Bee Jersey working on turf

ELMONT, N.Y. – Bee Jersey, a winner of four consecutive dirt races including the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap, worked on the Oklahoma turf course in Saratoga for the second consecutive week on Monday.

Bee Jersey went five furlongs in 1:04.51 in company with the 3-year-old Reride. On July 2, Bee Jersey went five furlongs in 1:03.21.

That he is working on the turf does not necessarily mean he will be making his next start on the turf, according to trainer Steve Asmussen. The Grade 1 Fourstardave on Aug. 11 would seem to be the logical choice were Asmussen and owner Charles Fipke so inclined to try the grass.

If he remains on dirt, the Grade 1, $1.2 million Whitney on Aug. 4 or the Grade 1, $600,000 Forego on Aug. 25 would appear to be the logical options.

“The horse seems to be enjoying the change, with his next race being undecided,” Asmussen said.

Bee Jersey is by Jersey Town out of the Rahy mare Bees, who won an allowance race at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Keeneland.