Vergennes Uncertain for Hollywood Turf Cup Start

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The connections of Vergennes, who set the Remington Park turf course record for 1 3/8 miles when winning the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Memorial Breeders' Cup Handicap in September, are uncertain the 5-year-old Dynaformer gelding will be able to participate in Saturday's $400,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (gr. IT) due to a bruised right front foot.

"Hopefully, he's headed in the right direction," said Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steven Asmussen. "At this point, I'm optimistic we'll make the race."

The 1998 Early Times Hollywood Derby (gr. IT) winner had the troubled hoof soaked in a tub of water and salts Wednesday morning. If he makes the race, Vergennes will attempt to become the first horse since Itsallgreektome to win both the Hollywood Derby and Turf Cup.

Since returning from a six-month layoff in July, Vergennes has won one of three starts and finished on the board in all three, including a second-place finish to Brahms -- this year's Hollywood Derby winner -- in the River City Handicap (gr. IIIT).

Vergennes worked six furlongs on the turf in 1:15 2/5 Nov. 23. Garrett Gomez is scheduled to ride.

Others expected for the 1 1/2-mile turf race, with jockeys, are: Bienamado, Chris McCarron; Lazy Lode, Laffit Pincay Jr.; Binn Tin Tin, Corey Nakatani; Single Empire, no rider named; Lord Flasheart, Victor Espinoza; Northern Quest, Gary Stevens; Perssonet, no rider named; and Res Judicata, Alex Solis.

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