(Otto the Conqueror / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Here’s our work tab for today:

  1. Otto the Conqueror: This Stakes-winning son of Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense was back on the track this morning, getting some licks in at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. The 4YO got a published work for the first time since he ran 10th in the H. Allen Jerkens Stakes at Saratoga last August. Went an easy 3/8ths today in :39.00. This guy has 4 wins and 2 seconds in 10 starts and has earned over $488,000 already. After winning the Remington Park Springboard Mile Stakes in December of 2023, this one was put on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby.” That didn’t pan out, too well. After a 6th in the G3 Southwest Stakes, Otto was 5th in the Hot Springs Stakes. Detoured over to the G2 Pat Day Mile on the big day and ran 10th in that affair, as well. Did run a very nice 2nd in the Maxfield Stakes at Churchill Downs last June. Will take awhile to get him back in a starting gate, but glad he’s returning for the 4YO campaign.
  2. Grande: A 3YO son of the great stallion Curlin is back in working gear after winning the career debut for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Mike Repole. Broke the MSW in the first try at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 11. Beat seven rivals that day, and the closest one to him was nearly 3 lengths back. Impressive. Repole purchased this one from KatieRich Farms for $300,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Worked this morn at the Palm Beach Downs in South Florida. Went a half-mile in :48.05. That was the best time this a.m. It was his third published work since the win. Look for this guy to show up in the big time soon.
  3. Nitrogen: This 3YO filly by Medaglia D’oro is in the barn of trainer Mark Casse and in 4 career starts, to date, has hit the board in each of them. Broke the MSW in last start on Jan. 4 in the Ginger Brew Stakes at Gulfstream Park. In four career races, so far, she has two 3rds and a win in Stakes events. Big expectations for this one. Worked at Palm Meadows Training Center in South Florida this morn. Went 4 furlongs on the sod in :48.15. That was the 2nd best time out of 26 to go on the grass. Look out here.
  4. Dream On: This 3YO son of Not This Time is another who was Stakes placed — running 3rd in the G1 Summer Stakes at Woodbine and 2nd in the Soaring Free Stakes in Canada, as well — before he broke his MSW. Did that last time out at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 11. Settled nicely in that one for Javier Castellano and won by 11/4 easy lengths. Back in action this a.m. at Palm Meadows. Went a half-mile over the sod in :48.15. That was the 2nd best time out of 26, as well.