Lion Heart Among 3-Year-Olds to Work in California

Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith's grade I winner Lion Heart, in preparation for his probable start in the April 3 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), worked one mile in 1:42 2/5 in company with stablemate Tarkovsky March 22 on Santa Anita Park's fast main track.

The son of Tale of the Cat, who finished second to Imperialism in the March 6 San Rafael Stakes (gr. II) in what was his first career defeat, had regular rider Jean Claude in the irons for the move.

"It was good," trainer Patrick Biancone said. "He's moving forward and getting better every day. He's learning how to relax, and when he starts getting strong, comes back easier when (Jean Claude) asks him to"

Biancone indicated Lion Heart will work again March 28.

The conditioner also reported that Gotham Stakes (gr. II) runner-up Pomeroy came out of the March 20 race in top condition and will arrive back at his Southern California base March 23.

"We'll give him a couple of days, see how he is, and then start thinking about where he'll run again," Biancone said.

Other notable 3-year-olds who worked March 22 were Turf Paradise Derby winner Mambo Train, who logged five furlongs in 1:01 1/5. According to trainer Marcelo Polanco, the Everest Stables' runner will start in either the March 28 WinStar Derby at Sunland Park or wait and try his luck in the Santa Anita Derby.

Fellow WinStar Derby hopefuls Consecrate and Teton Forest were also out for works, and both logged times of :59 for five furlongs. The Bob Baffert trainees are expected to ship to New Mexico later in the week.

Baffert also sent Totally Platinum, sixth in the El Camino Real Derby (gr. III), out for a five-eighths work, which he accomplished in 1:00 2/5.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) runner-up Minister Eric, third in his sophomore debut in a 6 1/2-furlong downhill turf allowance race March 13, went five furlongs in 1:03 2/5 in company with stablemate Minister Blair.

Across town at Hollywood Park, Quintons Gold Rush went six furlongs in 1:14 4/5 for trainer Mike Mitchell. The chestnut son of Wild Rush finished fourth in the San Rafael and is expected to make his next start in the Santa Anita Derby.