Amoss sizes up stakes targets for Serengeti Empress, Roiland

Tom Amoss knows what to expect when watching dual Grade 2 winner Serengeti Empress train in the mornings, so he was not the least bit surprised to see how much effort she put into her latest breeze Wednesday morning in her first work since an effortless win in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2). 

Owned by Joel Politi, the 3-year-old daughter of Alternation worked a half-mile in 49 seconds over a fast main track at Fair Grounds, keeping her on target for the March 23 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2).

“I saw out of her what I have seen before, which a very mature filly that’s into what she’s doing,” Amoss said. “I’m pleased with where we are with her, and I don’t think we’ll need a lot work coming into the next race.”

Serengeti Empress hit the map when strolling home 19½ lengths clear last September in Churchill Downs' Pocahontas Stakes (G2), and that followed a 13½-length win in the Ellis Park Debutante. All three of her stakes victories were won in wire-to-wire fashion.

“I’m very confident in her abilities and always have been,” Amoss said. “I don’t think it’s any secret that she’s such a good horse and I’m very proud of what she’s accomplished. At some point we’ll find out if she can rate. I don’t know if that’s the next race or not, but we’ll play it the way the race comes up. She’ll have to show she is ratable.”

Also working for Amoss on Wednesday morning was G M B Racing’s Lone Sailor, sixth as the lukewarm favorite in the Mineshaft Handicap (G3). The son of Majestic Warrior went five furlongs in 1:00.60 with his next start to be determined. Amoss said that while the New Orleans Handicap (G2) is a possibility, he'll monitor how much speed signs on for the race.

“I thought Lone Sailor’s work was really, really good,” Amoss said. “Whether we run in the New Orleans Handicap or not remains to be seen, but we’re considering it and when it comes time to hit the races, we want to know how much speed is in there. It will depend on how much speed.”

Roiland, the third-place finisher behind War of Will in the Risen Star Stakes (G2), worked a half-mile in :48.20 on Wednesday morning. The James and Mary Durlacher-owned son of Successful Appeal is possible for the Louisiana Derby (G2).

Roiland earned 10 points with a third-place finish in the Risen Star. Amoss stated that if he does not run back in the Louisiana Derby, Keeneland's Blue Grass Stakes (G2) on April 6 and Oaklawn Park's Arkansas Derby (G1) on April 13 are options.