Ag Bullet Leads Elite Thoroughbreds in Del Mar Training Session
This report details the recent training activities of top thoroughbreds, focusing on the Grade 1 winner Ag Bullet's turf workout at Del Mar. It also highlights the extensive list of other graded stakes winners who participated in Sunday's rigorous training sessions across various locations, showcasing their preparations and recent race performances. The article emphasizes the competitive nature of horse racing and the dedicated efforts of these elite athletes and their trainers.
Elite Racehorses Showcase Prowess in Sunday Morning Drills
On the crisp morning of Sunday, August 23, 2026, the prestigious Del Mar racetrack bore witness to a compelling display of equine athleticism as Ag Bullet, a remarkable six-year-old mare, executed a swift four-furlong turf drill in 50.8 seconds. This notable workout, guided by trainer Richard Baltas, placed her among the top performers of the day, signaling her readiness for future high-stakes competitions. Ag Bullet, a daughter of Twirling Candy, has an impressive career record of 18 starts, 8 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds, accumulating over $3 million in earnings for owners Calvin Nguyen and Joey C. Tran. Her recent achievements include a victory in the 2025 Jaipur (G1) and a second-place finish in the 2026 Jaipur (G1) at Saratoga, along with a win in the Ladies Turf Sprint (G2) at Kentucky Downs and strong placements in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint and Matriarch (G1) at Del Mar in 2025.
Beyond Ag Bullet's individual brilliance, the day's training schedule was packed with 21 other graded stakes champions who engaged in their own focused workouts across various renowned racetracks. At Saratoga, Scottish Lassie, a two-time Grade 1 winner, demonstrated her speed with a 48.3-second four-furlong workout. Meanwhile, at Churchill Downs, Splendora, another two-time Grade 1 victor, clocked the fastest four-furlong time of 47.4 seconds among 66 participants. These training sessions are critical for maintaining peak performance and preparing these magnificent animals for the intense demands of elite racing circuits.
Other notable horses that participated in the Sunday workouts included Gold Phoenix, a Grade 1 winner who trained at Del Mar; Lovesick Blues, a Grade 1 winner also at Del Mar; Saudi Crown at Churchill Downs; and Thought Process at Del Mar. The extensive list also featured several Grade 2 and Grade 3 winners like A Fine Chardonnay, Balladeer, Brilliant Berti, Gigante, Storm's Wake, Balnikhov, Durante, Pin Up Betty, Tumbarumba, Money Supply, Nitti, Owen Almighty, Parchment Party, and Plutarch, all diligently preparing at their respective training grounds. These rigorous workouts are a testament to the dedication of trainers and owners in nurturing these equine athletes, underscoring the continuous pursuit of excellence in horse racing.
The dedication and rigorous training displayed by these top thoroughbreds, particularly on a single Sunday, highlight the profound commitment required to excel in horse racing. Witnessing these athletes, like Ag Bullet, meticulously prepare for their next challenge underscores the blend of natural talent, expert training, and strategic planning essential for success. This consistent pursuit of peak performance offers a valuable lesson in perseverance and the relentless drive towards achievement, not just in sports but in any endeavor where excellence is the goal.