Top sophomore and last month's GI Pennsylvania Derby winner Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) put in his penultimate work for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic Saturday, breezing seven panels at Santa Anita in 1:26.60 (1/1). Regular rider Flavien Prat was aboard.
“He galloped out good and we're feeling good,” said trainer Doug O'Neill. “He'll ship Wednesday to Del Mar where he'll have his final work.”
The Classic looks likely to have plenty of early pace, which could prove advantageous to a stalker like Hot Rod Charlie.
“Today he sat off a workmate and there were a couple others out there from other barns, so he kind of sat in behind three horses, split 'em turning for home and finished up good,” O'Neill said. “He had a taste of what the Classic could look like… He's versatile, so we have options.”
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