Lasix

Again, the medication Lasix might have an impact on the Preakness.It was almost 10 years ago that the owners of Desert Wine were forced to get a court injunction in order to run their horse on Lasix in the 1983 Preakness. Desert Wine subsequently finished second to Deputed Testamony.Now, the Preakness could lose a potential starter, Alydeed, because he might be ineligible to race on Lasix.The Alydeed incident surfaced yesterday in Illinois.Roger Attfield, the horse's trainer, was set to the enter the Canadian colt in the race because he didn't think the horse would have enough earnings to draw into a full, 14-horse Preakness field.

LAUREL -- Absolutely Great gave a hint of greatness when winning yesterday's allowance feature at Laurel Race Course by 12 1/2 lengths.Ridden by Mike Luzzi, the filly led all the way when making her first start for trainer Eddie Gaudet after a six-race career in New York. The filly received the bleeder medication Lasix yesterday for the first time; the diuretic is banned in New York.The victory was the first for Luzzi since he won the $350,000 Brooklyn Handicap at Aqueduct on Saturday aboard Timely Warning.

Legislative approval of a regulation that would permit 2-year-olds to begin running on Lasix at Maryland tracks could come as early as today.The 18 members of the Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) committee were polled this week by Pat Sylvester, counsel to the committee. Ms. Sylvester said yesterday that "a decision is pending."After a two-year process, new regulations involving the Lasix program for thoroughbreds and harness horses were sent by the Maryland Racing Commission to Annapolis for approval.

ELMONT, N.Y. -- So far, this much has been established about the 1991 Triple Crown horses: Hansel's winning race in the Preakness was by far the most impressive for any 3-year-old this year.And, because of that, the colt is the one to beat in today's 123rd Belmont Stakes -- Lasix or no Lasix.Trainer Frank Brothers repeatedly has refused to discuss Lasix, which he and others consider a non-issue. Brothers has used a stock line -- "We are happy with our situation coming into the race" -- whenever the subject arises.

Up until the question was asked, prompting Dogwood Stable manager Cot Campbell to roll his eyes, the L word had been largely forgotten this spring.And when, in front of a sizable audience at the Pimlico Special breakfast on Thursday, Campbell politely referred to Summer Squall's Lasix dependence,it revealed how different this year's Triple Crown campaign is on the Lasix issue.Which goes to show that timing is everything. Last year at thi time, and exhaustive Lasix study had been dropped into the collective lap of the racing press, leading to equally exhaustive media reviews of the drug and its effects on internal bleeding.

Their great showdown should have taken place in the 1990 Belmont Stakes, but 51 weeks after Unbridled last faced Summer Squall, it is better this way. The focus this time will be on racing, not a raging controversy that unfairly tainted their greatest triumphs.Both horses are expected to race with Lasix in Saturday's Pimlico Special, just as they did when Unbridled won last year's Kentucky Derby and Summer Squall last year's Preakness. The sound and the fury over their use of the drug has faded.

FORT WASHINGTON -- The Maryland Racing Commission yesterday voted to adopt new guidelines for the anti-bleeder medication Lasix for thoroughbreds.The rules increase the framework under which Lasix is policed, but horsemen will not be affected significantly by the changes.The commission, in its monthly meeting at Rosecroft Raceway, approved the following Lasix rules:* Two-year-olds can receive Lasix, for which they previously had not been approved.* A "strictly enforced" limitation of treatment is to take place no sooner than three hours before a race.

Proposed Lasix rule changes for Maryland thoroughbreds came under fire at the monthly meeting of the Maryland Racing Commission yesterday.The commission, meeting at the Timonium Fairgrounds, heard opposition from the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and several veterinarians.After hearing discussion, the commission requested its medication committee -- made up of members of various sectors of the industry -- to reconvene for possible revisions to the proposals. The commission may consider action next month.

LAUREL -- Instead of seeking medication rules similar to those in nearby states, the Maryland Racing Commission is taking a position of leadership.If commissioners in Delaware, New Jersey and West Virginia want rules similar to Maryland's, they will have to make changes.The long-range planning for new Maryland rules involves the diuretic sold under the trade name Lasix. Maryland commissioners envision two rules that are contrary to those of the other states:* They want to continue use of the detention barn in which all horses treated with Lasix must be sent before a race.

The Maryland Racing Commission has endorsed recommendations that will broaden the use of Lasix at state tracks.The controversial drug, which is widely used in almost every racing jurisdiction in the country except New York, will now be available locally for use on 2-year-olds.The new guidelines are designed to provide a uniform Lasix program for Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, all neighboring states that allow horses to be treated with Lasix.Until now, the youngest of racehorses were kept off the drug.