Stay Thirsty Breezes for Woodward

Repole Stable’s Stay Thirsty was one of a trio of Grade 1 Woodward candidates breezing this morning in preparation for the September 1 race, covering five furlongs in 1:00.46 over the main track.

“It was a good strong work and an extra-strong gallop out,” said trainer Todd Pletcher of Stay Thirsty, most recently fifth in the Grade 2 Suburban on July 7 at Belmont Park . “I think he’s back to his old self. He’ll have one more work, and we’re looking forward to the Woodward.”

Also working for the 1 1/8-mile Woodward were fourth-place Suburban finisher To Honor and Serve, who breezed five furlongs in 1:00.91 over the Oklahoma training track, and Suburban winner Mucho Macho Man, who breezed five furlongs on the main track in 1:00.98 with stablemate Silver Menace.

“Mucho Macho Man is doing great,” said owner Dean Reeves. “It was a good, solid work, and we’re excited about the Woodward.”

In other notable works, Dr. Chit breezed four furlongs in 47.65 for the Grade 1 Foxwoods King’s Bishop on the Travers undercard; Island Bound (4f, 48.04) and Nicole H (4f, 47.95) worked for possible starts in Friday’s Grade 1 Ballerina; Book Review (5f, 1:00.91) and Gypsy Robin (5f, 59.17) prepped for the Grade 1 Test on Travers Day, and Zagora went five furlongs in 59.23 on the turf training course for Saturday’s Grade 2 Ballston Spa.