E. Paul Robsham Stables’ Awesome Maria, undefeated in four starts in 2011, will be sidelined for the remainder of the year after suffering a condylar fracture of her left foreleg.
The 4-year-old daughter of Maria’s Mon–Discreetly Awesome, by Awesome Again, was being pointed to the Ruffian Invitational Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga July 31.
“It’s very disappointing,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “She had a perfect season to this point and was training as well as ever. She worked Monday (five furlongs in 1:02) and was a bit off after the work and had some swelling in that area. We took some radiographs and they revealed the fracture.”
Awesome Maria underwent surgery July 20 at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and had two screws inserted by Dr. Larry Bramlage.
“We’re just fortunate that it was a somewhat minor fracture line that came together very well,” Pletcher said. "It should allow her to return 100% should Mrs. Robsham decide to keep her in training next year.”
Awesome Maria was riding a four-race winning streak, all graded stakes, this year, capturing the Sabin and Rampart Stakes (both grade III) at Gulfstream and the Shuvee (gr. II) and Ogden Phipps (gr. I) handicaps at Belmont Park.
As a 2-year-old, under the care of Stanley Hough, Awesome Maria won the Matron Stakes (gr. II) and finished second by a head in the Frizette Stakes (gr. I).