Bernardini looks good in work

ELMONT, N .Y. Bernardini, the 3-year-old sensation who figures to go postward a solid favorite in the Breeders' Cup Classic, had his final tuneup for the race at Belmont Park on Tuesday, working five furlongs in 1:03.32 under regular exercise rider Simon Harris.

Bernardini was one of three Breeders' Cup candidates to work over a fast main track after the break on Tuesday, along with his stablemate Balletto and War Front. Balletto worked an easy five furlongs in 1:02.24 for the Distaff, while War Front drilled a fast half-mile in 45.02 for the Sprint.

All three horses were scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs on Wednesday.

"Everything went as planned," said trainer Tom Albertrani of Bernardini's work. "I couldn't be happier with him than I am at the moment. He couldn't be doing any better. The same for Balletto. She's going into the Distaff on top of her game."