Top Graded Stakes Winners Showcase Strength in Saturday Workouts
Elite Equine Athletes Push Limits in Rigorous Training Sessions
"Always a Runner" Leads the Charge with Impressive Saratoga Breeze
The distinguished Grade 1 winner, "Always a Runner," who recently secured a second-place finish in the Coaching Club American Oaks, showcased her formidable speed with a four-furlong workout at Saratoga on Saturday morning. Clocking in at 48.5 seconds, her performance ranked among the top 22 fastest of 65 works at that distance. This marked her second training session within a week at Saratoga, underscoring her consistent preparation.
The Proven Pedigree: "Always a Runner's" Championship Lineage
This talented three-year-old filly, sired by the acclaimed "Gun Runner," is under the expert tutelage of trainer Chad Brown. Her lineage and rigorous training regimen position her as a formidable contender in the world of horse racing.
A Champion's Journey: Tracing "Always a Runner's" Illustrious Career
"Always a Runner" boasts an impressive track record, including a victory at the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs on May 1, preceded by a win at the Gazelle (G3) at Aqueduct on April 4. She also secured second-place finishes in the Acorn (G1) on June 5 and the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) on July 25, both at Saratoga. With a career record of three wins and two second-place finishes from five starts, she has amassed earnings of $1,184,800 for owners Douglas Scharbauer and Three Chimneys Farm.
A Broad Spectrum of Excellence: Over Fifty Graded Winners in Action
"Always a Runner" was among a distinguished group of 59 graded-stakes winners who had published workouts on Saturday, showcasing the depth of talent preparing for upcoming races.
"Far Bridge" Demonstrates Stamina with Belmont Park Workout
Three-time Grade 1 victor "Far Bridge" (English Channel), celebrated for his wins in the 2024 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, 2024 Sword Dancer, and 2023 Belmont Derby Invitational, completed a three-furlong workout in 38.2 seconds at Belmont Park. This performance was the 17th fastest among 25 works at that distance, following a similar training session a week prior. His most recent triumph was in the Pan American (G3) at Gulfstream Park on March 28, under trainer Miguel Clement.
"Formidable Man" Shows Speed at Del Mar
"Formidable Man" (City of Light), a three-time Grade 1 winner of the 2026 Shoemaker Mile, 2025 Frank E. Kilroe Mile, and 2024 Hollywood Derby, executed a five-furlong workout in 1:00.4 at Del Mar. This was the 22nd fastest of 63 works at the distance, following a four-furlong exercise eight days earlier. Trainer Michael McCarthy's charge last competed in the Eddie Read (G2) at Del Mar on July 26, where he finished third.
"Golden Tempo" Dominates Saratoga with Top Speed
"Golden Tempo" (Curlin), a two-time Grade 1 champion of the 2026 Belmont and 2026 Kentucky Derby, recorded the fastest four-furlong work of the day at Saratoga, finishing in 47.4 seconds. This was his second workout in a week, showcasing consistent conditioning by trainer Cherie DeVaux. His last race saw him win the Belmont at Saratoga on June 6.
"Segesta" Prepares at Saratoga After Strong Performance
"Segesta" (Ghostzapper), a two-time Grade 1 winner (2026 Jenny Wiley, 2025 Matriarch), completed a four-furlong workout in 50.2 seconds at Saratoga, ranking 46th fastest among 54 works. Her previous work was also at Saratoga, seven days prior. Trainer Chad Brown's mare recently placed second in the Diana (G1) at Saratoga on July 18.
"Always a Runner" Reiterates Performance in Separate Workout Report
"Always a Runner" (Gun Runner), a Grade 1 winner of the 2026 Kentucky Oaks, had another four-furlong workout reported at Saratoga, matching her earlier time of 48.5 seconds. This consistency highlights her readiness under trainer Chad Brown, following her second-place finish in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) on July 25.
