NEWS
Round Pond doubtful for Apple Blossom due to weights
Posted: Monday, April 03, 2006
Trainer John Servis said Grade 1 winner Round Pond is doubtful for the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) on Saturday, citing dissatisfaction with the weight assignments for the $500,000 race.
Round Pond and Grade 1 winner Happy Ticket were both assigned 119 pounds, with three-time Grade 1 winner Star Parade (Arg) next at 117.
"I'm not upset about Round Pond getting equal weight with Happy Ticket, but I'm really upset about having to give two pounds to Star Parade, who is a multiple Grade 1 winner," Servis said. "I know how good my filly is … but this is a matter of principle."
Star Parade won the Santa Maria Handicap (G1) on February 11 at Santa Anita Park in her most recent start. Round Pond defeated Happy Ticket by a neck in the Azeri Breeders' Cup Stakes (G3) on March 11 at Oaklawn.
Servis also was not pleased with Round Pond's five-furlong workout in 1:03.80 on Sunday at Oaklawn.
"The filly was [drifting] out, and when we got her back to the barn, we found a cut in her mouth," Servis said. "It was nothing serious, and she jogged fine [on Monday]. Physically, she's fine."
