Breeders' Cup Clocker: Brazilian Quarteto de Cordas works over turf

Churchill Downs

Weather: Clear

Temp: 44

Track: Fast

Turf: Firm

LOUISVILLE, KY. - The grass course was open for business during training hours at Churchill Downs on Tuesday, but the only trainer opting to take advantage of the opportunity was Ian Wilkes, who sent out his Breeders’ Cup Turf hopeful, the Brazilian-raced and -bred Quarteto de Cordas, to breeze in company shortly before 10 a.m.

Quarteto de Cordas, who has yet to race in this country, was one of only two potential Breeders’ Cup starters to work Tuesday at the host site, along with Warrior’s Club, a candidate for either the Dirt Mile or Sprint.

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Partnered up and working inside he unraced 3-year-old Always Cool and with Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard, Quarteto de Cordas broke off at the five-eighths pole and covered the five furlongs over the firm ground in 1:03.87 around the dogs, which were set well out on the course. The team went on even terms throughout, posting splits of 26.64 and 39.73 along the way before completing the average-looking work by galloping out six furlongs in 1:18.28, both under pressure to the wire.

Warrior’s Club was the first worker over the main track immediately after the renovation break, breezing an easy but relatively quick half-mile in 24.23, 48.58. Wearing blinkers, he finished within himself and with his ears up at the wire. He did ease up rather abruptly shortly after completing the drill, which is typical for workers from the barn of trainer D. Wayne Lukas.