It's been a busy few days on the worktab for several horses of note.

Derby hopeful Rule worked four furlongs in :48.95 this morning at Palm Meadows, the seventh-fastest of 19 moves at the distance. Todd Pletcher, who is loaded for bear this spring, is pointing the son of Roman Ruler to the March 27 Florida Derby. Rule, winner of the Delta Jackpot at Sam F. Davis, is out of Rockcide, a half-sister to Funny Cide.

Pletcher also sent out the 3-year-old Brother Bird for a five furlong move in 1:01.30, sixth of 16 at the distance. The son of Yonaguska is out of the Smart Strike mare Mining My Own, making him a half-brother to Derby winner Mine That Bird. The colt made his career debut at Saratoga last August, finishing an even third after being fractious in the post parade; he hasn't started since but has worked steadily in recent weeks, suggesting that he could be nearing a start.

Elsewhere in Florida, Colors Flying breezed an easy half in :50.40 at Payson Park. The regally-bred son of AP Indy, out of champion filly Storm Flag Flying (herself a daughter of champion My Flag, out of unbeaten Personal Ensign) took four tries to break his maiden, but did so in impressive style at Belmont last October. He's finished third twice since, including to the talented Battle Plan last out.

At the Fair Grounds, Steve Asmussen sent out his 3-year-old filly duo of Hot Dixie Chick and Dashing Debby to go five furlongs. The two stepped up the pace from their moves in recent weeks, covering the distance in 1:10.40, ninth-best of 52. No date has been announced for their season debuts. Hot Dixie Chick won the Schuylerville and Spinaway last summer at the Spa. Asmussen also sent out Jim Dandy winner Kensei for his first work of the year last Wednesday; the now-4-year-old covered an easy half in :50.20

Hopeful winner Dublin was in good shape on Monday morning, a day after turning in a bullet work at Oaklawn. The strapping son of Afleet Alex covered a half in :48.40, the fastest of 32 at the distance. After a solid runner-up effort in the Southwest in his season debut, the Wayne Lukas trainee is now headed to the March 13 Rebel.

And to check in with racing's two favorite ladies - Zenyatta emerged from last Friday's six furlong move (1:13.20, fourth of 15) at Hollywood in outstanding shape. She'll have one last work this weekend before her March 13 season debut in the Santa Margarita. Meanwhile, Rachel Alexandra will turn in a six furlong move tomorrow, her most serious work in advance of the March 13 New Orleans Ladies. The filly will then have an easy breeze next Monday prior to the race.