Montjeu To Run on Bute in Turf

Mrs. John Magnier and Michael Tabor's Montjeu will not be administered lasix prior to the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT), but the 4-year-old colt will be racing on bute in the 1 1/2-mile race, trainer John Hammond told Sporting Life. Bute is an anti-inflammatory drug, which may aid Montjeu, who has been bothered recently by a sore ankle.

"We have the opportunity to use bute so it makes sense to use it," said Hammond.

Race-day medications are not allowed in Europe, but are allowed under Kentucky's liberal medication rules.

Meanwhile, Hammond did not seem overly concerned with the condition of the Churchill Downs turf course.

"We could certainly do with some rain, though the ground is not too bad as it stands," he told Sporting Life. "I haven't had the chance to check myself but the Europeans tell me it's not as firm as it can be in England."