Sierra Leone, the Eclipse Award winner as the 2024 champion 3-year-old male, continued preparing for his 4-year-old debut by breezing a half-mile in 49.8 seconds at Payson Park in Florida. Trained by Chad Brown, Sierra Leone may race in the Grade 1, $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 22. There were 33 graded-stakes winners on the Sunday tab, including Sierra Leone who is a two-time Grade 1 winner.
Chancer McPatrick, a two-time Grade 1 winner, worked three furlongs in 39.0 seconds at Payson Park. Book’em Danno, a Grade 1 winner, worked three furlongs in 37.6 seconds at Tampa Bay Downs. East Avenue, a Grade 1 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:01.4 at Fair Grounds. Nutella Fella, a Grade 1 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.0 seconds at Tampa Bay Downs. Scottish Lassie, a Grade 1 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.4 seconds at Palm Meadows. Soul of an Angel, a Grade 1 winner, worked four furlongs in 51.6 seconds at Gulfstream Park.
Tamara, a Grade 1 winner, worked four furlongs in 47.2 seconds at Santa Anita. Atitlan, a Grade 2 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:01.8 at Santa Anita. Barnes, a Grade 2 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.6 seconds at Santa Anita. Catching Freedom, a Grade 2 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:02.4 at Payson Park. First Mission, a Grade 2 winner, worked five furlongs in 1:00.6 at Fair Grounds. First Resort, a Grade 2 winner, worked four furlongs in 48.8 seconds at Turfway Park. Good Cheer, a Grade 2 winner, worked four furlongs in 50.4 seconds at Payson Park. Helium, a Grade 2 winner, worked four furlongs in 49.5 seconds at Parx Racing.
