Bolt d'Oro puts in first work for Asmussen

Bolt d’Oro, whose form collapsed in the Kentucky Derby and the Metropolitan Handicap, had his first work for trainer Steve Asmussen on Friday morning when he went an easy half-mile in 52.60 seconds over the Saratoga training track.

Bolt d’Oro’s most recent start was the Met Mile, where he faded after pressing the pace and finished last of 11. At odds of 8-1, Bolt d’Oro struggled home 12th of 20 in the Kentucky Derby.

Bolt d’Oro, an Eclipse award finalist for champion 2-year-old of 2017, finished second in his 3-year-old debut to McKinzie in the San Felipe Stakes but was placed first in a controversial disqualification. He ran a strong enough race finishing second to subsequent Triple Crown winner Justify in the Santa Anita Derby before going off form.

Mick Ruis owns Bolt d’Oro and trained him through the Met, but turned the colt over to Asmussen in July.