War At Sea just might make Del Mar Derby

War At Sea missed a start in the Grade 3 La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar on Aug. 7 because of a bruised foot, but has recovered well enough for the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby on Sept. 3 to remain a realistic goal, trainer Ron Ellis said on Friday.

War At Sea worked a half-mile in 48.40 seconds at Del Mar on Friday, his first major exercise since he worked six furlongs on turf in 1:16.20 on July 31. The bruised foot was detected after the July 31 workout. War At Sea stumbled during the workout, which led to a battery of precautionary tests.

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“It’s unfortunate he had that little stumble,” Ellis said. “We scanned him and x-rayed him. Everything came out negative.”

War At Sea may work only on dirt in advance of the $250,000 Del Mar Derby at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

“He worked like his old self,” Ellis said. “It looks like we’re good to go. He works really well on dirt.”

Owned by Doubledown Stable, War At Sea has won 3 of 8 starts, including the Cinema Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita on June 4. Cabo Spirit was second in the Cinema and won the La Jolla Handicap.