Toccet Resumes Training at Colonial Downs

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Daniel Borislow's Toccet, who has been sidelined all year with what originally had been described as a remodeling of the ankle, is back in training at Colonial Downs in Virginia and could return to the races by late summer.

The son of Awesome Again was among the early favorites for the Kentucky Derby when he was sidelined prior to the Fountain of the Youth Stakes. It wasn't until noted Kentucky veterinarian Larry Bramlage examined him in May that Borislow and trainer John Scanlan got a beat on the colt's problem. Bramlage diagnosed it as a remodeling of the right hind cannon bone, and recommended the colt be let out in a paddock for 60 days. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with the horse," Bramlage said during Preakness Week. "After some time in a paddock to give the bone time to remodel, he'll be as good as new."

Toccet, who captured the Hollywood Futurity, Champagne, Remsen, and Laurel Futurity last year, arrived at Colonial Downs five days ago from Knockgriffin Farm in Lexington, Ky., where he had been turned out.

"He's been to the track for the past three days, and he's perfect," Borislow said. "John said he's better than he's ever seen him. Besides being turned out in a paddock at the farm, he also was walked four miles a day over the pavement. Dr. Bramlage saw him eight days ago and said he was one of the classiest, most well-behaved horses he's ever been around. We sent him to Colonial Downs because their dirt and turf courses are the best in the country.

"He's gained 10 percent of his body weight, and is close to a hand taller than he was in his last race (Hollywood Futurity in December). He used to be an excitable horse, but he's made a complete turnaround, and acts like a 6-year-old gelding."

Borislow is checking the stakes schedules at various racetracks, and mentioned the Pennsylvania Derby, Saranac (on turf), and Jerome as possible targets. He is hoping to be able to get two starts in him before taking on the nation's best horses in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Following Toccet's retirement, the colt will stand at Will Farish's Lane's End Farm near Midway, Ky.

"Toccet was a phenomenal 2-year-old with tremendous speed and stamina," said Farish's son, Bill, shortly after the deal was made in May. "He is a great-looking individual and represents the very successful Deputy Minister sire line, which we are very excited about adding to the Lane's End stallion roster."

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