Blue Devil Racing Stable's Come Dancing worked a bullet five-eighths in 58.80 Thursday on the main track at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., in preparation for the final start of her career in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Keeneland on Nov. 7.
Trainer Carlos Martin said the 6-year-old Malibu Moon mare worked effortlessly under jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., who guided Come Dancing to a three-quarter length score last out in the G2 Honorable Miss on September 6 at the Spa.
“Everything went great. She worked really, really well,” said Martin. “She went by herself. It was a little quick but we wanted to get a good work into her before we leave next week for Kentucky. Irad let her have a good, strong gallop out with the race about three weeks away. He went out seven eighths in 1:24, but if you had seen the workout you'd have said she was on cruise control. I was happy with how she came back and her energy level is good. I think we're on the right track.”
Come Dancing won 4-of-6 starts last year including scores in the G3 Distaff at Aqueduct, the G2 Ruffian and G2 Gallant Bloom at Belmont, and the G1 Ballerina at Saratoga. She completed her campaign by finishing sixth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Santa Anita.
Martin said he is hoping a fresh Come Dancing will be ready to fire a big shot in the final race of an impressive career that includes nine wins from 18 starts and more than $1.1 million in purse earnings.
“I think the last race got her back on the right path,” said Martin. “We wanted her a little fresher this year. We skipped the Gallant Bloom, a race I really loved winning last year, but she's a 6-year-old now and I wanted to take her in fresh for her swan song. She runs great fresh.
“For a 6-year-old mare, it's more a mental thing than conditioning,” added Martin. “She gets a lot out of her gallops. I don't think fitness is an issue at all. I just want to keep her happy and wanting to do it on race day.”
Martin said a fresh and happy Come Dancing will breeze again on Friday on the Belmont training track before shipping to Keeneland on Sunday to finalize preparations.
“I've learned over the years, especially with older fillies, you just need to keep them sound and happy,” said Martin. “She knows her job. She's been great for us and I hope she'll put in a great performance for us in the last race of her career. She definitely won't be short.”
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