Zayat Stables' Paynter tuned up for the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) Oct. 14 with a five-furlong work in 1:00 under jockey Martin Garcia, who will ride the son of Awesome Again in the 1 1/4-mile race at Santa Anita Park Nov. 2.
Paynter is coming off a solid second-place finish to Mucho Macho Man in the Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I), and trainer Bob Baffert said the colt is coming into the Classic in top form.
"He looked really good," Baffert said. "He looked like the Paynter we know. He worked in company with Den's Legacy , breaking off from the 4 1/2-furlong pole. I got him going a half in :47, out three-quarters in 1:13."
Paynter also has a second-place finish in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar and an allowance victory since returning from a near-fatal illness.
Baffert also will saddle Game On Dude in the Classic, and said he will work the 6-year-old Oct. 15.