Teaks North Tunes Up for Sword Dancer

Teaks North, winner of Monmouth Park’s Grade 1 United Nations on July 2, tuned up for his engagement in Saturday’s Grade 1 Sword Dancer with a 48.80 four-furlong breeze on Monday at Monmouth.

“He worked a nice half, breezing, and galloped out in 1:01 2/5,” said Justin Sallusto. “He cooled out well, and he’s ready to come up.”

Owned by Jules Boutelle, Teaks North is seeking his third straight win of 2011 in the Sword Dancer, having defeated dual Grade 1 winner Get Stormy in the Grade 3 Monmouth on June 12. Earlier this year, Teaks North took the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap.

“He’s at the top of his game,” said Sallusto, who added the gelding will head to Saratoga later this week. “I believe he’ll be very, very formidable on Saturday.”

The Sword Dancer will be Teaks North’s first start at Saratoga , but Sallusto was quick to credit the 4-year-old for his ability to ship and handle a variety of surfaces.

“I’d rather stay on my home court, but he’s adaptable and is a good shipper,” said Sallusto. “He’ll definitely enjoy the cool Saratoga weather.”