Imperial Hint nearing first work back

Imperial Hint could have his first breeze since the Breeders’ Cup as early as next week, trainer Luis Carvajal Jr. said Wednesday from Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Fla.

“Maybe an easy three-eighths,” Carvajal said. “He has been back training a few weeks, looking good, doing good.”

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Imperial Hint, owned by retired New Jersey businessman Ray Mamone, is arguably the most accomplished horse currently stabled at Tampa. The Florida-bred 5-year-old horse was third as the favorite in the Nov. 3 BC Sprint at Churchill Downs and surely will be one of three finalists in the 2018 sprint category when Eclipse Award voting closes Jan. 2.

Carvajal said the six-furlong Pelican on Feb. 16 at Tampa is the targeted comeback spot, followed by the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen on March 30.

“You are always day to day, but that is the plan,” he said.

Imperial Hint, by Imperialism, won 4 of 6 starts in 2018, including two Grade 1 wins. Overall, he is 12 for 19 with earnings of nearly $1.6 million.