Barbaro works for Preakness

It has been speculation since the Kentucky Derby whether Michael Matz would work Barbaro before the Preakness. Given it is only a 2 week break between races, working a horse is not an automatic choice. Barbaro has looked effortless all week in his gallops, so it was no surprise to learn early this morning that they were planning a short work 'down the lane' to sharpen him up a little for saturday (or at least to get a little wind into him). It does appear the decision to work was based entirely on how the horse was doing (very well) rather than some pre-set plan (horses are not machines).

It was difficult to watch the work closely (we were training during the time of his work) but it looked like he went a quarter in about 24 (or at least that was what a couple of people reported) but to be honest, he only looks like he is galloping when he is working, so it is very deceiving. Anyway, Barbaro did do a little work today, he looked great, and he looked great picking grass an hour later as if nothing had happened. Two more days to go, and Fair Hill is very excited to support this horse through this tough triple crown campaign.

Edit: as reported by Steve Haskin in the Bloodhorse, it was 24 1/5th down the lane (and I thought I was breaking the news on this one)

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