Shanghai Bobby gets final tune-up before Holy Bull Stakes

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. – Less than 12 hours after being named the champion 2-year-old colt of 2012, undefeated Shanghai Bobby was on the track Sunday morning here at the Palm Meadows training center, turning in his final work for his scheduled 2013 debut next Saturday in the Grade 3, $400,000 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Shanghai Bobby was one of more than two dozen horses his trainer, Todd Pletcher, worked on Sunday morning, most notably another unbeaten 3-year-old, Violence, who had his first work since his victory in last month’s CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park.

In addition, trainer Kelly Breen sent out Holy Bull candidate Bern Identity for an eye-catching workout, too, on a gorgeous, warm morning.

Shanghai Bobby breezed well within himself, going five furlongs in company in 1:00.80 before galloping out strongly. Exercise rider Patti Krotenko was up.

“Physically, he’s doing very well,” Pletcher said. “He’s gained some weight. He’s got a great coat. That was a good, solid work, and gallop out. He’s in position to get started.”

A few minutes earlier during a frenetic period just after dawn, Violence worked a half-mile, also in company, in 50.80 seconds under exercise rider Nick Bush.

“I was just looking for a nice, easy half,” Pletcher said. “We accomplished that. He was moving well, and he’s maintained the fitness level we expected.”

Pletcher gave Violence a brief respite following the CashCall Futurity. He said the Grade 2, $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream on Feb. 23 is the current target.

Another of Pletcher’s highly regarded Kentucky Derby prospects, Overanalyze, cruised a half-mile in company in 51.60 seconds with jockey John Velazquez aboard. Sunday’s drill was only the second for Overanalyze since getting a brief vacation following his victory in the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct on Nov. 24.

Pletcher said Overanalyze is currently being pointed to the Grade 3, $400,000 Gotham at Aqueduct on March 2.

“We’re probably about a week ahead of schedule with him, so it’s nice to have that wiggle room with him,” Pletcher said.

Pletcher also sent out Delhomme for his first work of the year, a slow three furlongs in 38.80 seconds. He has been off since finishing third behind Overanalyze in the Remsen.

“First work back, you want to be careful not to do too much,” Pletcher said. “Based on what I saw this morning, he could be ready as soon as February 23 for the Risen Star or something like that.”

The Grade 2, $400,000 Risen Star is at Fair Grounds. It is the same day as the Fountain of Youth.

The unbeaten sprinter Forty Tales worked a half-mile in 49.40 seconds for a start in the Grade 2, $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream on Feb. 2. He worked in company with Capo Bastone, whom Pletcher said would probably not make his first start of the year until later in February.

Later in the morning, Bern Identity looked terrific breezing five furlongs for Breen in 59.20 seconds with jockey Paco Lopez aboard.

“He looked like he’s ready,” Breen said. “He looked great. First quarter in 24, last three-eighths in 35. That was a nice work.”

Trio of Pletcher fillies work out

Three of Pletcher’s best 3-year-old fillies – Dreaming of Julia, Kauai Katie, and Unlimited Budget – also worked Sunday.

Dreaming of Julia went a half-mile in 51 seconds without company. She was third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in her last start.

“We’re pointing her for the Davona Dale,” Pletcher said of the Grade 2, $250,000 Davona Dale at Gulfstream on Feb. 23.

Kauai Katie, winner of the Old Hat at Gulfstream on Jan. 1, worked a half-mile in 49.60 seconds in company with the unbeaten Puerto Rican 3-year-old filly Fusaichiswonderful. Both may run in the Grade 2, $200,000 Forward Gal next Saturday at Gulfstream.

Unlimited Budget, who won the Demoiselle in her last start, worked a half-mile, in company, in 49.60 seconds. Pletcher said it was undecided where she would make her next start, but said the leading possibilities are the Davona Dale or the Grade 3, $200,000 Rachel Alexandra at Fair Grounds, also on Feb. 23.

“My thinking is one race, then the Gazelle at Aqueduct on Wood Memorial Day,” Pletcher said. Run on April 6, the Gazelle is a Grade 2, $250,000 race.