Frizette S. (G1) winner BALLETTO (UAE) (Timber Country), who ended her
two-year-old campaign with a runner-up effort to Sweet Catomine (Storm Cat) in
the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Lone Star Park, has suffered a
training “setback” that will knock her out of consideration for the May 6
Kentucky Oaks (G1). As a result, Churchill Downs suspended wagering on the filly
before the start of Pool 1 of the Kentucky Oaks Future Wager, which began
Thursday at noon (EST).
Godolphin Racing Manager Simon Crisford notified Churchill Downs of
Balletto’s status via telephone from Dubai on Thursday. He did not specifically
identify the nature of the problem, but said Balletto should return to action
later in the year.
“She’s had a setback,” Crisford said. “It’s not a serious setback, but we
haven’t got enough time to get her ready for that race, so she won’t be entered
(nominated) for the Kentucky Oaks. She’ll be fine. She’ll be racing in America
in the second half of the year and we hope to run in some of the big races in
the fall.”
The defection of Balletto leaves 23 wagering interests in Pool 1, including a
mutuel field that includes all three-year-old fillies other than the 22
remaining individual horses.
Balletto, number 1 on the roster of Kentucky Oaks Future Wager betting
interests, was listed at odds of 10-1 on the morning line.