Videos: BC-bound Proxy is 1 of 52 graded winners on work tab

Godolphin’s homebred Grade 1 winner Proxy had his final serious drill on Sunday morning at Keeneland for an expected start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 4 at Santa Anita.

The 5-year-old son of Tapit breezed five furlongs in 1:02.0 on the fast, main track with regular jockey Joel Rosario in the saddle.

Stakes Tracker: See where these workers may race next.

The plan was to go in company with Godolphin’s unraced 2-year-old colt Surveyor, but the duo was unexpectedly joined by workers from other trainers. Despite the surprise, trainer Mike Stidham, Godolphin chief operating officer Dan Pride and bloodstock director Michael Banahan were all smiles watching from the grandstand.

“The main thing we were looking for today was that we would let him break off a little bit behind,” Stidham said. “The other horses getting in there was not planned. That just happened. It turned out to be four horses working together. And when Joel took him out and got him out in the clear, that’s what we wanted to see. He needed that type of work. That was the most important work.”

Stidham said Proxy will have a lesser workout Saturday or next Sunday before shipping to Santa Anita next Monday. Pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup are due Monday and will be announced Wednesday. Post positions will be drawn next Monday.

“Next week will be less of a blowout for the Breeders’ Cup,” Stidham said about Proxy’s next assignment. “Today’s work was exactly what we were looking for. He handled it well and galloped out great and did everything right. We couldn’t be happier.”

Proxy was outfitted with his usual cheek pieces that he wears in his races. The equipment, which is more popular in Europe than the U.S., have a similar effect as blinkers.

“When he was a 3-year-old, we had experimented with the blinkers, but we didn’t think that they made a huge difference,” Stidham said. “We’ve used the cheek pieces on a few horses over the years, and they’re just a bit more of a subtle change than actual blinker cups. They just take away the rear view, and they allow the horse to still have the peripheral view. We tried them in the morning. We thought that maybe they could help him to focus a little bit, and then we used them in the race. Obviously, he’s been running well with them, so we’re not going to try anything new.”

Sunday’s breeze was Proxy’s third at Keeneland. He went five furlongs in 1:01.0 on Oct. 7 and six furlongs in 1:15.20 six days later. 

Winner of the 2022 Clark (G1), Proxy has two wins in six starts this year. He took the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) in April and the Monmouth Cup (G3) in July. Proxy most recently finished a nose behind Classic candidate Bright Future in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) on Sept. 2 at Saratoga.

An earner of $2.2 million with his 19-6-7-2 record, Proxy is scheduled to begin his stallion career in 2024 at Godolphin’s Darley America at Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Ky.

Among other Keeneland breezes Sunday, Peter Brant’s Gina Romantica, winner of the Oct. 7 First Lady (G1) on turf, worked a half-mile in 50.0 seconds in company with Lady De Berry over the fast main track for trainer Chad Brown.

“She worked good,” said Baldo Hernández, assistant to Brown who noted that Gina Romantica has had most of her workouts on dirt during her career. “She’ll work again next weekend and may work on the grass with In Italian. That’s to be determined.”

Wesley Ward-trained Nakatomi worked toward a possible start in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Runner-up in the Phoenix (G2) on Oct. 6, Nakatomi breezed five furlongs in 1:00.6 the fastest of 32 at the distance for the morning.

There were 52 graded-stakes winners on the track Sunday morning for workouts in the U.S. and Canada.

Proxy (Tapit), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Clark), worked five furlongs in 1:02.0 at Keeneland. It was the eighth fastest of 32 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going six furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he placed second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Sept. 2 for trainer Michael Stidham.

Clairière (Curlin), a four-time Grade 1 winner, worked five furlongs in 59.8 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the sixth fastest of 54 works at the distance. Her previous work was eight days ago going five furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she placed fifth in the Personal Ensign (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 25 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Dr. Schivel (Violence), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2021 Bing Crosby, 2020 Del Mar Futurity), worked five furlongs in 1:00.8 at Santa Anita. It was the 20th fastest of 54 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going three furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he won the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2) going six furlongs on the main track at Santa Anita on Sept. 30 for trainer Mark Glatt.

