Wicked Strong likely to work within next week

ELMONT, N.Y. – Wicked Strong has not worked since his fourth-place finish June 7 in the Belmont Stakes, but that likely will change next week, according to trainer Jimmy Jerkens.

"I've just been trying to charge him up a little after the Belmont," Jerkens said Sunday while schooling three horses in the paddock prior to the day's races. "I think it's working. He's doing good. I'll work him in a week, maybe before."

Jerkens plans to take the Jim Dandy-Travers route with Wicked Strong, who won the Wood Memorial before finishing a traffic-troubled fourth in the Kentucky Derby.

Wicked Strong was in contention throughout the Belmont Stakes but lost position entering the stretch and was beaten 1 3/4 lengths by Tonalist. Remarkably, he seemed to regain his best stride late and was surging at the finish.

"I was disappointed after the Belmont," Jerkens said. "He ran 1 1/2 miles, and the way he cooled out made me wonder if he had given all he has. He's easily distracted, a hard horse to figure out."

Wicked Strong likely will meet Tonalist again in the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy. The 1 1/8-mile race will be run July 26 at Saratoga.

Jerkens mentioned he would at some point like to try Wicked Strong on the turf.