Top Graded Stakes Winners Return to Training
A total of seventeen elite graded stakes winners, prominently featuring Grade 1 champions Miss Monica and Ag Bullet, resumed their training regimens on Monday. These significant morning workouts took place across various locations, highlighting the preparedness of these thoroughbreds for upcoming competitive events. Miss Monica, an undefeated two-year-old, notably returned to the track after her impressive victory in the Del Mar Debutante, showcasing her continued form. Ag Bullet, a seasoned competitor with multiple Grade 1 titles, also engaged in a crucial workout session, signaling her intent for future races despite a recent less favorable performance.
On Monday, September 21, 2026, Santa Anita Park was a hub of activity as numerous top-tier racehorses completed their morning exercises. Among the most anticipated returns was Miss Monica, the Bob Baffert-trained filly, who had secured a dominant victory in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on September 5. Her four-furlong workout was timed at 47.6 seconds, marking her first official training session since her latest triumph. Prior to her Grade 1 win, Miss Monica had already demonstrated her potential with a commanding 5 1/2-length maiden victory on August 9, making her current record unblemished in two starts.
Concurrently, Ag Bullet, a distinguished Grade 1 winner trained by Richard Baltas, also made her initial return to the workout schedule following her last race. The mare, sired by Twirling Candy, completed a four-furlong drill in 47.8 seconds on the all-weather training track. Ag Bullet’s previous achievements include winning the Jaipur (G1) and the Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint (G2) in the preceding year. Although she was a runner-up in this year’s Jaipur, she has yet to clinch a victory since the 2025 Kentucky Downs meet. Her most recent outing saw her finish eighth as the favorite in the 2026 Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint (G1) on August 29.
Beyond these two prominent names, other graded stakes winners also participated in workout sessions across the country. Gold Phoenix, a Grade 1 winner of the 2023 Frank E. Kilroe Mile, worked four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Santa Anita. Kensington Lane, who secured the 2026 Belmont Oaks (G1), also worked four furlongs in 47.6 seconds at Santa Anita, preparing after a third-place finish in the Del Mar Oaks (G1). Truly Quality, a two-time Grade 2 winner, completed five furlongs in 1:01.8 at Turfway Park. Each of these horses is gearing up for their next competitive engagements, reflecting the rigorous training schedules observed in thoroughbred racing.
This Monday's training sessions saw a significant number of top racehorses, including Grade 1 winners like Miss Monica and Ag Bullet, actively engaging in workouts. Their return to the track signifies their preparation for future challenges in the demanding world of horse racing, with trainers fine-tuning their conditioning after recent races or in anticipation of upcoming high-stakes events. The consistent training regimen underscores the dedication required to maintain peak performance among these elite athletes.