Katsumi Yoshizawa's homebred Master Fencer (Jpn) (Just a Way {Jpn}), a rallying seventh in the GI Kentucky Derby, remains on schedule for the GI Belmont S. He stumbled slightly in the stretch during his five-furlong breeze in 1:01.48 (XBTV Video) Wednesday morning under training assistant Yosuke Kono.
As a precaution, an X-ray was taken of Master Fencer's front ankles, which did not show any issues. Kono, via translator Mitsuoki Numamoto, said that Master Fencer was sound and in good order.
“He got a little inflammation because of the breezing, which is normal,” said Kono. “The X-rays came back totally fine. The vet is not concerned about anything.”
Kono said that Master Fencer followed his regular schedule on Thursday morning, which included an opportunity to stretch his legs on the walking path in the back paddock of their barn.
“Today, he walked for an hour, which is normal for us the day after a breeze,” said Kono. “Tomorrow, we will go to the paddock for paddock schooling first and then to the main track for a light jog.”
Julien Leparoux will retain the mount on Master Fencer for the third leg of the Triple Crown.
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