Two undefeated Triple Crown hopefuls, DECLAN’S MOON (Malibu Moon) and
ROCKPORT HARBOR (Unbridled’s Song), recorded five-furlong workouts on Thursday
in preparation for their three-year-old debuts.
Two-year-old champion Declan’s Moon worked five furlongs in a bullet :59 4/5
over a fast track at Hollywood Park. The trial was easily the fastest of 22
works at the distance.
“It couldn’t have gone any better,” trainer Ron Ellis said. “I didn’t want
him to over-extend himself and if I didn’t know any better, I would have thought
he went in 1:02 or 1:03. He had his ears pricked and it was like he was going in
a high gallop.”
The dark bay gelding is expected to take his first step toward the
Kentucky Derby (G1) in the 1 1/16-mile Santa Catalina S. (G2) at Santa Anita on
March 5. He owns a perfect four-for-four record, including victories in the
Hollywood Futurity (G1), Del Mar Futurity (G2) and Hollywood Prevue S. (G3).
Undefeated Remsen S. (G2) winner Rockport Harbor breezed
five furlongs in 1:02 1/5 over a fast track at Oaklawn Park under
the watchful eye of trainer John Servis. It was his second breeze over the Hot
Springs track since his victory in the November 27 Remsen at Aqueduct. In
that race, Rockport Harbor suffered a serious gash on his right hind foot during
the early stages of the 1 1/8-mile contest before prevailing by a neck over the
previously unbeaten Galloping Grocer (A. P Jet).
The gray colt was timed in fractions of :12 2/5, :24 2/5, :37 and :49 2/5
before galloping out six furlongs in 1:16 1/5 under exercise rider Bobby Velez.
The move was the co-fourth fastest of 53 works at the distance.
“I’m very happy with the work,” Servis said. “It was just what I wanted, he
went perfect, and galloped out very well. There is an outside chance he’ll make
the Southwest Stakes (on February 19).”
Rockport Harbor is scheduled to work six furlongs at Oaklawn Park on Wednesday under jockey
Willie Martinez. Stewart Elliot has the call for the Southwest.