Above The Beyond Works Half Mile From The Gate

Above The Beyond worked an impressive half mile Saturday morning over a drying out track at Suffolk Downs. Veteran jockey Angel Vasquez was aboard for the workout once again and they covered the distance in 50 3/5 seconds from the gate, which was ninth best out of twenty three horses that worked the distance on that day, and the third best time for horses breaking from the gate. He galloped out past five eighths of a mile.

Above The Beyond galloped around to the gate and waited patiently while a number of horses performed gate work prior to having his opportunity. When it was his turn, he hesitated slightly entering, then settle comfortably with a number of assistant starters surrounding him. As Jorge Berberena, a gate crew member, approached the front of the gate and opened it, the bell sounded, and Above The Beyond bounced from the gate. It took him approximately four to five strides to hit full speed. But, once there, his strides were smooth and comfortable and he switched leads perfectly.

Mr. Vasquez was extremely pleased with the workout, indicating that although he began to tire, it was not until they were past the five eighths mark. Mr. Vasquez pushed Above The Beyond to go a bit further, and they pulled up near the seven eighths pole. Kevin Osborne, Above The Beyond's regular exercise rider, was on the track at the time of the workout and saw the tandem as they came down the lane. He felt that the workout was done "effortlessly", indicating that Mr. Vasquez was just sitting chilly as Above The Beyond approached him. Once again, he cooled out in good order, showing no signs of cramping.

Above The Beyond will continue to jog and gallop over the next week. If all goes according to plan, he will work five eighths of a mile next Saturday.