Glatt not worried by Judge Miller's regression, possible for Hollywood Gold Cup

ARCADIA, Calif. – Judge Miller went backward on speed figures when he finished second April 20 at Santa Anita in the Grade 2 Californian, but no one is sounding an alarm. After earning a 105 Beyer Speed Figure winning an entry-level allowance Feb. 24, Judge Miller regressed to a 94 in the Californian.

“It was only his fourth lifetime start, and I think seasoning caught up with him a little bit,” trainer Mark Glatt said this week. “He came back good. I think he’ll bounce back and still develop into a bona fide stakes horse.”

Judge Miller is a full brother to multiple Grade 1 winner Clairiere. Glatt said he will “look at” the Grade 2 Hollywood Gold Cup on May 27 for Judge Miller.

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Glatt also looks forward to the upcoming return of Dr. Venkman, a 4-year-old gelding who began his career with two sharp sprint wins last summer at Del Mar before missing by a head with a 97 Beyer in the $235,000 Perryville Stakes in October at Keeneland.

“He had a couple things bothering him, [October] was the time to turn him out and get him fresh and ready for late spring into the summer, Glatt said.”

Dr. Venkman worked a half-mile May 3 in a bullet 47.40, which could put him on target for a June comeback.

Sweet Azteca back training

Sweet Azteca, winner of the Grade 1 Beholder Mile on March 9 at Santa Anita, returns to training this week after an untimely setback derailed plans for the Grade 1 Derby City Distaff on the Kentucky Derby undercard.

“She cut her knee and literally filleted it wide open” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “Horrible timing. She’s just back, she’ll start galloping here this week.”

Sweet Azteca has won 3 of 4. She defeated subsequent Grade 1 Apple Blossom winner Adare Manor in the Beholder Mile.

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