Oaklawn stewards disqualify Please Explain for positive test

Please Explain, an outside contender for the Kentucky Oaks, has been disqualified from her third-place finish in the Grade 3 Honeybee Stakes on March 8 at Oaklawn Park after she tested positive for an excessive level of a regulated corticosteroid, according to Oaklawn stewards.

Please Explain, a 3-year-old filly trained by Tom Proctor and owned by Niall Racing, tested positive for methylprednisolone, according to the ruling. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that is frequently used to reduce inflammation and soreness in joints. Proctor waived his right to appeal after a split sample confirmed the positive, according to the stewards, and he was fined $1,000.

Methylprednisolone is one of 24 drugs that are considered therapeutic under regulations devised by national racing groups. Trainers are advised not to use methylprednisolone within seven days of a race in order to avoid positive tests.

With the disqualification, Please Explain will forfeit 10 points earned toward qualifying for the May 2 Kentucky Oaks, which is limited to 14 starters. Kiss Moon was elevated to third in the Honeybee, earning the 10 points, while Courageous Julie was moved to fourth, earning 5 points. Kiss Moon, who was ranked 14th prior to the DQ, will move up into a tie for 13th on the list.