Undefeated Remsen S. (G2) winner ROCKPORT HARBOR (Unbridled’s Song) worked
five-eighths in 1:01 3/5 over the fast track at Oaklawn Park on Friday to
prepare for the March 19 Rebel S. (G3).
The gray colt logged splits of :13, :25, :37 and :49 before posting his
official time for five furlongs. He galloped out three-quarters in 1:15, under regular exercise rider Bobby Velez, with trainer John Servis watching.
“This was Rocky’s best work yet,” Velez said. “He’s getting real fit. John
told me to take it easy the first part, but I didn’t want to take too much hold.
At the three-sixteenths pole, I switched hands to let him roll a little. He
galloped out good and pulled up great.”
Servis announced on Thursday that Rockport Harbor would skip next Saturday’s
Southwest S. and instead point toward the Rebel. The conditioner was happy with
his charge’s third recorded workout of the new year.
“Rocky went picture perfect,” Servis said. “I was glad that Bobby was able to
slow him down the first part. He leveled off fine and galloped out good. He’s
coming up to the Rebel just right. We’ll probably keep him on a weekly work
schedule.”
Another three-year-old preparing for the Rebel, AFLEET ALEX (Northern
Afleet), is scheduled to gallop on Sunday and put in a work on Thursday or
Friday, according to trainer Tim Ritchey.
“He’ll have his first work next Thursday or Friday, depending on the weather,
and he’ll go three-eighths or a half-mile,” Ritchey said. “He’ll have three or
four works in all before the Rebel.”
Afleet Alex, Rockport Harbor, Grade 2 hero GREATER GOOD (Intidab) and
possibly Sham S.
victor GOING WILD (Golden Missile) will all use the Rebel as a stepping stone to
the Kentucky Derby (G1).
“There’s no question that the toughest road to the Derby this year leads
through Arkansas,” Ritchey said.