Santa Anita Works: Saturday Morning Sees Runners from Leading Stables on Track

Hall of Famer Bob Baffert sent out a talented fleet of workers Saturday morning at Santa Anita Park, led by G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint victor Imagination (Into Mischief), while multiple Grade I winner Journalism (Curlin) continued his march toward a return with his own five-panel move.

In addition to Imagination, who worked three furlongs in :37.60 (8/10) for the first time since his win in Saudi Arabia, the Baffert brigade included Cherokee Nation (Not This Time); ‘TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard’ Cornucopian (Into Mischief); and Desert Gate (Omaha Beach). The first listed worked an easy three furlongs in :38.20 (9/10) in his return to the tab after a sensational maiden graduation Feb. 27 where he sailed home by 10 lengths, and stopped the clock in 1:34.50. He was awarded a 100 Beyer for his troubles, and is slated for a tilt at the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 4 going 1 1/8-miles.

Cornucopian worked six furlongs in 1:13.20 (1/3) while Desert Gate fired a bullet five-panel move in :59.20 (1/53), and is also slated for entry in the Santa Anita Derby.

Journalism Leads McCarthy Workers, Meaning Prepares for Santa Anita Oaks

Out on the track for his fourth work on the comeback trail, Journalism produced a five-furlong breeze in 1:01 flat (18/53) for trainer Michael McCarthy Saturday morning. Among those out were recent maiden winner Brooklyn Blonde (Gun Runner), who also went five panels in 1:00.80 (13/53); SW & GISP Yellow Card (Lost Treasure {Ire}), who cruised four furlongs in :48.40 (12/59); and Meaning (Gun Runner). The lattermost went out for a five-panel work clocked in 1:00.80 (13/53) as she continues her preparations for an anticipated start in the GI Santa Anita Oaks Apr. 4 with GI Kentucky Oaks points on the line.