mandella said. “We’ll look at the Santa Anita program and see what to point him at.”
Ain’t Easy, who underwent surgery owing to a small flake in an ankle, causing her to miss the Juvenile Fillies, is doing well post-surgery and will remain at the track, trainer Phil D’Amato said.