Fast work propels Liveyourbeastlife into Preakness

ELMONT, N.Y. – Liveyourbeastlife, runner-up in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy, worked five furlongs in 59.97 seconds Thursday morning at Belmont Park, after which trainer Jorge Abreu confirmed the 3-year-old son of Ghostzapper would be supplemented to the $1 million Preakness on Oct. 3 at Pimlico.

Because he is not Triple Crown nominated, Liveyourbeastlife would have to be supplemented to the Preakness for a $25,000 fee. Abreu said owner William Lawrence has indicated a willingness to do that.

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Liveyourbeastilife, working outside of New York-bred allowance horse Freaky Styley, broke off at the half-mile pole and went his first quarter in 23.55, hit the wire a short head in front in 46.79, and went his last eighth in 13.18.

Noting the quick time of the work, Abreu said: “That’s something he never did before, so we’re going to take a shot. He breezed well enough.”

Prior to his second-place finish to Mystic Guide in the Jim Dandy, Liveyourbeastlife won a first-level allowance race by 2 1/4 lengths going 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga. Abreu believes stretching out in distance has been key for Liveyourbeastlife.

“He didn’t show much early on, but every jockey that rode him never came back with a negative comment about him,” Abreu said. “They always said he wants to run longer. He’s a horse that’s a little weird. Sometimes he’ll break and take himself back. The past two races he’s been wanting to go [closer] to the lead.”

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At the half-mile pole of the Jim Dandy, Liveyourbeastlife, under Junior Alvarado, got shuffled back to last before coming with a run, falling a half-length short.

“Junior admitted to me he lost position at the half-mile pole,” Abreu said. “If he could have kept him forwardly placed he probably could have won the race. He gave him too much to do.”

Abreu said he is hopeful of having Alvarado ride him in the Preakness.