Shadwell Stable's Mohaymen (Tapit), widely regarded as the leading sophomore male on the East Coast, breezed a solid five furlongs in 1:01 flat Friday morning at Palm Meadows as he readies for a clash with West Coast king Nyquist (Uncle Mo) in the GI Florida Derby Apr. 2.
With exercise rider Miguel Jaime in the irons, Mohaymen, the $2.2-million joint-topper at the 2014 Keeneland September sale, went in fractions of :13 2/5, :25 1/5 and :36 3/5 (:24 2/5 final quarter-mile) before galloping out six panels in 1:15.
Jaime has been aboard the gray son of Justwhistledixie (Dixie Union) for each jog, gallop and work since relocating to South Florida for the winter, and is relishing the opportunity.
“It's a pleasure to be on a horse like that,” Jaime said. “He's getting better every day, every race. He's getting stronger, bigger. We haven't seen him really run yet. We expect him to run a big race. He hasn't shown everything. We're in a good spot right now. Today, everything went good.”
Friday's work was Mohaymen's second since easily accounting for 'TDN Rising Star' Zulu (Bernardini) in the GII Xpressbet.com Fountain of Youth S. Feb. 27. For his part, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin continues to remain bullish on his charge.
“He worked very well. He's doing great and he's fit, and we're happy. We just have to keep working and keep him happy,” McLaughlin said. “He's got a great mind, and that's all part of it. He's doing everything right and continues to. We're not looking for any changes.”
Mohaymen is scheduled to have his final Florida Derby work over a half-mile Mar. 25, but it will be done in the absence of his trainer. McLaughlin will be at Meydan for the Dubai World Cup program, where he saddles–among others–Frosted (Tapit) in the G1 World Cup, 'TDN Rising Star' Lady Shipman (Midshipman) in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint and fellow 'Rising Star' Marking (Bernardini) in the G2 Godolphin Mile. McLaughlin is expected to return to Miami Mar. 27.
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