War of Will fires another bullet for Pennsylvania Derby

ELMONT, N.Y. - War of Will, the Preakness winner, drilled five furlongs in 59 seconds Saturday morning over the Belmont Park training track, his third consecutive bullet workout in preparation for the Grade 1, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx on Sept. 21.

Working over a good track shortly after the track opened at 8:45 a.m. following the renovation break, War of Will, under exercise rider Amy Mullen, broke off at the half-mile pole and went his opening quarter in 23.58 seconds. He completed a half-mile in 46.50 and then went an eighth past the wire in 12.40 seconds. War of Will continued out six furlongs in 1:11.87 and seven furlongs in 1:25.58.

“She just sat on him,” said Jamie Begg, assistant to trainer Mark Casse. “I think he looked like he went easier this week than last week. I think he likes it when it’s a little wet. He cooled out like nothing.”

Last week, War of Will worked five furlongs in 59.59 seconds over the Saratoga main track, galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.7 and seven furlongs in 1:26.47.

War of Will has not started since he finished fifth in the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 27.