Hofmans, P Val impressed with the way J P's Gusto works

Teaching J P’s Gusto to be a more patient 2-year-old has been a focus for trainer David Hofmans since the colt’s four-race winning streak ended with a second-place finish in the Norfolk Stakes on Oct. 2.

In a seven-furlong workout on Monday in preparation for the BC Juvenile, J P’s Gusto started four lengths behind a workout partner and finished four lengths in front.

“I liked that he relaxed off the other horse,” Hofmans said. “It looked like he galloped out very nicely.”

J P’s Gusto was timed in 1:26.80 under jockey Patrick Valenzuela, who was making a rare appearance for morning workouts.

“He settled very nicely,” Valenzuela said. “If we can get the right kind of race, we’ll get the money.”

J P’s Gusto has won 4 of 6 starts for Gem Stable, including the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity over seven furlongs on Sept. 8. In the Norfolk, J P’s Gusto led by a length with a furlong remaining and finished a length behind Jaycito, another candidate for the BC Juvenile.

Zenyatta goes easy

Zenyatta jogged a half mile and galloped a mile on Hollywood Park’s main track on Monday. She was scheduled to be exercised on the backstretch training track, but overnight rain left that course sloppy. The Cushion Track synthetic surface on the main track appeared to contain some moisture, but there were 97 recorded workouts.

Blind Luck tunes up

Blind Luck worked six furlongs in 1:12.20 on Sunday, preparing for the BC Ladies’ Classic on Nov. 5, when she is likely to be favored.

“She’s just shining right now,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said.

In other Breeders’ Cup works on Sunday, Champ Pegasus, who won the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Turf Championship on Oct. 9, worked seven furlongs in 1:26.80 for the BC Turf. Crown of Thorns, second in the Goodwood Stakes on Oct. 2, worked seven furlongs in 1:24.20 for the BC Dirt Mile.