Chelokee revs up for 2008 campaign
January 16, 2008
You had better keep an eye out for Michael Matz’s 4 year old colt Chelokee. This horse was my sleeper for the Kentucky Derby last year but sadly didn’t qualify due to low earnings. He has had some bad racing luck and given a clean trip I think he can run with the best of them. Chelokee was a hard charging third in the Florida Derby last year after a troubled trip and getting clear running room only in the late stages of the race. He showed a ton of heart in defeating Zanjero in the Northern Dancer Breeders Cup Stakes. Zanjero nudged ahead of Chelokee, who wasn’t going to have any of that. Chelokee in a gritty stretch battle repelled the bid and even began widening his lead toward the end. With Ramon Dominguez who I personally believe is the best jockey around in the irons Chelokee is going to have a serious 4 year old campaign. I fully expect him to give Daaher and Curlin (both horses whom I picked out before they were on top) a run for their money. Keep an eye open for this one.
Chelokee was sidelined last year due to a minor ankle injury. “We stopped on him last summer because he was sore in all four fetlocks,” said trainer Michael Matz. “He had no chips or anything, but he lit up in all four ankles when given a scintigraphy exam.” He has also had an undescended testicle removed since his last start. He had a published work out at Palm Meadows on Friday of 3 furlongs in 35.60. “He’s matured an awful lot since he left us last summer,” said Matz. “He worked very easily the other day and we’ll stretch him out to a half-mile for the next one. If all goes well, perhaps he’ll being able to run sometime near the end of the meet.”