Mind Control all set for Aqueduct's Tom Fool Handicap

Following their respective five-eighths works over the Belmont Park training track on Saturday, trainer Gregg Sacco confirmed Mind Control and Joevia are ready for Saturday's stakes action at Aqueduct.

Owned by Red Oak Stable in partnership with Madaket Stable, dual Grade 1 winner Mind Control, who went five furlongs in 1:02.85, will seek his fourth stakes victory at the Big A in the Tom Fool (G3) going six furlongs.

After winning the H. Allen Jerkens (G1) on August 24 at Saratoga Race Course, the 4-year-old son of Stay Thirsty received a freshening and came back on top when out-nosing graded stakes winners Nicodemus and Sunny Ridge in the Toboggan (G3) on January 18.

"Mind Control just did what we asked for," Sacco said. "He'll work fast if we want him to, but we just wanted to get the five-eighths into him. He galloped out super and he cooled out well. He's happy."

Sacco, whose brother Rick is the racing manager for Red Oak Stable, is enjoying the ride with Mind Control considering campaigning the talented colt is a family affair.

"We grew up together in our dad's shed row," Sacco said. "When we were young adults we worked together and now, as adults, our kids are into it. My son Will is with me in between going to college, so it's a family affair and the Brunettis are very close to us. It's very special all around and to have Mind Control is just a cherry on top."

Jeff Fazio and Michael Fazio's Joevia completed a five-furlong work in 1:00.69 in preparation for the Stymie.

The son of Shanghai Bobby, who was third in last year's Belmont Stakes, arrives off an uncharacteristic 11th in the Razorback (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

"Joevia went five-eighths and he did it very well within himself and galloped out well," Sacco said. "He bounced over the track very nicely."