OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Dublin Fjord Stables, Racepoint Stables, Kevin D. Hillbert and Thomas E. O’Keefe’s Drafted breezed a half-mile in 47.80 seconds over the Belmont Park dirt training track on Thursday morning in his final preparation for the Grade 1 Carter presented by NYRA Bets on April 9 at Aqueduct Racetrack.
“All went well and it was his final work before the race. He went good and came back good,” said trainer David Duggan. “We’re ready to roll the dice.”
An 8-year-old son of Field Commission, Drafted ran the bulk of his career for trainer Doug Watson at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, winning the 2019 Group 3 Mahaab Al Shimaal by a neck.
Drafted was transferred to Duggan’s barn in November 2020 and finished fifth in the Grade 3 Fall Highweight at the Big A in his first start for his new conditioner. He picked up two stakes placings with back-to-back third-place efforts in the Gravesend, including this year’s edition won by Chateau.
The Florida-bred was a last-out winner of the seven-furlong Grade 3 Toboggan at the Big A on February 5, closing from off-the-pace under Jose Ortiz to earn his first state-side victory since a 2016 debut maiden win at Keeneland sprinting 4 1/2 furlongs.
“I couldn’t give you a straight answer on what made the difference for him,” Duggan said. “I could give you ten different reasons and little things. I think he’s just starting to round into form.”
Duggan said that the Carter distance of seven furlongs suits the grey gelding.
“The seven-eighths is probably a good distance for him because they go fast enough in front,” said Duggan. “Going three-quarters, he was always a little bit pace dependent and never quite getting there. Whether it was a weak field last time or not it’s hard to know, but he got his confidence and if there’s a time to take a chance, it’s now. If it doesn’t work, we’ll dust ourselves off and return to the real world.”
The Toboggan was the third graded stakes win for Duggan, who conditioned Porte Bonheur to two graded victories in 2008 and 2009. Drafted will be his first starter to contest a Grade 1.
“You don’t get many opportunities to run horses in Grade 1s, so we relish the challenge and hopefully are up to it,” said Duggan. “We’ve prepared him quite well, he’s healthy and happy, and we’re ready to roll.”
NYRA Press Office
Photo: Drafted under Jose Ortiz skips to a 4 1/2 length win in the Toboggan at Aqueduct Feb. 5, 2022. (Janet Garaguso)
