Juddmonte's homebred Mandaloun , winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), is back on the Churchill Downs work tab following his ninth-place finish in February's $20 million Saudi Cup (G1).
"He worked an easy three-eighths last week and we came back (Sunday) with just an easy half-mile (in :49 1/5)," trainer Brad Cox said. "He got delayed coming back to Churchill from Saudi, so we just wanted to be easy on him for a little while and get him back going. We'll start to get more serious in the next few weeks."
The 4-year-old Into Mischief colt started his 2022 campaign Jan. 22 with a gutsy, three-quarters of a length victory over the late Midnight Bourbon in the $150,000 Louisiana Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots. He has amassed a bankroll of more than $2 million in 10 starts with a record of 6-1-1.
No immediate race plans were confirmed for Mandaloun, but one local option he is eligible for is the July 2 Stephen Foster (G2). The 1 1/8-mile event for older horses is a "Win and You're In" for the $6 million Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland Nov. 5.
Nominations to the Stephen Foster close June 18, and one of the early probables is Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, Strauss Bros Racing, and Gainesway Thoroughbreds' Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) runner-up Hot Rod Charlie, according to trainer Doug O'Neill.
