the-downey-profile

Daily Derby Update: April 28, 2026

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:10:58 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 28, 2026

ALBUS/INCREDIBOLT – Pin Oak Stud’s Albus and Incredibolt galloped a mile with Antonio Garcia astride the former and Charlotte O’Connell the latter for trainer Riley Mott during the special Kentucky Derby and Oaks training period from 7:15-7:30 a.m.

Horses for the 20-horse Kentucky Derby will be loaded into the starting gate in two tiers with posts 1 and 11 loading first and then moving outward.

Albus has post 2 and Incredibolt the 11 which means they could be in the gate longer than most of the field.

“Neither one of them has had any gate issues,” Mott said after his initial two Derby entrants returned to the barn from their activity over a track labeled as fast.

Both horses have run all their races on fast tracks and this morning “they floated over the track,” Mott said of the activity over a surface that had plenty of moisture in it.

“There is no reason to believe they won’t (handle an off track),” Mott said. “But you never know until you try it.”

Albus and Incredibolt were scheduled to school in the paddock with horses in this afternoon’s fifth race.

CHIEF WALLABEE – Trainer Bill Mott sent Chief Wallabee out for a gallop at 7:15 with Marvin Orantes aboard.

Third in the Florida Derby (GI) in his most recent start, Chief Wallabee is owned by Mike and Kay Kay Ball.

“I have known Mike and Kay Kay for more than 40 years and this is the first horse that I have trained for them,” Mott said.

Chief Wallabee will exit post 12 in the Derby and be one of the first horses to load in the 20-horse field. “He hasn’t had any problems at the gate,” Mott said. “He’s been pretty good.”

COMMANDMENT/FULLEFFORT/FURTHER ADO – Trainer Brad Cox’s Kentucky Derby trio of Wathnan Racing’s Commandment, St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing’s Fulleffort and Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado were all out early Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs.

At 5:15 a.m., Commandment, with assistant trainer and exercise rider Katie Tolbert aboard, jogged about one mile before galloping 1 ¼ miles. Close behind, Fulleffort and exercise rider Edvin Vargas followed the same routine. Nearly 90 minutes later, Further Ado, accompanied by exercise rider Jonathan Santiago, jogged in the chute before galloping 1 ¼ miles.

DANON BOURBON – Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby invitee Danon Bourbon completed his final serious move prior to Kentucky Derby 152 Tuesday morning, breezing a half-mile in :52.80 under assistant trainer Satoshi Oshita.

The colt began his move from the finish line, galloping in about :15-second furlongs before increasing his speed once he reached the half-mile pole and finishing his final furlong in :12.60. Trainer Manabu Ikezoe is scheduled to arrive Friday.

Kate Hunter, speaking on behalf of Danon Bourbon’s connections, said the colt continues to handle Churchill Downs well. “He seems to be moving over the track well and they are really hopeful his pedigree will shine through,” Hunter said.

Hunter noted the team was pleased with Tuesday’s move.

“I think a ‘breeze’ may not be entirely accurate with what they like to do the week of a race, but they were very happy with how he went,” Hunter said. “They have already put in their most serious work, and when they get here, it is more about just waking him up and letting him know it is just about race time.”

Though Danon Bourbon never has raced around a left-handed turn, Hunter said that should not be a concern.

“The training centers in Japan are ambidextrous, so at a certain time of the day, they switch directions,” Hunter said. “So he has experience training both ways.”

Hunter also joked about the possibility of a Japanese-trained horse winning the Kentucky Derby.

“My goal in life is to be some American trainer’s worst nightmare, to bring over a Japanese horse that’s going to ruin Kentucky Derby day, so I apologize in advance,” she said with a laugh.

EMERGING MARKET – Klaravich Stables’ Emerging Market galloped 1 ½ miles during the special training sessions for Derby and Oaks horses between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m.

GOLDEN TEMPO – Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Golden Tempo galloped Tuesday morning for trainer Cherie DeVaux.

INTREPIDO – The California-based colt by the Into Mischief sire Maximus Mischief was out for a mile jog underneath Alejandro Galindo during the special 7:15 to 7:30 Derby/Oaks training period Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs.

The bay is owned by Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures and trained by California veteran Jeff Mullins, who is scheduled to make the scene Thursday. Galindo, who has been overseeing the graded stakes winner in Kentucky, noted that the light jog by Intrepido this morning was completely by design.

“We need to keep him nice and fresh,” he said. “We want him to break in front Saturday and stay there.”

Intrepido will be handled Saturday by his regular pilot, Hector I. Berrios, and they’ll come out of Post 3 in the 20-horse lineup.

LITMUS TEST/POTENTE – Bob Baffert's Barn 33 was its usual beehive Tuesday morning of Derby Week with the trainer Bob Baffert leading the charge with aid from his two key assistants, Jimmy Barnes and Dan Ward.

The main man was asked about his trio of Derby and Oaks types – Litmus Test and Potente (Derby) and Explora (Oaks).

"Well, I can tell you that they've all got their heads sticking out of their stalls, which is a real good sign," he said. "When they're standing back in the corner with their head down, that's when you've got trouble."

The Hall of Fame conditioner worked it out that his two Derby colts would go out for exercise during the 7:15 to 7:30 special Derby/Oaks training session at the big Churchill Downs oval. Litmus Test was partnered by exercise rider Talia Viscusi for a jog around the track, while Potente accomplished a similar feat under Humberto Gomez.

Derby Day Litmus Test will partner with Martin Garcia as they come out of Post 4 in the field of 20. Potente will have Juan Hernandez up as they break from Post 14 in the 152nd Run for the Roses.

PAVLOVIAN – The homebred roan/gray soph who races in the silks of two-time Derby winner J. Paul Reddam jogged a mile Tuesday morning under exercise rider Tony Romero during Churchill Downs' special 7:15 to 7:30 special Derby/Oaks training session.

Romero gave the move a thumbs up afterward back at Barn 41 where trainer Doug O'Neill shook hands with friends and associates, then later on gave a pep talk to a crew of equine students from Blue Grass Community and Technical College being sheparded on the backside by Remi Bellocq, the former industry executive, cartoonist and jockey – as well as the son of the legendary racing cartoonist Pierre (PEB) Bellocq.

O'Neill fired up the youngsters and drew lots of smiles along the way. And Bellocq brought warm feelings to some old racing friends when he let them know that his Dad is still hanging tough at his home in New Jersey at the ripe old age of 99.

Pavlovian will come out of Post 16 in the Derby and be handled by California veteran Edwin Maldonado.

RENEGADE – The Kentucky Derby morning line favorite – Robert and Lawana Low and Repole Stable's Renegade – went trackside at Churchill Downs for some exercise during the special 7:15 to 7:30 Derby/Oaks training session on a racetrack termed "good," which was a good thing all things considered following a heavy-duty night of thunder, lightning and pelting rain in the Louisville area.

Trainer Todd Pletcher tagged along to oversee the drill and he was joined by his oldest son, Payton, who is just a few weeks away from graduating from veterinarian school.

Regular exercise rider Nora McCormack was in the boot on the bay colt by Into Mischief and steered him through a gallop of a mile and one-eighth in good order.

Come Saturday, Renegade will be handled by champion jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. as they break from Post 1 in the 152nd edition of the world's most famous race.

RIGHT TO PARTY – Chester Broman Sr.’s Right to Party galloped 1 ½ miles.
“He’s doing well,” said assistant trainer Greg Geier. “Got in a nice gallop this morning.”

SILENT TACTIC – John Oxley’s Silent Tactic returned to the track after a scheduled walk day and jogged in the mile chute before galloping a mile and a half under Dass Garcia for trainer Mark Casse.

Silent Tactic began his career at Woodbine last fall and then wintered at Oaklawn Park. He will be Casse’s 12th Kentucky Derby starter and the seventh to begin his career on the all-weather surface at Woodbine.

“We identified him as a possible Derby prospect and felt that Oaklawn was a good place to get him started,” said Casse, who followed a similar path last year with Sandman. Previously, Casse’s Derby horses had started their 3-year-old campaigns in Florida or at Fair Grounds.

SIX SPEED – UAE Derby (GII) runner-up Six Speed walked the shedrow following his half-mile move in :48.80 Monday at Churchill Downs. He’s scheduled to school in the paddock during Tuesday’s second race.

SO HAPPY – Norman Stables & Saints or Sinners’ So Happy galloped 1 1/2 miles Tuesday morning.

THE PUMA – Florida Derby (GI) runner-up The Puma, owned by OGMA Investments, JR Ranch and High Step Racing, galloped during the 7:15 a.m. Kentucky Derby and Oaks exclusive training window Tuesday morning.

Trainer Gustavo Delgado said the colt’s foundation was already in place before shipping from Florida.

“He’s experienced a lot in a short amount of time,” Delgado said. “He had two good works in Florida, and coming to Kentucky we knew we didn’t have to do a whole lot with him. Right now it’s just about keeping him happy and maintaining him for Derby Day.”

WONDER DEAN (JPN) – Yoshinari Yamamoto’s Wonder Dean (JPN) recorded his final serious move prior to Kentucky Derby 152 Tuesday morning, working a half-mile in :54.60 under Takuya Nakano.

Before the move, the UAE Derby (GII) winner warmed up in the chute for about 15 minutes. He began his extended gallop from the five-furlong pole and gradually increased his speed starting at the half-mile marker, working through an opening quarter-mile in :28.20 and galloping out five furlongs in 1:08.40. After completing the move, he schooled in the starting gate.

Nakano, who oversees Wonder Dean, was pleased with the breeze.

“Everything went great, according to plan,” Nakano said. “I feel like he is taking to the track well. We will see tomorrow how tired he is. He will probably just walk.”

Nakano said Wonder Dean has settled in well since arriving in Kentucky nearly a month ago.

“He has been here almost a month now, and he really seems to be enjoying the environment being closer to other horses,” Nakano said. “His favorite thing to do is grazing. That is something he didn’t really get to do in the Middle East. It’s much more sand than grass, so he’s enjoying the bluegrass of Kentucky.”

Wonder Dean will hand walk Wednesday before likely returning to the track Thursday and Friday.

THE $5 MILLION KENTUCKY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (GI) – Here’s the field for Kentucky Derby 152 in post position order (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds): Renegade (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 4-1); Albus (Manny Franco, Riley Mott, 30-1); Intrepido (Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins, 50-1); Litmus Test (Martin Garcia, Bob Baffert, 30-1); Right to Party (Chris Elliott, Kenny McPeek, 30-1); Commandment (Luis Saez, Brad Cox, 6-1); Danon Bourbon (Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe, 20-1); So Happy (Mike Smith, Mark Glatt, 15-1); The Puma (Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado, 10-1); Wonder Dean (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi, 30-1); Incredibolt (Jaime Torres, Riley Mott, 20-1); Chief Wallabee (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott, 8-1); Silent Tactic (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse, 20-1); Potente (Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert, 20-1); Emerging Market (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown, 15-1); Pavlovian (Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill, 30-1); Six Speed (Brian Hernandez Jr., Bhupat Seemar, 50-1); Further Ado (John Velazquez, Brad Cox, 6-1); Golden Tempo (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux, 30-1); Fulleffort (Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox, 20-1). Also Eligibles: Great White (Alex Achard, John Ennis, 50-1); Ocelli (Joe Ramos, Whit Beckman, 50-1); Robusta (Emisael Jaramillo, Doug O’Neill, 50-1); Corona de Oro (Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart, 50-1).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

ALWAYS A RUNNER – Douglas Scharbauer & Three Chimneys Farm’s Always a Runner galloped 1 1/2 miles for trainer Chad Brown.

BELLA BALLERINA – Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina galloped about 1 ½ miles Tuesday morning under exercise rider Erin Campbell.

BROOKLYN BLONDE/MEANING – Trainer Michael McCarthy and his right-hand assistant Justin Curran had their Oaks filly Meaning, who is owned by Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbreds, out before 6 a.m. Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs under exercise rider Juan Alverez. The pair stood in the gate then galloped a mile and an eighth around the big oval.

Later during the special Derby/Oaks session between 7:15 and 7:30 they brought out their other Oaks runner, Sun-Kissed Stable and Bobby Flay’s Brooklyn Blonde, for a tour around the big oval.

“It’s all going to plan,” said McCarthy, who indicated he likes it just that way.

COUNTING STARS/SEARCH PARTY – Trainer Mark Casse’s two Kentucky Oaks hopefuls, West Point Thoroughbreds’ Counting Stars and Tracy Farmer’s Search Party jogged in the mile chute and then galloped a mile and a half during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Derby and Oaks horses.

Froylan Garcia was aboard Counting Stars, who comes into the Kentucky Oaks off a 5 ½-length victory in the Fantasy (GII) at Oaklawn Park on March 27.

Prior to the Fantasy, she was second to Oaks rival Explora in the Honeybee (GIII), which followed a last-place showing as the odds-on favorite in the Martha Washington (Listed).

“She didn’t show up one day at Keeneland (in her second start) and that was mind-boggling,” Casse said. “The Martha Washington, she had missed some training because of weather and that affects horses in different ways.

“The good thing is, she is training well and she has shown up in her past two races.”

A daughter of Gun Runner, Search Party, who had Elver Vargas up Tuesday morning, gives Farmer and Casse their second Oaks starter in two years following Grade I winner La Cara.

“I trained her dam Devious Charm,” Casse said. “She was the first horse I bought for Mr. Farmer and the first day she tried to jump the round pen and got cut up and spent 30 days at a clinic. I thought, ‘Well, that’s a good start.’”

Devious Charm was stakes-placed in her 19-race career and earned nearly $180,000. Search Party is her second foal.

“I think she has more Gun Runner in her,” Casse said.

DAZZLING DAME – Respect the Valleys, Medallion Racing and Madaket Stables’ Dazzling Dame jogged a mile and galloped a mile with a pony Tuesday morning with trainer Brittany Russell looking on.

Russell, who went out on her own in 2018, will see her first Oaks starter exit post 7 in the 14-horse field.

“She will be the last one in the gate and that is fine with me,” Russell said of the speedy Girvin filly who has won four of six starts and most recently was second in the Virginia Oaks to Bottle of Rouge.

Dazzling Dame has been going to the track at 7:15 each morning under Emma Wolfe. However, before going to the track she is out of her stall and grazing behind Barn 41.

“Yes, we have grass at Fair Hill (Training Center in Maryland),” Wolfe said of Dazzling Dame’s main base. “She gets five hours of turnout each day there. Here, she gets an hour in the morning and another hour in the afternoon.”

Dazzling Dame completed her morning activity with a visit to the paddock after training hours.

EXPLORA – Initially trainer Bob Baffert had considered just letting his Oaks filly Explora have a walk day, but then he “called an audible” and had Humberto Gomez take her out right at the end of the special training period.

“We went to the gate first,” the exercise rider noted, “and then we went for a little gallop of about a mile. She was just stretching her legs.”

Friday, Explora will come out of the No. 1 hole and have champion jockey Flavien Prat on her back.

LOVELY GREY – Go Go Grey Stable’s Lovely Grey galloped Tuesday morning and was scheduled to school in the paddock during the second race for trainer Kelsey Danner.

MY MISS MO – Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) runner-up My Miss Mo galloped at 7:15 a.m. for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

PASHMINA – Red White and Blue Racing’s Pashmina visited the paddock and then galloped a mile and a half under Jesse Sauter for trainer Rob Atras.

Pashmina started her career on the grass at Keeneland before winning her dirt debut by 10 3/4 lengths at Fair Grounds.

“Rob likes to start some of his horses on turf for a good Day One experience,” Brittany Atras, assistant to her husband, said. “She didn’t run that bad (in her debut, splitting the field of 12).”

PERCY’S BAR – Hat Creek Racing’s Ashland (GI) winner Percy’s Bar jogged two miles under Rene Morales for trainer Ben Colebrook.

“She will gallop in the morning, go to the gate and stand and go to the paddock,” Colebrook said.

Percy’s Bar won the Ashland over a track labeled as good, defeating Oaks morning-line favorite Zany in the process and becoming the only Oaks runner with an off-track victory. The only other Oaks starter with off-track experience is Lovely Grey, who was fifth in debut over a sloppy track at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

With a slight chance of rain in the Friday forecast for Oaks Day, “that’s a good stat to know,” Colebrook said.

PROM QUEEN – Gary and Mary West’s Prom Queen galloped with Katie Tolbert in the saddle, then schooled in the paddock after training.

ZANY – The Kentucky Oaks morning-line favorite Zany, who is owned by Repole Stable, went from Barn 39 down to the big Churchill Downs oval for a gallop of just more than a mile under exercise rider Wilmer Hernandez during the special 7:15 to 7:30 training period for Derby and Oaks horses.

The chestnut daughter of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah has been a galloping winner of three of four lifetime starts and continued her Oaks preparedness by schooling in the paddock following Tuesday morning training.

Trainer Todd Pletcher will give ace rider Irad Ortiz Jr. a leg up on the racy distaffer Friday, then watch them break from post 2 in the nine-furlong classic that will be the 13th and final offering on a card that kicks off a spectacular weekend of racing.

The $5 MILLION LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS – Here’s the field for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) in post position order, with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds: Explora (Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert, 6-1); Zany (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 4-1); Search Party (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse, 30-1); Counting Stars (Francisco Arrieta, Mark Casse, 8-1); Meaning (Juan Hernandez, Michael McCarthy, 5-1); My Miss Mo (Micah Husbands, Saffie Joseph Jr., 20-1); Dazzling Dame (Luis Saez, Brittany Russell, 30-1); Bottle of Rouge (Mike Smith, Bob Baffert, 20-1); Always a Runner (Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown, 10-1); Prom Queen (Javier Castellano, Brad Cox, 8-1); Percy’s Bar (Luan Machado, Ben Colebrook, 6-1); Bella Ballerina (Tyler Gaffalione, Brendan Walsh, 10-1); Pashmina (Ramon Vazquez, Rob Atras, 30-1); Brooklyn Blonde (Kazushi Kimura, Michael McCarthy, 30-1); Lovely Grey (Dylan Davis, 30-1). Also Eligibles: Nycon (Jaime Torres, 50-1); Resist (Brian Hernandez Jr., 50-1 ).

Daily Derby Update: April 27, 2026

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:44:25 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 27, 2026

ALBUS/INCREDIBOLT – Pin Oak Stud’s Derby duo of Albus and Incredibolt were back on the track early Monday morning for trainer Riley Mott following half-mile works Sunday morning.

With Antonio Garcia aboard Albus and Charlotte O’Connell partnering Incredibolt, the two jogged a mile with the former being accompanied by a pony shortly after 6 o’clock.

“I just wanted to let them get out for a little bit,” Mott said as he watched the two complete their activity by a brief jog in the mile chute.

Incredibolt breezed his half-mile Sunday in :47 and will exit post 11 in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. Albus, who will leave post 2 in the Derby, worked his half in :49.

“We are very happy with Incredibolt’s draw, he can do whatever he needs to do from that post,” Mott said. “Albus will probably experience horses coming down over the top of him into the first turn, but he has experienced adversity, kickback, and traffic, so I think if we were going to draw inside with either of them, he would be the one.”

Mott has a house guest this week – his father Bill, who is sending out Chief Wallabee in a bid for a Derby repeat following on the heels of Sovereignty last May.

“I was in the grandstand with my family last year,” Riley Mott said. “It’s going to be pretty cool saddling for the Derby next to him (in saddling stall 12). I may have to take a selfie.”

CHIEF WALLABEE – Trainer Bill Mott’s hope for Derby 152, Mike and Kay Kay Ball’s Chief Wallabee, walked the shedrow the morning after his :49.20 half-mile breeze in company Sunday under Junior Alvarado.

Chief Wallabee will represent Mott’s 15th Kentucky Derby starter with the first being Taylor’s Special for Louisvillian William Lucas in 1984.

“I was thrilled to be here, but it was probably not very realistic,” Mott said of Taylor’s Special, who won 21 of 41 starts in a five-year career and earned more than $1 million. “He was basically a sprinter, but he was a runner. He had won going two turns in the Blue Grass and Louisiana Derby.”

Mott was 30 at the time and “we didn’t have the kind of horses that we have now. They were mostly claimers.”

A few of the runners in the early 1980s were for Lucas.

“We had Rapid Gray (a winner of 26 of 56 starts) and Shot n’ Missed (a winner of 12 of 29 starts),” Mott said as he pulled out his phone and scrolled through photos. “Here is one of Shot n’ Missed here at the three-eighths pole.”

Mott did not take the picture … he was in the saddle.

COMMANDMENT/FULLEFFORT/FURTHER ADO – Trainer Brad Cox’s Kentucky Derby trio of Wathnan Racing’s Commandment, Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado and St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing’s Fulleffort jogged about a mile in the first training set Monday at 5:15 a.m. following their final published works over the weekend.

DANON BOURBON – Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby invitee Danon Bourbon recorded another strong gallop Monday morning under assistant trainer Satoshi Oshita as preparations continued for Kentucky Derby 152.

“We’ll do his final tune-up on Tuesday, and we also plan to take him to the gate afterward just to let him get used to it,” Oshita said. “Mentally, he’s nice and settled, and as for his feed, he’s been cleaning everything up ever since the trip over, without leaving a bite. So there are no concerns on that front.”

EMERGING MARKET – Klaravich Stable’s Emerging Market galloped 1 ½ miles during the special training session for Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m. for trainer Chad Brown.

GOLDEN TEMPO – Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Golden Tempo galloped about 1 3/8 miles Monday morning for trainer Cherie DeVaux.

“He went great,” DeVaux said. “He will need to take a step forward in the Derby, but he has it in him.”

INTREPIDO – The California-based colt by the Into Mischief sire Maximus Mischief who is owned by Dutch Girl Holding and Irving Ventures walked the shedrow in Barn 41 Monday morning with stable overseer/exercise rider Alejandro Galindo involved. The day before at Churchill, Intrepido had turned in a wicked four-furlong move under regular rider Hector I. Berrios in :45 flat, the fastest of 71 works at the distance on the Sunday slate.

His trainer, Jeff Mullins, is scheduled to fly in from his Los Angeles base Thursday. The conditioner is dealing with a recently broken leg, but has recovered enough to be mobile and is planning on being onsite for Derby 152.

LITMUS TEST/POTENTE – The duo of Derby colts out of the Bob Baffert barn went down different roads Monday morning as they move closer to their assignments in Saturday's $5 million Kentucky Derby.

Potente, who carries the silks of Speedway Stables, had a walk day following his serious bit of exercise the day before when covered five furlongs in company under Martin Garcia in :57.80.

After training the colt schooled in the Churchill Downs paddock accompanied by Baffert and chief assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes.

Barnmate Litmus Test, on the other hand, went trackside during the special 7:15 to 7:30 training session under exercise rider Talia Viscusi for a good tour of the big Churchill oval. The son of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist covered a bit more than a mile in fine fashion. The bay youngster races for an extensive partnership headed by SF Racing and Starlight Racing.

On Saturday, Potente will begin his mile and a quarter journey from Post 14 with ace California rider Juan Hernandez aboard. Litmus Test will break from Post 4 and be handled by Garcia.

PAVLOVIAN – The racy roan/gray was a walker Monday morning at Churchill Downs after his five-furlong exercise out of the gate Sunday.

The son of the California sire Pavel, who is owned and was bred by Californian J. Paul Reddam, had regular rider Edwin Maldonado up for the 1:03.40 drill.

Trainer Doug O'Neill, a double Derby winner himself already (I'll Have Another in 2012 and Nyquist in 2016) through the Reddam connection, flew in from his California base in advance of the Sunday drill and was pleased with what he saw from his charge.

"He did well yesterday and he ate up last night and is a happy horse," O'Neill said. "He just walked this morning and he's doing great."

O'Neill, one of the top trainers on the west coast for nearly two decades now, indicated he currently has 60 horses in training in California. But, looking to take advantage of the huge purses being offered on the Kentucky circuit, he now stables 25 head at Keeneland.

"It's a sign of the times," the conditioner said. "I hope we can get things to pick up in California. That would be a good thing."

RENEGADE – The Kentucky Derby 152 favorite – Robert and Lawana Low and Repole Stable's Renegade stretched his legs Monday morning during the special Derby/Oaks training session at Churchill Downs that goes each morning from 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. The well-made colt by super sire Into Mischief had exercise rider Nora McCormack in the boot and the pair galloped a strong mile and a quarter out in the middle of the strip.

Walking back to Barn 39 after the move, McCormack was asked how her charge felt during the drill. "He felt real good," she said. "He was strong."

Renegade drew Post 1 for the 10 furlongs of the Derby on Saturday and will have regualr rider Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle.

RIGHT TO PARTY – Chester Broman Sr.’s Right to Party jogged with exercise rider Robby Albarado aboard, accompianed by a pony ridden by Kevin “Alf” Mudd.

Trainer Kenny McPeek noted he invited the surviving members of the Beastie Boys to attend the Kentucky Derby in honor of the colt who’s named after their famous song “Fight for Your Right (To Party).”

SILENT TACTIC – John Oxley’s Silent Tactic had a scheduled walk day at trainer Mark Casse’s barn.

SIX SPEED – Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds, Steve Adkisson and Swinbank Stables’ Six Speed, runner-up in the UAE Derby (GII), worked a half-mile in :48.80 Monday morning with exercise rider Declan Cannon aboard for trainer Bhupat Seemar. The colt covered his opening furlong in :13.20, reached the quarter-mile in :25 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:01.60.

“We’re not going to change too much in the Derby,” Seemar said. “He’s a horse that likes to be up there. If they go fast, he’ll go faster. On the other hand, this horse has a deep pedigree. He has that Phipps family pedigree where there’s a lot of stamina in it. We’ll find out – if you don’t do it, you’ll never know.”

Brian Hernandez Jr., who won the 2024 Kentucky Derby aboard Mystik Dan, has the mount for Kentucky Derby 152.

SO HAPPY – Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners’ So Happy galloped 1 ½ miles Monday morning for trainer Mark Glatt.

“He’s doing well,” Glatt said. “He’s always been a cool customer. At this point, nothing seems to have fazed him.”

THE PUMA – Florida Derby (GI) runner-up The Puma galloped Monday under exercise Carlos Olivero for trainer Gustavo Delgado.

Following the training session, Delgado added, “He’s ready.”

WONDER DEAN (JPN) – Yoshinari Yamamoto’s Wonder Dean galloped Monday morning during the 7:15 a.m. Kentucky Derby and Oaks exclusive training window and could record his final breeze Tuesday, according to his connections.

ALSO ELIGIBLES – Three Chimneys Farm and trainer John Ennis’ Great White galloped 1 ½ miles during the special training session for Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m.

“He’s doing fantastic,” Ennis said. “He galloped a mile and a half and really picked it up late. I’m happy with how he is moving over the track.”

THE $5 MILLION KENTUCY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (GI) – Here’s the field for Kentucky Derby 152 in post position order (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds): Renegade (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 4-1); Albus (Manny Franco, Riley Mott, 30-1); Intrepido (Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins, 50-1); Litmus Test (Martin Garcia, Bob Baffert, 30-1); Right to Party (Chris Elliott, Kenny McPeek, 30-1); Commandment (Luis Saez, Brad Cox, 6-1); Danon Bourbon (Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe, 20-1); So Happy (Mike Smith, Mark Glatt, 15-1); The Puma (Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado, 10-1); Wonder Dean (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi, 30-1); Incredibolt (Jaime Torres, Riley Mott, 20-1); Chief Wallabee (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott, 8-1); Silent Tactic (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse, 20-1); Potente (Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert, 20-1); Emerging Market (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown, 15-1); Pavlovian (Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill, 30-1); Six Speed (Brian Hernandez Jr., Bhupat Seemar, 50-1); Further Ado (John Velazquez, Brad Cox, 6-1); Golden Tempo (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux, 30-1); Fulleffort (Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox, 20-1). Also Eligibles: Great White (Alex Achard, John Ennis, 50-1); Ocelli (Joe Ramos, Whit Beckman, 50-1); Robusta (Emisael Jaramillo, Doug O’Neill, 50-1); Corona de Oro (Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart, 50-1).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

ALWAYS A RUNNER – Douglas Scharbauer and Three Chimneys Farm’s Always a Runner galloped 1 1/2 miles Monday morning for trainer Chad Brown.

BELLA BALLERINA – Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina galloped Monday morning under Erin Campbell for trainer Brendan Walsh.

BROOKLYN BLONDE/MEANING – Trainer Michael McCarthy's duo of Kentucky Oaks fillies – Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbreds' Meaning and Sun-Kissed Stable and Bobby Flay's Brooklyn Blonde – went about the business of getting ready for their dates with destiny this Friday in the 3-year-old female classic out of Barn 27 at Churchill Downs Monday morning.

"Brooklyn" got things started at 6 a.m. with a once-around gallop of the big oval with exercise rider Juanito Alverez in the tack. Meaning, also partnered by Alverez, went trackside during the 7:15 to 7:30 special training session for Derby and Oaks types and both schooled at the gate and galloped once around.

Meaning will be handled Friday by top California rider Juan Hernandez and they'll start their nine-furlong run out of Post 5. "Brooklyn" is drawn all the way outside in Post 14 and she'll have another California rider on her back in the person on Kazushi Kimura.

COUNTING STARS/SEARCH PARTY – West Point Thoroughbreds’ Counting Stars and Tracy Farmer’s Search Party had scheduled walk days at trainer Mark Casse’s barn.

DAZZLING DAME – Respect the Valleys, Medallion Racing and Madaket Stables’ Dazzling Dame jogged a mile and galloped a mile under Emma Wolfe for trainer Brittany Russell.

As part of her routine the next two days, Dazzling Dame is scheduled to visit the paddock Tuesday and the gate on Wednesday according to Wolfe.

EXPLORA – The daughter of Blame, who races in the silks of the trio of Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, had a walk day Monday following her smart five-panel drill in :58.80 under Martin Garcia at Churchill Downs Sunday morning.

The Bob Baffert-trained miss, first or second in all seven of her lifetime starts so far, has drawn Post 1 for the rich Oaks Friday and will be handled by champion rider Flavien Prat. She is listed as the co-third choice (with Percy's Bar) at 6-1 in the nine-panel Oaks.

LOVELY GREY – Go Go Grey Stable’s Lovely Grey galloped Monday morning under exercise rider Alfredo Pena for trainer Kelsey Danner.

“She gets a lot out of her training each morning,” Danner said. “She’s a tough horse and but has trained well here over the dirt.”

Dylan Davis has the mount in the Oaks as owner Dave Portnoy reported the filly would run there and bypass the $600,000 Edgewood (GII) on turf.

MY MISS MO – Averill Racing, Mathis Stable, Tristan De Meric and BAG Racing Stables’ Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) runner-up My Miss Mo galloped Monday morning at Churchill Downs for the first time with trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. watching from the backstretch clocker stand.

“She’s a very relaxed filly,” Joseph said. “She peps up a little bit when we walk over but she’s fairly straightforward. She put in a routine gallop this morning and all went well.”

PASHMINA – Red White and Blue Racing’s Pashmina visited the paddock under Jesse Sauter and then galloped a mile and a quarter for trainer Rob Atras.

Pashmina will represent the second Oaks starter for Atras, who brought Maracuja here in 2021.

“They are different horses,” Atras said of the fillies. “Maracuja was big and long while Pashmina has more tactical speed, is pretty handy and a little faster.”

Maracuja wound up seventh behind Malathaat, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2021.

“Maracuja had the 2 hole and she didn’t get away well and that compromised her a little bit, but she still ran well,” Atras said.

Maracuja’s next race after the Oaks was the Coaching Club American Oaks (GI) in which she defeated Malathaat by a head.

Pashmina will exit the other end of the starting gate this year from post 12 with Ramon Vazquez up.

PERCY’S BAR – With owner Gatewood Bell of Hat Creek Racing looking on, Ashland (GI) winner Percy’s Bar jogged to the frontside for a quick stop in the paddock before galloping a mile under Rene Morales.

Percy’s Bar will exit post 10 under Luan Machado in the Oaks, one spot closer to the inside following the exit of Bottle of Rouge.

“Gatewood’s lucky number is 11, so we have that saddle cloth,” trainer Ben Colebrook said. “I liked the draw. I didn’t want to the 13 or 14 or the 1 or 2.”

PROM QUEEN – Gary and Mary West’s Prom Queen trained at her normal 9:15 a.m. timeslot for trainer Brad Cox.

“She immediately stamped herself as a filly of quality as a 2-year-old,” Cox said. “She’s a big filly and definitely has route pedigree. She’s very athletic and a good mover.”

ZANY – The Kentucky Oaks morning-line favorite – Repole Stable's Zany – took another step forward toward the $1.5-million classic Monday morning at Churchill Downs when she went trackside at 6:10 a.m. from trainer Todd Pletcher's Barn 39 with exercise rider Nora McCormack at the controls.

The chestnut daughter of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah galloped nicely around the mile oval, covering roughly a mile and a quater before heading back to her home.

Zany, who has captured three of her four lifetime outings, will come out of Post 2 Friday with champion rider Irad Ortiz Jr. on her back. She's listed at 4-1 for starters in the 152nd edition of the Run for the Lillies.

The $5 MILLION LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS – Here’s the field for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) in post position order, with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds: Explora (Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert, 6-1); Zany (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 4-1); Search Party (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse, 30-1); Counting Stars (Francisco Arrieta, Mark Casse, 8-1); Meaning (Juan Hernandez, Michael McCarthy, 5-1); My Miss Mo (Micah Husbands, Saffie Joseph Jr., 20-1); Dazzling Dame (Luis Saez, Brittany Russell, 30-1); Bottle of Rouge (Mike Smith, Bob Baffert, 20-1); Always a Runner (Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown, 10-1); Prom Queen (Javier Castellano, Brad Cox, 8-1); Percy’s Bar (Luan Machado, Ben Colebrook, 6-1); Bella Ballerina (Tyler Gaffalione, Brendan Walsh, 10-1); Pashmina (Ramon Vazquez, Rob Atras, 30-1); Brooklyn Blonde (Kazushi Kimura, Michael McCarthy, 30-1); Lovely Grey (Dylan Davis, 30-1). Also Eligibles: Nycon (Jaime Torres, 50-1); Resist (Brian Hernandez Jr., 50-1).

.

Daily Derby Update: April 26, 2026

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:29:32 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 26, 2026

ALBUS/INCREDIBOLT – Pin Oak Stud’s Albus and Incredibolt turned in their final pre-Kentucky Derby works with half-mile breezes during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Derby and Kentucky Oaks hopefuls.

Albus, winner of the Wood Memorial (GII) in his most recent start, worked inside of the 3-year-old maiden filly Theoretical. With Antonio Garcia up, Albus was clocked in :49 for the half-mile with a :24.80 opening quarter and a five-eighths gallop out in 1:01.80.

