Close Hatches resumes training for Breeders' Cup Distaff

ELMONT, N.Y. – Close Hatches, fourth as the 1-5 favorite in Sunday’s Grade 1 Spinster at Keeneland, returned to the track Thursday, jogging a mile around the Belmont Park main track under Leanna Willaford.

“She feels great, couldn’t fault her,” said Willaford, assistant to trainer Bill Mott. “She’s happy. Sometimes they have an off day like the rest of us. I have a lot.”

Close Hatches, who had won three Grade 1 stakes this year before the Spinster, arrived back at Belmont from Keeneland on Tuesday and had a walk day Wednesday. Her connections will train her with the idea of running her in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

Close Hatches will remain at Belmont along with Mott’s other possible Breeders’ Cup runners, such as Cigar Street (Classic), Emollient (Filly and Mare Turf) and Seek Again (Mile).