Sportsman's Park track report

Trainer Chris Block said his undefeated 3-year-old colt Cashel Castle is in good shape following his allowance win over older horses last Sunday at Sportsman's Park and is on schedule for the Lafayette Stakes at Keeneland on April 7.

As of Wednesday morning, Block had not seen the videotape of Cashel Castle's race. Block was at Tampa Bay Downs last Sunday, but Sportsman's does not send its simulcast signal to Tampa.

The second choice in that allowance, Pic's Legend, caused a brief stir when he lost his rider after the start, but kept on running and challenged Cashel Castle in the stretch. "I didn't see the race, but I was told that my colt just pricked his ears and wouldn't let the loose horse pass him by," said Block.

* The average margin of victory on last Sunday's 10-race card was over five lengths, and the most impressive of those wins was turned in by War Emblem in an open allowance for 3-year-olds. War Emblem won off by 10 3/4 lengths in the one-mile race, which served as a prep for the Illinois Derby on April 6.

War Emblem had finished sixth behind Repent in the Grade 3 Risen Star Stakes in his previous start, and could meet that colt again in the Illinois Derby.

* Sportsman's is seeking permission from the Illinois Racing Board to make up three racing days lost to inclement weather earlier this month. Sportsman's has requested to add April 11, 18, and 25 - all Thursdays. The board will take up the matter at its next meeting on April 9.