Prado Gets Mount on Machen

Jockey Edgar Prado  has been named to ride Courtlandt Farms’ Machen in the upcoming $1 million Louisiana Derby March 26, trainer Neil Howard confirmed Friday morning during training hours at Fair Grounds.

“We had to make a decision,” Howard said. “At the time we made it, it looked like Jamie (Machen’s regular rider Theriot) was going to Dubai to ride (Carl Moore’s) Chamberlain Bridge there. Now, I guess, that’s not going to happen but we’d already committed to Prado when that didn’t work out for Jamie.

“We’re also not sure about who’s going to ride (Gaillardia Racing’s) Wilkinson in the Louisiana Derby at the moment,” Howard said, “but one thing’s for sure – there will be somebody on him when they leave the paddock. At this point we just don’t know who.”

In another Louisiana Derby update, Catesby Clay’s Rogue Romance has sustained a slight heel bruise and will miss his previously scheduled start in the upcoming local Derby, according to a press release from Runnymede Farm. The Smarty Jones colt finished third in the Grade II Risen Star Stakes as the designed prep race for the Grade II Louisiana Derby.

“This is a minor ailment that will heal with a minimum amount of treatment,” said Runnymede general manager Martin O’Dowd in the press release. “We’re thankful it is not a serious setback, just a deviation from our original plans as we act in the horse’s best interest.’