Preakness (gr. I) runner-up Midway Road tuned-up for a scheduled run in the Ohio Derby (gr. II) on June 21 with a strong six-furlong work on Monday at Churchill Downs. William Farish's homebred son of Jade Hunter covered the distance for trainer Neil Howard in 1:13.20 over a "fast" track. Exercise rider Annie Finney was in the saddle for the breeze, which was the only move at the distance. "I'm very happy with it," said Howard. "It's the best he's ever breezed, to tell you the truth."
Howard said Midway Road relaxed nicely during the work, which was a big step forward for the colt. "He's starting to relax now," said Howard. "He got his first eighth (of a mile) in thirteen-and-two (fifths) and then he was just going from there in twelve, twelve and eleven-and-three. He used to be rank." Midway Road has a record of 3-1-1 in eight races and has earned $293,045.
