Wicked Strong gets serious for Whitney

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Wicked Strong, last year’s Jim Dandy Stakes winner, worked five furlongs in 1:00.19 over Saratoga’s main track Thursday in preparation for the Grade 1, $1.25 million Whitney Stakes on Aug. 8.

Equipped with blinkers and working at 9:30 a.m. – 45 minutes after the track reopened after renovation – Wicked Strong went his first quarter in 24.69 seconds and got his final three furlongs in 35.50. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.67 under regular exercise rider Kelvin Pahal.

Trainer Jimmy Jerkens said Thursday’s move “was more businesslike” than last week’s slower half-mile over the Oklahoma training track.

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Luis Saez will ride Wicked Strong in the Whitney.

Jerkens said Travers winner V. E. Day would be ridden by Junior Alvarado in the Whitney.

Two fire bullets for Test

Take Charge Brandi, last year’s champion 2-year-old filly, and By the Moon, last year’s Grade 1 Frizette winner, both put in quick workouts Thursday in preparation for the Grade 1 Test on Aug. 8.

Take Charge Brandi, working on the Oklahoma training track, went five furlongs in 1:00.94, the fastest of seven moves at the distance.

By the Moon, working on the Saratoga main track, went five furlongs in 59.05 seconds, the fastest of 18 moves at the distance.