NEWS
Street Sense works at Churchill, decision looms on Belmont
Posted: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 12:08 PM
Street Sense worked a half-mile in :49 on Wednesday at Churchill Downs while trainer Carl Nafzger and owner James Tafel continue to consider a start in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 9.
The Street Cry (Ire) colt clicked off splits of :12.80, :24.60, and :36.60 under jockey Calvin Borel and galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.80.
Street Sense had not worked since his second-place finish by a head to Curlin in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 19.
Borel described the workout as perfect.
“He's doing good," said Borel. "Carl's got him on the right track. It's up to Carl now. He told me what to do with him this morning and I did what he wanted. We're just going to go from here. He's as good as before, or better."
Nafzger plans to announce a decision on the Belmont on Thursday morning.
"There's something about this horse—he's a fast work horse," Nafzger said. "I don't necessarily say that's an asset or not, but he worked :49 this morning and never did drop his head."
The Belmont decision will affect Street Sense’s summer schedule. If the colt does start in the final leg of the Triple Crown, he would receive a break before training up to the Travers Stakes (G1) on August 25, Nafzger said.
If Street Sense skips the Belmont, he would make one start before the Travers, probably in the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) on July 29 at Saratoga Race Course or Haskell Invitational Handicap (G1) on August 5 at Monmouth Park.
“We've got plenty of time to go anywhere we want," Nafzger said. "He's been amazing. He's taken us to every race and he'll take us to these races."
Borel said he would relish the chance at a rematch with Curlin in the Belmont.
"Curlin beat him last time, but I don't think he'll ever do it again," said Borel. "I just think the horse is improving and he's just getting better every race. We learned a little bit more about him and I don't think he can beat him."