Incredibolt, winner of the Virginia Derby in his most recent start, worked outside of the unraced 3-year-old Wan Dale. With jockey Jaime Torres up, Incredibolt covered his half in :47 with opening fractions of :12.60 and :24 and galloping out five-eighths in :59 and three-quarters in 1:13.80. The half-mile was the second fastest of 71 at the distance.

“They both looked happy and had their ears pricked,” trainer Riley Mott said. “They traveled well. Finished strong and galloped out well. They are two different horses and this was a typical work for them. Incredibolt is like a race car; he has a lot of gears. Albus is more of a grinder type and not that flashy.”

Torres has been aboard Incredibolt in all five of his starts and been a fan all along. “From the first time I breezed him I said that was my Derby horse,” Torres said. “His work was very good and all you would want to see (before the Derby).”

CHIEF WALLABEE – Mike and Kay Kay Ball’s Chief Wallabee completed his major preparation for Kentucky Derby 152 by working a half-mile in :49.20 in company under jockey Junior Alvarado.

Working outside of Steel, a maiden winner who most recently was ninth in the Wood Memorial (GIII), Chief Wallabee produced splits of :13.20, :25.40, :49.20 and out five-eighths in 1:01.80 and six furlongs in 1:15.20.

“We did what we wanted to do and if it doesn’t work out, then that’s on me,” said trainer Bill Mott, who will be trying for a consecutive Derby victory to bookend with Sovereignty from last year. Last year, I felt good about Sovereignty. Chief Wallabee has lots of class and ability and he is good and smooth. I’m not making any predictions. We’ll have to wait and see.”

COMMANDMENT/FULLEFFORT/FURTHER ADO – Trainer Brad Cox’s Kentucky Derby trio of Wathnan Racing’s Commandment, Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado and St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing’s Fulleffort had a walk day Sunday at Barn 22 following their final published works Saturday morning.

Commandment worked five furlongs in 1:01.40, Further Ado breezed five furlongs in 1:00 and Fulleffort worked five furlongs in :59.

Commandment drew post 6 for Kentucky Derby 152, while Further Ado and Fulleffort landed on the outside in posts 18 and 20, respectively.

“Commandment has shown he can handle traffic and run inside or outside of horses,” Cox said. “From there, he should have a chance to save some ground into the first turn.”

“Further Ado should be able to work out a good stalking trip from there and settle into the race,” Cox said. “With Fulleffort, hopefully he can work his way over a bit down the lane, save some ground and make that late run we’ve seen from him.”

DANON BOURBON – Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby invitee Danon Bourbon galloped about one mile Sunday morning under assistant trainer Satoshi Oshita and drew post 7 for Kentucky Derby 152.

“I thought it was just about perfect,” Oshita said of the draw. “There should be pace around us, so I think he’ll be able to go with them. And it’s a lucky number,” he added with a laugh. “After that, I’m sure (Atsuya) Nishimura will think it through and ride the race accordingly.”

EMERGING MARKET – Klaravich Stable’s Emerging Market jogged during the special training session for Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m.

Speaking about Emerging Market and Longines Kentucky Oaks entrant Always a Runner, trainer Chad Brown said, “They both came out of their works in good shape. They just jogged today and will go back to galloping a mile and a half tomorrow.”

GOLDEN TEMPO – Phipps Stable and St Elias Stable’s Golden Tempo drew post No. 19 for the Kentucky Derby and will give trainer Cherie DeVaux her first starter in the Run for the Roses.

“I’m just trying to keep things in perspective and not think too much for it being my first time in the race,” DeVaux said after watching Golden Tempo jog early Sunday morning.

INTREPIDO – The bay colt by the Into Mischief sire Maximus Mischief who is owned by the partnership of Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures teamed up with his regular rider – Hector I. Berrios – for an especially quick drill Sunday morning at Churchill Downs during the special Derby/Oaks "only" session between 7:15 and 7:30.

Berrios had come in from California for the exercise and he and his mount clipped off a nifty half mile in :45, fastest of 71 at the distance on the clockers' tab. His splits included :11.60 and :22.60, with "out" times of :57 and 1:10.20.

"He'll just walk tomorrow," said stable overseer and chief exercise rider Alejandro Galindo back at Barn 41. "Then we'll jog up to the race."

Intrepido's trainer, Jeff Mullins, is expected to land in Louisville on Thursday. The California veteran has been recovering from an unfortunatel incident that went down two days before the Santa Anita Derby at the Los Angeles area track. Mullins was on horseback when another Thoroughbred came up alongside him and delivered a nasty "cow kick" that broke the conditioner's leg. Reports are that he had been getting around using crutches, but recently shifted to using a walking boot.

LITMUS TEST/POTENTE – The pair of Derby colts out of trainer Bob Baffert's barn headed out to the racetrack Sunday morning during the special training period for Oaks/Derby runners between 7:15 and 7:30.

Litmus Test, owned by the extensive partnership headed by SF Racing and Starlight Racing, had execise rider Humberto Gomez on board and they turned in a good jog around the big oval that the rider said was accomplished "with good energy."

Potente, who races for Speedway Stables and went about his business with workmate Embry Show – a maiden – alongside, drilled sharply under rider Martin Garcia, zipping five furlongs in :57.80 on the fast oval. The Into Mischief offspring had splits of :11.60, :23.40, :34.80 and :46.60 en route to his final time, then galloped out six furlongs in 1:10.40.

"Oh, he's a good one," said Garcia. "Real nice horse."

Baffert took it all in from the grandstand where he maintains radio contact with his riders.

Litmus Test will start from Post 4 in the Derby with Garcia in the tack. Potente, who'll be handled by top California rider Juan Hernandez, will come out of Post 14.

PAVLOVIAN – The roan/gray colt turned in his final bit of serious exercise Sunday morning at Churchill Downs in advance of next Saturday's 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby. The son of Pavel, owned and bred by Californian J. Paul Reddam, had a pair of his Golden State pals involved in the drill with regular rider Edwin Maldonado in the saddle and trainer Doug O'Neill observing from the track's grandstand.

Pavlovian began his drill from the gate in the chute and broke smartly for Maldonado, who is known as a top gate rider. They put in splits of :25.80, :38 and :50.80 on the way to a final clocking of 1:03.40. Clockers caught him going "out" in 1:16.80.

"I thought he worked great," said Maldonado. "He was perfect out of the gate. That's a good work for him."

O'Neill, a double Derby winner already (I'll Have Another in 2012 and Nyquist in 2016), gave the move a big thumbs up. The conditioner indicated he'll stay in Kentucky for the balance of the week leading up to the big one.

Maldonado, a 25-year veteran in the saddle who'll be making his first start in the Kentucky Derby, was asked what his strategy might be regarding the famous mile and a quarter.

"I just want to be in that first flight; the first five or so horses," the rider said. "If I can get him up there to start and make it through that first turn OK, then we can figure out positioning and tactics from there."

RENEGADE – The Kentucky Derby 152 morning line favorite – Robert and Lawana Low and Repole Stable's Renegade – went trackside Sunday morning during the special 7:15 to 7:30 training period at Churchill Downs for Derby and Oaks runners.

The well-made colt by super sire Into Mischief had exercise rider Nora McCormack in the boot and they proceeded to gallop once aound the big oval, looking all the while like a professional racehorse. Trainer Todd Pletcher picked up most of the action from the trackside and appeared happy with his charge's exercise.

Renegade will break from the rail next Saturday with regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard.

RIGHT TO PARTY – Chester Broman Sr.’s Right to Party walked the shedrow Sunday morning following his Saturday breeze at Churchill Downs.

SILENT TACTIC – John Oxley’s Silent Tactic jogged in the mile chute and then galloped a mile and a half under Dass Garcia after coming on the track at 7:15 for trainer Mark Casse.

Winner of the Southwest (GIII) and runner-up in the Rebel (GII) and Arkansas Derby (GI), Silent Tactic is a 20-1 morning-line proposition who will exit post 13 under Cristian Torres.

“That is a perfect spot for him,” Casse said of Silent Tactic who never has been worse than second in six career starts.

SIX SPEED – UAE Derby (GII) runner-up Six Speed galloped Sunday morning for trainer Bhupat Seemar and is scheduled to record his final Kentucky Derby work Monday.

Jockey Declan Cannon, who’s been aboard the colt for the past several days, said he arrived at Churchill Downs with a reputation for being full of energy, but has handled his training well.

"He came in with a reputation that I’d have my hands full, but he’s been full of energy in a good way,” Cannon said. “He’s fit and ready to go, we just need to keep a lid on him. I’m looking forward to his breeze tomorrow.”

Brian Hernandez Jr., who won the 2024 Kentucky Derby aboard Mystik Dan, has the mount for Kentucky Derby 152 from post 17.

“Brian should handle him just fine,” Cannon said. “He’s a quiet rider with quiet hands. He’ll try to get him to relax as much as he can.”

SO HAPPY – Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners’ So Happy jogged one mile during the special training session for Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m.

THE PUMA – OGMA Investments, JR Ranch, High Step Racing, TCC Stables and Bruce Zoldan’s The Puma galloped Sunday morning for trainer Gustavo Delgado.

“He’s a cool dude. He’s pretty easy to handle,” assistant trainer/co-owner Gustavo Delgado Jr. said.. “More importantly he seems to like it here.”

Delgado noted the horse could work an easy half-mile on Monday or Tuesday.

The Puma drew post 9 in the Derby with Javier Castellano named to ride.

WONDER DEAN (JPN) – Yoshinari Yamamoto’s Wonder Dean (JPN) had a scheduled walk day Sunday following his six-furlong work Friday and is scheduled to resume training Monday during the 7:15 a.m. Kentucky Derby and Oaks exclusive training window.

THE $5 MILLION KENTUCY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (GI) – Here’s the field for Kentucky Derby 152 in post position order (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds): Renegade (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 4-1); Albus (Manny Franco, Riley Mott, 30-1); Intrepido (Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins, 50-1); Litmus Test (Martin Garcia, Bob Baffert, 30-1); Right to Party (Chris Elliott, Kenny McPeek, 30-1); Commandment (Luis Saez, Brad Cox, 6-1); Danon Bourbon (Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe, 20-1); So Happy (Mike Smith, Mark Glatt, 15-1); The Puma (Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado, 10-1); Wonder Dean (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi, 30-1); Incredibolt (Jaime Torres, Riley Mott, 20-1); Chief Wallabee (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott, 8-1); Silent Tactic (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse, 20-1); Potente (Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert, 20-1); Emerging Market (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown, 15-1); Pavlovian (Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill, 30-1); Six Speed (Brian Hernandez Jr., Bhupat Seemar, 50-1); Further Ado (John Velazquez, Brad Cox, 6-1); Golden Tempo (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux, 30-1); Fulleffort (Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox, 20-1). Also Eligibles: Great White (Alex Achard, John Ennis, 50-1); Ocelli (Joe Ramos, Whit Beckman, 50-1); Robusta (Emisael Jaramillo, Doug O’Neill, 50-1); Corona de Oro (Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart, 50-1).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

ALWAYS A RUNNER – Gazelle Stakes (GIII) winner Always a Runner jogged Sunday morning at Churchill Downs for trainer Chad Brown.

BELLA BALLERINA – Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina galloped Sunday morning under Erin Campbell for trainer Brendan Walsh. She drew post 10 for the Oaks.

“I’m really excited about her for the Oaks,” jockey Tyler Gaffalione said. “She’s been training great and is coming into the race in great shape. I hope we can repeat what we did on her sister (2023 Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous).

BOTTLE OF ROUGE/EXPLORA – Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert got a taste of the sweet – and a taste of the sour – that can be Thoroughbred racing Sunday morning.

His day started well at 5:30 a.m. when his Kentucky Oaks filly Bottle of Rouge – owned by his wife Jill – went through a good workout in :48.80 with rider Martin Garcia up. The move was meant to be her last major one prior to Friday's 152nd edition of the Run for the Lillies, where she was to be handled by Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith.

But, alas, "Rouge" did not come out of her drill in good order. Back at Barn 33 she started to cough and a veterinarian was called in to "scope" her. Unfortunately, she didn't pass that test. The trainer then did what he had to do and alerted Churchill officials that he was withdrawing his daughter of Vino Rosso from the race.

Further along in the morning, Baffert again had Garcia signed on to one of his charges – this time it was Pegram, Watson and Weitman's top filly Explora – and the pair went trackside just after 9 a.m. for what became a nifty five-panel move in :58.80 alongside maiden Winston Ave. And there was no coughing back at the barn afterwards.

"I don't think they can beat her," said an enthusiastic Garcia as he rode her back to the Baffet headquarters. "You know what, she reminds me of a filly named Plum Pretty (aboard whom he won the 2011 Kentucky Oaks). She was a good one and so is this one."

Explora, who drew Post 1 and will have the saddle services of champion rider Flavien Prat, will be making her eighth-career start. In her first seven, she finished either first or second and become a millionaire ($1,053,000) in the process.

BROOKLYN BLONDE/MEANING – Trainer Michael McCarthy's Oaks duo of Brindlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbreds' Meaning and Sun-Kissed Stable and Bobby Flay's Brooklyn Blonde got some exercise in Sunday morning prior to their planned outing in the Friday's Grade I Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

"Brooklyn" was out of Barn 27 early, hitting the track at 5:30 for a jog of one mile. Then during the 7:15 to 7:30 special Derby/Oaks training window, Meaning galloped a mile as her conditioner looked on.

"We're all good," McCarthy noted. "No complaints from me."

The trainer has signed on top California rider Juan Hernandez to handle Meaning in the $1.5 million headliner, while he's got another California reinsman – Kazushi Kimura – to be the man for Brooklyn Blonde.

COUNTING STARS/SEARCH PARTY – West Point Thoroughbreds’ Counting Stars and Tracy Farmer’s Search Party jogged in the mile chute and then galloped a mile and a half during the 7:15-7:30 Derby/Oaks training period.

Counting Stars, the 5 ½-length winner of the Fantasy (GII) in her most recent start, was partnered by Froylan Garcia while Search Party, the Fantasy runner-up, had Elver Vargas aboard.

Search Party and Counting Stars will start the Oaks next to each other in stalls 3 and 4, respectively.

“They both drew well,” said Mark Casse, who will leg up Francisco Arrieta on Counting Stars (8-1 on the morning line) and Cristian Torres on Search Party (30-1).

DAZZLING DAME – Respect the Valleys, Medallion Racing and Madaket Stables’ Dazzling Dame jogged a mile and galloped a mile under exercise rider Emma Wolfe during the 7:15-7:30 training period for Derby and Oaks horses.

Trained by Brittany Russell, Dazzling Dame will exit post 7 as a 30-1 morning line proposition under two-time Oaks winner Luis Saez.

MY MISS MO – Averill Racing, Mathis Stable and Tristan de Meric’s My Miss Mo jogged one lap over the Churchill Downs surface for the first time Sunday morning after arriving from Gulfstream Park on Saturday.

PASHMINA – Red White and Blue Racing’s Pashmina had a walk day for trainer Rob Atras after working a half-mile in :49.60 Saturday morning.

“Easy day for her,” said Jesse Sauter, who was aboard for the breeze. “She came out of the work good.”

Atras said part of Pashmina’s training this week would include another trip to the paddock and possibly a visit to the starting gate.

Listed at 30-1 on the Oaks morning line, Pashmina will exit post 13 under Ramon Vazquez.

PERCY’S BAR – Hat Creek Racing’s Percy’s Bar jogged two miles under exercise rider Rene Morales for trainer Ben Colebrook.

Winner of the Ashland (GI) in her most recent start, Percy’s Bar arrived at Churchill Downs Saturday morning and got settled into Barn 42, Stall 14 … the same spot occupied by Seattle Slew in 1977.

Percy’s Bar, the co-second choice at 6-1 on the Kentucky Oaks morning line, will exit post 11 under Luan Machado.

PROM QUEEN – Gary and Mary West’s Prom Queen drew post 10 for Friday’s Longines Kentucky Oaks and was installed as an 8-1 morning-line proposition for trainer Brad Cox.

“I think it’s a solid post for her,” Cox said. “She’s right there in the middle of the gate, which gives her options heading into the first turn. She’s tactical enough to put herself wherever she needs to be, so I was happy with it.”

ZANY – The daughter of Triple Crown champion American Pharoah went to the racetrack at 6 a.m. Sunday morning with exercise rider Nora McCormack in the tack and trainer Todd Pletcher following in trace from their Barn 39 headquarters.

The chestnut lassie, owned by Mike Repole's Repole Stable, looked a picture and McCormack sat high in the saddle. How long, the exercise rider was asked, had she worked for champion trainer Pletcher? "Too long," she said with a smile. Then, by way of explanation, she offered: "I don't like to count the years."

Pletcher had her take the 4-1 Oaks morning line favorite on to the big strip and gallop once around -- "five to the five," as it was explained.

On Friday, Zany will be handled by her regular rider, Irad Ortiz Jr.

The $5 MILLION LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS – Here’s the field for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) in post position order, with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds: Explora (Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert, 6-1); Zany (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 4-1); Search Party (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse, 30-1); Counting Stars (Francisco Arrieta, Mark Casse, 8-1); Meaning (Juan Hernandez, Michael McCarthy, 5-1); My Miss Mo (Micah Husbands, Saffie Joseph Jr., 20-1); Dazzling Dame (Luis Saez, Brittany Russell, 30-1); Bottle of Rouge (Mike Smith, Bob Baffert, 20-1); Always a Runner (Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown, 10-1); Prom Queen (Javier Castellano, Brad Cox, 8-1); Percy’s Bar (Luan Machado, Ben Colebrook, 6-1); Bella Ballerina (Tyler Gaffalione, Brendan Walsh, 10-1); Pashmina (Ramon Vazquez, Rob Atras, 30-1); Brooklyn Blonde (Kazushi Kimura, Michael McCarthy, 30-1); Lovely Grey (Dylan Davis, 30-1). Also Eligibles: Nycon (Jaime Torres, 50-1); Resist (Brian Hernandez Jr., 50-1).

.

Daily Derby Update: April 25, 2026

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:56:20 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 25, 2026

ALBUS/INCREDIBOLT – Trainer Riley Mott pushed workouts for his two trainees to Sunday morning.

“The track was a little heavy this morning,” Mott said before sending Albus and Incredibolt out for mile and a half gallops. Antonio Garcia was on Albus, the Wood Memorial (GII) winner and Charlotte O’Connell partnered Incredibolt, winner of the Virginia Derby.

CHIEF WALLABEE – Mike and Kay Kay Ball’s Chief Wallabee visited the paddock under Marvin Orantes and galloped a mile and a half.

Trainer Bill Mott plans to work Chief Wallabee Sunday morning.

“That’s the plan,” Mott said. “The weather is looking a little sketchy for Monday.”

CHIP HONCHO – Trainer Steve Asmussen reported that Chip Honcho would bypass Kentucky Derby 152 and target the Preakness Stakes (GI) on Saturday, May 16 at Laurel Park.

COMMANDMENT/FULLEFFORT/FURTHER ADO – Trainer Brad Cox’s Kentucky Derby trio of Wathnan Racing’s Commandment, St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing’s Fulleffort and Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado all recorded their final published works Saturday morning prior to Kentucky Derby 152.

Further Ado was first to the track at 5:15 a.m., breezing five furlongs in 1:00 with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez aboard. The Blue Grass (GI) winner worked through an opening quarter-mile in :24.60 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.

“I was very pleased with how he went,” Velazquez said. “I started paying attention to him after riding against him at Keeneland in his maiden race. He’s a very nice horse.”

Minutes later, Florida Derby (GI) winner Commandment worked five furlongs in 1:01.40 outside stablemate Rock Music. The colt covered his opening quarter-mile in :25.20 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.40.

“He’s a unique horse and doesn’t do a whole lot in his training, but his move today was exactly what we wanted a week out from the Derby,” Cox said. “You could tell in his gallop-out once he got by his workmate, his ears went up like he knew he was finished with the work.”

During the 7:15 a.m. Kentucky Derby exclusive training window, Fulleffort worked five furlongs in :59. The Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) winner posted fractions of :12.80, :24.60, :36.20 and :47.40 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:11.60.

“He’s continued to impress us on the dirt, and today was no different,” Cox said. “He’s worked like a different horse over this surface than when he was here as a 2-year-old.”

DANON BOURBON – Danox Co. Ltd.’s Danon Bourbon made his first appearance over the Churchill Downs oval Saturday morning, jogging one lap accompanied by a pony. He’s scheduled to have a similar training session Sunday.

EMERGING MARKET – Klaravich Stables’ Emerging Market walked Barn 25 Saturday following his four-furlong move in :47.60 Friday at Churchill Downs.

GOLDEN TEMPO – Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Golden Tempo arrived at Churchill Downs Saturday morning at 8:30 from Keeneland.

Trained by Cherie DeVaux, Golden Tempo had worked a half-mile in company in :47.40 Friday morning at Keeneland.

GREAT WHITE – Three Chimneys Farm and trainer John Ennis’ Great White arrived at Churchill Downs after 8 a.m. after vanning from Lexington this morning.

INTREPIDO – Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures' Intrepido did a double tour of the big Churchill Downs oval Saturday morning during the special training sessions for Derby and Oaks horses between 7:15 and 7:30. Regular exercise rider Alejandro Galindo was in the irons.

"We jogged a little and galloped some," Galindo offered back at Barn 41. "He felt just fine."

Galindo also noted that the colt's regular rider, Hector I. Berrios, would be onsite to handle his final drill Sunday morning.

LITMUS TEST/POTENTE – Trainer Bob Baffert's duo for Derby 152 – Speedway Stables' Potente and SF Racing, Starlight Racing and partners' Litmus Test – moved forward toward the mile and a quarter classic in their own way Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.

Potente had exercise rider Humberto Gomez in the boot for a gallop of a mile and three-eighths during the special training period between 7:15 and 7:30.

Litmus Test, who turned in a sharp five-furlong drill in :59 Thursday under rider Martin Garcia, was only a shedrow walker Saturday.

Potente is scheduled to put in his final work for the Run for the Roses Sunday morning with regular rider Juan Hernandez in from California to do the steering.

Litmust Test was listed as No. 21 and not in the big race early Saturday morning. Baffert was asked what "Plan B" for his colt was should he not make the race.

"No Plan B," the conditioner stated emphatically, and presciently.

As it turned out there was no need for a Plan B. Litmus Test is a go and he'll have Garcia on his back for the 10-furlong classic.

PAVLOVIAN – Reddam Racing's Pavlovian, the homebred gray/roan by the California stallion Pavel, put in a one-mile jog Saturday morning during the 7:15 to 7:30 special training session for Derby and Oaks horses at Churchill Downs. Stable overseer Tony Romero was at the controls for the exercise.

The colt will be making his 11th start in Derby 152, the most of any runner in the 20-horse lineup. But first he'll have to put in a final work tomorrow morning -- with Edwin Maldonado, the California-based rider who'll handle him in the Derby, on board -- and trainer Doug O'Neill watching from the backside.

Romero, who has been with the colt since Day one, passed on a bit of information that might be of interest to fans should the weather turn wet heading into next Saturday's Run for the Roses.

"He likes the mud," Romero offered. "If it rains, we'll like it."

RENEGADE – Robert and Lawana Low and Repole Stable’s Renegade arrived at Churchill Downs at 2:45 Saturday morning after departing Palm Beach Downs in South Florida at 8:20 Friday morning.

Trainer Todd Pletcher is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Saturday afternoon.

RIGHT TO PARTY – Chester Broman Sr.’s Right to Party worked five furlongs in 1:01.40 Saturday morning in company with Very Connected for trainer Kenny McPeek. The colt worked with exercise rider/assistant trainer Robby Albarado inside his stablemate in his final major move prior to Kentucky Derby 152.

“I put him inside today,” McPeek said. “I think he is more focused inside. I wasn’t worried about time today, happy to get this last work in.”

McPeek said the colt had a couple of loose caps in his mouth earlier in the week that affected his training, but after having horse dentist Marty Hissle address the issue, he moved much better Saturday.

Chris Elliott has the mount in Kentucky Derby 152.

SILENT TACTIC – John Oxley’s Silent Tactic returned to the track a little before 6 a.m. to jog for 15 minutes in the mile chute with Dass Garcia aboard.

The Mark Casse trainee had worked a half-mile in :48 on Thursday and walked the shedrow Friday.

SIX SPEED – UAE Derby (GII) runner-up Six Speed galloped during the 7:15 a.m. training window with Declan Cannon aboard. The colt trains in a hood and shadow roll and will be ridden in Kentucky Derby 152 by Brian Hernandez Jr., who won the 2024 Kentucky Derby aboard Mystik Dan.

SO HAPPY – Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner So Happy walked the shedrow following his Friday morning breeze at Churchill Downs.

THE PUMA – Florida Derby (GI) runner-up The Puma galloped about 1 ½ miles Saturday morning at Churchill Downs for trainer Gustavo Delgado Sr.

WONDER DEAN (JPN) – Yoshinari Yamamoto’s Wonder Dean had an easy day Saturday, walking around Barn 17 following his six-furlong work Friday as he continues preparations for Kentucky Derby 152.

SHAPING UP: THE $5 MILLION KENTUCY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (GI) – Here is the top 20 preference list for the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) in alphabetical order (with jockey and trainer): Albus (Manny Franco, Riley Mott); Chief Wallabee (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Commandment (Luis Saez, Brad Cox); Danon Bourbon (Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe); Emerging Market (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown); Further Ado (John Velazquez, Brad Cox); Fulleffort (Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox); Golden Tempo (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux); Incredibolt (Jaime Torres, Riley Mott); Intrepido (Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins); Litmus Test (Martin Garcia, Bob Baffert); Pavlovian (Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill); Potente (Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert); Renegade (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Right to Party (Chris Elliott, Kenny McPeek); Silent Tactic (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse); Six Speed (Brian Hernandez Jr., Bhupat Seemar); So Happy (Mike Smith, Mark Glatt); The Puma (Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado); Wonder Dean (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi). Also Eligibles: Great White (Alex Achard, John Ennis); Ocelli (Joe Ramos, Whit Beckman); Robusta (Emisael Jaramillo, Doug O’Neill); Corona de Oro (Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart)

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

ALWAYS A RUNNER – Gazelle (GIII) winner Always a Runner walked trainer Chad Brown’s Barn 25 Saturday morning following her Friday half-mile move in :48.40.

BELLA BALLERINA – Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina walked in trainer Brendan Walsh’s barn Saturday morning and is expected to go back to the track Sunday.

BOTTLE OF ROUGE/EXPLORA – Pegram, Watson and Weitman's Explora and Jill Baffert's Bottle of Rouge both stretched their legs Saturday morning at Churchill Downs in advance of their dates next Friday in the Grade I Longines Oaks.

Explora, who'll go the nine furlongs of the Oaks with champion jockey Flavien Prat on her back, was out at 5:45 a.m. with exercise rider Humbeto Gomez at the controls. She galloped a mile and a quarter and "felt good," according to her pilot.

Bottle of Rouge also went a mile and a quarter, though she did it during the special 7:15 to 7:30 special training time for Derby and Oaks horses with exercise rider Talia Viscusi doing the driving. Hall of Famer Mike Smith is scheduled to be aboard the daughter of Vino Rosso come Friday.

BROOKLYN BLONDE/MEANING – The duo of soph fillies who train out of Michael McCarthy's Barn 27 on the Churchill Downs backside merely walked the shedrow Saturday morning after both had turned in works Friday leading up to potential starts in next Friday's Run for the Lillies.

Meaning, who races for Brindlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, is a go for the nine-furlong classic and she'll be handled by the top California rider Juan Hernandez. "Brooklyn," who flies the silks of Sun-Kissed Stables and Bobby Flay, made the Oaks field as of entry time and will be ridden by Kazushi Kimura.

McCarthy was asked how his two lassies had come out of their exercises from the day before. "No complaints," he noted.

COUNTING STARS/SEARCH PARTY – The Mark Casse-trained Oaks duo of West Point Thoroughbreds’ Counting Stars and Tracy Farmer’s Search Party returned to the track a little before 6 a.m. to jog for 15 minutes in the mile chute.

Search Party, who had Elver Vargas up this morning, worked a half-mile in :47.60 on Thursday and Counting Stars, who had Froylan Garcia aboard today, worked a half in :48.60 on Thursday. Both walked the shedrow Friday.

DAZZLING DAME – Respect the Valleys, Medallion Racing and Madaket Stables’ Dazzling Dame, returning to Churchill Downs for the first time since finishing fourth in last September’s Pocahonas (GIII), jogged a mile under exercise rider Emma Wolfe.

LORELEI LEE – Bourbonette Oaks (Listed) winner Lorelei Lee will bypass the Kentucky Oaks and instead run in the $600,000 Edgewood presented by Accenture (GII).

MY MISS MO – Averill Racing, Mathis Stable and Tristan De Meric’s My Miss Mo arrived at Churchill Downs from Gulfstream Park Saturday morning following an overnight van ride.

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on Sunday.

PARADISE/PROM QUEEN – Gary and Mary West’s Prom Queen walked trainer Brad Cox’s shedrow Saturday morning and expected to go back to the track Sunday.

Gazelle (GIII) third-place finisher Paradise will not enter the Kentucky Oaks, according to Cox.

PASHMINA – Red White and Blue Racing’s Pashmina worked a half-mile in :49.60 with Jesse Sauter aboard for trainer Rob Atras.

“The track was kind of deep and sticky, but she did it easy,” Sauter said.

Atras was pleased with the work from Pashmina, whose Oaks appearance will mark a fifth track at which she has raced.

“I thought she worked great,” Atras said. “She got going at the four and a half and he let her pick it up down the lane.

“She’s been all over,” Atras added regarding Pashmina’s travels that have taken her to Keeneland, Fair Grounds, Sunland Park and Aqueduct. “I think that helps coming to a new track that she has done well before.”

PERCY’S BAR – Hat Creek Racing’s Percy’s Bar arrived at Churchill Downs at 8:30 Saturday morning after leaving her home base at Keeneland for trainer Ben Colebrook.

SHE BE SMOOTH/ZANY – Calumet Farm’s She Be Smooth and Repole Stable’s Zany arrived at Churchill Downs at 2:45 Saturday morning after departing Palm Beach Downs in South Florida at 8:20 Friday morning.

However, trainer Todd Pletcher did not enter She Be Smooth in the Oaks.

“I didn’t feel she was ready,” Pletcher said.

SHAPING UP: The $5 MILLION LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS – Here is the top 14 preference list for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) in alphabetical order (with jockey and trainer): Always a Runner (Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown), Bella Ballerina (Tyler Gaffalione, Brendan Walsh), Bottle of Rouge (Mike Smith, Bob Baffert), Brooklyn Blonde (Kazushi Kimura, Michael McCarthy), Counting Stars (Francisco Arrieta, Mark Casse), Dazzling Dame (Luis Saez, Brittany Russell) Explora (Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert), Meaning (Juan Hernandez, Michael McCarthy), My Miss Mo (Micah Husbands, Saffie Joseph Jr.), Pashmina (Ramon Vazquez, Rob Atras), Percy’s Bar (Luan Machado, Ben Colebrook), Prom Queen (Javier Castellano, Brad Cox), Search Party (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse), She Be Smooth (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher), Zany (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher).

Daily Derby Update: April 24, 2026

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:02:37 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 24, 2026

ALBUS/INCREDIBOLT – Pin Oak Stud’s Derby duo of Albus and Incredibolt visited the paddock and then galloped a mile and a half for trainer Riley Mott.

Mott initially had considered working his colts Friday morning to beat anticipated showers forecast for the Louisville area Friday night into Saturday but opted to wait.

Apparently it is the right move with only brief rain forecast for tonight and clouds Saturday morning when the colts will work during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Derby and Oaks horses.

Antonio Garcia, who was on Albus this morning, is slated to handle his work Saturday while jockey Jaime Torres will work Incredibolt who was partnered by Charlotte O’Connell this morning.

CHIEF WALLABEE – Mike and Kay Kay Ball’s Chief Wallabee visited the paddock as well as the starting gate before galloping a mile and a half under Marvin Orantes.

Chief Wallabee will be attempting to give trainer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado consecutive Derby victories to go with the Sovereignty triumph of 2025.

The most recent trainer of six to win the Derby in consecutive years is Bob Baffert with Silver Charm in 1997 and Real Quiet in 1998 and Victor Espinoza is the most recent of six riders to go back to back with California Chrome in 2014 and American Pharoah in 2015.

Chief Wallabee is scheduled to work Sunday or Monday with Alvarado slated to be aboard for the final pre-Derby drill.

CHIP HONCHO – Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe and John Cilia’s Chip Honcho galloped Friday morning for trainer Steve Asmussen and is scheduled to work Saturday as connections continue monitoring the Kentucky Derby field.

COMMANDMENT/FULLEFFORT/FURTHER ADO – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Wathnan Racing’s Commandment, St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing’s Fulleffort and Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado trained a little later than normal Friday morning and remain scheduled to work Saturday.

Commandment and Fulleffort both trained around 6:15 a.m. Commandment jogged in the chute before galloping 1 ¼ miles, while Fulleffort jogged. About 20 minutes later, Further Ado galloped.

DANON BOURBON – Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby invitee Danon Bourbon arrived at Churchill Downs around 7:30 a.m. Friday following USDA quarantine in Chicago and is scheduled to train Saturday morning.

EMERGING MARKET – Klaravich Stable’s Emerging Market worked a half-mile in :47.60 Friday morning with Flavien Prat aboard for trainer Chad Brown. The colt worked in company with maiden Hedge Brook.

“He just glided through the lane,” Brown said. “He galloped way out past three-quarters the right way and came back good. I was very pleased with the way he was moving. He hit his fractions perfect, and he didn’t even look like he was going that fast, which is what you love to see as a trainer.”

GOLDEN TEMPO – At Keeneland, Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Golden Tempo worked a half-mile under Ameth Gonzalez in :47.40 in company with multiple graded stakes winner and $2.4 million earner Brilliant Berti for trainer Cherie DeVaux.

It was the fourth Keeneland work, all in company, for Golden Tempo since a third-place finish in the Louisiana Derby on March 21.

“He has had different company, and he’s outworked each one,” DeVaux said “This was just a maintenance work and Brilliant Berti is a pretty good workhorse, and he’s older. It was good company with him, we didn’t want him doing too much in the work and the gallop out. It was a really good company, and with Brilliant Berti, even though he’s a turf horse, works pretty well on the dirt.”

Golden Tempo is scheduled to leave Keeneland at 7 in the morning for the van ride to Churchill Downs.

INTREPIDO – Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures’ Intrepido continued to move forward to his date in Derby 152 with a solid two-mile jog Friday morning under exercise rider Alejandro Galindo.