"Baby Vino" Excels at Monmouth Park
"Baby Vino" (Vino Rosso), a Grade 1 winner of the 2026 Haskell, demonstrated impressive form with a five-furlong workout in 1:00.4 at Monmouth Park, the second fastest of eight works at that distance. Trained by Lindsay Schultz, his last start was a victory in the Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 18.
"British Isles" Shows Stamina at Del Mar
"British Isles" (Justify), a Grade 1 winner of the 2026 Santa Anita Handicap, worked six furlongs in 1:12.0 at Del Mar, the slower of two works at that distance. His previous work was eight days ago. Trainer Richard Baltas's charge recently placed fourth in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G2) at Santa Anita on May 25.
"Dynamic Pricing" Maintains Schedule at Belmont Park
"Dynamic Pricing" (Night of Thunder), a Grade 1 winner of the 2025 Just a Game, completed a four-furlong workout in 49.0 seconds at Belmont Park. This was the 48th fastest of 127 works, maintaining her routine. Trainer Chad Brown's mare last placed fifth in the Diana (G1) at Saratoga on July 18.
"Expensive Queen" Returns to Training at Turfway Park
"Expensive Queen" (Lope de Vega), a Grade 1 winner of the 2026 Jenny Wiley, worked three furlongs in 36.8 seconds at Turfway Park, ranking fifth fastest. This was her first work in over 100 days. Trainer Brendan Walsh guided her to victory in the Jenny Wiley (G1) at Keeneland on April 11.
"Full Serrano" Accelerates at Del Mar
"Full Serrano" (Full Mast), a Grade 1 winner of the 2024 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, registered the faster of two six-furlong works at Del Mar, clocking in at 1:11.0. Trainer John Sadler's horse finished fourth in the Oaklawn Mile (G3) at Oaklawn on March 28.
"Lovesick Blues" Completes Swift Workout at Del Mar
"Lovesick Blues" (Grazen), a Grade 1 winner of the 2025 Bing Crosby, performed a three-furlong workout in 37.0 seconds at Del Mar, ranking 14th fastest. Trainer Librado Barocio's charge last placed eighth in a race at Meydan on March 28.
"Nevada Beach" Shows Pace at Del Mar
"Nevada Beach" (Omaha Beach), a Grade 1 winner of the 2025 Goodwood, posted a four-furlong workout in 47.4 seconds at Del Mar, the sixth fastest of 111 works. Trainer Bob Baffert's horse placed 12th in the Saudi Cup (G1) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 14.
"Skippylongstocking" Demonstrates Speed at Saratoga
"Skippylongstocking" (Exaggerator), a Grade 1 winner of the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Invitational, recorded the fastest three-furlong workout at Saratoga, finishing in 35.0 seconds. This marked his first work since placing third in the Monmouth Cup (G3) at Monmouth Park on July 18 for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
"Stronghold" Keeps Steady Pace at Del Mar
"Stronghold" (Ghostzapper), a Grade 1 winner of the 2024 Santa Anita Derby, worked five furlongs in 1:01.2 at Del Mar, the 40th fastest. Trainer Phil D'Amato's horse placed sixth in the Bing Crosby (G1) at Del Mar on July 25.
"Ways and Means" Shows Consistency at Saratoga
"Ways and Means" (Practical Joke), a Grade 1 winner of the 2024 Test, completed a four-furlong workout in 48.7 seconds at Saratoga, the 16th fastest. Trainer Chad Brown's mare won the Bed o' Roses (G2) at Saratoga on June 5.
"Destino d'Oro" Returns Strong at Turfway Park
"Destino d'Oro" (Bolt d'Oro), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2026 Hillsborough, 2026 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational), worked three furlongs in 36.2 seconds at Turfway Park, the third fastest. This was her first work in over 130 days. Trainer Brad Cox saw her win the Hillsborough (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs on March 7.
