Wednesday works: Sandman gears up for Oaklawn

Sandman worked Wednesday morning at Casse Training Center as he prepares for a return to Oaklawn with the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap on April 18 the major spring target.

The 3-year-old Tapit colt breezed four furlongs on dirt in 49.2 seconds, faster of two at the distance. After finishing ninth in the Grade 3 Nashville Derby Invitational at Kentucky Downs in August, Sandman was given a break and returned to the tab last week, going three furlongs in 37.6 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 first time in the Kentucky Downs stakes.

He has done well at Oaklawn. In addition to the Arkansas Derby win, he scored in an optional-claiming allowance there to close 2024 then finished second in the Southwest (G3) and third in the Rebel (G2).

Sandman was one of five graded-stakes winners with published works Wednesday.

Sandman (Tapit), a Grade 1 winner (2025 Arkansas Derby), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Casse Training Center on Wednesday morning. It was the faster of two works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going three furlongs at Casse Training Center. 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.

Khaadem (Dark Angel), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Woodford), worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds at The Thoroughbred Center on Wednesday morning. It was the third fastest of nine works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint going five furlongs on the turf at Del Mar on Nov. 1 for trainer Charlie Hills.

Frost Free (Frosted), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Chick Lang), worked four furlongs in 47.2 seconds at Oaklawn on Wednesday morning. It was the fastest of 43 works at the distance. His previous work was 11 days ago going four furlongs at Oaklawn. In his last start he placed 11th in the Woody Stephens (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on June 8 for trainer Brett Creighton.

Pilot Commander (Justify), a Grade 3 winner (2025 San Carlos), worked five furlongs in 1:00.2 at Los Alamitos on Wednesday morning. It was the only work at the distance. His previous work was seven 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.

War At Sea (War Front), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Golden Gate Handicap), worked three furlongs in 37.4 seconds at Santa Anita on Wednesday morning. It was the slowest of 11 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going two furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed fourth in the Lure going one mile on the turf at Santa Anita on Oct. 19 for trainer Ron Ellis.