M M G Stables' multiple grade 3 winner El Areeb, sidelined since late March because of a fractured knee, will move to Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton, Md., July 15 to continue his recovery.
Laurel Park-based trainer Cathal Lynch said the 3-year-old Exchange Rate colt will begin exercising on the AquaTred, an underwater treadmill that reduces stress on the joints.
El Areeb was a Triple Crown contender when he exited a March 29 workout with the injury. He had surgery April 3 at New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., and his stitches were removed April 17. Subsequent exams showed the healing process is on schedule.
"He's doing really well," Lynch said. "He's moving up to Bruce Jackson (July 15) to start back on the AquaTred. He's had his 90 days, and we're very pleased with him. He looks fantastic. The X-rays were very good, so the guys are excited. It won't be long now."
El Areeb put together a four-race win streak, starting with an 8 3/4-length maiden victory and a 5 1/4-length win in the James F. Lewis III Stakes last fall at Laurel. He kicked off 2017 with successive grade 3 scores in the Jerome and Withers stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack. He was training for the Wood Memorial (G2) at the time of his injury.
"He'll be up at Fair Hill for about 60 days, so we're looking at the middle of September to get him back," Lynch said. "Whatever he needs up there, he'll get. He'll work on the AquaTred so there won't be too much impact on him and then we'll get him back in the barn and go from there."
