With the Breeders’ Trophy World Championships one week away, the morning action at Keeneland on Saturday turned into high gear as the contenders for several championship races turned in big workouts on the Lexington oval.
Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) contender Greatness led the parade of workers, five furlongs in 1:01, according to Equibase.
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When training rider Luigi Ortiz boarded Steve Asmussen’s track, Magnitude was among the first horses on the track when he broke the following 7:30 am (ET) renewal. He scored third work on the surface at Keeneland, and Asmussen was pleased with what he saw from the Hope Classic.
“Every indication is that the stadium handles very well,” said Asmussen. “The horse settled here nicely. You know the third work over the course, and everyone of them looked very good. Love how he went out. Love how he came back. The horse is fast, he’s traveling really well now.”
Size is not the only Classic contender to make its first appearance. The cat also took advantage of the newly renovated course surface, which covers five furlongs in 100.40.
Gustavo Delgado Jr. The co-trainer was pleased with the work, even though the official clocking was faster than expected.
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“I saw his time, it looked slower than the official time,” Delgado said. “I thought it looked like he could go out in 1:02. But it doesn’t matter. He looked really good there and that’s what we wanted.”
It was also the winter horse of the Godolphin horse, who went in the half mile: 48 wearing the coat for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). It is also a classical favorite. A consultation is expected on Monday in which class to enter.
Knightsbridge winds 24 Oct. at KeenelandLillian Davis/Paulick Report
A busy morning also included a pair of prominent Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) contenders in preparation for the final shot at the $2 million race.
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The fully trained Chad Brown covered five furlongs in 1:00.40, while Immersive, representing the Brad Cox barn, covered the half mile in :48.
Aura fully subscribed to the five stages Oct. 24 at Keeneland in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) Cady Coulardot/Coady Media
Speed was on display among the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) contenders as Anthem delivered one of the sharpest performances of the morning, blazing the ball over the half-mile in :46.60, the fastest work of 91 for the distance.
“The first thing we do is to try the best track and keep it as quiet as possible,” said trainer Ron Moquett. “I loved the way she did it, and more than that, I loved the way she came home after it.”
BBN Racing LLC and Rick Howard’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) contender Kilwin takes the half mile in :49.80.
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FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) contender Petoritu Papa was also on the tab in Saturday’s work, going five furlongs in the company of Real Goodbar in 1:02.20.
“It’s amazing,” said trainer Kenny McPeek. “I mean, nothing complicated. We ordered them to go 12, almost eye to eye. (True Goodbar) and Papa are some good matches, and they were workers for a while, so we keep them together. Nothing complicated. Very simple breeze, first breeze for us.”
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) Pope’s Good Hope, outside, winds five furlongs in Real Goodbar County Oct. 24 at Keeneland Renee Torbit/Coady Media
Over at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ado further, whose links have a big plan to turn in the last wind in the next 48 hours. The chestnut colt, owned by Spendthrift Farm and bred by Brad Cox, worked five furlongs in 1:00.40.
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Furthermore, what gender Ado will assume in Lexington remains publicly uncertain, as the first Saturn. Chicken in both the Ordo Breeders’ Cup and the Distance Breeders’ Cup Sky Dist Mile. The last entry for all Breeders’ Cup shows will be taken Monday morning.
This story was first published by Paulick Report on Oct. 24 2026, where for the first time in the News section Add the Paulck Report as Preferred Source by clicking here.