Jockey Calvin Borel, who has not ridden since breaking a small bone in his left wrist the second week in January, is awaiting clearance from his doctor to return to the saddle. Borel was evaluated on Tuesday by his doctor, who asked him to come back next week for another assessment, said Jerry Hissam, the rider’s agent. Borel is one win shy of career victory 5,000. He was injured just prior to the start of the Oaklawn meet Jan. 11.
Hissam spent last week in the hospital, battling an infection of his pancreas. He said Tuesday that the infection was a complication from a gall bladder operation he had Dec. 27. Hissam also had heart bypass surgery in December. He has long been the agent for Borel, a three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby.
Right to Vote returns Thursday
Right To Vote, the runner-up in last year’s Grade 2 Peter Pan at Belmont Park, returns to action in Thursday’s eighth race at Oaklawn. The $32,000 optional claimer that carries second-level allowance conditions and will be run over six furlongs. The race will be the first start since June for Right To Vote, whose chief rivals include Limehouse Blues and Seven Lively Sins.
Right To Vote last raced at Churchill Downs on June 16, finishing fourth as the favorite in the Grade 3 Matt Winn. Robby Albarado has the mount on the horse, who will be first Lasix. Eoin Harty trains Right to Vote, who has been working sharply at Oaklawn for the partnership of Casner Racing and Sam B. Pollock.
Limehouse Blues has recency on Right to Vote courtesy of a third-place finish at this level Jan. 20. He closed fast in the six-furlong race at Oaklawn that went in a quick 1:10.60. Lindey Wade has the mount for Vickie Fixley and trainer Joe Petalino.