HorseRacing
Thoroughbred Stars Resume Training with Impressive Workouts
2025-02-20

Several notable thoroughbreds, including multiple graded-stakes winners, resumed their training regimens this week with impressive workouts across various tracks. These horses have demonstrated remarkable performances in previous races and are now preparing for upcoming competitions. Among them, Gun Song, a 4-year-old filly by Gun Runner, breezed five furlongs in 1:01.6 at Gulfstream Park, marking her second fastest time among four horses at the distance. Other top performers include High Oak, Skelly, La Mehana, and Miles Ahead, each showcasing their prowess on different tracks. Additionally, three graded-stakes winners—Nothing Like You, Danse Macabre, and Freeport Joe—carried out significant workouts on Wednesday. This period of intense preparation signals the start of a new racing season for these elite athletes.

Gun Song, a promising filly who last raced in October, has been diligently preparing for her next challenge. The daughter of Gun Runner, known for her impressive victories in two stakes races last year, including the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan, continued her training with a strong performance on Thursday. Her workout at Gulfstream Park saw her cover five furlongs in 1:01.6, placing her second fastest among four horses at the same distance. Trainer Mark Hennig has been guiding Gun Song through a series of workouts since January, aiming to bring her back to peak form after a brief hiatus following her close second-place finish in the Mother Goose (G2) at Belmont Park. Despite narrowly missing the win in that race, Gun Song's potential remains undeniable as she prepares for future contests.

Meanwhile, other graded-stakes winners also made headlines with their workouts. High Oak, a Grade 2 winner from 2021, clocked in at 50.5 seconds for four furlongs at Belmont Park, demonstrating his readiness under trainer Bill Mott. Similarly, Skelly, a two-time Grade 3 victor, completed four furlongs in 50.6 seconds at Fair Grounds, reflecting steady progress since his tenth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Sprint. La Mehana, a Grade 3 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:03.1 at Payson Park, marking her first workout since her last race. Lastly, Miles Ahead, another Grade 3 winner, matched Gun Song's time of 1:01.6 for five furlongs at Fair Grounds, indicating his competitive edge under Paul McGee's guidance. Each of these horses brings unique strengths to the track, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

On Wednesday, three more graded-stakes winners joined the ranks of those returning to action. Nothing Like You, a two-time Grade 2 winner, recorded a swift 36.8 seconds for three furlongs at Los Alamitos, her first workout since September. Under Bob Baffert's direction, she aims to build momentum following a fourth-place finish in the Zenyatta (G2). Danse Macabre, a Grade 3 winner, posted a time of 49.2 seconds for four furlongs at Payson Park, her first major effort since August. Trainer Kelsey Danner looks to refine her form after an eighth-place result in the Ladies Turf Sprint (G2). Finally, Freeport Joe, a Grade 3 winner, clocked 48.0 seconds for four furlongs at Pleasanton, signaling his return to training after a sixth-place showing in an allowance race at Santa Anita. These workouts highlight the rigorous preparation these horses undergo as they gear up for the challenges ahead.

The recent workouts underscore the dedication and commitment of trainers and their equine athletes as they prepare for the upcoming racing season. With several graded-stakes winners showcasing impressive times, the anticipation for their next appearances is palpable. Each horse brings a unique history and set of achievements to the table, making their return to competition all the more thrilling for fans and observers alike. As the training continues, the stage is set for a season filled with high-stakes races and memorable performances.

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