Seize the Grey works with next start still undecided

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Preakness winner Seize the Grey worked five furlongs in 59.64 seconds Monday morning over the Oklahoma training track, his first work back since his disappointing fourth-place finish in the Jim Dandy here July 27.

Track clockers caught Seize the Grey in splits of 11.81, 23.47, 35.22, 59.64, and caught him galloping out six furlongs in 1:13.90.

“He had a little bellyache last time, but he’s come full circle and did the job today,” trainer D. Wayne Lukas said. “That was with an exercise rider sitting up there, perched on him. That’s the first work since the race, he’ll have a couple more. They’re getting their heads together a little bit this week. I don’t have all the votes. I’ll go wherever they want to go.”

Seize the Grey’s ownership group, which now includes Gainesway Stable after buying his breeding rights, was expected to get together this week in Saratoga to discuss the options for Seize the Grey. Those options include the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers here Aug. 24, the Grade 1, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 21 at Parx Racing, and the Grade 1, $1 million California Crown Stakes on Sept. 28 at Santa Anita.

By virtue of his win in the Preakness, Seize the Grey is eligible for a $5 million bonus if he is able to win the California Crown and early next year the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, typically run the last Saturday in January.

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