SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer George Weaver, based primarily in Saratoga, is considering as many as four horses for Breeders’ Cup races.
Dorth Vader, beaten a nose by Thorpedo Anna, in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign, is pointing to the $2 million Distaff. She worked a half-mile in 49.40 seconds on Oct. 6 and is likely to have one more work in Saratoga before shipping to Del Mar on Oct. 22.
The remainder of Weaver’s contingent would not ship until Oct. 26, in part because he wants more clarity on whether they get into their respective races.
The fillies Cy Fair, winner of the Algonquin Stakes on Oct. 5 at Woodbine, and Royal Testament, runner up in the Grade 3 Matron on Oct. 2 at Aqueduct, are both being considered for the Juvenile Turf Sprint, a race limited to 12 starters that typically overfills.
Governor Sam, fourth, beaten a half-length in the Grade 2 Woodford on Oct. 4 at Keeneland, is being considered for the Turf Sprint. Governor Sam finished third, beaten one length, in last year’s Juvenile Turf Sprint.
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“He’s a 3-year-old but he ran respectable against older, which is why we want to do it with him,” Weaver said.
Johnny’s Red Storm done for the year
The Weaver-trained Johnny’s Red Storm, 2 for 2 including a victory in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Turf Sprint, will be sidelined until next year and thus is not being considered for the Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Weaver said Johnny’s Red Storm “has a soundness-related issue that he needs time off for.” Weaver said Johnny’s Red Storm will get a minimum of 60 days off, which he started in September.
Meanwhile, two Weaver-trained 3-year-olds that had the last several months off are back training.
Five G, the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks winner who was scratched by Weaver out of the Kentucky Oaks in May, had her first work back on Oct. 6, going three furlongs in 39 seconds.
Colloquial, the Lafayette Stakes winner who was scratched out of the Grade 1 Woody Stephens here in June, is back training and should have his first work back by the end of the meet.
Weaver said the most likely scenario is both 3-year-olds ship to Florida in November to prepare for their 4-year-old campaigns.
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