Tale of S’avall catches stablemate in breeze

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Barclay Tagg said he pre-entered two horses Monday in the Breeders’ Cup, but both of them, Tale of S’avall (Juvenile) and Highland Sky (Juvenile Turf), were on the bubble to get into their races.

That pair worked five furlongs in company Monday morning, with Tale of S’avall going in 1:00.40 and Highland Sky in 1:01.40.

Tale of S’avall, under Cornelio Velasquez, started about five lengths behind Highland Sky, moved within three lengths after three furlongs in 37.20 seconds, took some dirt, and finished well under encouragement to get on even terms with Highland Sky at the wire. Tale of S’avall galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.80 and seven-eighths in 1:28.40.

“I was shocked that he caught that horse,” said Robin Smullen, assistant to Tagg. “I thought Cornelio left him too much to do. I thought it was a good work. I was really pleased with him.”

Tale of S’avall won his debut at Saratoga and then finished fifth in the Grade 1 Champagne. He was in danger of being put on the preference list if more than 14 horses were pre-entered in the Juvenile.

Meanwhile, Highland Sky won his debut at Saratoga and had a horrible trip when fourth in the Pilgrim Stakes. The Juvenile Turf almost always oversubscribes, so he could be in danger of not making the cut as well.

– additional reporting by Mike Vesce