(HOF Trainer Bob Baffert conditions both Ike, and Zulfikhar)

Every day, we scour the work tabs at racetracks and training facilities all over North America. We are looking for Thoroughbreds that may be poised for a breakout race in the afternoon. Here is a closer look at some of today’s best works:

  1. Ike, a 3YO colt by Paynter, comes off a 2nd place finish to High North in the Northern Spur Stakes at Oaklawn Park on April 14 in his last effort. This one, trained by Bob Baffert, now has a win; a third and now a second in only three starts. He worked this morning at Santa Anita, going a nice half mile in :48 flat — which was the 5th fastest move out of 35 going that distance today. Keep an eye on this one. He could be a good one.
  2. Zulfikhar, a 3YO by Bodemeister, worked this morning at Santa Anita for Team Baffert, as well. This one, who has two wins and a fourth in three career starts, went a half mile in :48 flat, as well. This guy was purchased by owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum for $750,000 at the Fasig-Tipton March 2YO Sale a year ago. Could be a real good one yet.
  3. Peace, a 3YO gray son of Violence and third-place finisher behind Runaway Ghost in the G3 Sunland Derby in his last out on March 25, worked this morning at Santa Anita for trainer Richard Mandella. This one went 5 furlongs in a handy 1:00 flat — which was the second best time out of 36 to go that distance. It will be interesting to see where this one shows up next. After breaking the maiden at Santa Anita back in December, this one has a 5th in the G3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes; a 4th in the G2 San Felipe Stakes; and now the 3rd. Could be improving type.
  4. Vale Dori, a 6YO Argentina-bred filly by Asiatic Boy, has not raced since last July, when she was second in the G1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar. She is working her way back to you, though, and had her 8th published work since March 1 today when she went 5 furlongs in 1:00 flat. That was tied for the second best time at the distance. A good one. No matter the age.