Fort Larned working to get back to winning

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - Breeders' Cup Classic winner Fort Larned is still looking for his first win of 2013 after two disappointing efforts to begin the year.

Trained by Ian Wilkes, Fort Larned finished fifth as the 1-2 favorite in the Oaklawn Handicap on April 13. The 5-year-old, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., had been within striking distance entering the stretch but failed to respond when asked.

However, that was an improvement over his season debut on March 9 in the Gulfstream Park Handicap when he lost Hernandez at the start.

"The second jump out of the gate, he stumbled badly and fell on his face. I don't know what else to say," said Hernandez after the race. "He was really on his toes. He did everything right until that moment."

Tuesday morning, Fort Larned had his first workout since the Oaklawn Handicap. Over a fast Churchill Downs track, the 5-year-old breezed four furlongs in 48 4/5 seconds, the seventh fastest of 39 working that distance, including 2011 Kentucky Derby runner-up Nehro who went 52 2/5 seconds.