Bodog Beat

War Pass has a lot to prove this Saturday in the $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. (AP Images)

Since his disappointing finish in the Tampa Bay Derby he’s run a promising workout at Palm Meadows Training Center, running four furlongs in: 47.40.

“It was a solid work,” said Zito, “If he wasn’t gonna give us that, we couldn’t even think of (putting him in the Wood). He looked like his old self, he was happy.”

Starting from post five in a 10 horse field, War Pass’ trainer Nick Zito is showing some concern.

“He’s right in the middle, so they kind of got him squeezed, I would have preferred if he was in or out, but hopefully he’ll be able to get away from there,” said Zito. “I don’t care if they run with him providing he gets a shot to run. Just please let him get away from there and not get beat up.”

With other contenders such as Court Vision, Tale of Ekati, and Giant Moon in the 1 1/8-mile race, this race will be an interesting proving ground for War Pass to regain his former serious contender status.

“Cornelio (Velasquez, War Pass’ jockey) will let him fly no matter what, and from what I can see, he’s going to put in a very good effort.”

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