Baeza puts in work with Whitney still the target

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Baeza, the Grade 1 Stephen Foster runner-up, worked five furlongs in 1:01.64 over the Oklahoma training track Friday morning, per Daily Racing Form, as he continues preparations for a start in the Grade 1 Whitney here on Aug. 8.

Baeza started the move a couple of lengths in front of the 4-year-old filly Beauty Reigns and went the opening quarter in 24.78 seconds. The pair hit the wire together in 48.31 and then continued out a furlong past the wire in 13.33. Baeza galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.24.

Mott said he put Baeza in front just “to switch it around a little. My rider that was on him is a good pace rider, he knows how I want to go off.”

Mott said there was some discussion about re-routing Baeza to the Pacific Classic “but the ownership group voted for the Whitney,” Mott said.

Mott also is expected to run Sovereignty in the Whitney.

Also on Friday, Mott worked Chief Wallabee, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes fourth-place finisher who went five furlongs in 1:00.80 in company with the 3-year-old sprinter Gilded Bandit. Mott would like to run Chief Wallabee in the Curlin Stakes on July 29.

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