Zaikov recovering from shin injury

Zaikov, a sensational 14-length winner of his only start at Gulfstream Park earlier this winter, is on the farm in Ocala, Fla., recovering from a minor shin issue, trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed Monday.

Zaikov is a homebred son of Distorted Humor out of the Grade 1-winning mare Wait a While owned by Alan Cohen’s Arindel Farm. Zaikov launched his career at Gulfstream on March 15 and ran off the screen in the six-furlong maiden special weight dash, completing the distance in 1:09.78 while winning with speed to spare. The performance earned Zaikov a 99 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He’s in Ocala recovering from a little shin problem, but he’ll be back,” Pletcher said. “He’s a very talented horse, and we’re hoping to have him ready to make his return this summer at Saratoga.”