Keeneland-based Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) candidate Hot Rod Charlie worked a half-mile in :49.40 Saturday morning over a fast track for trainer Doug O'Neill.
The move was the colt's first since his victory over Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Rich Strike in the Lukas Classic (G2) at Oct. 1 Churchill Downs.
“It was a good, relaxed work,” said Tyler Gaffalione, who was aboard the 4-year-old by Oxbow. “He went well within himself. I'm very happy right now. He's in a great mindset.”
Owned by Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, Strauss Bros Racing, and Gainesway Thoroughbreds, Hot Rod Charlie has made two previous Breeders' Cup starts. At Keeneland in 2020, he was second in the Juvenile (G1) at odds of 94-1 and last year at Del Mar was fourth in the Classic (G1).
“He's grown up a lot (since the Juvenile),” Gaffalione said. “He's much bigger, much more powerful and much more mature. Right now, it seems like he's the complete package.”
In the Lukas Classic, Hot Rod Charlie finished a head in front of Breeders' Cup Classic candidate Rich Strike after an intense stretch battle.
“He loves competition,” Gaffalione said. “In the mornings when he works by himself, he can be a little bit lackadaisical and kind of lazy getting into stride, but once he finds a stride he gets going. In the race (the Lukas Classic), he made the lead and his ears came forward and he was kind of just waiting on the other horses. When Rich Strike came to his outside he re-engaged. He's very tenacious. He won't back down from a fight.”
Also on the work tab for O'Neill on Saturday were Breeders' Cup possibles Awake At Midnyte (Distaff [G1] or Filly and Mare Sprint [G1]; half-mile in :49.80), Slow Down Andy (Classic or Dirt Mile [G1]; half-mile in :48.60) and Vegas Magic (Juvenile Fillies [G1]; 5 furlongs in 1:01.80).
Another O'Neill runner, B Dawk, worked five 5 furlongs in 1:01.20 for the listed Perryville Oct. 22 at Keeneland.
The post ‘I’m Very Happy Right Now’: Gaffalione Radiates Confidence After Hot Rod Charlie’s Keeneland Workout appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
