In Maryland, Ashland (gr. I) and Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I) winner Fleet Renee worked five furlongs on fast dirt at Tapeta Farm. The 4-year-old daughter of Seattle Slew, unraced since a third-place finish in the Gazelle Handicap (gr. I) in September, was timed in 1:08 for her breeze.Silver Charm's half-sister Elrose took another step toward her racing debut, completing a five-furlong drill at Fair Grounds. Last week, she rallied to win a training race and came right back Thursday to run five panels in 1:02. Elrose is a 3-year-old daughter of Deputy Minister.Also at Fair Grounds, Lafayette Stakes (gr. III) winner Griffinite went five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 and 15-time stakes winner Sarah Lane's Oates was clocked in 1:08 for the same distance on a fast track.
Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) winner Val Royal continued working toward his return to the races Thursday at Santa Anita. The 6-year-old son of Royal Academy breezed four furlongs on the fast main track in :48 4/5 for trainer Julio Canani. Val Royal is being prepared for a start in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Handicap (gr. IIT, March 2). David Milch's six-time graded or group stakes winner suffered his only defeat of 2001 in the Kilroe, in which he finished second to Road to Slew on a good turf course.Also at Santa Anita Thursday, Santa Ysabel Stakes (gr. III) winner Bella Bella Bella worked six furlongs in 1:13 1/5, handily, in preparation for the Las Virgenes Stakes. The Jenine Sahadi-trained daughter of Soft Gold will attempt to remain undefeated from four starts in the Feb. 10 race.San Rafael Stakes (gr. II) winner Crafty C. T. went five furlongs in 1:00 4/5, handily, and Printemps seven-furlongs in 1:26 4/5, handily, ahead of the Overbrook Spinster Stakes (gr. I) winners 2002 debut in the Santa Maria Handicap (Feb. 17).
