Laoban Works Toward Return

Laoban, the 27-1 upset maiden winner of the 2016 Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II), posted a five-furlong workout in 1:00.41 at Gulfstream Park Dec. 4.

It was his latest move on his comeback trail from ankle surgery during the summer. Jockey Paco Lopez was aboard for the work, which was the second-fastest of 22 at the distance.

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Eric Guillot, Laoban's trainer and co-owner, said the $100,000 Harlan's Holiday (gr. III) Dec. 17 is being targeted for the son of Uncle Mo  's next start. He has not raced since finishing 12th in the Travers (gr. I) at Saratoga Race Course. Shortly after the Travers the colt had surgery to remove a displaced chip in his ankle.

"I thought it was pretty great," said Guillot, who is using Florida as his winter base for the first time. "Paco didn't even move his hands. He could have gone in :59 flat, easily. I think the Harlan's Holiday is a good race to come back in, with it being a mile and a sixteenth. I will get a three-quarter work into him next Saturday at Palm Meadows and we should be ready to go."

Guillot is hoping Laoban runs well enough in the Harlan's Holiday to spark interest from someone with a slot in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (gr. I) Jan. 28.

"If a slot comes available from someone who can negotiate a good deal, it would make sense for me to take the money," Guillot said. "And you know, I'm all about taking chances."