Brazilian star breezes for Turf

Churchill Downs

Wednesday, Oct. 24

Weather: Clear

Temp: 44°

Track: Fast

Turf: Firm

LOUISVILLE, KY. – The grass course was open for business during training hours Tuesday at Churchill Downs, but the only trainer opting to take advantage of the opportunity was Ian Wilkes, who sent out his Breeders’ Cup Turf hopeful, the Brazilian-raced and -bred Quarteto de Cordas, to breeze in company shortly before 10 a.m.

Quarteto de Cordas, who has yet to race in this country, was one of only two potential Breeders’ Cup starters to work Tuesday at the host site, along with Warrior’s Club, a candidate for either the Dirt Mile or Sprint.

Partnered up and working inside the unraced 3-year-old Always Cool and with Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard, Quarteto de Cordas broke off at the fiveeighths pole and covered the five furlongs over the firm ground in 1:03.87 around the dogs, which were set well out on the course. The team went on even terms throughout, posting splits of 26.64 seconds and 39.73 along the way before completing the average-looking work by galloping out six furlongs in 1:18.28, both under pressure to the wire.

Warrior’s Club was the first worker over the main track immediately after the renovation break, breezing an easy but relatively quick half-mile in 24.23 and 48.58. Wearing blinkers, he finished within himself and with his ears up at the wire. He did ease up rather abruptly shortly after completing the drill, which is typical for workers from the barn of trainer D. Wayne Lukas.