Cross Traffic, Palace Malice Head Pletcher's Workout Patrol
Trainer Todd Pletcher sent out a cadre of contenders for their final Super Saturday works this morning, headed by Grade 1 Whitney Invitational Handicap winner Cross Traffic and Grade 1 Belmont Stakes star Palace Malice, who breezed five furlongs and a half-mile, respectively, for the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational.
Cross Traffic, 3-2-0 from five starts this year, went in 1:01.52 in company with the Grade 2 Kelso Invitational-bound Graydar, while Palace Malice worked alone in 48.43.
"I thought Palace Malice's was more of the standard we've seen from him," Pletcher said. "It was a good steady breeze with a very strong gallop out. He went willingly on his own, in hand, and we were very, very pleased with it. He looked well this morning and judging by his race in the Belmont, he likes it here.
"I
thought Cross Traffic and Graydar worked very well," he added. "It's
the third consecutive breeze they've had together. It served them both
well. In company, they stay more focused without overdoing it. We wanted
to make sure we got a good solid work into both of them. One of them is
coming off a significant layoff and the other hasn't run since the
Whitney, and I think we got what we were looking for."
Also on the worktab was multiple Grade 1 winner Princess of Sylmar, who is heading to the Grade 1 Beldame, and Grade 1 Personal Ensign runner-up Authenticity, who went four furlongs in company. Princess of Sylmar was clocked in 48.50 seconds, while Authenticity was credited with a 48.57 work.
"I thought Princess of Sylmar went very well as usual, and once again, they made good mates," said Pletcher, noting that Authenticity was under consideration for both the Beldame and the Grade 1 Zenyatta at Santa Anita Park.
Pletcher's busy weekend will continue on Sunday with Corfu and Sound of Freedom going in the Grade 2 Futurity and Cynical Storm and Sweet Whiskey headed to the Grade 2 Matron.
The trainer added that Shanghai Bobby, last year's 2-year-old champion, emerged from Friday's Aljiman victory in good order and could make his next start in either the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile or the Breeders' Cup Sprint.