Frosted Continues Working Toward Belmont
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On a sun-splashed morning that saw a flurry of activity from Belmont Stakes (gr. I) probables, Frosted was among several workers on May 22 who are targeting the final leg of the Triple Crown at Belmont Park June 6. (Read about other Belmont works)
Shortly after the renovation break, the Kiaran McLaughlin-trained Tapit colt worked in company with Godolphin Mile (UAE-I) winner Tamarkuz. Exercise rider Renzo Morales was aboard Frosted, who worked to the inside of his stablemate.
They worked as a team through the five-furlong move. New York Racing Association clockers timed Frosted in 1:01.45, the 12th fastest of 20 works at the distance. Tamarkuz, who is being pointed to the June 6 Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I), was given a final time of 1:01.43.
Frosted's splits were :12.60 and :24:60, and he galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.90.
Although the main track was playing on the quick side, and Frosted has proven to be a sharp worker in the past, McLaughlin was not looking for a swift move from the colt in his penultimate Belmont Stakes breeze. The colt had worked a bullet four furlongs in :47.64 on May 15.
After consulting his stopwatch when his workers hit the finish line, McLaughlin said with a big smile, "Nice. Very nice."
As McLaughlin waited to hear the official time from the NYRA clockers, he remarked, "Sometimes Frosted can work too quick—even on his own—so in company we were a little worried. He worked with a really nice horse today and we felt they would be perfect to work together, and they were."
Frosted finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) at Churchill Downs May 2.
Weather permitting, McLaughlin said Frosted will work again May 29. The trainer said he is looking at a half-mile move in the vicinity of :48 and change for the colt's final breeze before the 1 1/2-mile Belmont. He will not work in company.
Joel Rosario, who rode Frosted in the Derby and won last year's Belmont Stakes aboard Tonalist, has the riding assignment.
McLauglin won the 2006 Belmont with Jazil for Shadwell Stable.