After attempting to start in a few allowances that failed to fill, Shug McGaughey decided to wait until the March 17 Gotham Stakes to unveil his G2SW Derby contender Saarland.
In preparation for the Gotham, Saarland galloped 1 1/2 on Frebruary 27, 28, and March 1. In his first work of the new month, Saar went five furlongs in 1:02.60 into a 30mph headwind. He then had a day off on the third, followed by another 1 1/2 gallop on the fourth. On March 6, Saarland was schedualed for a "two minute lick". The clockers caught in going five furlongs in a minute flat, however. March 7, 8, and 9 all brought 1 1/4 gallops. On March 10, Saarland worked 1:00 flat for five furlongs in his last work in Florida, galloping out six furlongs in 1:13. Later that morning, he and three stablemates, Polish Miner, Silicone Alley, and Ravish Me, were loaded onto a van for the trip to New York.
Entries for the Gotham Stakes include record-setter Mayakovsky who, like Saarland, will be coming off of a layoff. Heir D'Twine, Tank's Expectation, Rum Splasher, Two Shakes, and Parade of Music will also be in the gate. John Velazquez will be up from Florida for the ride.
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