Three Chimneys Farm and e Five Racing Thoroughbreds' Collaborate (Into Mischief), last seen with a 'TDN Rising Star' graduation at Gulfstream Feb. 27, tuned up for an expected start in the Mar. 27 GI Curlin Florida Derby with a sharp four-furlong work in :47.05 (1/51) at the Hallandale oval Sunday. He worked in company with Sound Machine (Into Mischief), a 4-year-old stakes-winning filly.
“He showed great progression today. He's always been a good work horse,” trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. said. “He worked with Sound Machine. She was a little keen early on. She was on the outside and was leading and they finished head-and-head and he galloped out stronger than her.”
Collaborate graduated by a geared-down 12 1/2 lengths on the GII Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth S. undercard after completing a one-turn mile in 1:36.35.
“He has the looks physically; he's big, tall. Few are comparable to him in looks. As big as he is, he's very athletic, very fluid, very efficient mover,” Joseph said. “Watching him work today, you don't even know he's working that quick. He came the last quarter in :22 4/5 and galloped out. You don't think he's going that fast, but when you look at the clock, he is.”
Collaborate will be making just the third start of his career in the Florida Derby.
“I think he's a special horse,” Joseph said. “Obviously, we're asking a lot of him to make his third start in the Florida Derby and have to face a horse like Greatest Honour and a few others that will be more seasoned. I feel like he's a horse who has the ability to overcome seasoning.”
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