Pletcher Runners Tune Up for Gotham Day

Members of Todd Pletcher's New York contingent took to the Belmont training track on Sunday to turn in final breezes in the lead up to Gotham Day at Aqueduct.

Master Lightning, one of Pletcher's three sophomore colts under consideration for the Grade 3, $500,000 Gotham, breezed four furlongs in 49.55. Teen Pauline and Royal Lahaina, both probable for the Grade 2, $200,000 Top Flight Handicap, breezed in company and covered four furlongs in 48.71.

Both Master Lightning and Surfing U S A are probable for the Gotham. Harpoon is possible. Surfing U S A and Harpoon are currently training at Palm Meadows in Florida.

After winning an entry-level optional claimer by three-quarters of a length in December at Aqueduct, Master Lightning finished seventh in the Big A's Grade 2 Jerome on January 4 and fourth in the Miracle Wood on January 25 at Laurel Park. The Pulpit colt is owned by Alan R. Cook.

"[Master Lightning] was in hand and galloped out very strongly and looked very well," said Byron Hughes, assistant to Pletcher, of Master Lightning's breeze. "His coat is shining and looks great."

Stonestreet Stable's Teen Pauline has won two straight at Aqueduct, having taken the Affectionately by 4 ¾ lengths on New Year's Day and the Ladies Handicap by 10 ¾ lengths on January 25. James A. Riccio's Royal Lahaina was third and fifth, respectively, in those two races.

"They both went well and were in hand," said Hughes. "They galloped out together and definitely are good work partners."