Preparing for the winter of graded stakes, $5 million earner White Abarrio returned to the work tab on Sunday morning. This 5-year-old horse by Race Day breezed five furlongs in 1:01.8 on the fast main track at Gulfstream Park. A three-time Grade 1 winner in 2022 Florida Derby, 2023 Whitney, and 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic, White Abarrio is expected to race on December 28 in the Mr. Prospector (G3) and January 25 in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1), both at Gulfstream. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has set a long-range goal of the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) on February 22. Uncover the Stakes Performances of Winter
White Abarrio's Stakes Journey
White Abarrio, a remarkable horse with an impressive earnings record, has been making waves in the graded stakes scene. In his recent work, breezing five furlongs in 1:01.8 at Gulfstream Park, he showcased his speed and stamina. This is not his first foray into the stakes arena. He has already achieved three Grade 1 victories in 2022 Florida Derby, 2023 Whitney, and 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic. His consistent performances have set high expectations for his upcoming races. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has been instrumental in shaping his career, and with the long-term goal of the Saudi Cup (G1) in February, White Abarrio is set to continue making history.
His previous work seven days ago at Gulfstream Park, going three furlongs, demonstrated his adaptability and readiness. In his last start on November 22, he won an allowance race going seven furlongs on the main track, further solidifying his position as a top contender.
Other Graded Stakes Winners
The world of graded stakes is filled with other remarkable horses and their performances. Atone (Into Mischief), a Grade 1 winner in 2023 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational, also worked five furlongs in 1:01.8 at Gulfstream Park, showing his strength and determination. His previous work seven days ago at Gulfstream Park, going four furlongs, added to his credibility. In his last start at Kentucky Downs in September, he placed sixth in a handicap going one mile on the turf.
Express Train (Union Rags), a Grade 1 winner in 2022 Santa Anita Handicap, worked seven furlongs in 1:26.2 at Santa Anita. His previous work seven days ago at Santa Anita, going five furlongs, indicated his readiness for the next race. In his last start at Del Mar in July, he placed third in the San Diego Handicap (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track.
Saudi Crown's Stakes Endeavors
Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), a Grade 1 winner in 2023 Pennsylvania Derby, worked four furlongs in 48.0 seconds at Fair Grounds. His previous work seven days ago at Fair Grounds, going five furlongs, showed his progress. In his last start at Del Mar in November, he placed 13th in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile going one mile on the main track.
Each of these horses has their own story and journey in the graded stakes world. They bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the track, making every race a thrilling spectacle.
Multiple Grade 2 and 3 Winners
There are also several horses that have achieved multiple Grade 2 and 3 victories. Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile), a two-time Grade 2 winner in 2024 John Henry Turf Championship and 2022 Twilight Derby, worked five furlongs in 1:00.8 at Santa Anita. His first work since his last race added to the excitement. In his last start at Del Mar in November, he placed 10th in the Seabiscuit Handicap (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf.
Hang the Moon (Uncle Mo), a two-time Grade 2 winner in 2024 Rodeo Drive and 2024 John C. Mabee, worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Santa Anita. Her previous work seven days ago, going four furlongs, showed her consistency. In her last start at Del Mar in November, she placed 12th in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) going 1 3/8 miles on the turf.
Work of the Day and Trainer Insights
The work of the day from various tracks provides valuable insights into the horses' training and progress. For example, Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief), a Grade 2 winner in 2024 Pat O’Brien, worked five furlongs in 59.8 seconds at Santa Anita. His previous work seven days ago, going four furlongs, indicated his readiness. In his last start at Del Mar in November, he placed seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint going six furlongs on the main track.
Trainers play a crucial role in the success of these horses. Doug O’Neill, for instance, has trained several of these graded stakes winners. His insights and training methods contribute to the horses' performances on the track.
Grade 3 Winners and Their Works
Mucho Del Oro (Mucho Macho Man), a two-time Grade 3 winner in 2024 Daytona and 2024 San Simeon, worked four furlongs in 47.6 seconds at Santa Anita. His previous work 14 days ago, going three furlongs, showed his improvement. In his last start at Santa Anita in May, he won the Daytona (G3) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf.
Anglophile (English Channel), a Grade 3 winner in 2023 Dueling Grounds Derby, worked three furlongs in 38.7 seconds at Palm Meadows. His first work since his last race added to the anticipation. In his last start at Kentucky Downs in September, he placed fifth in the Kentucky Turf Cup (G2) going 1 1/2 miles on the turf.