Contested Completes Mother Goose Preparations

Photo: NYRA, Adam Coglianese

Contested, a five-length winner of the Grade 1 Acorn on Memorial Day, on Sunday posted her final workout prior to next Saturday’s Grade 1 Mother Goose, traveling six furlongs in 1:11.97, handily, on the Belmont Park main track.

 

Jim Barnes, an assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, flew in from California Saturday night to observe the workout.

 

“I had her in 1:11 4/5 and she galloped out nice,” said Barnes. “We’re ready. [Javier] Castellano worked her and was very happy with the way she worked. I couldn’t be happier. Bob is happy. We’re all happy.”

 

Baffert trains the daughter of Ghostzapper for his wife, Jill (Natalie J. Baffert). Contested will enter the Mother Goose, 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old fillies, off four straight open-length victories, including a 4 ¾-length score in the Grade 3 Eight Belles on May 4 at Churchill Downs prior to her romp in the Acorn.

 

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