'TDN Rising Star' Khozan (Distorted Humor) underwent surgery Monday morning at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington to remove a fracture of his right hind sesamoid, Al Shaqab U.S. Racing Manager Bradley Weisbord reported. Dr. Larry Bramlage performed the surgery and told the Al Shaqab team that he was optimistic that the $1-million FTFMAR 2-year-old purchase could return to the same form which saw him win his first two career starts over the winter at Gulfstream Park.
“A large part of his suspensory remains attached, and Dr. Bramlage gave us a favorable report about Khozan being able to return to the races later this year,” Weisbord explained. “He will have a very good chance to make it back to the races in late 2015, and Todd Pletcher is looking forward to getting the colt back to where he was over the last couple of months.”
A debut winner from a high draw going seven furlongs Jan. 24, Khozan made it a perfect two-for-two with a 12 3/4-length allowance success going Gulfstream's one-turn mile Feb. 22. He was being pointed for a start in the GI Besilu Stables Florida Derby when he returned 'off' from a routine gallop last Friday morning at Palm Beach Downs.
The half-brother to three-time champion Royal Delta (Empire Maker) and other 'TDN Rising Stars' Crown Queen (Smart Strike), Carnival Court (Street Sense) and Empire Way (Empire Maker) could return to training in three or four months, Weisbord indicated.
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