(Bella Ballerina / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

We are bringing back an “oldie,” but a damn “goodie” with a look each day at some of the best works at racetracks around the country. Some are getting their games and acts together for some major Stakes events leading up to the 152nd Kentucky Derby, on that legendary first Saturday in May. Others may be worthing watching as they gear up for the races, in their early stages of development.

Take a gander. May be worth it come handicapping time:

  1. Englishman: This 3YO son of Maxfield cost $400,000 to halter at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, but he may turn out to be a bargain. Won the first time out last September at Churchill Downs for trainer Cheri DeVaux, by running off by an amazing 71/4 lengths in a 7-furlong sprint. Was put up for the winter, but was seen at the Fair Grounds this morning. Got his 2nd published work in the last couple of weeks today, going 3 furlongs in an impressive :35 flat. Wow time. Keep an eye out here. Could be the real deal.
  2. Alone Time: This is a 3YO daughter of the fantastic stallion Justify and is another in the barn of Cherie DeVaux. Broke the MSW at the Fair Grounds on Jan. 3 by over 4 lengths. Don’t be surprised if this one steps way up in class soon. Went a half-mile today in :50.60. That was the 97th best of 134, but it was a pure maintenance move. Stay tuned here. More to come.
  3. Bella Ballerina: This undefeated Graded Stakes winner was back in the public view this morning at the Fair Grounds. The 3YO daughter of Street Sense went 4 furlongs in :48.80. That was the 15th best time out of 134. This gal looks about ready to try the starting gate soon. Won the G2 Golden Rod at Churchill Downs last time out. May be back in Louisville soon for trainer Brendan Walsh and breeder/owner Godolphin LLC.
  4. Carson Street: This 3YO son of Street Sense is coming off a solid 3rd in the G3 Lecomte Stakes here on Jan. 7. Should be ready for trainer Brendan Walsh to try the G2 Risen Star next. Went a half-mile today in :48.50. That was the 15th best time. The longer they go, the better this one should be — per pedigree.
  5. Courting: This 3YO son of Curlin made an appearance this week in “The Pressbox’s ’26 Derby Rankings” and was seen on the track at the Palm Beach Downs training surface this morning, as well. Went 4 furlongs in :48.32, which was 2nd best of 21. The connections are needing some payback on this one, and, soon. He cost $5 million to purchase at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2024. Broke the MSW in November at Aqueduct, but was a troubled 4th in the highly-regarded G2 Remsen Stakes to finish off the year. Looks ready to get ’26 started.
  6. Bad Manners: This 3YO daughter of Into Mischief, who is owned for Spendthrift Farm, was back in action this morning at Santa Anita. Worked 4 furlongs in a brisk :47.80. That was 5th best of 84 to clock the distance over the main dirt track. This one, who cost $700,000 to purchase at the KEE September Yearling Sale, has made only one start to date. Went 6.5 furlongs at Del Mar last August. Ran a distant 3rd that day to a Bob Baffert-trainee, Bottle of Rouge. Look for more out of Bad Manners, handled expertly by HOF Richard Mandella.
  7. Litmus Test: This 3YO son of Nyquest was scratched out of the G3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn on Friday. Instead, trainer Bob Baffert opted to stay home in CA with this one and work at Santa Anita. Went 4 furlongs in :48.50. That was 13th best of 84. Cut back from the 5F work on Jan. 31, when he tested 5 furlongs inn 1:00.60. That was a much better work than the one today. It will be interesting to see where Baffert sticks this winner of the G2 Los Alamitos Futurity. After all, he did run 4th to the now-sidelined Ted Noffey in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
  8. Boyd: This 3YO son of Violence is another Kentucky Derby prospect for Baffert. This one is undefeated after 2 starts and has a win over the Churchill Downs dirt already, too, with a victory in the Ed Brown Stakes last November. The colt got his 5th published work since Jan. 8 today, going 5 furlongs in 1:00.40. That was the 5th best of 68. Getting there.
  9. Medici: A highly-touted son of Into Mischief worked this morning at Santa Anita for trainer Richard Mandella. Went 6 furlongs in 1:12.40. In 5 career starts, this one has a record of 1-1-1 now after breaking the MSW last time out at Santa Anita on Dec. 29. That was the 2nd time in blinkers for the colt. It will be interesting to see where this one shows next. Time is of the essence.