Trainer Michael McCarthy breezed two of his leading 3-year-olds, Speech and Rushie, Aug. 6 at Del Mar toward probable stakes starts in September.
Speech, prepping for the Sept. 4 Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs, breezed five furlongs in 1:01 3/5, while Rushie, third in the Toyota Blue Grass (G2) July 11, went the same distance in 1:00 2/5. It was the second workout for each since they raced last month at Keeneland.
McCarthy has not settled on the next race for Rushie, a 3-year-old by Liam's Map owned by Jim and Donna Daniell, but is considering sending him to Churchill Downs. Besides the $3 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) there Sept. 5, other races for sophomore colts that day on the Derby undercard are the $500,000 Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU (G2) on dirt and the $500,000 American Turf Stakes (G2T) at 1 1/16 miles on turf.
"All the races the first week in September are in play for him," the trainer said.
Rushie worked 5 Furlongs in 1:00.40 @DelMarRacing on August 6th, 2020, for trainer @mwmracing. pic.twitter.com/ImS5znYHgj
— XBTV (@WatchXBTV) August 6, 2020
Rushie was not originally nominated to the Triple Crown and would require a $45,000 supplement in addition to entry and starting fees to run in the Derby. Under that scenario, the 40 qualifying Derby points he has earned, some of which were also garnered in a third-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), could be enough to secure entrance, though he would be a longshot in the race.
He is not yet a stakes winner but captured an allowance at Oaklawn Park this spring and a maiden race at Santa Anita Park over the winter. He has raced exclusively on dirt.
McCarthy said he would discuss options with the Daniells in the coming weeks and "come up with a gameplan."
Plans are clear for Speech, a Mr. Speaker filly who won the July 11 Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) by three lengths over Venetian Harbor at Keeneland for owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Madaket Stables. That performance had followed a runner-up finish behind Oaks point leader Swiss Skydiver in the Santa Anita Oaks (G1).
"The Ashland was a super effort," he said. She had been "acting like she was ready to run a big race that day. She's come out of that race in good order and hopefully keeps on training well and keeps her sights set on the Kentucky Oaks."
Speech worked a solid solo 1/2-mile, out in 1:01 3/5 this morning @DelMarRacing for @mwmracing. The G1W Mr. Speaker @LanesEndFarms filly has her sights set on the Run For The Lillies @ChurchillDowns on the 1st Friday in September @uscgatsby @BSWCrow! #BelieveBig #EclipseFillies pic.twitter.com/0Wbm9myzt2
— Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) August 6, 2020
