Just Steel, who sustained a right front leg fracture while finishing fifth in the May 18 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course, has rejoined the barn of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas in advance of the 2024-25 Oaklawn Park meet that begins Dec. 6.
The fracture he sustained during the Preakness required surgery, which was performed by renowned veterinary surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington. Just Steel resumed training approximately 60 days ago, Lukas said Dec. 3.
KING: Bramlage: Surgery for Just Steel 'Went Really Well'
"He actually looks terrific," Lukas said. "The time off and everything filled him out. He grew. He's 17 hands. Now, he's a man among the rest of these. I'm pretty optimistic that he's going to have a big year."
Lukas said he's unsure when Just Steel will make his comeback. Oaklawn's biggest two-turn races for older horses include the $500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) Feb. 22, $500,000 Essex Handicap (G3) March 22, $500,000 Oaklawn Mile Stakes (G3) March 29, and the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) April 19.
"We'll just let him dictate it as we go along," Lukas said. "He hasn't had a work yet, so we'll go from there."
Just Steel, sired by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify , has a 2-4-1 record from 13 lifetime starts and earnings of $784,545 for owners BC Stables and Henry Schmueckle.
