Instagrand signals readiness with fast work

DEL MAR, Calif. – Stakes winner Instagrand, whose scheduled comeback last month was rained out at Belmont Park, has relocated with the rest of trainer Don Chatlos’s runners to Southern California and should be in action soon, based on the fast workout he recorded at Del Mar on Saturday morning.

Instagrand flew through five furlongs in 59.80 seconds, the best time of 13 at the distance. He won the Best Pal Stakes here in 2018 as a 2-year-old.

“He’s ready,” Chatlos said Sunday morning.

Instagrand has not raced since finishing eighth in the Pat Day Mile on Derby Day at Churchill Downs. He made his first five starts for Jerry Hollendorfer. He has yet to race for Chatlos, who trains privately for the OXO Equine Stable of owner Larry Best.

Chatlos also has the filly Brill, who is a couple of works into a comeback. She worked three furlongs in 34 seconds here on Saturday. Brill has not raced since finishing fourth in the Victory Ride at Belmont on July 5.

“Not sure where she’ll run. Like Bobby Frankel said, get the horse ready first, then look for a spot,” Chatlos said.

Brill was freshened at the Fair Hill training center with Bruce Jackson. Chatlos said that Rowayton, fourth most recently in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens at Saratoga, also has been sent to Jackson.

“Turned him out, give him a break, get him ready for the new year,” Chatlos said. “Bruce did a great job with Brill at Fair Hill. That’s why we sent Rowayton to him, too.”