Dortmund completes preparations for San Diego Handicap

Kaleem Shah’s Dortmund, preparing for his first race since winning the Native Diver Handicap at Del Mar last November 28, turned in his final major workout for Saturday’s Grade II $200,000 San Diego Handicap, covering six furlongs in 1:12.00.

The 4-year-old son of Big Brown had a workmate in 4-year-old allowance horse Fusaichi Samurai, also owned by Shah and trained by Bob Baffert, and the pair went through their work  on an empty track at 10:30 a.m. following the normal conclusion of training hours.

Del Mar’s clockers timed Dortmund, with Stewart Elliott up, in :24.20, :47.60 and :59.00 prior to his final time. They had him galloping out seven furlongs in 1:25.60. Fusaichi Samurai was given a five-furlong clocking of :59.80.

Beginning at the five-eighths pole several lengths behind Fusaichi Samurai, Dortmund and Elliott came up on the outside and drew even at the head of the stretch. The stablemates went evenly until Dortmund pulled clear 50 yards before the wire.

Gary Stevens has the mount on Dortmund for the San Diego.

Source: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club