Icy winds didn’t stop the action this morning, as select stables fired in fast work despite the cold.

The presence of a very strong anticyclone in the south-west of the Mascarenes meant it was both very windy and bitterly cold at the Champ de Mars this morning. Even so, the sun was already out by the time training concluded, with blue skies dominating the horizon.

As expected, fast workouts were undertaken by the Preetam Daby and Carl Hewitson yards. In total, 31 horses galloped. In contrast, the stables of Vincent Allet, Ramapatee Gujadhur, and Selvom Mootien sent most of their strings out for lighter exercises.

Notable Workouts:

• Van Hunks was the first horse to gallop, working over 600m. He was followed by stablemates Le Quartier and Cider House Rules, who also worked over the same distance.
   
• Brave Bomber caught the eye by unleashing a very strong turn of foot going uphill. Stable companion Cumbre Vieja looked composed throughout his workout, producing a sharp burst of acceleration in the home straight.
   
• Fitted with a drop noseband, Xavion worked solo over 600m, quickening nicely in the home straight.
   
• Bugalugs and Fireflare went stride for stride over 1000m, both continuing their progression towards race fitness.
   
• The pair of Pieter Both and Bestday Of Mylife turned in sharp efforts over 800m, reflecting their improving condition and form.
   
• Captain's Consort and Alpine Challenge produced sharp solo efforts over 600m. Both are steadily progressing in preparation for their return to competition, having not raced since 2023.
   
• Equipped with side-winkers, Fencing Captain worked over 800m, responding well to Nishal Teeha's urgings in the home straight.