“He felt good,” Galindo offered afterward back at Barn 41.

Intrepido was the winner of the Grade I American Pharoah at Santa Anita last October and has banked more than $342,000 in purses so far. He is trained by West Coast veteran Jeff Mullins.

Intrepido is scheduled to work Sunday morning with Hector Berrios in the saddle.

POTENTE – Speedway Stables’ Potente turned in a solid mile jog Friday morning under exercise rider Humberto Gomez. The $2.4-million colt by super sire Into Mischief has only a trio of starts under his belt as he heads toward Derby 152, but they were good ones. He won first time out in January at Santa Anita, then came back there for another score in the San Felipe (GII) on March 7. In his most recent outing he ran second in the Santa Anita Derby.

The bay colt hails from the prolific barn of conditioner Bob Baffert, who already has six Derby victories on his ledger and is scheduled to make it into town this evening.

PAVLOVIAN – The homebred gray/roan colt by the California sire Pavel was feeling frisky Friday at Churchill Downs and went through a strong gallop under Tony Romero during the special Derby/Oaks training period on a picture-perfect morning. He was a handful back at Barn 41 afterward as he makes his way toward his 11th start – the 152nd Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.

Trainer Doug O’Neill has been tending to his large string back on the West Coast, including runners for Pavlovian’s owner/breeder – J. Paul Reddam. The colt is scheduled to turn in his final drill for the Derby this Sunday, while his conditioner is slated to come on board Tuesday.

Pavlovian’s two most recent efforts saw him come away a winner in the Sunland Derby and be beaten a head in the Louisiana Derby.

RENEGADE – Robert and Lawana Low and Repole Stable’s Renegade was en route to Churchill Downs after leaving Palm Beach Downs in South Florida at 8:20 Friday morning with an early Saturday morning arrival expected at the track.

Renegade worked a half-mile in :49.07 Thursday morning at Palm Beach.

Trainer Todd Pletcher is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Saturday afternoon.

RIGHT TO PARTY – Chester Broman Sr.’s Right to Party galloped Friday morning for trainer Kenny McPeek and is scheduled to record his final Kentucky Derby work Saturday.

SILENT TACTIC – John Oxley’s Silent Tactic, who worked a half-mile in :48 Thursday morning, walked the shedrow at trainer Mark Casse’s barn Friday morning.

“He’s doing fine this morning,” said Casse, whose Derby hopeful has been dealing with a bruised foot for the past four weeks. “He is probably better now than he has been in months.”

SIX SPEED – Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds, Steve Adkisson and Swinbank Stables’ Six Speed got acquainted with the Churchill Downs surface Friday morning for the first time since arriving from Europe.

Jockey Declan Cannon was aboard the UAE Oaks (GII) runner-up for his morning training session. Trainer Bhupat Seemar is scheduled to be the special guest Saturday on the Kentucky Derby Morning Works Show presented by TwinSpires.

SO HAPPY – Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners’ So Happy worked five furlongs in 1:00.20 Friday morning under jockey Mike Smith for trainer Mark Glatt.

“We thought he worked really well,” Glatt said. “He’s the type of horse that just goes through the motions in the morning. Oftentimes we will give him a little bit of company, but we decided not to do that today. He got over the track well and galloped out a little stronger than he normally does, so I felt like it was just about right coming into the race.”

Smith added, “He did what he always does, he just kind of does what he has to do. Especially by himself, I knew it was going to be a little bit challenging. The track was a little bit deeper in the second break than it was the first, but he still went good for him. He’s just not much of a flashy work horse.”

THE PUMA – Florida Derby (GI) runner-up The Puma, owned by OGMA Investments, JR Ranch and High Step Racing, galloped Friday morning in his first serious training session since arriving at Churchill Downs on Tuesday.

The Puma previously tack-walked Wednesday and jogged Thursday.

WONDER DEAN (JPN) – Yoshinari Yamamoto’s Wonder Dean worked six furlongs in 1:17.80 Friday morning under Takuya Nakano in preparation for Kentucky Derby 152.

The UAE Derby (GII) winner began with a methodical opening furlong in :15.40 before increasing his speed to a half-mile in :54.40 and finishing his final quarter-mile in :23.40.

“He felt similar today as he did during his breeze a week out from the UAE Derby,” Nakano said. “He felt really great. This gives me a lot of confidence that he will be able to perform his best on Derby Day.”

SHAPING UP: THE $5 MILLION KENTUCY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (GI) – Here is the top 20 preference list for the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) in alphabetical order (with jockey and trainer): Albus (Manny Franco, Riley Mott); Chief Wallabee (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Chip Honcho (TBD, Steve Asmussen); Commandment (Luis Saez, Brad Cox); Danon Bourbon (Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe); Emerging Market (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown); Further Ado (John Velazquez, Brad Cox); Fulleffort (Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox); Golden Tempo (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux); Incredibolt (Jaime Torres, Riley Mott); Intrepido (Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins); Pavlovian (Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill); Potente (Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert); Renegade (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Right to Party (Chris Elliott, Kenny McPeek); Silent Tactic (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse); Six Speed (TBD, Bhupat Seemar); So Happy (Mike Smith, Mark Glatt); The Puma (Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado); Wonder Dean (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi). Also Eligibles: Litmus Test (TBD, Bob Baffert); Great White (Alex Achard, John Ennis); Ocelli (TBD, Whit Beckman); Robusta (TBD, Doug O’Neill)

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

ALWAYS A RUNNER – Douglas Scharbauer and Three Chimneys Farm’s Always a Runner completed her final serious Longines Kentucky Oaks tune-up Friday morning for trainer Chad Brown, working a half-mile in :48.40 under Jose Ortiz in company with maiden winner Leinani.

“I was able to get Jose Ortiz out to breeze her, who is going to ride her for the first time in the Kentucky Oaks, which I thought was a real positive,” Brown said. “He just loved the filly. Very smooth, and she galloped out well.”

BELLA BALLERINA – Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina worked a half-mile in :47.40 Friday morning with jockey Tyler Gaffalione aboard for trainer Brendan Walsh in company with Diamond Eyed Jack (four furlongs, :47.80). The filly galloped out five furlongs in :59.20.

“She worked very well this morning and did everything we wanted to see,” Walsh said. “Tyler was very happy with her, and she came out of it in great shape.”

Gaffalione is named to ride Bella Ballerina in the Longines Kentucky Oaks.

BOTTLE OF ROUGE/EXPLORA – The duo of trainer Bob Baffert fillies who are headed to next Friday’s Kentucky Oaks both stretched their legs Friday morning at Churchill Downs. Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman’s Explora (already a millionaire) and the trainer’s wife Jill’s Bottle of Rouge (a three-time stakes winner) turned in good jogs for their dates in next Friday’s Run for the Lillies.

Humberto Gomez was aboard for Explora’s mile exercise, while Talia Viscusi was at the controls for “Rouge’s” similar drill.

Overseeing the Baffert stable’s Kentucky string currently are a duo of racetrack veterans – Dan Ward and Jimmy Barnes. Ward, who has more than a half-century in the game working for such aces as the late Bobby Frankel and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, just recently signed on with Baffert to handle his eastern runners. Barnes, the stable’s king of “on-the-road,” now has 27 years of playing right-hand-man to the Hall of Fame conditioner who will be aiming for his fourth tally in the filly classic.

BROOKLYN BLONDE/MEANING – The duo of fillies who come out of trainer Michael McCarthy’s Barn 27 on the Churchill Downs’ backside saddled up and went trackside for the 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. special training period for Derby and Oaks runners Friday morning.

Meaning, who is owned by Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbreds and is a go for the Run for the Lillies next Friday, had exercise rider Juanito Alverez in the tack, while “Brooklyn,” who is still hopeful to get a chance to run in the nine-furlong classic for owners Sun Kissed Stable and Bobby Flay, had rider Ben Curtis aboard.

Both fillies went through a brief warmup followed by Meaning, a double stakes winner at Santa Anita this year, firing off first and going through a solid five-panel drill in 1:00. The daughter of champion Gun Runner drew praise from her conditioner: “I was real happy with that,” he noted back at the barn afterward. Brooklyn Blonde followed her stablemate’s exercise and also went five furlongs with her time coming out at 1:01, which drew a thumbs up from her conditioner.

Entries for the 152nd Kentucky Oaks will be drawn Saturday between the third and fourth races at approximately 2 p.m.

COUNTING STARS/SEARCH PARTY – Trainer Mark Casse’s two Kentucky Oaks hopefuls – West Point Thoroughbreds’ Counting Stars and Tracy Farmer’s Search Party – walked the shedrow following half-mile works from Thursday.

“All fine this morning,” Casse reported of Counting Stars (:48.60) and Search Party (:47.60).

DAZZLING DAME – Respect the Valleys, Medallion Racing and Madaket Stables’ Dazzling Dame arrived at Churchill Downs at 4:40 a.m. after vanning from the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland.

Trained by Brittany Russell, Dazzling Dame had worked a half-mile in :49.20 on the dirt at Fair Hill Thursday morning. Russell is expected to arrive in Louisville tonight.

MY MISS MO – Averill Racing, Mathis Stables and Tristan De Meric’s My Miss Mo, runner-up in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) in her most recent start, was scheduled to leave Gulfstream Park at 1 p.m. with an early Saturday morning arrival anticipated at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. will arrive in Louisville Sunday.

PARADISE/PROM QUEEN – Trainer Brad Cox’s Longines Kentucky Oaks contenders Gary and Mary West’s Prom Queen and NK Racing and LNJ Foxwoods’ Paradise both worked Friday morning at Churchill Downs.

Prom Queen worked around 9:15 a.m., breezing five furlongs in :59.80 with exercise rider Edvin Vargas aboard. The Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) winner recorded fractions of :12.20 and :23.60, galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.40 and completed seven furlongs in 1:25.60.

“She’s a filly that gets a lot out of her training, and we kept her in her normal routine this morning,” Cox said of Prom Queen. “It was a really strong work and we’re in a good spot with her.”

Earlier in the morning, Gazelle (GIII) third-place finisher Paradise worked a half-mile in :47.60 in company with On Time Girl. Along with the Longines Kentucky Oaks, Paradise also is nominated to the $700,000 Eight Belles presented by Sysco (GII) on the Kentucky Oaks undercard.

PASHMINA – Red White and Blue Racing’s Pashmina visited the paddock under Jesse Sauter and then galloped a mile and a half during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses.

Runner-up in the Gazelle (GIII) in her most recent start, Pashmina is scheduled to work Saturday or Sunday for trainer Rob Atras who was en route to Louisville Friday morning. Ramon Vazquez has the Oaks mount.

PERCY’S BAR – Hat Creek Racing’s Percy’s Bar walked the shedrow at trainer Ben Colebrook’s Keeneland barn Friday morning a day after working a half-mile in :49.60 in company.

Colebrook plans to send Percy’s Bar to the main track at Keeneland early Saturday morning before vanning to Churchill Downs at 7 o’clock. All Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses have to be on the grounds by 11 a.m. Saturday.

SHE BE SMOOTH/ZANY – Calumet Farm’s She Be Smooth and Repole Stable’s Zany were en route to Churchill Downs after leaving Palm Beach Downs in South Florida at 8:20 Friday morning with an early Saturday morning arrival expected at the track.

The two fillies worked together in :49.07 for a half-mile Thursday at Palm Beach.

Trainer Todd Pletcher is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Saturday afternoon.

SHAPING UP: The $5 MILLION LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS – Here is the top 14 preference list for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) in alphabetical order (with jockey and trainer): Always a Runner (Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown), Bella Ballerina (Tyler Gaffalione, Brendan Walsh), Bottle of Rouge (Mike Smith, Bob Baffert), Counting Stars (Francisco Arrieta, Mark Casse), Explora (Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert), Meaning (Juan Hernandez, Michael McCarthy), My Miss Mo (TBA, Saffie Joseph Jr.), Paradise (TBA, Brad Cox), Pashmina (Ramon Vazquez, Rob Atras), Percy’s Bar (Luan Machado, Ben Colebrook), Prom Queen (Javier Castellano, Brad Cox), Search Party (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse), She Be Smooth (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher), Zany (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher).

Daily Derby Update: April 23, 2026

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:42:38 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 23, 2026

Scheduled to work Friday at Churchill Downs for the Derby are Emerging Market, So Happy and Wonder Dean (JPN), with Golden Tempo expected to work at Keeneland.

ALBUS/INCREDIBOLT – Pin Oak Stud’s Albus and Incredibolt galloped a mile and a quarter and then ventured to the mile chute to visit the starting gate before completing their morning activity by galloping another quarter-mile.

“That is pretty standard for us,” trainer Riley Mott said after the two returned to the barn with Antonio Garcia on Albus and Charlotte O’Connell on Incredibolt.

Mott said he would be watching the weather to determine a final work day for his runners.

“It doesn’t look like the forecast is as ominous as it was earlier,” Mott said. “Looks like the rain starts at 6 tomorrow night but doesn’t stick around, so we should be OK Saturday morning.

“They have worked together before but they won’t this time. Antonio would be on Albus and Jaime Torres on Incredibolt.”

CHIEF WALLABEE – Mike and Kay Kay Ball’s Chief Wallabee visited the paddock and then galloped a mile and a half under Marvin Orantes for trainer Bill Mott.

CHIP HONCHO – Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe and John Cilia’s Chip Honcho galloped Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. with exercise rider Roberto Howell aboard for trainer Steve Asmussen. The colt is scheduled to work Saturday.

COMMANDMENT/FULLEFFORT/FURTHER ADO – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Wathnan Racing’s Commandment, St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing’s Fulleffort and Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado trained Thursday morning at Churchill Downs before schooling in the paddock.

Commandment and Fulleffort were out in the first training set at 5:15 a.m. Commandment, with assistant trainer and exercise rider Katie Tolbert aboard, jogged, while Fulleffort galloped about 1 ½ miles under Edvin Vargas. Further Ado trained in the second set with exercise rider Jonathan Santiago aboard, jogging about a half-mile before galloping about 1 ½ miles.

All three horses would work Saturday or Sunday depending on the weather, according to Cox.

DANON BOURBON – Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby invitee Danon Bourbon remains in USDA quarantine in Chicago and is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs Friday morning. The colt is expected to train Saturday morning and will be based in Barn 17.

EMERGING MARKET – Klaravich Stables’ Emerging Market galloped a mile and a half under Luis Ortiz Trinidad for trainer Chad Brown.

Brown said that Emerging Market would work at 7:15 Friday with jockey Flavien Prat aboard.

INTREPIDO – Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures’ Intrepido jogged two miles under Alejandro Galindo for trainer Jeff Mullins.

Galindo said Intrepido is scheduled to work Sunday morning with jockey Hector Berrios coming in for the breeze.

LITMUS TEST – Los Alamitos Futurity (GII) winner Litmus Test worked five furlongs out of the gate in company with Favoritism in :59 under Martin Garcia here Thursday morning.

Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols caught Litmus Test in fractions of :23.80, :35.40, :47.20, :59 and then out six furlongs in 1:11.20 and seven-eighths in 1:24.

“He was going to work Sunday (at Oaklawn Park) but the weather was bad and the track was sealed so we gave him a couple days to gallop here and he was good to go,” said Dan Ward, who is overseeing trainer Bob Baffert’s string here.

With Stark Contrast opting for the American Turf, Litmus Test stands at No. 21 on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard and needs one defection from horses under consideration for the Derby to make the main body of the field when entries are taken Saturday.

PAVLOVIAN – Reddam Racing’s Pavlovian galloped a mile and a half at 7:15 under Tony Romero for trainer Doug O’Neill. Pavlovian is scheduled to work Sunday.

POTENTE – Speedway Stables’ Potente is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs Thursday afternoon after shipping from his Southern California base for trainer Bob Baffert.

RIGHT TO PARTY – Chester Broman Sr.’s Right to Party galloped Thursday morning for trainer Kenny McPeek and is scheduled to record his final Kentucky Derby work Saturday.

SILENT TACTIC – John Oxley’s Silent Tactic worked a half-mile in :48 under jockey Cristian Torres for trainer Mark Casse.

Working on his own at 7:15, Silent Tactic clicked off fractions of :12, :24, :48 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:01 and six furlongs in 1:14.80, according to Churchill Downs clocker Adam Wallace.

“He got over the track really well and when he came back, he wasn’t even blowing,” Casse said of Silent Tactic’s first Churchill Downs work.

The work was accomplished on a Chamber of Commerce morning with mild temperatures.

“The weather was perfect,” Casse said, adding with a smile, Now let the other guys worry about the weather.”

SIX SPEED – Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds, Steve Adkisson and Swinbank Stables’ Six Speed is scheduled to clear quarantine Thursday evening and train Friday at 7:15 a.m.

SO HAPPY – Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners’ Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner So Happy galloped a mile and a half under Gustavo Alvarado during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses.

Trainer Mark Glatt was on hand for the morning activity for So Happy who is scheduled to work Friday morning.

STARK CONTRAST – Amerman Racing’s Stark Contrast will bypass Kentucky Derby 152 and be entered in the $1 million American Turf (GI) on Derby Day according to trainer Michael McCarthy.

THE PUMA – OGMA Investments, JR Ranch and High Step Racing’s The Puma jogged a mile under Carlos Oliveras for trainer Gustavo Delgado.

It was the first day on track for The Puma, who arrived at Churchill Downs Tuesday and tack-walked in Barn 42 on Wednesday.

WONDER DEAN (JPN) – Yoshinari Yamamoto’s Wonder Dean galloped Thursday morning and remains scheduled to work six furlongs Friday.

SHAPING UP: THE $5 MILLION KENTUCY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (GI) – Here is the top 20 preference list for the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) in alphabetical order (with jockey and trainer): Albus (Manny Franco, Riley Mott); Chief Wallabee (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Chip Honcho (TBD, Steve Asmussen); Commandment (Luis Saez, Brad Cox); Danon Bourbon (Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe); Emerging Market (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown); Further Ado (John Velazquez, Brad Cox); Fulleffort (Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox); Golden Tempo (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux); Incredibolt (Jaime Torres, Riley Mott); Intrepido (Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins); Pavlovian (Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill); Potente (Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert); Renegade (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Right to Party (Chris Elliott, Kenny McPeek); Silent Tactic (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse); Six Speed (TBD, Bhupat Seemar); So Happy (Mike Smith, Mark Glatt); The Puma (Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado); Wonder Dean (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi). Also Eligibles: Litmus Test (TBD, Bob Baffert); Great White (Alex Achard, John Ennis); Ocelli (TBD, Whit Beckman); Robusta (TBD, Doug O’Neill)

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

ALWAYS A RUNNER – Douglas Scharbauer and Three Chimneys Farm’s Always a Runner galloped a mile and a half under Oscar Becerra Laynen for trainer Chad Brown.

Brown said the undefeated winner of the Gazelle (GIII) would work Friday morning at 7:15 with jockey Jose Ortiz up.

BELLA BALLERINA – Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina galloped Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. and is scheduled to work Friday for trainer Brendan Walsh.

BOTTLE OF ROUGE/EXPLORA – Jill Baffert’s Bottle of Rouge and Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman’s Explora are expected to arrive at Churchill Downs this afternoon after leaving their Southern California base early Thursday morning.

COUNTING STARS/SEARCH PARTY – Trainer Mark Casse sent his two Kentucky Oaks hopefuls out under the lights at Churchill Downs shortly after the track opened Thursday morning for half-mile works.

First up was Tracy Farmer’s Search Party. With Cristian Torres up, Search Party clicked off fractions of :11.80 and :23.20 with the half-mile in :47.60. She galloped out five furlongs in 1:00.40 and six furlongs in 1:13.80.

“That was probably as good as she has ever worked,” Casse said of the Fantasy (GII) runner-up.

A few minutes later, West Point Thoroughbreds’ Fantasy winner Counting Stars worked a half-mile in:48.60 under Froylan Garcia.

Fractions on the work were :12.40, :24.60, :48 and out five furlongs in 1:01.20 and six furlongs in 1:15.

“We had to slow her down a little bit or otherwise she would have just zipped around there,” Casse said. “Pleased with all the works.”

MEANING/BROOKLYN BLONDE – Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Meaning and Sun-Kissed Stables and Bobby Flay’s Brooklyn Blonde both galloped Thursday morning with Brooklyn Blonde out at 5:40 and Meaning at 7:15.

Isael Alvarez Perez partnered both fillies who are scheduled to work Friday morning according to trainer Michael McCarthy.

PARADISE/PROM QUEEN – NK Racing and LNJ Foxwoods’ Paradise and Gary and Mary West’s Prom Queen both galloped Thursday morning at Churchill Downs for trainer Brad Cox.

Both fillies are scheduled to work Friday, according to Cox.

PASHMINA – Red White and Blue Racing’s Pashmina jogged a mile on her first day on track for trainer Rob Atras.

Jesse Sauter was aboard Pashmina who is scheduled to work Friday or Sunday depending on weather.

PERCY’S BAR – Hat Creek Racing’s Percy’s Bar, winner of the Ashland Stakes (GI) at Keeneland in her most recent start, worked a half-mile in :49.60 at Keeneland Thursday morning.

With jockey Luan Machado up, Percy’s Bar started 5 lengths in back of Tregetour, a 3-year-old maiden, and was even at the wire.

“It was perfect. Nice and easy,” trainer Ben Colebrook said. “She didn’t need to do much. She ships to Churchill Saturday morning. She will walk on Friday, train first thing Saturday morning at Keeneland and head to Churchill.

“She won’t do much at Churchill. Probably just gallop, go to the gate to stand, go to the paddock to school and that will be it.”

Daily Derby Update: April 21, 2026

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:50:04 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 21, 2026

ALBUS/INCREDIBOLT – Trainer Riley Mott’s two Kentucky Derby hopeful for Pin Oak Stud, Albus and Incredibolt, both galloped a mile and a half during the special reserved Derby and Kentucky Oaks training period from 7:15-7:30 a.m. (all time Eastern).

Incredibolt won the Street Sense (GIII) here last October and this morning’s exercise under exercise rider Charlotte O’Connell enabled him to get reacquainted with the surface.

“He looked super out there; he’s a good training horse,” Mott said.

Mott said schooling sessions at the paddock and the gate for the two runners were in the cards leading up to the Derby with final works scheduled for the weekend.

Antonio Garcia was aboard Albus this morning and handled the :49 half-mile breeze last Saturday here. Mott said that jockey Jaime Torres, who has the mount on Incredibolt for the Derby, would probably be aboard for the colt’s final pre-Derby work.

CHIEF WALLABEE – Mike and K.K. Ball’s Chief Wallabee walked the shedrow at trainer Bill Mott’s barn the morning after working five furlongs in 1:00.

CHIP HONCHO – Trainer Steve Asmussen’s Kentucky Derby hopeful, Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe and John Cilia’s Chip Honcho galloped at 7:15 a.m. under Roberto Howell.

COMMANDMENT/FULLEFFORT/FURTHER ADO – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Wathnan Racing’s Commandment, St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing’s Fulleffort and Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado all galloped Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs.

Commandment and Fulleffort were out in the first training set at 5:15 a.m., with Katie Tolbert aboard Commandment and Edvin Vargas aboard Fulleffort. Further Ado galloped in the second set with exercise rider Jonathan Santiago aboard.

“All three are doing well after their works from last week,” Cox said. “We’ll gallop them a couple more days and have one more work.”

Cox is monitoring the forecast as he decides between Friday and Saturday for their final major breeze.

DANON BOURBON – Danox Co. Ltd.’s Danon Bourbon left Japan and will arrive Tuesday evening in Chicago. He’ll undergo 42 hours of mandatory USDA quarantine prior to vanning to Churchill Downs.

EMERGING MARKET – Klaravich Stables’ undefeated TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) winner Emerging Market made his first on-track appearance for Kentucky Derby 152 by galloping a mile and a half under exercise rider Luis Ortiz Trinidad for trainer Chad Brown.

Emerging Market had arrived at Churchill Downs early Monday morning after vanning from Payson Park Training Center in South Florida.

“I liked what I saw,” Brown said. “They (along with Oaks candidate Always a Runner) both floated over the track.”

Brown is keeping an eye on the weather regarding a final work for Emerging Market.

“It looks like there is some rain moving in Friday night, so I could push things back to Friday morning,” Brown said.

PAVLOVIAN – Reddam Racing’s Pavlovian, runner-up to Emerging Market in the Louisiana Derby (GII) for trainer Doug O’Neill, was en route to Churchill Downs from his Southern California base with a mid-afternoon arrival time expected.

RIGHT TO PARTY – Chester Broman Sr.’s Right to Party galloped Tuesday morning at 7:15 a.m. with exercise rider Robby Albarado aboard for trainer Kenny McPeek.

SILENT TACTIC – John Oxley’s Silent Tactic, with Dass Garcia aboard, jogged a half-mile in the mile chute and then galloped a mile and a quarter after coming on the track at 5:50

Trainer Mark Casse is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Tuesday and be trackside Wednesday morning.

SO HAPPY – Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners’ So Happy, winner of the Santa Anita Derby (GI) for trainer Mark Glatt, was en route to Churchill Downs from his Southern California base with a mid-afternoon arrival time expected.

STARK CONTRAST – Amerman Racing’s Stark Contrast galloped a mile and a quarter under Christian Garcia at 5:30 Tuesday morning for trainer Michael McCarthy.

THE PUMA – OGMA Investments, JR Ranch and High Step Racing’s The Puma arrived at Churchill Downs shortly after 9 o’clock for trainer Gustavo Delgado.

Winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) and runner-up in the Florida Derby (GI), The Puma will be seeking to give Delgado a second Kentucky Derby winner to go with Mage in 2023. The Puma took up residence in Barn 42, Stall 10, the same spot Mage occupied three years ago.

WONDER DEAN (JPN) – Yoshinari Yamamoto’s Wonder Dean (JPN) warmed up in the chute for about 25 minutes before galloping Tuesday morning under Takuya Nakano.

SHAPING UP: THE $5 MILLION KENTUCY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (GI) – Here is the top 20 preference list for the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) in alphabetical order (with jockey and trainer): Albus (Manny Franco, Riley Mott); Chief Wallabee (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Chip Honcho (TBD, Steve Asmussen); Commandment (Luis Saez, Brad Cox); Danon Bourbon (Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe); Emerging Market (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown); Further Ado (John Velazquez, Brad Cox); Fulleffort (Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox); Golden Tempo (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux); Incredibolt (Jaime Torres, Riley Mott); Pavlovian (Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill); Potente (Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert); Renegade (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Right to Party (Chris Elliott, Kenny McPeek); Silent Tactic (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse); Six Speed (TBD, Bhupat Seemar); So Happy (Mike Smith, Mark Glatt); Stark Contrast (TBD, Michael McCarthy); The Puma (Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado); Wonder Dean (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi). Also Eligibles: Intrepido (Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins); Litmus Test (TBD, Bob Baffert); Great White (TBD, John Ennis); Ocelli (TBD, Whit Beckman).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

ALWAYS A RUNNER – Douglas Scharbauer and Three Chimneys Farm’s undefeated Gazelle (GIII) winner Always a Runner made her first on-track appearance by galloping a mile and a half under Oscar Becerra Laynen.

“I liked what I saw,” trainer Chad Brown said. “They (along with Derby candidate Emerging Market) both floated over the track.”

Brown is keeping an eye on the weather regarding a final work for Always a Runner.

“It looks like there is some rain moving in Friday night, so I could push things back to Friday morning,” Brown said.

BELLA BALLERINA – Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina made her first appearance at Churchill Downs since November. The Golden Rod (GII) and Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra (GII) winner galloped about 1 ¼ miles at 7:15 a.m. for trainer Brendan Walsh.

Jockey Tyler Gaffalione has the mount in the Oaks.

COUNTING STARS/SEARCH PARTY – Trainer Mark Casse’s two Kentucky Oaks candidates, West Point Thoroughbreds’ Counting Stars and Tracy Farmer’s Search Results, were on the track at 5:50 for their morning activity.

Froylan Garcia was on Counting Stars and Elver Vargas was on Search Party as both jogged a half-mile in the mile chute and then galloped a mile and a half.

PROM QUEEN – Gary and Mary West’s Prom Queen galloped at 9:40 a.m. with exercise rider/assistant trainer Katie Tolbert.

KENTUCKY DERBY, OAKS MORNING WORKOUTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THURSDAY, APRIL 23 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 – Starting Thursday and continuing through Wednesday, April 29, Churchill Downs will be open free-of-charge daily from 6:45-10 a.m. so guests can watch the nation’s top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds train toward their engagements in this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks during Dawn at the Downs.

Horses train on Churchill Downs’ main track daily from 5:15-10 a.m. There is an exclusive training window only for Derby and Oaks participants from 7:15-7:30 a.m. following the 6:45-7:15 a.m. renovation break. Those horses will be identified by special saddle towels that include their names: yellow saddle towels for Derby horses and pink saddle towels for Oaks contenders.

Guests can park for free in the Yellow Lot off Longfield Ave. (all vehicles must be removed by 10:30 a.m.) and enter Churchill Downs through the Clubhouse Gate. Guests will be directed to Sections 115-117 to watch the morning workouts.

On Monday, fans can enjoy a premium breakfast in Millionaires Row or the Stakes Room for Dawn at the Downs Dining. Tickets and more information can be found at www.kentuckyderby.com/visit/derby-week-events/dawn-at-the-downs/

The 152nd runnings of the $1.5 Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) and $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) will be held Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, respectively. Opening Day of Derby Week and the 44-day Spring Meet is Saturday at 12:45 p.m.

Daily Derby Update: April 22, 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:32:54 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 22, 2026

ALBUS/INCREDIBOLT – Pin Oak Stud’s Albus and Incredibolt had routine mile and a half gallops during the 7:15-7:30 Derby/Oaks training window for trainer Riley Mott. Antonio Garcia was on Albus, winner of the Wood Memorial (GII) and Charlotte O’Connell partnered Incredibolt, winner of the Virginia Derby.

With storms in the forecast for Friday afternoon, Mott plans to work Friday morning “or I could push it back to Sunday.”

The son of Hall of Famer Bill Mott who saddled his first Derby starter in 1984 before Riley was born, Riley is no stranger to the Derby scene that he is stepping into for the first time as a trainer.“

The first Derby I saw here, I think it was Smarty Jones in 2004,” Riley said. “I was a big Smarty Jones fan and (runner-up) Lion Heart too.”

CHIEF WALLABEE – Mike and K.K. Ball’s Chief Wallabee galloped a mile and a half at 7:15 under Marvin Orantes for trainer Bill Mott.

The training occurred during the special training window for Kentucky Derby hopefuls and previous Derby winners. That meant Chief Wallabee was followed on the track by 2025 Derby winner Sovereignty, who jogged a mile.

CHIP HONCHO – Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe and John Cilia’s Chip Honcho galloped Wednesday morning for trainer Steve Asmussen as connections continue to monitor his Kentucky Derby status.

“We’ve timed it to where we plan on working him on Saturday morning, which is entry morning,” Asmussen said. “We need all the information you can possibly have, and we’ll obviously wait to make a final decision after his last work.”

COMMANDMENT/FULLEFFORT/FURTHER ADO – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Wathnan Racing’s Commandment, St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing’s Fulleffort and Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado warmed up in the chute before galloping Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs. All three horses are scheduled to have their final Derby breezes Saturday or Sunday.

DANON BOURBON – Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby invitee Danon Bourbon arrived Tuesday evening in Chicago and will undergo 42 hours of USDA quarantine prior to shipping to Churchill Downs.

EMERGING MARKET – Klaravich Stables’ Emerging Market galloped a mile and a half under exercise rider Luis Ortiz Trinidad for trainer Chad Brown.

“He got around there beautifully,” Brown said, adding “with the weather that looks like it is coming in late Friday, it looks like I will have to move the final work up to Friday morning.”

GREAT WHITE – Three Chimneys Farm and trainer John Ennis’ Great White worked a half-mile in :52.20 out of the gate at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington.

Fifth in the Blue Grass (GI) in his most recent start, Great White is 23rd on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard and would need three defections from anticipated entrants to make the main body of the 20-horse field.

Ennis plans to van Great White to Keeneland Saturday morning and onto Churchill Downs should he enter the Derby. All Derby and Oaks horses need to be at Churchill Downs by 11 a.m. Saturday.

INTREPIDO – Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures’ Intrepido jogged two miles under Alejandro Galindo for trainer Jeff Mullins.

Fourth in the Santa Anita Derby (GI) in his most recent start, Intrepido is 21st on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard and would need one defection from anticipated entrants to make the main body of the 20-horse field.

LITMUS TEST – SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan’s Litmus Test galloped a mile and a half under Hector Garcia for trainer Bob Baffert.

Dan Ward, who is overseeing the Baffert string here, said Litmus Test is scheduled to work Friday

Seventh in the Arkansas Derby (GI) in his most recent start, Litmus Test is 22nd on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard and would need two defections from anticipated entrants to make the main body of the 20-horse field.

PAVLOVIAN – Reddam Racing’s Pavlovian jogged a mile under Tony Romero for two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Doug O’Neill at 7:15.

Romero said Pavlovian is scheduled to work Sunday.

Also jogging a mile under Romero was Calumet Farm’s Robusta who was seventh in the Santa Anita Derby (GI) in his most recent start.

RIGHT TO PARTY – Chester Broman Sr.’s Right to Party galloped Wednesday morning for trainer Kenny McPeek and is scheduled to have one more work prior to Kentucky Derby 152.

The colt will be ridden by 20-year-old Chris Elliott in the Derby, who is expected to arrive at Churchill Downs in seven days.

SILENT TACTIC – John Oxley’s Silent Tactic, second in the Arkansas Derby (GI) in his most recent start, jogged a half-mile in the mile chute and then galloped a mile and a half under Dass Garcia at 5:15.

Trainer Mark Casse said that Silent Tactic would work at 7:15 Thursday morning.

SO HAPPY – Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners’ Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner So Happy jogged a mile during the Derby-Oaks training period under Gustavo Alvarado for trainer Mark Glatt.

Glatt is scheduled to arrive in Louisville this afternoon with plans to work So Happy Friday morning.

STARK CONTRAST – Amerman Racing’s Stark Contrast galloped a mile and a quarter under Christian Garcia after coming on the track at 5:25.

THE PUMA – OGMA Investments, JR Ranch and High Step Racing’s The Puma tack-walked in Barn 42 Wednesday morning.

“We wanted to give him an extra day,” Gustavo Delgado Jr. said of the Florida Derby (GI) runner-up. “He will not have a work but may have a strong gallop Monday or Tuesday.”

Three years ago, Delgado and his father captured Derby glory with Mage, who had his final work before the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.

The schedule will be varied this time as Gustavo Delgado pointed, “his last work was very, very strong (at Gulfstream Park).”

