Vino Rosso finishes strong in Breeders' Cup Classic work

ELMONT, N.Y. – Vino Rosso continues to train like a horse who will be a serious player in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 2 as he worked a solid five furlongs in 1:01.48 over the Belmont Park training track Friday morning.

Under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., Vino Rosso started a length behind You’re to Blame, and tracked that one through an opening quarter of 26.09 seconds. The pair was on even terms through three furlongs in 37.81 and Vino Rosso finished about a half-length in front through a final quarter in 23.67. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.73 and seven furlongs in 1:27.06.

“He’s certainly training like a horse that’s on the top of his game,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “Excited about the way he’s been training, pleased with the work today.”

Pletcher said he always felt that Vino Rosso, the 2018 Wood Memorial winner, had the chance to improve as a 4-year-old and he believes he’s seen that in his training.

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“He seems to never have a bad day and goes out there with a little more purpose than he did as a 3-year-old,” Pletcher said.

You’re to Blame is pointing to the Marathon at Santa Anita on Nov. 1 along with Marconi, who worked a half-mile in 48.22 seconds on Thursday in company with American Tattoo.

Coal Front, who is pointing to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, on Friday worked five furlongs in 1:00.94, with a final quarter of 24.76. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.78 and seven furlongs in 1:28.58.

Channel Cat, pointing to the Breeders’ Cup Turf, worked a half-mile in 49.28 seconds over the training track in company with the maiden Summer to Remember.