Strapping Groom to bypass Forego defense

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Last year’s Forego winner, Strapping Groom, will not return to defend his title later this month, said trainer David Jacobson. Strapping Groom, idle since finishing fifth in the Grade 1 Carter Handicap on April 5, worked five furlongs in 1:07 here Tuesday.

“He had some troubles with his feet after the Carter, and it would just be too much to ask of him off the layoff to run in the Forego without a race, without any foundation,” said Jacobson. “He’d already had two races up here last year before he won the Forego.”

Jacobson said he’s hoping to get a race into Strapping Groom during opening weekend at Belmont Park.

“Our goal right now is to get him a prep, then hopefully win the Vosburgh and go on to the Breeders’ Cup,” said Jacobson. “All his works have been like the one this morning, on the slow side, but we’ll pick up the pace with him as we get closer to his next start.”