(Nearly winning the G3 Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park / Photo Courtesy of Gulfstream Park)

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. Nearly: This 3YO son of Not This Time is “The Pressbox” #1 pick in our Kentucky Derby Rankings and has been in that spot for some time now. He got a nice work at Palm Beach Downs for trainer Todd Pletcher this morning, going 5F in 1:01.10. That was the bullet move out of 4 to go the distance over the fast dirt track. This is the top pick for this year’s G1 Florida Derby. Pass that test and head to Louisville. Love this guy.
  2. Paladin: For many folks, this son of Gun Runner and a Tapit mare, is not only the best bred horse in this year’s field, but the most talented runner, too. This one is a perfect 3-for-3 and is coming off a win in the G2 Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds. Worked this morning at the Payson Park Training Center for trainer Chad Brown. Went 4F in a pedestrian-like 49.80. That was the 25th best time out of 64. Be interesting to see this one next time out. Blue Grass Stakes? Same path as Good Magic?
  3. Chief Wallabee: Trainer Bill Mott — who won the Derby a year ago with the great Sovereignty — is back. The world’s best horse whisperer has a talented son of Constitution here. Came out of a MSW win and nearly won the Fountain of Youth in just his 2nd career start. Worked this morning at Payson Park. Went 4F in :49 flat. That was the 3rd best time out of 64. What a work. Coming fast.
  4. Commandment: This looks to be Brad Cox’s best shot at this year’s Derby. The well-bred son of Into Mischief passed his first test at a route distance with a win in the G2 Fountain of Youth by holding off “The Chief.” Will need to improve to cash in all the chips in Louisville. Worked this morning at Payson Park, as well. Went 4F in :50 flat. That was 33rd best of 64. Track slow today.
  5. Cannoneer: This son of Into Mischief last ran in the G3 Holy Bull, when he was 4th and well beaten by Nearly. Has potential, although the Derby road may be a little too rocky right now. Worked at Payson Park, too. Went 4F in :48.80. That was the bullet move out of 64. May be better suited for the shorter distances for now.
  6. Courting: This is the $5 million purchase and one of the most highly-touted 3YOs in the world. Hasn’t followed up at and on the track, yet. Has only a MSW win on the record so far. Was 6th in the G2 Risen Star last time out. Went 5F at Palm Beach Downs in 1:01.54. That was 3rd best of 4. Florida Derby next? Looks like a mismatch.
  7. Jackson Hole: This son of Nyquist looked like a horse on the improve and worth betting in the G2 Fountain of Youth. A true “no show” that day. Ran 6th that day, but it was very disappointing. Back on the track at Palm Beach Downs today. Went 4F in :50.56. That was 11th best of 19. May not be up to beating the best of the crop. At least, not yet.
  8. Renegade: This winner of the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay just may be the real deal and one worth watching as the clock and the calendar gets closer to the First Saturday in May. Broke the maiden in the Stakes and looks to be on the serious improve. Son of Into Mischief went 5F at Palm Beach Downs this morning for trainer Todd Pletcher in 1:01.54. That was 3rd best of 4. Look for this one to make a statement next time out.
  9. Golden Tempo: This son of Curlin may be one of the best of the crop. Ran 3rd in the G2 Risen Star. But the race just didn’t set up for him and his late run, at all. Will come back in the G1 Louisiana Derby and has the ability to stamp his ticket to the big race. Worked at the Fair Grounds this morning, going 4F in :48.80. That was 42nd best of 123 for trainer Cherie DeVaux. Look out here. On the improve.
  10. Great White: The winner of the John Battaglia Stakes at Turfway Park in the last out will return in the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks. Son of Volatile may not have the best pedigree to go the distance of the Kentucky Derby, but this one has some ability. Went 3F at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington. Worked in a brisk :35.80. Lightning fast. Best of 14 to go that short distance.