Witness the Power and Precision of Champions in Action
Howard Wolowitz: A Stellar Performance Underlines Championship Potential
Under the watchful eye of trainer Jose D’Angelo, Howard Wolowitz delivered a blistering four-furlong run in 46.9 seconds at Palm Meadows. This impressive feat marked him as the fastest among nine horses covering the same distance. The son of Munnings has been on an upward trajectory since his breakthrough victory in the Grade 1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes last September. Despite facing challenges in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, where he finished ninth, Howard Wolowitz demonstrated remarkable resilience, closing the gap significantly to finish just three lengths behind the winner, Starlust.
His recent triumph in the Holiday Cheer Stakes at Turfway Park further solidified his status as a formidable competitor. The synthetic surface did not deter him, as he overcame older horses with ease. This performance bodes well for future engagements, signaling that Howard Wolowitz is primed for more high-stakes victories.
Cavalieri: Rising Star Continues Impressive Form
Bob Baffert’s charge, Cavalieri, continued her stellar rise with another commendable workout. The four-year-old filly, who recently claimed the La Cañada (G3), covered four furlongs in 49.4 seconds on the Santa Anita dirt. Her $900,000 price tag as a two-year-old may have raised expectations, but she has exceeded them by winning all three of her races so far. Cavalieri's late debut in August of her sophomore season has not hindered her progress; instead, it seems to have fueled her meteoric ascent.
The filly's consistency and improvement are noteworthy. Her ability to adapt to different conditions and maintain peak performance is a testament to both her talent and the expertise of her training team. With each outing, Cavalieri builds a compelling case for being one of the top prospects in the racing world.
Express Train: Veteran Campaigner Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
Express Train, a seasoned Grade 1 winner known for his victory in the 2022 Santa Anita Handicap, displayed his enduring competitiveness with a five-furlong run in 1:01.6 at Santa Anita. Although this time placed him 38th out of 70 works at the distance, the effort was significant as it marked his first workout since his previous race. Trainer John Shirreffs has clearly maintained the horse's fitness and sharpness, ensuring he remains a force to be reckoned with.
In his most recent start, Express Train narrowly missed out on victory in the San Pasqual (G2), finishing second. His consistent performances highlight his reliability and the strategic approach of his trainers. As he prepares for future challenges, Express Train's experience and pedigree make him a strong contender in any field.
Gold Phoenix: Proven Performer Ready for Next Challenge
Gold Phoenix, a Grade 1 winner from the Frank E. Kilroe Mile in 2023, clocked a respectable four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Santa Anita. This time placed him 10th out of 23 works at the distance. Trained by Phil D’Amato, Gold Phoenix has shown resilience despite a fourth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. The horse's versatility across different surfaces and distances underscores his value as a versatile athlete.
His recent workout indicates that Gold Phoenix is regaining form and building momentum for upcoming races. The meticulous preparation and attention to detail by his training team ensure that he remains competitive. With several notable victories under his belt, Gold Phoenix is poised to challenge for more prestigious titles in the coming months.
Nakatomi: Speedster Sets Fast Pace at Payson Park
Nakatomi, a Grade 1 winner in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, set a blazing pace with a five-furlong run in 1:00.0 at Payson Park. This time was the fastest of eight works at the distance, underscoring the horse's exceptional speed and conditioning. Trainer Wesley Ward has meticulously prepared Nakatomi, who, despite placing sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, continues to demonstrate top-level form.
The horse's rapid recovery and return to peak performance reflect the effectiveness of Ward's training methods. Nakatomi's potential to dominate shorter distances remains intact, making him a key player in upcoming sprints. His workouts serve as a preview of the explosive power he can unleash on race day.