Saarland Tops 3-Year-Old Work Tab at Gulf

Saarland, the colt in search of a race, indicated he is still sharp and ready for some action by breezing a sharp half in :48 at Gulfstream Monday morning. The Shug McGaughey-trained son of Unbridled had two chances to run over the weekend, and neither time did the 7-furlong allowance race for which he was entered draw more than three horses.

Now it's up to the New York Racing Association to succeed where Gulfstream failed. Saarland likely will ship up to New York to run in a one-mile allowance race on Friday. NYRA stakes coordinator Andrew Byrnes said he's very optimistic the race will fill.

Also on Monday's work tab was Stephentown, who shattered quite a few Derby dreams with his disappointing effort in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. The son of Wild Again was given a half-mile "maintenance" breeze in :49 4/5 by Tony Reinstedler.

"I can't make a commitment for the Florida Derby," Reinstedler said, "but you can say it's not out of the picture."

Also at Gulfstream, Nick Zito sent out of pair of 3-year-olds, with Straight Gin, scratched from an allowance race Saturday, breezing 5 furlongs in 1:02, and recent maiden winner Quest working the same distance in 1:00 4/5 handily.