Nitrogen Prepares for Beldame Stakes After Strong Workout
This report highlights the recent training activities of several prominent racehorses, focusing on their preparations for upcoming graded stakes races. The central figure is Nitrogen, a champion filly, whose recent workout at Belmont Park marks a crucial step in her journey towards the Beldame Stakes. The article also provides a comprehensive overview of other notable horses, detailing their recent performances and current training regimens.
Nitrogen Gears Up for Beldame Stakes at Belmont Park
On a crisp Saturday morning, September 12, 2026, the reigning champion 3-year-old filly, Nitrogen, showcased her readiness for the upcoming racing season with a brisk half-mile workout. Completing the distance in a solid 49.6 seconds over the main track at the newly redeveloped Belmont Park, this marked her inaugural local training session since her relocation from Saratoga earlier in the month.
Under the expert guidance of dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse, and with D. J. Stable as her owner, the remarkable 4-year-old progeny of Medaglia d’Oro commenced her solo exercise shortly after 8:30 AM. Assistant trainer Shane Tripp meticulously observed her performance, noting the ease and power of her stride.
Casse expressed his satisfaction with Nitrogen's workout, stating, "I believe she performed exceptionally well. Reports indicate a strong start, and I observed her work on video – she maintained a comfortable pace in the middle, then accelerated and galloped out effectively." He emphasized that the primary objective was not a flashy display but rather a smooth and efficient effort. He was particularly pleased that she handled the track admirably and exhibited excellent energy upon her return to the barn.
Casse further clarified Nitrogen's strategic path, confirming that she is being aimed at the 1 1/8-mile Beldame Stakes (G2) on September 25. This race is designed for fillies and mares aged three and older. The decision was made to prioritize the Beldame over the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), which would have pitted her against male competitors on September 18 as part of Belmont Park's inaugural racing card.
"We thoroughly discussed all possible scenarios," Casse explained. "While the allure of the Jockey Club was significant, our overarching goal for the year is to triumph at the Breeders’ Cup. We firmly believe that the Beldame offers the most direct and advantageous route to achieving that objective."
Nitrogen enters the Beldame following a commendable second-place finish to the reigning Horse of the Year, Sovereignty, in the Whitney (G1) on August 8 at Saratoga. A highlight of her impressive 5: 2-2-1 campaign this year was her dominant 12 ¾-length victory in the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps, presented by Ford, held in June at the Spa.
Shortly after Nitrogen's workout, her stablemate, Measure, also a dual Grade 1-placed contender, completed a solo four-furlong work in 47.4 seconds. Measure is currently preparing for the Cotillion (G1) scheduled for September 19 at Parx. Casse affirmed Measure's strong performance, noting, "She worked exceptionally well this morning and is set for the Cotillion." Measure's last outing saw her finish a close second by a neck to My Gun’s Loaded in the Alabama (G1) on August 22 at Saratoga. She boasts a career record of 7: 1-3-1, with total purse earnings approaching $300,000.
The extensive Saturday morning workout report from Belmont Park and Saratoga also featured several other highly anticipated contenders across various graded stakes races. Among them, Far Bridge (English Channel), a three-time Grade 1 winner, completed four furlongs in 50.8 seconds at Belmont Park. Program Trading (Lope de Vega), another three-time Grade 1 winner, worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds at Saratoga. Other notable Grade 1 winners in training included Scottish Lassie (McKinzie), Segesta (Ghostzapper), Spirit of St Louis (Medaglia d'Oro), Always a Runner (Gun Runner), Baeza (McKinzie), Expensive Queen (Lope de Vega), Fully Subscribed (Tiz the Law), Further Ado (Gun Runner), Knightsbridge (Nyquist), Lush Lips (Ten Sovereigns), Nakatomi (Firing Line), Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), and Tam Tam (Medaglia d'Oro).
Additionally, a host of Grade 2 and Grade 3 winners were active, including Destino d'Oro (Bolt d'Oro), Sugar Fish (Accelerate), Asbury Park (Frankel), Bishops Bay (Uncle Mo), Crazy Mason (Coal Front), Cugino (Twirling Candy), First Peace (Funtastic), Forged Steel (Vekoma), Gigante (Not This Time), Grayosh (Yoshida), Hiding in Honduras (Dialed In), Margie's Intention (Honor A. P.), Mondego (Lope de Vega), Tiztastic (Tiz the Law), Webslinger (Constitution), Endlessly (Oscar Performance), Dragoon Guard (Arrogate), Haulin Ice (Coal Front), Speed Shopper (Quality Road), Tejano Twist (Practical Joke), Artislas (Catalina Cruiser), Bracket Buster (Vekoma), Bullard (Gun Runner), Chunk of Gold (Preservationist), City Girl (City Light), Daisy Flyer (Mshawish), Evershed (Churchill), Komorebino Omoide (California Chrome), Parchment Party (Constitution), Stradale (Yaupon), and Zihnal (Quality Road). These workouts underscore the rigorous preparations undertaken by top-tier racehorses as they vie for future glory on the track.
The meticulous preparation and strategic planning behind a champion like Nitrogen offer valuable insights into the competitive world of horse racing. Trainer Mark Casse's decision to prioritize the Beldame Stakes over the Jockey Club Gold Cup for Nitrogen, despite the latter's prestige, highlights the importance of tailoring a horse's campaign to maximize its potential for major goals like the Breeders' Cup. This approach emphasizes not just raw talent, but also careful management and an understanding of each horse's individual strengths and preferences. For enthusiasts and aspiring trainers, it's a testament to the blend of art and science required to guide these magnificent athletes to peak performance. The dedication to their well-being and the strategic pursuit of specific races truly define the path to success in this exhilarating sport.