10/13/2012 2:00PM

Churchill Downs: Little Mike and Shackleford get in pre-flight Breeders' Cup works

By Marty McGee
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Arlington Million winner Little Mike worked five furlongs for the BC Mile in 1:02.80 on Saturday.

Two of the handful of Breeders’ Cup prospects that Dale Romans is scheduled to put on a California-bound airplane Monday morning had serious workouts Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, leaving their trainer satisfied that they are heading into their races in excellent shape.

[BREEDERS' CUP 2012: DRF top 10 lists, video replays, latest news]

Little Mike, confirmed for the BC Mile, breezed five furlongs under Faustino Orantes in 1:02.80 just a few minutes before Shackleford, one of the favorites for the BC Dirt Mile, went a half-mile in 48 seconds with Tammy Fox aboard. Both worked shortly after the regular harrow break over a fast main track.


“I’m really happy with both of them,” said Romans. “It looks like we’re all set. Tammy will go out there with them and get them all settled in. They’ll all probably work once. The main reason for going out there this early is to get them used to the track and their surroundings.”

Romans said the charter flight that will take Little Mike, Shackleford, and his three other BC hopefuls to California was scheduled to depart about an hour or so after the horses are picked up at his Churchill barn between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Monday. The other horses are Dullahan in the Classic, and two fillies for the Juvenile Fillies Turf, Moonwalk and Sustained.

Romans said Tapitsfly, who had been possible for one of several different BC races, will not be not making the trip.

Into Saturday action at Keeneland, Romans had won with just 2 of 19 starters at the fall meet, but both of those wins came in graded stakes: Tapitsfly in the Grade 1 First Lady, and Moonwalk in the Grade 3 Jessamine.

Kevin Smith More than 1 year ago
Good luck little mike....I hope you can rate behind obviously and then try to hold off wise dan.........LM won't be on the top of any of my tickets!
Richard More than 1 year ago
Too bad Dale Romans is not sending Tapisfly, but I believe the turf races are going to be very difficult because of the European turf horses are always very good. Shacleford is one of my favorite horses and I think it seems that Dale Roman has been one of the best trainers! His horses are not all burned out like a lot of other trainers horses are. Dullahan is going to be a real iffy horse since it seems that polytrack is what he likes, but we will see! I think it is a smart move to send his horses out there as soon as possible to get acquainted with Santa Anita. Best of luck to Dale Romans and the horses connections!