A Thread of Blue works for next Saturday's Jockey Club Derby at Belmont

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – A Thread of Blue, who upset the $1 million Saratoga Derby here on Aug. 4, worked a half-mile in 48.78 seconds Friday morning over Saratoga’s main track in preparation for a start in next Saturday’s inaugural $1 million Jockey Club Derby at Belmont Park.

Under exercise rider Rob Massey, A Thread of Blue went his opening quarter in 24.28 seconds and his final quarter in 24.50 while galloping out five furlongs in 1:02.96.

The Saratoga Derby was run at 1 3/16 miles. The Jockey Club Derby will be run at 1 1/2 miles.

“I think we were concerned about a mile and three-sixteenths last time and he did it very well,” trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said. “So, I see a similar situation next Saturday with not a lot of pace, so we should be able to go slow and finish.”

Entries for the Jockey Club Derby are to be taken on Monday. As of Friday, the expected field included Current, Henley’s Joy, Kadar, Pedro Cara, San Huberto, Social Paranoia, Spanish Mission, and Tone Broke.

The $750,000 Jockey Club Oaks, at 1 3/8 miles, will also be run next Saturday. Those expected for that race include Art of Almost, Desert Ride, Dyna Passer, Edisa, Love So Deep, Romantic Pursuit, Wonderment, and possibly Lady Prancelot.