Belmont Park: The Lumber Guy has fast work for Vosburgh

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ELMONT, N.Y. – It seems like a race did The Lumber Guy a world of good.

Last year’s Vosburgh winner worked a very fast half-mile in 46.14 seconds Monday in preparation for Saturday’s Grade 1, $400,000 Vosburgh Invitational. Mike Luzzi was aboard for the move and will be aboard Saturday, replacing John Velazquez, who is committed to ride Justin Phillip. Luzzi rode The Lumber Guy to victory in last year’s Grade 2 Jerome.

In his first start off a six-month layoff, The Lumber Guy finished second in the Chowder’s First Stakes for New York-breds on Aug. 23.

“It didn’t look like it was a big effort,” trainer Mike Hushion said of Monday’s work. “Luzzi worked him last year before the Jerome and said he thought he was a more improved, bigger, stronger model.”

Justin Phillip, coming off a sharp five-furlong work in 59.90 on Sept. 16, worked an easier half-mile in 50.12 over the Belmont main track Monday.

The Vosburgh is expected to include Bahamian Squall, Forty Tales, Palace, Private Zone, and Strapping Groom.