Mandaloun continues to work toward Foster start

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mandaloun, the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner via disqualification, is gearing up for a possible run in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster on July 2 at Churchill. The 4-year-old Juddmonte Farms homebred has breezed here the last two Sundays, the latest a half-mile work in 49.20 seconds, in his first drills since finishing ninth in the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 26.

“He got delayed coming back to Churchill from Saudi, so we just wanted to be easy on him for a little while and get him back going,” said trainer Brad Cox. “We’ll start to get more serious in the next few weeks.”

:: Get Daily Racing Form Past Performances – the exclusive home of Beyer Speed Figures

Hot Rod Charlie is among the other older horses already eyeing the 1 1/8-mile Foster, a Win and You’re In for the Nov. 5 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland.

McPeek goes 3 for 3

One Saturday following a Kentucky Derby in which he sent out Smile Happy and Tiz the Bomb as the respective eighth- and ninth-place finishers, trainer Kenny McPeek enjoyed a perfect day by winning with all three of his starters.

:: Want to start playing with a $510 bankroll and have access to free Formulator? Learn more

McPeek won the Long Branch at Monmouth Park with his 3-year-old Dash Attack, then won with both starters on the Saturday night card at Churchill, Dunvegan Doll and Sonic City, both claimed out of their respective races as favorites.

“Good day at the office,” McPeek posted on Twitter. “Proud of the team.”