The Big Beast looking badder

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – When The Big Beast ran second to Rock Fall in the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt on Aug. 1, trainer Tony Dutrow thought he had The Big Beast as good as he could have him. Two weeks later, he thinks The Big Beast is even better.

On Friday, The Big Beast worked five furlongs in 1:00.65 over Saratoga’s main track, galloping out six furlongs in 1:13.57 and seven-eighths in 1:28.32.

The Big Beast picked up some unexpected company when a horse trained by Michelle Nihei broke off at approximately the same time. The Big Beast was outside of the Nihei horse and went his opening three furlongs in 35.38, but his exercise rider was able to keep him comfortable through the final quarter of 25.27.

“He appeared to do it easy,” Dutrow said. “I was surprised with how easy he did it, and I was impressed with it all. He seemed to have come back great. He scoped good. We’ll give him another workout next weekend.”

In the Vanderbilt, The Big Beast battled Rock Fall through the stretch only to lose by a nose, with his jockey, John Velazquez, losing the whip in midstretch.

“I thought he went into the Vanderbilt as good as I could want him,” Dutrow said. “I thought whatever he has to show today, he will show it, whether that makes him win it or finish fourth. I feel even better about him now.”