Blame stretches legs in Churchill work

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Blame, among the favorites for the Classic, topped a group of four Breeder's Cup starters to work before the renovation break at a chilly Churchill Downs on Monday.

Blame, with jockey Garrett Gomez aboard, went an easy half mile in 49.72 seconds before galloping out five-eighths in 1:03.56. He was followed, in order, by Thiskyhasnolimit (Dirt Mile), a half in 48.66; Warrior's Reward (Sprint), four furlongs in 49.02; and Riley Tucker (Sprint), four furlongs in 49.51.

Among the horses expected to work after the break are J. B.'s Thunder (Juvenile); the Bill Mott-trained trio of Unrivaled Belle (Ladies' Classic), Proviso (Mile) and Al Khali (Turf); and defending Turf Sprint winner California Flag and his stablemate Sweet August Moon (Filly and Mare Sprint).