Classic Rock on schedule for Woody Stephens

Grade 2, $500,000 Woody Stephens contender Classic Rock made a positive impression Sunday morning as he made his first appearance on the Belmont Park worktab, breezing a five-furlong bullet in 59:98 seconds on the main track, the fastest of 27 at the distance.

"He looks like he's on a good schedule," said trainer Kathy Ritvo. "He handled shipping really well, and he worked really nice this morning, nice and easy. He's getting better all the time."

Owned by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, the 3-year-old colt by Maclean's Music, has gone 3-for-3 at Gulfstream Park, Ritvo's training base, including a four-length score in the Roar on April 21 with Ritvo's son Michael aboard. Classic Rock was slated to make his graded stakes debut in the Grade 2 San Vicente in February at Santa Anita Park following his January optional-claiming win, and even shipped to California for the engagement, but a virus knocked him out of consideration for the race.

"We had a setback this winter," said Ritvo. "We went out to California to run in the San Vicente and he ended up getting sick on us out there. We sent him home and brought him back to Florida when he got better, so he's had 3 ½ months between his last two races, but he's won his last three going seven furlongs, so we're here."