Azeri Could Make Return

Azeri, the 2002 horse of the year whose career was halted by an injury late this year, may return to training with Wayne Lukas, according to a report in the Daily Racing Form.

Neither Mike Paulson, who owns Azeri, nor Lukas could be reached for comment.

After Azeri’s 11-race winning streak ended in September, the 5-year-old mare was preparing to run in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff -- a race she won last year -- when a tendon injury sent her to the sidelines. Azeri’s trainer, Laura de Seroux, recommended that the horse be retired. Paulson told the Racing Form that Azeri has made an unexpected recovery while resting for several weeks at a Kentucky farm. The remaining horses that De Seroux trained for Paulson were shifted to other trainers.

Azeri won four of five starts this year, the lone loss coming when she ran third in the Lady’s Secret Handicap at Santa Anita. Lukas trained Lady’s Secret, the horse of the year in 1986 and the last female to win the national title until Azeri.

Azeri is one of the leading contenders this year for the Eclipse award for best older filly or mare, an award she won last year. Overall, she has won 14 of 16 starts and is one of seven distaffers to earn at least $3 million in a career.

-- Bill Christine