The Lumber Guy Wears Patch for Wood Drill

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Photo: Jim McCue

The Lumber Guy

Undefeated The Lumber Guy, recently outfitted with a patch for a quarter crack, zipped five furlongs in 1:01 3/5 March 25 over the training track at Belmont Park in preparation for the $1 million Resorts World Casino Wood Memorial (gr. I).

Barry Schwartz’s undefeated homebred would be making only his third career start in the 1 1/8-mile Wood, which is April 7. His Belmont drill was the second fastest of 14 moves at the distance.

“He worked well this morning,” said trainer Mike Hushion of the gray New York-bred. “We’re still looking at the Wood. He’s probably going to run.”

Hoof specialist Ian McKinlay repaired the quarter crack earlier this week, said Hushion. The colt sustained a grabbed quarter on his left front hoof during his 4 ¼-length victory in the Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel Park Feb. 25.

“He had a little glitch, but he’s back on schedule, and right now, we’re going to give (the Wood) a try,” said Hushion.

The Lumber Guy has not raced around two turns previously. He was a front-running 9 ¼-length winner of his debut at Aqueduct Jan. 28. The Grand Slam colt’s 1:10.20 for the six furlongs earned him a 90 Beyer Speed Figure.

“I’d rather take a mini-step first time two turns, but we’re talking about the Wood so sometimes you do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do,” said Hushion. “His race in Maryland was pretty straightforward. He came out of the gate, stumbled, took off, and said goodbye.”

A rider has yet to be determined, said Hushion.

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