Toccet Officially Off Kentucky Derby Trail

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Dan Borislow, owner of Toccet, has given up his quest to make the Kentucky Derby with the son of Awesome Again, who has had his problems this year. Borislow has decided not to push the colt and will point for the Preakness and Belmont Stakes instead.

Toccet was sidelined earlier in the year with what was described as a remodeling of the ankles. He resumed training recently, but suffered a slight bruise on his right hind foot that sidelined him for several more days. With time running out, Borislow decided it was not fair to the horse to rush him in order to make the Derby.

"It would be too hard on him if we pushed him to make the race, and we want to do what's right for the horse," he said. "I learned from my Derby experience with Talk is Money. I've been there, done that, and I don't need to get caught up in the excitement if it's not in Toccet's best interest. We're looking at either the Lexington Stakes (Apr. 19) or Derby Trial (Apr. 26) or Withers Stakes (May 3) as a prep for the Preakness. But I think he's a natural Belmont horse and that's our main goal.

"You wouldn't recognize him. He's always been a magnificent-looking horse, but he is so unbelievable looking now. He's put on so much muscle."

Toccet will remain at Laurel with trainer John Scanlan, and is expected to resume training shortly. He built up a solid foundation last year, winning the Champagne, Hollywood Futurity, Remsen Stakes, and Laurel Futurity.

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