Improbable possible for Pennsylvania Derby

DEL MAR, Calif. – Improbable is possible for the Pennsylvania Derby, but no immediate starts are known for Game Winner nor Roadster, trainer Bob Baffert said in providing an update on his 3-year-olds who all earlier this year ran in the Kentucky Derby.

Improbable, in his first start since the Preakness, won the Shared Belief on Aug. 25 at Del Mar. Baffert said he was nominated to the Pennsylvania Derby, but no decision had been made on whether he would run there. He worked a half-mile in 48.40 seconds on Tuesday morning at Del Mar.

Roadster worked a half-mile in 49.40 seconds on Aug. 31, his first drill since July 28. He is several works away from a race.

Game Winner, who missed the Travers after taking ill, has not returned to the track for training and has been merely walking at Baffert’s Del Mar barn.

All were headed to Santa Anita this week to continue their training.

In addition to Improbable, Baffert on Tuesday at Del Mar also worked his top older horse McKinzie, who went five furlongs in 1:00.40, equaling the fastest time of 14 at the distance. He is coming off a win in the Whitney at Saratoga and is scheduled to make his next start in the Grade 1 Awesome Again on Sept. 28 at Santa Anita.

Gomez exercise rider of the meet

Humberto “Beto” Gomez, best known as the exercise rider for Triple Crown winner Justify, was honored by Del Mar as the exercise rider of the meet. This is the third time the annual award has been given out.

According to Luis Jauregui, local safety steward for the California Horse Racing Board, the winner is chosen by the morning outriders to recognize a rider who emphasizes safety and horsemanship. Gomez is employed by Baffert.

Back to Dubai for Albadwawi

Most horsemen at Del Mar this summer were headed north when the meet ended. Ali Albadwawi was headed east. Way, way east.

Albadwawi, an assistant in Dubai to trainer Erwan Charpy, spent his summer here working with and observing Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella.

“Sheikh Mohammad and Meydan Race Course sent me to get more experience with the horses,” Albadwawi said. “I liked it. I like Richard. He taught me how he breezes the horses, how he gallops them, and I learned from the farrier, too.”

Albadwawi had a quick answer when asked who his favorite horse was to work with this summer. “Omaha Beach,” he replied.