World Approval sharp in Maker's 46 work

World Approval, the reigning champion male turf horse, worked a sharp five furlongs in 1:00.95 over the turf course at Palm Meadows on Friday morning in preparation for a start in the Grade 1, $300,000 Maker’s 46 Mile at Keeneland on April 13.

World Approval worked in company with the stakes-winning filly Let It Ride Mom, getting a final quarter in 24.29 seconds and galloping-out six furlongs in 1:14.20.

“The plan was to put a good, strong work in him today and it sounds like that’s what we got,” said Mark Casse, who was not at Palm Meadows on Friday.

World Approval finished fifth in the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita on March 10. Casse said World Approval needs to be in the race earlier than he was in the Kilroe. World Approval got off to a slow start in Kilroe under Flavien Prat, who was riding him for the first time.

John Velazquez, aboard for three of World Approval’s victories last year including the Breeders’ Cup Mile, will be back aboard for the Maker’s 46.

Flameaway, the Tampa Bay Derby winner, also worked Friday, breezing a half-mile in 48.80 seconds in company with Salty. Flameaway is pointing to next Saturday’s Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.