Aqueduct: Smooth Bert back to work after procedure

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Smooth Bert, winner of the Damon Runyon Stakes for New York-bred juveniles last December, breezed three furlongs in 37.89 seconds Wednesday morning at Belmont Park.

It was the first work for Smooth Bert since he finished sixth in the Grade 3 Withers on Feb. 2. It also was his first work since he had a testicle removed and became a ridgling.

Trainer Leah Gyarmati said Smooth Bert had been bothered periodically by an ascended testicle. Sometimes, he would walk awkwardly around the shed row, Gyarmati said.

"I don't think it affected his race, but I definitely think it affected my training of him for the race," Gyarmati said. "There were days when I didn't feel I could do as much as I wanted. If only they could talk and tell us exactly what's bothering them and how bad it is."

Gyarmati said she had no immediate plans for Smooth Bert.