Imperative back from long layoff for Iselin Stakes

Imperative was bred in Kentucky, has spent much of his career in California, and made a living commuting to West Virginia for the Charles Town Classic. On Saturday, he will make his first start in 14 months in the Grade 3 Iselin at Monmouth Park.

Now 8, Imperative was purchased by the Loooch Racing Stables of Ron Paolucci and Imaginary Stables in January 2017. In his three starts since, he won the $400,000 Poseidon on the Pegasus World Cup undercard, ran last in the Santa Anita Handicap, and won the Grade 2, $1.25 million Charles Town Classic for the second time.

Imperative, trained by Bob Hess Jr., has not raced since the April 2017 Classic.

“He needed some time after the Charles Town race, then his summer was delayed by some minor things,” Hess said. “We had him ready to go for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, but right before the race he hurt his pelvis.”

The hairline fracture to Imperative’s pelvis was given time to heal, and Hess is confident the veteran of 38 races still has the fire to compete.

“He acts like he’s 8 going on 2,” Hess said. “He’s got the look in his eye. He’s an amazing horse.”

According to Hess, the plan is to run in the Iselin and then come back in the Grade 3, $200,000 West Virginia Governor’s Cup at Mountaineer Park on the Aug. 4 West Virginia Derby card.

“Obviously, he’s had a massive layoff and could need a race, but he’s doing great,” Hess said. “He’s slick, dappled out, ready to resume his career and hopefully have a good summer.”

Imperative is one of only two horses to win the three-turn, 1 1/8-mile Charles Town Classic twice. Researcher won the first two editions in 2009 and 2010 for the locally based Jeff Runco. Imperative won the race in 2014 and 2017. He finished second in the 2015 Classic and fourth in 2016.

In those four starts, Imperative earned $2.07 million of his $2.97 million bankroll.