Jockey Edgar Prado has been named to ride
Courtlandt Farms’ Machen in the upcoming $1 million Louisiana Derby
March 26, trainer Neil Howard confirmed Friday morning during
training hours at Fair Grounds.
“We had to make a decision,” Howard said. “At the time we
made it, it looked like Jamie (Machen’s regular rider Theriot)
was going to Dubai
to ride (Carl Moore’s) Chamberlain
Bridge
there. Now, I guess, that’s not going to happen but we’d already committed to
Prado when that didn’t work out for Jamie.
“We’re also not sure about who’s going to ride (Gaillardia
Racing’s) Wilkinson in the Louisiana Derby at the moment,” Howard said,
“but one thing’s for sure – there will be somebody on him when they leave the
paddock. At this point we just don’t know who.”
In another Louisiana Derby update, Catesby Clay’s Rogue
Romance has sustained a slight heel bruise and will miss his previously
scheduled start in the upcoming local Derby,
according to a press release from Runnymede Farm. The Smarty
Jones colt finished third in the Grade II Risen Star Stakes as the
designed prep race for the Grade II Louisiana Derby.
“This is a minor ailment that will heal with a minimum
amount of treatment,” said Runnymede
general manager Martin O’Dowd in the press release. “We’re thankful it
is not a serious setback, just a deviation from our original plans as we act in
the horse’s best interest.’