Liam’s Map among Pletcher’s Breeders’ Cup workers

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Led by an “outstanding” move from Dirt Mile favorite Liam’s Map, trainer Todd Pletcher worked five of his Breeders’ Cup pre-entries on Thursday at Keeneland.

Liam’s Map, with jockey Javier Castellano aboard, worked a solo five furlongs immediately following the maintenance break in 1:01.16 on Daily Racing Form clocker Mike Welsch’s watch, galloping out strongly in 1:13.68 for six furlongs.

“I thought it was outstanding,” Pletcher said. “Got into a very steady rhythm, was very relaxed, very comfortable. I told Javier to let him pick it up a little bit the last part on the radio, and he just really lengthened his stride, leveled off, and looked good finishing. Thought he galloped out exceptionally well.”

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Indeed, Liam’s Map got the final quarter of his work in 23.32, according to Welsch.

The front-running Liam’s Map is coming into the Dirt Mile off a 4 3/4-length victory in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes. Prior to that, he was second to Honor Code in the Grade 1 Whitney, just caught at the wire after making the early pace.

“Part of what he does, as you saw in the Woodward, almost in the Whitney, is he’s got a high cruising speed,” Pletcher said. “If you don’t go with him, you’re in trouble, and if you go with him, you’re in more trouble.”

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Pletcher also worked two of his three Breeders’ Cup Distaff pre-entries. Spinster Stakes winner Got Lucky worked in 48.61 in company with Zambian Dream, and Curalina worked in 47.98 in company with Race Day. Pletcher was particularly pleased with Curalina’s work, saying the filly has thrived at Keeneland. Curalina is coming off a second to Wedding Toast in the Grade 1 Beldame at Belmont.

“She continues to handle the track really well,” Pletcher said. “Looks good, her appetite’s been great, and she’s actually put on a couple of pounds since the Beldame.”

The 2-year-old turf runners Azar and Thrilled worked in company, going in 48.12 and 48.42 on the main track.

“They both went very well,” Pletcher said. “I thought for horses that have run only on the turf so far in their careers, they both handle the dirt here really well. It was a good, energetic breeze from both of them.”