Clocker: Imperative solid in Classic workout

Santa Anita
Main track: Fast
Weather: Clear
Temperature: 67

ARCADIA, Calif. – It was another perfect morning Thursday for training at Santa Anita, but the action was limited when it came to Breeders’ Cup workers. Only Classic contender Imperative and stablemate Mr. Sexy (on the outside looking in for the Sprint and Turf Sprint) breezed over a racetrack that seems to have been on the dull side over the last several days. Both are trained by George Papaprodromou, and they worked together.

IMPERATIVE (six furlongs in 1:12.21) – With exercise rider Mary MacDonald aboard, Imperative broke off two lengths behind Mr. Sexy and settled into a nice, easy rhythm, tracking his stablemate through a 25.11-second opening quarter-mile. Imperative inched within a length of his target while picking up the pace entering the turn, then drew on even terms approaching the stretch.

[bc_video_id:339984:]The duo continued along as a team to the wire, with Imperative putting his head in front nearing the line while never asked to extend himself. He completed his final quarter in 24.34 and his final half in 47.10. The pair galloped out side by side, with Imperative completing seven-eighths in 1:26.04.

This was not a flashy move by any means, but it was efficient and a solid prep for the daunting task he’ll face in the Classic.

Imperative was joined on the track by a handful of other Classic contenders, all of whom had easy mornings, including Moreno , who was scheduled to have his final serious prep Friday. Candy Boy, Prayer for Relief, Majestic Harbor, and Footbridge were among the other Classic gallopers Thursday.

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Recent arrivals Palace and Pants On Fire got a chance to stretch their legs for the first time Thursday. Palace galloped an easy 1 1/4 miles while accompanied by a member of the Tom Proctor stable. Palace ducked in momentarily nearing the eighth pole while getting acquainted with his new surroundings but quickly straightened away and continued on without further incident before pulling up on the clubhouse turn.

Prayer for Relief was one of four Dale Romans trainees on the track Thursday, along with Danny Boy, Flying Tipat, and the Juvenile Fillies prospect Cristina’s Journey. Cristina’s Journey made a very favorable impression during her routine gallop.

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Moreno’s was not the only important Breeders’ Cup work scheduled for Friday. Defending Dirt Mile champion Goldencents also was slated to breeze then.