Orb Back on Worktab With Cigar Mile as Target
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Working toward a possible start in the Cigar Mile Handicap (gr. I), Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Orb breezed a half-mile in :49.77 on the main track at Belmont Park Oct. 13.
It was the first work for Orb since finishing last of eight in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational Sept. 28 at Belmont. The Stuart Janney III and Phipps Stable homebred will bypass the Breeders' Cup but could return in the Cigar Mile Nov. 30 at Aqueduct Racetrack.
"I thought he worked fine," Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey said of the Malibu Moon colt. "I asked him for :50, he went in :49 and change, 25 and change, 24 and change, and galloped out in 1:02. I'm trying to get him started again and go from there."
Orb has run twice at a mile, finishing fourth in a maiden race at Belmont a year ago and breaking his maiden at Aqueduct at the distance last November.
"I'll make up my mind in a couple of weeks," McGaughey said. "I'll just fool with him and see where it takes us."