(Tiztastic / 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. Tiztastic: This 4YO son of Tiz the Law has already pocketed over $1.59 million in earnings for the connections and it appears that he is being prepared for another season coming up. After running 10th in the ’25 Kentucky Derby, this colt didn’t have much luck on the sod for trainer Steve Asmussen. Finished the year with a 10th inn the Nashville Derby at KY Downs. But he’s back. Got his first work this morning at the Fair Grounds, going 3 easy furlongs on the main dirt track. Covered the distance in :39 flat. That was 9th best of 14 to go. Good to see this chap coming back. Should add some excitement to the older division.
  2. Gigante: This Virginia-bred son of Not This Time is back in training for Team Asmussen, as well. This guy — who has won 10 of 30 lifetime starts and has earned over $1.37 million for the bankroll — was spotted at the Fair Grounds this morning. He went 5 furlongs in 1:01.20. That was the 3 best time out of 10 to go that far. This 6YO ran 8th in the Colonel E. R. Bradley Stakes on Jan. 17. Should benefit from that exercise and be tougher next time out. Not much run after dropping to last in that one.
  3. Corporate Power: This 5YO son of Curlin has not raced since November. Of 2024. But he is back in training. The fully-operational horse went 5 furlongs in 1:00.60 — which was the bullet move for the 5 furlong distance this morn. It was his 8th published workout since Dec. 9. Looks to be like he is about ready for an afternoon appointment. Be interesting to see if he can recover the same form that allowed him to win the Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico in ’24.
  4. Normandy Coast: This 4YO son of Omaha Beach, and trained by Eddie Kenneally, worked this morning over the AW surface at Keeneland. The Stakes winner — who captured the Palisades Stakes in Lexington last April — went 4 furlongs around the tight little oval in :48.80. That was the 3rd best time out of 9 to go that distance. This guy has 3 wins in 8 lifetime starts. Could be a good older horse for the barn.