Sierra Leone and Thorpedo Anna are back

A pair of notable horses returned to the work tab over the weekend at Saratoga. GISW Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) was seen on Sunday, and MGISW Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) made an appearance on Saturday. Both horses cruised over the Oklahoma dirt training track for the first time since their respective efforts during the Belmont at Saratoga festival.

From the Chad Brown barn, 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone completed a solo half-mile move with blinkers on, clocking in at :49.66 (6/30) and galloping out into the backstretch while being encouraged by the exercise rider. Brown mentioned that there was no decision yet on whether Sierra Leone would try the GII Jim Dandy Stakes on July 27 or wait for the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes on August 24.

“It went fine. It was his first work back, and he was moving well,” Brown said. “We could run in the Jim Dandy or train him up to the Travers. I'm not positive yet, but those are the options.”

A day prior, GI Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna breezed a half-mile in :49.25 in her first move since claiming the GI DK Horse Acorn Stakes on June 7. She had lost her front right shoe somewhere in the first turn of her impressive performance, and McPeek noted that her foot was a little tender afterwards. Now back on track, she is being aimed at a start in the GI Coaching Club American Oaks on July 20 at Saratoga.

“She did a maintenance half-mile by herself, easy stuff. We've got four weeks until she runs. Keeping her in routine, she is probably 95 to 100 percent for the Coaching Club if everything goes right,” said McPeek. “We will evaluate the race and see about the Alabama or Travers next.”

Mystik Dan (Goldencents), the GI Kentucky Derby hero, is enjoying a short break after scoping with some mucus following his off-the-board finish in the GI Belmont Stakes. He is being pointed toward the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes and then the GI Pennsylvania Derby on September 21 at Parx.

“No intentions of running him in the Jim Dandy. He ran hard all spring and is getting a bit of a break, and plenty of grazing time. [The] horse is happy and healthy. He will probably go Travers, [and then to the] Pennsylvania Derby.”

Gould's Gold (Goldencents), who finished second in Saturday's GIII Ohio Derby, might be trying the Jim Dandy after that effort. McPeek added that the Curlin Stakes on July 19 could also be in play for the grey.

“We liked the race. This was a horse that was improving, and we think we've got more in him. We will probably nominate him to the Jim Dandy.”