Magnitude sizzles in serious work for Whitney

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. − Magnitude, the Grade 1 Stephen Foster winner, put in his most serious workout since that June 27 race on Saturday as he drilled an eye-catching five furlongs in 1:00.04 over the Oklahoma training track, punctuated by a serious gallop-out in six furlongs in 1:12.72, seven furlongs in 1:25.39 and a mile in 1:39.07.

Magnitude, who worked in company with Tiztastic, was ridden in the work by Jose Ortiz, who was also aboard for a much easier move last weekend.

“He was excellent, honestly,” Ortiz said. “He did everything [trainer] Steve [Asmussen] wanted. If Steve’s happy, I’m happy.

“Today we were looking to do a little bit more than last week and he did it,” Ortiz added. “He was there for me on the gallop-out. I let him do a little bit more today and he responded well. He came back in good order.”

Asmussen was indeed happy.

“He’s a really good horse,” Asmussen said. “I guess that’s how he’s made $9 million, right?”

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