Big Drama works at Monmouth

In his second workout since finishing fifth in the Preakness, Big Drama went five furlongs in 1:00.20 at Monmouth Park on Saturday morning with jockey Channing Hill aboard.

The breeze was the final drill before Big Drama runs in the $250,000 Red Legend Stakes, a seven-furlong race for 3-year-olds at Charles Town on June 20.

While the time of Saturday's work was solid, the way he finished was the most impressive aspect of the drill. Big Drama dawdled through a 26-second opening quarter before picking up the pace, blazing the final three furlongs in 34.20. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.80.

"He worked really, really well," said trainer David Fawkes. "He pulled up good. He wasn't blowing that hard. He was very settled and did everything right."

Assuming all goes well at Charles Town, Big Drama will return to Monmouth to prepare for the $1 million Haskell Invitational on Aug. 2.

Big Drama has won five of eight starts, including the Grade 3 Delta Jackpot last year. He lost another victory on a disqualification, when he was placed second for stretch interference in the Grade 2 Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park.