With just one week to go until the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1), several contenders logged their final recorded workouts on a Churchill Downs surface that several trainers referenced was playing toward faster times.
Brad Cox's pair of Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2) and Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) winner Tarifa and Busanda Stakes winner Gin Gin worked five furlongs together right as the track opened at 5:15 a.m.
Godolphin's Tarifa broke off a couple lengths behind Calumet Farm's Gin Gin before pulling even about a quarter-mile into the work and stayed that way through the stretch.
Tarifa completed the five furlongs in :59 1/5 while Gin Gin was clocked in :59 3/5.
"Overall, it was a very good move," Cox said. "We should be ready to rock and roll. They're both doing well."
Cox also trains Ashland Stakes (G1) third Impel, who sits 18th on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard. Cox said he will talk it over with owner/breeder Juddmonte first, but he is leaning toward not entering as an also-eligible and will search for a shorter race.
Cox was one of several trainers who noticed that the track was tight today and providing some quick times.
"The track was very tight. Fast, but good," Cox said. "Based off of as many works as you watch here, you kind of get a little feel for how it's playing. But I was happy with (the work) and as long as they come out in good order, we'll be in good shape."
Not as happy with the track condition was trainer Chad Brown, who's Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) runner-up Ways and Means worked faster than Brown anticipated, recording a bullet half-mile in :46 1/5.
breezes April 26 at Churchill Downs
"She did a little bit too much," Brown said. "It seemed like she was doing it in hand, but it's a little quicker than what I was looking for. That part is disappointing. She came back good from it, and hopefully she can overcome it."
Brown has had high expectations for Klaravich Stables' Ways and Means since early on in her 2-year-old year, referring to her as possibly the best dirt filly he's ever trained as a 2-year-old.
"Part of what you saw there was just her raw talent," Brown said. "Just a week out, I wish she had done just a tick less."
Brown referenced a pair of his turf horses working a half-mile in an easy :48 2/5 as justification for his theory on the track being quicker.
"They can't run on dirt at all, so maybe the track is just that fast, hopefully" Brown said.
Other Oaks Workers
Thorpedo Anna breezed five furlongs in :59 2/5 for trainer Kenny McPeek.
"It looks like she did it really easy," said McPeek. "The tough stuff's done."
The daughter of Fast Anna won the Fantasy Stakes (G2) March 30 at Oaklawn Park off a four-month layoff, and McPeek believes she will only improve with the race under her belt.
"We only thought she was about 80, 85% for the Fantasy and she ran a bang-up race," McPeek said. "If she improves, I think she'll be formidable."
McPeek also trains Band of Gold, who currently sits 20th on the leaderboard. The filly breezed five furlongs in :59 3/5.
- Into Champagne breezed five furlongs in 1:00. "Perfect," said trainer Ian Wilkes. "Just what I was looking for. She's getting better and better each race."
- Where's My Ring breezed a half-mile in :46 3/5. "Very good work," said trainer Val Brinkerhoff. "We're ready to go. She's healthy, that's all we can ask for."
- Manama Gold breezed a half-mile in :48 3/5. Sitting as the first also-eligible, trainer Todd Pletcher said earlier this week he was on the fence about entering her.
