After breezing a brisk four furlongs in :46.15 Aug. 10 on the Saratoga main track, trainer Bob Baffert confirmed that Haskell Invitational (gr. I) winner Coil is “a go” for the Aug. 27 Travers (gr. I).
In his first work at Saratoga and his first work since the July 31 Haskell, Coil broke off behind workmate Saddleranch, a speedy 3-year-old Vindication colt who romped by 4 1/2 lengths in a July 23 allowance race at Saratoga and is being pointed to the Foxwoods King’s Bishop (gr. I) on Travers day.
With Shaun Bridgmohan up, Coil caught Saddleranch after they went the opening quarter in :22 3/5 and finished just ahead of his stablemate, who was clocked in :46.51 over the fast track. Coil galloped out five furlongs in about :59, Baffert said.
Coil's time was the fastest of 15 works at the distance the morning of July 10.
“He went nice. I was looking for him to go about :48 but the track was pretty quick this morning,” Baffert said. “He didn’t look like he was going that fast; he did it easy. That’s how he works. I wanted him to break off behind Saddleranch. He’s still a little green and loses focus in the stretch. We’re still teaching him. I wanted him to get used to the surroundings here.
“(The Travers) is a go as long as he keeps doing what he’s been doing.”
Coil, by Point Given , won the Haskell by a neck for his third win in four starts this year. Baffert could also be represented by West Virginia Derby (gr. II) winner Prayer for Relief in the $1 million Travers.
Baffert also confirmed Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Plum Pretty will likely go in the Alabama (gr. I) Aug. 20 after working a strong six furlongs in 1:11 4/5 over the main track.
