Mother Nature has forced trainer Mark Casse to change his plans for Ontario-bred God of Love.
God of Love was scheduled to make his '22 debut in the Grade 3 Withers Stakes on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York.
But with the threat of poor weather, Casse told The Canadian Press that God of Love will now open his three-year-old campaign in the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis on Feb. 12 at Tampa Bay Downs.
Casse is a 14-time winner of the Sovereign Award as Canada's top trainer,
God of Love is one of three Casse-trained horses attempting to qualify for the US$3-million Kentucky Derby.
The 1 1/4-mile opening jewel of the American Triple Crown is scheduled for May 7 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Casse's other top Derby contenders include Pappacap and Golden Glider, both American-bred three-year-old colts.
God of Love ran four times at Woodbine in 2020 as a two-year-old, registering two wins.
He emerged victorious in his final event of the year, capturing the Grade 3, 1 1/16-mile Grey Stakes on Nov. 28.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 2, 2022.
The Canadian Press
