Mark Valeski will race as a 4-year-old after undergoing a surgery
A homebred racing for Brereton Jones, owner of Airdire Stud, Mark Valeski, was pointed at the Triple Crown throughout his early sophomore campaign, but trainer Larry Jones opted to bypass the Kentucky Derby, and now there is no second half campaign for the son of Proud Citizen, who will miss the remainder of the year after undergoing a surgery for a small chip in his left knee.
"It (the chip) is in a spot where it will come out clean and he will be out for three to four months," Bret Jones said. "We hope to have a really good 4-year-old next year."
The Kentucky bred 3-year-old colt, Mark Valeski started his racing career mid season last year, as he attempted to down his debut race at Delaware Park on 12 July, 2011, but failed to do so.
Union Rags was in that maiden race as well, and he slashed all hopes of Mark Valeski winning a maiden race at his first attempt, as the colt finished fourth on the day to Union Rags over a distance of five furlongs.
His second attempt was a successful one, as Mark Valeski bounced back to down his maiden race at second asking at about six furlongs also at Delaware Park.
Out of Fortunate Prospect mare Pocho’s Dream Girl, Mark Valeski tried Fair Grounds Race Course for a six furlong allowance/optional claimer to kick start his 2012 campaign.
It was a good way to start his sophomore season, as the 3-year-old won the sprint in 1 minute and 10.18 seconds.
His first race on the Derby trail was the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes, but the rampant, and early Derby sensation, El Padrino beat him to it, as he covered the 1 1/16 mile distance in 1 minute and 42.96 seconds.
Mark Valeski finished second in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby as well, where at 1 1/8 miles; he was beaten by a 109 to 1 longshot, Hero of Order in second.
Right before the Kentucky Derby, Larry Jones decided to swerve him from the Derby, and a week after the Derby, Mark Valeski went on to win the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park.
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