Haikal works for return from long layoff

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Haikal, who won the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes in the spring, worked four furlongs in 50.90 seconds on Wednesday morning over the Belmont Park training track as he gets closer to a return to the races.

Haikal started five lengths behind a stablemate and made up all but one at the wire. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said the workmate, Qaabil, started too far in front at the beginning of the work.

Haikal finished third in the Wood Memorial and was scratched from the Kentucky Derby due to a foot injury. Haikal was originally supposed to just get a 30- to 45-day freshening after the Derby, but it turned into a longer layoff. He has worked seven times since Sept. 21.

“We’re getting there,” McLaughlin said. “He’s doing very well, we just have to pick out the right spot.”