Trainer Steve Asmussen sent five Breeders' Cup contenders out to work Sunday at Keeneland.
Grade I-winning fillies Clairiere (Curlin) and Society (Gun Runner), working in company, went five furlongs in a bullet :59.80 (1/34) in preparation for the Nov. 5 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. The duo worked through fractions of :11.80, :23.80, :35.60, :47.60, :59.80 and out six furlongs in 1:13.20.
Epicenter (Not This Time), off since winning the GI Runhappy Travers S. Aug. 27, worked five furlongs in company in 1:00.20 (3/34) in preparation for the Nov. 5 GI Breeders' Cup Classic. The sophomore worked through fractions of :12.60, :24.60, :37.40, 1:00.20 and out six furlongs in 1:14.
Champion Echo Zulu (Gun Runner), aiming for the GI Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint, went five furlongs in company with maiden winner Marsalis (Curlin) in 1:02.80 (25/34). The filly, who suffered the first loss of her career when fourth in the GI Kentucky Oaks, rebounded with a win in the Sept. 24 GII Dogwood S. last time out.
Also working Sunday at Keeneland, GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies contender Grand Love (Gun Runner) went five furlongs in 1:00.60 (7/34) while working with maiden winner Bella Runner (Gun Runner).
“They put in good, solid moves,” Asmussen said Sunday. “They came out of it good and cooled out nicely, and we've got Jackie's Warrior [working] tomorrow. I am extremely pleased with how the preparation has gone. The weather has been excellent. The race track is in good shape and I love the shape they are in.”
Trainer Wesley Ward had a pair of Breeders' Cup contenders work Sunday at Keeneland. Kimari (Munnings), considered possible for the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint or the GI Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint, worked five furlongs in 1:00.60 (7/34). Nakatomi (Firing Line), a possible Sprint candidate, worked a half-mile in :48.80 (10/50).
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