Street Sense Blazes 5 Furlongs in :57 2/5 at Churchill

James Tafel’s Street Sense, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), turned a few heads at Churchill Downs Thursday morning, breezing five furlongs in a bullet :57 2/5, in preparation for his return in either the Haskell Invitational Handicap (gr. I) or grade II Jim Dandy Stakes, the more likely spot of the two.

“I was a little surprised he worked that fast, but we were looking for a good work out of him, and that’s what we got,” said Ian Wilkes, assistant to trainer Carl Nafzger, who is vacationing in Alaska. “He did it easily, he pulled up good, and he wasn’t stressed out, which is the most important thing. And he came home faster than he started. I got his last quarter in :22 3/5."

Street Sense, who was clocked galloping out six furlongs in 1:09 4/5, was ridden, as usual. by regular rider Calvin Borel. “Calvin said the track was a little fast, and he was just clicking it off and doing it easy," Wilkes said. "He was very happy with him and was over the moon when he came back. The horse has gotten a lot stronger now and is holding his weight. The time off has really helped him.”

Wilkes said he’s been unable to reach Nafzger, who is scheduled to return on July 22, one day after Street Sense leaves for Saratoga. “When I talk to him I’ll tell him the horse worked in 1:04,” Wilkes kidded.

Wilkes indicated that a decision will be made on Street Sense’s return race after Nafzger arrives at Saratoga.

With Curlin, Hard Spun, and most likely Any Given Saturday heading for the Aug. 5 Haskell, the consensus opinion is that Street Sense will prep for the Travers (gr. I) in the July 29 Jim Dandy, but that will not be an easy spot either, with Wood Memorial (gr. I) winner and Dwyer runner-up Nobiz Like Shobiz and Tiz Wonderful pointing for the 1 1/8-mile race at Saratoga.

Street Sense, who was beaten a head by Curlin in the Preakness (gr. I), passed the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) to freshen up for the Travers.