Classic Cut was officially entered in next Friday’s second race at Lone Star Park, a first-level allowance going six and one-half furlongs over the dirt. This was our original target and while it was removed as an extra an identical option was in the newest condition book. Your 4-year-old gelding drew post 4 (of 8) and Erik Asmussen will take over riding duties. Post time for race 2 is 7:02 p.m. CT.

Since Classic Cut progressed to half-mile breezes, he has not trained to the liking of the Cox barn. Flashing back 60 days ago, you will recall the reports on his early speed work at Silver Springs not being very impressive. While Kevin Noltemeyer at Silver Springs was hoping those lackluster early works would prove to be fitness-related, as the intensity of Classic Cut’s breezes has increased since returning to the Cox barn, he has not been able to take that necessary steps forward. Assistant trainer Tessa Bisha, who plays a major role in overseeing all Cox’s strings in Kentucky, reported he appears physically sound, but is not training nearly as well as he was last year.

At this stage, we feel it would be best to get Classic Cut back to the farm and reassess him. It is unlikely that bone bruising is the current culprit like it was previously, but something appears to be amiss. It could be possible that after a long stint at the farm and going through bone bruising he does not want to be a racehorse anymore, but we will give him one more chance before determining that.

We will follow up in the coming days in regards to a farm plan, but a timeline for a return to training/racing will need to be determined after he is reassessed.

Classic Cut had a five furlongs maintenance drill this morning at Oaklawn Park covering the ground in 1:01 flat (9/48). As you will notice your colt remained at Oaklawn Park versus the previous update regarding moving to Horseshoe Indianapolis.

There is a maiden special weight option at both between Oaklawn Park and Horseshoe Indianapolis in early May but we will report back following our weekly discussion with Cox team.

Classic Cut had his second official gate work on Sunday morning at Oaklawn Park, covering five furlongs in 1:01.80 (32/56). The 3-year-old son of Empire Maker breezed with his regular mate, She’s a Rocket. Trainer Brad Cox reported he has been a touch slow from the gate but has improved overall since being in his barn as a 2-year-old.

Now having his two gate works under him, Classic Cut is getting closer to making his way to the starting gate in the afternoon. The new Oaklawn condition book has a fair amount of race options towards the end of February and early parts of March which could be considered for Classic Cut. Based off our conversation with Brad, it is likely he will start him around two turns which does not come by a surprise given his pedigree but once an actual race target is finalized, we will pass along that information.