Coil Has Six Furlong Travers Work

With Bob Baffert’s assistant trainer Jim Barnes supervising, Haskell Invitational winner Coil worked on Wednesday toward a run in the Grade 1, $1 million Travers on August 27.

With regular rider Martin Garcia aboard, Coil hit the main track at 8:51 a.m. with his workmate Saddleranch, who was ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan. After a brief warm-up, both galloped up to the backside.

Saddleranch broke off first, eventually pulling well in front of Coil, who chased comfortably to the turn. When the two headed home, Coil gradually made his way up to the outside of Saddleranch, pressed closer when passing three horses to his outside and then crossed the finish line virtually on even terms and galloped out well.

The NYRA clockers caught Coil in 1:13.06 and Saddleranch, a nominee to the Grade 1, $250,000 Foxwoods King’s Bishop, in 1:14.18.

“He worked great,” Barnes said afterward, as Coil cooled out behind him. “Bob wanted him about five lengths back. When they started, it was more like three and Martin let him settle, and it (became) more like seven. He got him right at the wire.”

Garcia said it was no concern that Coil didn’t pass Saddleranch.

“If I can catch him, that would be good,” he said, “but if he doesn’t, it’s OK. My horse was very comfortable. He’s relaxed. You don’t want to have an aggressive horse. It’s a long distance, a mile and a quarter.”

Barnes said Coil likely would work once more for the Travers, possibly next Wednesday.