Horse racing fans had plenty to watch this Monday morning as some of the best up-and-coming sprint stars took to the track for their training workouts. Among them, Grade 1 winner Howard Wolowitz stood out with an impressive performance, while other graded-stakes winners like Cavalieri, Express Train, and Gold Phoenix continued their preparations for future races. Here’s a look at how these top competitors performed in their morning drills.
Howard Wolowitz Sets the Pace with a Fastest Workout
One of the most exciting performances came from Howard Wolowitz, a rising sprint star trained by Jose D’Angelo. The son of Munnings clocked an eye-catching four furlongs in 46.9 seconds at Palm Meadows, making it the fastest time of the morning over that distance.
Howard Wolowitz made headlines last year when he won the Grade 1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes at Kentucky Downs. Despite a tough trip in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, where he finished ninth, he showcased his talent by closing strong, ending just three lengths behind the winner, Starlust.
Cavalieri Continues Her Winning Streak
Another horse to keep an eye on is Cavalieri, a talented 4-year-old filly trained by Bob Baffert. After winning the Grade 3 La Cañada Stakes on January 19, Cavalieri returned to the track at Santa Anita, where she completed a four-furlong workout in 49.4 seconds.
Purchased for $900,000 as a 2-year-old, Cavalieri had a late start to her racing career, debuting in August of her sophomore season. Since then, she has won all three of her starts, proving to be a top contender in upcoming races.
Other Notable Monday Morning Workouts
In addition to Howard Wolowitz and Cavalieri, several other graded-stakes winners put in solid efforts during their Monday morning workouts:
At Santa Anita:
- Express Train (2022 Santa Anita Handicap winner) covered five furlongs in 1:01.6.
- Gold Phoenix (2023 Frank E. Kilroe Mile winner) ran four furlongs in 48.6 seconds.
- Uncorked (2024 Royal Heroine winner) clocked five furlongs in 59.4 seconds, the fastest of 24 at the distance.
At Fair Grounds:
- Red Route One (2024 New Orleans Classic winner) completed five furlongs in 1:00.2, the third-fastest time of the morning.
- Lagynos (2024 Commonwealth Turf winner) also worked five furlongs in 1:00.2, matching Red Route One’s time.
At Payson Park:
- Nakatomi (2024 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap winner) ran five furlongs in 1:00.0, the best time at that distance.
- Accede (2024 Bed o’ Roses winner) clocked three furlongs in 36.6 seconds, the fastest of 28 workouts.
At Belmont Park:
- High Oak (2021 Saratoga Special winner) put in a steady four-furlong workout in 49.7 seconds.
At Palm Meadows:
- Mission of Joy (2023 Florida Oaks winner) ran four furlongs on turf in 52.3 seconds.
What’s Next for These Rising Stars?
With impressive training performances behind them, these horses are preparing for upcoming graded stakes races where they will aim to continue their success. Howard Wolowitz’s sharp work suggests he’s in prime form for his next start, while Cavalieri’s steady improvement makes her one to watch in upcoming filly and mare races.
As these competitors continue their training, racing fans can expect exciting matchups in the coming weeks. Whether on dirt or turf, sprinting or going longer distances, these rising stars are set to make their mark on the 2025 racing season.
Visit Home