Thursday morning saw 13 graded-stakes winners hitting the track to prepare for their upcoming races. From seasoned champions like Johannes to promising stars like Kinza, these thoroughbreds showcased their fitness and readiness under expert trainers. Let’s break down the highlights of these impressive workouts.
Johannes: Eyeing the Pegasus World Cup Turf
Johannes, a four-time graded-stakes winner, worked five furlongs in 1:01.6 at Santa Anita. After finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, trainer Tim Yakteen is preparing him for the Pegasus World Cup Turf on Jan. 25. He may also compete in the San Gabriel Stakes (G2) later this month as a prep.
Integration: Strong Start at Payson Park
Integration, a two-time Grade 2 winner, clocked three furlongs in 37.0 seconds at Payson Park. With his last race being a victory in the Red Smith (G2) at Aqueduct, he’s looking sharp for upcoming turf races under trainer Shug McGaughey.
Sugar Fish: Steady Improvement
Sugar Fish, known for her victories in the Zenyatta and Summertime Oaks, worked five furlongs in 1:01.4 at Santa Anita. Trainer Jeff Mullins is fine-tuning her performance after a fifth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
Hoosier Philly: Fastest Work of the Morning
Hoosier Philly blazed through five furlongs in 1:00.0 at Fair Grounds, topping the morning’s workout times. Despite recent challenges, including a seventh-place finish in the Locust Grove (G2), trainer Tom Amoss seems to have her on track for a comeback.
Notable Mentions
- Atitlan: The Twilight Derby winner worked four furlongs in 48.8 seconds at Santa Anita, showing progress after a seventh-place finish in the Hollywood Derby.
- Chatalas: This Grade 2 winner ran six furlongs in 1:14.4 at Santa Anita, prepping for potential races after a third-place finish in September.
- Dicey Mo Chara: The 2022 San Gabriel winner worked four furlongs in 51.6 seconds, marking a return to training.
- Maryquitecontrary: Posted a time of 49.5 seconds for four furlongs at Gulfstream Park, staying consistent after placing second in her last start.
- Verstappen: The Elkhorn winner worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Turfway Park, gearing up for his next challenge.
Rising Stars
- Kinza: With wins in the Santa Ysabel and Las Virgenes, this promising filly worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Santa Anita.
- Bullard: The Bob Hope (G3) winner clocked in at 49.2 seconds for four furlongs.
- Kopion: Leading the six-furlong works at Santa Anita, this Grade 3 winner completed the distance in 1:12.0, hinting at big performances ahead.
Conclusion
These graded-stakes winners are setting the stage for exciting races ahead, with trainers and jockeys refining strategies and building momentum. From potential showdowns at the Pegasus World Cup Turf to seasonal comebacks, Thursday’s workouts showcased the talent and dedication that make horse racing thrilling.
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