That work was last Saturday in 1:00.60 with jockey Javier Castellano up.

WONDER DEAN (JPN) – Yoshinari Yamamoto’s Wonder Dean (JPN) galloped Wednesday morning and is scheduled to work six furlongs Friday.

SHAPING UP: THE $5 MILLION KENTUCY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (GI) – Here is the top 20 preference list for the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) in alphabetical order (with jockey and trainer): Albus (Manny Franco, Riley Mott); Chief Wallabee (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Chip Honcho (TBD, Steve Asmussen); Commandment (Luis Saez, Brad Cox); Danon Bourbon (Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe); Emerging Market (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown); Further Ado (John Velazquez, Brad Cox); Fulleffort (Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox); Golden Tempo (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux); Incredibolt (Jaime Torres, Riley Mott); Pavlovian (Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill); Potente (Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert); Renegade (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Right to Party (Chris Elliott, Kenny McPeek); Silent Tactic (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse); Six Speed (TBD, Bhupat Seemar); So Happy (Mike Smith, Mark Glatt); Stark Contrast (TBD, Michael McCarthy); The Puma (Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado); Wonder Dean (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi). Also Eligibles: Intrepido (Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins); Litmus Test (TBD, Bob Baffert); Great White (TBD, John Ennis); Ocelli (TBD, Whit Beckman).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

ALWAYS A RUNNER – Douglas Scherbauer and Three Chimneys Farm’s Always a Runner galloped a mile and a half under Oscar Becerra Laynen.

Trainer Chad Brown said the Gazelle (GIII) winner would work Friday morning.

BELLA BALLERINA – Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina galloped about 1 ½ miles early Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs and will have her final Oaks work this weekend.

COUNTING STARS/SEARCH PARTY – West Point Thoroughbreds’ Counting Stars and Tracy Farmer’s Search Party jogged a half-mile in the mile chute and then galloped a mile and a half.

Froylan Garcia partnered Counting Stars while Elver Vargas was on Search Party.

Trainer Mark Casse said the two fillies would work at 5:15 Thursday morning.

MEANING/BROOKLYN BLONDE – Trainer Michael McCarthy’s two Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Meaning and Sun-Missed Stables and Bobby Flay’s Brooklyn Blonde galloped a mile with Brooklyn Blonde on the track at 5:25 and Meaning at 7:15. Isael Alvarez Perez galloped both fillies.

Brooklyn Blonde is 16th on the Oaks leaderboard and would need two defections for the roster of anticipated Oaks entrants to be in the main body of the race.

MY MISS MO – Averill Racing, Mathis Stables and Tristan De Meric’s My Miss Mo worked a half-mile in :48.67 at Gulfstream Park Wednesday morning.

“She worked very well,” trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said of the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) runner-up. “She will ship Friday and arrive at Churchill Downs early Saturday morning.”

Joseph plans to arrive in Louisville Sunday.

PASHMINA – Red White and Blue Racing’s Pashmina arrived at Churchill Downs at 4:30 Wednesday morning following a van trip from Belmont Park.

PROM QUEEN – Gary and Mary West’s Prom Queen schooled in the starting gate then galloped Wednesday morning around 8:45 a.m. under Katie Tolbert.

Daily Derby Update: April 20, 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:34:16 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 20, 2026

Edited Churchill Downs track notes

ALBUS/INCREDIBOLT – Pin Oak Stud’s Albus galloped a mile under exercise rider Antonio Garcia at 7:15 for trainer Riley Mott. Before Albus went to the track, Virginia Derby winner Incredibolt arrived at Mott's Churchill Downs barn at 6:15 from Palm Meadows Training Center in South Florida. Pin Oak also owns Incredibolt.

“It was his first day back (after working a half-mile in :49 on Saturday),” Mott said of the Wood Memorial (GII) winner.

CHIEF WALLLABEE – Mike and K.K. Ball’s Chief Wallabee worked with recent maiden winner Gilded Bandit going five furlongs in 1:00. Chief Wallabee produced fractions of :24.80, :36.60, :48.20 and 1:00 while galloping out six furlongs in 1:12 and seven-eighths in 1:26.60 according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols.

“It was a good work,” jockey Junior Alvarado said. “We added blinkers to see how he would handle them and he was very focused. He had a strong gallop out and did everything we wanted to.”

Trainer Bill Mott, seeking to become the first trainer since Bob Baffert in 1997-1998 to win the Derby in consecutive years, also was happy with the work from Chief Wallabee who was third in the Florida Derby (GI) in his most recent start.

“I thought it was very good, he finished really well and galloped out strong,” said Mott, who saddled Horse of the Year Sovereignty to victory in Kentucky Derby 151. “He’s an inexperienced horse (with three starts) and we put the blinkers on to give him a little something to help him focus.”

Sovereignty, who is scheduled to ship in to the Mott barn today following his runner-up finish in Saturday’s Oaklawn Handicap (GI), had two works here last spring before his Derby victory. Mott plans a similar path for Chief Wallabee with a final work coming next Sunday or Monday depending on weather.

COMMANDMENT/FULLEFFORT/FURTHER ADO – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Wathnan Racing’s Commandment, St. Elias Stable and Starlight Racing’s Fulleffort and Spendthrift Farm’s Further Ado all galloped early Monday morning.

Commandment, with assistant trainer and exercise rider Katie Tolbert aboard, jogged one mile and galloped one mile, while stablemates Fulleffort and Further Ado each galloped about 1 ½ miles under exercise rider Edvin Vargas.

Cox was at Keeneland Monday and will return to Churchill Downs Tuesday.

EMERGING MARKET – Klaravich Stables’ undefeated Louisiana Derby (GII) winner Emerging Market arrived at Churchill Downs at 5 a.m. with a string of trainer Chad Brown’s horses from Payson Park Training Center in South Florida.

RIGHT TO PARTY – Trainer Kenny McPeek’s Kentucky Derby hopeful jogged Monday morning with exercise rider Robby Albarado aboard for owner Chester Broman Sr.. It was Right to Party’s first time returning to the track since working five furlongs in 1:00.80 Saturday morning.

SILENT TACTIC – John Oxley’s Silent Tactic, runner-up in the Arkansas Derby (GI) in his most recent start, jogged two miles in the mile chute shortly after the track opened for training at 5:15. Dass Garcia was aboard.

“It’s a lot quieter back in the chute,” said Allen Hardy, assistant to trainer Mark Casse. “He will train early tomorrow and Mark will be here Wednesday morning and we will probably go during the Derby training period.”

STARK CONTRAST – Amerman Racing’s Stark Contrast jogged at 5:30 with exercise rider Christian Garcia aboard for trainer Michael McCarthy. A decision on whether to run in the Kentucky Derby or the American Turf has not been announced.

WONDER DEAN (JPN) – Yoshinari Yamamoto’s Wonder Dean (JPN), jogged in the chute, jogged about one mile on the main track and schooled in the starting gate Monday morning.

His country mate and fellow Kentucky Derby contender, Danon Bourbon, was on a flight Monday to Chicago and is scheduled to undergo 42 hours of USDA quarantine prior to arriving at Churchill Downs.

ALSO-ELIGIBLES – Trainer Steve Asmussen’s Kentucky Derby hopeful, Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe and John Cilia’s Chip Honcho, jogged at 7:15 a.m. with exercise rider Roberto Howell aboard and was accompanied by Asmussen’s chief assistant Scott Blasi on the pony. The colt needs one defection to make the field for Kentucky Derby 152.

SHAPING UP: THE $5 MILLION KENTUCY DERBY PRESENTED BY WOODFORD RESERVE (GI) – Here is the top 20 preference list for the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) in alphabetical order (with jockey and trainer): Albus (Manny Franco, Riley Mott); Chief Wallabee (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Commandment (Luis Saez, Brad Cox); Danon Bourbon (Atsuya Nishimura, Manabu Ikezoe); Emerging Market (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown); Further Ado (John Velazquez, Brad Cox); Fulleffort (Tyler Gaffalione, Brad Cox); Golden Tempo (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux); Incredibolt (Jaime Torres, Riley Mott); Iron Honor (TBD, Chad Brown); Pavlovian (Edwin Maldonado, Doug O’Neill); Potente (Juan Hernandez, Bob Baffert); Renegade (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Right to Party (Chris Elliott, Kenny McPeek); Silent Tactic (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse); Six Speed (TBD, Bhupat Seemar); So Happy (Mike Smith, Mark Glatt); Stark Contrast (TBD, Michael McCarthy); The Puma (Javier Castellano, Gustavo Delgado); Wonder Dean (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Daisuke Takayanagi).

Also Eligibles: Chip Honcho (TBD, Steve Asmussen); Intrepido (Hector Berrios, Jeff Mullins); Litmus Test (TBD, Bob Baffert); Great White (TBD, John Ennis).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

BELLA BALLERINA – Godolphin’s Bella Ballerina arrived at Churchill Downs around 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The filly is scheduled to record her final Kentucky Oaks breeze this weekend.

COUNTING STARS/SEARCH PARTY – Trainer Mark Casse’s two Kentucky Oaks hopefuls, Counting Stars and Search Party jogged two miles in the mile chute shortly after the main track opened for training at 5:15.

Froylan Garcia was aboard West Point Thoroughbreds’ Counting Stars, winner of the Fantasy (GII) in her most recent start, and Elver Vargas was on Tracy Farmer’s Search Party, runner-up in the Fantasy.

LORELEI LEE – Skychai Racing’s Lorelei Lee, winner of the Bourbonette Oaks (Listed) in her most recent start, worked a half-mile in company in :48.20 for trainer Mike Maker. She opened the work in company with Salty Senorita with a :24 first quarter and galloped out five-eighths in 1:01.40, according to Churchill Downs clocker Adam Wallace.

MEANING/BROOKLYN BLONDE – Santa Anita Oaks (GII) winner Meaning is scheduled to arrive from trainer Michael McCarthy’s Southern California base Tuesday afternoon according to Justin Curran, McCarthy’s Churchill assistant.

Also on the plane is scheduled to be Brooklyn Blonde, the runner-up in the Santa Anita Oaks. Brooklyn Blonde is 16th on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard and would need two defections from fillies under consideration for the race to make the field. Curran said Brooklyn Blonde would be pointed to the $700,000 Eight Belles Presented by Sysco (GII) on May 1 if she does not get in the Oaks.

NTWAB Eclipse Award Voting

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:26:38 GMT

NTWAB Eclipse Award Voting

Click through to this pdf to view 2025 Eclipse Award voting by NTWAB members: click here

Triple Crown Nominations By The Numbers

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:52:11 GMT

Triple Crown Nominations by the Numbers

There are 367 3-year-olds early-nominated to the 2026 Triple Crown. Nominations closed Jan. 26.

Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher leads all trainers with 31 nominees, followed by Bob Baffert (23), Chad Brown (22), Brad Cox (21) and Japan-based Daisuke Takayanagi (14).

Nominations include 37 from Japan, led by Godolphin's Japan-Road Kentucky Derby points leader Pyromancer, winner of the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun.

Last year there were 373 early nominees and five late nominations.

By The Numbers:

· 281 – Kentucky-bred nominees, most of any state. Others: Japan (37), New York (11), Florida (10), California (7), Pennsylvania (5), Ireland (3), Maryland (3), Virginia (3), Indiana (2), Ontario (2), Great Britain (1), Louisiana (1), Minnesota (1) and New Jersey (1).

· 171 bay horses. Other colors: dark bay/brown (84), chestnut (68), gray/roan (42) and gray (3).

· 127 – Trainers with horses nominated to the Triple Crown.

· 55 – Stakes winners nominated. 19 graded stakes winners.

· 16 – Horses sired by Not This Time, the most of any stallion. Others: Gun Runner (15), Into Mischief (14), Nyquist (14), Constitution (13) and Maxfield (12).

· 11 – Fillies Nominated: Bella Ballerina (trainer Brendan Walsh), Belle of the Barn (Caio Caramori), Counting Stars (Mark Casse), Dancin in Old Town (Keith Desormeaux), Energy Issei (JPN) (Daisuke Takayanagi), Goldmunze (JPN) (Daisuke Takayanagi), Perfect Town (Steve Asmussen), Ten Time Top (JPN) (Daisuke Takayanagi), Tokai Ma Cherie (JPN) (Daisuke Takayanagi), Unnatamsa (JPN) (Daisuke Takayanagi) and Zany (Todd Pletcher).

· Jan. 1, 2023 – Earliest foal among nominees: Star Ship (JPN).

· May 24, 2023 – Latest foals among nominees: Silver Prince.

Three-year-olds not nominated during the early phase can still join the Triple Crown trail by making a late payment of $6,000 by Monday, April 6 at www.thetriplecrown.com.

Thirteen horses have swept the Triple Crown: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018).

Triple Crown Nominations 2026

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:19:40 GMT

2026 Triple Crown Nominations in Alphabetical Order

Unnamed

(23)Coco Vin

(23)Free Flying Soul

(23)Killer Graces

(23)La Bombalina

(23)Sibaaq

(23)True Royalty

Aces Honor

r-Acknowledgemeplz

Act of Parliament

Al Arqraah

Albus

Amberjack

American Call (JPN)

Arbiter

Arborist

Arcadia Cafe

Arctic Beast

Ardent Eye

Argent Heir

Argos

g-Army Man

Associated

Atmos (JPN)

Attfield

Authentic Patriot

Autobahn

Balboa

Banksy's

Baytown Dreamer

Bearister

Bedeviled

f-Bella Ballerina

Belle of the Barn

Best Green (JPN)

Better America

Big Cuddle

Big Tech

Bishop Booming

Bitmap

Blackout Time

Blacksmith

Boyd

Brant

Bravaro

g-Brazilian Conexao

Bricklin

r-Brigante

Buetane

Bull by the Horns

Buntus Foclora

Campobasso

Canaletto

Cannoneer

g-Captain Shreve

Carson Street

Chaos Agent

Chayton

Cherokee Nation

Chess Match

Chianti Town

Chief Wallabee

Chip Honcho

Cierto

Circle Tap

Civic Charm

Civil Liberty

Class President

Clocker Special

g-Close the Gate

g-Code of Silence

Code Review

g-Colleague

Colt Forty Seven

Come Up Roses (JPN)

Commandment

Commerce

Comport

Conducted

Confessional

Corona de Oro

f-Counting Stars

Courting

Creole Chrome

Criteria

Crossingthechannel

Crude Velocity

Crupper

Curtain Call

f-Dancin in Old Town

Danon Andre (JPN)

Danon Bourbon

Danon History (JPN)

g-Dark Omen

Day One Starter

D'code

Decisive Win

Deep Tracks

Desert Gate

Dirty Rich

Doctrine

Dolan

Donegal Rocks

Donegal Time

Dorset (IRE)

Double Entendre

Dr. Kapur

Dr. Sinatra

Dragones

Duntov

Easterly

Easy Company

Easy Decision

Easy Pick

Embry Show

Emerging Market

Emilio

Encore Again (JPN)

f-Energy Issei (JPN)

Enfield

Enforced Agenda

Englishman

Epic Desire

g-Epic Summer

Ewing

Exosome

Express Kid

Falcon Jet

g-Fancy Fairlane

Fancy Gentleman

Fifty Four Yarder

Final Story

First in Class

Flamboyant

Follow Up

Forty Twenty

g-Fourth and One

Fulleffort

Further Ado

Fuzzbuster

Game for It

Ganda (JPN)

Gaura Disco (JPN)

Geistreich (JPN)

Gene King (JPN)

General Graham

Get Them Roses

g-Ghostwritten

Gilded Bandit

Givethedevilhisdue

Global Aviator

Golden Tempo

Golden Tornado

f-Goldmunze (JPN)

Grand Slam Sam

Grant the Great

g-Great White

Greenwich Village

Grittiness

Growth Equity

Guildmaster (IRE)

Hadrian's Wall

Halogen

Hard to Borrow

Hardtoblame

Hawk

Herbs Bolt

Hermes Gang (JPN)

He's Inevitable

Hey Dey

Hickman Creek

High Go

Holding Power

Hollywood Import

Hulkamania

Hutchinson

Incredibolt

Independence Rise

Infiltrate

Into the Beast

r-Intrepido

Iron Honor

Its the Bandit

Itterasshai (JPN)

Jackson Hole

Jericho

Just the One

Just Tipsy

Keiai Agito (JPN)

r-Kelce

Khon Han

King of Heat

Kirkwood

Knock It Off

Krautrock (JPN)

Kristofferson

Leading Change

Libeccio (JPN)

Liberty National

g-Liberty Valance

Lighter

Lino Padrino

Litmus Test

g-Lockstocknpharoah

Lucky Kid (JPN)

Mac Lir (JPN)

Mach Seven

Magazzini

Mailata

Make My Day

Manawa

Mapped Flight

Marauder

Max Capacity

Max Haste

Maximus Prime

Meanstepper

Memory

Mesquite

Michael

Minorinconvenience

Mischief Ride

Mo Koko

Mojacar

Montana Jet

Moonstrocity

Mount Errigal

r-Mr. A. P.

Mr. Miracle

Municipal

My World

Napoleon Solo

Nearly

New Fund

Newton

Noble Affair

Noble Edition

Not to Worry

Obliteration

Ocelli

Omaha Front

One More Freud

Only I Can Fix It

Ottinho

Our Forefathers

Our Magical Moon

Ovechkin

Oxford Street

Paladin

Palladion (JPN)

g-Pataliputra (JPN)

Pauillac

Pavlovian

Pay the Piper

Payton's Hammer

Peace On Earth

f-Perfect Town

g-Peripoli

Plutarch

Potente

Presidential Power

g-Pretty Boy Miah

Probably Dreaming

Project Ace

g-Props

Puerto Rico (IRE)

Pyromancer (JPN)

Quality Mischief

Quiet Power

Radar Lock

Ramblin

Rancho Santa Fe

Ready to Rumble (JPN)

Reagan's Honor

Rebel Instinct

Reclamation

g-Redland Rebels

Renegade

Resolute Will

Rio Grande

Robusta

Rock Ptarmigan (JPN)

Rockies Balboa

r-Roger That Dana

r-Royal Causeway

Royal Crescent

Sabino Canyon

Saint Lazare (JPN)

Salloom

San Giovanni

Schoolyardsuperman

Scope

Sculcos Folly

Sea Strike

Secured Freedom

Seize the Throne (JPN)

g-Sharons Beach

g-Sharons Pharoah

Sigfrid

Silent Tactic

Silver Prince

Silver Shot

Silver Syndicate

Silver Talent

Sir George

Sistema Solar (JPN)

Six Speed

Sleepingonfreedom

Smoovin Saturday

So Happy

Soldier N Diplomat

Solitude Dude

Sorrentino

Souper Caliber

Spartacus

Spirit of Royal

r-Stan Theman Musial

Star Ship (JPN)

Stark Contrast

Start the Ride

Steel

Steel Imperium

Stop the Car

Storming

Straitshootinlarry

Strategic Risk

Street Beast

Sweeping Shadow

Swift Blade

T O Kaiser (JPN)

Tagano Abandonne (JPN)

Talk to Me Jimmy

Talkin

Tariff Mindset

Tarkenton

Ted Noffey

Ten Magic Hour (JPN)

f-Ten Time Top (JPN)

Thailand

The Big Con (GB)

The Hell We Did

The Puma

Thomas

Thunder Buck

Thunderously

Time for Music

Time to Roll

Titan King

Toga Twist

f-Tokai Ma Cherie (JPN)

Touch of Fire

Treadstone

Two Out Hero

Universe

f-Unnatamsa (JPN)

Veblen

Versailles Road

Very Connected

Vivo Stavolta

Whine Country

White Tiger

Wild Cat Curlin

Wild Warrior

Winston Ave

Wonder Dean (JPN)

f-Zany

g-Zihnal

Zimmer

f-Filly

g-Gelding

r-Ridgling

Daily Derby Update: May 4, 2025

Sun, 04 May 2025 17:07:49 GMT

DAILY DERBY UPDATE
May 4, 2025

SOVEREIGNTY - Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott drew a crowd Sunday morning at Barn 19 as he and Godolphin’s director of bloodstock Michael Banahan reviewed the previous day’s proceedings at Churchill Downs.

Their Godolphin charge had run the race of his brief career on a sloppy Churchill Downs strip to come away a length and a half winner in the $5 million Kentucky Derby in front of 147,406 cheering fans and tens of millions of television viewers across the world.

With Mott’s go-to rider Junior Alvarado in the saddle, Sovereignty overcame a series of obstacles in his mile and a quarter journey, chief of which was the dead-game colt Journalism whom he encountered entering the stretch in a showdown that had the crowd roaring. Digging in like the good horse he is, Sovereignty started to inch clear, then eased out front to his final margin at the finish line.

“You know,” Mott said Sunday, “I’ve been in this game a long time and I’ve dreamed about having my horse go across the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby. And now it’s finally happened and it feels very good.”

The trainer noted that his horse suffered “a small scrape – about four inches” on his right front pastern during the running, likely when he clipped heels with a rival right out of the gate. He said it was nothing serious, but that anything to do with a horse’s legs are always a concern.

“When I got back to the barn last night after the race,” he added, “he’d already eaten up, his tub was empty. Probably did it in 20 minutes. That’s unusual for a horse that had to run a race as hard as he did.”

The trainer said he’s likely give the horse two or three days off as he and the horse’s ownership connections considered whether to take the next logical Triple Crown step in Baltimore for the Preakness.

“We’ve got to consider all options with him,” he stated. “We certainly respect the Triple Crown and what it means, but we’re not dead set on it. We’ll have to let the horse tell us how he’s doing in the next little while and then we’ll go from there.”

JOURNALISM (Second) – “We’ve got no complaints.”

Trainer Michael McCarthy was reflecting on his Kentucky Derby experience Sunday morning at Barn 35 following his colt Journalism’s gallant effort in which he finished second behind Sovereignty in the 151st edition of the Run for the Roses.

His Curlin colt had a tough beginning in the mile and a quarter because of traffic and wasn’t able to obtain the close-up stalking position his connections had hoped for until well along on the backside, then turned in a stout run around the turn and into the lane, only to be outdone by the winner.

“With a field this size in a race like this, it’s all about the trip,” McCarthy said. “It didn’t quite work out the way we hoped, but he ran a good race against a good horse.”

The main thing, the conditioner said, was that his horse was “in good order this morning and everything going forward is now in play.”

That would indicate the possibility that his charge’s next start could be in two weeks in Baltimore in the Preakness Stakes and a possible second go-round with the Derby winner.

BAEZA (Third) – The Kentucky Derby third-place finisher was doing fine back at Barn 41 Sunday morning following his stellar effort in the mile and a quarter classic Saturday.

After almost not getting to compete in the race after being hung out on the Derby also-eligible list until Thursday evening, the good-looking son of the young stallion McKinzie took rider Flavien Prat for an adventuresome trip on a sloppy strip in which he closed through the lane with every stride.

“Quite a trip for him, this whole week,” trainer John Shirreffs said Sunday morning. “He’s never been on a wet surface before, so there was that. Then that big field and the bumping that went on. But in the end he ran well and we’re proud of him.”

The conditioner said the Preakness was not a consideration for the bay youngster.

“Too much for a West Coast horse to work with,” he said. “We’ll go back west, then look at the Belmont.” The third leg of the Triple Crown will be run this year on June 7 at Saratoga in upstate New York as Belmont Park continues to undergo its massive renovation. It also will be run at a mile and a quarter instead of the classic distance of a mile and one-half.

FINAL GAMBIT (Fourth) – Juddmonte’s Final Gambit was back at trainer Brad Cox’s Barn 22 Sunday morning resting after his fourth-place finish in Kentucky Derby 151.

“We’re really proud of his effort – especially this being his first start on dirt,” Cox said. “Maybe if the pace was a little bit faster it could’ve benefited him even more. Overall it was a good effort. He’s a good horse. We’ll see how it goes from here.” Final Gambit earned a 99 Brisnet Speed Rating.

OWEN ALMIGHTY (Fifth) – Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing’s Owen Almighty, who led the field into the stretch “seems to have come out of the race in good order,” trainer Brian Lynch said.

“We will let the dust, or mud, settle and talk with the team but possibly the ($500,000) Woody Stephens next.”

BURNHAM SQUARE (Sixth) – Whitham Thoroughbreds’ Burnham Square came out of his troubled sixth-place finish in the Derby in good order.

“I jogged him and he looks good,” trainer Ian Wilkes said.

Burnham Square was put in tight quarters at the half-mile pole when Admire Daytona (JPN) came in on him.

“In a 20-horse field, somebody is going to have trouble and I guess it was my turn,” Wilkes said. “I thought he ran a terrific race. He got stopped at the half-mile pole when everybody else was making their move and then he got going again to get sixth. Without the trouble, I think he would have been in the top three.”

Plans going forward for Burnham Square are to be determined.

SANDMAN (Seventh) – D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables’ Sandman was doing well Sunday morning following his Kentucky Derby run.

“He is good this morning,” said Allen Hardy, assistant to Mark Casse. “He ate up last night and jogged early this morning (at the barn).”

Casse indicated that the Belmont Stakes likely would be next for Sandman.

EAST AVENUE (Eighth) – Godolphin’s East Avenue was back at trainer Brendan Walsh’s Barn 10 Sunday morning following his eighth-place finish in Kentucky Derby 151.

“This was my second time running in the Derby and I was able to take it in a little more this time,” Walsh said. “The atmosphere is unbelievable. I’ve been in lots of places all over the world and this is second to none.”

East Avenue was given an 89 Brisnet Speed Rating, an eight-point regression from his Blue Grass Stakes runner-up effort four weeks ago.

CHUNK OF GOLD (Ninth) – Terry Stephens’ Chunk of Gold exited his Kentucky Derby run in good order according to trainer Ethan West.

“The horse is OK,” West said of Chunk of Gold, who will leave Churchill Downs around 10 a.m. to return to Turfway Park. “I think the mile and a quarter probably got to him. He will get a couple weeks off and there are plenty of 3-year-old races across the summer for him.”

TIZTASTIC (10th)/PUBLISHER (14th) – While things didn’t go as planned for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, the veteran horseman still had reason to celebrate – he earned his record-extending 14th leading trainer title at Oaklawn.

The Asmussen family was represented Saturday at both tracks, with sons Erik and Keith accepting the trophy at Oaklawn, while Steve, his wife Julie, and their other son, Darren, were at Churchill Downs.

COAL BATTLE (11th) – Norman Stables’ Coal Battle was doing well Sunday morning according to assistant and exercise rider Bethany Taylor, who added, “he’s probably a little mad and grouchy this morning because he’s not used to being that far back.”

Trainer Lonnie Briley said he’s going to let the horse tell us where to take him next. He wants to watch and see how much the race took out of him. He thinks the track condition didn’t play a factor into how he ran but the rough trip.

LUXOR CAFÉ (12th)/ ADMIRE DAYTONA (JPN) (19th) – From Kate Hunter, Japan Kentucky Derby liaison: “Both Japanese horses came back from the race in good condition. Junko Kondo’s Admire Daytona (JPN) was not a fan of the slop. He was well positioned, but it wore him out. Traffic ultimately thwarted Koichi Nishikawa’s Luxor Café who was unable to get a good spot early. Both could come back for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) on Nov. 1 at Del Mar – no rain in Southern California.”

CITIZEN BULL (15th) – The morning after Derby was fairly quiet at Bob Baffert’s Barn 33. Right-hand man Jimmy Barnes was overseeing operations and he reported that their Derby colt – pacesetter Citizen Bull – had come back from his efforts in fine fettle.

“He’s fine,” Barnes reported. “He’ll walk for a couple of days and then we’ll see what’s up from there.”

Citizen Bull set quick early splits from his post 1 position under Martin Garcia, going :22.81, :46.23 and 1:10.78 for the first six furlongs. He ran out of gas from there and fell back to finish 15th in the 19-horse field.

Another Baffert runner – the Authentic colt Rodriguez – was also set to start in the Derby, but a bruised foot kept him in the barn Saturday. Sunday morning the trainer stated that his only Preakness runner would be Rodriguez, meaning that Citizen Bull shortly would likely be on a plane back to California along with the dozen other runners the conditioner shipped east to compete during the week.

AMERICAN PROMISE (16th) – BC Stables’ American Promise came out of his Derby effort in good order according to Bas Nicholl, assistant to trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

“Magnificent,” Nicholl reported of American Promise, who was part of the pace before beginning a retreat entering the far turn.

FLYING MOHAWK (18th) – It was a disappointing Saturday evening for the connections of Flying Mohawk who finished 18th in Kentucky Derby 151 after he experienced trouble in the first quarter-mile of the race.

“The sun still rose at Churchill and ‘Mohawk’ is still the man,” co-owner Jeff Berry said. “Thanks to Flying Mohawk and the entire team for an incredible life experience for the Berry family.”

Wet Track Information

Sat, 03 May 2025 13:50:16 GMT

Wet Track Information
Posted May 3, 2025 at 9:45 a.m.

This morning's weather and the forecast for the remaining part of the day indicates a sloppy track is expected. The track may be sealed as well.

Wet track outlook based on Bob Ehalt's story in BloodHorse a few days ago.

Admire Daytona was second on a good track and fourth on a muddy one in a pair of maiden races.

American Promise broke his maiden on a muddy track at Oaklawn Park, but he was eighth in a maiden race on a sloppy track at Churchill Downs.

Coal Battle won his debut on a sloppy track and the Jean Lafitte stakes in the mud.

Ehalt reported Curlin, Journalism's dad, is an excellent wet-track sire. Curlin also sired Grande, but he is scratched.

Luxor Cafe has four starts on wet track with three wins and a close second. His sire American Pharoah won in the slop in the Rebel Stakes and Preakness.

Neoequos won a Florida-bred allowance race at Gulfstream Park on a sloppy surface.

Publisher was second on a muddy track at Oaklawn and third on a sloppy track at Churchill Downs, both of them maiden races.

Into Mischief is known for progeny who handle off tracks, according to Ehalt. He sired Sovereignty and Citizen Bull.

Sandman is by Tapit out of a Distorted Humor mare, which, according to Ehalt, gives him good wet-track bloodlines.

Daily Derby Update: May 1, 2025

Thu, 01 May 2025 18:31:17 GMT

DAILY DERBY UPDATE
May 1, 2025

ADMIRE DAYTONA (JPN) – UAE Derby (GII) winner Admire Daytona jogged in the one-mile chute.

AMERICAN PROMISE – BC Stables’ American Promise galloped about a mile and a half under Tayja Smith for trainer D. Wayne Lukas during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses.

Looking on from the backstretch were co-owners John Bellinger and Brian Coelho. They had teamed with Lukas last year with their first Derby starter in Just Steel, who will be making his first Churchill Downs appearance since the Derby in Saturday’s $1 million Churchill Downs (GI).

“We thought we would probably be back (rather quickly),” said Bellinger, who arrived in Louisville Tuesday from San Antonio. “We knew we had three good colts and we have Perfect Force and Innovator in the Pat Day Mile (GII) on Saturday plus American Promise in the Derby. Wayne has done a wonderful job.”

BAEZA – The Kentucky Derby’s lone also-eligible still is on the outside looking in as race scratch time (9 a.m. Friday) closes in. His connections still have hope, though the window is very close to closing now.

Trainer John Shirreffs continued the process of preparing the McKinzie colt for a possible Saturday date. He put him through a strong two-mile gallop under exercise rider Frankie Herrate during the 7:30 to 7:45 special training slot for Derby and Oaks types.

The conditioner said he sent him the extra distance “To get him to settle. We need to keep his feet on the ground.

Part of the Shirreffs team who has been on hand to care for Baeza – Francisco Leal – has been quietly taking care of business back at Barn 41. He’s been with Shirreffs for more than two decades and worked for Hall of Fame trainer Charlie Whittingham before that. He’s Shirreff’s foreman and traveling guy and over the years has had his hands on many, many good horses.

Leal brought Giacomo to Churchill back in 2005 and rooted him on to his 50-1 upset. He was the guy alongside the mighty Zenyatta when she made her amazing run through the racing world from 2007 to 2010, too.

Back in the day, when the traveling outfit named Tex Sutton would fly horses most everywhere, Leal would literally fly in the planes with the horses. These days, Fed Ex is the method of transportation for equines and no humans are allow on board with them. So Leal books his flights on “regular” airlines.

BURNHAM SQUARE – Whitham Thoroughbreds’ Burnham Square galloped a mile under Mark Cutler during the 7:15-7:30 training window for trainer Ian Wilkes.

Burnham Square will represent the second Derby starter for Wilkes, who saddled McCraken for the Whithams in 2017. Brian Hernandez Jr. rode McCraken and will have saddle duties on Burnham Square in Derby 151.

Wilkes, who was the exercise rider for 1990 Derby winner Unbridled for trainer Carl Nafzger and assistant to Nafzger when Street Sense won the 2007 Derby, has been exuding a positive vibe all week.

“I’m feeling good and he’s doing good,” Wilkes said. “That is all I can do until we lead him over there.” Owner Clay Whitham is expected to be at the track in the morning.

CHUNK OF GOLD – Terry Stephens’ Chunk of Gold galloped at 7:15 a.m. with trainer Ethan West in the saddle. Following Chunk of Gold’s training session, West had some special visitors come to his barn – WWE Superstars Maxxine Dupri and Natayla.

“Of course I have to pick a horse with the name ‘gold’ in it,” Dupri said. “He’s my Derby horse.”

Chunk of Gold was scheduled to school in race 2 on Thursday.

CITIZEN BULL/RODRIGUEZ – Trainer Bob Baffert’s duo of Derby colts were gallopers during the 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. special training period at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses. They both galloped a solid mile and a quarter.

Exercise rider Eric Garcia was aboard Rodriguez, while Humberto Gomez was the guy for Citizen Bull.

Most observers and handicappers foresee the Baffert twosome being serious front-end candidates in the 20-horse Derby field that has it fair share of early speed. Citizen Bull, in particular, from his No. 1 post position has little choice to do anything but fire in order to avoid being left far behind early.

COAL BATTLE – Norman Stables’ Coal Battle was on the track early Thursday morning to visit the paddock and jog a mile under Bethany Taylor. The multiple stakes winner worked three furlongs in :36 on Monday and walked the previous two mornings.

“After a work, we walk two days. That’s the way I do it,” trainer Lonnie Briley said. “He’ll gallop Friday.”

EAST AVENUE – Godolphin’s East Avenue galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window under Stephen Dolan for trainer Brendan Walsh.

FINAL GAMBIT – Juddmonte’s Final Gambit galloped at 7:15 under Joel Osorio for trainer Brad Cox.