"Dr. Venkman" Leads Del Mar Workouts
"Dr. Venkman" (Ghostzapper), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2025 Pat O'Brien, 2024 San Diego Handicap), recorded the fastest five-furlong workout at Del Mar, finishing in 58.6 seconds. Trainer Mark Glatt's horse placed fifth in the Bing Crosby (G1) at Del Mar on July 25.
"Fully Subscribed" Shows Consistency at Saratoga
"Fully Subscribed" (Tiz the Law), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2026 Shuvee, 2025 Mother Goose), completed a four-furlong workout in 48.9 seconds at Saratoga, the 22nd fastest. Trainer Chad Brown's mare won the Shuvee (G2) at Saratoga on July 24.
"Hit Show" Continues Training at Churchill Downs
"Hit Show" (Candy Ride), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2024 Fayette, 2024 Lukas Classic), worked five furlongs in 1:00.2 at Churchill Downs, the eighth fastest. Trainer Brad Cox's horse placed second in the Suburban Life (G2) at Saratoga on July 4.
"May Day Ready" Maintains Fitness at Del Mar
"May Day Ready" (Tapit), a two-time Grade 2 winner (2025 Lake Placid, 2024 Jessamine), worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Del Mar, the 22nd fastest. Trainer Richard Mandella's mare placed third in the Osunitas at Del Mar on July 25.
"Arrest Me Red" Returns to Keeneland Track
"Arrest Me Red" (Pioneerof the Nile), a Grade 2 winner (2022 Turf Sprint), completed a four-furlong workout in 51.6 seconds at Keeneland. This was his first work in over two weeks. Trainer Wesley Ward's horse last placed sixth in an allowance race at Keeneland on April 18.
"Asbury Park" Shows Strength at Saratoga
"Asbury Park" (Frankel), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Jockey Club Derby Invitational), worked four furlongs in 47.7 seconds at Saratoga, the fourth fastest. Trainer Chad Brown's horse placed ninth in the Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs on May 2.
"Consequent" Demonstrates Speed at Churchill Downs
"Consequent" (Into Mischief), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Starlet), worked four furlongs in 48.0 seconds at Churchill Downs, the 19th fastest. Trainer Bob Baffert's mare won an allowance race at Ellis Park on July 24.
"Crazy Mason" Shows Progress at Delaware Park
"Crazy Mason" (Coal Front), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Carter), worked four furlongs in 50.4 seconds at Delaware Park. Trainer Greg Sacco's horse placed sixth in the Hanshin (G3) at Churchill Downs on June 28.
"Cugino" Prepares at Saratoga
"Cugino" (Twirling Candy), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Red Smith), worked four furlongs in 48.5 seconds at Saratoga, the 12th fastest. Trainer Shug McGaughey's horse placed third in an allowance race at Colonial Downs on July 5.
"Emerging Market" Maintains Pace at Saratoga
"Emerging Market" (Candy Ride), a Grade 2 winner (2026 Louisiana Derby), worked four furlongs in 48.7 seconds at Saratoga, the 17th fastest. Trainer Chad Brown's horse placed second in an allowance race at Saratoga on July 25.
"Grayosh" Exhibits Readiness at Monmouth Park
"Grayosh" (Yoshida), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Lake Placid), worked four furlongs in 48.8 seconds at Monmouth Park, the ninth fastest. Trainer Chad Brown's mare won the Matchmaker (G3) at Monmouth Park on July 18.
"Hiding in Honduras" Trains at Turfway Park
"Hiding in Honduras" (Dialed In), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Mathis Mile), worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Turfway Park. Trainer Jonathan Thomas's horse placed fourth in an allowance race at Colonial Downs on July 5.
"In Our Time" Returns to Saratoga Track
"In Our Time" (Not This Time), a Grade 2 winner (2026 Giant's Causeway), worked three furlongs in 37.2 seconds at Saratoga, ranking sixth fastest. This was her first work since placing third in the Caress (G2) at Saratoga on July 11 for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
"J B Strikes Back" Works at Keeneland
"J B Strikes Back" (Goldencents), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Laffit Pincay Jr.), worked five furlongs in 1:01.6 at Keeneland. Trainer Doug O'Neill's horse placed fifth in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) at Santa Anita on March 1.
