Grade I winner Sandman (Tapit) posted his first work at Oaklawn Park Friday morning a week after arriving on grounds in advance of his 4-year-old debut in February.
The GI Arkansas Derby hero went an easy half-mile in :49 flat, the 19th fastest of 73 at the distance, under exercise rider Autumn Lavertu over a fast track following the first surface renovation break. Clockers had his splits as an opening quarter in :25 and :36.80 for three furlongs. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.
“Just have an easy half for him,” said assistant trainer Caden Arthur, who oversees Mark Casse's Oaklawn division. “His first breeze here, so I didn't want anything, like, too fast. Looked great on the track. Very comfortable.”
Sandman has been unraced since late August, and had previously been based at Casse's Florida training center where he had published works Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 at three furlongs and a half-mile, respectively.
“Hopefully, start looking for a race, maybe early February, middle February,” said Arthur.
Casse went on record in November when stating that a major spring objective for the grey in 2026 would be the GII Oaklawn Handicap Apr. 18.
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