American Guru possible for Fourstardave

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – American Guru, an impressive allowance winner at Belmont Park on July 7, worked a half-mile in 49.85 seconds Friday over the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga.

Trainer Jimmy Jerkens said American Guru could be considered for the Grade 1 Fourstardave on Aug. 11. Jerkens was initially planning on running Delta Prince in that spot, but owner Frank Stronach has indicated that he wants to wait for the Woodbine Mile to run that horse.

“We got to try two turns sooner or later,” Jerkens said.

Regarding the work, Jerkens said: “It was a little faster than I wanted, but he looked good, though. Good horses go fast.”

In his allowance win at Belmont, his first time beyond seven furlongs, American Guru ran a mile in 1:32.09 and earned a 98 Beyer Speed Figure.

“It was good to see him rate so nice and finish up like that,” Jerkens said. “He could be a good miler.”