02/13/2013 6:22PM

Gulfstream Park: Uncaptured on road toward Kentucky Derby prep

By Mike Welsch
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Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer Photography
Kentucky Jockey Club winner Uncaptured (right) could start the year in either the Rushaway or the Spiral, both at Turfway Park on March 23.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Mark Casse reported that his top 3-year-old prospect, the multiple graded stakes winner Uncaptured, worked three furlongs in 35.60 seconds and galloped out a half-mile in 48.60 in Ocala on Wednesday. It was his first work since closing out his juvenile campaign with a neck decision over Frac Daddy in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs.

[ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays]

“I couldn’t have been more pleased with his work,” Casse said. “He’s been relaxed up to this point, but we woke up the sleeping giant this morning.”

Casse said Uncaptured will run in either the $500,000 Spiral Stakes or the $75,000 Team Valor Rushaway Stakes, both on March 23 at Turfway Park. The Spiral will be run at 1 1/8 miles, the Rushaway at 1 1/16 miles.

“It’s just a matter of whether I think he’s ready to run a mile and one-eighth against tougher horses or to go a mile and one-sixteenth against lesser,” he said.

◗ Capo Bastone will make his much-anticipated 3-year-old debut here Saturday in a 1 1/16-mile optional claiming race. Capo Bastone will make his first start for trainer Todd Pletcher on Saturday. The son of Street Boss captured 1 of 4 starts at 2 with John Sadler, concluding the campaign finishing third behind Shangahi Bobby in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Horse Cents 8 months ago
One race late November, and now only one prep planned for late March prior to the Derby. Is Casse kidding that he will run in the Spiral or Rushaway? If even remotely considering the Rushaway, he must believe that it will take only 10 points to get in or doesn't really believe he has a legitimate Derby contender. I think I agree with him.
Steve Reed 8 months ago
He has already proven himself at Churchill, Most likely he is trying to bring a fit and fresh horse up to the big dance. Mark is far from Dumb. He is a winning machine.
Keith Strouhal 8 months ago
Who debuts their 3yr old star on synthetic near end of March ? Duhhhhmb !!
D 8 months ago
Ever hear of Animal Kingdom?
Horse Cents 8 months ago
he actually debuted three weeks earlier at Gulfstream.