Lookin At Lucky took a major step toward a starting berth in the $1 million Izod Haskell Invitational (gr. I) Aug. 1, working six furlongs in 1:12 3/5 at Santa Anita July 10. The work was the third-fastest of 13 at the distance.
With jockey Martin Pedroza aboard, Lookin At Lucky had a workmate to run at. After an easy half in :49 he came home very fast, galloping out seven furlongs in 1:25 2/5. One of the clockers caught him going his final quarter in about :23 flat.
“I loved what I saw,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He needed to get a good stiff work in him and he did it effortlessly. He looks to be right back on schedule. If there are no bumps in the road we’ll be back at Max’s Hot Dogs.”
Lookin At Lucky missed about a week’s worth of training after coming down with a fever. The son of Smart Strike returned from the illness to work an easy half-mile in :49 2/5 July 5.
Last year's champion male 2-year-old has banked more than $2.1 million while winning seven of 10 starts. In additon to the Preakness, he registered grade I triumphs in the CashCall Futurity, Norfolk Stakes and the Del Mar Futurity in 2009.
