Sahara Sky, nearing his first start since winning the Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) last spring, worked six furlongs in company Jan. 26 at Santa Anita Park for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.
The $200,000 Palos Verde Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 2 at six furlongs is expected to be the first start back for the 6-year-old son of Pleasant Tap. Sahara Sky worked in tandem with 4-year-old Joelito Sunday and both were timed in 1:13 3/5 handily.
The talented Sahara Sky has had published workouts on a weekly basis going back to early December. He posted six drills over the Santa Anita main track since Dec. 27, and the past three have been at six panels.
Hollendorfer, who owns the dark bay horse in partnership with Barretts Sales and Racing general manager Kim Lloyd, turned Sahara Sky out last August. He brought him back last year off a seven-month layoff to win the Palos Verdes by one length at 21-1 odds, clocking a flashy time of 1:07.73.
Sahara Sky went on to win last year's seven-furlong San Carlos (gr. II) at Santa Anita before finishing second to Swagger Jack in the Carter Handicap (gr. I) April 6 at Aqueduct Racetrack, also at seven furlongs. In capturing the Met Mile May 27 at Belmont Park, he rallied from last after a half mile to nose out Cross Traffic .
Martin Stables bred Sahara Sky in Florida out of the grade III-winning Storm Cat mare Seeking the Sky. With a lifetime record of 7-3-4 from 16 starts, he has earned $888,680.
Sahara Sky in the Metropolitan Handicap.
Coglianese Photos/Susie Raisher