Square Eddie Back From Injury, Retirement

Square Eddie, winner of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity in 2008 but a horse plagued by injuries and setbacks for the last two years, comes out of retirement after an 11-month layoff in an optional claimer over 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on Friday.

Despite the gap between races, and Square Eddie’s seven-race losing streak dating to the Breeders’ Futurity, trainer Doug O’Neill is highly confident about the 5-year-old’s chances.

“He’s ready to win,” O’Neill said. “His times are solid, and he’s bouncing out of his works.”

Square Eddie has not started since finishing sixth in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes in December 2009, when he was plagued by a breathing disorder, owner Paul Reddam said last year. Last February, while being prepared for the Strub Stakes, Square Eddie was diagnosed with a suspensory injury that led to his retirement to stud.