FLYING MOHAWK – Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing and Kaleta Racing’s Flying Mohawk galloped at 7:15 under Maurilio Garcia aboard with jockey Joe Ramos and co-owner Jayson Werth looking on.

GRANDE – It was “the usual routine” for trainer Todd Pletcher and his Kentucky Derby charge Grande Thursday morning at Churchill Downs. And that was a good thing.

“Horses like routines,” the Hall of Fame and seven-time Eclipse Award winning conditioner noted.

That meant the drill for the Curlin colt was to gallop a mile and three-eighths under regular exercise rider Juan Suarez during the special 7:15 to 7:30 Derby/Oaks training period on an overcast morning in Louisville. He returned to Barn 39 for a bath and a hay rack in his regular stall.

Grande will be handled Saturday by Hall of Famer John Velaquez and come out of post 10 in the 20-horse field. The rider will be seeking his fourth Derby victory, while the trainer will be going for his third. They worked together to capture one in 2017 with the colt Always Dreaming.

JOURNALISM – The husky Curlin colt continued on his path to Kentucky Derby 151 Thursday morning at Churchill Downs when he went trackside during the special 7:15 to 7:30 period dedicated to Derby and Oaks runners. Regular exercise rider Marc Witkowski was attached and the pair turned in another solid gallop, underscoring his role as the favorite for America’s most famous race.

On hand to watch the drill was his primary owner, Aron Wellman, of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Others in the ownership collective consist of Brian Spearman, breeder Don Alberto Stable (Chileans Liliana Solari and her son Carlos Heller), Bridlewood Farm (Leslie and John Malone), Elayne Herrick of Elayne Stables 5, Robert LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor.

Also an interested observer Thursday was rider Umberto Rispoli, who’ll be aboard the bay for his mile and a quarter challenge Saturday. The Italian reinsman was asked if he did anything special in advance of a big race like the Derby. “No, not really,” he said. “I try to treat it just like I do all other races. At the end of the day it is just another race.”

LUXOR CAFÉ – Koichi Nishikawa’s Luxor Café warmed up in the mile chute and then at 7:15 moved to the main track and galloped under Naoto Suzuki for trainer Noriyuki Hori.

NEOEQUOS – C2 Racing Stable, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables and Stefania Farms’ Neoequos galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

OWEN ALMIGHTY – Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing’s Owen Almighty jogged in trainer Brian Lynch’s first set early Thursday morning with Antonio Orellano aboard.

Lynch turned 61 on Thursday and he hopes Owen Almighty can deliver a belated birthday present on Saturday.

“We’ll just play it from the break,” Lynch said of Owen Almighty, who will be piloted by Javier Castellano from post 20. “Then we will bide our time.”

PUBLISHER/TIZTASTIC – Trainer Steve Asmussen’s Derby duo of Publisher, owned by Gus King and the Estate of Brereton Jones, and Tiztastic, owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window. Roberto Howell was aboard Publisher and Carlos Rosas on Tiztastic.

RENDER JUDGMENT – Baccari Racing Stable, Dream Walkin Farms, MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing’s Render Judgment galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window under Robby Albarado for trainer Kenny McPeek. He reportedly has a quarter crack that is being treated.

SANDMAN – D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables’ Sandman jogged a mile under Froylan Garcia for trainer Mark Casse during the 7:15-7:30 training window.

SOVEREIGNTY – Trainer Bill Mott who will be saddling his 14th Kentucky Derby starter with Sovereignty Saturday, kept a steady hand on the helm at Barn 19 Thursday morning as he continued to move forward toward the $5 million classic.

"We’ll take him around the paddock a few times this morning, then gallop him (under exercise rider Javier Cardona) around the track,” the conditioner noted. “Yesterday we took him to the paddock in the afternoon and he did OK. He got a little hot, but nothing special. We gave him some extra for lunch and he ate it all up. He ate up last night, too. The routine is good and so is he.”

Dick's Picks for Kentucky Derby 151

Thu, 01 May 2025 12:49:53 GMT

DICK'S PICKS FOR KENTUCKY DERBY 151
By Dick Downey

Posted May 1, 2025

Updated May 2, 2025 at 11:49 a.m. ET

I wrote detailed information about every horse in the field in the Overview I posted on Monday. A lot of reference material is there as well. Here's a link for easy reference .

The selections are good rain or shine. We anticipate a fast track, but the selections have good wet ratings.

May 2: Dick's Picks are updated after Grande's scratch.

May 2 RUMOR MILL HORSES: American Promise jogged two miles at 5:15 under Tayja Smith followed by his daily grazing session behind Barn 42. Trainer Lukas said American Promise may jog in the morning. Owen Almighty galloped a mile and three-eighths under Antonio Orellano at 7:50. Trainer Lynch said he would not go to the track in the morning.Render Judgment galloped during the 7:45-8 training window under Robby Albarado.

May 2, 9:00 a.m. ET: Grande was scratched by a state veterinarian. Owner Repole says the horse has tested clean for a foot issue, he's fine, and that the decision is confusing. We are told other scratches are coming. I hope to know more soon and will update this page after the dust settles.

May 2, 8:25 a.m. Rodriguez did not play a part in Dick's Picks posted yesterday morning. I am thinking about how the announcement of his defection last night affects the race shape and will revisit Dick's Picks this morning. Obviously, one early speed horse is out, other early speed horses remain in the field, and Baeza is in the race at post 20 unless Owen Almighty or another horse scratches.

This year's analysis is broken down among early speed, stalkers and closers. I am leaning toward a closer and a group of four stalkers that includes Journalism.

Early Speed

Citizen Bull (#1) has worked four times since his disastrous Santa Anita Derby, twice without blinkers. It was decided he will continue to race with blinkers, which turned out to be a fortuitous choice because he drew the rail. With that draw and the blinkers, he has to be sent, doesn't he? In two turn races Citizen Bull has pretty much gone 23 and change and 47 and change. He might have run faster than that in the Derby to avoid being hemmed in, bumped or whatever as the field, seeking good first-turn position, funnels in after the gates open. If he builds a lead he might hang on around both turns for a little piece at the wire, but I like others better.

Neoequos (#2) faces the same challenges as Citizen Bull from post 2 and as a result could help insure a solid early pace. However, his credentials don't shout a top five finish.

Rodriguez (#4) and Citizen Bull are owned by partnerships that are mostly overlapping and of course they have the same trainer. Above all else they will avoid a speed duel. Rodriguez has more breathing room than his stable mate. Will he take the early lead as jockey Smith has promised, or will Citizen Bull or something else set the pace? As between the two horses, and if all other things are equal, I would typically guess the one on the outside, but with Citizen Bull's need to avoid the pitfalls of post 1, he looks more likely.

I n four starts at two turns, Rodriguez didn't get an early lead in two of them, and he produced sub-par figures. If he doesn't set the pace in the Kentucky Derby, can he win? Both his wins, including the Wood Memorial, came when he set the pace (46.20 in his maiden win, 47.40 in the Wood). Jockey Smith said that he discovered in the Wood Memorial Rodriguez just wants to be left alone, that he runs better if he isn’t bothered. Will being in a 20 horse field bother him? Probably not if he’s alone on the lead. Maybe so if he's not.

American Promise (#5) took six races to break his maiden. In his maiden win (first half in 47.40) he led at each call on a muddy track. Since blitzing the field in the one-turn Virginia Derby (45.40), he’s been off for seven weeks after trainer Lukas initially said he would probably run once more before the Derby. I have confidence about one thing: logic dictates American Promise will try to get the early lead. If it doesn't work out for him, there's always the Preakness.

One last thought about American Promise. I remember the 2002 Kentucky Derby when War Emblem and Proud Citizen finished 1-2 for Baffert and Lukas -- both at 20-1 odds -- after running 12s. Will American Promise and the Baffert horses get to the lead and slow the pace? Wouldn't that be to their advantage? It makes me crazy to think about 2002 happening again.

Admire Daytona (#6) ran on or right on top of the lead all the way through the UAE Derby to win by nose. He does not always run that way, and it is impossible to know how what he will do in this race. I am not using him in my selections because he did not finish off the UAE Derby very fast even though he won.

East Avenue (#12) has demonstrated an inability to perform well unless he has an early lead. He could do that if he's flying, and he is capable of running 46 and change. But if that is what happens, will he have enough energy left for the late running?

Owen Almighty (#20) has not demonstrated enough stamina to finish off the race, even if he does somehow get the lead. I don’t see him as much of a factor.

Stalkers

To my eye there are four stalkers, and any one of them could get the jump on the closers.

I look for Luxor Cafe (#7) to stalk and pounce coming out of the far turn. His devastating turn of foot could take him to the winner’s circle if his timing is right and his trip is clear. I’ve heard a knock that he hasn’t faced competition like this in Japan, but none of the Derby horses have faced this level of competition before.

I tend to think of Journalism (#8) as a closer, and he has been described as a closer, but his PPs reveal he is a stalker, which should help him avoid trouble. But he has a target on his back and ran into trouble running against only four horses in the Santa Anita Derby. To his credit, he overcame it. If there's a knock on him, it's that he's beaten a very small sample of horses in California, some of them more than once, where there's a limited supply of good stakes horses. A plus is that he's beaten the Baffert barn, with its seemingly unlimited resources, in all four of his wins. His only loss was his debut, the only one-turn race on his resume.

Grande (#10) has come a long way in a short time and still has upside potential. Trainer Pletcher is, in his own words, “cautiously optimistic“ about Grande. It has been said the real goal might be the Belmont Stakes. Assuming that is that is the case, Grande needs to run well in the Kentucky Derby to justify going in the Belmont. Pletcher's top horses are trained to run close to the pace. If Grande does that and gets the jump on the closers, it’s not hard to envision him having an impact.

Coal Battle (#16) could stalk, pick off horses in the turn and, if he has enough gas for the whole trip, put away some horses in the stretch. He has been showing controlled energy training at Churchill Downs. His calling card is his versatility, and he has a good turn of foot. He won the Smarty Jones Stakes setting a moderate pace on the lead. Next time out he won the Rebel Stakes when he was fifth after the first half-mile, eight lengths off the lead behind a lively pace. He was able to hold off Sandman, who was 13 lengths behind after a half-mile and narrowed the gap on the leader by 7 1/2 lengths in the next quarter-mile.

Baeza (#21) will break from the far outside post, but that could turn out to be post 16 if rumors pan out. From there he would have a better chance to get within a few lengths of the early pacesetter, which is his preferred style of running.

Closers

Final Gambit (#3) showed a devastating late kick in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, and jockey Machado says he might be better on dirt than synthetic. I became especially interested in Final Gambit when he was pulled up at the track kitchen in his final Derby workout. Ordinarily, I would like his inside post position draw, but Machado has commented sometimes Final Gambit does not run all that well when he's between horses. That comment down downgraded his chances in my book. However, Final Gambit is a play underneath. Machado is just going to have to work out the trip he needs.

Although he finished the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes slowly, Burnham Square (#9) earned a late pace figure just as good as that of Sandman's Arkansas Derby. His high dosage index (7.80), to which I made reference in my overview published Monday, give me pause about his ability to effectively get a mile and a quarter. To that point, Tuesday night I ran across a video of an interview with his exercise rider on X. He was articulate and seemed straightforward. After a discussion of Burnham Square's strengths, he mentioned the only concern is his stamina.

Flying Mohawk (#11) needs to improve quite a bit to make a dent in the race. It’s happened before and it could happen with him, but I have to go with others.

Stable mates Publisher (#13) and Tiztastic (#14) have shown an ability to grind on and pick up checks. Either one or both of them could hit the board, although I’m leaning more toward others. In my opinion, Publisher looks the better of the two based on recent workouts and his nine-furlong late pace figure of 87 compared to that of Tiztastic in his 9.5-furlong prep, an 81.

For whatever reason Render Judgment (#15) is catching money in early betting. He has alternated between closing and stalking. He has never shown the kind of speed figures that will get the job done in the Kentucky Derby. He has improved since he was a juvenile, but a Kentucky Derby win would be on a scale with Rich Strike.

Sandman (#17) has not lived up to his $1.2 million expectations, but he's close to coming into his own physically and mentally. Is he far enough along to win the Kentucky Derby? He apparently showed a bit of immaturity schooling in the paddock Tuesday, which is a concern, but at the same time all of these horse have some little something that could be better; and Sandman's appearances on the track have turned a lot of heads since arriving at Churchill Downs. Detractors point to him swerving out in the Arkansas Derby, but to my eye he was responding to a left-hand whip, not weakening.

Sandman needs an uninterrupted trip over a long distance. Jose Ortiz could turn post 17 to his advantage by staying outside of trouble. It would mean running a longer distance than some of them, but if can get Sandman in rhythm, those long legs will give him an advantage when the moment of truth arrives at the top of the stretch. Sandman is likely to keep running when many others have had enough.

Sovereignty (#18) was washy after galloping last week, but the issue dissipated over the weekend when he put in a nice workout although the gallop out did not measure up to that of Country House in 2019 for trainer Mott. Mott said he wasn't looking for a big gallop out this time. Sovereignty has good Brisnet late pace numbers, but his overall speed figures are not superior and he doesn’t rank well at all in Derby by the Speed Numbers (Section 5), where we examine four different methods of measuring speed. Despite all that, Sovereignty is the morning line second choice, presumably because he won the Street Sense at Churchill Downs in such dramatic fashion. What will the betters actually do when the serious money starts flowing?

Chunk of Gold (#19) ran a late pace Brisnet figure of 72. That makes him hard to endorse going in a race as long as the Kentucky Derby from such a poor post position. He's finished second in his last two races, and he is usable on the bottom.

DICK'S PICKS

I'm selecting SANDMAN in an attempt to upset JOURNALISM. The son of American Pharoah, LUXOR CAFE, could very well get it done, but BAEZA might outlast him. COAL BATTLE looks live, and I'm rooting for him and trainer Briley.

#17 SANDMAN
#8 JOURNALISM
#7 LUXOR CAFE
#10 GRANDE

#21 BAEZA
#16 COAL BATTLE

PLAY ON THE BOTTOM
#18 SOVEREIGNTY, #3 FINAL GAMBIT, #9 BURNHAM SQUARE, #1 CITIZEN BULL, #13 PUBLISHER, #14 TIZTASTIC

Sample trifecta tickets

7, 8, 17
with
7, 8, 10, 16, 17
with
1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 = 108 combinations (3x4x9)

_______________

7, 8, 10, 16, 17 box = 60 combinations

Selections from the Works show cast

Joe Kristufek's selections
BURNHAM SQUARE
JOURNALISM
SOVEREIGNTY
LUXOR CAFE
CITIZEN BULL

James Scully's selections
SANDMAN
SOVEREIGNTY
JOURNALISM
CITIZEN BULL
TIZTASTIC

Kaitlin Free's selections
JOURNALISM
LUXOR CAFE
SOVEREIGNTY
CHUNK OF GOLD
FINAL GAMBIT

Tony Calo's selections
JOURNALISM
SOVEREIGNTY
BURNHAM SQUARE
CITIZEN BULL
BAEZA

Kevin Kilroy's selections
BURNHAM SQUARE
LUXOR CAFE
JOURNALISM
COAL BATTLE
SANDMAN

Rosie Napravnik's Top Kentucky Derby Workouts
SOVEREIGNTY
JOURNALISM
RODRIGUEZ
AMERICAN PROMISE
EAST AVENUE

Daily Derby Update: April 30, 2025

Thu, 01 May 2025 02:53:33 GMT

DAILY DERBY UPDATE
April 30, 2025

ADMIRE DAYTONA (JPN) – UAE Derby (GII) winner Admire Daytona had a planned walk day following his five-eighths breeze in 1:02.20 Tuesday morning. Admire Daytona is scheduled to school in the paddock Wednesday afternoon with horses in the fifth race.

AMERICAN PROMISE – BC Stables’ American Promise galloped a mile and three-eighths under Tayja Smith for trainer D. Wayne Lukas during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Derby and Oaks entrants.

BAEZA – The Kentucky Derby’s lone also-eligible continued to move forward in his training Wednesday morning while his connections continue to hope for the bit of help that would allow them to be a player Saturday in Kentucky Derby 151.

Baeza, a half-brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, as well as a half-brother to 2024 Belmont Stakes hero Dornoch, proceeded to head to the Churchill paddock with his pony for a couple of spins there, then back to the track to gallop once around under regular exercise rider Frankie Herrate. As they finished up, Shirreffs directed his rider to take the colt into the track’s mile chute and have him stand in the starting gate. With all that accomplished, they headed back to Barn 41.

Baeza and crew have until 9 a.m. Friday morning (scratch time for the Derby) to get “lucky” and get to run. If that doesn’t happen, it’ll be on to the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. Trainer Shirreffs said, “We’re still hoping for a gift from the gods. What else are you going to do?”

BURNHAM SQUARE – Whitham Thoroughbreds’ Burnham Square galloped a mile and a half during the 7:15-7:30 window under Mark Cutler for trainer Ian Wilkes.

Winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (GI), Burnham Square has not raced on an “off” track, something he could possibly encounter Saturday.

“He worked really good over it Saturday,” jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. said of Burnham Square, who drilled five furlongs in :59.40 over a track labeled as good. “Good horses can overcome a lot.”

Cutler, who was the exercise rider for 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, does not feel an off track would be a problem for Burnham Square.

“But Street Sense. No, no, no,” Cutler said with a laugh. “If it was raining, he didn’t even want to come out of the barn. I knew we were in trouble when it was sloppy for the (Breeders’ Cup) Classic at Monmouth when he was fourth.”

CHUNK OF GOLD – The Kentucky Derby colt went trackside during the special 7:15 to 7:30 Derby/Oaks only training session Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs. The gray son of Preservationist had trainer Ethan West on his back and they started out their exercise by first moving to the six-furlong pole and having a stand alongside a mounted trainer Helen Pitts Blasi, who has given West a home in her barn as he readies for his first crack at the Run for the Roses.

Chunk of Gold then moved out and galloped a mile and a half for West in advance of his Derby start, where he’ll begin from post 19 under rider Jareth Loveberry.

Trainer West indicated that his charge would afternoon paddock with the horses for today’s Race 3.

CITIZEN BULL/RODRIGUEZ – The duo of Bob Baffert colts got their exercise Wednesday morning during the special 7:15 to 7:30 session set aside for Derby and Oaks runners only at Churchill Downs. Both galloped under their regular exercise riders – Eric Garcia for the former and Humberto Gomez for the latter.

Doing a TV appearance with a local station on the Churchill backside, the Hall of Fame conditioner was asked about the Derby post positions for his charges – the 4 for Rodriguez and the 1 for Citizen Bull.

“The four for Rodriguez isn’t so bad,” he offered. “He’ll be OK coming out of there. As for Citizen Bull in the one hole, we’re going to have to use him early. We’re going to tell him to get out of there like he just robbed a bank.”

Rodriguez will be handled Saturday by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, who already has a couple of Derby wins under his belt and will be making his record 29th start in the Run for the Roses. “Bull” will have regular rider Martin Garcia aboard, who’ll be making his fifth start in the classic and be looking for his first victory.

In Baffert’s case, he’ll be saddling his 35th and 36th horses in the mile and a quarter and seeking to add to his six earlier winners.

COAL BATTLE – Norman Stables’ Coal Battle had a walk day for trainer Lonnie Briley. The son of Coal Front is scheduled to return to the track Thursday morning.

Coal Battle is 2-for-2 on off tracks with daylight victories coming at Evangeline Downs and Delta Downs.

Exercise rider/assistant Bethany Taylor was asked if there was a difference between Kentucky mud and Louisiana mud.

“Mud is mud,” Taylor said. “The only difference is that in Louisiana there might be crawfish on the track.”

EAST AVENUE – Godolphin’s East Avenue galloped at 7:15 a.m. under jockey Stephen Dolan for trainer Brad Cox.

FINAL GAMBIT – Juddmonte’s Final Gambit galloped about 1 ½ miles Wednesday morning with Joel Osorio aboard for trainer Brad Cox.

FLYING MOHAWK – The Karakontie colt went trackside Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs just after the 7:15 to 7:30 special Derby/Oaks training session and galloped a mile and one half for trainer Whit Beckman with exercise rider Maurilio Garcia in the tack.

Flying Mohawk broke his maiden at Churchill last October on the turf and will be making his first start on dirt in Kentucky Derby 151. He’ll be accompanied by Joe Ramos and start from post 11.

GRANDE – The Curlin colt Grande went about his business as usual Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs as he moves ever closer to his date this Saturday in Kentucky Derby 151. He left from Barn 39 and headed to the racetrack for the 7:15 a.m. special training period with exercise rider Juan Suarez aboard and trainer Todd Pletcher following.

The conditioner has been happy with the flow of things heading to the big race. “The week has been good,” he said. “Grande has been handling things the way you’d hope.” Pletcher added that barring a rain storm, they’re planning to paddock the dark bay or brown youngster with horses for today’s third race.

His charge will break from post 10 on Saturday and have old pro John Velazquez attached. More than a few folks will recall that when Pletcher and Velazquez – Hall of Famer both – got together in 2017 on the first Saturday in May, they came away a winner with the colt Always Dreaming.

JOURNALISM – The Kentucky Derby 151 favorite had another good morning at Churchill Downs Wednesday, turning in a strong gallop under exercise rider Marc Witkowski during the special 7:15 training period as trainer Michael McCarthy looked on from trackside.

The three-time stakes winner, including most recently in the Santa Anita Derby (GI), has looked a picture since his arrival in Louisville, impressing onlookers who are both savvy and just awed. That goes for the man who has been on his back the most of late.

Witkowski, a native of Tucson, Arizona, has worked for McCarthy for the past two years after a seven-year stint in Southern California with the likes of John Shirreffs, Paddy Gallagher and Carla Gaines. He’s gotten on board more than a few good horses along the way, but he says he’s never been on one like Journalism.

“He just feels so good when he gallops,” said Witkowski. “He’s got a beautiful stride. I’ve never been on one that moves like him. Sweet – that’s the word for him.”

The son of super sire Curlin drew post 8 for his Derby run Saturday and will have regular rider Umberto Rispoli on board. They’ll have 19 rivals to beat that afternoon.

LUXOR CAFÉ – Luxor Café had a planned walk day following his five-furlong move in 1:02.20 Tuesday morning. Luxor Café is schooling with the horses in the fifth race today.

NEOEQUOS – C2 Racing Stable, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables and Stefania Farms’ Neoequos galloped at 7:15 then schooled at the gate for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. “All good, we’re ready,” Joseph said.

OWEN ALMIGHTY – Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing’s Owen Almighty galloped a mile and a half under Antonio Orellana for trainer Brian Lynch during the 7:15-7:30 training window.

Winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII), Owen Almighty never has raced on an off track. “I hope it is good and fair for everybody,” Lynch said. “His breeding (by Speightstown) indicates he should handle it and we hope that works in our favor.”

PUBLISHER/TIZTASTIC – Trainer Steve Asmussen’s duo of Publisher and Tiztastic both galloped at 7:15 a.m.

Publisher, with Roberto Howell in the irons, and Tiztstic, ridden by Carlos Rosas, both warmed up on the one-mile chute prior to their training sessions.

“Derby week is so much fun,” Asmussen said. "It’s enjoyable to take it all in.”

RENDER JUDGMENT – Render Judgment galloped at 7:15 a.m. with Robby Albarado aboard.

SANDMAN – D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables’ Sandman galloped a mile and a half under Froylan Garcia for trainer Mark Casse during the 7:15-7:30 training window.

A son of Tapit out of a Distorted Humor mare, Sandman never has raced on an off track.

SOVEREIGNTY – The son of top sire Into Mischief continued on his path to Kentucky Derby 151 with no hitches to speak of and a steady flow that continued Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs.

The bay colt came out of trainer Bill Mott’s Barn 19 in time for the 7:15 to 7:30 special Derby/Oaks training period on the big oval on a warm morning with a fast track underneath his hooves.

Exercise rider Javier Cardona steered the youngster first to the Churchill paddock, then took him back trackside for a good gallop around the big oval.

“No complaints yet,” noted his Hall of Fame conditioner.

The Godolphin homebred is schedule to paddock school this afternoon. Saturday he’ll be reunited with regular rider Junior Alvarado as they come out of Gate 18 in the Run for the Roses.

Daily Derby Update: April 29, 2025

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:56:31 GMT

DAILY DERBY UPDATE
April 29, 2025

ADMIRE DAYTONA (JPN) – Trained by Yukihiro Kato, Junko Kondo’s Admire Daytona worked five furlongs in 1:02.40 with Yoshimitsu Niyashita aboard. Working in company with the 3-year-old Dale Romans-trained maiden winner Greatdayforhockey, Admire Daytona produced fractions of :13.40, :25.60, :49.40, 1:02.40 and out six furlongs in 1:16.20.

“Up until now he’s been just training on his own just maintaining condition from Dubai,” Kato said of the UAE Derby (GII) winner. “Today we wanted to train him in company to tighten the screws down and it was perfect. He is a horse that thrives off a challenge. We really appreciate Dale Romans helping us out today.”

AMERICAN PROMISE – BC Stables’ American Promise galloped a mile and a half under Tayja Smith for trainer D. Wayne Lukas at 7:15. Looking on from the backstretch was jockey Nik Juarez, who will have the mount in Kentucky Derby 151 that will mark his inaugural foray in the Run for the Roses.

“I am just taking it all in,” said Juarez, whose agent is three-time Kentucky Derby-winning rider Gary Stevens. “He told me to just soak it all in.”

Juarez was aboard American Promise for the first time when he won the Virginia Derby by 7 3/4 lengths on March 15 at Colonial Downs. “He was exceptional that day and he did what Mr. Lukas was expecting him to do,” Juarez said.

Stevens will have Juarez busy on Saturday with four mounts before the Derby plus one in the nightcap on the 14-race program. So, what will the Derby rookie be thinking about when he guides American Promise into post 5 on Saturday? “I’ll be in the gate with confidence and wait for the gate to pop,” Juarez said.

BAEZA – The Kentucky Derby’s lone also-eligible went about his business Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs as his people hope for that touch of good fortune that will get him in the starting gate this Saturday.

The McKinzie colt had regular exercise rider Frankie Herrate in the irons as they headed out during the Derby/Oaks special training period at 7:15 a.m. on a warm morning in Louisville. Their first stop was the new paddock at the ancient oval and the bay handled that just fine. From there they came back to the racetrack and put in a good gallop of approximately a mile and a quarter.

The day prior, he’d turned in his final Derby work by going 1:02 for five furlongs. Trainer John Shirreffs looked on Tuesday from the Lukas Gap area.

“We just want to keep him from getting too fresh now,” the veteran conditioner said. “Keep that nose to the grindstone, so to speak. Later in the week we’ll lighten it up.”

Currently Baeza is No. 21 on the Derby list and is needing one of the 20 scheduled runners to withdraw from the mile and a quarter before the 9 a.m. scratch time Friday for the big race. Eclipse Award winner Flavien Prat is listed as the rider, if the bay gets to do his thing.

BURNHAM SQUARE – Whitham Thoroughbreds’ Burnham Square galloped a mile and a half under Mark Cutler at 7:15 for trainer Ian Wilkes.

A victory by Burnham Square on Saturday would put Wilkes into some exclusive company as one of 12 trainers to saddle a Kentucky Derby winner and a Breeders’ Cup Classic winner. Wilkes saddled Fort Larned to victory in the 2012 Classic at Santa Anita for Janis Whitham with Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard. Hernandez has the mount on Burnham Square on Saturday.

Whitham Thoroughbreds has six horses with Wilkes now, and the trainer was asked what a Derby victory for his longtime clients would mean. “I can’t explain it,” Wilkes said. “It would mean so much to the staff. I would like to try to answer that Saturday evening.”

CHUNK OF GOLD – Terry Stephens’ Chunk of Gold visited the Kentucky Derby starting gate and then galloped a mile and a half under trainer Ethan West during the 7:15-7:30 training window.

CITIZEN BULL/RODRIGUEZ – Trainer Bob Baffert’s two Derby colts – Rodriguez and Citizen Bull – had different agendas Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs. The latter was only a shedrow walker (he’s drilled a nifty bullet :58.40 Monday), but the former took to galloping during the special Derby/Oaks training period under exercise rider Eric Garcia. Rodriguez took care of business and returned to Barn 33 in good order.
Come Saturday, both runners figure to be busy early as likely members of the forward contingent in Kentucky Derby 151. Citizen Bull drew the rail and rider Martin Garcia will have last year’s 2-year-old champ going full tilt ASAP. Hall of Famer Mike Smith is assigned to Rodriguez again (they most recently had captured the Wood Memorial in New York) and his front-running style indicates he’ll be in the hunt from the git-go, too.

Trainer Baffert, a six-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, is back in town and back in action after being sidelined for three years after his horse Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test in 2021. Baffert, a member of horse racing’s Hall of Fame since 2009, said one of the things he’s happiest about is his chance to be back in action with his good ‘other’ horses on the Derby undercard.

"You know, they always have a terrific undercard for the Derby with lots of good opportunities for good horses,” he said Tuesday morning on the Churchill backstretch. “I had good horses over the past three years and never got to run them here.

“But I’m back doing it now (he has five horses in undercard races on Saturday) and have spots for my horses to run. That’s one of the best things of all for me and for my owners.”

COAL BATTLE – Norman Stables’ Coal Battle walked the shedrow as Barn 42 a day after working three furlongs in :36 under Bethany Taylor. Owner Robbie Norman from Alabama was on hand and enjoying the Derby experience.

“We’ve been here since Saturday before the draw,” Norman said. “I have never been to the Derby. I had a horse here in 2022 (with trainer Lonnie Briley) on the Thursday before, but the traffic was so bad, I just turned around and decided I wouldn’t come back until I had a horse in it.”

Briley has been training for Norman for 13 years.

EAST AVENUE – Godolphin’s East Avenue galloped a mile and a quarter at 7:15 under Stephen Dolan for trainer Brendan Walsh.

FINAL GAMBIT – Juddmonte’s Final Gambit galloped a mile and a half under Joel Osirio for trainer Brad Cox at 7:15.

FLYING MOHAWK – Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing and Kaleta Racing’s Flying Mohawk galloped at 7:15 under Maurilio Garcia for trainer Whit Beckman.

GRANDE – The Wood Memorial (GII) runner-up continued his training for Kentucky Derby 151 with a solid gallop of about a mile and three-eighths Tuesday morning during the 7:15 to 7:30 special period for Derby and Oaks horses.

Exercise rider Juan Suarez was at the controls and trainer Todd Pletcher was a very interested observer.

Things are flowing fine during Derby week for the Hall of Fame conditioner, who knows a thing or two about how the drill works at Churchill Downs. When he puts the saddle on his Curlin colt Saturday, it will be the 66th time he’s sent a horse out in America’s most famous race. Not surprisingly, that’s a record – by a clear margin.

“We’ve got him lined up to do some paddock schooling in the third race Wednesday,” Pletcher noted. Hall of Famer John Valezquez will be aboard Grande and come out of Post 10 on Saturday.

JOURNALISM – The well-made Curlin colt known as Journalism continued Tuesday morning to move toward his date with destiny in Kentucky Derby 15.

With regular exercise rider Marc Witkowski doing the steering, the likely Kentucky Derby favorite merely jogged a mile, then spent some time getting used to the starting gate. It all went well for the bay who comes into Run for the Roses with three straight graded stakes on his ledger, the most recent being the Grade I Santa Anita Derby.

Trainer Michael McCarthy oversaw the proceedings and continues to navigate his way through a hectic week. The 54-year-old, who spent his growing-up-years in Southern California and now calls that part of the world his training headquarters, said he always enjoys coming back to Kentucky.

“In a lot of ways Louisville feels like home,” he said. “I had all those years here with Todd (he was an assistant for Todd Pletcher for 11 years), so I know my way around a bit. If I want to go for a nice dinner, Jack Fry’s is one of my favorites. And there are a couple of watering holes around town where I like to stop by. But I’m not drinking this week. I’ve got other things to do.”

LUXOR CAFÉ – Koichi Nishikawa’s Luxor Café worked five furlongs in 1:02.40 with jockey Joao Moreira aboard. Fractions on the work were :13.40, :26, :37.80 and 1:02.40.

“Today I was asked to canter a lap as a warm up,” Moreira said of the colt trained by Noriyuki Hori. “Then I galloped him from the five-furlong pole. It was just an easy work, just to keep him ticking over. The horse felt good, relaxed and had good rhythm throughout. I was happy with his action and focus. He pulled up well. Looking forward to the challenge of riding him in the Kentucky Derby.”

NEOEQUOS – C2 Racing Stable, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables and Stefania Farms’ Neoequos galloped at 7:15 for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

OWEN ALMIGHTY – Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing’s Owen Almighty galloped a mile and a half at 7:15 under Antonio Orellana for trainer Brian Lynch. Javier Castellano, who savored Derby success with Mage in 2023, will be aboard Owen Almighty for the first time in Derby 151 and exit post 20.

“He has tactical speed and he can sit off the pace,” Lynch said of his three-time stakes winner. “Then we’ll see what happens.”

Owen Almighty is scheduled for a paddock schooling session in Wednesday’s third race.

PUBLISHER/TIZTASTIC – Trainer Steve Asmussen’s Derby duo jogged during the 7:15-7:30 training window.

RENDER JUDGMENT – Baccari Racing Stable, Dream Walkin Farms, MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing’s Render Judgment galloped at 7:15 under Robby Albarado for trainer Kenny McPeek.

SANDMAN – D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables’ Sandman galloped a mile and a quarter at 7:15 under Froylan Garcia for trainer Mark Casse.

Jose Ortiz, who rode Sandman to victory in the Arkansas Derby (GI) in his most recent start, will be aboard for the fourth time on Saturday. Ortiz rode Sandman in his debut here last June and also in the Iroquois (GIII) in September before reuniting at Oaklawn Park.

“Jose said he rode him terrible the first time,” Casse said. “Before the Arkansas Derby, we watched tapes of the Southwest (GIII) and Rebel (GII) and the key is to let him get into his stride, and Jose let him settle (in the Arkansas Derby).”

Sandman finished third in the Street Sense (GIII) in his third Churchill start, but Casse does not feel the track will be an issue Saturday.

“A lot has been made of him not running well here,” Casse said. “The track was totally different last fall and now is the best I have seen it and I have been coming here 47 years. (Trainer) Dale Romans said the same thing last night and he has been here about as long as I have.”

Sandman is scheduled to school in the paddock this afternoon with horses in the third race.

SOVEREIGNTY – The colt who is the 5-1 second betting choice in the morning line for the Kentucky Derby was kept to the task Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs with regular exercise rider Guesler Cardona on his back.

He put in a good gallop, then went up and into the paddock with trainer Bill Mott on his pony as accompaniment. All went well in that regard.

