Despite muddy track conditions at the Spa, trainer Steve Asmussen did not keep his barn stars off the work tab. Epicenter, preparing for the Jim Dandy (G2) this Saturday, breezed four furlongs in 49.53 the Saratoga trianing track. Asmussen also sent Gunite, winner of the Hopeful (G1) last year, out for a three-furlong breeze over the same track. Gunite is expected to contest the Amsterdam (G2) on Sunday.
Spenderella, most recently second in the Coronation (G1) on June 17, posted her first workout since that visit to Royal Ascot. The 3-year-old filly breezed five furlongs in 1:01.4 over the all-weather training track, fastest of six at the distance. Trainer Graham Motion has identified the Del Mar Oaks (G1) and the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) as possible destinations for Spenderella.
These 11 graded-stakes winners worked across North America on Monday morning. To find out where they may be headed next, check the Horse Racing Nation Stakes Schedule.
Gunite (Gun Runner), a Grade 1 winner (2021 Hopeful), worked three furlongs in 37.1 seconds at Saratoga on Monday morning. It was the fastest of 3 works at the distance. His previous work was 7 days ago going five furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he won the Maxfield Overnight going seven furlongs on the main track at Churchill Downs on July 3 for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Highland Chief (IRE) (Gleneagles (IRE)), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Man o' War), worked five furlongs in 1:02.2 at Fair Hill on Monday morning. It was the fourth fastest of 6 works at the distance. His previous work was 7 days ago going six furlongs at Fair Hill. In his last start he placed fourth in the Manhattan (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Belmont Park on June 11 for trainer Graham Motion.
Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow), a Grade 1 winner (2021 Pennsylvania Derby), worked six furlongs in 1:12.4 at Keeneland on Monday morning. It was the fastest of 2 works at the distance. His previous work was 6 days ago going five furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he placed second in the Salvator Mile (G3) going one mile on the main track at Monmouth Park on June 18 for trainer Doug O'Neill.
Epicenter (Not This Time), a two time Grade 2 winner (2022 Louisiana Derby, 2022 Risen Star), worked four furlongs in 49.5 seconds at Saratoga on Monday morning. It was the second fastest of 3 works at the distance. His previous work was 7 days ago going five furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he placed second in the Preakness (G1) going 1 3/16 miles on the main track at Pimlico on May 21 for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Law Professor (Constitution), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Santa Anita Mathis Mile), worked four furlongs in 50.4 seconds at Belmont Park on Monday morning. It was the 17th fastest of 32 works at the distance. His previous work was 7 days ago going three furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed ninth in the Oaklawn Mile (G3) going one mile on the main track at Oaklawn on April 2 for trainer Michael McCarthy.
Royal Ship (BRZ) (Midshipman), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Californian), worked five furlongs in 59.6 seconds at Del Mar on Monday morning. It was the seventh fastest of 38 works at the distance. His previous work was 6 days ago going six furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he placed third in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Santa Anita on May 30 for trainer Richard E. Mandella.
Soothsay (Distorted Humor), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Santa Anita Oaks), worked seven furlongs in 1:24.6 at Del Mar on Monday morning. It was the fastest of 1 works at the distance. Her previous work was 6 days ago going five furlongs at Del Mar. In her last start she won the Indiana Oaks (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Horseshoe Indianapolis on July 7 for trainer Richard E. Mandella.
Spendarella (Karakontie (JPN)), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Appalachian), worked five furlongs in 1:01.4 at Fair Hill on Monday morning. It was the fastest of 6 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed second in the Coronation Stakes (G1) going about one mile on the turf at Ascot on June 17 for trainer H. Graham Motion.
Texas Wedge (Colonel John), a Grade 2 winner (2020 Joe Hernandez), worked three furlongs in 39.6 seconds at Del Mar on Monday morning. It was the 24th fastest of 26 works at the distance. His previous work was 6 days ago going five furlongs at Del Mar. In his last start he placed eighth in an allowance race going five furlongs on the turf at Del Mar on Nov. 4 for trainer Peter Miller.
Avie's Flatter (Flatter), a Grade 3 winner (2019 Transylvania), worked five furlongs in 1:01.2 at Woodbine on Monday morning. It was the second fastest of 3 works at the distance. His previous work was 9 days ago going four furlongs at Woodbine. In his last start he placed ninth in an allowance race going seven furlongs on the synthetic at Woodbine on July 3 for trainer Josie Carroll.
Bees and Honey (Union Rags), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Comely), worked four furlongs in 51.8 seconds at Saratoga on Monday morning. It was the third fastest of 3 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fourth in the Delaware H. (G2) going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Delaware Park on July 9 for trainer Shug McGaughey.
