Tenpins moved closer to his 2003 racing debut with a strong seven-furlong workout Tuesday at Churchill Downs. The Michigan-bred son of Smart Strike breezed the distance in 1:26.60 over a fast track under regular rider Robby Albarado.
The 5-year-old last raced in November when he finished fourth in the Clark Handicap (gr. II) at Churchill Downs. He suffered a bruised foot in that race that was slow to heal which kept him off the track.
"I was more impressed with him today because he's gotten a little kinder," said trainer Don Winfree. "It used to be he'd blaze early no matter what you did, but now he's kind of getting to where he'll relax and wait for you to call on him. He's still got the speed in there when you need it, but it's good to be able to use it when you want to."
Winfree had hoped to run Tenpins at Churchill Downs before the close of the Spring Meet, but he said the horse needs at least one more work before he returns to racing.
Tenpins first start back could come in the July 26 Salvator Mile (gr. III) at Monmouth Park.
