Keeneland Photo
Airoforce, the exciting Derby contender who will miss the February 13th Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III) after coming down with a slight illness, demonstrated on February 6th that he’s back in good shape by breezing five furlongs on February 6th at Palm Meadows Training Center.
With Julien Leparoux in the saddle, Airoforce breezed in company with stablemate Conquest Sabre Cat and went the distance in a sharp :59 4/5 seconds before galloping-out six furlongs in 1:12 4/5.
Trained by Mark Casse, Airoforce won the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) last year over a talented field that included Mor Spirit and Mo Tom, both of which have come back to win graded stakes races. The son of Colonel John has also shown talent on turf, winning the Bourbon Stakes (gr. III) and finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. I).
His next start has not yet been determined, but the February 15th Southwest Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn Park and the February 27th Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) at Fair Grounds have both been mentioned as possibilities.
Airoforce ✈️?? w/ @JulienLeparoux back from huge work this morning. 59.4, 1:12.4. Back on track. @KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/fsNpEH57Uj
— Norman W Casse (@casseracingnc) February 6, 2016
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