Lexie Lou's reappearance postponed

Reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Lexie Lou will miss her intended comeback in Wednesday's 1ST race at Woodbine after sustaining an eye injury, trainer Mark Casse revealed.

"She was training well leading up to it," Casse said Monday, alluding to her two straight bullet works on the local Polytrack. "Last week, she scratched her eye, but we treated it and it got better. Now, it's swollen shut. But, we have an expert from the University of Guelph taking care of her. I don't think it's anything serious. She'll be fine.

"I'm guessing she just brushed against some straw and that's how it happened. She'll live to fight another day. We just want to make sure that she's OK. And, we wanted people to know what happened.

"We'll find out more in a day or so. Obviously, it's disappointing for everyone. Our focus is on getting her better. She's a wonderful horse, one you are so proud to be associated with."

Lexie Lou has raced only once this season, finishing second when trying dirt for the first time in the January 17 La Canada (G2) at Santa Anita. In 2014, the Ontario-bred daughter of Sligo Bay turned the Woodbine Oaks/Queen's Plate double, and added the Wonder Where and Autumn Miss (G3) to her resume. She ended her sophomore season with a runner-up effort to U.S. Horse of the Year California Chrome in the Hollywood Derby (G1).

As a result, Lexie Lou swept the Sovereign Awards as Canadian champion three-year-old filly and turf female in addition to her Horse of the Year crown.

Lexie Lou had been installed as the even-money favorite on the morning line for Wednesday's opener, which was to be her prep for the September 13 Canadian (G2). In her absence, Grade 2 veteran Overheard figures to take over favoritism in the 1 1/16-mile turf allowance. Although winless since last summer's Dance Smartly (G2), the Pin Oak homebred has turned in useful efforts in defeat until her uncharacteristic fifth in the Modesty (G3) at Arlington last out.

Photo of Lexie Lou skipping clear of the boys in the Queen's Plate courtesy of WEG/Michael Burns Photography.