Teaks North, winner of Monmouth Park’s
Grade 1 United Nations on July 2, tuned up for his engagement in Saturday’s
Grade 1 Sword Dancer with a 48.80 four-furlong breeze on Monday at Monmouth.
“He worked a nice half, breezing,
and galloped out in 1:01 2/5,” said Justin Sallusto. “He cooled out well, and
he’s ready to come up.”
Owned by Jules Boutelle, Teaks
North is seeking his third straight win of 2011 in the Sword Dancer, having
defeated dual Grade 1 winner Get Stormy in the Grade 3 Monmouth on June 12.
Earlier this year, Teaks North took the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf
Handicap.
“He’s at the top of his game,”
said Sallusto, who added the gelding will head to Saratoga later this week. “I believe he’ll be
very, very formidable on Saturday.”
The Sword Dancer will be Teaks
North’s first start at Saratoga , but Sallusto was quick to credit the
4-year-old for his ability to ship and handle a variety of surfaces.
“I’d rather stay on my home
court, but he’s adaptable and is a good shipper,” said Sallusto. “He’ll
definitely enjoy the cool Saratoga weather.”