Antonio of Venice returns to work tab with future plans uncertain

Antonio of Venice, winner of the roughly run $500,000 Great White Way division of the New York Stallion Series on Dec. 16, returned to the work tab Sunday, breezing a half-mile in 50.81 seconds over the Belmont Park training track.

Trainer Rudy Rodriguez said he has no immediate plans for Antonio of Venice, who would be eligible for stakes in January such as the $100,000 Rego Park for New York-breds going 6 1/2 furlongs on Jan. 21 or the $100,000 Jimmy Winkfield going six furlongs on Jan. 27.

“He seemed like he worked okay, we’ll breeze him back again and try to pick out something, ” Rodriguez said. “I was happy the way he came back out of the race.”

Jockey Manny Franco, aboard Antonio of Venice, had to make his own room at the quarter pole of the Great White Way and though it appeared as though he created some bumping and crowding, the stewards ultimately decided that it was the runner-up, Brick Ambush, who caused the issues and that horse was disqualified and placed last.

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