(Loved / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Here’s a look at today’s work tab from around the country:

  1. Colloquial: This 3YO son of Vekoma has made only one start in the career, to date, for trainer George Weaver, but it was a promising one. Ran 2nd to the highly acclaimed Mentee at Aqueduct last June. For whatever reason, this one never made it back to the track in 2024, but has surfaced in Florida this Winter. Worked today at Palm Beach Downs, going 4 furlongs in :51.19. That was the 3rd best time out of 5 to clock the distance. This was the 7th work for him since being returned to serious training in late November. This is one to add to your Work Watch tab.
  2.  Pendulum: This is a 4YO daughter of Street Boss ran 3rd in the Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs last September for trainer Brendan Walsh and owner/breeder Godolphin, LLC. She got at work at Turfway Park this morning going 3 furlongs over the AW Tapeta track in :38.40. That was the 2nd best time out of 3 to go that short distance. It was the filly’s first move here after getting three straight works at Palm Meadows in South Florida. Culture and temperature change, to be sure. Look for this one to show up in some Stakes later this meet.
  3. Loved: This high-class daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is now a 6YO, but still in training for Walsh and Godolphin. And, she worked this morning at Turfway Park, as well. In 5 lifetime starts, she has 5 wins. But that’s it. All or nothing for this gal. She is coming off an “All” performance, winning the G3 Falls City Stakes at Churchill Downs on Nov. 28. What a great victory that was, defeating the likes of Tarifa and Musical Mischief. She got her first work of the New Year this morning over the AW track, going 4 furlongs in :49.60. That was 3rd best of the 18 to clock the distance. This is a Graded Stakes winning mare who is housed in Northern Kentucky for the winter. How far as Kentucky racing come, my friends? How far?
  4. Verstappen: This is a 6YO gelded son of the great War Front is from the same barn as Loved and Pendulum, and he also got to stretch his legs for Walsh at Turfway Park this morning. This guy went the same distance as Loved in the same time, as well. In 22 lifetime starts, this guy has put up a record of 6 wins, 4 seconds and 4 more thirds. Has earned nearly $700,000. And, he, too, is a Graded Stakes winner — having captured the G2 Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland in April of 2023. Is coming off back-to-back wins now. One at the Fair Grounds on Nov. 23 and one at Turfwa Park on Dec. 27. Look for this one to be spotted in a Stakes soon. Classy guy looks to add to the bankroll.