Breeders’ Cup hopefuls put in workouts

Hallandale Beach, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – A pair of probable Breeders’ Cup starters had Saturday workouts at Gulfstream Park.

Fast Anna and Little Alexis each had five-furlong workouts over Gulfstream’s main track as their trainers prep them for the 31st Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

Fast Anna, trained by Kathy Ritvo for Frank Calabrese, covered the distance in 57.32 seconds with jockey Nick Petro Jr. The 3-year-old colt is pointed to the six-furlong Sprint.

“He did it all on his own and he came back great,” said Ritvo, who noted that Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez will ride in the Breeders’ Cup. “We worked him with blinkers on today and we will race him with blinkers on. I just think it keeps him a little more focused.”

Fast Anna began racing in April by winning his debut start at Gulfstream and won an allowance effort at the track in July. He finished second to The Big Beast in Saratoga’s King’s Bishop and last month was runner-up behind Favorite Tale in Parx Racing’s Gallant Bob Stakes.

The colt has banked $198,400.

Little Alexis, training for the Filly & Mare Sprint, went the five furlongs in 58.97 seconds under Edgard Zayas. Joel Rosario will be aboard the 3-year-old filly at Santa Anita.

“I’m extremely pleased with the work,” said Carlo Vaccarezza who trains Little Alexis for his wife Priscilla. “Edgard said he loved the way she has another gear. He said she did it easy. We’ll get a couple of works in her at Santa Anita and we’ll be ready to go.”

Little Alexis began her career in February by winning her debut start at Gulfstream. She then won the track’s Cash Run Stakes followed by a third in Saratoga’s Test Stakes and last month finished fourth to Untapable in the Cotillion at Parx Racing.

Little Alexis has earned $182,910.

Both Fast Anna and Little Alexis will leave Sunday for Santa Anita.

Categorized in: Horses