Ironicus sharpens for Bernard Baruch

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Ironicus, a tough-luck second to Grand Arch in the Grade 2 Fourstardave here Aug. 15, worked a sharp half-mile in 48.86 seconds Tuesday morning over the Oklahoma training track in preparation for a start in Monday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap.

The best part of the work was the gallop-out. Ironicus went five furlongs in 1:01.81 and six furlongs in 1:14.44.

“He went good,” trainer Shug McGaughey said. “He’s training really good. He had a real good breeze last week, too.”

The Fourstardave was at a mile. The Bernard Baruch is at 1 1/16 miles, which McGaughey thinks is a better distance for Ironicus.

Also pointing to the Bernard Baruch are All Included, Charming Kitten, Heart to Heart, Under Control, and Vyjack.

◗ On Tuesday, Joe Petrucione marked his 50th anniversary in Thoroughbred racing. Petrucione, now a clocker for the New York Racing Association, began his career in racing as a hotwalker for trainer Harry Trotsek on Sept 1, 1965, at Belmont Park and worked around that year’s 2-year-old champion filly, Moccasin.

Petrucione, 72, worked for trainer Arnold Winick and others and was around stakes-winning horses Hold Your Peace, Crafty Prospector, and Brunswick.

Petrucione credits his longevity in racing to Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens, who died earlier this year.

“He was my inspiration and true friend, and without him I wouldn’t be here,” Petrucione said.