Ten Most Wanted Returns to Action with Easy Work

Belmont Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Ten Most Wanted returned to the work tab Thursday for the first time since his Belmont Stakes (gr. I) place effort on June 7, going a half-mile in :48 3/5 over Hollywood Park's fast main track.

The move, with regular work rider Bruno Delgadillo in the saddle, was the 17th fastest of the 31 who went four furlongs on the morning.

"It was a nice, easy work, just what I was looking for," trainer Wally Dollase said.

The bay son of Deputy Commander is on track to make his next start in the July 13 Swaps Stakes (gr. II) over his home track, Dollase confirmed. Originally Dollase also had considered $1 million Haskell Invitational Handicap (gr. I) at Monmouth Park on Aug. 3, but opted for the Swaps for the Kentucky-bred colt..

"One of the owners wanted me to run in (the Haskell)," Dollase said. "But he told me I had to do what was best for Ten Most Wanted. It's just better overall for him to stay home. It's not as hot and humid here as it will be the first week of August there and this race is five weeks from the Travers when that one is only three."

Ten Most Wanted finished three-quarters of a length behind Empire Maker in the Belmont after a troubled ninth-place finish in the May 3 Kentucky Derby (gr. I). He won the Illinois Derby (gr. II) on his way to the Run for the Roses and also finished third in the El Camino Real Derby (gr. III). From seven starts, Ten Most Wanted has won twice with two seconds and a third for earnings of $573,460.