After going an easy five furlongs in a reported 1:02 last Sunday in his first work since a second place finish in the Grade 1 Woodward, Gunnevera picked up the pace Saturday at Gulfstream Park  West completing the same distance in 1:01.03 with Edgard Zayas aboard as he continues preparations for the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Working inside Cometin, who has partnered up with him on several occasions in the past, Gunnevera posted splits of 24.21 and 36.67 for the opening quarter and three-eighths, edging clear under pressure nearing the wire. He then increased his advantage galloping out a strong six furlongs in 1:13.81 over the fast but deep track.

"I was very, very happy," trainer Antonio Sano said immediately after the work. "He's definitely a better work horse with company and I thought he moved forward off last week. I was especially pleased with the gallop out, he kept going all the way down the backstretch before pulling up."

Sano said Gunnevera, who finished in a dead heat for fifth behind Gun Runner in the 2017 Classic, would have a more serious, six furlong work, again with company, next Saturday with his final breeze prior to the Classic scheduled for Friday, Oct. 26, the day before he ships to Churchill Downs.