Highly regarded 3-year-old Arabian Knight returned to the work tab May 29 after more than 11 weeks for trainer Bob Baffert. Also working for Baffert on a chilly and damp Memorial Day morning at Santa Anita Park was potential Belmont Stakes (G1) contender Arabian Lion , winner of the May 20 Sir Barton Stakes on the Preakness Stakes (G1) undercard at Pimlico Race Course.
Campaigned by Zedan Racing Stables, Arabian Knight worked an easy three furlongs in :37 4/5. The son of Uncle Mo , undefeated in two lifetime starts, has been sidelined since winning the Jan. 28 Southwest Stakes (G3) by 5 1/2 lengths.
The decision to back off Arabian Knight and await a summer campaign was made following an unsatisfactory work March 9. Owner Amr Zedan said at the time, the connections weren't happy with the work and felt "it's in Arabian Knight's best interest not to rush and allow him more time to develop."
Arabian Lion, another 3-year-old colt owned by Zedan Racing, worked three furlongs in :36 1/5 Monday morning. It was the Justify colt's first drill since a four-length win in the Sir Barton. Last week, Baffert reported that it was possible Arabian Lion could be a starter in the June 10 Belmont Stakes.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
