Independence Hall has solid work in Pegasus prep

ARCADIA, Calif. – Michael McCarthy is hoping that Jan. 23 is Independence Day.

After a sharp six-furlong workout here at Santa Anita on Saturday, McCarthy on Sunday morning said Independence Hall was set to head to Florida to compete Saturday at Gulfstream Park in the Pegasus World Cup, a race McCarthy won two years ago with City of Light.

Independence Hall sped six furlongs in 1:12.60, the best time of eight at the distance. It was his second work since finishing fifth most recently in the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita on Dec. 26.

The Malibu was his second start for McCarthy. Independence Hall won an allowance race for him at Del Mar in November when making his first start in seven months and since being relocated from the East Coast. Independence Hall finished fifth in last year’s Florida Derby, when trained by Michael Trombetta, before going to the sidelines. That race, like the Pegasus, is at 1 1/8 miles.

“He breezed very well yesterday,” McCarthy said. “I wish he’d have had a more ideal prep in his last race, but he’s done everything right since.”

Flavien Prat will ride Independence Hall in the Pegasus. Prat also rides Say the Word for trainer Phil D’Amato in the Pegasus Turf.