Tonalist breezes five furlongs in prep for Jim Dandy Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – Tonalist, the Belmont Stakes winner, continued preparation for his upcoming start in the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes on July 27 by breezing five furlongs in 1:02.02 Sunday morning over Belmont Park’s main track.

Tonalist, working in company with regular workmate Life in Shambles, worked from the half-mile pole to a furlong past the wire. According to Daily Racing Form’s Mike Welsch, Tonalist started two lengths in front through a quarter in 25.78 seconds, and the two finished on even terms before Tonalist galloped out slightly in front through six furlongs in 1:15.78.

“Nice maintenance work with Life in Shambles, regular deal, started slow, finished well,” trainer Christophe Clement said.

Life in Shambles, third in the Easy Goer Stakes last time out, is being pointed to the Curlin Stakes at Saratoga on July 26, the day before the Jim Dandy.

A few weeks ago, Clement indicated he would likely ship Tonalist to Saratoga well in advance of the Jim Dandy. On Sunday, Clement said if the weather stays the way it is on Long Island, he likely would keep Tonalist here for one more work next weekend.

“He’s doing very well here. The weather’s beautiful,” Clement said. “If it gets warm and humid, I might ship him up there a bit earlier. Otherwise, I’ll probably work him back here next weekend and then go to Saratoga.”

Asked to assess Tonalist a month after his win in the Belmont Stakes, Clement said, “He’s doing great, a little bit bigger than what he should be two works before the race, but he’s very good mentally.”

Also working early Sunday morning for Clement was Discreet Marq, his Grade 1-winning New York-bred turf mare, who went four furlongs in 49.70 seconds over the main track. She is pointing to the Grade 1 Diana Stakes on July 19.