McCarthy works Rushie, Speech for Keeneland stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – The cancellation of the San Diego County Fair, which traditionally precedes the Del Mar race season and whose dates make for a frenetic turnaround before the meet begins, has afforded both the track and trainers a chance to settle in here far earlier than usual. One of the first to arrive and take advantage of the schedule was Michael McCarthy, who not only is preparing for the meet that begins Friday, but also was able to give some of his stakes runners a pair of works before important out-of-town engagements this week.

On Sunday, he put his 3-year-old colt Rushie and 3-year-old filly Speech through their final drills in advance of major stakes races at Keeneland.

Rushie, third to the highly-regarded pair of Honor A. P. and Authentic in the Santa Anita Derby four weeks ago, worked five furlongs in 1:00.40 for next Saturday’s Grade 2, $600,000 Blue Grass Stakes, which offers 170 points overall and 100 to the winner toward a potential berth in the Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5. The time equaled the second-fastest of 33 works at the distance Sunday.

“He went fantastic,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy was similarly impressed with Speech, who flew through a half-mile in 47 seconds, the fastest time of 69 works at the distance. Speech, most recently second in the Santa Anita Oaks, will cut back in distance and compete Friday at Keeneland in the Grade 3, $100,000 Beaumont Stakes over the Beard Course of seven furlongs and 184 feet.

Javier Castellano will ride both Rushie and Speech. Both runners are scheduled to fly to Kentucky on Tuesday.

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Both Rushie and Speech got to Del Mar last month in time to work twice here after relocating from Santa Anita. They were not alone. There were 138 workers at Del Mar on Sunday morning. When coming on the heels of the fair, there are usually only a handful of works the weekend preceding the launch of the meet.

Also Sunday at Del Mar, where works were confined to the main track, Blitzkreig went a half-mile in 48.80 for Doug O’Neill in his first drill since his upset victory last month in the Grade 3 American at Santa Anita. Dogtag, recent winner of the Possibly Perfect at Santa Anita, went five furlongs in 1:00.40 for Richard Mandella. Del Mar turf-course specialist Sedamar went a half-mile in 48 seconds for Shelbe Ruis. She was second most recently in the Fran’s Valentine at Santa Anita and is nominated to the $65,000 Osunitas Stakes for older female grass runners next Sunday.