Echo Zulu Will Get Full Evaluation After Acorn Scratch
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Photo: Skip Dickstein
Echo Zulu before being scratched at the gate in the Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park
Echo Zulu , the 2021 champion 2-year-old filly, was reported to be in good shape June 12 after having been scratched at the gate by the track veterinarian due to lameness in her left foreleg prior to the start of Saturday's $500,000 Acorn Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park.
"She is giving us all the signs that we want to see," said Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen. Blasi added that Echo Zulu will be shipped to Kentucky for a full evaluation by Dr. Larry Bramlage and his team.
Immediately following the scratch, Echo Zulu, who is owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds and L and N Racing, was examined at the barn, and Asmussen said later in the day that all her X-rays were "clean."
"She was fine again this morning, but we will do all of the complete diagnostics on her and go from there," said David Fiske, the general manager of Ron Winchell's operation. "We'll take every precaution, as we do with all of our horses."
Last out, the daughter of Gun Runner finished fourth in the May 6 Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) in what was only her second start of this year behind Secret Oath , Nest , and Desert Dawn . Prior to the Kentucky Oaks, she scored in her sophomore debut in the March 26 Twinspires.com Fairgrounds Oaks (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.