Uzziel uncertain to run again at fall meet

Uzziel, who was vanned from the winner’s circle to the backstretch Sunday after winning the $200,250 Goldikova Stakes at Del Mar, was “still a little off” in a foreleg Monday, said trainer Keith Desormeaux.

Desormeaux emphasized that Uzziel’s lameness was minor and said a diagnosis will be made in the coming days whether she can race again at Del Mar this month or if she needs to be given a break.

“We’ll have to analyze it during the week,” he said.

Uzziel led throughout the Grade 2 Goldikova for female turf milers to win the most prestigious race of her career. After returning to the winner’s circle, jockey Kent Desormeaux, Keith’s brother, dismounted Uzziel before the winner’s circle ceremony. During the winner’s circle photo, Kent Desormeaux stood alongside Uzziel.

A few minutes later, the 4-year-old filly was vanned from the area in front of the winner’s circle to the test barn as a precaution, said track veterinarian Chuck Jenkins.

“Kent said she stumbled when he was pulling her up,” said Keith Desormeaux. “When she recovered from the stumble, she was off.”

Keith Desormeaux said an area in Uzziel’s high suspensory was being monitored. If the injury is not deemed severe, there is a possibility Uzziel could start in the $300,000 Matriarch Stakes, a Grade 1 race for fillies and mares at a mile on turf Nov. 29, closing day of the Del Mar fall meet.

Uzziel has won 6 of 20 starts and earned $457,488 for owners and breeders James and Tammy McKenney.