HorseRacing
Graded Stakes Winners Shine in Sunday Workouts
2024-11-10
The racing world was abuzz with excitement as a host of graded stakes winners took to the tracks for their Sunday workouts. From the promising filly Kinza's return to action to the continued dominance of established champions like Gina Romantica and White Abarrio, the day's activities provided a glimpse into the future of the sport.

Powering Through the Paces: A Showcase of Equine Excellence

Kinza's Comeback Captivates

Kinza, the talented 3-year-old filly who has been sidelined since April, made a triumphant return to the racetrack on Sunday. Trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, Kinza showcased her impressive abilities, covering five furlongs in a swift 1:00.6 at Santa Anita Park. This workout, the 20th fastest of 46 at the distance, signaled Kinza's readiness to reclaim her place among the sport's elite.The daughter of Carpe Diem burst onto the scene with a debut victory in December, followed by impressive wins in the Grade 3 Las Virgenes and Santa Ysabel Stakes. Her most recent outing saw her finish second, beaten by 7 1/2 lengths, as the odds-on favorite in the prestigious Santa Anita Oaks (G2). Kinza's return to the workout tab in September has been closely watched, and her latest effort suggests she is poised to make a strong comeback in the near future.

Gina Romantica Continues to Shine

Gina Romantica, the three-time Grade 1 winner, showcased her class once again with a solid four-furlong workout at Belmont Park on Sunday. The daughter of Into Mischief, who has triumphed in the 2024 First Lady, 2023 First Lady, and 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, covered the distance in 48.4 seconds, the 12th fastest of 164 works at that distance.Trained by the renowned Chad Brown, Gina Romantica's most recent victory came in the First Lady (G1) at Keeneland on October 5, where she prevailed over a mile on the turf. Her consistent performances and ability to win at the highest level have cemented her status as one of the sport's premier turf performers.

White Abarrio Gears Up for a Comeback

White Abarrio, the three-time Grade 1 winner, also made his presence felt on the workout scene. The son of Race Day, who has triumphed in the 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic, 2023 Whitney, and 2022 Florida Derby, covered five furlongs in a swift 1:00.5 at Gulfstream Park, the second fastest of nine works at that distance.Trained by Rick Dutrow, White Abarrio's last start was a fifth-place finish in the prestigious Metropolitan Handicap (G1) at Saratoga on June 8. His impressive workout on Sunday suggests that the talented colt is rounding into form and poised to make a strong comeback in the near future.

Graded Stakes Winners Shine Across the Country

The Sunday workouts were not limited to the West Coast, as graded stakes winners from across the country showcased their talents. At Belmont Park, Carson's Run, the Grade 1 winner of the 2024 Saratoga Derby Invitational, worked four furlongs in 50.8 seconds, while Master Piece, a three-time Grade 2 winner, covered the same distance in 50.7 seconds at Saratoga.Law Professor, the Grade 2 winner of the 2021 Santa Anita Mathis Mile, also turned in a solid four-furlong workout at Belmont Park, clocking 49.8 seconds. These performances demonstrate the depth and quality of the graded stakes ranks, with each horse aiming to make their mark in the upcoming season.

Emerging Stars and Established Champions Collide

The Sunday workouts were not limited to the well-established stars of the sport. Emerging talents like Lammas, a two-time Grade 3 winner, and Packs a Wahlop, a two-time Grade 3 winner, also impressed with their efforts.Lammas, trained by Manuel Badilla, covered five furlongs in a blistering 58.6 seconds at Pleasanton, the fastest of 40 works at that distance. Packs a Wahlop, trained by Jeff Mullins, worked five furlongs in 59.6 seconds at Santa Anita, the eighth fastest of 46 works.These up-and-coming horses, alongside the proven champions, showcase the depth and diversity of the racing landscape. As the season progresses, the competition among these talented equine athletes is sure to intensify, captivating fans and experts alike.
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