Tale of Ekati, Going Easily
– Tale of Ekati breezed five furlongs in 1:00.20 at Keeneland this morning. Clockers noted the Barclay Tagg trainee was “going easily at the wire, galloped out 113.2” (video). On Tuesday, Visionaire and Big Truck worked over the synthetic surface, while at Churchill, Halo Najib worked four furlongs in :50.40 over the firm turf course.
– It’s the last week of racing at Aqueduct and I’m sure I’m not the only one looking forward to the change of scene that comes with Belmont’s opening. The move from inner dirt to main track signals spring and refreshes the meet, but not quite enough. Bob Ike would like a week-long intermission during Santa Anita’s ponderous winter meet; I wouldn’t mind the same in New York. Or for that matter, a week between meets on a circuit, giving everyone a chance to reflect and recharge before the racing starts up again.
– My Pal Charlie, second to Pyro in the Louisiana Derby and fifth in the Arkansas Derby, will start next in the Lone Star Derby, which will benefit again this year from an overflow list of Derby prospects, reports Gary West on his new blog.
