As the new year begins, some of the top names in horse racing are back in training. Among them is Eclipse Award winner Just F Y I, who has started preparing for her 4-year-old debut. Several graded stakes winners and a Kentucky Derby hopeful also logged notable workouts to kick off 2025.
Just F Y I: Back on the Work Tab
After nearly seven months off, Just F Y I made her return to training with a three-furlong breeze in 38.0 seconds at Payson Park. The talented daughter of Justify is owned by breeder George Krikorian and trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott.
- Her Achievements in 2023:
- Won the Grade 1 Frizette at Aqueduct.
- Secured victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita.
- Finished as the champion juvenile filly of the year.
After a promising start to her career, she experienced setbacks, finishing second in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and sixth in the Acorn (G1). Mott has not yet announced her next race, but fans are eager to see her back in action.
Other Graded Stakes Winners on the Track
Nutella Fella (Runhappy)
- Notable Wins: Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes (2023).
- Recent Work: Seven furlongs in 1:28.8 at Tampa Bay Downs.
- Last Race: Finished third in the Woody Stephens (G1).
Big City Lights (Mr. Big)
- Notable Wins: Grade 3 Palos Verdes (2024).
- Recent Work: Five furlongs in 59.0 seconds at Santa Anita, the fastest of the day.
- Last Race: Won the Cary Grant Stakes at Del Mar.
La Cara (Street Sense)
- Notable Wins: Grade 3 Pocahontas Stakes (2024).
- Recent Work: Four furlongs in 48.7 seconds at Palm Meadows.
- Last Race: Placed fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
Society Man (Good Magic)
- Notable Wins: Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes (2024).
- Recent Work: Four furlongs in 49.3 seconds at Palm Meadows.
- Last Race: Finished second in an allowance race at Keeneland.
Kentucky Derby Hopeful: Burning Glory
Among the workouts was Burning Glory, a Kentucky Derby contender trained by Bill Mott. The son of Into Mischief worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds at Payson Park.
- Last Race: Won a maiden race at Churchill Downs on December 1.
- Potential Path: With a strong pedigree and steady progress, Burning Glory is one to watch as Derby prep season unfolds.
The return of these champions and up-and-comers marks an exciting start to 2025 for horse racing. With stakes season and the Kentucky Derby on the horizon, these workouts are a glimpse into the competition ahead. Whether it’s Just F Y I’s comeback or Burning Glory’s Derby aspirations, fans have plenty to look forward to.
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