Tuesday tab: Master Piece drills for expected Knickerbocker start
Master Piece worked at Belmont Park on Tuesday morning ahead of an expected start in the Grade 3 Knickerbocker on Sunday at the Belmont at Aqueduct meet.
The 7-year-old ridgling was moved to Rick Dutrow's in May and in his first start for his new trainer, he was second in an optional-claiming allowance race at Belmont Park. He then was 10th last out in the Arlington Million (G1).
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On a light training day, Master Piece was one of four graded-stakes winners with published works.
Master Piece (Mastercraftsman), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Eddie Read), worked five furlongs in 1:02.4 at Belmont Park on Tuesday morning. It was the fourth fastest of seven works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed 10th in the Arlington Million (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Colonial Downs on Aug. 12 for trainer Richard E. Dutrow Jr.
Next (Not This Time), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2023 Brooklyn, 2022 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance), worked four furlongs in 49.8 at Turfway Park on Tuesday morning. It was the 13th fastest of 16 works at the distance. This is his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Greenwood Cup (G3) going 1 1/2 miles on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 23 for trainer William D. Cowans.
Miles Ahead (Competitive Edge), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Smile Sprint Invitational), worked five furlongs in 1:02.2 at Churchill Downs on Tuesday morning. It was the fifth fastest of seven works at the distance. His previous work was 10 days ago going five furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed third in the Kelly's Landing going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Ellis Park on July 1 for trainer Paul McGee.
Morello (Classic Empire) a Grade 3 winner (2022 Gotham) worked four furlongs in 51.4 at Churchill Downs on Tuesday morning. It was the 40th fastest of 41 works at the distance. His previous work was 12 days ago going four furlongs at Turfway Park. In his last start he placed seventh in the Lake Hamilton going six furlongs on the main track at Oaklawn Park on May 6 for trainer Steve Asmussen.