infosstation

HorseRacing

Oaklawn: D. Wayne Lukas' Runners - Just Steel & Lemon Muffin

2024-12-04

Just Steel and Lemon Muffin, two of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas' most notable horses, are currently training at Oaklawn in anticipation of the 2024-25 meeting that kicks off on Friday. Just Steel was the sole horse to participate in Oaklawn's four-race series of Kentucky Derby qualifying races during the 2023-24 meeting. It finished second in the Smarty Jones Stakes, second in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes, seventh in the Rebel Stakes (G2), and second in the Arkansas Derby (G1). After a 17th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, Just Steel sustained a fracture in his right front leg during the May Preakness and required surgery. Lukas reported on Tuesday morning that Just Steel resumed training approximately 60 days ago. "He actually looks extremely good," Lukas said. "The time off and everything has filled him out. He has grown. He is now 17 hands tall. Now, he stands out among the rest. I am quite optimistic that he will have a big year." Lukas is unsure when Just Steel will make his comeback. Oaklawn's major two-turn races for older horses include the Razorback Handicap (G3) on February 22, the Essex Handicap (G3) on March 22, the Oaklawn Mile (G3) on March 29, and the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) on April 19. "We will let him determine the pace as we move forward," Lukas said. "He has not had a workout yet, so we will take it from there." Just Steel, sired by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, has a record of 13:2-4-1 and earnings of $784,545.

Just Steel's Journey and Potential

Just Steel's story is one of resilience and promise. After facing a setback with a leg fracture, his recovery and subsequent training have been closely watched. Lukas' optimism for a big year ahead is well-founded, given Just Steel's previous performances and his current physical condition. The various races at Oaklawn offer multiple opportunities for Just Steel to showcase his abilities and potentially make a significant impact. His participation in these races will be closely followed by horse racing enthusiasts and fans alike.

Oaklawn's Race Calendar and Just Steel's Options

Oaklawn's race calendar is filled with exciting events for older horses. The Razorback Handicap (G3) on February 22, the Essex Handicap (G3) on March 22, the Oaklawn Mile (G3) on March 29, and the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) on April 19 provide a range of challenges and opportunities for Just Steel. Lukas' decision to let Just Steel dictate his comeback will be based on his progress and readiness. Each of these races presents a different level of competition and a chance for Just Steel to prove himself.

Lemon Muffin's Recent Form and Future Plans

Lemon Muffin made her mark in the Honeybee Stakes (G3) last February at Oaklawn, breaking her maiden at odds of 28-1. However, she has faced a seven-race slump since then, including a seventh-place finish behind Horse of the Year candidate Thorpedo Anna in the Fantasy Stakes (G2) in March and an eighth-place finish behind Thorpedo Anna in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in May at Churchill Downs. Lukas believes that Lemon Muffin's form is on the upswing after her recent performances in allowance races at Churchill Downs. She is set to continue in allowance conditions for at least one more race before potentially moving up in class.

Lemon Muffin's Recent Races and Performance Analysis

Lemon Muffin's recent races at Churchill Downs have shown signs of improvement. Her third-place and second-place finishes in September and November respectively indicate that she is regaining her form. Analyzing these races provides valuable insights into her current abilities and potential for future success. Lukas' decision to keep her in allowance races for now is a strategic move to build her confidence and prepare her for more challenging competitions.

D. Wayne Lukas' 2023-24 Oaklawn Success and Other Notable Runners

During the 2023-24 Oaklawn meeting, D. Wayne Lukas won 16 races and finished 10th in the standings. One of his victories came with Seize the Grey, who went on to capture the Preakness and Pennsylvania Derby (G1) before being retired to stud. Seize the Grey marked Lukas' seventh Preakness victory and was a significant highlight of the season. Lukas also trains Innovator, the even-money morning-line favorite for the 5 1/2-furlong Advent Stakes for 2-year-olds on Friday at Oaklawn. Despite being 0-for-5, Innovator finished second by a head in his last race and is expected to perform well in the Advent Stakes.

Other Runners in the 2024 Advent Stakes

In addition to Innovator, there are several other runners in the 2024 Advent Stakes. Texas Creed, sired by Jimmy Creed, is a contender with a 0.00 rating. Ronnie E. Cravens III will be riding and hopes to secure a good result. Three Echoes, sired by Echo Town, is another runner with a 4.45 rating and a chance to shine. My Wife Is Right, sired by Practical Joke, and Perfect Magic, sired by Maclean's Music, also add to the competition. Each of these runners brings their own strengths and potential to the race.

Trainers and Jockeys Involved in the Advent Stakes

The Advent Stakes features a talented group of trainers and jockeys. Steven M. Asmussen and Erik Asmussen will be representing their horses, while Cristian A. Torres will be aboard Innovator for D. Wayne Lukas. The expertise and experience of these trainers and jockeys will play a crucial role in the outcome of the race. Their strategies and decisions will determine how the runners perform on the track.