Wednesday tab: Sandman has 1st work since his turf attempt
Sandman worked Wednesday at Casse Training Center for the first time since a ninth-place finish in the Grade 3 Nashville Derby Invitational at Kentucky Downs in August.
The 3-year-old Tapit colt breezed three furlongs in 37.5 seconds.
Sandman was on the Kentucky Derby trail this spring, winning the Arkansas Derby (G1) before finishing seventh in the run for the roses and then third in the Preakness. After a fifth-place finish in the Jim Dandy (G2), trainer Mark Casse tried him on turf for the Kentucky Downs stakes.
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Sandman was one of six graded-stakes winners with published works Wednesday.
Sandman (Tapit), a Grade 1 winner (2025 Arkansas Derby), worked three furlongs in 37.6 seconds at Casse Training Center on Wednesday morning. It was the slower of two works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed ninth in the Nashville Derby Invitational (G3) going 1 5/16 miles on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Aug. 30 for trainer Mark Casse.
Agate Road (Quality Road), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Pilgrim), worked four furlongs in 48.7 seconds at Palm Beach Downs on Wednesday morning. It was the faster of two works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going three furlongs at Palm Beach Downs. In his last start he placed fifth in the West Virginia Derby (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Mountaineer on Aug. 4 for trainer Todd Pletcher.
Howbeit (Secret Circle), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Santa Anita Sprint Championship), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Los Alamitos on Wednesday morning. It was the 12th fastest of 23 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed sixth in a claiming race going 5 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Santa Anita on Oct. 26 for trainer Jose Hernandez Jr.
La Mehana (Al Wukair), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Glens Falls), worked three furlongs in 37.8 seconds at Payson Park on Wednesday morning. It was the fastest of three works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fifth in the Waya (G3) going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Belmont at the Big A on Oct. 5 for trainer Miguel Clement.
Pilot Commander (Justify), a Grade 3 winner (2025 San Carlos), worked four furlongs in 49.8 seconds at Los Alamitos on Wednesday morning. It was the 17th fastest of 23 works at the distance. His previous work was 19 days ago going four furlongs at Los Alamitos. In his last start he won the San Carlos (G3) going seven furlongs on the main track at Santa Anita on March 29 for trainer Bob Baffert.
Vixen (Vekoma), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Herecomesthebride), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Casse Training Center on Wednesday morning. It was the slower of two works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed 11th in the Valley View (G2) going one mile on the turf at Keeneland on Oct. 24 for trainer Mark Casse.
Tuesday
Touchuponastar (Star Guitar), a Grade 2 winner (2025 New Orleans Classic), worked four furlongs in 52.2 seconds at The Training Center At Copper Crowne on Tuesday morning. It was the 20th fastest of 26 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Delta Mile going one mile on the main track at Delta Downs on Nov. 8 for trainer Jeff Delhomme.
Skelly (Practical Joke), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2024 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap, 2023 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap), worked four furlongs in 51.4 seconds at Oaklawn on Tuesday morning. It was the slowest of six works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Oaklawn. In his last start he placed sixth in the Phoenix (G2) going six furlongs on the main track at Keeneland on Oct. 3 for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Spiced Up (Quality Road), a Grade 3 winner (2025 Mahony), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Payson Park on Tuesday morning. It was the fastest of three works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Payson Park. In his last start he placed third in the Carle Place going six furlongs on the turf at Belmont at the Big A on Oct. 19 for trainer Bill Mott.