Itsmyluckyday was one of three top 3-year-olds trained by Eddie Plesa Jr. to work at Calder Casino & Race Course March 9, breezing an easy mile in 1:46 flat as he continues preparation for the $1 million Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park March 30.
"He went perfect," said Plesa, who also breezed sophomores Speak Logistics and Brave Dave at Calder Saturday morning. Working Itsmyluckyday a mile "lets him stretch his legs and he gets a little more out of going longer. He's been right on schedule since the Holy Bull."
A son of Lawyer Ron purchased for $110,000 at the OBS March 2-year-old sales, Trilogy Stable and Laurie Plesa's Itsmyluckyday won the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) in his most recent start Jan. 26 by two lengths over Shanghai Bobby . The previously undefeated Eclipse champion 2-year-old is training up to a rematch in the Florida Derby for trainer Todd Pletcher at Palm Meadows.
Itsmyluckyday, who will be among the favorites for the Florida Derby, kicked off his 2013 campaign with a sharp victory in the Gulfstream Park Derby Jan. 1. The dark bay colt will take a lifetime record of 5-1-1 in nine starts with earnings of $425,600 into his biggest race.
Plesa also has Hardaway Stables' 3-year-old Speak Logistics breeze a half-mile in :49 2/5 Saturday morning in preparation for his next start.
"He also finished really well," said Plesa. "We're going to take him to New York and give him a chance in the Wood Memorial (gr. I)."
The $1 million Wood Memorial, at 1 1/8 miles, is April 6 at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Speak Logistics is a son of High Cotton purchased for $62,000 at the OBS April 2-year-old sales. He finished third last out in the $400,000 Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) at Gulfstream Feb. 23, beaten seven lengths by Orb . That followed a troubled fourth-place effort in the Sam Davis Stakes (gr. III) at Tampa Bay Downs Feb. 2 in his 3-year-old debut.
Also posting a workout for Plesa Saturday morning was David Melin and Laurie Plesa's Brave Dave, who breezed an easy three furlongs in :38 1/5. It was the first recorded workout for the Florida-bred son of Put It Back since a disappointing sixth-place finish behind Merit Man in the Spectacular Bid Stakes at six furlongs on New Year's Day at Gulfstream.
"He was simply tired after that race." said Plesa. "He had been running steadily up to that point and just needed a break, but it's time to start back with him now."
Brave Dave had won four of six starts with one second prior to the Spectacular Bid. Three of his victories came in stakes events beginning with the Sapling Stakes (gr. III) last summer at Monmouth Park.
Itsmyluckyday
Coady Photography