Raut LLC’s Hero of Order , the 109-1 winner of the Louisiana Derby (gr. II) April 1 at Fair Grounds, has joined the probable cast for Saturday’s 88th running of the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland.
“If he is feeling good, run him,” trainer Gennadi Dorochenko said of Hero of Order, a colt by Sharp Humor who will be ridden by Eddie Martin Jr.
Dorochenko is expected to have a second runner in the Toyota Blue Grass in Olympia Star's Russian Greek. No rider has been confirmed for Russian Greek.
While Hero of Order was entering the Toyota Blue Grass picture, Dogwood Stable’s Raconteur was exiting.
Trainer Todd Pletcher texted Keeneland racing secretary Ben Huffman that Raconteur may be routed to the April 14 Arkansas Derby (gr. I), but definitely would not run in the Toyota Blue Grass.
Pletcher, who won the Toyota Blue Grass in 2005 with Bandini and in 2008 with Monba, still will be represented in this year’s renewal by Starlight Racing’s Heavy Breathing , third in the Vinery Racing Spiral (gr. III) in his most recent start March 24. Heavy Breathing is scheduled to ship to Keeneland April 10 from Palm Meadows, where he worked a half-mile in :48.77 April 8. Corey Lanerie probably would have the mount.
In other Toyota Blue Grass developments, the race status of MarchFore Thoroughbreds’ Adirondack King remained in question.
“I am going to talk today with the owners, but it may be the (Coolmore) Lexington (gr. III at Keeneland April 21) for him,” trainer John Servis said after the colt jogged the morning of April 9 under Juan David.
Adirondack King had worked five furlongs in :59 4/5 April 7 in company with Ill Conceived, who was injured in the work.
“Ill Conceived will miss the Lexington,” Servis said. “It looks like he jammed a high suspensory and since he is not going to the (Kentucky) Derby, I am not going to rush him.”
Several other runners also are being considered for the Blue Grass.
With trainer Jonathan Sheppard’s assistant Barry Wiseman aboard, Ever So Lucky walked through the paddock and stood in the starting gate before galloping 1 1/2 miles. The Augustin Stable colt is to work April 10 about 8 a.m. with jockey Julien Leparoux aboard.
Trainer Ken McPeek said the decision of whether to race Golden Ticket in the Blue Grass or the Lexington would be made after Dan Fuchs of Magic City Thoroughbred Partners arrives in Lexington later April 9. The colt galloped 1 1/2 miles that morning.
Team Valor International’s Howe Great took 11/2 laps over the Keeneland training track with assistant Heather Craig aboard.
Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s Politicallycorrect galloped 11/2 miles for trainer Wesley Ward.
JEOG Racing’s Scatman, second in the Southwest (gr. III) and third in the Rebel (gr. II) in his past two starts, remains under consideration for the Blue Grass or the Lexington, according to trainer Mike Lauer. Shaun Bridgmohan would have the mount.
Two prospective Toyota Blue Grass runners are scheduled to arrive at Keeneland the afternoon of April 10 from California: Craig Stables and Donkey Island Racing’s Holy Candy and Arnold Zetcher’s Midnight Crooner. Joel Rosario has the mount on Holy Candy, and Garrett Gomez the call on Midnight Crooner.
