Time and Motion will run in Noble Damsel

ELMONT, N.Y. – It has been a trying year for trainer Jimmy Toner when it comes to Time and Motion, a Grade 1 winner a year ago. Several setbacks, most recently a foot abscess, have limited Time and Motion to just three starts this year.

Following a satisfactory workout on Sunday at Belmont, Toner said Time and Motion would run in Saturday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Noble Damsel Stakes for fillies and mares at one mile over Belmont’s Widener turf course.

Time and Motion, with jockey Jose Lezcano up, worked a half-mile in 48.96 in company with the 3-year-old New York-bred maiden winner Cool as You Like. It was Time and Motion’s first breeze since Aug. 28.

Toner said Lezcano “felt it was much better than the last breeze.”

“She didn’t seem to get tired,” Toner said. “If I didn’t run I’d have to wait another month to the Athenia. I’m just trying to get back in the game a little bit.”

Time and Motion is winless in three starts this year and has not run since a third-place finish in the Grade 3 Modesty Handicap at Arlington Park on July 8.

Others expected for the Noble Damsel include Celestine, Madame Stripes, Sassy Little Lila, and either Light in Paris or Off Limits. Stormy Victoria is also possible.