Sheer Drama's work tips the scales toward Ogden Phipps

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer David Fawkes had been on the fence as to whether to ship Sheer Drama to Belmont for the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps next Saturday or just await the Delaware Handicap, a race she won for her first Grade 1 victory last July.

But Fawkes was on the fence no longer after watching Sheer Drama work five furlongs in 59.32 seconds and gallop out six furlongs in 1:12.80 on Thursday at Gulfstream Park.

“I thought she went great, finished well,” said Fawkes.

Fawkes said he would talk with owner Harold Queen about sending Sheer Drama to the Phipps, “but as far as I’m concerned, we’re coming after this work.”

Sheer Drama won the Grade 1 Madison at Keeneland going seven furlongs to open the season before finishing third as the favorite in the Grade 1 La Troienne at Churchill Downs on May 6.

“I just don’t think she really likes the track there at Churchill,” said Fawkes, who will drive the van that will bring Sheer Drama to New York this weekend.

Along with Sheer Drama, the field for the Ogden Phipps is expected to include Carrumba, Cavorting, Curalina, Forever Unbridled, and Stopchargingmaria, with Big Book and By the Moon listed as probable.

Cavorting worked four furlongs in 48.40 on the training track Thursday at Belmont Park.