Noted: April 14
– It looked as though longshot Miss Norman would wire the field in the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn today until the filly blew the stretch turn, losing “at least 10 lengths.” Ready to Please won instead. Miss Norman, after ducking out again, finished second.
– Miesque’s Approval delivered an upset in the Maker’s Mark at Keeneland this afternoon, beating 1-2 favorite Artie Schiller by a nose. “The other horse was coming on so fast, I don’t think [Artie Schiller] saw him,” said jockey Garrett Gomez. “But it was a really good effort for him coming off a layoff.” It was an even better effort for the seven-year-old Miesque’s Approval, who was running five or six paths from the rail and came from well off the pace.
– The Fair Grounds is returning to New Orleans. The track, which held its fall meet at Louisiana Downs after Hurricane Katrina destroyed most of its facilities, applied for racing dates on Thursday.
– Champion filly Smuggler, who hasn’t raced since winning the Coaching Club American Oaks last July, may start next Saturday in the Bed o’ Roses Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Aqueduct, said trainer Shug McGaughey. “If she works good Monday, I’ll run,” McGaughey said.
– Rockport Harbor has been sold to Darley at Jonabell Farm, where he’ll stand at stud.
