Liam's Map sizzles in five-furlong work

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Liam’s Map worked a very fast five furlongs Saturday in preparation for next Saturday’s Grade 1, $1.25 million Whitney Stakes. Trainer Todd Pletcher is not so sure that was a good thing.

Liam’s Map went in 58.42 seconds, going his first three furlongs in 34.03 over the Saratoga main track. Despite going so quick early, he got his final quarter in 24.49 seconds and galloped out six furlongs in 1:11.62 and seven furlongs in 1:25.17.

“It’s not what we would normally do seven days before a race,” Pletcher said. “Hopefully, it’s an indication he’s in really good form.”

Pletcher said he tried to communicate with exercise rider Norm Bush during the work to get him to slow down, but “for some reason, Nick couldn’t hear me on the radio.”

There were mitigating circumstances with the work. Liam’s Map and dozens of other horses came onto the track shortly after it reopened following the renovation break. Another horse who was working broke down inside the eighth pole and needed medical attention. It took about 10 minutes to get that horse loaded into the equine ambulance and vanned off.

Liam’s Map appeared to get a bit hot while waiting to get his work in.

“I thought he was getting a little excited while he was waiting with the sirens, and then he kind of calmed down, but you got to think that had him amped up a little bit,” Pletcher said.

Pletcher confirmed that Mike Smith will ride Liam’s Map in the Whitney.

Pletcher might run Coach Inge, the winner of the Grade 2 Brooklyn and third in the Grade 2 Suburban, in the Whitney as well. On Saturday, Coach Inge worked four furlongs in 50.20 seconds in company with recent purchase Tempermint Patty, the winner of the New York Oaks. Pletcher said he would talk with owner Mike Repole and see whether he wants to run.

“He ran a mile and a half and a mile and a quarter the last two times. We’re not worried about fitness, so I was happy with the work,” Pletcher said. “He was moving very well, did it very easily. I’ll talk to Mike and see what he wants to do.”

The draw for the Whitney is Tuesday. The race will feature seven Grade 1 winners: Moreno, Tonalist, Noble Bird, Wicked Strong, V. E. Day, Lea, and Honor Code.