A. Stevens Miles Jr.’s Neck ‘n Neck is expected to turn in his
final breeze for the Travers on Sunday or Monday, trainer Ian Wilkes said
Friday.
“We’re going to work him Sunday
or Monday,” said Wilkes. “I’m leaning more towards Monday, but we have to keep
an eye on the weather.”
Neck ‘n Neck was beaten two
lengths by Alpha in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy last month and is expected to face
many of the same horses in next week’s Grade 1 Travers, but for the moment,
Wilkes isn’t worrying too much about his competition.
“I just need to get one spot
better, don’t I?” he asked rhetorically outside his Clare Court
barn.
“I can’t worry about the other
horses right now,” he added. “We’ve got eight days, we’ve got another work to
get through, and I’ve got to just worry about him.”
Neck ‘n Neck came out of the Jim
Dandy well and is, according to his trainer, in good shape heading towards the
Travers. “He’s fine. No problems,” said Wilkes. “His works have been good and
I’m very pleased with him.”