Works tab: Brightwork readies for Alcibiades on Keeneland opener

Undefeated 2-year-old filly Brightwork completed her major preparations for next Friday’s $600,000 Alcibiades (G1) on the opening day card at Keeneland by working a half-mile in 48.6 seconds over a fast track Friday morning.

With Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard, Brightwork produced fractions of 24.6 and 48.6 seconds and galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.40. Last Friday here, Brightwork produced a best-of-20 half-mile in 47.0 seconds.

“That was very perfect, and I am grateful that Ricardo made the drive over from Louisville both times to work her,” trainer John Ortiz said. “Last week was a good drill for speed, and this morning was to maintain that speed.”

Brightwork, owned by WSS Racing, won at first asking at Keeneland in the spring, followed that with a victory in the Debutante at Ellis Park and then took the Adirondack (G3) and Spinaway (G1) at Saratoga.

Ortiz is pointing another runner to next Friday’s stakes in 4 G Racing’s Crown Imperial. Winner of the Untapable Stakes at Kentucky Downs, Crown Imperial is considered probable for the $350,000 Jessamine (G2). Crown Imperial worked a half-mile in 49.2 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning.

Brightwork was one of 13 graded-stakes winners recording timed workouts across the U.S. and Canada on Friday. Another 19 graded-stakes winners worked out on Thursday and are listed below.

Matareya (Pioneerof the Nile), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2023 Derby City Distaff, 2022 Acorn), worked four furlongs in 47.8 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the ninth fastest of 85 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she placed third in the Ballerina H. (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 26 for trainer Brad Cox.

Brightwork (Outwork), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Spinaway), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the third fastest of 11 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she won the Spinaway (G1) going seven furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on Sept. 3 for trainer John Alexander Ortiz.

Wet Paint (Blame), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Coaching Club American Oaks), worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 57th fastest of 85 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four 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.

Point Me By (Point of Entry), a Grade 1 winner (2021 Bruce D.), worked four furlongs in 48.2 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 21st fastest of 85 works at the distance. His previous work was 13 days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed fifth in an allowance race going one mile on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 3 for trainer Eddie Kenneally.

A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Beholder Mile), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 32nd fastest of 85 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed sixth in the Locust Grove (G3) going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Churchill Downs on Sept. 16 for trainer Brad Cox.

Arrest Me Red (Pioneerof the Nile), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Turf Sprint ), worked five furlongs in 1:01.6 at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the 11th fastest of 19 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Keeneland. In his last start he placed sixth in an allowance race going 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 2 for trainer Wesley Ward.

Messier (Empire Maker), a two-time Grade 3 winner (2022 Robert B. Lewis, 2021 Bob Hope) worked three furlongs in 36.8 seconds at Woodbine on Friday morning. It was the second fastest of three works at the distance. His previous work was 90 days ago going five furlongs at Woodbine. In his last start he placed fourth in the San Pasqual (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Santa Anita on Jan. 28 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Danse Macabre (Army Mule), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Herecomesthebride), worked four furlongs in 50.2 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the 69th fastest of 85 works at the distance. Her previous work was eight days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she placed second in the Music City (G3) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 2 for trainer Kelsey Danner.

V V's Dream (Mitole), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Pocahontas), worked four furlongs in 47.6 seconds at Churchill Downs on Friday morning. It was the sixth fastest of 85 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she won the Pocahontas (G3) going one mile on the main track at Churchill Downs on Sept. 16 for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Dean Delivers (Cajun Breeze), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Smile Sprint), worked four furlongs in 48.5 seconds at Gulfstream Park on Friday morning. It was the 10th fastest of 31 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going three furlongs at Gulfstream Park. In his last start he placed third in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. (G1) going six furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on July 29 for trainer Michael Yates.

Butterbean (Klimt), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Iowa Oaks), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Keeneland on Friday morning. It was the fifth fastest of 11 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Keeneland. In her last start she placed fourth in the Iowa Distaff going 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Prairie Meadows on July 7 for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Henrietta Topham (Lemon Drop Kid), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Mint Julep), worked five furlongs in 1:01.4 at The Thoroughbred Center on Friday morning. It was the fastest of seven works at the distance. Her previous work was six days ago going four furlongs at The Thoroughbred Center. In her last start she placed sixth in the Ladies Turf (G3) going one mile on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 9 for trainer Geoff Mulcahy.

Duke of Love (Cupid), a Grade 3 winner (2023 West Virginia Governor's), worked four furlongs in 50.4 seconds at Woodbine on Friday morning. It was the 34th fastest of 40 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Woodbine. In his last start he placed fifth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) going 1 1/4 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Sept. 2 for trainer Josie Carroll.

Thursday's works

Proxy (Tapit), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Clark), worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Fair Hill on Thursday morning. It was the fastest of five works at the distance. His previous work was 13 days ago going four furlongs at Fair Hill. 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.

Secret Oath (Arrogate), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Kentucky Oaks), worked five furlongs in 58.6 seconds at Churchill Downs on Thursday morning. It was the fastest of three works at the distance. Her previous work was nine days ago going five furlongs at Churchill Downs. In her last start she placed second in the Personal Ensign (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 25 for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

Leave No Trace (Outwork), a Grade 1 winner (2022 Spinaway), worked five furlongs in 1:00.5 at Belmont Park on Thursday morning. It was the fastest of 33 works at the distance. Her previous work was 12 days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed seventh in an allowance race going one mile on the main track at Saratoga on Aug. 30 for trainer Philip M. Serpe.

