Point of Honor works slow five furlongs for Alabama

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Though Point of Honor worked significantly slower than expected Friday morning, trainer George Weaver did not seem too concerned as he prepares his filly for the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama Stakes next Saturday.

Point of Honor, runner-up to Guarana in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks here on July 21, worked five furlongs in 1:05.82 early Friday morning over the Oklahoma training track. Javier Castellano was aboard for the move, which went in splits of 14.00, 27.40, and 40.64, so she got her last quarter in 25.18.

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“Javier asked her to pick it up down the lane and she was responsive,” Weaver said. “Javier seemed to be happy with her. I’m going to rely on the feedback from him. She does not need to work fast and I didn’t expect her to work fast. Probably was thinking she might go a little better than 1:05, but essentially her first eighth was 14 and change and the rest of it was good.”

Weaver noted that Point of Honor had a slow half-mile work in 50 seconds before she won the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan in May.

Point of Honor is likely to be second choice in the Alabama behind Mother Goose winner Dunbar Road. Others pointing to the Albama include Afleet Destiny, Champagne Anyone, Lady Apple, Street Band, Ulele, and possibly Classic Fit.