Six-year-old Court Vision will try to defend his
crown when the Grade 1, $1 million Ricoh Woodbine Mile field goes to
the post on Sunday.
He'll be racing for a new owner, Spendthrift Farm, who purchased him last month, and a new trainer, Dale Romans. But
he'll have the same rider, Robby Albarado, who was aboard for the
impressive score last year, when, coming off a three-month layoff, Court
Vision rallied in mid-stretch to win by one and one-quarter lengths
over The Usual Q.T.
"He came to me in very good shape,"
said Romans, who has enjoyed great success this year in the United
States, with Preakness winner Shackleford leading the way. "Rick (trainer Dutrow Jr.) had him in good condition, especially for a horse his age. And, considering the campaign he's had over his life, he's unbelievably sound and in good health."
The son of Gulch is the field's leading money
winner, with over $2.6 million from 29 starts, but will not be favoured,
as Courageous Cat will likely inherit that role. Court
Vision hasn't won in five races since last year's Mile, but is coming up
to the race well (off another three-month layoff), after a solid
five-furlong breeze Monday in 1:02 over the main track at Churchill
Downs.
"I liked the way he worked," said Romans. "He's fresh, he's coming up to it excellent and we're hoping he can do it again."