Napoleon Solo has first work since second-place finish in Haskell

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. − Napoleon Solo was back on the work tab for the first time since his second-place finish 18 days ago in the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park. The two-time Grade 1 winner breezed an easy half-mile in 48.76 seconds per Daily Racing Form shortly after sunrise over the main track Wednesday at Saratoga.

With jockey Emily Ellingwood aboard, Napoleon Solo posted an opening quarter-mile split of 24.40 seconds, finished without being asked, then punctuated the move with a long and strong gallop-out. He completing five furlongs in 1:01.79 and six furlongs in 1:24.68, before easing up a mile in 1:43.79.

“A typical first work after a race,” trainer Chad Summers said. “He worked without blinkers and we have him go as slow as we can and let him gallop-out as far as he wants. And he’s the kind of horse who gets himself ready very quickly off of his works.”

Summers said at the moment he is “leaning towards” bringing his Preakness winner back in the Grade 1 Travers on Aug. 29.

“There have been conversations about the race with the ownership group, but we’ll have a better idea after a more serious work next time. Exactly what day that might be I’m not sure yet,” Summers explained. “Up here, you kind of work around the weather and by working today it gives us options if there are weather related issues next week.”

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