Belmont Park: The Lumber Guy targets Vosburgh

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ELMONT, N.Y. – The Lumber Guy, who finished second in his return from a six-month layoff, worked a half-mile in 47.90 seconds Thursday over the training track at Belmont Park. He is preparing for a start Sept. 28 in the Grade 1 Vosburgh Invitational, a race he won last year before finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

On Thursday, The Lumber Guy went his first quarter-mile in 24.21 seconds and came through the lane in 23.69.

“We were looking for 49, but like most fast horses, he went a little bit faster,” trainer Mike Hushion said. “That’s about where we want to start with him.”

In the Chowder’s First Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 23, The Lumber Guy finished second, beaten three lengths by Palace. It was The Lumber Guy’s first race since he finished seventh in the Grade 2 San Carlos at Santa Anita on Feb. 23.

“I was surprised he didn’t run better, but I left there thinking that he did enough where that race did not tell the whole story,” Hushion said. “This next race will.”

Also on Thursday, Hushion worked his debut-winning New York-bred 2-year-old filly Artemis Agrotera, who zipped four furlongs over the main track in 46.70. Artemis Agrotera, who won her debut by 11 3/4 lengths, is being pointed to the Grade 1 Frizette here Oct. 5.

“She looks like a natural stayer,” Hushion said.