Updates

Brave Monarch is scheduled to work out of the gate on the dirt within the next few days at Palm Meadows in preparation for his racing debut. Terry, Tom Bellhouse, and Erin saw him train over the weekend. He’s carrying good weight and seems to move well over the dirt at Palm Meadows. Graham said, “This horse has done well for me. I’ve had a few Maria’s Mons over the years that remind me quite a bit of this horse. They trained decently over the dirt, but did their best running on the turf. When the new Tampa Bay Downs condition book comes out, I’d like to take a look at the maiden special weights there. You run for less money than at Gulfstream, but the competition is much easier. I want to give him every opportunity to run well first out. I think we’ll see him in the gate toward the end of this month

The Defense Rests worked three furlongs in 39:66 (11 of 12) on Monday at Belmont. “I told my rider to go nice and easy since it was his first work over this surface,” said Mike Hushion. “He is very healthy and moving well. We’ll keep him on a weekly breeze schedule moving forward.” A March return in a maiden special weight at Aqueduct remains viable.

Phosphorescent remains on target to ship to Florida to resume training on or around March 1st.

Mr. Fantasy had another week of turnout on Dr. Baker’s farm. Clinically, there is very little swelling and inflammation in his ankles, which is a very good sign. He remains on target to ship to Florida on or around March 1st in anticipation of going back into training about April 1st.