Questing Sharp in Final Alabama Work

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August 10, 2012 7:26 PM

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin sent two of Godolphin Racing’s star fillies out for a spin over the Greentree Training Center’s artificial surface this morning, with Grade 1 TVG Coaching Club American Oaks winner Questing breezing four furlongs in :47 2/5 seconds and multiple Grade 1 winner It’s Tricky covering five furlongs in 1:00 1/5 in company with the unraced maiden filly Villanesca.

Questing, who has won her past two starts on the dirt for McLaughlin, will start in Saturday’s Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama for 3-year-old fillies, while It’s Tricky, winner of the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Handicap last time out, is headed either to the Grade 1, $500,000 Ballerina at seven furlongs on August 24 or the Grade 2, $600,000 Personal Ensign at 1 1/8 miles on August 26.

“Questing went very well and is on schedule for the Alabama,” said McLaughlin. “It’s Tricky went in company with Villanesca, and wound up four or five lengths ahead of her. She continues to train very well for the 24th or the 26th; we’ll let [Godolphin racing manager] Simon Crisford help me out on that decision.”

The 4-year-old It’s Tricky has won graded stakes at both seven furlongs (Grade 2 Distaff on April 14) and 1 1/8 miles (2011’s Coaching Club).

“Which way we go depends on how many are going, and who’s going,” said McLaughlin. “We know Royal Delta is going in the Personal Ensign, and we have a lot of respect for her. We might feel like that’s our best distance, too. We’re not sure about that. We’re leaning towards the 1 1/8 miles on the 26th, but if the other race falls apart we can do that, and we don’t have to adjust our schedule of training.”

McLaughlin said that It’s Tricky would work again next Saturday.