Alpha, who was declared from the
Belmont Stakes after developing a fever the week before the race,
continues to train forwardly for a return to competition. Saturday at
Saratoga Race Course, the Bernardini colt breezed four furlongs in a
bullet 47.33, fastest of 16 moves at the distance.
Last week, Alpha went three furlongs in
36.67 in his first work since May 27, two days before spiking a
temperature of 103 degrees.
“He had been treated with antibiotics [for
a cut he suffered in the Wood] and went to the Kentucky Derby and ran
well [to finish 12th] but coming out of that it seemed like everything
caught up to him,” said Art Magnuson, assistant to trainer Kiaran
McLaughlin. “He’s training very well.”
Magnuson said no spot had been picked out for Alpha’s return.
“We have so many options, including the 3-year-old stakes at Saratoga,” he said.
In addition to winning the Grade 3
Withers and Count Fleet, Alpha was second to Gemologist in the Grade 1
Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial, and last year was
second to eventual Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags in the Grade 1
Champagne for Godolphin Racing. He was a six-length winner of his debut
at the Spa last September.