A group of elite racehorses took to the track on a recent Friday morning, showcasing their speed and stamina in preparation for upcoming competitions. Among them was Quietside, a standout contender for the prestigious Kentucky Oaks, who clocked an impressive five-furlong time at Keeneland. Another notable performance came from Scylla, who delivered a swift four-furlong workout at Churchill Downs despite being sidelined earlier this year due to illness. These drills highlight the rigorous training schedules of top-tier thoroughbreds as they gear up for major races across North America.
Quietside, under the guidance of trainer John Ortiz, has been making waves with consecutive victories in the Honeybee (G3) and Fantasy (G2) at Oaklawn Park. Her latest drill marked her first since the Fantasy triumph and demonstrated her readiness for the next challenge. Covering five furlongs in 59.0 seconds, she set the fastest time among 15 horses at that distance, underscoring her potential as a leading candidate for the Kentucky Oaks.
Meanwhile, Scylla, trained by Bill Mott, also made headlines with her bullet performance. Having missed her seasonal debut in the Madison (G1) after contracting a fever, she returned stronger than ever. Her four-furlong sprint in 47.0 seconds was the quickest among 41 horses at Churchill Downs, signaling her return to form following a fourth-place finish in last fall's Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.
Beyond these two stars, other notable names hit the track as well. Citizen Bull, known for his Grade 1 wins, worked six furlongs in 1:11.8 at Santa Anita, while Tappan Street, fresh off a victory in the Florida Derby (G1), completed five furlongs in 1:01.4 at Payson Park. Major Dude and Capture the Flag also put in solid performances, reflecting the competitive spirit within the racing community.
The morning's activities provided a snapshot of the intense preparation required for high-stakes competition. As trainers fine-tune their strategies and athletes push their limits, fans eagerly anticipate the results of these efforts on the racetrack. Each drill brings these horses one step closer to proving themselves against some of the best in the sport.
This flurry of activity underscores the dedication and commitment involved in preparing racehorses for peak performance. From Quietside’s blazing speed to Scylla’s triumphant comeback, the morning workouts revealed promising signs for several key contenders. With each stride, these champions inch closer to the starting gates of their next big moment, leaving spectators excited about what lies ahead in the world of horse racing.
