Works & video: Sierra Leone is 1 of 46 graded winners on tab

With Belmont Stakes 2024 on his radar, Sierra Leone had his first work back since his second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

He covered a half-mile Saturday on Saratoga’s Oklahoma training track in company with Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby winner Domestic Product. New York Racing Association clockers caught the pair at 48.2 seconds, and trainer Chad Brown had them galloping out six furlongs in 1:14.8 over the fast footing and under a light sprinkle of rain.

“I thought the horse worked super,” Brown said of Sierra Leone, who once again sported blinkers for his exercise. “I’m very, very pleased with him. He’s settled into Saratoga nicely.”

Sierra Leone, owned by Peter Brant, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith, lost by a nose to Mystik Dan two weeks ago at Churchill Downs using his typical deep-closing tactics under jockey Tyler Gaffalione.

“I’m just so proud of this horse,” Brown said of the Gun Runner colt. “I didn’t really learn anything about him that I didn’t already know. The horse just always shows up and is a real warrior. He had a challenging trip from where he was early. I’m really proud of his effort. It’s just a little disappointing that he came up just an inch short, but I’m so proud.”

Sierra Leone, who won the Blue Grass (G1) two starts back at Keeneland, is being pointed toward the 1 1/4-mile Belmont on June 8 at Saratoga.

Domestic Product, owned by Klaravich Stables, also worked back for the first time since the Kentucky Derby, where he finished a troubled 13th after being bumped and pinched at the start and jostled in the final turn before putting in a mild bid with a nine-wide move.

Brown said the Practical Joke colt had clear excuses in the Derby.

“He had a rough trip. He lost a shoe and grabbed his quarter,” he said. “It’s healed up and is satisfactory. I have no immediate plans for this horse, and he is not under consideration for the Belmont. I’ll figure out what I want to do with him.”

Sierra Leone and Domestic Product were among 46 graded-stakes winners who appeared on the U.S. and Canada work tab Saturday.

Program Trading (Lope de Vega), a three-time Grade 1 winner (2024 Turf Classic, 2023 Hollywood Derby, 2023 Saratoga Derby Invitational), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Saratoga on Saturday morning. It was the ninth fastest of 31 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Turf Classic (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 4 for trainer Chad Brown.

Anisette (Awtaad), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2023 American Oaks, 2023 Del Mar Oaks), worked five furlongs in 1:02.4 at Santa Anita. It was the 38th fastest of 49 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she won the American Oaks (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on Dec. 26 for trainer Leonard Powell.

Gina Romantica (Into Mischief), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2023 First Lady, 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup), worked four furlongs in 49.9 seconds at Saratoga. It was the 19th fastest of 31 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In her last start she placed seventh in the Jenny Wiley (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Keeneland on April 13 for trainer Chad Brown.

Beaute Cachee (Literato), a Grade 1 winner (2024 Jenny Wiley), worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at Saratoga. It was the 24th fastest of 31 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In her last start she won the Jenny Wiley (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Keeneland on April 13 for trainer Chad Brown.

Blazing Sevens (Good Magic), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Champagne), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 47th fastest of 186 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he won an allowance race going one mile on the main track at Aqueduct on April 20 for trainer Chad Brown.

Fev Rover (Gutaifan), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Beverly D.), worked four furlongs in 47.2 seconds at Woodbine. It was the second fastest of 86 works at the distance. Her previous work was six days ago going five furlongs at Woodbine. In her last start she placed 11th in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on Nov. 4 for trainer Mark Casse.

Gold Phoenix (Belardo), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Frank E. Kilroe Mile), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the ninth fastest of 21 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Charles Whittingham (G2) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on May 4 for trainer Phil D’Amato.

Mischief Magic (Exceed And Excel), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint), worked five furlongs in 1:05.6 at Saratoga. It was the third fastest of five works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in the Turf Sprint (G2) going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 4 for trainer Charlie Appleby.

Randomized (Nyquist), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Alabama), worked four furlongs in 50.8 seconds at Saratoga. It was the 29th fastest of 31 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed second in the Ruffian (G2) going one mile on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on May 4 for trainer Chad Brown.

Shirl’s Speight (Speightstown), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Maker’s Mark Mile), worked four furlongs in 48.2 seconds at Woodbine. It was the 13th fastest of 86 works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going four furlongs at Woodbine. In his last start he placed fourth in the Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) going one mile on the turf at Keeneland on April 12 for trainer Roger Attfield.

Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), a Grade 1 winner (2024 Blue Grass), worked four furlongs in 48.2 seconds at Saratoga. It was the third fastest of 31 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed second in the Kentucky Derby going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 4 for trainer Chad Brown.

Speaking Scout (Mr Speaker), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Hollywood Derby), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Fair Hill. It was the 13th fastest of 20 works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going four furlongs at Fair Hill. In his last start he placed fifth in the Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) going 1 1/2 miles on the turf at Del Mar on Nov. 24 for trainer Graham Motion.

Sweet Azteca (Sharp Azteca), a Grade 1 winner (2024 Beholder Mile), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the 30th fastest of 68 works at the distance. Her previous work was 36 days ago going five furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she won the Beholder Mile (G1) going one mile on the main track at Santa Anita on March 9 for trainer Michael McCarthy.

Tamara (Bolt d’Oro), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Del Mar Debutante), worked five furlongs in 1:01.0 at Santa Anita. It was the 14th fastest of 49 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she placed seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Santa Anita on Nov. 3 for trainer Richard Mandella.

The Chosen Vron (Vronsky), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Bing Crosby), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the 30th fastest of 68 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going three furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he won the Kona Gold going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Santa Anita on April 27 for trainer Eric Kruljac.

Master Piece (Mastercraftsman), a three-time Grade 2 winner (2024 Fort Marcy, 2023 Red Smith, 2022 Eddie Read), worked four furlongs in 51.2 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 162nd fastest of 186 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Fort Marcy (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Belmont at the Big A on May 4 for trainer Rick Dutrow.

Arzak (Not This Time), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2024 Shakertown, 2023 Woodford), worked five furlongs in 1:00.2 at Fair Hill. It was the fastest of 15 works at the distance. His previous work was 14 days ago going four furlongs at Fair Hill. In his last start he won the Shakertown (G2) going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Keeneland on April 6 for trainer Michael Trombetta.

Next (Not This Time), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2023 Brooklyn, 2022 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance), worked five furlongs in 1:01.6 at Turfway Park. It was the 14th fastest of 22 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight going 1 1/2 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 1 for trainer Doug Cowans.

Public Sector (Kingman), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2021 Hill Prince, 2021 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame), worked three furlongs in 38.3 seconds at Palm Meadows. It was the 21st fastest of 38 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fourth in the Pan American (G2) going 1 1/2 miles on the turf at Gulfstream Park on March 30 for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

Accomplished Girl (Street Boss), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Presque Isle Downs Masters), worked four furlongs in 49.3 seconds at Lone Star Park. It was the 21st fastest of 69 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed eighth in the Whimsical (G3) going six furlongs on the synthetic at Woodbine on May 4 for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

Anarchist (Distorted Humor), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Pat O’Brien), worked three furlongs in 37.2 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the 12th fastest of 30 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going three furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he won the Pat O’Brien (G2) going seven furlongs on the main track at Del Mar on Aug. 26 for trainer Doug O’Neill.

Brooklyn Strong (Wicked Strong), a Grade 2 winner (2020 Remsen), worked four furlongs in 51.5 seconds at Parx Racing. It was the 24th fastest of 29 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Parx Racing. In his last start he placed fifth in a starter allowance race going one mile and 70 yards on the main track at Parx Racing on March 12 for trainer Daniel Velazquez.

Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Twilight Derby), worked four furlongs in 51.2 seconds at San Luis Rey. It was the 29th fastest of 30 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at San Luis Rey. In his last start he placed sixth in the Seabiscuit Handicap (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Del Mar on Nov. 25 for trainer George Papaprodromou.

Carl Spackler (Lope de Vega), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Hall of Fame), worked four furlongs in 48.7 seconds at Saratoga. It was the seventh fastest of 31 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he won the Opening Verse going one mile on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 2 for trainer Chad Brown.

Chili Flag (Cityscape), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile), worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at Saratoga. It was the 24th fastest of 31 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) going one mile on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 4 for trainer Chad Brown.

City Man (Mucho Macho Man), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Fort Lauderdale), worked four furlongs in 50.3 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 133rd fastest of 186 works at the distance. His previous work was 20 days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed second in the Mohawk going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Belmont at the Big A on Oct. 29 for trainer Christophe Clement.

Honor Marie (Honor Code), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Kentucky Jockey Club), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Churchill Downs. It was the 28th fastest of 57 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed eighth in the Kentucky Derby going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 4 for trainer Whit Beckman.

