Busy morning for Brown Runners

Trainer Chad Brown sent a host of stakes horses, including GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Lady Eli (Divine Park) and GI Breeders' Cup F/M Turf runner-up Stephanie's Kitten (Kitten's Joy), out to work Monday at Palm Meadows. Sheep Pond Partners' Lady Eli, who worked three furlongs over the turf in :38.75, was returning to the work tab for the first time since her Breeders' Cup victory. 

“I thought she worked great,” Brown said of Lady Eli. “I wanted her to go down there and work in :38 and change and that is exactly what she did. It was a good first work back. We're just going to take our time with her, week to week. So far so good.” 

Brown added that the filly would likely make her sophomore debut in Lexington. 

“I'd say right now my first choice is to run her in the [Apr. 12 GIII] Appalachian at Keeneland,” Brown said from Palm Meadows Monday. “I like the timing and the [one-mile] distance of the race. It also gives us the opportunity to get a race over the Keeneland turf course for the fall when we have the [GI] Queen Elizabeth [Challenge Cup S.] and the Breeders' Cup. So it would just make sense to me.” 

Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Stephanie's Kitten had her fifth breeze of the year Monday, going five furlongs over the turf in 1:00.40. The 6-year-old mare, who RNA'd for $3.95 million at last year's Fasig-Tipton November sale, is targeting the Mar. 7 GIII Hillsborough S. at Tampa Bay Downs. She worked in company with GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup S. 
runner-up Ball Dancing (Exchange Rate), who is also heading to the Hillsborough. 

“They worked great,” Brown said. “Both look good physically, too. I'm happy with the way they've come along this winter.” 

Danza Cavallo (Fr) (Sunday Break {Jpn}), who was a narrowly beaten second in her U.S. debut in last year's GIII Long Island H., worked four furlongs over the turf Monday in :51.25. 

“I'm not sure what I am doing with her yet,” Brown commented. “She is very good and we think a lot of her. I'm not sure when I am going to get her started, but I'm expecting her to have a good season if she stays healthy.” 
Ayaady (Tapit), a first-out winner going 7 1/2 furlongs over the Gulfstream lawn, was also on the Palm Meadows work tab Monday. The Shadwell runner went four furlongs in :49.30. 

“She is possible for the [GIII] Florida Oaks on Mar. 7 at Tampa,” Brown said. “The [Feb. 28 GIII] Herecomesthebride S. comes up a little quick. [Klaravich Stables and William Lawrence's GIII Sweetest Chant S. winner] Consumer Credit(More Than Ready), who worked yesterday, is on target for the Herecomesthebride. 

Storming Inti (Stormy Atlantic), who won the Kitten's Joy S. over the Gulfstream lawn last year, could be nearing another start in Hallandale after working four furlongs over the main track Monday in :49.45. 

“He's about ready,” Brown said. “He'll probably run at the end of the month. We gave him a break and he's come back really well. He has a fondness for the Gulfstream course–he won a stakes here last year–and he worked well today.” 

  Brown, whose recent Gulfstream debut winners include Delightful Joy (Tapit) and Mrs McDougal (Medaglia d'Oro), said he was impressed with Saturday's debut effort of Lieutenant Colonel (Colonel John) (video). 

“He came out of his race in good shape so far,” Brown said of the Harvey Clarke and Paul Braverman runner. “I'd say anything is on the table. Everything from a 1X to a stakes here or out of town. We'll nominate him to everything and see how he trains. He was very impressive for a first-time starter going a mile on the dirt. Internally, it looked like he went fast in that race and still had enough to finish. He should get a lot out of that race.”