Several promising three-year-olds took to the track on Monday, showcasing their potential as they prepare for the prestigious Kentucky Derby. Among them was Barnes, who has been making waves since his impressive debut in November. After securing victory in the Grade 2 San Vicente on January 4, this Into Mischief colt trained by Bob Baffert made his first appearance since then at Santa Anita. Covering four furlongs in a swift 47.6 seconds, Barnes demonstrated why he is considered one of the top contenders. His performance earned him the third-fastest time among 69 horses working at the same distance.

Other notable horses also had productive mornings. Getaway Car, a Curlin progeny and Grade 3 winner, completed four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Santa Anita. Although not as fast as Barnes, this effort still placed him in the top half of the field. Handsome Pants, under the guidance of trainer Kenny McPeek, tackled five furlongs in 1 minute and 1 second at Fair Grounds, clocking the third-best time for that distance. Meanwhile, Jonathan’s Way, another Grade 3 victor, covered five furlongs in 1 minute and 3.2 seconds at the same venue. These workouts serve as critical benchmarks as trainers fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming season.

The excitement surrounding these young thoroughbreds is palpable. With each workout, they inch closer to proving their mettle on the grand stage of the Kentucky Derby. The dedication and hard work put in by both horses and trainers highlight the spirit of competition and excellence that defines horse racing. As fans eagerly anticipate the big day, these morning sessions offer glimpses into the rigorous preparation that goes into producing champions. The future looks bright for these promising athletes, and their performances continue to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in the racing community.