Grade 1 winner and multimillionaire Gold Phoenix (IRE) completed his second workout following a fourth-place finish in the Del Mar Handicap (G2) on August 29. Targeting the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) on October 31, Gold Phoenix was timed at 1:00.40 for five furlongs on Santa Anita’s synthetic training track this past Sunday.
Prior to the Del Mar Handicap, Gold Phoenix had secured consecutive graded stakes victories but was narrowly beaten by about a length when finishing fourth in the 1 3/8-mile Del Mar race. Trainer Phil D’Amato recently reported that Gold Phoenix is progressing well, adding, “We’re just checking if he’s fresh and ready to race. If so, he’ll head to the Breeders’ Cup; otherwise, we’ll hold off for the marathon at Del Mar, the G2 Hollywood Turf Cup on November 27.”
Meanwhile, multiple graded stakes winner Queen Maxima resumed training after a summer hiatus at Kingfisher Farms in Solvang, California. Under trainer Jeff Mullins, the 6-year-old Bucchero mare worked three furlongs on the synthetic surface in a brisk :36. Mullins noted that Queen Maxima returned to Santa Anita about a month ago and has not raced since winning the Mizdirection (L) on Santa Anita’s hillside turf course on May 16.
Also back in Mullins’ barn following a summer break is Intrepido, last year’s American Pharoah (G1) winner at Santa Anita. Intrepido, who last competed in the Kentucky Derby finishing 16th on May 2 at Churchill Downs, returned to Santa Anita approximately two weeks ago.
This article originally appeared in the News section of the Paulick Report on October 4, 2026. To add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source, click here.
Fan Take: This update highlights key comeback stories from top-tier horses, signaling an exciting fall season ahead for horse racing enthusiasts. Watching how these stars perform at the Breeders’ Cup or other major events could greatly influence the sport’s future momentum and fan engagement.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
