Magnitude Works, Will Train Up To Travers

[Wandering Eyes]

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Magnitude (Not This Time) went a leisurely half-mile in :51.68 (34/41) over the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga Saturday morning and is being pointed for the $1.25-million GI DraftKings Travers Stakes at the Spa on Aug. 23.

A $310,000 Keeneland November weanling and $450,000 Keeneland September yearling, Magnitude led every step of the way to take the GII Risen Star Stakes by 9 3/4 lengths at the Fair Grounds on Feb. 15, good for a 108 Beyer and stamping himself as a leading contender for the GI Kentucky Derby. Ruled off the Triple Crown trail a short time thereafter with an ankle chip, Magnitude picked up where he left off, wiring the July 5 Iowa Derby by 9 1/4 lengths, earning a 105 Beyer.

Trainer Steve Asmussen told the NYRA notes team that the Travers makes more sense for his charge than next weekend's GII Jim Dandy Stakes.

“He's a beautiful mover and came out of the Iowa Derby in good shape. It was a beautiful morning today to work,” Asmussen said. “[The Jim Dandy] comes back too quick off that big of a race, so we plan on just training him up to the Travers. We're just concentrating on him, and I think it's obviously a very deep and talented group of 3-year-olds. Our responsibility is how Magnitude is doing, and we're just extremely excited about how he's traveling and how he looks right now.”

Asmussen is also now calling the shots with Bashford Manor Stakes hero Romeo (Honor A. P.), who was purchased by Mahmud Mouni for $1.7 million at the Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing Age Sale. The colt breezed an easy four furlongs in :51.89 Saturday morning, but Asmussen is inclined to not rush things.

“We're very fortunate to have him,” the Hall of Famer said. “He does not carry himself or act like a 2-year-old. He's very professional. We did go ahead and nominate him to the [GII] Saratoga Special [Aug. 2], but I think with the change after the sale, most likely that will be too soon.”

The trainer indicated the more likely return to action will be the GI Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Stakes going seven furlongs on Sept. 1.

Cox Runners On Target For Grade I Attempts

Juddmonte's Flying Gambit (Not This Time), a fast-finishing fourth when trying the dirt for the first time in the GI Kentucky Derby on May 3 and a latest fifth in the GI Belmont Derby Invitational July 4, went a half-mile in :49.81 (5/42) over the Oklahoma turf training track Friday morning. Trainer Brad Cox said that the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks winner will remain on the grass for the $750,000 GI Saratoga Derby Invitational on Aug. 2.

“He had his first work over the turf here and it went well,” Cox said. “He ran OK last time, he was just a little reluctant to move forward around the turn. Once he figured things out, it was a little too late. He galloped out well and I think he showed in the Kentucky Derby he's a very good horse. We're hoping he can move forward a little bit in his next race.”

Cox also provided an update on 'TDN Rising Star' Patch Adams (Into Mischief), who returned to Churchill Downs a short time after his victory in the GI Woody Stephens Stakes at the Spa June 7. The bay, who most recently breezed a half-mile in :49 flat (71/167) in Louisville July 19, remains on track for the GI H. Allen Jerkens Stakes on the Travers undercard Aug. 23.

“He's had two works back since the Woody Stephens and he's doing great,” Cox said. “We'll probably keep him down there for the time being and he actually really, really likes it there. He does very well there.”

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