Al and Arlene London's homebred Miss Sky Warrior, who last finished eighth as the third choice in the May 5 Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1), has returned to training following surgery to remove a knee chip. The sophomore daughter of First Samurai is at Belmont Park with trainer Kelly Breen.
Miss Sky Warrior won four graded stakes prior to her effort at Churchill Downs, taking the Tempted Stakes (G3) and Demoiselle Stakes (G2) to finish off her sophomore campaign, and adding Gulfstream Park's Davona Dale Stakes (G2) and Aqueduct Racetrack's Gazelle Stakes (G2).
"She had a small chip on her knee that she sustained during the Oaks," Al London said. "We were concerned it might end her career, but we sent her to Dr. Patty Hogan (Hogan Equine at Fair Winds Farm in Cream Ridge, N.J.). She said the chip was minor and the filly would come back as good as she ever was."
The plan is to take it slow with Miss Sky Warrior and London is hopeful for a return to the races in October.
London added Breen also has Miss Sky Warrior's 2-year-old half brother, Double Sky (by Sky Mesa ), at Belmont, and he is "a big, long-legged colt and has the same enormous stride that Miss Sky Warrior has."
London noted that the third dam of Cardsharp, winner of Newmarket's Arqana July Stakes (G2) July 13, is Eloquent Minister, a London-bred daughter of Art Talk. Art Talk is the third dam of Miss Sky Warrior. Art Talk, bred by Elmendorf Farm in 1971, was purchased by London, through Tom Hinkle, agent, at the 1985 Keeneland November sale for $80,000.