Secret Oath Sizzles in First Saratoga Work

Briland Farm's Secret Oath  was up with the sun on July 15. The daughter of Arrogate —Absinthe Minded , by Quiet American , hit the Oklahoma Training Track across from Saratoga Race Course when it opened at 5:30 a.m.

With regular jockey Luis Saez on her back and accompanied by Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas on his pony, Secret Oath zipped through five furlongs in a time of 1:00.01. It was her first work at Saratoga since arriving here last week from Kentucky.

"Perfect, as always," Lukas said after. "Every time you go over there, she impresses you. She is just so professional. She just does it."

Saez has ridden Secret Oath in her last two starts. He won the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs on May 6 and then was on board when the filly finished fourth in the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course on May 21.

"It was a very good work, she was very comfortable," Saez said outside Lukas' barn. "She did it like nothing. Easy. In the work, in the race, she does it like she is galloping. That's how good she is."

Lukas said he does not plan on sending Secret Oath to the Saratoga main track or school her in the paddock. The first time she sees either is July 23 when she runs in the $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1).

In her career, Secret Oath has five wins in nine career starts.

Lukas watched the filly work while on his pony. 

"She didn't do anything that I didn't expect her to do," Lukas said. "She goes out there, does it, takes a deep breath, and comes back. That's just her."