Track Phantom, a standout in the early Kentucky Derby prep races at Fair Grounds this winter, resumed training on Monday, marking his first workout since finishing 11th in the Kentucky Derby. The horse, trained by Steve Asmussen and the winner of both the Gun Runner and the Lecomte (G3) in New Orleans, completed an easy four furlongs at Churchill Downs.
Skippylongstocking, a two-time winner of the Charles Town Classic (G2), also returned to the work tab on Monday after his consecutive victory. The horse, under the guidance of Saffie Joseph Jr., recorded a sharp four furlongs in 48.7 seconds. With nearly $3 million in career earnings, Skippylongstocking boasts three Grade 2 wins and multiple top-level placements, including third in the 2022 Belmont Stakes and the 2023 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.
Nakatomi (Firing Line), a Grade 1 winner of the 2024 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Keeneland on Monday morning, the fastest of two at that distance. His previous workout took place six days ago. Nakatomi’s last start ended in victory in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1) at Saratoga on July 27, with trainer Wesley Ward at the helm.
Stronghold (Ghostzapper), another Grade 1 winner (2024 Santa Anita Derby), clocked five furlongs in 1:01.2 at Del Mar, ranking fourth out of 10 at that distance. His prior workout occurred seven days earlier, also at Del Mar. Most recently, he placed second in the Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis on July 6 for trainer Phil D'Amato.
Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) recorded a four-furlong time of 48.7 seconds at Saratoga on Monday, marking his return to training after his latest race. This workout was the fourth fastest out of 22. In his last outing, he triumphed in the Charles Town Classic (G2) on August 23.
Nothing Like You (Malibu Moon), a two-time Grade 2 winner of the Santa Anita Oaks and the Starlet, completed three furlongs in 36.8 seconds at Del Mar, ranking sixth out of 13 works. This was her first workout since her second-place finish in the Torrey Pines (G3) at Del Mar on August 31 for trainer Bob Baffert.
Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile), a Grade 2 winner of the 2022 Twilight Derby, worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Del Mar on Monday, which was the 18th fastest of 52. This exercise marked his return following a third-place finish in an allowance race at Del Mar on August 29 for trainer George Papaprodromou.
Coffee in Bed (Curlin), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Santa Maria), completed six furlongs in 1:13.6 at Del Mar, the fastest of two works at that distance. Her prior workout was seven days ago. Most recently, she finished seventh in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) on August 3.
Desert Dawn (Cupid), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Santa Anita Oaks), clocked five furlongs in 1:01.6 at Del Mar on Monday, ranking seventh out of 10. This workout was her first since placing fourth in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) on August 3 for trainer Phil D'Amato.
Gigante (Not This Time), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Secretariat), also worked five furlongs, timing in at 1:01.6 at Ellis Park, making it the fifth fastest among 10. His last performance was a second-place finish in the Muniz Memorial Classic (G2) on March 23 for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Jaxon Traveler (Munnings), a two-time Grade 3 winner, posted a four-furlong time of 50.8 seconds at Remington Park on Monday, which was the third fastest of 11 works. His previous workout was seven days ago. Most recently, he won an allowance race on August 17 for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Skelly (Practical Joke), a two-time Grade 3 winner, worked three furlongs in 37.2 seconds at Churchill Downs, placing second fastest of eight. His last workout occurred nine days ago. Recently, he finished second in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1) on July 27 for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Durante (Distorted Humor), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Bold Ruler), ran three furlongs in 37.7 seconds at Belmont Park, the 11th fastest of 19 works. This was his first workout since winning a starter allowance race at Delaware Park on August 29 for trainer David Jacobson.
Lemon Muffin (Collected), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Honeybee), recorded four furlongs in 50.6 seconds at Churchill Downs, ranking 23rd out of 32 works. This was her first workout since finishing ninth in the Lake George (G3) on July 20 for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.
Lastly, Track Phantom (Quality Road), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Lecomte), completed four furlongs in 52.2 seconds at Churchill Downs, marking the slowest of 32 works at that distance. This was his first workout since placing 11th in the Kentucky Derby on May 4 for trainer Steve Asmussen.