At Gulfstream Park, Windancer Farms’ Waymark, who fetched $700,000 at Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale, triumphed in his career debut by a length and a half, defeating High Camp in a six-furlong special weight race with a time of 1:10.87. Trained by Brad Cox and jockeyed by Tyler Gaffalione, Waymark is a son of Liam’s Map and stakes-winning mare Panburn, a runner-up in the 2015 Iowa Oaks (G3). In the same race, another Cox trainee, Autobahn—a progeny of Nyquist and Take Charge Paula—finished fifth.
At Oaklawn Park, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen celebrated his 1,000th career win, with Duke of Duval competing in the fourth race under the ride of Asmussen’s son, Eric. Undefeated 2-year-old Ewing posted an impressive half-mile work in 47.40 seconds at Hot Springs, Arkansas, matching the fastest time recorded by 119 timers at the distance. Guided by trainer Mark Casse and jockey Kylie Jordan, Ewing displayed great potential as he easily overtook others during the workout. His return to racing is anticipated in January’s Allowance Sprint, potentially leading to a Kentucky Derby points race.
In another Oaklawn highlight, She’s So Call dominated the $100,000 Arkansas-bred 2-year-old filly special weight race by 12 lengths, earning a mile in 1:40.19 on the fast track. Trained by Lindsey Schultz and bred/owned by Eugenia Thompson-Vinaite, She’s So Call and her full sister, Hollin Ice—the all-time top money earner among Arkansas-breds—are both offspring of millionaire Oaklawn Stakes winner Coal Front. Jockey Francisco Arrieta rode She’s So Call to her convincing victory.
Apprentice jockey Amir Mendoza secured two wins on Saturday, bringing his total to six victories in the first eight days of racing. Mendoza celebrated his milestone 40th career win aboard Sir Henry Oliver, with horses trained by Randy Morse and Ron Moquette. Mendoza, originally from Panama, will continue to benefit from a 5-pound apprentice weight allowance through the 2025-2026 Oaklawn meet.
At Santa Anita, training resumed under sunny skies after the rain, with notable horses including Bob Baffert’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) runner-up Explore, G1 Del Mar debutante winner Bottle of Rouge, and G1 winner Barosio under trainer Librado. Jeff Mullins’ group also featured multiple graded stakes victors like Queen Maxima, and Jonathan Thomas’ trainees True Quality and Mrs. Astor also posted strong morning works in preparation for upcoming races. The weekend’s highlight will be the Santa Ynez Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, with the G3 Las Flores Stakes on Sunday expected to showcase a G1 winner, Tamara, who was controversially disqualified in earlier competition.
Fan Take: This roundup showcases exciting emerging talents and milestones—like Asmussen’s 1,000th win and promising young horses like Waymark and Ewing—highlighting the sport’s dynamic future. For fans, these developments signal thrilling upcoming races and a fresh generation of contenders that could redefine horse racing’s landscape.
