Azeri remains on fence for Falls City

Due to a high weight assignment, Azeri is still uncertain for this Thursday’s Fall City H.  (Michael J. Marten/Horsephotos.com)

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Monday that the status of 2002 Horse of
the Year AZERI (Jade Hunter) remains uncertain for Thursday’s $300,000
Falls City H. (G2) at Churchill Downs. Her connections are concerned
about the 126-pound impost assigned to the six-year-old mare for the 1
1/8-mile contest.

Azeri, who exits a fifth-place finish to Ghostzapper (Awesome
Again) in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), will have to spot her rivals
10-to-18 pounds if she starts in the 89th running of the Falls City.
Entries will be drawn Tuesday, and Lukas said the final decision rests
with owner Michael Paulson.

If Paulson decides to pass on the Falls City, Azeri will be given
some time off and sent to California. She wouldn’t race again until
next year.

Lukas said he would enter SUSAN’S ANGEL (Cape Town) in the Falls
City if Azeri doesn’t run.

MAYO ON THE SIDE (French Deputy), who defeated Azeri in the Humana
Distaff (G1) on Derby Day, is confirmed to the Falls City. Other
probables include Churchill Downs Distaff (G2) heroine HALORY LEIGH (Halory
Hunter), INDY GROOVE (A.P. Indy), SHADOW CAST (Smart Strike) and RED
CELL (Geri).

Friday’s main event at Churchill is the 130th running of the
$500,000 Clark H. (G2) and one of the top contenders, Woodward S. (G1)
runner-up SAINT LIAM (Saint Ballado), is scheduled to arrive at
Churchill Downs from trainer Richard Dutrow’s New York shedrow on
Tuesday.

Other horses considered likely for the nine-furlong Clark are
Goodwood Breeders’ Cup (G2) victor LUNDY’S LIABILITY (Brz) (Candy
Stripes); Grade 1 hero PERFECT DRIFT (Dynaformer), who exits a fourth
in the Breeders’ Cup Classic; Ack Ack H. (G3) winner SIR CHEROKEE
(Cherokee Run); EUROSILVER (Unbridled’s Song), who finished second off
the layoff in Keeneland’s Perryville S. last out; Grade 3 winner SUAVE
(A.P. Indy); BEST MINISTER (Deputy Minister); and SEEK GOLD (Touch
Gold).

Recent Fayette S. (G3) winner MIDWAY ROAD (Jade Hunter), who
breezed five furlongs in 1:01 at Churchill on Sunday, remains possible
for the Clark, according to conditioner Neil Howard on Monday. Super
Derby (G2) winner FANTASTICAT (Storm Cat) is another possibility.

Multiple Grade 2 winner PURGE (Pulpit) remains under consideration
but appears more likely to contest Saturday’s Cigar Mile H. (G1) at
Aqueduct for trainer Todd Pletcher.