Uncovering the Potential of Graded Stakes Winners
Express Train's Steady Comeback
The 7-year-old son of Union Rags, Express Train, has had a rollercoaster of a journey over the past year and a half. After a lengthy hiatus, the Grade 1 winner has been steadily making his way back to the racetrack, with two starts this year and a series of impressive workouts. In his latest outing at Del Mar, Express Train clocked a respectable time of 50.6 seconds over four furlongs, showcasing his determination to reclaim his former glory.Express Train's comeback has been a testament to the resilience of both the horse and his trainer, John Shirreffs. After a successful spring campaign in 2022, which saw the chestnut gelding secure three wins and a second-place finish, he returned with two losses that fall. Undeterred, the team regrouped, and Express Train made a strong return in the Kona Gold Stakes in April, finishing third. He followed that up with another third-place finish in the prestigious San Diego Handicap (G2) in July, proving that he still has the mettle to compete at the highest level.
With three solid workouts under his belt in August, Express Train was given a well-deserved break, and he's now back in action, ready to continue his ascent to the top. Fans and industry insiders alike will be keeping a close eye on this seasoned campaigner, eager to see if he can recapture the magic that made him a Grade 1 winner in the past.
Maryquitecontrary's Gulfstream Gallop
While Express Train's comeback story has captivated the racing world, another graded stakes winner, Maryquitecontrary, has been making waves of her own. The daughter of First Dude, who claimed the Grade 2 Inside Information Stakes earlier this year, turned in a swift four-furlong workout at Gulfstream Park, clocking a time of 49.8 seconds.Maryquitecontrary's latest workout comes on the heels of a fifth-place finish in the Princess Rooney Invitational (G3) at Gulfstream Park in September. Trainer Eddie Plesa will undoubtedly be pleased with the filly's progress, as she continues to hone her skills in preparation for her next challenge. With her impressive pedigree and proven ability to perform at the graded stakes level, Maryquitecontrary is a horse to watch in the coming months.
The fact that she was able to turn in the seventh-fastest work of the day at Gulfstream Park, among a field of 12 contenders, speaks volumes about her fitness and determination. As the racing season progresses, fans will eagerly await Maryquitecontrary's next outing, hoping to see her recapture the magic that propelled her to victory in the Inside Information Stakes earlier this year.
Big City Lights Shines in Del Mar Drill
Shifting our focus to the West Coast, we find another graded stakes winner making waves in the workout arena. Big City Lights, the Grade 3 winner of the Palos Verdes Stakes, turned in a swift two-furlong workout at Del Mar, clocking a time of 23.6 seconds.This speedy performance comes on the heels of a third-place finish in the prestigious Pat O'Brien Stakes (G2) at Del Mar in August, where the son of Mr. Big showcased his versatility and ability to compete at the highest level. Trainer Richard Mandella will undoubtedly be pleased with the progress of his charge, as he continues to fine-tune his skills in preparation for his next outing.
Big City Lights' workout at Del Mar is a testament to his raw talent and the dedication of his connections. With a Grade 3 victory already under his belt, the chestnut colt has proven that he has the potential to reach even greater heights. As the racing calendar progresses, fans will be eager to see if Big City Lights can build on his recent success and solidify his place among the sport's elite sprinters.
Highestdistinction Shines at Fair Grounds
Shifting our focus to the East Coast, we find Highestdistinction, the Grade 3 winner of the International Turf Cup, turning in a solid four-furlong workout at Fair Grounds. The son of Point of Entry clocked a time of 50.2 seconds, showcasing his continued progress as he prepares for his next challenge.Highestdistinction's latest workout comes on the heels of a fifth-place finish in an allowance race at Delaware Park in early October. Trainer Lindsay Schultz will undoubtedly be pleased with the progress of her charge, as he continues to hone his skills on the turf in preparation for his next outing.
The fact that Highestdistinction's workout was the 41st fastest of 54 contenders at Fair Grounds speaks to the depth of talent in the training ranks. However, the chestnut gelding has proven that he has the ability to compete at the highest level, and his connections will be hoping that he can recapture the magic that propelled him to victory in the International Turf Cup earlier this year.
Confidence Game Breezes at Churchill Downs
Shifting our focus to the Midwest, we find Confidence Game, the Grade 2 winner of the Rebel Stakes, turning in a brisk three-furlong workout at Churchill Downs. The son of Candy Ride clocked a time of 39.2 seconds, showcasing his continued progress as he prepares for his next challenge.Confidence Game's latest workout comes on the heels of a seventh-place finish in an allowance race at Churchill Downs in September. Trainer Keith Desormeaux will undoubtedly be pleased with the progress of his charge, as he continues to fine-tune his skills in preparation for his next outing.
The fact that Confidence Game's workout was the only one recorded at the three-furlong distance speaks to the unique approach of his connections. They are clearly focused on honing the colt's speed and agility, as he looks to build on his impressive victory in the Rebel Stakes earlier this year. As the racing calendar progresses, fans will be eager to see if Confidence Game can recapture the form that made him a graded stakes winner.