Owner-trainer Luis Olivares’ 4-year-old gelding Tackleberry , who emerged as a star in the handicap division last fall and winter, is gearing up for a 2012 campaign. Olivares said Dec. 30 that Tackleberry is back in light training on the farm.
“There was nothing wrong with him, but he had a long campaign and it was time for a break,” Olivares said, referring to the fact that the son of Montbrook has been on the sidelines since a disappointing ninth-place finish in the $500,000 Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) at Belmont Park on May 30.
Tackleberry won eight of nine starts at one point in late 2010 and early 2011, including three consecutive stakes victories at Gulfstream Park in the Sunshine Millions Classic, Gulfstream Sprint Championship (gr. II), and Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr. II).
“He’ll come back to me (at Calder) in a couple of weeks and should be ready to run here later in the meet,” Olivares said.
Tackleberry has earned over $800,000 with 8-2-0 record from 14 starts.
