Vahva back working steadily, possible for Madison

The multiple graded stakes-winning 4-year-old filly Vahva is back on a steady work pattern at Fair Grounds after getting some winter down time at the track.

Vahva last raced Oct. 21 at Keeneland, where she won the Grade 2 Raven Run by a half-length over the high-quality Alva Starr. Vahva’s connections wanted to send her to California for the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes, but suitable transport could not be arranged. Trainer Cherie DeVaux at one point targeted the Inside Information Stakes at Gulfstream Park, but instead freshened up Vahva for a spring and summer campaign.

Vahva didn’t breeze between Dec. 23 and Feb. 10 but now has posted workouts the last three weekends. DeVaux said that if Vahva is thriving, she could start April 6 at Keeneland in the Grade 1, $600,000 Madison Stakes, a race Alva Starr probably also has on her agenda.

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Champlin headlines sprint

A midweek first-level dirt-sprint allowance race for older horses would not normally merit much mention, but the featured eighth race Thursday at Fair Grounds marks the second start for the talented 4-year-old Champlin.

Late to make the races, Champlin debuted Jan. 16 and ran a fast six furlongs, winning a Fair Grounds maiden race by five lengths, earning an eye-catching 95 Beyer Speed Figure. A 9-2 shot in that race, Champlin is sure to be favored against seven foes in Thursday’s contest. By Ransom the Moon, Champlin is trained by Greg Foley, who has not given Champlin a timed workout in the six weeks since his first race. That sort of light or absent work pattern, however, is standard procedure from the Foley barn.

◗ Hall of Fame, seventh at odds of 7-2 in the Feb. 17 Risen Star Stakes, will have a Fair Grounds workout Sunday that will determine when and where he’ll make his next start, trainer Steve Asmussen said in a Sunday text message. Asmussen has Risen Star runner-up Track Phantom aimed at the $1 million Louisiana Derby on March 23.

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