Tom's Ready, Mo Tom work five furlongs for TwinSpires.com Risen Star

Edited Press Release

Tom's Ready, second last out to fellow G M B Racing-owned Mo Tom in the $200,000 TwinSpires.com Lecomte on January 16, fired a warning shot in the form of a five-furlong bullet in 1:00 flat on Saturday morning at Fair Grounds.

"It was very good," trainer Dallas Stewart said. "He was a little sharp early, but he finished strong and galloped out pretty good. He came off the track bouncing and I think we're where we need to be."

Previous to his Lecomte effort, the Pennsylvania-bred was a good second in a mile and 70-yard allowance on December 18 over the Fair Grounds main track to cap a juvenile season that saw him make six starts and finish in the exacta in half of those. Despite just a lone victory, he has always been well-regarded by the Stewart barn, even starting in the $350,000 Hopeful (G1) in September -- and finishing fifth -- as a maiden.

Moving forward, Stewart plans to give the dark bay colt a similar work to prepare him for the $400,000 TwinSpires.com Risen Star (G2) on February 20.

"He'll work again -- another five-eighths -- next Saturday or Sunday," Stewart said. "We know he's a nice horse. He needs to train like he's that type of horse. The game is stepping up and he has to step up with it."

Stewart confirmed that Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez is slated to ride.

Mo Tom also worked five furlongs on Saturday morning. The Tom Amoss-trained son of red-hot sire Uncle Mo went in 1:01 flat and remains on course for a clash with his friendly rival of common ownership.