JUVENILE

Alpha – The 2yo son of Bernardini galloped 1 1/4m under Rob Massey at Churchill Downs Friday morning.

“He went easy because of the sloppy track, but he cantered nice,” said trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

Alpha, who finished second behind Union Rags in the Champagne at Belmont Park in his last start, exceeded his trainer’s expectation when he captured his debut at Saratoga by six lengths in September.

“To be honest, he did everything right (training), but I thought 7f was going to be a tough distance to win first time out,” McLaughlin said. “He did it very well. He surprised me a little bit, but it’s nice to get those surprises.”

Garrett Gomez will ride Alpha for the first time.


Creative Cause – In what is his routine on the day before he races, the 2yo son of Giant’s Causeway walked the shedrow according to trainer Mike Harrington.

How does the trainer see Saturday’s Juvenile shaping up for his colt?

“He’ll be in a stalking position through most of the race and then make his run,” Harrington said.


Crusade, Daddy Long Legs – The Aidan O’Brien-trained duo of Crusade and Daddy Long Legs went out on to the main track Friday morning and did an easy canter. Ryan Moore was in the saddle on Daddy Long Legs who he will partner in Saturday’s Juvenile.


Dullahan – The Breeders’ Futurity winner at Keeneland was one of three Breeders’ Cup starters that trainer Dale Romans sent to the track for 1 1/2m gallop Friday morning.

“Everyone’s good,” said Romans. “All three of my horses are doing great. We schooled in the gate Wednesday, went to the paddock yesterday and just galloped today. We’re ready.”


Hansen – According to trainer Mike Maker, Kendall Hansen M.D. and Sky Chai Racing’s Juvenile contender has flourished this week, and he’s on edge for a big run on Saturday.

“We are very excited to run him,” Maker said. “We’ve had no bumps in the road. I wish the race was today (Friday).”

Jockey Ramon Dominguez will get his first try aboard Hansen on Saturday, and they will leave from post 5.


Optimizer – Friday’s muddy track was no drawback for trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ Juvenile prospect as he jogged 1m at Churchill Downs, home base for the Lukas barn.

Hoping for an optimal effort from the 2yo son of turf champion English Channel, Lukas will equip him with blinkers for the first time in the Juvenile.


Prospective – The Mark Casse trainee galloped 1 ½m and went out with the first set Friday morning and was pronounced fit and ready to go on Saturday.

“The off track had no affect on his training at all and it won’t be a factor for the race,” said Norman Casse, the top assistant to his father.


Take Charge Indy – The regally bred colt by 1992 Classic winner A.P. Indy out of multiple Grade 1 winner Take Charge Lady galloped 1 1/2m Friday. It will be his last trip to the track before the Juvenile.

“He’s super,” said trainer Patrick Byrne. “I really haven’t dissected the race yet, but I’m happy with where we are. I’m happy we’re toward the inside (post 1).”

Union Rags – The undefeated Dixie Union colt and likely Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile favorite galloped 1 1/2m under exercise rider and assistant trainer Peter Brette.

Trainer Michael Matz, who has been relaxed and happy all week, continued to be all smiles when talking about the colt, “He’s great,” said Matz. “We’re ready.”