Breeders’ Cup Classic Champion Fort Larned Readies For Saturday’s Oaklawn Handicap
After arriving on the charter flight from Florida on Monday, Fort Larned was out on the Oaklawn strip on Tuesday morning under regular exercise rider Kate Merritt and the defending Breeders’ Cup Classic champion acclimated well as he prepares for the $500,000 Oaklawn Handicap (G2) on Saturday.
“He went out to stretch his legs and everything is good. He took to the track real good and he got over it fine,” said trainer Ian Wilkes. “He’s doing very well and I’m very pleased with him.”
In his first start back from his Breeders’ Cup triumph, Fort Larned stumbled at the start of the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Handicap (G2) and unseated regular rider Brian Hernandez, Jr., who was unhurt. Fort Larned and his jockey have won three graded stakes together and they will be reunited on Saturday.