Gina Romantica (Into Mischief), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2023 First Lady, 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup), worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds at Keeneland. It was the 63rd fastest of 103 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the First Lady (G1) going one mile on the turf at Keeneland on Oct. 7 for trainer Chad Brown.

Matareya (Pioneerof the Nile), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2023 Derby City Distaff, 2022 Acorn), worked six furlongs in 1:11.4 at Churchill Downs. It was the faster of two works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she placed third in the Ballerina Handicap (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 26 for trainer Brad Cox.

Adare Manor (Uncle Mo), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Clement L. Hirsch), worked five furlongs in 59.0 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the fastest of 54 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going three furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she won the Zenyatta (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Santa Anita on Oct. 1 for trainer Bob Baffert.

American Theorem (American Pharoah), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Bing Crosby), worked six furlongs in 1:13.4 at Santa Anita. It was the fifth fastest of seven works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fifth in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2) going six furlongs on the main track at Santa Anita on Sept. 30 for trainer George Papaprodromou.

Ceiling Crusher (Mr. Big), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Cotillion), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the 48th fastest of 68 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the Cotillion (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 23 for trainer Doug O’Neill.

Eda (Munnings), a Grade 1 winner (2021 Starlet), worked four furlongs in 46.8 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the second fastest of 68 works at the distance. Her previous work was six days ago going six furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she placed third in the Chillingworth (G3) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Santa Anita on Sept. 29 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Fev Rover (Gutaifan), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Beverly D.), worked four furlongs in 48.2 seconds at Woodbine. It was the 11th fastest of 104 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the E.P. Taylor (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Woodbine on Oct. 8 for trainer Mark Casse.

Gold Phoenix (Belardo), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Frank E. Kilroe Mile), worked five furlongs in 1:01.8 at Santa Anita. It was the 16th fastest of 22 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed fifth in the John Henry Turf Championship (G2) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on Oct. 1 for trainer Phil D’Amato.

Henley’s Joy (Kitten’s Joy), a Grade 1 winner (2019 Belmont Derby Invitational), worked four furlongs in 53.6 seconds at Churchill Training. It was the 21st fastest of 22 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in an allowance race going 1 1/16 miles on the synthetic at Woodbine on Oct. 8 for trainer Mike Maker.

Mage (Good Magic), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Kentucky Derby), worked five furlongs in 1:02.2 at The Thoroughbred Center. It was the second fastest of three works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at The Thoroughbred Center. In his last start he placed seventh in the Travers (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 26 for trainer Gustavo Delgado.

Prince of Monaco (Speightstown), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Del Mar Futurity), worked six furlongs in 1:12.0 at Santa Anita. It was the third fastest of seven works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going six furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he won the Del Mar Futurity (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Del Mar on Sept. 10 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Pennsylvania Derby), worked six furlongs in 1:11.4 at Churchill Downs. It was the faster of two works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going six furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he won the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 23 for trainer Brad Cox.

Speech (Mr Speaker), a Grade 1 winner (2020 Ashland), worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at Churchill Downs. It was the 72nd fastest of 98 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed sixth in the Doubledogdare (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Keeneland on April 16 for trainer Michael McCarthy.

Tamara (Bolt d’Oro), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Del Mar Debutante), worked six furlongs in 1:12.6 at Santa Anita. It was the fourth fastest of seven works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she won the Del Mar Debutante (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Del Mar on Sept. 9 for trainer Richard Mandella.

Wet Paint (Blame), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Coaching Club American Oaks), worked five furlongs in 1:00.6 at Churchill Downs. It was the third fastest of 66 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she placed second in the Alabama (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 19 for trainer Brad Cox.

Wicked Halo (Gun Runner), a three-time Grade 2 winner (2022 Raven Run, 2022 Prioress, 2021 Adirondack), worked four furlongs in 51.8 seconds at Churchill Downs. It was the 93rd fastest of 98 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed second in the Thoroughbred Club of America (G2) going six furlongs on the main track at Keeneland on Oct. 7 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Damon’s Mound (Girvin), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2023 Gallant Bob, 2022 Saratoga Special), worked five furlongs in 1:02.0 at Churchill Downs. It was the 30th fastest of 66 works at the distance. His previous work was 14 days ago going five furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he won the Gallant Bob (G2) going six furlongs on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 23 for trainer Michelle Lovell.

