First workout for Mark Valeski

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Mark Valeski, winner of the Peter Pan Stakes, had his first workout Thursday morning since arriving at Fair Grounds Racetrack. The 3-year-old colt is owned by Brereton Jones and trained by Larry Jones.

"Our big 3-year-olds all got the summer off," said Larry Jones, speaking about Believe You Can, Mark Valeski and Mr. Bowling, winner of the Lecomte Stakes, "so we'll be firing with them all down here at Fair Grounds again this winter. That should make for some very exciting racing for the city of New Orleans this winter.

"Mr. Bowling will probably get his first work back in another 10 days or so."

Mark Valeski worked three-furlongs in 36 1/5 seconds, the best time recorded for the distance Thursday at the track.

The colt was second in both the Louisiana Derby and Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds. He won the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park in May as the 6-5 favorite.

He's won half of his six career starts for $430,952.

On Monday, Kentucky Oaks winner Believe You Can also had her first workout after a long vacation. With Rosie Napravnik riding, the filly went three- furlongs in 37 1/5 seconds.

"She went well. We'll probably bring her back for another work in about six or seven days," Larry Jones said.

Believe You Can, also owned by Brereton Jones, had won the Fair Grounds Oaks in the spring, but was third in Belmont Park's Mother Goose on June 21 before being given time off.

The 3-year-old has earned more than $1 million with six wins in 10 lifetime starts.