Beyond Brilliant (Twirling Candy), a Grade 1 winner (2021 Hollywood Derby), worked three furlongs in 37.0 seconds at Santa Anita on Thursday morning. It was the fourth fastest of seven works at the distance. His previous work was 11 days ago going three furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed second in the Seabiscuit H. (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Del Mar on Nov. 26 for trainer John Shirreffs.

Fev Rover (Gutaifan), a Grade 1 winner (2023 Beverly D.), worked four furlongs in 46.8 seconds at Woodbine on Thursday morning. It was the fastest of 28 works at the distance. This was her first work since her last race. In her last start she placed fourth in the Canadian (G2) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Woodbine on Sept. 9 for trainer Mark Casse.

Dubyuhnell (Good Magic), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Remsen), worked four furlongs in 50.5 seconds at Saratoga on Thursday morning. It was the 10th fastest of 15 works at the distance. His previous work was eight 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.

Window Shopping (American Pharoah), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Summertime Oaks), worked three furlongs in 38.0 seconds at Santa Anita on Thursday morning. It was the sixth fastest of seven works at the distance. Her previous work was six days ago going six furlongs at Santa Anita. In her last start she placed sixth in the Del Mar Oaks (G1) going 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Del Mar on Aug. 19 for trainer Richard Mandella.

Evvie Jets (Twirling Candy), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Ballston Spa), worked four furlongs in 52.4 seconds at Belmont Park on Thursday morning. It was the 139th fastest of 146 works at the distance. Her previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she won the Ballston Spa (G2) going 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Saratoga on Aug. 24 for trainer Mertkan Kantarmaci.

Chewing Gum (Candy Ride), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Joe Hernandez), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Belmont Park on Thursday morning. It was the 26th fastest of 146 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed third in an allowance race going 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 3 for trainer Bill Mott.

Alva Starr (Lord Nelson), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Prioress), worked five furlongs in 1:01.2 at Delaware Park on Thursday morning. It was the fastest of nine works at the distance. Her previous work was 12 days ago going four furlongs at Delaware Park. In her last start she won the Prioress (G2) going six furlongs on the main track at Saratoga on Sept. 2 for trainer Brett A. Brinkman.

Devamani (Dubawi), a Grade 2 winner (2020 Knickerbocker), worked four furlongs in 51.6 at Remington Park on Thursday morning. It was the 18th fastest of 22 works at the distance. His previous work was 13 days ago going four furlongs at Remington Park. In his last start he placed seventh in a claiming race going one mile on the turf at Remington Park on Aug. 31 for trainer Ronnie E. Cravens III.

Personal Best (Tapit), a Grade 3 winner (2023 La Prevoyante), worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Belmont Park on Thursday morning. It was the 43rd fastest of 83 works at the distance. Her previous work was seven days ago going four furlongs at Belmont Park. In her last start she placed fourth in the Ladies Marathon (G3) going 1 5/16 miles on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 9 for trainer Shug McGaughey.

Dancing Buck (War Dancer), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Belmont Turf Sprint), worked five furlongs in 1:02.9 at Belmont Park on Thursday morning. It was the 17th fastest of 33 works at the distance. His previous work was seven days ago going five furlongs at Belmont Park. In his last start he placed fourth in the Harvey Pack going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Saratoga on Sept. 2 for trainer Michelle Nevin.

Tejano Twist (Practical Joke), a Grade 3 winner (2023 Whitmore), worked four furlongs in 49.8 seconds at Churchill Downs on Thursday morning. It was the fastest of three works at the distance. His previous work was 14 days ago going four furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his last start he placed fourth in the Kelly's Landing going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track at Ellis Park on July 1 for trainer Chris A. Hartman.

Gregorian Chant (Gregorian), a Grade 3 winner (2021 San Simeon), worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds at Los Alamitos on Thursday morning. It was the fifth fastest of eight works at the distance. His previous work was eight days ago going four 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 Philip D'Amato.

Planetario (Il Doge), a Grade 3 winner (2023 San Juan Capistrano), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Santa Anita on Thursday morning. It was the 10th fastest of 14 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Santa Anita. In his last start he placed fifth in the Del Mar H. (G2) going 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Del Mar on Sept. 2 for trainer Richard Mandella.

Big Invasion (Declaration of War), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Quick Call), worked three furlongs in 36.0 seconds at Saratoga on Thursday morning. It was the fastest of nine works at the distance. His previous work was 10 days ago going four furlongs at Saratoga. In his last start he placed second in the Harvey Pack going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf at Saratoga on Sept. 2 for trainer Christophe Clement.

Morello (Classic Empire), a Grade 3 winner (2022 Gotham), worked four furlongs in 51.8 seconds at Turfway Park on Thursday morning. It was the slowest of 24 works at the distance. His previous work was 20 days ago going four furlongs at Turfway Park. In his last start he placed seventh in the Lake Hamilton going six furlongs on the main track at Oaklawn Park on May 6 for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Like the King (Palace Malice), a Grade 3 winner (2021 Jeff Ruby Steaks), worked five furlongs in 58.8 seconds at Woodbine on Thursday morning. It was the fastest of 15 works at the distance. His previous work was nine days ago going four furlongs at Woodbine. In his last start he placed fifth in an allowance race going 1 1/8 miles on the synthetic at Woodbine on Aug. 24 for trainer Mark Casse.