News and STORIES

Structor Returns to Work Tab; Horses Arrive at Churchill

Author: Clint Goodman
Published: Tuesday May 12, 2020
Structor, winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Presented by Coolmore America (G1T), returned to the work tab for the first time since mid-February. He is getting closer to making a return for trainer Chad Brown.

The 3-year-old colt, owned by Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, worked at Palm Meadows Training Center, aiming toward his 3-year-old debut early in the year. During that time, he was also preparing for a possible transition to dirt for the Feb. 29 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). 

Before resuming work at Stonestreet Training center, Structor was taken out due to an airway issue.

"He, unfortunately, had to have an operation on his throat, which was disappointing, but it seems to have gone as well as it could have," Brown said. "He's back working at Stonestreet, and he's going to ship into me soon."

The colt's first breeze since then came May 8 on Stonestreet's dirt course, where he worked three furlongs in :39 on a fast track. 

Structor scored the Pilgrim Stakes (G3T) last season, and he has won all of his last three starts.

Other Horses for Brown

According to Brown, TVG Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) winner Uni has also returned to training after facing some issues.

"Uni was training really well, and unfortunately, she popped a small splint. She's going to be fine, it's just inconvenient. I had to stop on her," he said. "We've addressed it, and she's easing back into training now, so we'll focus on a summer campaign for her."

Michael Dubb, Head of Plains Partners, Robert LaPenta, and Bethlehem Stables own the 6-year-old More Than Ready mare. She returned to the work tab in March at Palm Meadows, and her last breeze took place on April 19.

Brown also has a pair of grade 1 winners that are set to run on May 25 at Santa Anita Park, but it is dependent on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health giving the green light to resume racing without spectators. 

Without Parole, owned by John and Tanya Gunther, finished third in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Along with Peter Brant's Raging Bull, the two are aimed at the Shoemaker Mile (G1T).

On May 9, Without Parole and Raging Bull worked a half-mile on Palm Meadows' turf. They went :49.45 and "49 2/5, respectively. 

Brant's Alabama Stakes (G1) winner Dunbar Road, a 4-year-old Quality Road filly, is also being considered by Brown for the 1 1/16 miles Shawnee Stakes May 23 at Churchill Downs. She worked a half-mile in :49 3/5 on May 9 at Palm Meadows. 

Fair Grounds to Churchill

The first groups of horses from Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots began to arrive at Churchill Downs on May 11. There were a total of 175 horses expected to arrive by the end of the day. 

Some of the trainers of the horses that arrived at Churchill include Tom Amoss, Steve Asmussen, Mark Casse, Bret Calhoun, Steve Margolis, and Al Stall Jr. 

Between May 12-13, it is expected that 300 more horses will be shipped to Churchill Downs from Fair Grounds. Horses from Florida will arrive May 14-16 and from Arkansas May 17-19. Starting on May 20, horses from Kentucky and other locales will begin to arrive.

The first groups of horses to arrive included Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) victor Serengeti Empress, multiple graded stakes winner Mr. Money, and Major Fed and Mr. Big News, who will likely run in the May 23 Matt Winn Stakes. 

Racing is set to begin at Churchill Downs on May 16. There will be new guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as no fans, owners, or media allowed to be present.