Tale of S'avall misses workout, still on target for Juvenile

ELMONT, N.Y. – Breeders' Cup Juvenile hopeful Tale of S’avall missed a workout scheduled for Sunday due to some tenderness in his frogs – the bottom part of the foot that acts like a shock absorber – trainer Barclay Tagg said Sunday morning.

Tagg said he still plans to take the horse to Keeneland on Monday with the idea of running in the Juvenile.

"His frogs are a little tender, but he's dead fit," Tagg said. "His last work was very good. Personally, I don't think [missing] this work will make a bit of difference to him."

Tale of S'avall galloped Saturday but just walked Sunday. He will fly to Kentucky early Monday.

Tagg did work Highland Sky, who was expected to draw into the body of the Juvenile Turf. Highland Sky, a troubled fourth in the Pilgrim Stakes, worked a good-looking half-mile in 48.07 seconds Sunday over the Belmont turf course.

Under jockey Cornelio Velasquez, Highland Sky went his first eighth in 12.69 and his final three furlongs in 35.38.

“Barclay said let him work along because we’re probably not going to be able to do much when we get down there,” said Robin Smullen, Tagg’s assistant, who noted the midweek weather forecast calls for rain. “I thought it was a great work.”

Highland Sky won his debut at Saratoga by 1 1/2 lengths Sept. 5. In the Grade 3 Pilgrim, he had to steady and go six wide. He then drifted in in midstretch, had to alter course, and was beaten 1 1/4 lengths.

In other Breeders’ Cup works

Trainer David Jacobson worked four of his Breeders’ Cup horses.

At Aqueduct, Salutos Amigos worked a half-mile in 49.73, while Stallwalkin’ Dude went three furlongs in 38.50 in preparation for the Sprint.

At Belmont Park, Room for Me (Filly and Mare Sprint) breezed four furlongs in 52.60, and Joe Franklin (Turf Sprint) went three furlongs in 37.40 over the training track.