[Kasept]

LATE SESSION: Post-harrow works came quickly, and there were not any especially scintillating efforts. The ARUNA work was supposed to be an audition for Motion's Spinster winner to participate in the Distaff, and it felt like they never really gave her an opportunity to impress. She came out in polos and wearing a blanket, and while she went fine over the dirt, she wasn't asked to show anything and didn't really finish with relish. Motion said afterwards that he came into the morning leaning towards the Distaff and exits the morning leaning F&M Turf. I'll speculate that the decision might have already been made coming in..

The Romans Cup candidates SHACKLEFORD & DULLAHAN both worked fast enough, but neither delivered what would be termed 'wow' efforts. Shack has filled back out after his intense spring/summer campaign and seems more bruising and less brilliant now. Dale and Donegal would like Dullahan to be the Kentucky Derby Paddy O'Prado, he looks more like the Virginia Derby Paddy O'Prado. Work was OK and you can't blame the team for trying him in the Juvenile on the Main in an attempt at the 2yo Eclipse as they have, but long-term he looks like a good turf horse.

BIRDRUN (Marathon) worked with DROSSELMEYER (Classic) for Mott after the break, and the Belmont winner was clearly best. While seemingly incredulous as a Classic winner, Drosselmeyer looks great physically, shows a lot of energy, is absolutely a 10f (or more) horse and broke his maiden on this strip..

Also working were TAR HEEL MOM, SUPER ESPRESSO & PUTTHEBABIESDOWN, but I did not get a great look at them..