Winchell Thoroughbreds' Pyro, impressive winner of the Feb. 9 Risen Star Stakes (gr. III) at Fair Grounds, worked Feb. 18 at the New Orleans track and had to avoid a loose horse in the process.
With Dominic Terry aboard, Pyro completed the five-furlong workout in 1:05 3/5. According to track officials, Pyro had to avoid a loose horse about midway through his workout. The time would have been significantly faster were it not for the distraction of the loose horse, officials said.
“Dominic didn’t hear the announcement (of the loose horse by the clockers) because of the wind,” said trainer Steve Asmussen, who watched the workout from horseback near the grandstand, “but the outriders let him know. (Pyro) went outside and the loose horse stayed on the rail.”
Pyro’s stablemate, Z Fortune, also returned to the worktab a few minutes after Pyro. The grade III Lecomte Stakes winner worked five furlongs in 1:03 2/5 in his first timed effort since finishing second to Pyro in the Risen Star.
Both Pyro and Z Fortune will work again Feb. 25, Asmussen said. Pyro, by Pulpit, is the early favorite for the March 8 Louisiana Derby (gr. II) at Fair Grounds.