Wildcat Shoes injured and retired

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The promising career of a wickedly fast 4-year-old named Wildcat Shoes has come to an abrupt and disappointing end. Trainer William "Jinks" Fires said Tuesday at Churchill Downs that Wildcat Shoes recently suffered a fractured sesamoid that has forced the colt into retirement.

Wildcat Shoes had won his last three starts, and 4 of his last 5, and figured to be one of the favorites for the June 25 Aristides Breeders' Cup at Churchill. But after a Sunday workout at Churchill, the colt "started showing signs that something was wrong," said Fires. A subsequent veterinary examination found the fracture on the inside of the colt's left front ankle.

"It's a real tough blow for us," said Fires. "I was planning on going home to Arkansas for a few days, but after that, I canceled my trip. I'm just heartsick about it."

had won three straight allowance races on the Kentucky circuit, including a six-furlong race on Kentucky Derby Day in which he was timed in 1:08. His Beyer Speed Figures in those wins were 112, 105, and 110. Overall, the colt won 8 of 20 starts and earned $352,512.

Wildcat Shoes, bred and owned by Patricia Blass, is by Forest Wildcat out of Pink Shoes, a mare whose female family has produced more than a few winners for Blass. Fires said Wildcat Shoes already is being shopped as a stallion prospect.

Summerly bound for Mother Goose

Trainer Steve Asmussen pronounced Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly a definite starter for the June 25 Mother Goose Stakes after she went through a strong six-furlong work as dawn was breaking Tuesday at Churchill.

"It's on to Belmont for the Mother Goose," he said.

Summerly was ridden by Corey Lanerie in the work, timed in 1:15.60 over a fast track. Asmussen said Jerry Bailey, who rode Summerly in her May 6 Oaks win, will have the mount for the Grade 1 Mother Goose.

Summerly, owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, was one of the Asmussen horses detained in the recent quarantine restrictions that stemmed from an outbreak of the equine herpes virus. Asmussen wanted to run Summerly last weekend in the Dogwood Stakes at Churchill, but had to scrap those plans because of delays involving the lifting of the quarantine.

Kitten's Joy works bullet

Eclipse Award champion Kitten's Joy moved a step closer to his 4-year-old debut when he worked five furlongs on Tuesday in a bullet 1:01.60 over a firm turf at Churchill. Trainer Dale Romans said Kitten's Joy, who is unraced since undergoing knee surgery following a runner-up finish in the Oct. 30 Breeders' Cup Turf, will run in the Grade 2 Firecracker Handicap on July 4, "assuming he keeps training the way he has."

Kitten's Joy, winner of the Eclipse for top turf horse last year, is expected to meet BC Mile winner Singletary in the one-mile Firecracker.

Meanwhile, Roses in May, winner of the Dubai World Cup in late March, is scheduled to resume training this week, said Romans.

"He's been tack-walking," said Romans. "We'll bring him back with the intention of making the Whitney" on Aug. 6 at Saratoga.

Romans also said he was very pleased with the third-place finish by the maiden Nolan's Cat in the Belmont Stakes last Saturday. Asked what type of race would be next, Romans said a maiden race would be "the logical thing." He hopes to run Nolan's Cat here before the meet ends July 10.

Tarlow likely coming for Fleur de Lis

Stephen Foster Day, which formerly showcased Kentucky Derby-winning alumni, may again have a Derby theme this year.

Jerry and Ann Moss, owners of Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, are likely to be represented in the Grade 2, $300,000 Fleur de Lis by Tarlow, winner of the Grade 1 Santa Margarita. As with Giacomo, John Shirreffs trains.

Tuesday, she tuned up for her first start since winning the March 12 Santa Margarita by working five furlongs in 1:02.20 over a fast track at Hollywood Park.

Shadow Cast, who won the Grade 2 Louisville Breeders' Cup, is also expected to run in the 1 1/8-mile Fleur de Lis, and is likely to be joined by Storm's Darling, Colony Band, Island Sand, Freei, La Reason, Personal Legend, Casual Attitude, and Two Trail Sioux.

Two Trail Sioux also worked Tuesday, breezing a half-mile in 48.80 at Churchill Downs.

* The $200,000 Northern Dancer Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles is expected to have a prohibitive favorite in Derby Trial winner Don't Get Mad. He is 3 for 4 on the Churchill Downs main track, with the lone local defeat a fourth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

Track officials also consider Crimson Stag, Real Dandy, Unbridled Energy, Bucharest, Commander Pat, First Word, Mighty Mecke, and Shamoan possible starters.

* Molto Vita, winner of the Winning Colors here last month, will make her next start in the $500,000 Princess Rooney on July 9 at Calder's Summit of Speed, said trainer Dallas Stewart. The six-furlong Princess Rooney also could attract Madcap Escapade.

- additional reporting by Byron King