Damon's Mound has first work since joining Mott's barn

Damon’s Mound, a three-time stakes-winning sprinter who has been away from the races for 10 months, is now with trainer Bill Mott.

Damon’s Mound had his first workout Oct. 12, going three furlongs in 38 seconds over the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga.

“I like him, very nice horse, looks great, moving well,” Mott said. “He’s had time off, so he’s a fresh horse coming back. He’s won some nice races.”

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Previously trained by Michelle Lovell, Damon’s Mound won the Grade 2 Saratoga Special in 2022, and then the Robert Hilton Memorial and Grade 3 Gallant Bob as a 3-year-old. He has not run since finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita on Dec. 26.

Mott said Damon’s Mound won’t likely run until sometime in 2025.

Castellano to return Thursday

Jockey Javier Castellano, sidelined since Aug. 30 when he suffered a fractured hand in a spill at Saratoga, is scheduled to return to race-riding on Thursday at Aqueduct, agent P.J. Campo said Friday.

Campo said Castellano was to be named on three horses during the draw that was to take place Friday.

Castellano has been getting on horses for the better part of the last week and on Saturday was scheduled to work Breeders’ Cup Juvenile contender Ferocious at Keeneland.

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