Peter Proscia's Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher's Barese (Laoban), unbeaten in three starts against fellow New York-breds, tuned up for a tilt at the Apr. 9 GII Wood Memorial with a six-furlong work in 1:16.42 at Belmont Park Saturday.
“He has really been a nice horse. We're pointing for the Wood and are excited for the opportunity,” Staudacher said.
A debut winner at Belmont last May for trainer Mike Maker, Barese returned with a 2 3/4-length victory in the Jan. 9 Rego Park S. and added the one-mile Gander S. Feb. 12.
Staudacher said he expects Barese to relish going two turns in the nine-furlong Wood Memorial.
“The long work was to keep him fit for the Wood. We think with the way he finished his last race, he should be able to get the nine furlongs,” Staudacher said. “I don't think he should have a problem facing open company either. He ran a big figure [87 Beyer] last time.”
Barese, a $150,000 purchase at last year's Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Sale, is a full-brother to stakes-placed Breakfastatbonnies.
Proscia and Staudacher also campaign Lady Scarlet (Union Rags), winner of Saturday's six-furlong Cicada S.
“She's really getting better. Mike and his team have done a really great job of getting her ready, letting her mature and teaching her,” said Staudacher. “As a young horse, that's really important. She came out of the race good and we were pretty excited about it.”
Among the possible targets for Lady Scarlet is the seven-furlong GIII Beaumont S. at Keeneland Apr. 10.
“I think that's a perfect distance for her; that will be up to Mike and Peter to decide, but it would be a good spot for her,” said Staudacher. “She's getting better and better, so that's the nice thing.”
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