(Minaret Station / 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. Massarat: This 4YO daughter of Curlin is a homebred for Shadwell Stables, and is trained by Brendan Walsh. The filly has won two in a row, but has not been out since last September when she won an allowance over the hills and dales of KY Downs. Got her first published work since then today at the Palm Meadows Training Center in South Florida. Went an easy 3 furlongs in :38.95. That was 2nd best of 3 to try the distance over the turf course there. Look for this one to work her way back to you. Keeneland?
  2. Gin Gin: This is a stablemate of the one above in the Walsh barn and is owned by Calumet Farm. The daughter of Hightail won the G1 Juddmonte Stakes at KEE last October before coming up empty in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff. This 5YO mare got her first work on the comeback trail today, as well. Went 3F over the dirt track in :38.10. That was the 5th best of 7. Hoping to see this one soon.
  3. Minaret Station: This son of Instilled Regard is now a 4YO in the barn of trainer William Walden. Has won 3 of 4 lifetime, with one third. One of those wins came in the 2024 Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes at KEE. Ran only once in ’25, which was a win in the American Derby at Churchill Downs. Only loss on the record book was a 3rd in his first out and finished behind our very own Courageous Clay. This one is making a comeback try, too. Got his first work today at Palm Meadows. Went 3F over the dirt track in :38.05. That was 4th best of 7.