Trainer Todd Pletcher has confirmed Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable's MGISW Forte (Violence) for the GII Jim Dandy S. July 29 at Saratoga Race Course.
The 3-year-old colt will use the race as a prep for the GI Travers S. Aug. 26, which the Hall of Famer won with Flower Alley [2005] and Stay Thirsty [2011].
“It was a tough call,” said Pletcher. “We just felt like shipping up here, getting him used to the track, two Travers winners we previously had have done that.”
Pletcher added that Forte will likely breeze on Friday morning over the Saratoga main track following the renovation break.
Also looking to make a Saratoga start is GSW Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief), who recorded her first work on Wednesday in preparation for the GI Coaching Club American Oaks July 22 for trainer Tom Amoss.
Hoosier Philly | Coady Photography
The 3-year-old gray filly logged a half-mile breeze over the main track in 49.49 seconds with regular pilot Edgar Morales up in her second move since winning the Monomoy Girl S. June 17 at Ellis Park.
“It was a typical work for her and Edgar Morales flew up to work her,” said Amoss. “It was a good work with a strong gallop out. That's her M.O. She's doing fine and she came out of it in good shape. Our plan is to run in the Coaching Club.”
One other runner that will be headed upstate is D.J. Stable's GSW Webslinger (Constitution). Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse said the 3-year-old gelding, who was last seen running fourth July 8 in the GI Belmont Derby, will take on the next leg of NYRA's Turf Triple in the GI Saratoga Derby Invitational.
“Unfortunately, he got shuffled back [in the Belmont Derby] and Javier [Castellano] had no choice but to go around,” Casse said. “I'm not sure how much farther he ran than everybody else, but it was much farther than he got beat by, that's for sure. He came out good and will aim for the Saratoga Derby.”
Webslinger | Horsephotos
With a win, Webslinger will have a shot at an automatic berth into the G1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate to be held Oct. 28 at Moonee Valley Racing Club in Victoria, Australia.
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