Five contenders for next weekend's Breeders’ Cup World Championships turned in their final works Oct. 21 at Keeneland.
Transduction Gold, pre-entered in Saturday’s $3 million John Deere Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. IT), worked five furlongs in 1:01.60 over the Keeneland Polytrack. Trainer John Glenney said it was not exactly the work he’d planned, but he reported that the 4-year-old son of Formal Goldhandled it all in stride.
“I wanted long fast gallops; we planned to go :14s all around,” explained Glenney, who is breeder and co-owner of the gelding with his wife, Kim. “But he’s his own horse and he spotted another horse in front and went after him. He looked great though, and was hardly blowing when I met up with he and the rider afterward. He looks like he didn’t even work. So I guess he’s ready.”
Glenney said Transduction Gold, who won Keeneland’s opening day Sycamore (gr. IIIT), will ship to Monmouth Oct. 24.
Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. IT) winner Purim worked five furlongs in :59.40 in his final move before the $2 million NetJets Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT). Trainer Tom Proctor plans to ship the 5-year-old son of Dynaformer to Monmouth Oct. 22.
“He went like a champion,” Proctor said. “We’re looking forward to going to Breeders’ Cup and having a little fun.”
Scott Hansen, assistant to trainer Bobby Frankel, was pleased with Precious Kitten’s final Breeders’ Cup work in which the filly went a half-mile in :48.60.
“Bobby wanted her to go in :48 and change, so that’s perfect,” Hansen said. “Not sure where she’s going right now but I’m going to call him and tell him she worked great.”
Precious Kitten, owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey, is cross-entered in the Breeders’ Cup Mile and $2 million Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT). The 4-year-old daughter of Catienus finished second to Vacare in Keeneland’s First Lady (gr. IIT).
Francois Parisel, trainer of record for the Breeders’ Cup horses pre-entered by trainer Patrick Biancone, sent out contenders Baroness Thatcher and Irish Smoke to bullet works at four and five furlongs, respectively.
Zayat Stables LLC’s Baroness Thatcher, third in Keeneland’s Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (gr. III), went four furlongs in :46.60. The move was matched by two other horses at Keeneland Oct. 21. The 3-year-old filly by Johannesburg is being pointed toward the Oct. 26 $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.
Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) contender Irish Smoke worked five furlongs in :58.40, the fastest at that distance for the day. The filly, owned by West Point Thoroughbreds Inc. and Lewis Lakin, suffered her only loss in Keeneland’s opening day Darley Alcibiades (gr. I).