"Kehoe Beach" Returns to Keeneland After Recent Race
"Kehoe Beach" (Omaha Beach), a Grade 2 winner (2024 Mrs. Revere), worked five furlongs in 1:03.4 at Keeneland, the slowest of 19 works. This was her first work since placing fifth in the Hendrie (G3) at Woodbine on July 25 for trainer Wesley Ward.
"Macho Music" Shows Progress at Colonial Downs
"Macho Music" (Maclean's Music), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Pat Day Mile), worked three furlongs in 37.6 seconds at Colonial Downs, the seventh fastest. Trainer Rohan Crichton's horse placed third in an allowance race at Colonial Downs on July 6.
"Majestic Oops" Returns to Del Mar Track
"Majestic Oops" (Majestic Harbor), a Grade 2 winner (2026 Azeri), worked four furlongs in 49.0 seconds at Del Mar. This was her first work since placing fourth in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) at Del Mar on August 1 for trainer Phil D'Amato.
"Mondego" Completes Workout at Del Mar
"Mondego" (Lope de Vega), a Grade 2 winner (2026 Charles Whittingham), worked four furlongs in 50.4 seconds at Del Mar. Trainer Michael McCarthy's horse placed seventh in the Eddie Read (G2) at Del Mar on July 26.
"Ozara" Maintains Schedule at Saratoga
"Ozara" (Lope de Vega), a Grade 2 winner (2025 Ballston Spa), worked four furlongs in 51.0 seconds at Saratoga. Trainer Miguel Clement's mare placed sixth in the Diana (G1) at Saratoga on July 18.
"Twinkle Town" Returns to Saratoga Track with a Win
"Twinkle Town" (Take Charge Indy), a Grade 2 winner (2026 Saratoga Special), worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Saratoga. This was his first work since winning the Saratoga Special (G2) at Saratoga on August 1 for trainer Kenny McPeek.
"Wynstock" Shows Progress at Saratoga
"Wynstock" (Solomini), a Grade 2 winner (2023 Los Alamitos Futurity), worked four furlongs in 50.5 seconds at Saratoga. Trainer Brad Cox's horse won an allowance race at Saratoga on July 25.
"Durante" Demonstrates Speed at Churchill Training
"Durante" (Distorted Humor), a three-time Grade 3 winner, worked three furlongs in 38.4 seconds at Churchill Training, the third fastest. Trainer David Jacobson's horse placed seventh in the Alapocas Run at Delaware Park on June 13.
"Dragoon Guard" Shows Consistency at Churchill Downs
"Dragoon Guard" (Arrogate), a two-time Grade 3 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Churchill Downs. Trainer Brad Cox's horse won an allowance race at Horseshoe Indianapolis on July 14.
"Echo Sound" Works at Keeneland
"Echo Sound" (Echo Town), a two-time Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 49.8 seconds at Keeneland. Trainer Rusty Arnold's mare won the Regret at Monmouth Park on July 18.
"Rashmi" Returns to Turfway Park
"Rashmi" (Oscar Performance), a two-time Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 51.6 seconds at Turfway Park. This was her first work since placing fifth in the Trillium (G3) at Woodbine on July 25 for trainer Jonathan Thomas.
"Speed Shopper" Shows Strength at Saratoga
"Speed Shopper" (Quality Road), a two-time Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.0 seconds at Saratoga, the seventh fastest. This was her first work since placing fifth in the Glens Falls (G2) at Saratoga on August 2 for trainer Will Walden.
"Surface to Air" Prepares at Monmouth Park
"Surface to Air" (Midshipman), a two-time Grade 3 winner, worked three furlongs in 38.0 seconds at Monmouth Park, the fourth fastest. Trainer Panagiotis Synnefias's horse won the Philip H. Iselin (G3) at Monmouth Park on August 16.
