In Let It Ride Stakes, Proud Pedro aims to pick up where he left off

DEL MAR, Calif. – Stringhalt varies by intensity, but it does not discriminate.

A neuromuscular condition that triggers spasmodic hind-leg action, stringhalt sidelined Bricks and Mortar for a year prior to a perfect season that culminated last weekend in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Stringhalt also affected War of Will. He raced through it without a letup, and won this year’s Preakness Stakes.

Now comes Proud Pedro, an anonymous colt returning from a four-month layoff caused by stringhalt. Proud Pedro runs Saturday in the $75,000 Let It Ride Stakes at Del Mar, and trainer Leonard Powell expects him to pick up where he left off.

“He’s doing as good now as he was before his last couple races,” Powell said. “He’s gone through a lot of hoops, but now he’s doing well.”

Proud Pedro faces five rivals in the Let It Ride for 3-year-old turf milers. Comeback stakes winner Bob and Jackie is the 5-2 favorite by linemaker Russ Hudak. Five-time winner Carnivorous, Dueling, Ocean Fury, and Golden Birthday are the other entrants.

Proud Pedro was an improving 3-year-old in spring when his gait unexpectedly changed while he walked. Powell was mystified. “We weren’t sure if it was a muscle or ligament thing,” he said. Proud Pedro ultimately was diagnosed with stringhalt.

“When they walk, they lift a hind leg very high, then [slap] the ground with their foot,” Powell said.

The condition typically affects horses while they walk, often after exercise, and generally disappears when they canter or gallop. Remedies differ. Bricks and Mortar underwent surgery, War of Will continued to train and race without extensive treatment.

Proud Pedro underwent minor rehabilitation, was given four months off, and resumed training. The 1-for-5 colt returns Saturday as one of the fastest finishers in the race. Rafael Bejarano takes over for Flavien Prat, who is serving a three-day suspension.

Bob and Jackie will return from a layoff necessitated by bone injury. He won two of his first three including a minor stakes race in December. Trainer Richard Baltas expects him to run well, while acknowledging that his first start in 10 months might not be his best.

“I don’t think he’s totally cranked because he hasn’t run for so long,” Baltas said. “I think he’s ready. He’s had a lot of works in company [on dirt], and he’s better on the grass than dirt.”

Bob and Jackie could set the pace, although he may be pressured by Carnivorous, drawn directly to his outside.

Carnivorous has won 5 of 13, including two entry-level optional-claiming turf miles at Del Mar in summer, and a recent turf sprint. Carnivorous was claimed for $80,000 last out by trainer Steve Knapp.

Dueling defeated older allowance horses on dirt last out at Fresno, and Ocean Fury would be wheeling back one week after finishing next-to-last in a Grade 2.