Mucho Macho Man returns to workout ledger

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Saratoga Springs, NY (Sports Network) - Mucho Macho Man, third in the Whitney Handicap, had his first workout Saturday morning at Saratoga Race Course for his upcoming start in the Woodward.

Trained by Kathy Ritvo, Mucho Macho Man went six furlongs in 1:14.43.

"He went good, very good," Ritvo said. "He was very strong today. He came out of his race really good and showed us that he's ready to get ready to run again. He's very sharp; he can't be doing any better."

Owned by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Mucho Macho Man finished behind Cross Traffic and Successful Dan in the 1 1/8-mile Whitney on Aug. 3.

"He ran a monster race (in the Whitney)," Ritvo said. "It's been kind of a slow start to this year, but he's picking it up. He'll be running his third race (off a layoff) in the Woodward, and it should be a good one."

Mucho Macho Man was eased in the Florida Sunshine Millions on Jan. 9 after failing to handle the sloppy Gulfstream Park track. He came down with a mild virus that kept him out of the Gulfstream Park Handicap, a race he won last year. He returned on June 14 at Belmont Park in the Criminal Type Stakes and finished third.

"I don't understand how you can find a more consistent horse," Ritvo said. "He ran a good race coming back in the Criminal Type, and he took a huge step to the Whitney. Huge."

A veteran of 21 races, Mucho Macho Man has six wins, five seconds and six thirds for $2,440,410.