Cross Traffic worked after the renovation break in company with his undefeated stablemate Eastwood, the pair going an easy half-mile in 48.12 before galloping out five-eighths in 1:00.99 and pulling up six panels in 1:13.94.
“I thought he went very well,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “He galloped out like we normally ask him to, and he did it well.”
Cross Traffic led throughout before holding off a belated rally from Successful Dan to register a three-quarter-length decision in the Whitney.
Ron the Greek also turned in his final tune-up for the Woodward on Sunday, breezing an easy half-mile in 49.30 over the Oklahoma training track. Ron the Greek finished fourth, two lengths behind Mucho Macho Man, in the Whitney.
A field of eight is expected for the Woodward: Mucho Macho Man, Cross Traffic, Ron the Greek, Alpha, Flat Out, Fort Larned, Paynter, and Successful Dan.
Pletcher also sent out a pair of Grade 1 winners, Graydar and Shanghai Bobby, to work in company Sunday, the powerhouse duo going five furlongs in 1:01.05 while in hand throughout. Both horses are on the comeback trail after sustaining injuries earlier this year.
“I think they are both coming along right on schedule, and I was happy with both of them,” Pletcher said. “Graydar is most likely for the Kelso. Shanghai Bobby, we’ll just have to see, but he should be ready around the same time, I expect.”
The Grade 2 Kelso will be run at Belmont Park on Sept. 28.
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