Ewing back on work tab after maiden romp
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Ewing was back on the work tab Thursday for the first time since launching his career with a sensational 12-length maiden special weight victory here earlier this month, breezing four furlongs over the main track in 48.64 seconds. Trainer Mark Casse implored his rider via walkie-talkie to slow the speedy 2-year-old down throughout the work.
“I had the kid on the radio, I’m always talking in their ear, and I think there were at least four ‘whoas’ and two ‘easys’ during the course of the work,” Casse said with a laugh a short while later. “It was just supposed to be a maintenance work. I definitely didn’t want him going too fast.”
Ewing, a son of Knicks Go, was bet to 1-5 for his debut and ran to that backing, quickly opening a clear lead before steadily widening his advantage over his four overmatched rivals. His final time of 1:04.42 for 5 1/2 furlongs earned him an 88 Beyer Speed Figure.
Casse is currently targeting the Grade 2 Saratoga Special going 6 1/2 furlongs on Aug. 2 for Ewing’s next start.
“I don’t know how much was in there the first time, but he did it the right way, ran fast, and looked like he had more in the tank at the end,” Casse said of Ewing’s eye-catching debut. “He’s a beautiful-moving horse, and I don’t think he necessarily has to be on the lead next time. Our goal is to get him to settle and eventually go two turns. We’ll obviously find out a lot more – if he’s a man or a boy – in this next one.”
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