(Baeza before the 2025 Kentucky Derby / 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. Time to Strike: This 3YO son of Not This Time must have been a good looking yearling. Connections paid a whopping $725,000 for this one at the 2024 KEE September Yearling Sale. But so far this one has not shown up in the afternoons. The last start came at Saratoga last August. He was stretched out to 11/16-miles and pushed the pace hard for the first half. But when he tossed in the towel, he threw it all in. Finished last of 7 that day and was beaten many. His first start, for trainer Tom Amoss, was also at Saratoga and was at the sprint distance of 6 furlongs. He beat just one horse in that one. And, he was thumped by out 15 or 16 lengths, too. This guy showed up at the Casse Training Center near Ocala, FL this a.m. Went 3 furlongs in :37.20. That was the best move out of 3 to to that distance. But this one has a lot of mysteries to unravel.
  2. Civetta: This 4YO daughter of Into Mischief just ran a disappointing 6th in the Holiday Inaugural Stakes at Turfway Park on Dec. 21. She has now relocated to New Orleans and posted a work at the Fair Grounds this morning. This gal got her 4th published work since the last race this morn and went 5 furlongs in an impressive 1:00.40. That was the 3rd best time out of 13 to clock the distance. This one could pop up in another Stakes event soon for trainer Brendan Walsh, who conditions the filly for the owner/breeder Godolphin LLC.
  3. Somethinabouther: This 4YO daughter of Mendelssohn is already a Graded Stakes winner for trainer Brendan Walsh. She did that in 2024 when she won the G3 Mazarine Stakes. Finished the ’25 campaign on a down note, running 10th inn the G2 Mrs. Revere Stakes at Churchill Downs. But before that, in 2025 season, this gal placed in 6 Stakes events in the Midwest and is a multiple Graded Stakes-placed winner, as well. Worked at the Palm Meadows Training Center in South Florida early today. Went 3 furlongs in a leisurely :38.60. That was the 3rd best time out of 5 to go the distance. Just starting the road back. Won’t take this one look to retool.
  4. Napoleon Solo: This 3YO son of Liam’s Map is currently on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” for 2026. Has made just 2 career starts to date, but has won both of them in impressive fashion. Broke the MSW in first try at Saratoga, going 6 furlongs on the dirt and running off by nearly 6 lengths. Came back to win the G1 Champagne. Won the first route Stakes try by over 6 lengths. Butt kicking all the way. Connetions only paid $40,000 for this one. What a bargain, so far. Trainer Chad Summers had this one out for a leg-stretching good time this morning at the Palm Meadows Training Center in South Florida. Three published work for this one since Jan. 14. Went 4 furlongs in :49.05. That was the 4th best time out of 11 to go that distance. Just tuning up. But it won’t take long to hit the right pitch. Stay tuned here.
  5. Nothing Like You: This 5YO mare by Malibu Moon just sold at the KEE November Breeding Stock Sale for a whopping $700,000 and the new connections are revving her back up for another shot at the starting gate. Has not run since winning the Dark Mirage Stakes at Los Alamitos. In 2023, this classy lady won the G2 Starlet Stakes at Santa Anita and later, in 2024, she won the G2 Santa Anita Oaks, under the tutelage of Bob Baffert. Now, she is back in training in South Florida for new connections. Got her 6th published work since Christmas Eve this a.m.. Went 5 furlongs in 1:03.05. That was the 3rd best time out of 4. Has not flashed any speed so far. Worries?
  6. Scotland: This 6YO gelded son of Good Magic is back on the hunt for more wins and more cash earnings for trainer Bill Mott. The old man worked this morning, going 4 furlongs at Payson Park in South Florida. Captured the distance in :49.20. That was the bullet move out of 4 to go that distance today. This guy won the Cherokee Mile Stakes at Churchill Downs last year and holds a 2nd in the Vosburgh Stakes in 2024. Only his 2nd published move since the last race and should get some more morning trips to tighten the bolts.
  7. Baeza: The multiple Graded Stakes winner and the champion of the G1 Pennsylvania Derby last year was back on the track at Santa Anita this morning. Got his first published move since the disappointment of the G1 Classic in the Breeders’ Cup back in November. Went an easy 3 furlongs in :39 flat. That was 9th out of 9. But it was a beginning. Great to see this son of McKinzie back on the track as a 4YO.