Kentucky Derby Trail Setback? D.J. Stable Sends Sandman and Ewing to Ocala for Evaluation
After disappointing recent efforts, two high-profile runners from D.J. Stable are headed to Florida as trainer Mark Casse looks to regroup and reassess their spring campaigns.
In horse racing, momentum can change quickly—especially on the road toward the Triple Crown. For the powerful operation behind Leonard Green’s D. J. Stable, the focus this week has shifted from the winner’s circle to regrouping.
Two of the stable’s notable runners, Sandman and Ewing, are being sent to Ocala, Florida for further evaluation as trainer Mark Casse looks to determine the next steps in their respective campaigns.
The decision comes after both horses turned in disappointing performances in recent starts, prompting connections to take a step back and ensure nothing physical is holding them back before continuing their seasons.
Sandman Seeking a Reset
Expectations have long followed Sandman, a gray son of Tapit who flashed elite ability earlier in his career.
The colt stamped himself as a serious talent when he captured the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, a victory that placed him among the top runners owned by D.J. Stable.
But racing rarely follows a straight line.
Sandman has struggled to reproduce that top form in his most recent outings, leading his connections to send him to Ocala where Casse and his team can take a deeper look at his condition. The change of environment also allows for quieter training conditions and access to specialized veterinary evaluation.
Ewing Also Headed to Florida
Joining him in Ocala will be Ewing, a colt by the former Breeders’ Cup champion Knicks Go.
Ewing showed early promise in his career and appeared to be developing into a major player within his division before failing to fire in a recent stakes appearance.
Rather than push forward through the spring, the stable opted for caution—an approach many veteran horsemen favor when a talented runner suddenly loses form.
Why Ocala?
Shipping horses to Ocala is a familiar strategy within the sport. The Central Florida training hub offers world-class veterinary facilities, quieter training surfaces, and a controlled environment where trainers can evaluate horses away from the intensity of major racetracks.
For Casse, one of the most respected conditioners in North America, the move is about making sure both horses are physically sound before returning them to competition.
Patience Often Pays in Horse Racing
Veteran racing observers understand that spring setbacks do not necessarily derail a horse’s entire season. Many top runners regroup after a brief pause and return stronger later in the year.
For D.J. Stable, the hope is that a reset in Ocala will help both Sandman and Ewing rediscover their best form—and eventually return to the level that once made them such promising runners.
Because in this sport, sometimes the smartest move isn’t pressing forward.
It’s stepping back long enough to make sure your horse is ready to run again.
