Temperatures rising, 2-year-olds working

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Temperatures in the mid-60s on Tuesday in the New York area were not the only sign that spring is around the corner.

On Monday, a couple of 2-year-olds had their first recorded workouts at Belmont Park.

Diva Ready, a 2-year-old filly by More Than Ready, and Speak Unity, a 2-year-old colt by Union Rags, went three furlongs together in 38.22 seconds.

Both 2-year-olds are owned and bred by George Strawbridge and trained by Jonathan Thomas.

Thomas said both horses would be considered for either dirt or turf. Speak Unity is a full brother to Talking, a Thomas-trainee who won first out on the turf.

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“The way he breezed, he handled the dirt pretty well,” Thomas said.

The first 2-year-old dirt races on this circuit are scheduled for Belmont Park on April 22, for fillies, and April 23, for males. The first juvenile turf races are May 6 and 7.

Meanwhile, Nicky the Vest, who Thomas is pointing to the Wood Memorial on April 3, worked a half-mile in 48.82 seconds by himself over the Belmont training track on Monday.