LEXINGTON, Ky.— Three-time Grade 1 winner Jack Christopher highlighted a busy work morning for the barn of trainer Chad Brown, who has gathered the bulk of his Breeders’ Cup hopefuls at Keeneland three weeks before the World Championships Nov. 4-5.
Working in company with Curlin (L) winner Artorius, Jack Christopher worked a best-of-67 5 furlongs in 1:00 for his second local work. (Click here for a video of the work.) Jack Christopher worked a half-mile in :48.40 last Saturday as he began local preparations for the $2 million Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) or the $1 million Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).
Also coming back for their second Keeneland works were Distaff (G1) hopeful Search Results, who covered 5 furlongs in 1:00.60, and Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) candidate Goodnight Olive, who posted the same time over 5 furlongs.
“Everything was smooth this morning,” Brown said. “All of the horses have settled in nicely.”
Getting their first works over the track were Champagne (G1) winner Blazing Sevens and Pilgrim (G2) runner-up I’m Very Busy, who worked a half-mile together in :48.60.
Brown, who plans to go back and forth from here and New York in the coming weeks, said E.P. Taylor (G1) winner Rougir (FR) is scheduled to arrive at Keeneland next week for the Maker’s Mark Filly and Mare Turf (G1), and Highly Motivated, who worked 5 furlongs in 1:00.85 at Belmont Park this morning, might come for the Dirt Mile.
Completing Brown’s morning training activity was a 5-furlong turf breeze by Flower Bowl (G2) winner Virginia Joy (GER) in 1:01 in company with three-time Grade 1 winner Domestic Spending (GB).
Virginia Joy is nominated to the Oct. 23 Rood & Riddle Dowager (G3) at Keeneland.
Keeneland Press Release
Photo: Jack Christopher after his Woody Stephens victory (Ryan Thompson)
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