A pair of noteworthy names were spotted on the work tab over the weekend at Saratoga, GISW Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) on Sunday and MGISW Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) on Saturday, both cruising over the Oklahoma dirt training track for the first time since their respective efforts during the Belmont at Saratoga festival.
From the Chad Brown barn, the 'TDN Rising Star' put in a solo half-mile move with blinkers on in :49.66 (6/30) and galloped out into the backstretch while being encouraged by the exercise rider. When asked, Brown admitted there was no decision yet on if Sierra Leone would try the GII Jim Dandy Stakes July 27 or if the camp would wait for the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes Aug. 24.
“It went fine. It was his first work back and he was moving good,” Brown said. “We could run in the Jim Dandy or train him up to the Travers. I'm not positive yet, but those are the options.”
A day prior, the GI Kentucky Oaks winner breezed a half-mile in :49.25 in her first move since claiming the GI DK Horse Acorn Stakes June 7. She'd lost her front right shoe somewhere in the first turn of her tour-de-force, and McPeek noted the foot was a little tender afterwards. Back on track since then, she is being pointed to a start in the GI Coaching Club American Oaks July 20 at Saratoga.
“She did a maintenance half-mile by herself, easy stuff. We've got four weeks until she runs. Keeping her in routine, she is probably 95 to 100 percent for the Coaching Club if everything goes right,” said McPeek. “We will evaluate the race and see about the Alabama or Travers next.”
Where his 'grizzly' ultimately goes is contingent upon GI Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and where he finds himself in the coming weeks. After scoping with some mucus following his off-the-board finish in the GI Belmont Stakes, the colt is going well during his freshening and is being pointed toward the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes and then Sept. 21 to Parx's GI Pennsylvania Derby.
“No intentions of running him in the Jim Dandy. He ran hard all spring, and is getting a bit of a break, plenty of grazing time. [The] horse is happy and healthy. He will probably go Travers, [and then to the] Pennsylvania Derby.”
Gould's Gold (Goldencents), who finished second in Saturday's GIII Ohio Derby, could be trying the Jim Dandy after that effort, but McPeek has added that the Curlin Stakes July 19 could also be in play for the grey.
“We liked the race. This was a horse that was improving, and we think we've got more in him. We will probably nominate him to the Jim Dandy.”
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