Eclipse Award-winner Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) was one of two Mark Casse-trained runners to complete major preparations for the April 11 $1.25 million GI Apple Blossom Handicap with a five-furlong work over a fast track Wednesday morning under exercise rider Autumn Lavertu.
Last year's top 3-year-old filly was timed in 1:01 (3/11) following splits of :25.20 for her opening quarter-mile and :37.60 for three furlongs. She galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60.
Trained by dual Hall of Famer Mark Casse, Nitrogen looks to rebound from a third-place finish in the $400,000 GII Azeri Stakes March 7, which was Oaklawn's final major prep for the Apple Blossom.
G1W NITROGEN (left) & SW NERAZURRI completed their final drills this morning for next weekend's @BreedersCup Win and You're In G1 Apple Blossom.
They each traveled 5/8ths and looked great doing it. More to come on ADATR. pic.twitter.com/ci7RPM4YIC
— Meg Burgess (@themeganburgess) April 1, 2026
Stablemate Nerazurri (Protonico), a two-time stakes winner at the meeting, also worked Wednesday morning in advance of the Apple Blossom, covering five furlongs in 1:01.20 (6/11) under Cristian Torres.
“It was perfect,” said assistant trainer Caden Arthur, who oversees Casse's Oaklawn division. “Puts us 10 days out before the Apple Blossom. Both of them looked great. Very happy with them. Nitrogen had a little stronger work last week, so we didn't ask too much from her this week. Both of them did it very easy, in hand. I think Nitrogen, she likes this fast track. Hopefully, we can get that again rather than the sealed (sloppy) she ran on last time. Hopefully, we get the old Nitrogen back and it kind of looks like it the way she's been working.”
The Apple Blossom is a 'Win And You're In' race for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff.
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