Mind Control 'super' in return to work tab, but next start uncertain

Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables' Mind Control, a dual Grade 1-winner on the New York Racing Association circuit, breezed three furlongs in 36.04 seconds on Saturday on the Belmont Park training track.

Trained by Gregg Sacco, the 4-year-old Stay Thirsty colt posted his first breeze since his rallying score in the $200,000 Tom Fool Handicap (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack.

"He went super well within himself and galloped out very strong," said Sacco. "He cooled out great and scoped clean. He continues to train well and he enjoys what he's doing. We'll keep him on his natural progression. He'll work again next Saturday and take it from there."

Live racing on the NYRA circuit is on hold because of changing circumstances in the racing community relative to the coronavirus outbreak, but more than 1,300 horses continue to train at Belmont Park.

"With the livestock, it's a very unique profession that we have. The horses need to eat and to be taken care of every day," said Sacco. "We have 15 horses stabled at Belmont right now, and we have more to ship in when we get the green light."

A Preparedness and Response Plan Committee, composed of key NYRA staff members as well as representatives from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, the Backstretch Employee Service Team, and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America, have closely monitored and assessed developments regarding the coronavirus for the past several weeks to develop key protocols following guidance from the New York State Department of Health to allow training to continue safely at Belmont.

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"Everyone is practicing social distancing," said Sacco. "We worked most of our horses yesterday and the clocker stand was virtually empty, which is good. Everyone is being respectful and trying to follow the safety guidelines provided. If we practice these things, it will definitely help us."

Sacco is continuing to keep his stable in running order while awaiting the opportunity to race again.

"We're going to keep horses on their schedules, but we might ease up a little with the uncertainty. Mind Control's work was three-eighths and we had him scheduled for a half-mile yesterday," said Sacco. "We'll take back with some of them. I have a few unraced 3-year-olds that we were going to do gate work with, so we might ease up a little bit on them.

"We just want to maintain their health and make sure they're not coming over the webbing," he added. "It's important to maintain some normalcy in the routine at the barn."

Sacco said he is diligently following coronavirus-related protocols and attempting to lead his staff by example.

"It's uncharted waters for everybody. You just have to keep a positive attitude, follow all your safety precautions and not take anything for granted," said Sacco. "We're practicing social distancing, cleaning everything and hopefully everything will run its course. You have to listen to the science and the people that are experts in their fields. I'm in charge of our staff and our horses, and the rest I'll leave to the experts and follow all the protocols they're giving us."

Mind Control's NYRA ledger includes a pair of Grade 1 wins at Saratoga Race Course, beginning with the Hopeful as a juvenile and the H. Allen Jerkens in August.

Sacco had planned to run Mind Control in the $400,000 Carter Handicap (G1) which was slated for April 4 at Aqueduct, but the veteran conditioner is keeping an open mind as racing adjusts to changes caused by the uncertainty of the coronavirus.

"I think we're going to weather this storm. We had the Carter right around the corner and you think you're the horse to beat, but health and safety comes first and there will be another race for Mind Control," said Sacco.