Dr Post works like a Kentucky Derby horse
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Dr Post worked five furlongs in 1:01.34 on Friday morning over Saratoga’s main track, after which trainer Todd Pletcher stopped just short of committing him to the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs.
“I thought he worked great – steady breeze, strong gallop-out – the kind of work we’ve come to expect from him,” Pletcher said. “Right now, he’s training like a horse you’d have to strongly consider for the Derby.”
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Dr Post worked inside of Basin, with the pair going their opening three furlongs in 36.77 seconds, according to Daily Racing Form clocker Mike Welsch, and getting their last quarter in 24.57. Dr Post galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.81 and seven furlongs in 1:26.24.
It was Dr Post’s second work since he finished third to Authentic in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth. Prior to that, Dr Post finished second to Tiz the Law in the Belmont Stakes.
Pletcher will likely need to find a new rider for Dr Post. Irad Ortiz Jr. rode Dr Post in the Belmont and to a win in the Unbridled Stakes at Gulfstream before then. Ortiz will not be going to Churchill Downs, according to his agent, Steve Rushing, electing to remain in Saratoga to finish out the meet.
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Pletcher said no decision has been made on a rider for the Derby.
Money Moves, another talented 3-year-old trained by Pletcher, worked four furlongs in 48.41 in company with the older colt En Wye Cee. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:00.73. Money Moves is under consideration for the Jim Dandy and the Pat Day Mile, also on Sept. 5. The Kentucky Derby has not been entirely ruled out, though Pletcher said he and the owners “haven’t had any real serious conversations about it.”
Pletcher did say that Happy Saver, who was expected to work Saturday, would run in the Jim Dandy. Happy Saver is 2 for 2.