Blinkers seem to be aiding Arctic Arrogance

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Arctic Arrogance on Sunday at Belmont Park had his second workout with blinkers, and trainer Linda Rice indicated the equipment is achieving the desired effect as he prepares for a start in the Grade 3, $250,000 Withers Stakes on Feb. 4.

Starting at the half-mile pole, Arctic Arrogance worked six furlongs in 1:15.12 under jockey Jose Lezcano. Artic Arrogance started outside of the three-time winning 4-year-old Leddy, reached the wire about 1 1/2 lengths in front of that workmate, and continued on through five furlongs in 1:01.84 and six furlongs in 1:15.12 while being asked some by Lezcano.

“When you ask him to leave, he leaves another horse instead of staying with his friends,” Rice said when asked if the blinkers are helping.

Rice is likely to add blinkers to Arctic Arrogance’s equipment for the Withers, a race run at 1 1/8 miles. Arctic Arrogance finished second to Lugan Knight in the Jerome, though he looked poised to go on by that horse in the lane but didn’t.

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Lezcano, who has ridden Arctic Arrogance in all of his races, has been aboard the colt for both of his workouts in blinkers.

“He’s more in the bridle with the blinkers,” Lezcano said. “Before he needed company to be there. He’s more focused with the blinkers.”

General Banker, winner of the Great White Way division of the New York Stallion Stakes and third-place finisher in the Jerome, worked a half-mile in 49.65 seconds Sunday morning. Trainer Jimmy Ferraro said General Banker is likely to run in the Withers.

The Withers, which offers 40 qualifying points (20-8-6-4-2) drew 21 nominations. Trainer Brad Cox nominated three, including Slip Mahoney, who won a maiden race by a head Saturday over Crupi. Those two horses, whose finished 15 lengths clear of the third-place finisher, each earned an 87 Beyer Speed Figure.

While the Withers may be unlikely being it’d be back in two weeks, Cox indicated a race like the Grade 3, $300,000 Gotham here on March 4 may be possible.

Slip Mahoney, a son of Arrogate out of the Grade 1 winner Get Lucky, is owned by Al Gold.

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