Last week was a celebratory one for Morplay Racing and team Jose D'Angelo as Shisospicy was crowned Eclipse champion female sprinter for 2025.
However, the week did not finish on a high note as the 4-year-old filly developed an infection following her Jan. 21 breeze and will miss her intended start in the $2 million 1351 Turf Sprint (G2T) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saudi Cup (G1) night Feb. 14.
"She got an infection, a little thing, but we decided to skip Saudi," D'Angelo said at Palm Meadows Training Center Jan. 29. "We'll have to give her some time, but after that, we go forward and make plans for her."
Although the infection is expected to take just a few days to clear up, D'Angelo said the decision to skip Saudi was made simply due to bad timing. Shisospicy's flight was scheduled to depart from South Florida Feb. 2.
D'Angelo said a trip overseas to compete in the $1.5 million Al Quoz Sprint (G1T) at Meydan Racecourse on Dubai World Cup (G1) night, March 28, is still in play, but ultimately they will let the daughter of Mitole decide the timeline.
"Like always, the horse is first," D'Angelo said. "We always take care of them first, and they tell us when and where they're ready to go."
