by Karen M. Johnson
Lady of Venice, a top turf runner formerly trained by Patrick Biancone, is now being trained Kiaran McLaughlin, while two of Biancone's other horses have been transferred to Todd Pletcher.
Owned by Martin Schwartz, Lady of Venice took up residence in McLaughlin’s Belmont Park barn Oct. 24. Some of Biancone’s horses are in the process of being transferred to other trainers as a result of his one-year suspension handed down by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority.
McLaughlin said Oct. 29 that Lady of Venice, who finished fourth as the favorite in the Oct. 6 First Lady Stakes (gr. IIT) at Keeneland, is being pointed to the Nov. 25 Matriarch Stakes (gr. IT) at Hollywood Park.
Earlier this year, Lady of Venice, a 4-year-old, was an impressive winner of the $1-million CashCall Mile Invitational (gr. IIT) at Hollywood Park for the fourth stakes win of her career.
“She’s a very sweet, kind filly, and appears to be in good shape,” McLaughlin said. “We haven’t done much with her but gallop her.”
McLaughlin said he hasn’t discussed with Schwartz what the owner’s plans are for the filly beyond the Matriarch. Lady of Venice is the first horse McLaughlin has trained for Schwartz, who has enjoyed quite a bit of success since entering the business several years ago. Among Schwartz’s stakes winners are Gorella, Angara, and Bowman’s Band.
Trainer Todd Pletcher reported Oct. 29 that he will receive two of Biancone’s runners: Belgravia and Pauillac.
Belgravia, winner of the 2006 Hollywood Prevue Stakes (gr. II), finished second in an allowance/optional claiming race at Santa Anita Park Oct. 26. Pauillac was ninth and last in the Oct. 27 Select Stakes at Monmouth Park.
Belgravia, bought for $2 million at auction as a 2-year-old last year, is owned by Michael Tabor, Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith, and Ahmed Zayat. Pauillac, a 3-year-old colt, is campaigned by Tabor and Smith.
Pletcher said he has no immediate plans for either of the horses. He said Belgravia was in California and would be transferred into his Hollywood Park barn.
