PIONEEROF THE NILE ‘READY’ FOR LEWIS
Article taken from TDN
Pioneerof the Nile (EMPIRE MAKER) completed five furlongs in a sharp 59.40 at Santa Anita Sunday in preparation for Saturday’s Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes Jockey Garrett Gomez was aboard. "We're still pretty far out [from the May 2 Kentucky Derby], so right now, we just want to maintain a level of fitness and conditioning," trainer Bob Baffert. "He's already punched his ticket to the Derby. He's made enough [graded] money, so I don't have to worry about that. There's no urgency, so it's good that I can run him when he's ready. He looks great right now."
Campaigned by Zayat Stables, the dark bay won his most recent start, the 1 1/16-mile Grade 1 CashCall Futurity Stakes over Hollywood’s Cushion Track Dec. 20. "A mile and a sixteenth is not his best distance," said Baffert. "Once he goes further, a mile and an eighth, he's going to be a better horse. He's growing up, he looks good, and I think he's relaxing more. He'll change a lot between now and May." Looking down the road, Baffert added, "physically, he's still a little immature. He's a late foal, but I can see a difference in him now. He's really maturing in his mind. You can't worry about how far he'll run based on his breeding. The important thing is, he handles everything well. He's got a pretty good foundation, and that's what you want: a foundation."
Date:
2 February 2009