Workaholic back with fillies in Cicada Stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Owner Jim McIngvale has a constant presence at the New York Racing Association since his stallion Runhappy is a title sponsor for many big races on this circuit as well as its televised racing programs.

On Saturday, McIngvale will have another equine interest at the Big A, as he and trainer Laura Wohlers plan to run Workaholic in the $100,000 Cicada Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

Workaholic, a daughter of Sky Mesa, has spent the bulk of the winter running at Turfway Park, which uses a synthetic surface. Wohlers believes Workaholic is better on dirt, and the six-furlong distance of the Cicada, for 3-year-old fillies, was attractive to her.

“We think she’s a little better at six furlongs and a little better on dirt, and we like NYRA,” Wohlers said.

Workaholic is coming out of a third-place finish in an allowance against older males at Mahoning Valley on March 9. Wohlers said she was simply looking for a six-furlong dirt race to prep for the Cicada.

“She didn’t make the break,” Wohlers said. “It wasn’t our preferred spot to run against older males, but we felt she’d get much more out of a race than she would training.”

Jockey Cory Orm, a winner of 411 races from 4,121 mounts, will make his New York debut in the Cicada aboard Workaholic.

A field of eight was entered for the Cicada, including Fangirl, Forgotten Hero, Gracetown, Guacamole, Miss Imperial, Stonesintheroad, and Two Dozen Roses.