Lady Eli’s workout switched to dirt

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Chad Brown worked his usual arsenal of turf horses Sunday morning at Belmont Park, but Lady Eli was not among them. Believing the turf course was too firm for Lady Eli’s liking, Brown had her work a half-mile on dirt, covering the distance in 48.87 seconds in company with Strict Compliance, winner of the Penn Oaks.

Lady Eli, undefeated in five career starts including the Wonder Again Stakes on May 31, is a definite starter for the $1 million Belmont Oaks on July 4, while Strict Compliance and Consumer Credit, third in the American Oaks at Santa Anita last out, also are possible.

Among those who did work on the turf Sunday for Brown were Takeover Target and Startup Nation, second and third to Divisidero in the Pennine Ridge Stakes, who went a half-mile together in 50.05. Both are being pointed to the $1.25 million Belmont Derby on July 4.

Brown has made plans for many of his filly and mare turf stakes horses. Watsdachances, winner of the Grade 3 Gallorette at Pimlico on Preakness Day, is headed to the Grade 2, $200,000 Dance Smartly on July 5 at Woodbine. Testa Rossi, winner via disqualification of the Endeavour Stakes at Tampa, is pointing to the Grade 3, $200,000 James Penny Memorial on July 4 at Parx Racing. Danza Cavallo, who worked a sharp five furlongs in 1:00.84 in company with Testa Rossi on Sunday, is going to the Grade 3, $150,000 Modesty at Arlington on July 11. Kenzadargent, who won the Miss Liberty at Monmouth on May 25 is headed back to the Jersey Shore for the Grade 3, $100,000 Eatontown on June 27.