Takaful seems fine after Jerome dud

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Takaful was basically eased while finishing last as the even-money favorite in the Jerome on Monday. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said Wednesday that Takaful showed no physical ailments or illnesses out of the race.

“Nothing showed up,” McLaughlin said. “He came out of it in good shape, scoped clean. I don’t know what to think. Not good any way you look at it.”

Takaful won his debut by eight lengths in a fast time Oct. 29 at Belmont and then ran third as the favorite in the Grade 2 Remsen.

“Maybe we stepped him up too quickly from the maiden to the Remsen,” McLaughlin said. “I don’t know, I’m just disappointed. We’ll regroup and punt.”

McLaughlin said that Takaful may ship to south Florida and point to a one-turn allowance race at seven furlongs or a mile at Gulfstream Park.

McLaughlin said he was pleased with True Timber, who finished third in the Jerome. He could be pointed to the Withers.

McLaughlin also has the New York-bred Haul Anchor, who won the East View Stakes by 4 1/2 lengths on Dec. 29. Haul Anchor will be nominated to the Withers but could be more likely to run in the Gander Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds on Jan. 28.