Got Stormy Returns to Work Tab at Casse Training Center

Six-year-old Got Stormy returned to the work tab Jan. 6 for the first time since her Nov. 7 bid in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) at Keeneland. Working on the dirt at trainer Mark Casse's training center in Ocala, Fla., the daughter of Get Stormy  breezed three furlongs in :36. The time was the fastest of five at the distance. 

"She breezed this morning and went really well," said Casse. "I was pleased with her. I talked to (Spendthrift Farm general manager) Ned Toffey this morning after she breezed and I told him that to me, she looks as well as she ever has. She was very happy to get to do a little something. She was anxious and ready." 

2021 will be a year of new beginnings for Got Stormy, who—while she remains in Casse's barn—acquired new ownership last fall when she was purchased by Spendthrift Farm for $2.75 million at The November Sale, Fasig-Tipton's premier breeding stock sale. Instead of retiring the mare to the farm's broodmare band, the decision was made that she would return to training for a 6-year-old campaign.

As for the nature of how that campaign will play out, Casse said he's watching and waiting. With the 2020 stakes schedule upended by COVID-19, a pandemic that continues to rage across the country, the veteran conditioner said he's in no hurry to make any concrete race commitments.  

"I really haven't come up with a set plan yet," said Casse. "In 2020, there were a lot of changes made to the stakes schedule, so I'm trying to wait and see what will be there for her. I really don't want to run her over a mile and if I do, it would have to be over a fast and hard turf course. We aren't going to run her any farther than that. I also have to look at the weather and what is expected—plus she's a pretty good sprinter. We're just going easy, moving on, and today was a good first step."

Bred in Kentucky by Mt. Joy Stables, Pope McClean, Marc McClean, and Pope McClean Jr., Got Stormy made 24 of her 26 starts for owner Gary Barber. A multiple graded stakes winner on the turf, Got Stormy has struck at the highest level twice so far in her career. The mare gained international recognition when defeating males in the 2019 renewal of the Fourstardave Handicap (G1T) and closed out that same season with another impressive score in the Matriarch Stakes (G1T).

Got Stormy holds a 10-5-3 record and earnings of $2,021,378.