I’m Very Busy (Cloud Computing), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Muniz Memorial Classic), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Saratoga. It was the ninth fastest of 31 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed seventh in the Turf Classic (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Churchill Downs on May 4 for trainer Chad Brown.

Lane Way (Into Mischief), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Eddie D), worked five furlongs in 1:00.2 at Santa Anita. It was the fastest of 16 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed third in the Siren Lure going 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Santa Anita on April 21 for trainer Richard Mandella.

None Above the Law (Karakontie), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Del Mar Derby), worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Santa Anita. It was the sixth fastest of 49 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going six furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed fourth in the Californian (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Santa Anita on April 20 for trainer Jorge Periban.

Soul of an Angel (Atreides), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Ruffian), worked three furlongs in 38.0 seconds at Palm Meadows. It was the 19th fastest of 38 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the Ruffian (G2) going one mile on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on May 4 for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

Temple (Temple City), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Mac Diarmida), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Turfway Park. It was the 14th fastest of 50 works at the distance. His previous work was 133 days ago going four furlongs at Turfway Park. In his last start he placed eighth in the Colonial Cup going 1 1/2 miles on the turf at Colonial Downs on Sept. 9 for trainer Mike Maker.

Il Miracolo (Gun Runner), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2024 Ghostzapper, 2023 Smarty Jones), worked five furlongs in 1:01.2 at Gulfstream Park. It was the fourth fastest of 19 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in the Alysheba (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 3 for trainer Antonio Sano.

Raging Sea (Curlin), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2024 Doubledogdare, 2023 Comely), worked four furlongs in 49.9 seconds at Saratoga. It was the 19th fastest of 31 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In her last start she won the Doubledogdare (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Keeneland on April 19 for trainer Chad Brown.

Bo Cruz (Creative Cause), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Commonwealth), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Churchill Downs. It was the 12th fastest of 57 works at the distance. His previous work was 23 days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he won the Commonwealth (G3) going seven furlongs on the main track at Keeneland on April 6 for trainer Al Stall Jr.

Chateau (Flat Out), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Tom Fool Handicap), worked four furlongs in 52.1 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 178th fastest of 186 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed second in a claiming race going six furlongs on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on May 5 for trainer Rudy Rodriguez.

Coinage (Tapit), a Grade 3 winner (2021 With Anticipation), worked five furlongs in 1:03.6 at Belmont Park. It was the 18th fastest of 19 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed 10th in an allowance race going seven furlongs on the turf at Woodbine on Oct. 15 for trainer Mark Casse.

Domestic Product (Practical Joke), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Tampa Bay Derby), worked four furlongs in 48.2 seconds at Saratoga. It was the third fastest of 31 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed 13th in the Kentucky Derby going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 4 for trainer Chad Brown.

Honey Pants (Cairo Prince), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Las Cienegas), worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Keeneland. It was the 13th fastest of 27 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed third in the License Fee going six furlongs on the turf at Belmont at the Big A on May 5 for trainer Jonathan Thomas.

Masqueparade (Upstart), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Ohio Derby), worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 130th fastest of 186 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in the Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight going 1 1/2 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 1 for trainer Rob Atras.

Octane (Brethren), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Razorback Handicap), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Gulfstream Park. It was the 27th fastest of 76 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Gulfstream Park. In his last start he placed seventh in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Oaklawn on April 20 for trainer Juan Alvarado.

Paris Secret (Zoffany), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Providencia), worked five furlongs in 1:02.0 at Santa Anita. It was the ninth fastest of 16 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she placed seventh in an allowance race going one mile on the turf at Santa Anita on April 26 for trainer Phil D’Amato.

Promiseher America (American Pharoah), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Gazelle), worked three furlongs in 38.0 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 32nd fastest of 49 works at the distance. Her previous work was 29 days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed seventh in the Cathryn Sophia going one mile and 70 yards on the main track at Parx Racing on Aug. 22 for trainer Ray Handal.

Shidabhuti (Practical Joke), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Distaff), worked four furlongs in 49.5 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the 81st fastest of 186 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed third in the Ruffian (G2) going one mile on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on May 4 for trainer Chad Brown.

West Saratoga (Exaggerator), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Iroquois), worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at The Thoroughbred Center. It was the fourth fastest of eight works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed 12th in the Kentucky Derby going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 4 for trainer Larry Demeritte.

Where’s My Ring (Twirling Candy), a Grade 3 winner (2024 Gazelle), worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds at Churchill Downs. It was the ninth fastest of 57 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed 10th in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on May 3 for trainer Val Brinkerhoff.