(Batten Down / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Today’s work tab from around the country:

  1. Always Forever: This 3YO daughter of Medaglia d’Oro should be on your “Eye Watch.” She has run twice already for trainer Brad Cox and has run two 2nds. She worked this morning, going 3 furlongs in :37.40. That was the 6th best out of 15 to clock the distance, and it is her 2nd work since being returned to serious training on Jan. 9. Has been off since last summer, when she bagged her two runner-ups at Ellis Park. Connections paid a handsome $365,000 for her at a 2YO In-Training Sale last April. Could turn out to be a good one for this barn operator. Very good with good fillies.
  2. Tap Into This: This is another one that you should be keeping a close “Eye Watch,” on, as well. This son of Tapit cost $525,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale and is now under the careful eye of trainer Steve Asmussen. Has raced twice, scoring a 2nd and a 3rd on the card. Worked at the Fair Grounds this morning going just 3 furlongs in an easy :40.20. That was the 14th best time out of the 15 to go that far. It was the first published work since his last race in August of 2024 at Saratoga. Ran behind Dapper Moon and Guns Loaded in that affair. Look for more out of this one later this Spring.
  3. Batten Down: This speedy son of Tapit worked at Payson Park in South Florida this morning. Went 5 furlongs in 1:02.20. That was 2nd best out of 14 to go the distance. It is the longest work for this guy since being returned to serious training on Christmas Eve. Looks to be ramping up quickly. And, when he is good? He is really good. In 9 starts so far, he has 3 wins, 1 second and 2 more thirds. Earned nearly $700,000 in purses, so far. Won the Bourbon Flight Stakes at Churchill Downs last September. Was 5th in the G1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga, after running 3rd in the G2 Jim Dandy. Lots to look forward to here for trainer Bill Mott.
  4. Bourbon Memory: This 3YO son of Bolt d’Oro broke his MSW in his career debut at Turfway Park, and in impressive fashion on Dec. 27. Was back on the track this morning in Northern KY, and turned in a bullet work over 4 furlongs. Went the distance in :49 flat. That was the best time out of 17 to go that far. Sold for a very modest $27,000 in the Keeneland September Yearling Sale of 2023. Has nearly won that back in purses, already. Look for this one to add to his tab soon. Bears watching.