Reports say Oxbow out till '14; Lukas says maybe not
 

Out for the remainder of the year...

http://blog.timesunion.com/horseraci...one-yet/10132/

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Trainer D. Wayne Lukas said that television reports stating that Preakness winner Oxbow was done for the year are “premature.”

“Right now we are playing it by ear,” Lukas said by cellphone Friday afternoon. “It very well may be the case, but, right now it’s premature to say that.”

Oxbow injured an ankle during the running of the $1 million Haskell at Monmouth on July 28 while finishing fourth. Lukas said shortly after that race that he was not going to rush the colt back just to make the Travers. He said the goal was the Breeders’ Cup in November.

Lukas said that Oxbow will be re-evaluate by veterinarian Larry Bramlage in 30 days. Oxbow is currently still at Lukas’ barn at the Oklahoma Training Track.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...-done-for-year

Huh, okay now Haskin's saying likely done for the year. Sounds like odds are against seeing him again at 3. Maybe Lukas and Kelley have a difference of opinion and Kelley is inclined to give him the rest of the year off, or maybe it was a miscommunication and Lukas thought there was a chance he could come back. I'm assuming clarification of position is going to ultimately be coming from the owner if he thinks it was not articulated to his satisfaction the first time. I don't get why they'd come back and say likely done unless Kelley felt it was really overstating it to say they might still make the Breeders' Cup. He could've just left it with a 'we might be back.'

He deserves a vacation Wayne.

:tro:

and he's getting one. the question is how long.


boy, we are a fickle lot.

they don't run enough, they run too much. they get too many breaks, they don't get a long enough break. they don't run in the right races, how dare he try something new.....