Grade 1 winner Wicked Whisper in training after spring setback

Alex Lieblong, who campaigns Grade 1 winner Wicked Whisper with his wife, JoAnn, was looking forward to a Kentucky Oaks trail start earlier this year when the daughter of Liam’s Map popped a splint.

“We got that fixed up,” Lieblong said, “and I’ll be darned if she didn’t get that on the other leg.”

The Steve Asmussen trainee doesn’t show a work since March 15, but Lieblong said she has resumed training. Wicked Whisper won’t be ready in time, however, for Oaklawn Park’s May 1 Fantasy Stakes (G3), the last Oaks prep race on the current schedule.

Churchill Downs plans to add races to its Oaks and Kentucky Derby prep programs pending stakes calendars around the country.

“A lot of times, if you look back, it’s for the best,” Lieblong said of Wicked Whisper’s setback. “We’re hoping racing will get back to normal by late summer or early fall, and she ought to be coming around by then.”

A $485,000 yearling purchase, Wicked Whisper broke her maiden by 6 1/4 lengths in an impressive debut last August at Saratoga. From there, she progressed to win the Frizette (G1) in October going a one-turn mile at Belmont Park.

Wicked Whisper was last seen running fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after sitting close to a hot pace.