Fleet Indian (Indian Charlie-Hustleeta, by Afleet), who is boarded at the Taylor family's Taylor Made Farm near Nicholasville, Ky., suffered an injury to her left front suspensory ligament during the Nov. 4 race at Churchill Downs. The injury resulted in surgery to fuse her left front fetlock.
The surgery was performed Nov. 20 by Dr. Larry Bramlage at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington. She arrived at Taylor Made Dec. 15 and her cast was removed Dec. 22.
Owner Paul Saylor said he was impressed with her progress. "She's really doing great," he said. "She's happy and has recovered nicely."
Fleet Indian, a likely Eclipse Award candidate for champion older female, is under stall rest and will then be hand-walked for 30 days before being turned out in the paddock.
"I'm not in any rush to make a decision on when or if she will be sold," Saylor said. "I'm not in the broodmare business. There is chance she could be sold next November or privately or that I will keep her."
Bred in New York by Becky Thomas and Lewis Lakin, the 5-year-old mare took an eight-race win streak into the Distaff, including grade I victories in the Personal Ensign and Beldame in her two previous starts. She won 13 of 19 races and earned $1,704,513 while conditioned by Todd Pletcher.