Mott, who’ll be saddling his 14th Derby starter Saturday, looked a day ahead with his Into Mischief youngster. “We’ll probably paddock school him in the afternoon Wednesday,” he noted.

Sovereignty is scheduled to be ridden by Junior Alvarado in Derby 151 and they are drawn into post 18 in the 20-horse field.

.

2025 PROFILE BUSTERS PROFILE

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:06:10 GMT

PROFILE BUSTERS PROFILE
Posted April 29, 2025

UPDATED May 1 at 6:04 p.m. ET after the defection of Rodriguez

2025 PROFILE BUSTERS

RODRIGUEZ (7). There are eight categories and we no longer use one of them, leaving seven. Rodriguez scored in all seven of those categories.
GRANDE (5)
SOVEREIGNTY (5)
JOURNALISM (5) does not qualify as a Profile Buster because he's in the Top 4 of The Downey Profile Rankings. In fact, he towers over the field.

PROFILE BUSTERS RANKINGS
RODRIGUEZ 7
GRANDE 5
JOURNALISM 5 - does not qualify because he's in the Top 4 of The Downey Profile Rankings.
SOVEREIGNTY 5

CHUNK OF GOLD 4
TIZTASTIC 4
AMERICAN PROMISE 3
BAEZA 3
BURNHAM SQUARE 3
FINAL GAMBIT 3
FLYING MOHAWK 3
LUXOR CAFE 3
SANDMAN 3
ADMIRE DAYTONA
CITIZEN BULL 2
COAL BATTLE 2
OWEN ALMIGHTY 2
PUBLISHER 2
EAST AVENUE 1
NEOEQUOS 1
RENDER JUDGMENT 0

PROFILE BUSTERS DETAILS

1. First, four of the Profile Busters (GRINDSTONE [who paid $13.80], REAL QUIET [$18.80], CHARISMATIC [$64.60] and WAR EMBLEM [$43.00]) were trained by either D. Wayne Lukas or Bob Baffert.

AMERICAN PROMISE, CITIZEN BULL, RODRIGUEZ

The year 2021 first included horses in this category that were trained by either Todd Pletcher or Doug O'Neill. Pletcher won the 2010 (Super Saver) and 2017 (Always Dreaming) Derbies with Profile Buster horses, and in 2012 (I'll Have Another), O'Neill won with a Profile Buster. He also trained 2016 Derby winner Nyquist, but Nyquist was in The Downey Profile Top 4.

GRANDE

2. Second, Profile Busters from Lukas, Baffert and others ran a triple digit Beyer speed rating in their final prep race.

JOURNALISM, RODRIGUEZ

3. Third, 10 Profile Busters ran either first or second in their final prep. WAR EMBLEM won the Illinois Derby. CHARISMATIC won the Lexington Stakes. REAL QUIET was second in the Santa Anita Derby. GRINDSTONE was second in the Arkansas Derby. STREET SENSE was second in the Toyota Blue Grass. BIG BROWN won the Florida Derby. SUPER SAVER was second in the Arkansas Derby. I'LL HAVE ANOTHER won the Santa Anita Derby. ORB won the Florida Derby. ALWAYS DREAMING won the Florida Derby.

ADMIRE DAYTONA, AMERICAN PROMISE, BAEZA, BURNHAM SQUARE, CHUNK OF GOLD, EAST AVENUE, FINAL GAMBIT, FLYING MOHAWK, GRANDE, JOURNALISM, LUXOR CAFE, PUBLISHER, RODRIGUEZ , SANDMAN, SOVEREIGNTY, TIZTASTIC,

4. Next, at least 10 Profile Busters ran either first or second in at least two of their three races preceding the Derby.

ADMIRE DAYTONA, BAEZA, BURNHAM SQUARE, CHUNK OF GOLD, CITIZEN BULL, COAL BATTLE, FINAL GAMBIT, FLYING MOHAWK, GRANDE, JOURNALISM, LUXOR CAFE, OWEN ALMIGHTY, RODRIGUEZ , SANDMAN, SOVEREIGNTY

5. Of the 16 Profile-Busting Derby winners, three ranked fifth in our Total Points Profile, four ranked sixth, and four ranked seventh. The Profile, of course, focuses on its Top 4.

COAL BATTLE (t), RODRIGUEZ , SOVEREIGNTY, TIZTASTIC (t)

6. Two Profile Busters were 2005 Kentucky Derby winner GIACOMO and 2000 Derby winner FUSAICHI PEGASUS.

A. Jumps in Performance Points Only Category. For example, Giacomo was ranked thirteenth in our Total Points Category but jumped to fifth in the Performance Points Only Category, meaning he was outrunning his pedigree. The Performance Points Only Category does not utilize the sole remaining dosage factor employed in the Total Points Category.

SEVERAL MAY JUMP A NOTCH, BUT DUE TO THE LIMITED DOSAGE POINTS EMPLOYED IN THE DOWNEY PROFILE AT THIS TIME, THIS CATEGORY IS NO LONGER CONSIDERED RELEVANT

B. Fusaichi Pegasus stands alone. He ranked fifth in our Total Points Category but jumped to first in the Performance Points Only Category. At that time, the Performance Points Only Category did not utilize any of the dosage factors employed in the Total Points Category, and now it doesn't utilize the sole remaining dosage factor employed in the Total Points Category.

NONE

7. Another factor to watch, in terms of horses capable of busting the Profile, is the horse that can reserve his speed and race along close to an average of 12 seconds per furlong at each call of the race in a nine-furlong Kentucky Derby prep race. That topic is covered in Section 3 of this Subscription. I award "12's" to horses that hit the mark in at least three calls of their nine-furlong (or longer) races at age three.

BAEZA, BURNHAM SQUARE, CHUNK OF GOLD, CHUNK OF GOLD, GRANDE, JOURNALISM, NEOEQUOS, OWEN ALMIGHTY, PUBLISHER, RODRIGUEZ , SANDMAN, SOVEREIGNTY, TIZTASTIC,

8. For the first time in 2012, we included this as a Profile Buster factor: The horse finished the last three furlongs of a nine-furlong race in 38 seconds or less. This topic is covered in detail in Section 4.

AMERICAN PROMISE, FINAL GAMBIT, FLYING MOHAWK, GRANDE, JOURNALISM, LUXOR CAFE, RODRIGUEZ , SOVEREIGNTY, TIZTASTIC

________________________

BACKGROUND

In 18* of the last 50 runnings (for statistical purposes, not counting the Derby run in September 2020 and the Derby won by Medina Spirit and subsequently disqualified for a drug infraction) of the Kentucky Derby, the Downey Profile has gone bust -- that is to say, none of our top four horses won the race. We've identified some themes tying some of these winners together.

OVERVIEW since 2007

>In 2007, Hard Spun, Street Sense* and Curlin were our Profile Busters, and they made up the Kentucky Derby trifecta.

>In 2008, Big Brown was tied with three others for the leading number of Profile-busting factors. The other three were Adriano, Gayego and Recapturetheglory.

>In 2009, Mine That Bird was nowhere to be found as a Profile Buster. Dunkirk and Friesan Fire were the Profile Busters horses, but they did little and nothing in the Kentucky Derby.

>In 2010, Super Saver was one of two horses identified as Profile Busters. Downey used him in selections, and he won. The other one was Conveyance, whom we did not use in our selections for the Kentucky Derby.

>In 2011, Nehro was one of two horses identified as Profile Busters. He finished second. The other one was Midnight Interlude, whom we did not use in our selections for the Kentucky Derby. Animal Kingdom, the winner, was in The Downey Profile Top 4.

>In 2012, one-two finishers I'll Have Another and Bodemeister were both Profile Buster horses. Dullahan, who ran third, was a Downey Profile Top 4 horse. The winner, I'll Have Another, ranked sixth in The Downey Profile; and Bodemeister, who finished second, was pretty far down the Downey Profile rankings but was the only horse with back-to-back triple-digit Beyers going into the Derby.

>In 2013, Profiile Buster Orb won the Kentucky Derby, but he was part of a crowded field -- four Profile Busters were identified that year.

>In 2014, winner California Chrome was in The Downey Profile Top 4 and won. He also was tied for the most Profile Buster points.

>In 2015, American Pharoah was in The Downey Profile Top 4 and won. He also had the most Profile Buster points.

>In 2016, Nyquist was in The Downey Profile Top 4 and he won. He was third in Profile Buster points.

>In 2017, Always Dreaming was our Profile Buster, and he was Downey's pick to win the Kentucky Derby. That year, the Downey Profile Top 4 horses hadn't been all that consistent, and Always Dreaming put in a super-impressive final workout before the Kentucky Derby.

>In 2018, Justify was in The Downey Profile Top 4 and won. He also had the most Profile Buster points along with Mendelssohn, who finished last.

>In 2019, Maximum Security** was in The Downey Profile Top 4 and won the race. Stewards disqualified him to 18th. The Profile Buster that year was Improbable, and he finished fifth, moved up to fourth by stewards.

>2020 does not count in our analysis because the Derby was run four months later than normal. In case you're curious, Tiz the Law easily had the most Profile Buster points, but he was also among The Downey Profile Top 4 horses. Authentic, who ranked third in Profile Buster points, was also in The Downey Profile Top 4.

>In 2021, the declared winner of the Derby, Mandaloun, was neither a Top 4 Downey Profile horse nor a Profile Buster. Known Agenda was the Profile Buster, and he finished ninth at 9-1 odds.

>In 2022, 90-1 Rich Strike was not on the radar at all in either The Downey Profile or the Profile Busters Profile. Epicenter was the 2022 Profile Buster, and he looked like he had the race won until Rich Strike ran him down in the closing seconds of the race.

>In 2023 Two Phil's and Mandarin Hero were our Profile Busters. We were not keen on Mandarin Hero. Two Phil's worked well leading into the Derby and became Downey's third selection. He finished a strong second.

>In 2024 Catching Freedom, Just Steel and Resilience topped the Profile Busters Profile with five points apiece. Mystik Dan, who ranked poorly in both the Downey Profile and Profile Busters Profile, won.

______________________

*Street Sense, a Profile Buster, was ranked sixth in the 2007 Downey Profile and would have been in the Top Four but for a nose loss in the Blue Grass Stakes, a fact which we noted going into the 2007 Kentucky Derby.

**In 2019, Maximum Security won the Kentucky Derby but was disqualified by stewards for interfering with a horse that finished 17th. He was the best horse that day, and he was in the Top 4. His performance, in my opinion, should be included among the horses in the Top 4 that won the Kentucky Derby.

Daily Derby Update: Monday, April 28, 2025

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 23:24:34 GMT

DAILY DERBY UPDATE

April 29, 2025

ADMIRE DAYTONA – UAE Derby (GII) winner Admire Daytona warmed up in the one-mile chute, then had a light training session on the track prior to schooling in the paddock. Trainer Yukihiro Kato was expected to arrive Monday afternoon and the colt could breeze Tuesday.

AMERICAN PROMISE – BC Stables’ American Promise went trackside at 6:30 (all times Eastern) Monday morning to jog once around the main track under Tayja Smith and then took a few more laps around the chute before returning to trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ barn.

The flashy chestnut son of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify continues to make a favorable impression in the mornings. “He’s a beautiful horse,” Lukas said of American Promise, who later in the morning grazed behind Barn 42.

“The best thing is not having to make a single adjustment,” Lukas said. “Everything has been smooth so far the past six weeks (since winning the Virginia Derby). That is a big plus not to have to worry about anything.”

BAEZA – Trainer John Shirreffs greeted racing’s most recent Eclipse Award winner, Flavien Prat, at Barn 41 Monday morning just before the 7:15-7:30 special training period for Derby and Oaks runners.

The conditioner then gave the Frenchman a leg up on his Kentucky Derby hopeful Baeza, a son of the young sire McKinzie who is the lone also-eligible for this year’s 151st edition of the Kentucky Derby. The pair went trackside through the Lukas Gap near the six-furlong pole and then conducted the business of working five furlongs on a pleasantly mild morning in Louisville.

Clockers caught the bay in splits of :13.60, :26.40, :37.80 and then a final time of 1:02. He went “out” in 1:16.

“He went good,” offered the rider afterwards. “He felt good and he did it easy.”

Shirreffs was OK with the move. “I know 1:02 is a little on the slow side, but he’s not an especially sharp work horse. We put a good work into him last week (seven furlongs in 1:28 at Santa Anita on April 20) and he’s ready. We just need to get a little lucky and get him into the race.”

Currently Baeza sits at No. 21 on the Derby list and only 20 will be allowed to run in America’s most famous race. Scratch time for the 10 furlongs is this coming Friday at 9 a.m.

BURNHAM SQUARE – Whitham Thoroughbreds’ Burnham Square jogged to the starting gate where he stood and then backed out before galloping a mile under Mark Cutler for trainer Ian Wilkes.

Winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) and Holy Bull (GIII), Burnham Square was on the track at 7:15 during the special training period for Kentucky Derby and Oaks runners.

CHUNK OF GOLD – Terry Stephens’ Chunk of Gold galloped about 1 ½ miles Monday morning under trainer Ethan West. “He was definitely feeling good and wanted to do more,” West said.

Chunk of Gold is expected to school in the paddock mid-week, West said.

CITIZEN BULL/RODRIGUEZ – The duo of Kentucky Derby colts trained by Bob Baffert took different routes Monday morning as they head to the Run for the Roses this Saturday.

Rodriguez, who had put in his final drill for the big one the previous morning when he covered five furlongs in 1:00, was just a walker at the trainer’s Barn 33 on a pleasant Louisville morning.

His stablemate, however, had work to do. Jockey Martin Garcia, who will ride the Into Mischief colt who was America’s champion 2-year-old in 2024, took the bay from the barn down through the 5 ½ furlong gap and out onto the big oval right at the beginning of the 7:15 to 7:30 special training session for Derby/Oaks competitors.

He then put the colt through a bullet :58.40 drill that was built around splits of :11.60, :23 and :45.80, then finished up with “out” times of 1:12.40 and 1:27.20.

As the veteran rider came back up through the five and a half gap, he told an onlooker: “He worked really good out there. But he was just messin’ around. He did it easy.”

A later chat with the rider turned up an “on the fly” special. It is notable that all of trainer Baffert’s riders have radio contact with him as they go through their exercises. The conditioner was watching this morning’s move from the frontside and had his version of a walkie-talkie connection in place.

“I thought I was working four furlongs,” Garcia said. “But then when I get into it, Bob tells me I’m going five. So I’d broken off at the half-mile pole, which meant I had to go past the wire and finish up at the seven (furlong marker). We did it and it worked out OK.”

COAL BATTLE – Norman Stables’ Coal Battle put the finishing touches on his Kentucky Derby preparations with a three-furlong blowout in :36 with Bethany Taylor aboard for trainer Lonnie Briley.

“He looks like he did pretty easily,” Briley said of the work that produced fractions of :11.60, :36 and out a half-mile in :50.

The work was the fourth for Coal Battle since arriving three weeks ago from Oaklawn Park where he was third behind Sandman in the Arkansas Derby (GI).

“The closer to the race the tougher it gets,” said the 72-year-old Briley, who will be saddling his first Kentucky Derby starter. “He will walk tomorrow and then there will be some jogging and galloping. He’s ready.”

EAST AVENUE – Godolphin’s East Avenue returned to the track Monday following his five-eighths move in :59.60 Saturday morning.

The colt jogged under exercise rider Stephen Dolan with trainer Brendan Walsh leading him on their stable pony.

FINAL GAMBIT – Juddmonte’s Final Gambit jogged about a mile Monday morning under exercise rider Joel Osorio for trainer Brad Cox.

FLYING MOHAWK – Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing and Kaleta Racing’s Flying Mohawk had a light gallop Monday morning under trainer Whit Beckman’s assistant/exercise rider Maurilio Garcia.

GRANDE – The Wood Memorial runner-up got some exercise under Juan Suarez with trainer Todd Pletcher looking on during the 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. special Derby/Oaks training period Monday morning at Churchill Downs.

The handsome son of Curlin galloped approximately a mile and three-eighths in the middle of the track, then took a trip over to stand in the starting gate in the chute.

“It’s looking like we might get some rain and some funky weather over the next few days so I wanted to get him to the gate when we’ve got dry land,” the conditioner said.

The 57-year-old Pletcher has signed on his good buddy, 53-year-old John Velazquez, to handle Grande on Derby Day this coming Saturday. Between them, the two have nine Eclipse Awards and they both have been enshrined in racing’s Hall of Fame. Oh, and they also won the 2017 Kentucky Derby with Always Dreaming.

JOURNALISM – The likely Kentucky Derby favorite took it easy Monday morning and merely walked the shedrow at Barn 35. The husky Curlin colt had put in his final Derby drill Sunday when he covered five furlongs in 1:01.40 to earn his day off.

Trainer Michael McCarthy was feeling fine about the circumstances surrounding his charge.

“He came out of it (the work) very well,” he noted. “We’re all good this morning. He just walking and that’s enough.”

Journalism will be ridden in Derby 151 by the veteran Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli, who worked his way through a flying escapade from his west coast headquarters to Louisville this past Saturday and Sunday in order to put his colt through his paces. After working his way through a canceled work session Saturday, canceled connections and a five-hour hang out in the Atlanta airport that afternoon, a return to Louisville for the Sunday exercise and another plane ride back to Los Angeles that morning, the high-energy rider rang the bell at Santa Anita by winning the day’s stakes. Adventure, thy name is Rispoli.

This coming Saturday he’ll take Journalism out of the No. 8 gate and point him toward glory.

LUXOR CAFÉ – Fukuryu Stakes winner Luxor Café galloped Monday morning after warming up in the one-mile chute for about 20 minutes. Trainer Noriyuki Hori was expected to arrive in Louisville on Monday and the horse could breeze Tuesday.

NEOEQUOS – C2 Racing Stable, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables and Stefania Farms’ Neoequos had an easy gallop at 7:15 a.m. for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

OWEN ALMIGHTY – Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing’s Owen Almighty had a scheduled walk day at trainer Brian Lynch’s barn.

PUBLISHER/TIZTASTIC – Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s duo of Publisher and Tiztastic had a walk day in Barn 38 following their half-mile works in :49 and :50.20, respectively.

RENDER JUDGMENT – Baccari Racing Stable, Dream Walkin Farms, MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing’s Render Judgment galloped at 7:15 under retired jockey Robby Albarado for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Render Judgment’s co-owner, the late country music star Toby Keith, always dreamed about having a horse run in the Kentucky Derby, according to his family. They posted on Keith’s X account, “It was Toby’s dream… Render Judgment is going to the Kentucky Derby. He worked so hard to finally have one there. Toby will have the best seat in the house to watch.”

SANDMAN – D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables’ Sandman had a scheduled walk day at trainer Mark Casse’s barn.

“We are on the same schedule as the Arkansas Derby when we gave him Monday off,” Casse said of the 2 ½-length winner of the Grade I race at Oaklawn Park on March 29.

SOVEREIGNTY – The double stakes-winning son of Into Mischief earned himself an “off” day by putting in a solid 1:01.80 workout Sunday morning at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Bill Mott gave the thumbs up at Barn 19 Monday morning when asked about his bay charge.

“He came out of his work just fine,” the Hall of Fame conditioner stated. “It’s all good. He’ll walk today, then the plan is to go back to galloping tomorrow.”

Sovereignty will be reunited with his regular rider Junior Alvarado for Kentucky Derby 151 this Saturday and they’ll start their mile and a quarter challenge from post 18. They are tabbed the second favorite at 5-1 in what will be the 151st edition of the Run for the Roses.

Downey Profile Kentucky Derby Overview

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:31:09 GMT

DOWNEY PROFILE KENTUCKY DERBY OVERVIEW

Posted April 28, 2025

Updated May 1, 2025 at 6:03 p.m. ET after the defection of Rodriguez

UPDATED May 2 at 10:29 a.m. ET after a state vet scratched Grande

PLEASE NOTE: This section contains my thoughts about every Kentucky Derby horse, plus references to summaries and details of my research.

PROGRAM NUMBERS SHORT FORM
1 CITIZEN BULL (KY), M Garcia, B Baffert, 20-1
2 NEOEQUOS (FL), F Prat , Luis Saez, S Joseph Jr, 30-1
3 FINAL GAMBIT (KY), L Machado, B Cox, 30-1
4 RODRIGUEZ (KY), M Smith, B Baffert, 12-1
5 AMERICAN PROMISE (KY), N Juarez, W Lukas, 30-1
6 ADMIRE DAYTONA (JPN), C Lemaire, Y Kato, 30-1
7 LUXOR CAFE (KY), J Moreira, N Hori, 15-1
8 JOURNALISM (KY), U Rispoli, M McCarthy, 3-1
9 BURNHAM SQUARE (KY), B Hernandez Jr, I Wilkes, 12-1
10 GRANDE (KY), J Velazquez, T Pletcher, 20-1
11 FLYING MOHAWK (KY), J Ramos, W Beckman, 30-1
12 EAST AVENUE (KY), M Franco, B Walsh, 20-1
13 PUBLISHER (KY), I Ortiz Jr, S Asmussen, 30-1
14 TIZTASTIC (KY), J Rosario, S Asmussen, 20-1
15 RENDER JUDGMENT (KY), J Leparoux, K McPeek, 30-1
16 COAL BATTLE (KY), J Vargas, L Briley, 30-1
17 SANDMAN (KY), J Ortiz, M Casse, 6-1
18 SOVEREIGNTY (KY), J Alvarado, W Mott, 5-1
19 CHUNK OF GOLD (KY), J Loveberry, E West, 30-1
20 OWEN ALMIGHTY (KY), J Castellano, B Lynch, 30-1
21 BAEZA (KY), F Prat, J Shirreffs, 12-1

LINK TO PROGRAM NUMBERS LONG FORM

12-SECOND FURLONGS + 38 SECONDS OR LESS - UPDATED May 1 after defection of Rodriguez
Three horses ran both 12-second furlongs and finished in 38 seconds or less in their final prep: Journalism, Sovereignty and Tiztastic. Journalism has an asterisk because his 12-second furlongs are projected due to trouble in the Santa Anita Derby. See Section 3 and Section 4 for details.

TOP HORSES IN FOUR CATEGORIES OF SPEED FIGURES IN RACES NINE FURLONGS OR LONGER - UPDATED May 1 after defection of Rodriguez

Races in Dubai and Japan are not rated using U. S. methods.

Beyer Speed Figure: Journalism 102, Baeza 101, Sandman 99, Burnham Square 96, East Avenue 96

DRF Combined Speed-Track Variant: American Promise 120, Render Judgment 112, Final Gambit 106, Journalism 106

Equibase Speed Figure: Journalism 108, Baeza 107, Burnham Square 104, East Avenue 104, Sandman 104

Brisnet Speed Figure: Journalism 108, Baeza 107, American Promise 105, Final Gambit 101, Sandman 101

See Section 5 for more details.

DOWNEY PROFILE TOP HORSES - UPDATED May 1 after defection of Rodriguez
Top 4
Journalism 20.26
Burnham Square 13.72
Sandman 13.61
East Avenue 12.43

5th, 6th, 7th
Sovereignty 11.22
Coal Battle 7.86 T
Tiztastic 7.86 T
See Section 6 for details.

PROFILE BUSTERS PROFILE - UPDATED May 1 after defection of Rodriguez
RODRIGUEZ (7). There are eight categories and we no longer use one of them, leaving seven. Rodriguez scored in all seven of those categories.
GRANDE (5)
SOVEREIGNTY (5)
JOURNALISM (5) does not qualify as a Profile Buster because he's in the Top 4 of The Downey Profile Rankings. In fact, he towers over the field.

See Section 11 for details.

TOP GALLOP OUTS AFTER RACES - UPDATED May 1 after defection of Rodriguez
In their most recent races two horses produced gallop outs into the backstretch that were the most visually impressive to my eye: Rodriguez and Sandman. Final Gambit was much the best in his gallop out on the synthetic at Turfway. See details in Section 8 .

LINK TO RACING VIDEOS + EQUIBASE CHARTS

DOWNEY'S PROFILES OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY FIELD

#1 CITIZEN BULL (20-1) - In the past we were amazed at how often trainer Baffert's drew the rail. Welcome back to the future.

Citizen Bull, who has worn blinkers every start of his career, will be equipped with them once again. His victories have come running on the lead. After his disastrous Santa Anita Derby, and after a couple of workouts without blinkers, connections said they hoped he could track the early speed and stay on once the field emerges from the second turn. But now he's wearing blinkers after all, and he has drawn the rail.

His bad post draw might make a fast early pace more probable. What option is he going to have but to be sent and risk being bumped, squeezed and who knows what else?

All that said, it's hard for me to see him staying on when they hit the top of the stretch. Citizen Bull's dosage profile is 2-6-2-0-0 (10), producing a dosage index of 9.00. But he's in the Baffert barn, so who knows. Seeing Citizen Bull close up, he does impress me as being on the small side and muscular, built like a sprinter, and that visual was reinforced April 28 when Joe Kristufek described him on the Works show as "compact".

There's some talk he might float Rodriquez out. Or perhaps, assuming trainers Baffert and Lukas are not in league with each other (see American Promise below), Citizen Bull might push American Promise out, opening space for Rodriguez. Or maybe there won't be any such shenanigans and the Baffert horses will compete straight up, as it should be.

On April 25 trainer Baffert joked to the media that Citizen Bull's recent workouts finally readied him for the Santa Anita Derby -- perhaps signaling, whether consciously or not, he's not yet ready for the longer Kentucky Derby. Trainer Baffert doesn't miss much. Maybe he was telling us straight up.

Trainer Baffert after the poor Santa Anita Derby effort: “I was discouraged (Citizen Bull) didn’t get the win today. He got tired. He’s a heavy horse. The track was deep today. We will figure this out. We have a week and then we’ll decide what is next.”

#2 NEOEQUOS (30-1) - To win the Kentucky Derby he would have to improve on a grand scale. In Florida on a speed-favoring track he has impacted major races with his early speed and stayed on a bit into the stretch, but Neoequos not been a threat to win. If connections were thinking of rating him, that thought might be out the window now with his unlucky inside post position draw.

His jockey, Edgard Zayas, after finishing third in the Florida Derby: “He ran a huge race. We got the trip we wanted. He set up perfect in a stalking position. We were able to slow the pace and he was great. He really finished up pretty nice. We wanted to get running out of there and then kind of get running to the outside and after that, if I had the horse, get it done.”

#3 FINAL GAMBIT (30-1) - Final Gambit finished the Jeff Ruby Steaks like a rocket to win going away at 15-1 odds. The synthetic track produced a turf-like finish. His early pace was slow, but he passed every horse in the field to win. Turf-like or not, it was a tall order and he did it.

Sometimes Churchill Downs can be friendly to turf horses, but not always, and the Kentucky Derby will be Final Gambit's first race on dirt. However, he is certainly bred to run on dirt, and he has been training well on dirt at Churchill Downs -- he absolutely dusted his workmate in his April 26 move and didn't stop running until he was in the second turn. I was sitting up there on the backside when he did that. It's the kind of Derby workout I look for.

Final Gambit possesses a couple of the better numbers in two of four speed categories I posted in Section 5, and in addition he earned the highest Bris late pace figure of the Derby field in the Ruby. He has a pedigree that is crying out for distance; just look at that 15 classic number in his dosage profile: 2-7-15-0-0 (24), yielding a 2.20 dosage index. You hardly ever see that any more.

With Tappan Street out of the Derby with an unfortunate injury, Final Gambit is the Cox stable's final hope for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Wouldn't it be something if he won. Final Gambit is owned by Juddmonte, and it's difficult to think of a more serious outfit. I think don't they run in the Kentucky Derby just to get good seats.

I am concerned with post position 3 after reading what his jockey said after the Ruby. It may be that in order to run effectively Final Gambit will need to drop back, which I expected regardless of the post position, find a spot to make it through the first turn without trouble, and then fan outside to get a clear run.

After the Jeff Ruby Steaks, Luan Machado said, “I knew keeping him in the clear around the turn would probably be best, but I was worried with how wide the horses on the front end were going. Sometimes when he’s between horses he doesn’t try as hard as when he’s in the clear. He really closed fast down the lane and was impressive late.”

Brad Cox assistant trainer Tessa Walden said, “He was visually impressive when he broke his maiden here. It gave us confidence he’d come with a run, especially with how he handled the surface this winter.”

#4 RODRIGUEZ (12-1) - Mike Smith recently said he's going for the lead in the Kentucky Derby and they'll have to come after him if they want it. The question is how fast he'll have to go to get it. That's a big key to the race.

If Rodriguez can get to the early lead and slow down the fractions to a reasonable pace, and if he can repeat his performance in Wood Memorial, he looks like a winner. American Promise looks like he wants to prevent Rodriguez from taking the early lead after recnet fast workouts, including his penultimate workout when he blazed out of the gate to run seven furlongs in 1:25.20 (with splits of 22.00, 33.60, 45.80, 57.80, 1:11.00).

Rodriguez ran a pretty big number in the Wood, much superior to previous efforts when he was not on the lead. I don’t know if he can duplicate that effort, even if he gets the lead. He's a horse it’s hard to leave out but there's also reason to doubt.

We have to keep in mind the Derby is an eighth of a mile longer than the Wood, but Rodriguez' Brisnet numbers from the Wood fit that source's Derby model almost to a T. The model is 94 E1, 103 E2, 93 LP, 103 Speed. In the Wood Rodriguez ran 93-103-101-105.

His workout at Churchill Downs was aweome. He was pulled up around the track kitchen. I was located nearby and saw it happen.

After the Wood Memorial:

Bob Baffert: “He’d been training like he was going to do something like that. I’ve always been very high on him. He’s just had some rough trips here in California. I knew the added distance would be a big factor for him. I thought he’d love stretching out and going a mile and an eighth. Mike Smith told me he wanted a super live one and I said, ‘Man, I’ve got a good one for you.’ He rode him beautifully. The horse looked great – he looked like Authentic. He won like a good horse. It was very impressive.

“His last two works were really strong here so I felt really good as long as he didn’t get too worked up, he'd be good. I think with taking the blinkers off, he relaxed a lot better. It was just a beautiful run and I’m just happy and blessed to have a horse like that."

Winning jockey Mike Smith: “I think they realized he just wants to be left alone. I could tell that warming up. Every time you did something with him, he’d get uptight. That’s just it – if you get him to breathe, he’s gonna run, man, and that’s what he did today. That’s probably why he ran that 100 Beyer when he broke his maiden to be honest with you.

“Man, he was doing it and Manuel (Franco on Captain Cook) came at me early around that turn and he picked it up with him. We put some separation on the field, and when I felt him do that again, I said, ‘Oh, we’re OK! He’s just got to be good enough, and he was.

About the gallop out: “He looked good, didn’t he? He really did. I asked Manuel, he picked him up [in the gallop out] and said, ‘Whoa, he’s still got a lot.’ I said, ‘yeah!’ Look, the Derby is always different, there’s going to be a big crowd. He gets a little [nervous], that’s why he had the earplugs. There’s a lot of growing for this horse to do, and that’s a good thing.

#5 AMERICAN PROMISE (30-1) - As noted above, Mike Smith said if somebody wants to get the lead instead of Rodriguez, they’re gonna have to come after it. American Promise's most recent works, especially the penultimate one, suggest he may do just that.

But consider this. Trainers Baffert and Lukas ran one-two in the 2002 Derby with War Emblem on the lead for Baffert and Proud Citizen second at every call for Lukas. They each ran perfectly reasonable 12 second furlongs at the first four calls, and the merry-go-round continued to the finish line.

After the one-turn Virginia Derby, trainer Lukas' assistant said American Promise has a good mind. If American Promise is able to accept prompts from his jockey and dictate a moderate early pace, or stalk off a moderate early pace, he and Rodriguez could dictate the pace throughout the running. What’s going to happen if American Promise and Rodriguez are able to establish fractions like War Emblem and Proud Citizen did in 2002?

OR, Lukas could have in mind what Justify did in the 2018 Kentucky Derby, which was run the first five furlongs in 45 and change and never give up the lead. American Promise is a son of Justify, and according to Lukas he looks just like Justify: very large and imposing. With Citizen Bull in post 1 and bound to be sent, Lukas decide to send American Promise too.

American Promise has good figures in two of the four speed figure ratings we assessed on the subscription page (See Section 5). He has the highest combined DRF speed-track variant figure and third highest Brisnet speed figure. Before I began my study of those figures, I was highly skeptical of American Promise. I am still somewhat skeptical regardless of whether he tries to be part of a moderate early pace or goes hell-bent-for-leather, but he could win if he can get the distance effectively.

After the March 15 Virginia Derby, trainer Lukas talked about the coming days, saying “This is a typical case of a horse that was in a growth spurt like he is, big and rangy. He didn’t actually know what was expected, like a big, rangy kid. But the last 30 days, he has really come around and I expect him to get better the next 30 days."

#6 ADMIRE DAYTONA (30-1) - Without traditional speed figures we have to go by visual assessment of his UAE Derby win, the fractions, and his training at Churchill Downs. The ability to gauge his training is questionable because Japanese trainers simply train differently than their American counterparts. For one thing, speedy timed workouts are not necessarily part of the program. Workouts appear to be used to stretch the horses' legs and expand their lungs.

In the UAE Derby, three runners were on near-even terms 100 yards out after being on or close to the lead earlier. One of those three faded a bit, one of them veered out late and still looked like he would win, and Admire Daytona’s nose was in exactly the right position at the wire. On air talent for the Dubai World Cup day broadcast described the end of this race as a battle of attrition.

Admire Daytona was on or pressing the lead at every call. Because there is no runup at the start of races in Dubai, it is difficult to assess his fractional splits when compared to American races that have runups. Regardless of whether he ran 12's or ran slower splits (see Section 3), one thing looks certain to me and it's none of the top three finishers ran very fast through the lane; instead, it was a battle of attrition.

Christophe Lemaire rode Admire Daytona in the UAE Derby and is named again for the Kentucky Derby. After the UAE Derby he said, "For sure he can go to Kentucky, but it is such a difficult race to win. It is one of the most iconic races in the world and we have to go if we can.”

Last year Forever Young proved that a horse could ship from Japan to Dubai to Louisville and still run a great race in the Kentucky Derby. However, Admire Daytona does not look as talented as Forever Young looked at this time last year. Lemaire's comment do not inspire me to change my outlook.

#7 LUXOR CAFE (15-1) - This horse finishes dirt races like he’s got a motor. A motor with lots of horse power. His modus operandi is to stay off the pace outside a few lengths back before turning on the burners with a devastating kick at the moment of truth. In the Fukuryu the pace was moderate and still zoomed by his rivals in the stretch.