"Tumbarumba" Trains at Churchill Downs
"Tumbarumba" (Oscar Performance), a two-time Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.2 seconds at Churchill Downs. Trainer Hamad Al Jehani's horse placed sixth in a race at Meydan on March 28.
"Artislas" Works at Del Mar
"Artislas" (Catalina Cruiser), a Grade 3 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:00.8 at Del Mar. Trainer Jeff Mullins's horse placed third in the Wickerr at Del Mar on July 19.
"Brave Deb" Shows Pace at Del Mar
"Brave Deb" (Authentic), a Grade 3 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Del Mar. Trainer Richard Mandella's mare placed 12th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar on October 31.
"Bring the Smoke" Returns to Saratoga Track
"Bring the Smoke" (Preservationist), a Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.8 seconds at Saratoga. This was his first work since placing fourth in an allowance race at Saratoga on July 26 for trainer Whit Beckman.
"City Girl" Shows Readiness at Monmouth Park
"City Girl" (City Light), a Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.8 seconds at Monmouth Park. Trainer Chad Brown's mare placed third in the Matchmaker (G3) at Monmouth Park on July 18.
"Dandona" Returns to Saratoga Track
"Dandona" (Tiz the Law), a Grade 3 winner, worked three furlongs in 39.8 seconds at Saratoga, the slowest of five works. This was her first work since placing seventh in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga on July 25 for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
"Dazzling Move" Demonstrates Speed at Churchill Training
"Dazzling Move" (Not This Time), a Grade 3 winner, recorded the fastest four-furlong workout at Churchill Training, finishing in 47.4 seconds. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.'s mare placed fourth in an allowance race at Saratoga on July 23.
"Fast Market" Works at Belmont Park
"Fast Market" (Volatile), a Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 51.5 seconds at Belmont Park. This was her first work since placing fifth in the Beverly D. (G2) at Colonial Downs on August 1 for trainer John Terranova.
"Highway Robber" Trains at Churchill Downs
"Highway Robber" (Hard Spun), a Grade 3 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:02.0 at Churchill Downs. Trainer Brian Lynch's horse won the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup at Ellis Park on August 3.
"Iron Honor" Shows Progress at Belmont Park
"Iron Honor" (Nyquist), a Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.8 seconds at Belmont Park. Trainer Chad Brown's horse placed third in the Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 18.
"Leading Change" Excels at Churchill Downs
"Leading Change" (Gun Runner), a Grade 3 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:00.2 at Churchill Downs, the eighth fastest. Trainer Brad Cox's horse won the Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis on July 11.
"No Bien Ni Mal" Maintains Pace at The Thoroughbred Center
"No Bien Ni Mal" (Hofburg), a Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 50.0 seconds at The Thoroughbred Center. Trainer Paulo Lobo's horse placed fourth in the Isaac Murphy Marathon at Churchill Downs on April 29.
"Original Sin" Demonstrates Consistency at Saratoga
"Original Sin" (Curlin), a Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.3 seconds at Saratoga. Trainer Brendan Walsh's horse placed ninth in the Suburban Life (G2) at Saratoga on July 4.
"Simply Joking" Leads Del Mar Workouts
"Simply Joking" (Practical Joke), a Grade 3 winner, recorded the third fastest four-furlong workout at Del Mar, finishing in 47.2 seconds. This was her first work since placing third in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) at Del Mar on August 1 for trainer Michael McCarthy.
"Stellify" Works at Churchill Downs
"Stellify" (Justify), a Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 49.4 seconds at Churchill Downs. This was her first work since placing fourth in the Beverly D. (G2) at Colonial Downs on August 1 for trainer Brad Cox.
"Unrivaled Time" Maintains Pace at Del Mar
"Unrivaled Time" (Not This Time), a Grade 3 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds at Del Mar. Trainer Leonard Powell's horse placed eighth in the Caesars Oceanside Handicap at Del Mar on July 17.