Winchell Thoroughbreds' Sabercat returned to the worktab March 26 at Oaklawn Park with plans on running in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (gr. I) next month.
Working in company with stablemate Unbridled's Note, both Steve Asmussen trainees were clocked in 1:01 4/5 for five furlongs in their first drills since finishing unplaced in the March 17 Rebel Stakes (gr. II). Sabercat finished 8th in his first start of the year, while Unbridled's Note faded to last after setting the pace.
"They both breezed really good," said assistant trainer Mitch Denison. "Sabercat has settled in and is happy. He's made steady improvement, and it shows in his training. Unbridled's Note has been training great and working with Sabercat seems to make him better."
Sabercat, by virtue of his win in the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot (gr. III) in November, has plenty of earnings for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), but will be expected to show an improved performance in the Arkansas Derby.
Prior to the Rebel, Sabercat was based at Santa Anita Park.
