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El Kabeir, winner of the Gotham and Jerome Stakes, breezed Monday in anticipation of a Wood Memorial that looks to have a short field according to NYRA officials.
El Kabeier went five furlongs over Belmont Park's training track in 1:01.12 (1/27) with exercise rider Simon Harris aboard. Trainer John Terranova said he caught the son of Scat Daddy making the first quarter in :25 and change and coming home in :35.60.
"The clockers got him galloping out in 1:13 3/5, just as easy as can be," said Terranova. "He went great, great. We were really happy. It went perfect, just as we were hoping. He came out great and is cooling out really well."
Among those expected to face El Kabeir in the 1 1/8-mile Wood are the Todd Pletcher-trained duo of Far From Over and Daredevil.
Far from Over bested El Kabeir in the Withers and then returned to Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and skipped the Gotham Stakes. Daredevil's greatest achievment is a win of the Champagne Stakes last year. In his only start this year, he finished second in the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park after drawing post 1.
Frosted, most recently fourth in the Fountain of Youth Stakes after hitting the stretch on the lead, will try to regain his form in the Wood. The fourth- and fifth-place finishers from the Gotham Stakes, Toasting Master and Tendencur, are also expected.
Far From Over and Frosted will be flown from Florida to New York on Thursday.
Kiaran McLaughlin said Monday that Ocean Knight, who had been under consideration for the Wood, will not make the trip after working five furlongs in 1:00.97 at Palm Meadows.