American Freedom works sharply for Haskell

DEL MAR, Calif. – American Freedom, who will get tested for class when he takes on Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist in the Haskell Invitational on Sunday at Monmouth Park, completed his serious training for the race with a workout on Tuesday morning at Del Mar that was officially timed in 47 seconds, but that trainer Bob Baffert took out an additional furlong in 59.40 seconds.

Regardless, American Freedom – who worked with the promising sprinter Drefong – was going easily throughout and seems set to give his best effort, which he will need against the likes of Nyquist and Gun Runner.

“He’s ready now. We’re good,” Baffert said. “Now we find out if he’s good enough.”

American Freedom and Nyquist were scheduled to fly on the same plane to New Jersey on Wednesday.

Drefong worked well in his own right. Among the top considerations for him is the Grade 1 King’s Bishop at Saratoga on Aug. 27, Baffert said.

Baffert also worked Cupid on Tuesday for the first time since his victory 10 days earlier in the Indiana Derby. He went a half-mile in 47.60 seconds.
“I figured I better do something with him if we’re going to West Virginia,” Baffert said, referring to the Grade 2, $750,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer on Aug. 6.

Also among Baffert’s workers Tuesday was the 2-year-old filly American Cleopatra – the full sister to Triple Crown winner American Pharoah – who is close to making her debut. She was officially given a three-furlong time of 35.60 seconds