E. Paul Robsham Stables’ R Heat Lightning, the possible favorite for the May 6 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs, turned heads with a bullet half-mile work April 16 at Belmont Park.
The Todd Pletcher-trained daughter of Trippi covered four furlongs over the Belmont training track in :47.50 in her first work since her April 2 romp in the Gulfstream Oaks (gr. II) at Gulfstream Park. The move was the fastest of 94 at the distance.
“It was the standard effort for her and we were pleased,” said Pletcher’s assistant Jonathan Thomas in a release.
R Heat Lightning is set to join stablemate Uncle Mo , a contender for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), on an April 18 flight to Kentucky.
Team Valor International’s Bourbonette Oaks (gr. III) winner Summer Soiree worked five furlongs in 1:00.40 at Keeneland April 16. The Graham Motion trainee is expected to ship to Churchill Downs for another work April 23.