Last year I had some reservations about forever Young because even though he finished strong his opening fractions in the UAE Derby were on the slow side. I was concerned that by the time he reached the quarter pole he would be too far behind to finish the job. That is not the way it turned out -- leaving the far turn he was close enough to strike and he came so close to winning.

Learning from that experience, I’m looking for the same type of performance from Luxor Café. In my book it’s gonna be hard to leave this Kentucky-bred son of American Pharoah out.

Lap times* in the Fukuryu Stakes, presumably for the pacesetter at each furlong of the race: 12.8 - 11.9 - 13.2 - 13.0 - 12.2 - 12.3 - 12.5 - 12.2 - 12.0. The first three furlong pace was 37.9 seconds, slower than the final three furlongs, making the pace resemble that of a turf race. Except for the second call, the final furlong was run faster than any other. *Lap Time is the time in between splits. The lap time is how long it takes you to get from one split to the next. The clock then starts over on the next split, or lap.

#8 JOURNALISM (3-1) - What can I write here that hasn’t already been written. His appearances on the track at Churchill Downs have been exceptional. He is a grand looking, handsome specimen. His exercise rider, through body language and demeanor when no one was really looking, is visibly impressed with him, and he is in the hands of a confident and thoughtful trainer. In my Downey Profile model, he towers over the rest of the field to an extent I've never seen.

I would not like giving out a 5-2 or 3-1 favorite as the winner when so many things can happen in a large field. But if he gets a good trip and doesn't stub his toe, he’s gonna be hard to beat.

His workout at Churchill Downs extended into the first turn. He ran almost a mile and a quarter. Really excellent.

Trainer and jockey thoughts after the race.

Winning trainer Michael McCarthy: “He had me worried for a jump or two. Special horse. I saw a little bit of adversity today, which you saw around the far turn. It took him a little bit to get his feet under him, but once Umberto was able to wheel him outside, he started getting him through his gears. He started to pick it up towards the end, leveled off nicely. He looked like he finished up well and galloped out well."

Winning jockey Umberto Rispoli: “I was trapped on the fence, and I thought, ‘Wow, this isn’t looking good. I knew my only way out was to push Barnes a little bit. I got through. That’s such a good animal to be able to get out of there. It’s rare for a horse to get held up at the three-eighths pole and to get back in the race in that way. It’s always difficult, especially for such a big horse. But he has such an amazing style and is just an amazing horse."

#9 BURNHAM SQUARE (12-1) - I’m going back-and-forth with this horse. He sure did finish slowly in the Blue Grass, and his speed figures from that race, although respectable, are not in the top tier. But trainer Wilkes is good at getting horses to peak when he wants.

Burnham Square is the Derby points leader and is in the Top 4 of The Downey Profile Rankings.

Although whether a horse has a dosage index more or less than 4.00 has lost its relevance in the Kentucky Derby, it's difficult for me to imagine this kind of profile can effectively get the distance: 4-13-5-0-0 (22) = a 7.80 dosage index.

His work on April 19 went kind of fast after we were told it would be a maintenance move, prompting some onlookers to wonder if Burnham Square was trying to run off. He settled down and ran to the wire with a lot of energy, but his gallop out looked better visually than the actual time. I can’t help but wonder if what I initially took as an energetic workout was really uncontrolled energy. Hard to figure.

Then, on April 26, his breeze was outstanding. On a track rated good, Burnham Square was accompanied by a pony until just before he broke off, which prevented him from trying to run off/lunging against Brian Hernandez, Jr. As soon as the work began Burnham Square dropped his head and moved through an impressive solo five-furlong breeze, galloped out while timed for seven furlongs, and pulled up after running a mile.

He and Journalism break from the gate next door to each other, and they have similar running styles, but I don't see Burnham Square beating Journalism if both have good trips and Journalism runs his race.

After the Blue Grass, we have the trainer and jockey reactions.

Winning trainer Ian Wilkes on Burnham Square’s progress from a maiden claiming runner-up finish at Keeneland in his debut Oct. 26: “You’d probably have to pinch me, because if you’d asked me before that race, I would not have dreamed I’d be here with him. He’s taken me there. You know, the horse has taken me everywhere I’ve wanted to go. I’ve just got to try and stay out of his way. The only thing I had to do to help him was put blinkers on him.

“(Winning) the Holy Bull was good. The Fountain of Youth (fourth), maybe I was just – I had to go easy. He’s not a big, robust horse, and I was probably a little kind on him coming in to that race, wasn’t as hard on him as what I wanted to be. Then I trained him a little more for here because I needed points, so I couldn’t mess around. We had to step up and get a little more serious now. But his number was better in the Fountain of Youth than it was in the Holy Bull.

“I’ll watch him. He’ll tell me what I need to do. But we have to keep the foot on the gas – got to keep the foot down on the pedal – because we’ve got to get a little better again. It’s going to be very deep waters, and we’ve got to get a lot better.”

Winning jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr.: "When we turned for home we had a full head of steam and I was confident. It kind of goes back to Ian trusting us; he doesn’t give us a whole lot of instructions. My son, Ben, and I sat down last night and watched all his races, and we both kind of came up with a plan: Just let him travel, let him cruise along. That’s the nice thing about a horse like him. For a 3-year-old to make such a long run like he did today and be able to run down Grade 1 winners like he did – he’s an exciting horse to move forward with.”

#10 GRANDE (20-1) - In only his third career start, the Wood Memorial, Grande was shuffled back on the backstretch, wide on the back stretch, wide on the second turn, and inexplicably wide entering the stretch, yet he still managed to get up for second behind Rodriguez, who could be among the favorites on Kentucky Derby day.

Trainer Pletcher’s two Derby winners both trained at Churchill Downs coming into the race, but he sent Grande to Keeneland. That type of preparation is not unique in the trainer’s experience.

I was thinking perhaps Pletcher chose that venue just to make sure Grande got the work in when he wants, which was Friday, whether there’s rain or shine (thinking about the synthetic training track). There’s no way of knowing, but as things turned out the track at Churchill Downs was wet that morning while Grande got his breeze in before it rained at Keeneland.

Grande's 97 Beyer is in the top four if Baeza doesn’t run. If he does, Grande is in the top five. Grande ranks well in three of the four major categories of speed figures I published in Section 5 — barring defections from the other top figures horses.

Following his sole workout after the Wood Memorial, in which Grande was out in 1:27 and change after opening in 13.00, trainer Pletcher said he was cautiously optimistic about the Derby. Grande's workout at Keeneland received mixed reviews. but after watching it twice I thought it was pretty good in that he did the main body of the work on his own with Johnny V practically standing up and responded well when asked to run past the wire.

By the way, we might want to keep an eye on Valentinian, the workmate, who put in a pretty strong move himself. He's in race 3 at Churchill on Saturday.

I am not necessarily seeing Grande winning the Derby, although it it could happen, but I can see him picking up pieces. At a time when something like this rarely happened, his sire, Curlin, also came into the Derby off only three lifetime starts, albeit with higher speed figs and a better resume. Curlin finished third in the Derby and won the Preakness two weeks later.

Trainer Pletcher after running second in the Wood Memorial: "I thought he ran super. He didn’t break real well. He got shuffled around a little bit going into the first turn. Dylan [Davis] said he kind of had to check off heels which forced him to go really wide. He advanced nicely down the backside while out in the middle of the track. He still got hung out pretty wide on the far turn and I think compared to the ground saved that the winner had, it was a very creditable effort.

“He hasn’t been that far back, he hadn’t had dirt in his face – it was his first time in a stakes and only his third start. We have a lot of positive things to draw from it. I think he proved that he does belong and got some points as well. We’ll see how he comes out of it and come up with a plan, but I thought he certainly ran well enough.”

#11 FLYING MOHAWK (30-1) - Blinkers off, the only equipment change noted in the overnight. At 9-1 odds he came from next to the last to finish second in the Jeff Ruby. He has more turf breeding than his rival Final Gambit, who won the Ruby, and his speed figures in six career starts, none on dirt, do not suggest success. However, probably no one is having more fun participating in the Derby than his connections. Sometimes happy connections lead to good things, but I have to go with others.

Second place trainer Whit Beckham said this after his second-place finish in the Jeff Ruby: “When you’re from Louisville, there’s only one race you’re aiming for and that’s the Derby."

#12 EAST AVENUE - We are told by his camp East Avenue was trained too lightly in New Orleans before the Risen Star debacle, and that he likes being back home in Kentucky thus explaining his improvement in the Blue Grass. Is this just talk to promote his brand or is it legit?

It's difficult for me to buy into it. It wasn't just the Risen Star when East Avenue didn't make the lead and ran poorly. He didn't get an early lead in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile either, and he flopped just as badly in that one as he did in the Risen Star. He was a short-priced favorite in both races.

In summary, East Avenue's good races have seen him on the early lead; otherwise, he has not performed well. Logic thus dictates he will try to get the lead again. But if that's what he does, what will it cost him? It will only work if the pace is moderate. That could be a hard sell with one or two Baffert horses determined to get the lead and the Lukas horse, American Promise, just as primed to go-go at the break from all appearances.

And there's this. What if East Avenue is just a rabbit for stable mate Sovereignty? That scenario might help insure a fast early pace but not a likely win for East Avenue.

After running a close second to Burnham Square in the Blue Grass:

Brendan Walsh: “I loved how he battled. He looked at the head of the straight like he was going to fold and he didn’t fold, and I think it’s a good sign for the future. I think he’s a horse that can still improve. It’s nice to see him run a race like that."

Luan Machado (who's on Final Gambit in the Kentucky Derby): “We went really quick from the start, but the horse came back to me. It was a little aggressive, and he dropped a little bit in the second half. He dug deep and he fought back. He tried his best to get him, and I am happy with him.”

#13 PUBLISHER (20-1) - An exacta made up of Journalism and Publisher would be a fun bet.

There’s a good chance Publisher will finish ahead of his stable mate Tiztastic who is also 20-1, even though the former is a maiden and the latter won the Louisiana Derby. He's outworked Tiztastic at Churchill Downs. Recently when the two horses entered the track together, trainer Asmussen and his pony accompanied Publisher while Tiztastic was accompanied by a pony ridden by assistant trainer Scott Blasi.

Publisher hasn't run exceptional numbers, but he's hit the board five of seven starts and has shown recent improvement. He has a chance to dent the board. His stock certainly went up when Irad Ortiz, Jr. was named to ride at a time when he appeared to have other option.

Steve Asmussen said after the Arkansas Derby, “I’m very pleased with the progression he’s made. I love the class of that horse. I mean, he is meant for a big day. He is classy and calm. Wastes zero energy doing anything he shouldn’t be doing. Top class horse. (Did blinkers help?). I was hoping he would be a little bit closer, but he kind of got squeezed away from there again. You know what? With the pace scenario, we got a good trip. Winner outran us. At the head of the stretch, I’d have picked us and we ended up second. I’m very proud of how he ran, and we need to find more.”

#14 TIZTASTIC (20-1) He is a grinder that improved when the distance got longer, and he really enjoyed the track at Fairgrounds, but I wonder if he peaked winning the Louisiana Derby. It is difficult to leave him out underneath because he has he been around at the finish many times in his career, and he's the type that can pass tired horses in the last quarter-mile. Couldn’t blame anybody for playing him underneath.

I note Tiztasic got a low late pace figure as he ground his way to win the Louisiana Derby. I think there are others in the race with a better turn of foot in the late stages, so I can't pick him to win.

As noted above my research shows five Derby horses ran both 12-second furlongs and finished in 38 seconds or less in their final prep: Grande, Journalism, Rodriguez, Sovereignty and Tiztastic. I still don't know how he did that with a Brisnet late pace figure of 81.

After the Louisiana Derby, here's what his jockey and trainer had to say. Joel Rosario: "He did everything right. He was the best horse in the race. He handled a little bit of traffic at the 3/8ths pole. The pace was fast in front and I had the horse underneath me to get it done.” Steve Asmussen: "We thought he’d run bigger in the Southwest. He had enough distance (today). He’s stepping forward when he needs to. The horse has a great mind about him. I loved the way he acted pre-race. He ran a solid race but I think there’s more in him."

#15 RENDER JUDGMENT (30-1) - Unless Baeza draws in from the also-eligible list, Render Judgment is the last horse to make the field. If our only handicapping tool was his last workout at Churchill Downs, he might rank in the top five. However, he's another one that would have to vastly improve to win. And while he has improved this year, what he has lacked so far is a late kick even though he has some stamina influence in his pedigree. Hard to recommend.

It's too bad the late Toby Keith did not live to see Render Judgment make the Derby. He put a lot into the sport and died way too young last year. You might say Render Judgment is a part of his legacy.

#16 COAL BATTLE (30-1) - As consistent as this horse was leading into the Arkansas Derby, as straightforward as this horse is in his training, and as good-natured and open as his 72-year-old trainer talks when interviewed, I’m rooting for Coal Battle.

Before his poor post position draw, I was thinking he had a shot at doing some damage in The Derby. Now I'm not as sure. But there's room for hope.

Trainer Briley says Coal Battle takes care of himself on the race track but that he was just a little too full of himself before the Arkansas Derby. Briley talked about how he had to saddle Coal Battle "on the walk" for the first time. Later, Briley observed jockey Juan Vargas probably moved too soon.

The result: Coal Battle's numbers were not up to par in the Arkansas Derby. The race was an aberration from previous efforts, and I have to wonder if he might bounce back if Vargas can time it right.

I see post 16 as a potential problem, but maybe Coal Battle will break well and be able to follow #12 East Avenue out of the gate and establish good position going into the first turn. From there a well-timed ride could get him in the money when he shows his quick turn of foot leaving the far turn.

After the subpar third-place finish in the Arkansas Derby, here's what his trainer and jockey said.

Trainer Lonnie Briley: “He was a little too fresh today. And you always think about the drawing board, going back to it. But in the paddock, he was a little anxious and stuff. So, I was worried about that today. He ran a good race. He ran third and Sandman had been coming from behind, so we knew that he would be a factor. When they added the blinkers to Publisher, he’s a good horse and he ran big. (Coal Battle) ran good against some good horses. We’ll have another shot at them soon.”

Coal Battle jockey Juan Vargas: “I think one thing that hurt my horse this time was he was very aggressive – like never before. I know he broke well from the gate, but this time he was very aggressive. I had to fight the horse and I think that cost me the race, for sure. If he had settled down, like normally he does, it was a perfect race for him. This time, I had to fight him a lot. You can’t fight him.”

#17 SANDMAN (6-1) - In 2007 I was told by a pretty good Jockey that high profile trainers like to talk about their horse when they have confidence in them; and when they don't, they stay quiet.

Trainer Casse has been accessible to the media. He has expressed optimism and and more than that, confidence, every time he encounters media at Churchill Downs.

And who can blame him. This son of Tapit has appeared to be growing up in front of our eyes since he got to Churchill Downs. He makes a grand impression on the track, he has a long stride and he just has a great aura about him.

A serious knock is that progeny of Tapit are not precocious; they are prone to mature as time passes. A son of Tapit has never won the Kentucky Derby, but four of them have won the Belmont Stakes five weeks later. Will one of his offspring ever mature quickly enough to win the Kentucky Derby?

I’ll have to admit I have been biased in favor of Sandman since February. He was my first pick in a triple crown fantasy league that involves some people whose names you would recognize. As a result, naturally I was disappointed when he drew post 17.

Sandman doesn’t flash much early speed (although he has respectable early speed Brisnet figures), and I hoped he would draw closer to the middle, but trainer Casse said that there’s not much difference in posts 14 through 17, so I’ll take what I can get.

To deal with his post, I envision Sandman and Jose Ortiz gradually moving toward the rail before the first turn to obtain a good position behind a lot of the earlier speed while staying out of trouble. Assuming a quick early pace, I see him being behind the second flight at that point. I do not see him going to the rail. I project his staying outside of horses so his momentum is never slowed by trouble.

A fast early pace is not guaranteed. It looks a lot more likely than not, though. And so I am banking on that to help Sandman put in a sustained run and a good placing in the Kentucky Derby, if not a win.

Two weeks ago I thought his odds might be about 8-1. But his improvement since then leaves us with a 6-1 morning line. I’m starting to wonder if Journalism, with a 3-1 morning line, has checked so many boxes he will go off at 2-1. If his odds drop that low, maybe Sandman will be a better value.

A few critics are dismissive of him, saying the fast early pace in the Arkansas Derby led to his win. I’m sure it helped him a lot, but that is not the only thing that led to his win. I was convinced before the Arkansas Derby that the added distance would benefit benefit Sandman, and it did. Now we have a race with even more added distance, and we have a horse that looks like he can run all day.

Reviewing his three losses at Churchill Downs: the first loss (badly beaten fifth) was at one turn in his debut; the second loss (badly beaten fifth in the Irogquois) was at one turn; the third loss (third, beaten 5 1/4 lengths by Sovereignty in the Street Sense) chart says, "SANDMAN broke a beat slow and transferred contact from an outer rival to an inner foe at the start, laid off of the pace in the four to three path, shiftzed (sic) out to the five path entering the lane, got outkicked by an outer rival while hanging on his left lead in upper stretch, delayed changing leads until the sixteenth pole, then kicked in after doing so and produced a late kick to miss place at the wire."

Other notable progeny of Tapit: Arthur's Ride, As de Trebol, Careless Jewel, Chachkova, Chasing Yesterday, Constitution, Creator, Cupid, Dance Card, Dream Dancing, Essential Quality, Flightline, Frosted, Hansen, Joyful Victory, Laragh, Panivino, Pauline's Pearl, Pretty City Dancer, Proxy, Ring Weekend, Stardom Bound, Sweet Loretta, Tapit Girl, Tapit Trice, Tapitsfly, Tapizar, Tapwrit, Tell a Kelly, Testa Matta, Time and Motion, Tonalist, Unique Bella, Untapable, Valiance, Zazu.

Here's what Sandman's trainer and jockey said after the Arkansas Derby.

Mark Casse: “I couldn’t believe (the fast early fractions), actually. I said, ‘Well, they’ll have to be superstars to keep going.’ The farther they went, the more confident I was. The faster they went, the more I smiled. I think that just shows how good he is (after lugging out in the stretch and still winning by 2 1/2 lengths). He wasn’t focusing and he was still able to draw away. As Jose said, he wants to get into a rhythm. And if you can get him into that rhythm, he’ll just go. Jose said he didn’t take a deep breath when he pulled up.”

Jose Ortiz: “We knew back then (when I rode him in the G3 Iroquois) that he wasn’t a one-turn horse. I was a little sad that I lost him because he came this way. But very excited to get him back. Today, a mile and an eighth, he’s proved that the two turns is his game. Very happy, very excited. Kentucky Derby – here we (come). He was a little shy from the whip from the left hand. I could see that from the replays the last time. I tried one time and didn’t try it again. So, he was rolling.”

#18 SOVEREIGNTY - I'm getting mixed signals all over the place.

My first draft of this profile, which I wrote the week before the Derby, started out with this comment: "I am not enamored with the runners coming from the Florida Derby." That was before Tappan Street, the Florida Derby winner, was taken out of the Kentucky Derby by an unfortunate injury. That leaves second- and third-place finishers Sovereignty and Neoequos.

The top speed figures from the Florida Derby are on the low side compared to many other Kentucky Derby horses no matter where you look -- Beyer, Brisnet, DRF speed/track variant and Equibase -- and so are the early pace and late pace Brisnet figures. YET, Sovereignty and Tappan Street did something in that race few other Derby starters accomplished in their final prep -- they finished in less than 38 seconds after running 12-second furlongs.

Last October Sovereignty won the Street Sense at Churchill Downs impressively, then skipped the Kentucky Jockey Club in November. His performance at Churchill Downs turned heads, and apparently he does really like Churchill Downs. There is no explaining it, some horses just take to Churchill Downs, including for one example 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver.

Sovereignty returned in the March 1 Fountain of Youth and he showed improvement over his excellent Street Sense performance. So now he had two things going for him. He stepped up to another level, and he did it on a different track.

But then the Florida Derby produced this for Sovereignty: his Brisnet figure (94) is barely better than the Street Sense figure (93); his combined DRF speed + track variant is 98 compared to 105 in the Street Sense and 107 in the FOY; his Beyer is 92 compared to a 95 in the FOY and an 87 in the Street Sense. And his Equibase figure (94) is five points lower than his Street Sense figure (99).

The week before the Kentucky Derby Sovereignty was sweating quite a bit at the end of gallops, and the word was that before the Florida Derby sweat was dripping from his neck before he lost to Tappan Street. Over the past weekend the issue subsided, and he put in good workout on Saturday.

If Sovereignty becomes anxious/washy before the Kentucky Derby -- let's say it happens during the post parade -- I don’t see how he can win. I should never say anything like that, because it can come back to bite you, but that’s just the way I see it.

As noted, he won the Street Sense at Churchill Downs, and I take it a lot of support is going his way because of that. However, winning a race at Churchill Downs is not a qualifier for the Kentucky Derby. You look at your Derby winners over the years, and there’s no correlative value.

Something else that comes to mind is the fact that a lot of time has passed since the Street Sense, and many of these horses are not the same as they were then. Some have gotten a lot better, and some have stayed about the same. Which type is Sovere ignty?

I am still pondering what to do with Sovereignty in my selections, which I anticipate posting no later than Thursday morning.

Trainer and jockey comments after that second-place finish in the Florida Derby:

Trainer Bill Mott: “He (Sovereignty) came with his run. He ran well. He had a pretty good trip. He got a little wide going into the first turn but he got in and got a pretty good trip. Manny said the ground kind of broke away from him two different times, once at the three-eighths pole and once at the five-sixteenths pole. He said he kind of lost it and gathered himself up, and then he did it again. But, look, he ran OK.

"The winner ran good. It was a good race. This doesn’t have to be his best race. Sometimes you can look at it and say, maybe that’s a good thing. You don’t want their best race before the big event. This is a very important race, but I think the fact that he ran very big last time and ran very well this time, maybe he’ll continue to improve. I don’t think the fact that he didn’t win doesn’t mean he didn’t run a good race.”

Jockey Manny Franco: “I had a really good trip. I rode the horse the way he likes to run. I told Bill at two points he just didn’t get over the track. He bobbled on me and lost his stride. At that point I think I lost a little momentum to get him into the bridle again, into the rhythm, but he finished running. He’s going to be a good horse going forward.

“From the three-eighths pole he did it, and going to the quarter pole. I feel like he disappeared on me a little bit. But that’s the way it is. He kicked home anyway. When I hit the clear he was gaining ground.”

Junior Alvarado is healed and will ride Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby.

#19 CHUNK OF GOLD (30-1) - Even though Tiztastic and Chunk of Gold came from off the pace to comprise the Louisiana Derby exacta, according to Brisnet figures the accomplishment did not emerge from top late pace numbers, but rather from top early pace numbers.

It is astonishing to me how many of these Derby horses have very slow late pace Bris numbers. Chunk of Gold finished the Louisiana Derby with a 70 Brisnet late pace. Chunk of Gold also does not figure in the top tier of different speed figures going nine furlongs or longer. And he drew post 19.

Trainer Ethan West said this after the Louisiana Derby: “He was a lot closer in this race than he ever has been. Jareth (Loveberry) said he was a lot more aggressive early on the front side here and he was trying to get covered up behind John Hancock. He said down the backside he took a big breath and relaxed and he said he was tired but rightfully so. Jareth put a beautiful ride on him - it was picture perfect.”

#20 OWEN ALMIGHTY (30-1) - I was at the track the day Owen Almighty won the Tampa Bay Derby. I was sick as you know what after some bug hit me the night before. I had only two cocktails, so it wasn't that. Whatever it was, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Anyway, I drug myself to the track and enjoyed the day with host Bobby Neuman and my BloodHorse editor Byron King, both of whom I consider friends. I said all that to say this: If Owen Almighty wins the Kentucky Derby, somebody better call me an ambulance because I'm gonna need it to get home.

#21 BAEZA (12-1) - He's going to be stuck on the far outside post, which seems unfair, but that's the way it is.

Baeza ran very impressive numbers in the Santa Anita Derby in only his fourth start as he sat fifth of five off of moderate early fractions and came home very strongly, beaten less than three lengths by the presumptive Kentucky Derby favorite, Journalism.

We still don’t know what he’ll do in a large field. When he faced 11 runners in his debut he finished ninth, but that was his first start and it was on turf. In his last three races he faced only 14 total competitors.

Two races back he won on second Lasix. To his credit, he moved forward without Lasix in his next start, which, of course was the Santa Anita Derby. Can't get Derby points unless there's no Lasix.

I don’t know what to make of his April 20 workout. He was originally credited at Equibase with six furlongs in 1:15 and change. That was revised to 7 furlongs in 1:28 flat. So yes, he finished well, but either way you slice it, that was a slow workout. He ran slowly again in his April 28 workout at Churchill Downs. I suppose both were maintenace works. I think it might be a mistake to discount him based on those works -- unless he's sore or something.

Baeza's speed figures jumped in the Santa Anita Derby, just as Rodriguez' did in the Wood Memorial, so a legitimate question is whether he or they will run another one like that or bounce.

I don't delve into pedigree very much, mainly because you could make a case for any number of Derby horses based on their pedigrees, but it's worth noting Baeza's dam, Puca, not only produced 2023 Kentucky Derby winner but also Mage and Dornoch, winner of the 2024 Belmont Stakes, Haskell and Fountain of Youth.

For now I'll say I remember when Big Brown won from way out there, but he was 2-1 and enough better than his rivals that all he had to do was circle them.

Trainer Shirreffs after the Santa Anita Derby: “He ran super."

Thank you for reading my work, and I hope it helps you with your selections. I'll post selections no later than Thursday morning.

Kentucky Derby Update: Sunday, April 27, 2025

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:24:56 GMT

D AILY DERBY UPDATE

Sunday, April 27, 2025

ADMIRE DAYTONA – UAE Derby (GII) winner Admire Daytona had a planned walk day on Sunday. The colt is scheduled to have a published workout Tuesday

.

AMERICAN PROMISE – BC Stables’ American Promise took to the grass Sunday morning … the grass behind Barn 42 to graze early … a day after working five furlongs in :59.40 under jockey Nik Juarez.

Winner of the Virginia Derby in his most recent start, American Promise drew post 5 for the Derby and was listed as a 30-1 proposition on the morning line.

“That’s a good spot,” four-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer D. Wayne Lukas said as he watched American Promise graze. “He had a good work yesterday and everything has been positive.”

Also looking on was part owner Brian Coelho, who teamed with John Bellinger last year on the ownership of Just Steel for Kentucky Derby 150. Coelho lives in central California and Bellinger in San Antonio. Bellinger is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Tuesday afternoon.

BAEZA – The Kentucky Derby’s lone also-eligible, the McKinzie colt Baeza, galloped during the special Derby/Oaks training session Sunday morning at 7:15. Trainer John Sherriffs had veteran exercise rider Frankie Herrate up for the exercise. They’re planning on working the Santa Anita Derby (GI) runner up Monday.

The trainer was told that more than a few people believe that through belief in luck/bad luck/Derby gods, one of the other runners will come out before Friday morning and give his charge a chance to compete.

“We’re ready,” he replied with a smile.

BURNHAM SQUARE – Whitham Thoroughbreds’ Burnham Square returned to the track Sunday morning a day after working five furlongs in :59.40 to jog in the mile chute under Mark Cutler.

Co-fourth choice on the morning line at 12-1, Burnham Square drew post 9 for the Derby and will be ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr. “That’s a good spot,” trainer Ian Wilkes said of the draw.

CHUNK OF GOLD – Terry Stephens’ Chunk of Gold had his first training session at Churchill Downs, jogging under trainer Ethan West.

The son of Preservationist drew post 19 for the Derby.

“I’d rather have post 19 then not have a post at all,” West joked. “I was hoping for the middle portion of the gate to have a better chance at not going so wide into the turn. (jockey) Jareth (Loveberry) has time to try and get into position into the turn.”

Following Chunk of Gold’s training session, West sent his Derby contender to the equine salt water spa, located within steps of his barn. “We’re taking it all in and as long as the horse is happy, I’m happy,” West said.

When the 32-year-old trainer wrapped up his morning at Churchill Downs, he was gearing up to coach his son’s championship basketball game in Northern Kentucky.

Chunk of Gold is scheduled to gallop on Monday.

CITIZEN BULL/RODRIGUEZ – The duo of Bob Baffert-trained colts headed for the 151st Kentucky Derby this coming Saturday both went trackside Sunday morning for the special 7:15 to 7:30 training session.

Citizen Bull, the nation’s 2-year-old champion in 2024, had exercise rider Humberto Gomez up for a solid gallop around the Churchill Downs oval. He’s scheduled to turn in his final drill leading up to the Derby Monday and regular rider Martin Garcia is on hand to be the driver for that run.

Stablemate Rodriguez, who’ll have Hall of Famer Mike Smith in the tack Saturday, had exercise rider Eric Garcia aboard for his move Sunday, which was a serious five-panel drill in 1:00. The track’s clockers caught his splits in :12.20, :24.20, :36.20 and :47.60, then timed him “out” in 1:12.60 and 1:27.

Garcia came off the track at the five and a half-furlong gap shaking his head in a form of pleasing disbelief. “Amazing work; amazing,” the rider said. “He was in hand all the way.”

Later at his Barn 33, Baffert had to agree with his rider. “Yes, it was an amazing work,” he stated.

Then, either showing some of his impish style, or foretelling a tale he knows well, he offered: “Right over there, on our shedrow rail, that’s where the roses are going to hang.”

COAL BATTLE – Norman Stables’ Coal Battle galloped a mile and a half during the 7:15-7:30 training period for Derby and Oaks horses with Bethany Taylor aboard.

Coal Battle drew post 16 for the Derby and is listed at 30-1 on the morning line.

“I was hoping for 8, 9, 10 or 11,” trainer Lonnie Briley said. “But it looks like most of the speed is inside of us so we can just drop in behind it.”

Coal Battle is scheduled for a three-eighths mile blowout Monday morning according to Briley.

EAST AVENUE – Godolphin’s East Avenue completed his major preparation for the Kentucky Derby, breezing five furlongs in :59.40 under jockey Manny Franco.

The colt worked to the outside of Joejoe Go through a quarter-mile of :24.20 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.20. Joejoe Go’s final time was :59.60.

East Avenue drew post 12 in the Derby.

“We’re really happy with our draw,” trainer Brendan Walsh said. “There’s a lot of speed on our inside so I think it’s a good spot to be.”

FINAL GAMBIT – Juddmonte’s Final Gambit had a walk day at trainer Brad Cox’s barn following his five-eighths move in 1:01 Saturday morning.

The winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) drew post 3 for the Derby and will be ridden by Luan Machado.

FLYING MOHAWK – Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing and Kaleta Racing’s Flying Mohawk drew post 11 for the Kentucky Derby.

“Post 11 seems like a pretty good post,” trainer Whit Beckman said. “It’s right in the middle of the gate. He’ll break out of there and probably track the pace. So, we’re good with it.”

Co-owner Jayson Werth was in attendance Saturday night at the draw and was very pleased with drawing post 11.

“My grandpa played 19 years in the big leagues and for most of it, his number was 11. So, I have some history with that number and it was one of my favorite numbers growing up as a kid. We are here in the Kentucky Derby with the guy we never thought would make it here. I think he’s live at number 11.”

Jockey Joe Ramos has the mount and was tabbed at 30-1 on the morning line.

GRANDE – The lightly raced Curlin colt returned to regular training Sunday morning with exercise rider Juan Suarez aboard for a mile and three-eighths gallop during the special Derby/Oaks training period at Churchill Downs starting at 7:15.

Trainer Todd Pletcher oversaw the exercise and gave it a thumbs up. “He’ll just gallop the rest of the week,” the trainer said. “And I’m fine with his Derby post draw.”

Grande drew post 10 at the draw Saturday evening on the Paddock Plaza Terrace. Saturday he’ll have old pro John Velazquez in the irons.

JOURNALISM – One could tell by the crowd of Media types and looki-loos surrounding Barn 35 that Journalism is a big deal for this year’s Kentucky Derby 151. The strapping Curlin colt had the backside at Churchill Downs all atwitter Sunday morning as he went through his final drill for America’s most famous race.

The fact that he drew a pleasing post (#8) for the race Saturday evening and was hung the morning line favorite at 3-1 over 19 rivals stirred the pot, of course, as has his run of three straight graded stakes tallies coming into The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports, capped by a nifty score in the Santa Anita Derby.

Sunday morning, the bay had the airplane-challenged rider Umberto Rispoli up for a move of 1:01.40, preceded by splits of :13.60, :25.80 and :37.60 and followed by some “out” marks of 1:13.60 and 1:26.80. They went about their business on a sunny and slightly chilly morning in Louisville.

Rispoli, the ebullient Italian who works out of Southern California these days, went through an airplane adventure in which he came into Louisville Saturday on the planned-though-scratched work day, attempted to fly back to California only to wind up spending five hours in the Atlanta airport trying to make connections, then returning to Louisville later Saturday so he could be on hand for his saddle services Sunday.

Nonetheless, the rider liked what his mount had done out on the racetrack that morning. “He was good today,” he said. “Very professional. He’s a professional horse; a pleasure to ride.”

Conditioner Michael McCarthy, who watched the work from the frontside with several of his clients, also found the exercise to his liking.

“I was very pleased with the work,” he offered. “Umberto was happy, so that’s good. He’ll just walk tomorrow. It’s all good for now.”

LUXOR CAFÉ – Fukuryu Stakes winner Luxor Café visited the paddock Sunday morning

Trainer Noriyuki Hori is expected to arrive in Louisville on Monday and the horse could breeze Tuesday.

NEOEQUOS – C2 Racing Stable, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables and Stefania Farms’ Neoequos trained for the first time at Churchill Downs Sunday morning, jogging at 7:15 a.m. for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. He drew post 2 in the Derby.

OWEN ALMIGHTY – Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing’s Owen Almighty galloped a mile and a half under Antonio Orellana for trainer Brian Lynch at 7:15.

Assigned morning line odds of 30-1, Owen Almighty drew post 20 for the Derby.

PUBLISHER/TIZTASTIC – It was a busier than usual morning for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen as his Derby duo of Publisher and Tiztastic had their final published workouts prior to the Run for the Roses.

Publisher, with Wilson Fabian in the irons, breezed a half-mile in :49 and Tiztastic, ridden by Carlos Rosas, worked a half-mile in :50.20.

The duo drew adjacent starting positions for the Derby with Publisher breaking from post 13 and Tiztastic post 14.

“It’s an ideal draw for both of them being next to each other,” Asmussen said. “They’ve been training together, everything is coming together perfectly. I just hope we can catch a day that’s going to be sunny and a fast track. We couldn’t be more excited.”

