Longtime Richard Dutrow Jr. assistant Michelle Nevin could officially saddle a horse for the first time Jan. 19 in the Florida Sunshine Millions Turf at Gulfstream Park.
Nevin is listed as the trainer of record for two-time grade I winner Teaks North in Saturday's race for older Florida-breds. The entry comes at a time that Dutrow's immediate future is uncertain; his 10-year suspension from the New York State Racing Board could begin soon.
In Teaks North's most recent start Dec. 22 at Gulfstream, the embattled Dutrow was listed as trainer. That day, Teaks North finished 10th in the El Prado Stakes on the Gulfstream turf. Before that Dec. 22 effort, Justin Sallusto saddled Teaks North in his previous 17 starts, including last year's Florida Sunshine Millions Turf.
Teaks North was transferred to Dutrow for the El Prado, which was his first start in which John Roberts' Resolute Group Stables was listed as sole owner. Roberts first got involved in racing through IEAH Stable, owner of Dutrow-trained dual classic winner Big Brown . Roberts was one of the IEAH partners in Big Brown.
Dutrow, was expected to file a legal appeal of his ban Jan. 16, possibly in a federal court. The NYSRWB said Dutrow will be served suspension papers Jan. 17 if no further court action prevents it.
