Saratoga: Lezcano falls off Bold Warrior in work

Bold Warrior worked three furlongs in 36.50 here Friday in preparation for his expected start next week in the Curlin Stakes. Unfortunately, he was scheduled to breeze seven furlongs, but nearly halfway through the work, midway around the turn, Bold Warrior’s rider, Jose Lezcano, suddenly fell off. Luckily, Bold Warrior was picked up quickly by the outrider and returned to the barn none the worse for wear. Lezcano was also uninjured and completed all his assignments on Friday’s opening day program.

“The stirrup snapped out of the saddle,” trainer Allen Jerkens said. “But he came back fine. I’ll take him to the paddock tomorrow, and we’ve still got plenty of time to work him again before the race. He’s pretty fit though.”

Bold Warrior has won his last two starts after finishing second in his career debut this spring at Belmont.

“His last race was good, but he had everything his own way,” Jerkens said. “I think he’ll go long, but there is always some doubt, and the proof is in the eating. But he has beautiful motion, and what I really like is that when you ask for the next gear, he’s instant with it.”