Proud Spell sent to heal at farm

Proud Spell, last year's champion 3-year-old filly who on Tuesday was declared from Saturday's Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn because of some swelling in her left hind ankle, was shipped from Keeneland to nearby Airdrie Stud in Midway, Ky., on Thursday, with her connections taking a wait-and-see approach as to whether she will resume her racing career or head to the breeding shed. She was sent to the farm after her ankle was found to still have some filling on Thursday.

"We wanted to bring her back here and treat her and then we'll make a decision as to which direction we're going," said Brereton Jones, who bred and owns Proud Spell. "But as we said from the beginning, we want to race her this year only if she's 100 percent. Hopefully, we can get this thing under control day by day."

Trainer Larry Jones said at this point the swelling appears to be caused by an infection, with visible irritation to the affected area. He detected the filling on Monday night, called off a Tuesday workout at Oaklawn, and then shipped her to his stable at Keeneland.

Proud Spell made her first start since September last month at Oaklawn, finishing second in an allowance prep for the Apple Blossom.