(Photo by Chelsea Durand, NYRA.)
From NYRA and Santa Anita Park releases
Two Midlantic-breds on the Triple Crown trail breezed in preparation for upcoming prep races this past weekend.
In California, Pennsylvania-bred Mor Spirit worked towards his next start, March 12 in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes. Working in company with stablemate Hoffenheim, Mor Spirit had his mind on business Sunday morning, breezing five furlongs in 59.80 under Martin Garcia for the Grade II San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on March 12.
The son of Eskendereya never completed a scheduled workout under regular rider Gary Stevens last Tuesday when he “lost interest,” but was back on the beam Sunday.
“He went well,” Bob Baffert said of his leading Triple Crown contender. “He’s tough to work. He’s a very laid back horse, which is good. He shows us more in the afternoon, which is what you want.
“We’re going work by work (for the San Felipe). We’ll play it by ear. Gary will ride him if we run. The horse seemed to be more aggressive today. Last time, he lost focus. He worked well today and galloped out strong.
“That’s him. He’ll show you more in the afternoon. There’s not a whole lot we need to do with him. He’s pretty fit. I’m really happy with him.”
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, New Jersey-bred Sunny Ridge continued to work towards his next test, as well.
Dennis Drazin’s Sunny Ridge took to the Belmont Park training track Friday morning for his second breeze since his Grade 3 Withers victory last month for trainer Jason Servis. The gray Holy Bull gelding covered four furlongs in 51 4/5 seconds, nearly matching his half-mile breeze in 52 and 4/5 on February 15, ahead of his expected start in the Grade 3, $400,000 Gotham March 5.
“It’s just maintenance you know,” said Servis. “He doesn’t have to go lights-out but he went well. He’s doing OK. We’re ready.”
