Saratoga: Work turns into race for Caleb’s Posse

Trainer Don Von Hemel was looking for a nice easy move from Caleb’s Posse, who was working Friday for the first time since winning the Amsterdam Stakes here on Aug. 1.

Von Hemel got more than he bargained for when Caleb’s Posse joined in with two other horses during the move, which was timed in 48.58 seconds over the Oklahoma training track.

Central City, the runner-up from last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, broke off at the five-eighths pole and went by Caleb’s Posse, who was about to start his breeze at the half-mile pole. According to Von Hemel, Caleb’s Posse was five or six lengths behind Central City before catching up to him by the middle of the turn. Turning for home those two mixed in with another horse who was working.

“We probably got a little more out of the work than I had planned, so we can do a little less next week probably,’’ Von Hemel said. “He likes to run horses down.’’

Von Hemel got a much easier half-mile in 50.22 seconds from Alternation, the Peter Pan Stakes winner who is preparing for the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs on Sept. 10.