Mark Casse has experienced a remarkable career over the past decade, particularly in terms of earnings. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic year of 2020, his recent performances have been nothing short of impressive. Last year, Casse's stable earned $17.7 million, just shy of the record set in 2016. This success is partly attributed to winning 22 graded stakes races. As the racing season progresses, Casse's team continues to show promise, with several young horses vying for prestigious spots in upcoming major events like the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. Among these hopefuls are Sandman, La Cara, Mi Bago, and others, who have already demonstrated their potential through notable performances in earlier races. Additionally, Casse provides updates on some of his seasoned campaigners, including Pounce, Webslinger, and Get Smokin, as they prepare for their next challenges.

The early part of this year has seen continued success for Mark Casse's training operation. One standout from his roster is Sandman, a colt that has garnered attention with his strong performances in Derby prep races. After overcoming obstacles in the Southwest Stakes, where he finished second despite initial difficulties, Sandman now aims to secure a place in the Kentucky Derby. With favorable post positioning and hopes for ideal track conditions, Casse expresses confidence in Sandman's ability to prove himself further. "He showed great resilience in the Southwest," Casse noted, adding that while there are more tests ahead, Sandman's performance suggests he is ready for bigger stages.

Another promising prospect in Casse's barn is La Cara, a filly owned by Tracy Farmer. She has accumulated significant points towards the Kentucky Oaks, thanks to victories in the Suncoast and Pocahontas stakes. Her upcoming schedule includes the Davona Dale and Ashland stakes, setting her up ideally for the Oaks. Casse acknowledges the tight turnaround between races but believes it will position La Cara well for future competitions. "She ran exceptionally well last week, and we're aiming for Keeneland, which holds special significance for the Farmers," he explained. Other young talents include Mi Bago, who is preparing for the Colonel Liam, and And One More Time, who is expected to return to action in the summer after recovering from an injury sustained post-Natalma.

In addition to the younger generation, Casse also shared insights into the status of his older horses. Pounce, a 4-year-old filly, is gearing up for the Honey Fox stakes following a fourth-place finish in the Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf. Meanwhile, Webslinger, a 5-year-old gelding, is making a comeback after knee surgery and has resumed training successfully. "Webslinger looked fantastic this morning," Casse remarked, indicating that while he still has some time before returning to competition, progress is encouraging. Other veterans such as Souper Quest, Win for the Money, and Ice Chocolat are also being carefully managed as they prepare for their respective races. Each horse's unique journey reflects Casse's strategic approach to ensuring peak performance when it matters most.

The ongoing narrative of Mark Casse's training program highlights both the continuity of excellence and the emergence of new talent. With a blend of promising youngsters and seasoned performers, Casse's stable remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of horse racing. The coming months will undoubtedly provide more opportunities for these athletes to shine, as they chase titles and accolades under Casse's guidance. As the season unfolds, fans can expect thrilling performances and competitive spirit from this distinguished group of horses.