Perfect Drift Nearly Ready to Resume Training

M(from Churchill Downs notes)
Stonecrest Farm's Perfect Drift, winner of the 2003 Stephen Foster Handicap and third to Colonial Colony in this year's renewal of the grade I race, continues his rapid recovery from throat surgery and is scheduled to return to training early next week.

The 5-year-old Dynaformer gelding underwent a myectomy to remove a blockage to his breathing after his run in the Foster. The surgery was performed at Lexington's Hagyard-Davidson-McGee equine clinic last Tuesday and trainer Murray Johnson said Perfect Drift is just about ready to go.

"We'll probably tack walk him tomorrow and go back Monday," said Johnson. "So far, so good. We'll really know more next week."

Johnson's day was brightened on Saturday when Perfect Drift received a "get well bear" from some fans in Kansas, the home state of Stonecrest owner Dr. William Reed, whose farm is located in Kansas City. He said the bear arrived Saturday from Michelle and Allen Stein of Wichita. The package contained a personal message to Perfect Drift from the Steins that read:

"Please get well soon. We have been fans of yours for a long time and love you very much."

Johnson will not map the rest of the campaign for Perfect Drift until he sees how his veteran star has recovered from his round of throat surgery.