Louisiana Derby hero By My Standards back in training, 'looks great'

The Louisiana Derby (G2) winner By My Standards, turned out in June with a quarter crack and separation in the lining of his foot, has returned to light training at Bret Calhoun’s Churchill Downs base.

Calhoun said Wednesday the Goldencents colt, who’s campaigned by Chester Thomas’ Allied Racing, “came in straight off turnout, so he hasn’t had an prior exercise — just a little walking on a machine before he came in.”

By My Standards raced from November of last year until the Kentucky Derby, in which he was placed 11th after getting shuffled back at the break. There were plans for a continued summer series of starts until foot issues flared up.

“There wasn’t a lot to it, but once we decided he was going to miss the rest of the year, we gave him a little more time off to point to a campaign next year,” Calhoun said.

Fair Grounds’ winter meet presents a likely return spot, as that’s where Calhoun takes his horses once Churchill Downs finishes racing for the season.

By My Standards will have options once he's ready to run. He maintains conditions after going from a fourth out maiden winner to taking the Louisiana Derby, beating Spinoff by 3/4 of a length. From there, the colt drew attention for his sharp morning works leading up to the first Saturday in May.

Now, “He’ll continue to jog the for a few weeks before he turns around and starts doing anything stronger,” Calhoun said. “He’s a long ways away, but he’s back in the barn and looks great — full of himself.”

As By My Standards prepares for a return, he could keep his connections busy should Mr. Money — also owned by Thomas and trained by Calhoun — take some time off this winter. Mr. Money was second last Saturday in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) after winning four straight Grade 3 events. His next start has not been determined.