The Puma Logs First Workout Since Haskell, Points to Travers

The colt is being pointed toward the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Aug. 29.

Jockey Javier Castellano, The Puma’s regular rider, was aboard for the workout—his first time working the colt since April 18 at Gulfstream Park. Working alone on Thursday, The Puma posted splits of 13.03 seconds, 25.28, and 37.28, with a final quarter in 24.83. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.75 and seven furlongs in 1:29.32.

“He worked good, I liked it, nothing fancy just a maintenance work,” Castellano said. “[Trainer Gustavo Delgado] wanted me to go slow this time since, first work back since the Haskell.”

The Puma has been stabled in Saratoga since July 19, the day after his fourth-place Haskell finish, which was his first start since finishing a nose behind the winner in the Florida Derby. The colt had previously been scratched from the Kentucky Derby due to inflammation and an infection. Trainer Gustavo Delgado noted the amount of travel The Puma has undergone, shipping from Florida to New Jersey and then on to Saratoga.

“Castellano liked the work because it was very easy,” Delgado said. “Galloping out, he was very, very good. Remember, it was his first work after the Haskell. I told Castellano he didn’t need to do too much.”

Delgado said The Puma will have two more workouts before the Travers.