Elate works toward BC Distaff

ELMONT, N.Y. – Elate, the multiple Grade 1-winning 3-year-old filly, worked five furlongs in 1:00.92 on Friday morning over the Oklahoma training track in Saratoga in preparation for her start in the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 3 at Del Mar.

Working by herself following the second renovation break, Elate was timed by Saratoga clocker David Norton in splits of 12.96 seconds, 25.05, 36.97, and she came home in 23.95. Norton had her galloping out six furlongs in 1:14.12, while trainer Bill Mott had her out seven furlongs in 1:28.

“The work was good, the gallop-out was excellent,” Mott said. “Her weight’s good, she looks good, we’re very happy with her.”

Mott has been working Elate by herself because he doesn’t think she needs a workmate.

“She’s been doing quite well on her own,” Mott said. “She does it all on the bridle. I don’t think she needs the company to encourage her to go.”

Elate will ship to Del Mar on Thursday and have one breeze over the track.

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Mott confirmed Friday that Ballagh Rocks, second in the Shadwell Turf Mile, would be pointed to the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Ballagh Rocks worked a half-mile in 50 seconds over the Churchill Downs main track Friday.

Capla Temptress, Mott’s runner in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, will work Sunday at Belmont and ship to California on Thursday with Elate.

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