Malathaat, Nest work a half-mile in company

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Malathaat, last year’s 3-year-old filly champion, and Nest, arguably the leader of this year’s 3-year-old filly division, made intriguing workmates Friday morning at Saratoga as both prepare for upcoming stakes engagements later in the meet.

Malathaat, with John Velazquez up, and Nest, with Amelia Green aboard, went a half-mile together in 49.57 seconds over the main track and went out five furlongs in 1:02.34, six furlongs in 1:15.07, and seven furlongs in 1:29.42.

“It seemed like they were looking to do the same type of work,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “They’re both kind enough where I didn’t have to worry about them overdoing it.”

It was the first work for both fillies since their last starts. Malathaat finished second in the Grade 3 Shuvee on July 24, while Nest won the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks by 12 1/4 lengths the previous day. Malathaat is pointing to the Grade 1 Personal Ensign on Aug. 27, while Nest is likely to make her next start in the Grade 1 Alabama on Aug. 20, though the Travers remains a possibility.

“Right now, we’re focused on the Alabama,” Pletcher said.

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Malathaat wore blinkers for the first time in the Shuvee and though she didn’t wear them in Friday’s workout, she will wear them in the Personal Ensign where she is expected to be rematched with Clairiere, who has beaten her in both the Phipps and the Shuvee this year.

“I’m pretty sure she appreciates having them on,” Pletcher said. “The last race, I think it was going wrong before we got out on the track. She wasn’t herself in the paddock, she seemed irritated, lethargic. She’s done very well since then. Draw a line through it and try again. She seemed like her old self today.”

Pletcher also sent out Charge It for a five-furlong workout in preparation for a start in the Grade 1 Travers on Aug. 27. Charge It, working by himself, went five furlongs in 1:01.72, a last quarter in 24.10 seconds with a gallop-out of 1:14.90 for six furlongs and 1:28.00 for seven furlongs.

“I thought it was very good, I liked the way he galloped out, seems to be moving very well,” Pletcher said. “Two more works to go but we’re on course.”

Pletcher said he has not made a final decision on who will ride Charge It in the Travers. Luis Saez was his regular rider but John Velazquez rode him to a 23-length victory in the Grade 3 Dwyer on July 2. Saez rode Americanrevolution in the Grade 2 Stephen Foster Stakes that day.