Classic Cut Update

Classic Cut has moved on to galloping at Highlander Training Center and has approximately seven days of galloping under him. Your veteran is not a rookie to the Highlander program and we have him on an identical plan as we did last spring. We expect to see him begin speed work in April and will follow up with additional updates as he progresses.

Classic Cut Surgery Report

 

 

Everything has continued smoothly since Classic Cut’s surgery approximately two weeks ago. Dr. Claunch has recommended two weeks of strict stall rest, followed by an additional two weeks of stall rest with hand walking incorporated daily. Pending all looks well after the initial 30 days post-op, he will be cleared for a month of small paddock turnout before being re-checked at the 60-day mark.

Classic Cut Race Entry

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.

Classic Cut Arrived at Highlander

Classic Cut arrived at Highlander Training Center early this morning in good order. The team at Highlander plans to send him to the track tomorrow to evaluate him and then we will put a plan together from there based on what their team sees. We’ll be back with more updates soon.

Classic Cut Update

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 Update

Classic Cut is back galloping at Silver Springs after having to wait for suitable track conditions. He was spotted on the track yesterday morning which can be seen above. Our son of Empire Maker will continue to increase his workload, lengthening his gallops in order to build his fitness level.

Classic Cut Photos

Classic Cut Update

Classic Cut was examined by Dr. Wes Sutter last week which revealed lameness in both his right front and left hind. When examined, he did not have any swelling in his limbs but was sensitive to palpation in his right front. Dr. Sutter recommended taking radiographs which revealed remodeling/bone bruising in the right front and left hind fetlocks. While this will require time off, this is only a minor issue and could explain his performance on July 6th. Bone bruising is common with horses in consistent training and does not require any kind of surgery.

Classic Cut will be sent to Silver Springs for time off and turnout, starting with 30 days of stall rest with 15 to 20 minutes of hand-walking daily. Pending everything is good by the beginning of September, he will be allowed to transition to the next phase of his R&R which would consist of daily turnout and hand-walking.

Classic Cut Workout Report

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 Workout Report

Classic Cut breezed five furlongs in 1:01.00 (8/44) on Sunday morning at Oaklawn Park. Your 3-year-old son of Empire Maker worked in company with his usual workmate She’s a Rocket and is getting closer to a race at Oaklawn Park. Trainer Brad Cox is considering a few spots in the current condition book. As we mentioned in our previous update, Classic Cut may be a candidate to start out around two turns which would give us options on Mar. 10 and Mar. 11.

The barn passed along a photo of him from this morning which can be seen above.