Ete Indien returns to work tab with Haskell Invitational the goal

Trainer Patrick Biancone continues to aim 2020 Kentucky Derby hopeful Ete Indien toward the $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1), now scheduled for July 18 at Monmouth Park.

The son of Summer Front hasn't raced since his third-place finish in the Florida Derby (G1) on March 28, and he had his first workout since then on Wednesday morning, breezing four furlongs in 50.60 at Palm Meadows.

Ete Indien is sixth on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, with 74 total points. Other than the May 23 Matt Winn (G3), which offers Derby points on a 10-4-2-1 basis, Churchill Downs has not determined what other races might earn points for the Derby, rescheduled for Sept. 5.

Biancone's other Derby contender, Sole Volante, also worked at Palm Meadows on Wednesday, also at four furlongs in 50.60. The last outing for the son of Karakontie was a second-place finish in the Tampa Bay Derby on March 7.

"Both my horses stretched their legs today, and I was very happy with that," Biancone said.

While the Haskell is a top option for Ete Indien, he added it's difficult to make firm plans for either colt at this time.

"We're still awaiting the program," he said. "Except Churchill, nobody has really produced any stakes program. We're still waiting for that. New York is going to soon, I hope."

Other than the Matt Winn, the Churchill Downs program offers "nothing special" for his horses, Biancone said. "We're back to square zero. "I'm hoping and expecting and trying to get my horses ready for mid-June or the end of June."

With the stakes schedule upended by the coronavirus pandemic, "there are going to be so many opportunities," Biancone said. "You'd better keep your horses ready, is my policy."