Congaree Tops Churchill Work Tab

Atswhatimtalknbout, a fast-closing fourth to Visa Triple Crown hopeful Funny Cide in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), turned in a six-furlong workout on Tuesday at Churchill Downs as he continued to train toward an expected rematch with the Derby winner in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

The 3-year-old son of A.P. Indy breezed six furlongs over a "fast" track in 1:16.20 for trainer Ron Ellis. Exercise rider Raul Vizcarrando was aboard for the move, which was the only work of the day at the distance.

Also working at Churchill was Congaree who breezed five furlongs in :59.40 – the fastest of 24 moves at the distance. The 5-year-old son of Arazi, an impressive winner of Aqueduct's Carter Handicap (gr. I) at Aqueduct for trainer Bob Baffert in his most recent outing, is expected to compete next in the $750,000 Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) on May 26 at Belmont Park.

The Matt Winn Turf Course was also open for works on Tuesday and the training activity on grass was highlighted by a "bullet" work by South African import Ipi Tombe.

The 4-year-old mare, a winner over males in the Dubai Duty Free at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in her most recent start, breezed five furlongs in 1:01.80 for new trainer Elliott Walden.

Ipi Tombe worked over a "good" surface with the dogs up. It was the third breeze for Ipi Tombe since her arrival in the U.S. and the best of 12 turf works at the distance. The South African champion is owned by a partnership that includes Win Star Farm, Team Valor and Sun mark Partners. She has won 11 of 13 career starts.

Other notable horses with Tuesday works on the main track included: San Dare, winner of the Honey Fox (gr. III) and The Very One (gr. III) at Gulfstream, who tuned up for Saturday's Early Times Mint Julep (gr. IIIT) with a three furlong work in :38; Lone Star Sky, 15th in Kentucky Derby, breezed four furlongs in :49.40; Maliziosa worked four furlongs in :50.80; and Miss Lodi worked a half-mile in :49.

Other turf works included a five-furlong breeze by Woodford Reserve
Turf Classic (gr. IT) winner Honor In War, who covered the distance around the "dogs" in 1:05. Honor In War is expected to run next in the Manhattan (gr. I) at Belmont Park. Rock Slide breezed five furlongs in 1:03. Quick Tip tuned up for the Early Times Mint Julep with a half-mile move in :52.20 and veteran sprint star Morluc blew out three furlongs in :35.40 for trainer Randy Morse.