NEWS
La Traviata back to work, now with Pletcher
Posted: Monday, December 31, 2007 2:05 PM
LA TRAVIATA
Patricia McQueen photo
by Jeff Lowe
La Traviata, who sustained her first career loss as the favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, returned to serious training on Monday at Hollywood Park for her new trainer, Todd Pletcher.
The California-bred Johannesburg filly drilled four furlongs in :49.60 in her first published workout since finishing sixth in the Filly and Mare Sprint.
Francois Parisel was La Traviata’s trainer of record for the Breeders’ Cup, filling in for her former trainer Patrick Biancone, who agreed to not participate in the event as part of his settlement with the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority for drug violations.
Biancone dispersed his stable when he began a one-year suspension on November 1.
Owners Michael Tabor, Susan Magnier, and Derrick Smith sent La Traviata to Ashford Stud in Kentucky for a short break before they shipped her to Pletcher.
La Traviata won her three starts for Biancone by 27 1/2 lengths combined, including a 9 ¼-length score in the Victory Ride Stakes (G3) at Saratoga Race Course.
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer
