Game Winner shines in blinkers-on work

ARCADIA, Calif. – It was only a half-mile workout, but for Game Winner it was significant – he wore blinkers for the first time since last year, and he looked terrific working in company according to trainer Bob Baffert.

Game Winner’s half-mile workout Friday at Santa Anita in 48.40 seconds – he galloped out five furlongs in 1:01 and change – was his first work since he finished sixth across the wire in the Kentucky Derby.

“He looked really good today,” Baffert said. “He was moving really well, like it was nothing for him.”

Martin Garcia worked Game Winner in company outside an unidentified stablemate, and blinkers did the trick. Baffert is looking for more speed from Game Winner, who dropped far off the pace in the Kentucky Derby, lost ground throughout, and missed by 3 3/4 lengths.

“For some reason, he was losing contact,” Baffert said. “For some reason, his speed was gone.”

Game Winner wore blinkers in his 2018 career debut, took them off for his next start, and finished the year 4 for 4 including the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. His campaign in 2019 has been frustrating, though Game Winner has run well in all three starts.

He finished second by a nose in his comeback in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, and second by a half-length in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.

Baffert said the Grade 1 Travers Stakes on Aug. 24 at Saratoga is the summer objective for Game Winner. Where he preps and who rides remain unanswered. Joel Rosario was the regular rider for Game Winner, but Baffert and owner Gary West decided Game Winner would have a new rider for his next start.

As for a prep race, Baffert would only say: “I have something mapped out. We’re far off.”

Also on Friday, Baffert-trained Santa Anita Derby winner Roadster worked a solo half-mile in 1:00.40 under Garcia. It was his third work since finishing 15th in the Kentucky Derby. Roadster and stablemate Mucho Gusto were nominated to the Grade 3 Affirmed on June 16 at Santa Anita.