Next gets back to work

Marathon specialist Next returned to the work tab with a three-furlong move in 37.40 seconds last Saturday at Turfway, his first work since finishing last of 14 in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 2.

Prior to cutting back in distance and stepping up in class in the Classic, Next had won seven consecutive races, ranging in distance from 1 3/8 miles to 1 3/4 miles, by a combined 91 3/4 lengths. Trainer Doug Cowans has indicated his intention to return Next, now 7, to marathon company this season. The past two years, the gelding has started his season in the Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby week.

Despite another winter storm in Kentucky upending its weekday cards, Turfway Park said that it expects no changes to its Friday and Saturday programs.

Due to snow on Wednesday morning followed by extreme cold, Turfway moved Wednesday’s program to Sunday and canceled Thursday’s card.

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