Tonalist Tunes Up For Met Mile

Robert Evans’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ Tonalist (Tapit) breezed five furlongs in 1:01.23 (7/13) at Belmont Friday morning in his final work for the GI Metropolitan H. June 6. The bay, who was ridden by regular exercise rider Lee Vickers, galloped out six furlongs in 1:14, according to trainer Christophe Clement. 

“It was a nice maintenance work; he looked well,” said Clement. “I have enough time to give him a little blowout next Wednesday or Thursday–a sharp three-eighths. We’re excited for the race.” 

Tonalist is undefeated at Belmont with wins in last term’s GII Peter Pan S., GI Belmont S. and GI Jockey Club Gold Cup, as well as a victory in the GIII Westchester S. on seasonal debut May 2. 

“I’ve always loved the [Met Mile] because the sprinters stretch out and the 1 1/4-mile horses cut back,” Clement said. “It’s a fun race; you get all the best older horses.” 

Some of those elite older horses expected to take on Tonalist in the Met Mile are GI Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bayern (Offlee Wild), MGISW Private Zone (Macho Uno), MGSW ‘TDN Rising Star’ Honor Code (A.P. Indy) and last year’s GI TwinSpires.com Wood Memorial S. winner Wicked Strong (Hard Spun).