Coal Battle breezes for Briley

Rebel winner Coal Battle emerged from a Wednesday breeze in good order and was scheduled to return to the track Saturday, said trainer Lonnie Briley. The horse went a half-mile in 49.40 seconds.

“He worked that real easy half and he was smiling about it,” Briley said. “He’s doing good, feeling great.”

Briley said he is still determining whether Coal Battle will run back in the Arkansas Derby or await the Kentucky Derby.

Publisher, who was a close fourth in the Rebel, has remained at Oaklawn with plans for his next start to be determined, said trainer Steve Asmussen.

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Tiztastic, who was fifth in the Rebel and third in the Southwest, has shipped to Fair Grounds, said Asmussen. He said the horse’s next start is undecided. Tiztastic was joined on the trip by Clever Again, who won a local maiden route with a Beyer Speed Figure of 87.

Benedetta, winner of the American Beauty at Oaklawn, is being pointed for the Matron, said Asmussen.

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