Public Sector (Kingman), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2021 Hill Prince, 2021 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Saratoga. It was the eighth fastest of 17 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he placed third in the Bernard Baruch going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Saratoga on Sept. 4 for trainer Chad Brown.

Balladeer (Distorted Humor), a Grade 2 winner (2023 John Henry Turf Championship), worked five furlongs in 1:00.0 at Santa Anita. It was the seventh fastest of 54 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he won the John Henry Turf Championship (G2) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on Oct. 1 for trainer George Papaprodromou.

Bran (Muhaarar), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Turf Sprint), worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Santa Anita. It was the 16th fastest of 54 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed second in the Eddie D (G2) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Santa Anita on Sept. 30 for trainer John Sadler.

Bubble Rock (More Than Ready), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Mrs. Revere), worked four furlongs in 48.5 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the fifth fastest of 56 works at the distance. Her previous work was six days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed second in the Smart N Fancy going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Saratoga on Aug. 25 for trainer Brad Cox.

Buchu (Justify), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Jessamine presented by Keeneland Nov.), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Churchill Downs. It was the 15th fastest of 98 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the Jessamine presented by Keeneland Nov. (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Keeneland on Oct. 6 for trainer Philip Bauer.

Dubyuhnell (Good Magic), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Remsen), worked four furlongs in 51.0 seconds at Saratoga. It was the 15th fastest of 17 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he placed 11th in the Florida Derby (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Gulfstream Park on April 1 for trainer Danny Gargan.

Endorsed (Medaglia d’Oro), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Gulfstream Park Mile), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Churchill Training. It was the third fastest of 22 works at the distance. His previous work was 21 days ago going five furlongs at Churchill Training. In his last start he placed ninth in the Steve Sexton Mile (G3) going one mile on the main track at Lone Star Park on May 29 for trainer Mike Maker.

Field Pass (Lemon Drop Kid), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Seabiscuit Handicap), worked four furlongs in 51.6 seconds at Churchill Training. It was the 16th fastest of 22 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed eighth in a handicap going one mile on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 3 for trainer Mike Maker.

Heavenly Sunday (Candy Ride), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Edgewood), worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Keeneland. It was the 46th fastest of 103 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she placed seventh in the Lake Placid (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Saratoga on Aug. 19 for trainer Brad Cox.

High Oak (Gormley), a Grade 2 winner (2021 Saratoga Special), worked four furlongs in 48.0 seconds at Belmont Park. It was the second fastest of 56 works at the distance. His previous work was 11 days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed fifth in the Vosburgh (G2) going seven furlongs on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on Oct. 1 for trainer Bill Mott.

Kiss Today Goodbye (Cairo Prince), a Grade 2 winner (2020 San Antonio), worked five furlongs in 1:01.2 at Los Alamitos. It was the eighth fastest of 19 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Los Alamitos. In his last start he placed second in the Tokyo City Cup (G3) going 1 1/2 miles on the main track at Santa Anita on Oct. 1 for trainer Eric Kruljac.

Newgrange (Violence), a Grade 2 winner (2023 San Pasqual), worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the 55th fastest of 68 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in an allowance race going one mile on the main track at Santa Anita on Oct. 6 for trainer Phil D’Amato.

Private Creed (Jimmy Creed), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Franklin-Simpson), worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the 17th fastest of 68 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he won the Franklin-Simpson (G2) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 9 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Temple (Temple City), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Mac Diarmida), worked five furlongs in 1:00.0 at Turfway Park. It was the fastest of 31 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going five 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.

Value Engineering (Lemon Drop Kid), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Mac Diarmida), worked five furlongs in 1:00.8 at Turfway Park. It was the fifth fastest of 31 works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going five furlongs at Turfway Park. In his last start he placed eighth in the Man o’ War (G1) going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Belmont Park on May 13 for trainer Mike Maker.

Neige Blanche (Anodin), a four-time Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the 48th fastest of 68 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fifth in the Rodeo Drive (G2) going 1 1/4 miles on the turf at Santa Anita on Oct. 7 for trainer Leonard Powell.

Beer Can Man (Can the Man), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2021 Turf Monster, 2020 Cecil B. DeMille), worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Los Alamitos. It was the 12th fastest of 31 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in the Woodford Presented by (G2) going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Keeneland on Oct. 7 for trainer Phil D’Amato.

