Friesan Fire, a son of Australian-bred G1 winner Bollinger, could have a change of trainer when he returns to racing next month.  The A P Indy colt has been sidelined since injuring his near foreleg in the G1 Preakness Stakes in May.

Larry Jones prepared Friesan Fire to a 7 length victory in the G2 Louisiana Derby in March but he is concerned the colt will be transferred to premier US trainer Steve Asmussen.

“I don’t know what’s going on with Friesan Fire,” Jones said.  “He was the only horse I was going to have in my barn next year.  Now, I’m not sure.  I might be retiring earlier than I thought.”

Friesan Fire is raced in partnership by Vinery and general manager Tom Ludt revealed the colt is showing all the signs of a successful comeback.  “A decision regarding Friesan Fire’s trainer has not yet been made,” Ludt said.  “It’s a tough call.  Larry is quasi-retired and the owners are a little uneasy.  Larry has had three horses for Vinery and they have all done well.  But this is about the horse and what is best for him.”

Friesan Fire is by Champion US stallion A P Indy out of the Australian bred Dehere mare Bollinger.  His dam was a G1 winner of the Coolmore Classic while second dam Bint Marscay (Marscay) was a G1 winner of the STC Golden Slipper.

Bollinger is a half-sister to G3 VATC Blue Diamond Prelude winner Mannington (Danehill).  The latter is the dam of G1 Victoria Derby winner Benicio (More Than Ready) and pocket-rocket Romneya (Red Ransom) who is a G2 winner of the Moonee Valley Fillies Classic.

Friesan Fire is a likely prospect to eventually shuttle to Australia despite the fact his close relation Benicio already stands at Vinery.