Flat Out worked at Belmont Park in new shoes ahead of Breeders’ Cup Classic
Bad feet or not, Flat Out can reel down anyone when on song, and since the change of ownership and trainer, Flat Out bought time to adjust, but once he did, he was back to his own mean self when he nabbed the title of the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup for
second year in a row.
Six-year-old horse by Flatter is now looking at the bigger picture this fall, and for someone his calibre you have got to think big, and it doesn’t get bigger than the Grade 1, $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on 3 November, 2012, at Santa Anita Park.
However, before the normal works begin and Flat Out gets back into his groove before a big one, there are some usual issues with the runner than need addressing.
Hall of Fame trainer, Bill Mott wanted to start early ahead of the Breeders’ Cup, as he took Flat Out to the track over the weekend, but Flat Out had feet concerns, which have troubled him throughout his career.
Out of Cresta Rider mare Cresta Lil, Flat Out has the tendency to bruise the bulb of his heels on his front feet, but Mott got the blacksmith to work to make Flat Out, what are known as Z-bar shoes, which will help the runner alleviate pressure on the bottom
of his foot.
“It’s no secret his feet have been an issue,” Mott said. “I just want to offer him a little protection before he works.”
That much awaited work did happen, as Mott took Flat Out to the Belmont Park track, wearing his new bar shoes on 15 October to work ahead of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
Under exercise rider, Steve Schmez, Flat Out burned his first quarter in 25.28 second, without much urging he was back in 23.60 seconds.
A good day’s work was helped by some galloping, as he galloped five furlongs in 1 minute and 2.38 seconds.
“That’s a typical work for him,” trainer Bill Mott said. “He did most of it pretty well within himself, I would say.” After the work Mott was happy and said, “The feet look good.”
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