Aqueduct: Classic Giacnroll works for Withers

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Classic Giacnroll, the runner-up in the Jerome Stakes here Jan. 4, worked a half-mile in 50.86 seconds Saturday over the Aqueduct inner track in preparation for next Saturday’s $250,000 Withers Stakes. It was the third-fastest of 15 works at the distance.

Under Cornelio Velasquez, who will ride Classic Giacnroll for the first time in the Withers, Classic Giacnroll broke off at the three-eighths pole and worked a furlong past the wire. He broke off a few strides in front of another horse who was about to work three furlongs for another trainer and went his first eighth in 12.86 seconds.

He was under a hold coming through the lane and then went from the wire to the seven-eighths pole in 11.88 seconds. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:06.31.

“I just wanted him to go easy; he’s fit already,” said Juan Carlos Guerrero, who is supervising the training of Classic Giacnroll for his wife, Lisa. “He’s really happy, not even blowing. I think he’s ready.”

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

At Parx, Honorable Judge worked four furlongs in 48.33 seconds, the third-fastest of 19 works at the distance, in preparation for the Withers.

Entries for the Withers will be taken Monday.