Structor Nears Return to Brown, Uni Eases Back

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Presented by Coolmore America (G1T) winner Structor returned to the work tab for the first time since mid-February last week and nears a return to trainer Chad Brown's stable.

Jeff Drown and Don Rachel's 3-year-old colt was working at Palm Meadows Training Center toward his 3-year-old debut early this year and a possible switch to dirt for the Feb. 29 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). He was sidelined with an airway issue before resuming work at Stonestreet Training center.

"He unfortunately had to have an operation on his throat which was disappointing, but it seems to have gone as well as it could have," Brown said. "He's back working at Stonestreet and he's going to ship into me soon."

Structor's first breeze back came May 8 on Stonestreet's dirt course. He worked three furlongs in :39 on a fast track.

The son of Palace Malice  also won the Pilgrim Stakes (G3T) last season and is undefeated in three starts.

Brown added that TVG Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) heroine Uni had started to make her way back into training after a minor setback. 

"Uni was training really well and unfortunately she popped a small splint. She's going to be fine, it's just inconvenient. I had to stop on her," he said. "We've addressed it and she's easing back into training now, so we'll focus on a summer campaign for her."

The 6-year-old More Than Ready  mare owned by Michael Dubb, Head of Plains Partners, Robert LaPenta, and Bethlehem Stables returned to the work tab in March at Palm Meadows and last breezed April 19.

Brown has another pair of group/grade 1 winners scheduled to race May 25 at Santa Anita Park, pending go-ahead from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to resume racing without spectators. John and Tanya Gunther's Without Parole, third in the Breeders' Cup Mile, and Peter Brant's Raging Bull are penciled in for the Shoemaker Mile (G1T).

Both Without Parole and Raging Bull worked a half-mile on Palm Meadows' turf May 9, breezing in :49.45 and :49 2/5, respectively.

Brown is also considering Brant's Alabama Stakes (G1) winner Dunbar Road for the 1 1/16 miles Shawnee Stakes May 23 at Churchill Downs. The 4-year-old Quality Road  filly worked a half-mile in :49 3/5 at Palm Meadows May 9.