Best Actor (Flatter), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Smarty Jones), worked five furlongs in 1:01.0 at Churchill Downs. It was the eighth fastest of 66 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going six furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he won an allowance race going one mile on the main track at Belmont at the Big A on Sept. 21 for trainer Brad Cox.

Frosted Grace (Mark Valeski), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Steve Sexton Mile), worked five furlongs in 1:04.4 at Churchill Downs. It was the 65th fastest of 66 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed fifth in the Avery Whisman Memorial going one mile and 70 yards on the synthetic at Presque Isle Downs on Aug. 21 for trainer Robertino Diodoro.

Gregorian Chant (Gregorian), a Grade 3 winner (2021 San Simeon), worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Los Alamitos. It was the fourth fastest of 19 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Los Alamitos. In his last start he placed third in the Joe Hernandez (G2) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Santa Anita on Dec. 31 for trainer Phil D’Amato.

Guildsman (Wootton Bassett), a Grade 3 winner (2020 Franklin-Simpson), worked three furlongs in 35.2 seconds at Woodbine. It was the third fastest of 25 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in a starter allowance race going seven furlongs on the synthetic at Woodbine on Oct. 20 for trainer Martin Drexler.

How Did He Do That (Good Magic), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Oklahoma Derby), worked five furlongs in 1:01.1 at Remington Park. It was the faster of two works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Remington Park. In his last start he won the Oklahoma Derby (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Remington Park on Sept. 24 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Jaxon Traveler (Munnings), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Maryland Sprint), worked four furlongs in 50.5 seconds at Remington Park. It was the fourth fastest of six works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed third in an allowance race going five furlongs on the main track at Remington Park on Oct. 13 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Lammas (Heeraat), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Berkeley Handicap), worked five furlongs in 1:01.0 at Golden Gate Fields. It was the ninth fastest of 55 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Golden Gate Fields. In his last start he placed second in an allowance race going one mile on the turf at Golden Gate Fields on Sept. 30 for trainer Manuel Badilla.

Main Event (Bernardini), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Kent), worked five furlongs in 1:03.2 at Keeneland. It was the 18th fastest of 32 works at the distance. His previous work was 16 days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he placed fifth in an allowance race going one mile on the turf at Belmont at the Big A on Sept. 21 for trainer George Weaver.

Order and Law (Violence), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Cougar II), worked four furlongs in 50.6 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the slowest of 23 works at the distance. This was his first work since his last race. In his last start he placed fourth in the Tokyo City Cup (G3) going 1 1/2 miles on the main track at Santa Anita on Oct. 1 for trainer Bob Hess Jr.

Red Route One (Gun Runner), a Grade 3 winner (2023 West Virginia Derby), worked five furlongs in 1:01.8 at Remington Park. It was the slower of two works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Remington Park. In his last start he placed second in the Oklahoma Derby (G3) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Remington Park on Sept. 24 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Regal Realm (Animal Kingdom), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Ladies Turf), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Turfway Park. It was the 28th fastest of 56 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the Ladies Turf (G3) going one mile on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 9 for trainer Jonathan Thomas.

Reincarnate (Good Magic), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Sham), worked four furlongs in 47.2 seconds at Santa Anita. It was the second fastest of 23 works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going six furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed sixth in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 23 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Ryvit (Competitive Edge), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Chick Lang), worked five furlongs in 1:01.4 at Churchill Downs. It was the 15th fastest of 66 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed fifth in the Gallant Bob (G2) going six furlongs on the main track at Parx Racing on Sept. 23 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Speed Boat Beach (Bayern), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Cecil B. DeMille), worked six furlongs in 1:11.0 at Santa Anita. It was the fastest of seven works at the distance. His previous work was six days ago going four furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed second in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2) going six furlongs on the main track at Santa Anita on Sept. 30 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Weyburn (Pioneerof the Nile), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Gotham), worked four furlongs in 49.2 seconds at Woodbine. It was the 40th fastest of 104 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Woodbine. In his last start he placed fifth in the Philip H. Iselin (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Monmouth Park on Aug. 19 for trainer Todd Pletcher.