Haskell Invitational (gr. I) winner Coil , one of the probable favorites for the Aug. 27 Travers Stakes (gr. I), worked six furlongs Aug. 17 at Saratoga.
With regular rider Martin Garcia aboard, Coil hit the main track with his workmate Saddleranch, who was ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan. After a brief warm-up, both galloped up to the backside.
Saddleranch broke off first, eventually pulling well in front of Coil, who chased comfortably to the turn. When the two headed for home, Coil gradually made his way up to the outside, pressed closer when passing three horses to his outside, and then crossed the finish line virtually on even terms and galloped out well.
Clockers caught Coil in 1:13.06 and Saddleranch, a nominee to the Aug. 27 Foxwoods King’s Bishop Stakes (gr. I), in 1:14.18.
“He worked great,” Bob Baffert’s assistant Jim Barnes said. “Bob wanted him about five lengths back. When they started, it was more like three and Martin let him settle, and it (became) more like seven. He got him right at the wire.”