Lady Eli impresses in drill

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The undefeated Lady Eli took a big step toward her improbable return to the races with a strong half-mile workout Sunday over the Belmont Park turf course.

Lady Eli went a half-mile in 48.29 seconds in company with Grey Stark. While Lady Eli did get a little hot – it was a very warm morning, and she was in the last of three sets – she showed more enthusiasm and grabbed a hold of the bit more aggressively than she had in her two previous works.

Trainer Chad Brown thought it was a solid move.

“She had a lot more in the tank this week,” Brown said. “She’s coming along nicely. She was looking to do more.”

Lady Eli has not run since winning the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks last year. She survived a case of laminitis to return to the work tab last winter. Brown had to stop on her after Lady Eli developed some tendon inflammation but now appears to have her going in the right direction.

It is still undecided when Lady Eli will return to the races, though Brown said the $100,000 De La Rose here on Aug. 6 would not be her return race.