Sandman, the promising three-year-old gray colt, is gearing up for his first race of 2025 in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The horse completed a significant half-mile workout on a fast track Friday morning under the guidance of dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse and jockey Cristian Torres. Despite some unexpected competition during the session, Sandman demonstrated impressive speed and resilience, clocking in at 48.0 seconds, which ranked third fastest among 141 horses over the same distance. This preparation comes after a successful two-year-old campaign that culminated in a one-mile allowance victory at Oaklawn in December. The Southwest Stakes will be a crucial step in Sandman's journey toward qualifying for the Kentucky Derby.

The stakes are high as Sandman prepares for his debut in the 1 1/16-mile Southwest Stakes, set for January 25. The colt, sired by Tapit, has been meticulously prepared by trainer Mark Casse, who has overseen his development since the start of his racing career. On Friday, Sandman underwent a rigorous half-mile workout, where he was joined by jockey Cristian Torres, who will also ride him in the upcoming stakes race. Although the session did not go entirely as planned—Sandman encountered another horse approaching the quarter pole—he still managed to cover the distance in an impressive 48.0 seconds. Torres noted that Sandman initially reacted strongly to the competition but quickly settled down and finished well, galloping out five furlongs in 1:00.4.

Sandman's training has faced some interruptions due to severe winter weather, which caused Oaklawn to lose eight days of training in early January. However, Torres expressed confidence in the horse's fitness and athleticism, stating that Sandman remains in excellent shape. Prior to this workout, Sandman had last breezed on New Year’s Eve, completing a half-mile in 48.8 seconds. His most recent race performance came on December 13, when he secured a decisive one-mile allowance victory at Oaklawn, earning a career-high 97 Equibase Speed Rating. This win followed a third-place finish in the Street Sense Stakes at Churchill Downs in October, marking his first attempt at two turns.

Looking ahead, the Southwest Stakes represents a pivotal moment in Sandman's young career. As one of four Kentucky Derby qualifying races at Oaklawn, it offers valuable points toward the prestigious event. Trainer Mark Casse and jockey Cristian Torres are optimistic about Sandman's prospects, particularly given his strong performances and adaptability. With a solid foundation from his two-year-old season and a promising workout under his belt, Sandman is poised to make a significant impact in the coming weeks. The team remains focused on ensuring he reaches peak condition for the challenge ahead, confident that his potential can shine through in this critical race.