No Word on Mafaaz; Patena to 'Regroup'

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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Mafaaz, shown training at Keeneland prior to the Blue Grass.

Edited Keeneland report

Shadwell Stable’s Mafaaz returned to Keeneland’s training track for a jog under exercise rider Miguel Moya April 13, two days after running eighth in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I).

“I don’t believe they have made a decision for the Derby,” said Les Reynolds, head traveling lad for trainer John Gosden.

Mafaaz, by virtue of his victory in Kentucky Derby Challenge at Kempton Park in England on March 18, is guaranteed a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) on May 2.

“The boss thought with the shipping at this time of year and with a young horse that he ran a little flat (in the Blue Grass),” Reynolds said. “I am sure he will get with Sheikh Hamdan (al Maktoum) and Rick Nichols (vice president and general manager of Shadwell) soon and reach a decision.”
 
With trainer Rick Dutrow back in New York, assistant Michelle Nevin said the stable would “probably regroup” with Patena, who ran 10th in the Blue Grass.
 

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