The excitement continues to build as several top racehorses prepare for big upcoming races like the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational. On Friday, a group of talented horses worked out, including some graded-stakes winners, putting their best foot forward ahead of their races. Among these was Newgrange, a top contender who is training hard to make an impact. In this article, we’ll break down the latest workouts and the horses to watch out for in the coming weeks.
Newgrange Prepares for Pegasus World Cup
Newgrange, a seasoned 6-year-old trained by Phil d’Amato, is getting ready for the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational. He had a workout on Friday at Palm Meadows, breezing five furlongs. This was his second workout at Palm Meadows, showing he’s getting closer to peak form. Newgrange had a strong start in 2024, winning the San Pasqual (G2), but struggled in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) and San Diego Handicap (G2). His last race was in July 2024, but with recent workouts, he’s aiming to bounce back.
Skippylongstocking and Other Contenders
Skippylongstocking, another horse prepping for the Pegasus World Cup, also breezed four furlongs at Palm Meadows, clocking in at 49.35 seconds. This horse had an impressive 2024, winning two graded stakes races. However, he finished sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in his last race. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is likely hoping for a better performance in this upcoming big race.
Honor Marie’s Return
Honor Marie, who had a challenging 2024, returned to the track for the first time since his eighth-place finish in the Travers (G1). He worked three furlongs at Fair Grounds, the fastest at that distance for the day. This horse had a strong 2023, finishing fourth in the Belmont Stakes and eighth in the Kentucky Derby. It will be interesting to see if this workout sets him up for success.
Other Notable Workouts
In total, 23 graded-stakes winners worked out on Friday. Some other standout horses include:
- East Avenue: A Grade 1 winner from the 2024 Breeders’ Futurity, who worked five furlongs at Fair Grounds, marking the fastest time of 44 works at that distance.
- Formidable Man: A Grade 1 winner of the Hollywood Derby, who breezed five furlongs at Santa Anita.
- Nobals: A Grade 1 winner from the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, who worked five furlongs at Turfway Park.
- Hoist the Gold: A two-time Grade 2 winner, who worked five furlongs at Fair Grounds.
All of these horses are aiming to impress in their respective races as they continue preparing for their big returns to the track.
As we head into the 2025 racing season, the competition is fierce. With 23 graded-stakes winners working hard this week, the upcoming races promise to be thrilling. Newgrange is a key horse to watch as he gears up for the Pegasus World Cup, but other contenders like Skippylongstocking and Honor Marie could also make waves. Keep an eye on these top athletes as they continue their preparations for some of the most exciting races in horse racing.
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