Horse Racing News Update
Sierra Leone Preps for Travers After Jim Dandy Runner-Up
(Saratoga, NY – August 13th) Sierra Leone, the son of Gun Runner, had his first work back on Sunday since finishing second in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy at Saratoga on July 27. Clockers caught the talented colt covering a half-mile in 49.0 seconds over the Saratoga Oklahoma training track. “He worked super,” four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown said. “He’s come out of his last race well and I’m happy with where he’s at.” Sierra Leone is targeting the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 24 after his gutsy performance in the Jim Dandy, where he showcased his signature late-closing tactics. The Kentucky Derby runner-up and Belmont Stakes third-place finisher is rounding into top form as he prepares for the prestigious Midsummer Derby.
Graded Stakes Workouts Roundup
(Across North America – August 13th) Horses with recent graded stakes victories or placings were busy training on Sunday morning in preparation for their next big starts. Highlights include:
- Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo), 2023 Pacific Classic winner, worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Del Mar.
- Book’em Danno (Bucchero), 2024 Woody Stephens winner, went four furlongs in 49.8 seconds at Monmouth Park.
- Exaulted (Twirling Candy), 2023 Shoemaker Mile winner, clocked four furlongs in 47.4 seconds at Del Mar.
- Gun Pilot (Gun Runner), 2024 Churchill Downs winner, covered five furlongs in 1:00.8 at Saratoga.
- Vahva (Gun Runner), 2024 Derby City Distaff winner, worked five furlongs in 1:00.4 at Keeneland.
“The busy Sunday morning session saw numerous graded stakes champions and contenders tune up for their upcoming engagements across the country. Trainers were pleased with the progress shown by their top-class charges as the summer racing calendar heats up.”
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