Aqueduct: Hessonite awaits chance to run on turf

Whenever Mother Nature allows it to be turf season, Hessonite will be ready.

The seven-time stakes-winning New York-bred mare worked five furlongs in 1:02.45 on Monday at Belmont Park, her fifth breeze since rejoining trainer David Donk’s barn earlier this winter.

“She’s really doing well,” Donk said. “We’re happy with her; she’s happy with herself. We look forward to having a little fun with her this year.”

Turf racing hopefully will resume in early April at Aqueduct, and if there is a race that fits the bill, then Hessonite could be in it. Donk said he will try to find a logical graded stakes for Hessonite in 2013. Her seven stakes wins have come in listed or restricted company.

“The long-term goal is to try and win a graded stakes with her,” Donk said. “The Sheepshead Bay, New York Handicap, does she belong in those? She acts like distance isn’t an issue. She ran a mile and a quarter in the Flower Bowl.”

◗ Brigand, who was disqualified from second to fifth for interference in the General George last month at Laurel, worked five furlongs in 1:01.54 on Monday at Belmont. He is under consideration for the Grade 1 Carter at Aqueduct on April 6 or the Grade 3 Westchester at Belmont on April 27.