GI Bemont S. winner Creator (Tapit) and GII Louisiana Derby winner Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}) worked five furlongs in company Monday at Saratoga in 1:00.60 as the Steve Asmussen-trained duo prepare for the Aug. 27 GI Travers S.
“I thought they worked beautifully,” Asmussen said. “I thought we got lucky with the racetrack today to stay on schedule, under good circumstances, to get done what we wanted, when we wanted.”
Both colts will be looking to rebound off disappointing efforts when they go postward in the Midsummer Derby. Creator was last in the July 30 GII Jim Dandy S., while Gun Runner was fifth in the July 31 GI Haskell Invitational.
“It's the first time they worked in company, but off of disappointing races for both of them, I did not want to kid myself how they were doing,” Asmussen explained. “But I was very impressed with the work and they both seemed to come out of it in great shape.”
Trainer Bob Baffert has confirmed Haskell runner-up American Freedom (Pulpit) and 'TDN Rising Star' Arrogate (Unbridled's Song) are both being pointed towards the Travers. The race would mark Arrogate's stakes debut after three straight dominating victories at 1 1/16 miles.
“Arrogate is in a position where he's had enough racing experience to take the big leap,” Baffert commented. “We feel confident that the 1 1/4 miles is a good distance for him. So far, I like what I've seen, so they are both coming.”
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