Tommy Jo's next target will likely be Alcibiades, Pletcher says
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Trainer Todd Pletcher said Sunday that, if all goes well, it will be on to the Grade 1 Alcibiades at Keeneland on Oct. 3 for his undefeated 2-year-old filly Tommy Jo, following her 6 1/2-length victory over the previously unbeaten Percy’s Bar here less than 24 hours earlier in the Grade 1 Spinaway.
The Spinaway was a Win and You’re In qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar on Oct. 31. Tommy Jo is a homebred daughter of Into Mischief owned by Spendthrift Farm.
“I talked to Eric Gustavson [owner and president of Spendthrift] and Ned Toffey [general manager for Spendthrift] and they said if everything is good and everyone is happy, we’ll go to Keeneland for her final Breeders’ Cup prep,” said Pletcher, who won the Spinaway for a record seventh time.
The 1 1/16-mile Alcibiades would be a natural progression for Tommy Jo, following her one-sided victories going six furlongs in her career debut and seven panels in the Spinaway. She received an 85 Beyer Speed Figure for her maiden win and matched that Saturday after completing the distance in 1:23.39 over a fast track.
Tommy Jo was ridden to victory in the Spinaway by Kendrick Carmouche. John Velazquez was aboard for her debut win, but took off to ride Fierceness to victory later that afternoon for Pletcher in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic.
“I was happy with her performance and the way she came out of the race,” Pletcher said shortly after training hours on Sunday. “I thought her debut was very impressive, she trained very well in between, and I think this last performance was even better than the first. So far, I love everything she has done and the way she’s been doing it. And the way she trains, finishes her works and gallops out, gives me confidence she’ll handle more distance without any problem.”
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