The Puma has first work since Haskell
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. − The Puma, the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby winner who most recently finished fourth in the Grade 1 Haskell, had his first workout in Saratoga on Thursday morning, going five furlongs in 1:02.11 over the main track.
The Puma is pointing to the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Aug. 29.
Jockey Javier Castellano, The Puma’s regular rider, was aboard the colt for the first time since he worked him on April 18 at Gulfstream Park. Working by himself Thursday, The Puma went in splits of 13.03 seconds, 25.28, 37.28 and got his last quarter in 24.83. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.75 and seven furlongs in 1:29.32.
“He worked good, I liked it, nothing fancy just a maintenance work,” Castellano said. [Trainer Gustavo Delgado] wanted me to go slow this time since, first work back since the Haskell.”
The Puma has been in Saratoga since July 19, the day after he finished fourth in the Haskell, his first start since he was beaten a nose in the Florida Derby. The Puma was scratched from the Kentucky Derby due to some inflammation and an infection. Delgado noted how much travel The Puma has done since shipping from Florida to New Jersey and then to Saratoga.
“Castellano liked the work because it was very easy,” Delgado said. “Galloping out, he was very, very good. Remember, it was his first work after the Haskell. I told Castellano he didn’t need to do too much.”
Delgado said The Puma will have two more works before the Travers.
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