A flurry of Breeders’ Cup contenders showcased their talents in impressive workouts across the country on Saturday.
At Saratoga, Thorpedo Anna and Denington turned in standout performances. Thorpedo Anna, a multiple Grade 1 winner, breezed five furlongs in a swift time, showcasing her readiness for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Her trainer, Kenny McPeek, was highly pleased with the workout, stating that she is “hitting on all cylinders.” Sierra Leone, a dual graded-stakes winner, also impressed with a half-mile breeze at Belmont Park. Trainer Chad Brown expressed his excitement for Sierra Leone’s prospects in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Other notable workouts included:
- Domestic Product: The talented sophomore middle-distance runner breezed a half-mile at Belmont Park, showcasing his strength and speed ahead of his final career start in the Dirt Mile.
- Chancer McPatrick and Zulu Kingdom: Two promising juveniles worked at Belmont Park, preparing for the Juvenile and Juvenile Turf, respectively.
- Raging Sea: The Grade 1-winning filly breezed a half-mile at Belmont Park, showcasing her readiness for the Distaff.
- Ways and Means: The top female sprinter breezed a half-mile at Belmont Park, demonstrating her impressive speed and form.
- Gina Romantica and Virgin Colada: Breeders’ Cup Mile and Juvenile Fillies Turf contenders, respectively, both had solid workouts at Belmont Park.
At Keeneland, several Breeders’ Cup hopefuls also turned in impressive performances. Vahva and Cagliostro, trained by Cherie DeVaux, worked together in preparation for the Filly & Mare Sprint and Dirt Mile, respectively. Other notable workouts included those of Pyrenees for the Classic, Didia for the Filly & Mare Turf, Carl Spackler and Chili Flag for the Mile, and Destino d’Oro for the Juvenile Turf.
At Santa Anita, Phil D’Amato’s quintet of Breeders’ Cup contenders had successful workouts. Iron Man Cal, Thought Process, and Che Evasora all impressed with their performances, showcasing their readiness for the Juvenile Turf, Juvenile Fillies Turf, and Distaff, respectively. Other notable workouts at Santa Anita included those of Goliad for the Mile, Kirstenbosch for the Filly & Mare Sprint, Supa Speed for the Juvenile Fillies Turf, and Raging Torrent for the Sprint.
Overall, the workouts on Saturday provided valuable insights into the form and readiness of many top-level horses as they prepare for the Breeders’ Cup.
