Gutierrez ponders next move for Letruska

Letruska, the undisputed leader of the national filly-mare division through the first half of 2021 and the top candidate for the Nov. 6 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar, has been thriving in the relative quiet of Keeneland in Lexington, Ky., while trainer Fausto Gutierrez ponders her next start.

While the Grade 1 Personal Ensign on the Aug. 28 Travers card at Saratoga is the presumed next race for Letruska, Gutierrez told podcaster Ron Flatter this week that he wants to “check the results of the Shuvee first” before proceeding. The Grade 3 Shuvee will be run next Sunday, July 25, at Saratoga.

:: Bet the races with confidence on DRF Bets. You're one click away from the only top-rated betting platform fully integrated with exclusive data, analysis, and expert picks.

Letruska has not had an official breeze since a 5 3/4-length romp in the June 26 Fleur de Lis at Churchill, but Gutierrez said that is by design.

“She likes to gallop every day strong,” he told Flatter. “She will go in 58” seconds if permitted to work five furlongs. “I wish the Breeders’ Cup was tomorrow.”