Tiztastic, owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, won the 1 3/16 TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) six weeks ago.

“I think the distance was the difference with him,” Asmussen said. “If the Louisiana Derby were any shorter, he would’ve been fourth or fifth. I think the key to him is getting the opportunity to go this far.”

Gus King and the Estate of Brereton C. Jones’ Publisher has accomplished a lot but has yet to win a race. The runner-up in the Arkansas Derby (GI) added blinkers for that race and will wear them again in the Kentucky Derby.

“I think we get better focus with him with the addition of blinkers. It was a big jump forward from a numbers standpoint,” Asmussen said. “He’s been very impressive since he’s started training here.”

Publisher will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. while Tiztastic will have Joel Rosario in the irons. Both horses are tabbed at 20-1.

Kentucky Derby Field

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 19:45:15 GMT

KENTUCKY DERBY 151 ENTRIES
May 3, 3025 $5,000,000 guaranteed Maximum field of 20

Short form

1 CITIZEN BULL (KY), M Garcia, B Baffert, 20-1
2 NEOEQUOS (FL), F Prat, S Joseph Jr, 30-1
3 FINAL GAMBIT (KY), L Machado, B Cox, 30-1
4 RODRIGUEZ (KY), M Smith, B Baffert, 12-1
5 AMERICAN PROMISE (KY), N Juarez, W Lukas, 30-1
6 ADMIRE DAYTONA (JPN), C Lemaire, Y Kato, 30-1
7 LUXOR CAFE (KY), J Moreira, N Hori, 15-1
8 JOURNALISM (KY), U Rispoli, M McCarthy, 3-1
9 BURNHAM SQUARE (KY), B Hernandez Jr, I Wilkes, 12-1
10 GRANDE (KY), J Velazquez, T Pletcher, 20-1
11 FLYING MOHAWK (KY), J Ramos, W Beckman, 30-1
12 EAST AVENUE (KY), M Franco, B Walsh, 20-1
13 PUBLISHER (KY), I Ortiz Jr, S Asmussen, 20-1
14 TIZTASTIC (KY), J Rosario, S Asmussen, 20-1
15 RENDER JUDGMENT (KY), J Leparoux, K McPeek, 30-1
16 COAL BATTLE (KY), J Vargas, L Briley, 30-1
17 SANDMAN (KY), J Ortiz, M Casse, 6-1
18 SOVEREIGNTY (KY), J Alvarado, W Mott, 5-1
19 CHUNK OF GOLD (KY), J Loveberry, E West, 30-1
20 OWEN ALMIGHTY (KY), J Castellano, B Lynch, 30-1
Also eligible
21 BAEZA (KY), F Prat, J Shirreffs, 12-1

Long form

#1
CITIZEN BULL (KY) 20-1
Derby Points: 71.25
Earnings: $1,451,000
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine
Foal Date: April 2, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $675,000
Last race: Fourth G1 Santa Anita Derby

#2
NEOEQUOS (FL) 30-1
Derby Points: 40
Earnings: $291,050
Jockey: Flavien Prat if Neoequos gets in and Baeza does not
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Owner: C2 Racing Stable LLC, Parsard, Ian, Shining Stables LLC, Stefania Farms LLC and Paul Braverman
Breeder: Helen Barbazon, Joseph Barbazon & Matalona Thoroughbres,LLC
Foal Date: April 28, 2022
Auction Price(s): OBS October 2023 $22,000
Last race: Third G1 Florida Derby

FINAL GAMBIT (KY) 30-1
Derby Points: 100
Earnings: $520,639
Jockey: Luan Machado
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Juddmonte
Breeder: Juddmonte
Foal Date: Feb. 21, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA
Last race: Won G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks

#4
RODRIGUEZ (KY) 12-1
Derby Points: 121.25
Earnings: $522,800
Jockey: Mike E. Smith
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine Owner Link
Breeder: Kingswood Farm & David Egan
Foal Date: May 20, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $485,000
Last race: Won G2 Wood Memorial

AMERICAN PROMISE (KY) 30-1
Derby Points: 55
Earnings: $444,874
Jockey: Nik Juarez
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Owner: BC Stables LLC
Breeder: Candy Meadows LLC
Foal Date: May 1, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $750,000
Last race: Won Virginia Derby

#6
ADMIRE DAYTONA (JPN) 30-1
Derby Points: Euro/UAE Road
Earnings: $672,047
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Trainer: Yukihiro Kato
Owner: Junko Kondo
Breeder: Northern Racing
Foal Date: March 17, 2022
Auction Price(s): JRHA Yearling 2022 $480,276
Last race: Second G2 UAE Derby

#7
LUXOR CAFE (KY) 15-1
Derby Points: Japan Road
Earnings: $379,057
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
Owner: Koichi Nishikawa
Breeder: Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt & Westerberg Ireland ULC
Foal Date: Feb. 26, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA
Last race: Won Fukuryu Stakes

#8
JOURNALISM (KY) 3-1
Derby Points: 122.5
Earnings: $638,880
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
Owner: Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, LaPenta, Robert V., Magnier-Lessee, Mrs. John, Smith-Lessee, Derrick and Tabor-Lessee, Michael B.
Breeder: Don Alberto Corporation
Foal Date: Feb. 6, 2022
Auction Price(s): Fasig-Tipton August 2023 $825,000
Last race: Won G1 Santa Anita Derby

#9
BURNHAM SQUARE (KY) 12-1
Derby Points: 130
Earnings: $977,755
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Trainer: Ian R. Wilkes
Owner: Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC
Breeder: Whitham Thoroughbreds, LLC
Foal Date: April 9, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA
Last race: Won G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes

#10
GRANDE (KY) 20-1
Derby Points: 50
Earnings: $228,200
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable
Breeder: KatieRich Farms
Foal Date: March 9, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $300,000
Last race: Second G2 Wood Memorial

#11
FLYING MOHAWK (KY) 30-1
Derby Points: 50
Earnings: $295,800
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
Owner: Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing LLC and Kaleta Racing
Breeder: John O'Meara
Foal Date: Feb. 18, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland November 2022 $25,000; Keeneland September 2023 $72,000
Last race: Second G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks

#12
EAST AVENUE (KY) 20-1
Derby Points: 60
Earnings: $654,395
Jockey: Manny Franco
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Godolphin
Foal Date: Feb. 4, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA
Last race: Second G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes

#13
PUBLISHER (KY) 20-1
Derby Points: 60
Earnings: $407,756
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Owner: King, Gus and Estate of Brereton C. Jones
Breeder: Brereton C. Jones
Foal Date: Feb. 6, 2022
Auction Price(s): Fasig-Tipton August 2023 $600,000
Last race: Second G1 Arkansas Derby

#14

TIZTASTIC (KY) 20-1
Derby points: 119

Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick
Breeder: Capital Bloodstock
Foal Date: April 30, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland January 2023 $80,000; Keeneland September 2023 $335,000
Last race: Won G2 Louisiana Derby

#15
RENDER JUDGMENT (KY) 30-1
Derby Points: 39
Earnings: $250,672
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
Owner: Baccari Racing Stable LLC, Dream Walkin Farms, Inc., MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing
Breeder: Green Lantern Stables
Foal Date: March 8, 2022
Auction Price(s): Fasig-Tipton July 2023 $310,000
Last race: Fifth G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes

#16
COAL BATTLE (KY) 30-1
Derby Points: 95
Earnings: $1,188,875
Jockey: Juan P. Vargas
Trainer: Lonnie Briley
Owner: Norman Stables LLC
Breeder: Hume Wornall & Jay Adcock
Foal Date: April 6, 2022
Auction Price(s): Texas Yearling Sale 2023 $70,000
Last race: Third G1 Arkansas Derby

#17
SANDMAN (KY) 6-1
Derby Points: 129
Earnings: $1,254,595
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Trainer: Mark E. Casse
Owner: D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables
Breeder: Lothenbach Stables Inc
Foal Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Auction Price(s): OBS March 2024 $1,200,000
Last race: Won G1 Arkansas Derby

#18
SOVEREIGNTY (KY) 5-1
Derby Points: 110
Earnings: $572,800
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: William I. Mott
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Breeder: Godolphin
Foal Date: Feb. 22, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA
Last race: Second G1 Florida Derby

#19
CHUNK OF GOLD (KY) 30-1
Derby Points: 75
Earnings: $348,818
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Trainer: Ethan W. West
Owner: Terry L. Stephens
Breeder: Brereton C. Jones
Foal Date: May 11, 2022
Auction Price(s): Fasig-Tipton October 2023 $2,500. Private sale: 1/2 sold to Stephens for $67,500; later, Stephens bought the other half for $100,000 per reporting by DRF's David Grening.
Last race: Second G2 Louisiana Derby

#20
OWEN ALMIGHTY (KY) 30-1
Derby Points: 65
Earnings: $499,935
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Brian A. Lynch
Owner: Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC
Breeder: Mark Stanley
Foal Date: March 5, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland November 2022 $360,000; Fasig-Tipton August 2023 $350,000 (not a typo)
Last race: Sixth G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes

ALSO ELIGIBLE

#21
BAEZA (KY) 12-1
Derby Points: 37.5
Earnings: $148,500
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: John A. Shirreffs
Owner: C R K Stable LLC and Grandview Equine
Breeder: Grandview Equine
Foal Date: May 13, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $1,200,000
Last race: G1 Santa Anita Derby

GRADE 2 PAT DAY MILE

$600,000 Run on Kentucky Derby day For 3-year-olds

1 Madaket Road
2 Built
3 California Burrito
4 Smoken Wicked
5 Gate to Wire
6 Gaming
7 Macho Music
8 Innovator
9 Perfect Force

.

Daily Derby Update: April 26, 2025

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 17:23:52 GMT

DAILY DERBY UPDATE

April 26, 2025

Burnham Square topped a list of five Kentucky Derby hopefuls with timed workouts Saturday morning at Churchill Downs under three track conditions.

However, one of the five, Tappan Street, will not be participating in Kentucky Derby 151. The Brad Cox trainee exited his five-furlong work in :59.60 with a right foreleg injury.

The Post Position Draw for the Oaks and Derby will take place Saturday night beginning a little after 7 p.m. (all times Eastern) between the fifth and sixth races on the Spring Meet opening-night program.

First up at 5:30 on a track rated sloppy was BC Stables’ American Promise (five furlongs in :59.40) on his own.

Following the first track maintenance break with the track condition upgraded to good, Burnham Square worked five furlongs on his own in :59.40. Also during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Derby and Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) hopefuls, Baccari Racing Stable, Dream Walkin Farms, MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing’s Render Judgment worked five furlongs in :59 in company.

Working over a fast track at 9 o’clock following the second maintenance break, were Tappan Street and Juddmonte’s Final Gambit with the latter working five furlongs in company in 1:01.

Several scheduled works were pushed back a day. On tap now for Sunday morning are Journalism, Rodriguez, Sovereignty, East Avenue, Tiztastic and Publisher.

ADMIRE DAYTONA – UAE Derby (GII) winner Admire Daytona jogged in the one-mile chute then galloped Saturday morning. The colt is scheduled to have a published workout Tuesday.

AMERICAN PROMISE – BC Stables’ Virginia Derby winner American Promise wasted no time going to the track Saturday morning, working five furlongs in :59.40 with jockey Nik Juarez up.

Churchill Downs clockers timed American Promise in fractions of :12, :23.80, :35.40, :47, :59.40 and out six furlongs in 1:12.40 for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

Juarez arrived in Louisville at 8:30 Friday night after driving to Kentucky from Oaklawn Park.

“Got here last night, ready to work this morning,” Juarez said. “He was ready to work too and the off track was not a problem.”

Juarez rode American Promise for the first time in the Virginia Derby when the Justify colt won by 7 ¾ lengths. American Promise broke his maiden over a muddy track at Oaklawn Park on Dec. 29.

American Promise is a half-brother to Grade II stakes winner Hoosier Philly who will be shooting for millionaire status Saturday afternoon at Oaklawn Park in the $200,000 Dig A Diamond Stakes. She has earned $974,465.

BAEZA – Trainer John Shirreffs went trackside Saturday morning with his colt Baeza, who had come in from California on Thursday. The son of the young stallion McKinzie, currently No. 21 on the Kentucky Derby points list (only 20 get to run), galloped during the special 7:15 to 7:30 training period for horses bound for the Derby or the Kentucky Oaks.

Baeza turned in a steady gallop over the “good” Churchill strip under exercise rider Frankie Herrate. “You might remember,” the trainer noted to a bystander, “Frankie galloped Giacomo here for me in 2005.”

Giacomo, with Mike Smith in the boot, is recalled as the 2005 Kentucky Derby winner at the hearty price of 50-1.

Baeza, unfortunately, might not make the 2025 Derby field, even though Shirreffs has the Eclipse Award jockey Flavien Prat named as his rider.

“If we don’t make it,” the trainer said, “we’ll work him here Monday. Then we’ve got to look at the Preakness.”

BURNHAM SQUARE – Whitham Thoroughbreds’ homebred Burnham Square worked five furlongs in :59.40 with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. up for trainer Ian Wilkes.

Working at 7:15 over a track rated as good, Burnham Square produced fractions of :12.40, :24.40, :36, :59.40 and out six furlongs in 1:12 and seven-eighths in 1:26.20.

“I let him out a little bit at the eighth pole and he got his last eighth in 11 and 1,” said Hernandez, winner of Derby 150 last year on Mystik Dan.

Watching the work from the backstretch was two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Carl Nafzger for whom Wilkes served as an exercise rider for Unbridled in 1990 and as an assistant for Street Sense in 2007.

“The track was good,” Wilkes said. “It was probably a tick faster, but he did it well in hand and had a strong gallop out. We just have to keep him on the ground now. He’s ready.”

CHUNK OF GOLD – Terry Stephens’ Chunk of Gold arrived at Churchill Downs Friday at 3 p.m.

The son of Preservationist had a walk day at Barn 45 and is scheduled to hit the track Sunday morning.

CITIZEN BULL/RODRIGUEZ – Trainer Bob Baffert’s duo of Derby colts – Rodriguez and Citizen Bull – were gallopers not workers, Saturday morning at Churchill Downs. Both got to stretch their legs nonetheless with exercise rider Eric Garcia handling the Authentic colt Rodriguez and Humberto Gomez aboard last year’s 2-year-old champion Citizen Bull.

Both youngsters traveled approximately a mile and a quarter around the big strip, which went from sloppy to “good” to fast over the course of the morning.

Hall of Famer Baffert said his plan is to work Rodriguez Sunday morning, then Citizen Bull on Monday.

Hall of Famer Mike Smith, who was aboard Rodriguez for his tally in the Grade II Wood Memorial in his most recent outing on April 5, has the call back for Derby 151. Regular rider Martin Garcia will be aboard Citizen Bull, who has four wins in six starts and more than $1.4 million in earnings.

COAL BATTLE – Norman Stables’ Coal Battle walked at Barn 42 Saturday morning and following training hours had a paddock schooling session.

EAST AVENUE – Godolphin’s East Avenue schooled in the paddock then galloped under exercise rider Stephen Dolan for trainer Brendan Walsh.

The Blue Grass (GI) runner-up is slated to breeze Sunday with jockey Manny Franco in the saddle.

FINAL GAMBIT/TAPPAN STREET – WinStar Farm, CHC Inc. and Cold Press Racing’s Tappan Street breezed five furlongs in :59.40 but following the work, trainer Brad Cox reported the colt had a condylar fracture in his right foreleg.

His stablemate, Juddmonte’s Final Gambit, completed his final move before the Derby by working five furlongs in 1:01 under jockey Luan Machado. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.80.

FLYING MOHAWK – Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing and Kaleta Racing’s Flying Mohawk had a scheduled walk day following his five-furlong move in 1:00 Friday.

GRANDE – Repole Stable’s Curlin colt Grande, who had drilled five furlongs in 1:01 Friday morning at Keeneland, was sent back to the track at Churchill Downs Saturday by conditioner Todd Pletcher.

“He’s a high energy colt and we’ve got to keep him busy,” the seven-time Eclipse Award winner noted. “He’ll just gallop a mile.”

Grande, who most recently ran second in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 5, will be handled by Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez in Derby 151. The veteran reinsman was aboard the Kentucky-bred for victories in a straight maiden test and an allowance race at Gulfstream Park this year.

JOURNALISM – The likely Kentucky Derby favorite was scheduled to turn in his final major prep for the Run for the Roses Saturday morning, but when the day dawned trainer Michael McCarthy said “uh, uh.”

“That track out there is a little wetter than I’d like it to be,” he offered. “We’ll wait until tomorrow.”

Journalism, a striking colt by super sire Curlin, is headed to America’s most famous race with four straight victories under his belt, the most recent one the Santa Anita Derby (GI) on April 5.

So instead of his Saturday work, the bay took exercise rider Marc Witkowski for a mile and a quarter spin around Churchill in a good gallop. Sunday will be a different story.

LUXOR CAFÉ – Fukuryu Stakes winner Luxor Café galloped at 7:15 a.m. under exercise rider Naoto Suzuki.

Trainer Noriyuki Hori is expected to arrive in Louisville on Monday and the horse could breeze Tuesday.

NEOEQUOS – C2 Racing Stable, Ian Parsard, Shining Stables and Stefania Farms’ Neoequos arrived at Churchill Downs Saturday morning. He’s scheduled to hit the track Sunday morning.

OWEN ALMIGHTY – Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing’s Owen Almighty galloped a mile and a half at 5:30 under exercise rider Antonio Orellana for trainer Brian Lynch.

PUBLISHER/TIZTASTIC – Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s duo of Publisher and Tiztastic galloped Saturday and are scheduled to work on Sunday.

RENDER JUDGMENT – Trainer Kenny McPeek reported Virginia Derby runner-up Render Judgment will be entered in the Derby.

The colt breezed five furlongs in :59 under jockey Julien Leparoux who has the call in the “Run for the Roses.”

SANDMAN – D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables’ Sandman galloped a mile during the 7:15-7:30 training window under Froylan Garcia for trainer Mark Casse.

SOVEREIGNTY – “We’re just going to gallop at 7:15,” noted trainer Bill Mott Saturday concerning his Kentucky Derby charge Sovereignty. “I don’t have a problem with the racetrack; I just decided to wait until tomorrow (to work).”

The Hall of Fame conditioner has previously indicated that his Into Mischief colt, owned and bred by the folks of Godolphin, was going to turn in his final Derby drill Saturday morning, but checked to Plan B for his double stakes winner on an overcast and chilly morning in Louisville.

Instead, the bay and exercise partner Javier Cardona, took a tour of the paddock, then galloped a mile and one half around the big Churchill oval.

Regular rider Junior A lvarado is slated to handle the homebred come Derby Day.

Kentucky Derby by the Speed Numbers

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:04:07 GMT

Kentucky Derby by the Speed Numbers - PRELIMINARY

Posted April 22, 2025

UPDATED May 2 at 10:05 a.m. ET after last evening's defection of Rodriguez and this morning's scratch of Grande by a state vet

This section will be updated once the Derby field is more settled. Entries for the Derby close Saturday, April 26. Baeza is included here but may not make the Kentucky Derby field. In addition, there could be defections of contenders who already qualify for the Derby.

TOP HORSES IN FOUR CATEGORIES OF SPEED FIGURES IN RACES NINE FURLONGS OR LONGER

Races in Dubai and Japan are not rated using U. S. methods.

Beyer Speed Figure: Journalism 102, Baeza 101, Rodriguez 101 , Sandman 99, Grande 97, Burnham Square 96, East Avenue 96

DRF Combined Speed-Track Variant: American Promise 120, Render Judgment 112, Rodriguez 109, Final Gambit 106, Journalism 106

Equibase Speed Figure: Rodriguez 111, Journalism 108, Baeza 107, Grande 106, Burnham Square 104, East Avenue 104, Sandman 104

Brisnet Speed Figure: Journalism 108, Baeza 107, American Promise 105, Rodriguez 105, Final Gambit 101, Grande 101, Sandman 101

INCIDENCE AND RANKING OF HORSES' SPEED FIGURES IN ABOVE CATEGORIES (T = tie)

NOTE: Rankings include Baeza, who at this time lacks points to make the Derby field. Races in Dubai and Japan are not rated.

April 26 NOTE: Today I minimally pared down this list to emphasize the top numbers.

Journalism: 1 Beyer; 4T DRF-S/TV; 2 Equibase; 1 Brisnet
Rodriguez: 3 Beyer; 3 DRF-S/TV; 1 Equibase; 3T Brisnet
Baeza: 2 Beyer; 3 Equibase; 2 Brisnet
American Promise: 1 DRF-S/TV; 3 Brisnet
Grande: 5 Beyer; 4 Equibase; 5T Brisnet
Sandman: 4 Beyer; 5T Equibase; 5T Brisnet
Final Gambit: 4T DRF-S/TV; 5T Brisnet
Burnham Square: 6T Beyer; 5T Equibase
East Avenue: 6T Beyer; 5T Equibase

Render Judgment 2 DRF-S/TV

EARLY AND LATE BRISNET PACE FIGURES IN RACES NINE FURLONGS OR LONGER

E1 is a pace figure that measures speed over the first four furlongs in route races.
E2 is a pace figure that measures speed over the first six furlongs in route races.
LP is a pace figure that measures speed after the first six furlongs in route races.

Brisnet Baseline Ratings for the Kentucky Derby

E1 94 - E2 103 - LP 93 - Speed 103

This section is not intended to be a model. It is offered for your own analysis.

The 10 horses with the fastest E1 figures and E2 figures are all faster than the baseline. With what appears on paper to be an abundance of speed we could see a fast early pace that is likely to melt down unless the horse does a "Justify" and just keeps going. Almost all of the 10 horses with the fastest LP figures meet or exceed the baseline. Taking into account the long stretch at Churchill Downs and the increased length of the Kentucky Derby vis a vis the prep races, I think the horse in this group that gets the best trip is likely to win.

Rodriguez has figures that most approximate the Brisent baseline ratings. This does not necessarily mean he can duplicate those figures in the Kentucky Derby. If he does, he might win, but a horse with figures superior to his might finish ahead of him. Or, a late-developing horse with upside potential could improve enough to beat him, particularly if he does not get an uncontested lead.

10 Fastest E1 Figures

Chunk of Gold 106, East Avenue 104, Coal Battle 103, Citizen Bull 99, Owen Almighty 98, American Promise 97, Baeza 97, Journalism 96, Sandman 94, Rodriguez 93, Render Judgment 93

Render Judgment 92, Tiztastic 92, Grande 90, Flying Mohawk 89, Neoequos 88, Publisher 88

10 Fastest E2 Figures

Chunk of Gold 118, Tiztastic 114, Coal Battle 112, American Promise 111, Citizen Bull 109, Sandman 108, Baeza 107, East Avenue 107, Owen Almighty 106, Render Judgment 105

Next: Publisher 104, Rodriguez 103, Render Judgment 102, Journalism 102, Burnham Square 101, Grande 100

10 Fastest Combined E1-E2 Figures

Chunk of Gold 224, Coal Battle 215, East Avenue 211, American Promise 208, Citizen Bull 208, Tiztastic 206, Baeza 204, Owen Almighty 204, Sandman 202, Journalism 198, Render Judgment 198

10 Fastest Late Pace Figures

Bris LP: Final Gambit 112, Journalism 109, Baeza 102, Flying Mohawk 102, Rodriguez 101, Grande 97, Sovereignty 97, American Promise 93, Burnham Square 89, Sandman 88

DETAILS

(DRF S-TV = Combined DRF speed- track variant)

Admire Daytona: No figures, but has has good early speed, and he finished slowly in the UAE Derby. Can also rate off the pace.

American Promise: 95 Beyer, 120 DRF S-TV, 101 Equibase, 105 Brisnet, 97 BrisE1, 111 BrisE2, 93 BrisLP

Baeza: 101 Beyer, 105 DRF S-TV, 107 Equibase, 107 Brisnet, 97 BrisE1, 107 BrisE2, 102 BrisLP

Built: 84 Beyer, 92 DRF S-TV, 88 Equibase, 92 Brisnet, 108 BrisE1, 121 BrisE2, 60 BrisLP
Built: 92 Beyer, 94 DRF S-TV, 91 Equibase, 94 Brisnet, 98 BrisE1, 110 BrisE2, 76 BrisLP

Burnham Square: 96 Beyer, 101 DRF S-TV, 104 Equibase, 97 Brisnet, 85 BrisE1, 101 BrisE2, 89 BrisLP

California Burrito: 73 Beyer, 96 DRF S-TV, 81 Equibase, 90 Brisnet, 95 BrisE1, 96 BrisE2, 81 BrisLP

Chunk of Gold: 92 Beyer, 98 DRF S-TV, 96 Equibase, 98 Brisnet, 106 BrisE1, 118 BrisE2, 72 BrisLP
Chunk of Gold: 92 Beyer, 94 DRF S-TV, 91 Equibase, 94 Brisnet, BrisE1, BrisE2, 81 BrisLP

Citizen Bull: 87 Beyer, 96 DRF S-TV, 94 Equibase, 97 Brisnet, 99 BrisE1, 109 BrisE2, 82 BrisLP

Coal Battle: 88 Beyer, 97 DRF S-TV, 93 Equibase, 93 Brisnet, 103 BrisE1, 112 BrisE2, 70 BrisLP

East Avenue: 96 Beyer, 101 DRF S-TV, 104 Equibase, 97 Brisnet, 104 BrisE1, 107 BrisE2, 83 BrisLP

Final Gambit: 90 Beyer, 106 DRF S-TV, 96 Equibase, 101 Brisnet, 87 BrisE1, 85 BrisE2, 112 BrisLP

Flying Mohawk: 84 Beyer, 102 DRF S-TV, 91 Equibase, 97 Brisnet, 89 BrisE1, 88 BrisE2, 102 BrisLP

Grande: 97 Beyer, 105 DRF S-TV, 106 Equibase, 101 Brisnet, 90 BrisE1, 100 BrisE2, 97 BrisLP

Journalism: 102 Beyer, 106 DRF S-TV, 108 Equibase, 108 Brisnet, 96 BrisE1, 102 BrisE2, 109 BrisLP

Luxor Cafe: No figures but he has shown an amazing turn of foot in the late stages of his races.

Neoequos: 89 Beyer, 95 DRF S-TV, 90 Equibase, 91 Brisnet, 88 BrisE1, 95 BrisE2, 83 BrisLP

Owen Almighty: 90 Beyer, 97 DRF S-TV, 98 Equibase, 92 Brisnet, 98 BrisE1, 106 BrisE2, 76 BrisLP

Publisher: 95 Beyer, 101 DRF S-TV, 100 Equibase, 98 Brisnet, 88 BrisE1, 104 BrisE2, 87 BrisLP

Render Judgment: 90 Beyer, 97 DRF S-TV, 98 Equibase, 93 Brisnet, 92 BrisE1, 102 BrisE2, 80 BrisLP

Render Judgment 83 Beyer, 112 DRF S-TV, 90 Equibase, 96 Brisnet, 93 Bris E1, 105 Bris E2, 84 BrisLP

Rodriguez: 101 Beyer, 109 DRF S-TV, 111 Equibase, 105 Brisnet, 93 BrisE1, 103 BrisE2, 101 BrisLP

Sandman: 99 Beyer, 104 DRF S-TV, 104 Equibase, 101 Brisnet, 94 BrisE1, 108 BrisE2, 88 BrisLP

Sovereignty: 92 Beyer, 98 DRF S-TV, 95 Equibase, 94 Brisnet, 79 BrisE1, 87 BrisE2, 97 BrisLP

Tappan Street: 94 Beyer, 99 DRF S-TV, 96 Equibase, 95 Brisnet, 82 BrisE1, 90 BrisE2, 96 BrisLP

Tiztastic: 95 Beyer, 100 DRF S-TV, 99 Equibase, 100 Brisnet, 92 BrisE1, 114 BrisE2, 81 BrisLP

CONTENDERS WITH POINTS, EARNINGS, CONNECTIONS, JOCKEY, PEDIGREE, DOSAGE, FOAL DATE, AUCTION PRICE

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 22:52:22 GMT

CONTENDERS WITH DERBY POINTS, EARNINGS, CONNECTIONS, JOCKEY, PEDIGREE, DOSAGE, FOAL DATE, AUCTION PRICE

LISTED IN PROGRAM NUMBER ORDER

#1
CITIZEN BULL (KY)
Derby Points: 71.25
Earnings: $1,451,000
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Into Mischief (Harlan's Holiday, Leslie's Lady)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): No Joke (Distorted Humor, Unenchantedevening)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-6-2-0-0 (10) 9.00
Foal Date: April 2, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $675,000

#2
NEOEQUOS (FL)
Derby Points: 40
Earnings: $291,050
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Owner: C2 Racing Stable LLC, Parsard, Ian, Shining Stables LLC, Stefania Farms LLC and Paul Braverman
Breeder: Helen Barbazon, Joseph Barbazon & Matalona Thoroughbres,LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Neolithic (Harlan's Holiday, Swingit)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Bold Birdie (CAN) (Birdstone, On the Podium (CAN))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-2-1-0-0 (4) 7.00
Foal Date: April 28, 2022
Auction Price(s): OBS October 2023 $22,000

#3
FINAL GAMBIT (KY)
Derby Points: 100
Earnings: $520,639
Jockey: Luan Machado
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Juddmonte
Breeder: Juddmonte
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Not This Time (Giant's Causeway, Miss Macy Sue)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Pachinko (Tapit, Hachita)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-7-15-0-0 (24) 2.20
Foal Date: Feb. 21, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA

#4
RODRIGUEZ (KY)
Derby Points: 121.25
Earnings: $522,800
Jockey: Mike E. Smith
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine Owner Link
Breeder: Kingswood Farm & David Egan
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Authentic (Into Mischief, Flawless)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Cayala (Cherokee Run, Chasethegold)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-1-2-0-0 (4) 3.00
Foal Date: May 20, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $485,000

#5
AMERICAN PROMISE (KY)
Derby Points: 55
Earnings: $444,874
Jockey: Nik Juarez
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Owner: BC Stables LLC
Breeder: Candy Meadows LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Justify (Scat Daddy, Stage Magic)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Tapella (Tapit, Princess Arabella)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-6-6-0-0 (14) 3.67
Foal Date: May 1, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $750,000

#6
ADMIRE DAYTONA (JPN)
Derby Points: Euro/UAE Road
Earnings: $672,047
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Trainer: Yukihiro Kato
Owner: Junko Kondo
Breeder: Northern Racing
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Defrong (Gio Ponti, Eltimaas)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Ice Pastel (Shackleford, Million Gift (JPN))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-2-5-1-0 (10) 1.86
Foal Date: March 17, 2022
Auction Price(s): JRHA Yearling 2022 $480,276

#7
LUXOR CAFE (KY)
Derby Points: Japan Road
Earnings: $379,057
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
Owner: Koichi Nishikawa
Breeder: Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt & Westerberg Ireland ULC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile, Littleprincessemma)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Mary's Follies (More Than Ready, Catch the Queen)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-1-2-0-0 (6) 5.00
Foal Date: Feb. 26, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA

#8
JOURNALISM (KY)
Derby Points: 122.5
Earnings: $638,880
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
Owner: Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, LaPenta, Robert V., Magnier-Lessee, Mrs. John, Smith-Lessee, Derrick and Tabor-Lessee, Michael B.
Breeder: Don Alberto Corporation
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Curlin (Smart Strike (CAN), Sherriff's Deputy)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Mopotism (Uncle Mo, Peppy Rafaela)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-5-7-0-0 (16) 3.57
Foal Date: Feb. 6, 2022
Auction Price(s): Fasig-Tipton August 2023 $825,000

#9
BURNHAM SQUARE (KY)
Derby Points: 130
Earnings: $977,755
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Trainer: Ian R. Wilkes
Owner: Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC
Breeder: Whitham Thoroughbreds, LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song, Miss Macy Sue)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Linda (Scat Daddy, Beautiful Noise)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-13-5-0-0 (22) 7.80
Foal Date: April 9, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA

#10
GRANDE (KY)
Derby Points: 50
Earnings: $228,200
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable
Breeder: KatieRich Farms
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Curlin (Smart Strike (CAN), Sherriff's Deputy)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Journey Home (War Front, Soul Search)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-10-12-0-0 (28) 3.67
Foal Date: March 9, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $300,000

#11
FLYING MOHAWK (KY)
Derby Points: 50
Earnings: $295,800
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
Owner: Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing LLC and Kaleta Racing
Breeder: John O'Meara
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Karakontie (JPN) (Bernstein, Sun Is Up (JPN))
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Bonbons Fleur (Twirling Candy, America's Blossom)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-1-2-0-0 (4) 3.00
Foal Date: Feb. 18, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland November 2022 $25,000; Keeneland September 2023 $72,000

#12

EAST AVENUE (KY)
Derby Points: 60
Earnings: $654,395
Jockey: Manny Franco
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Godolphin
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Medaglia d'Oro (El Prado (IRE), Cappucino Bay)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Dance Music (Ghostzapper, Dance Card)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-9-8-2-0 (24) 3.00
Foal Date: Feb. 4, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA

#13
PUBLISHER (KY)
Derby Points: 60
Earnings: $407,756
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Owner: King, Gus and Estate of Brereton C. Jones
Breeder: Brereton C. Jones
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile, Littleprincessemma)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Indian Pride (Proud Citizen, Ms Cornstalk)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-3-3-0-0 (8) 4.33
Foal Date: Feb. 6, 2022
Auction Price(s): Fasig-Tipton August 2023 $600,000

#14
TIZTASTIC (KY)
Derby Points: 119
Earnings: $1,549,800
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick
Breeder: Capital Bloodstock
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Tiz the Law (Constitution, Tizfiz)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Keesha (Tapit, Wile Cat)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-5-4-0-0 (10) 4.00
Foal Date: April 30, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland January 2023 $80,000; Keeneland September 2023 335,000

#15
RENDER JUDGMENT (KY)
Derby Points: 39
Earnings: $250,672
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
Owner: Baccari Racing Stable LLC, Dream Walkin Farms, Inc., MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing
Breeder: Green Lantern Stables
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Blame (Arch, Liable)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Barbara Gordon (Commissioner, Waltz with Chester)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-3-10-1-0 (18) 2.00
Foal Date: March 8, 2022
Auction Price(s): Fasig-Tipton July 2023 $310,000

#16
COAL BATTLE (KY)
Derby Points: 95
Earnings: $1,188,875
Jockey: Juan P. Vargas
Trainer: Lonnie Briley
Owner: Norman Stables LLC
Breeder: Hume Wornall & Jay Adcock
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Coal Front (Stay Thirsty, Miner's Secret)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Wolfblade (Midshipman, Venice Queen)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-7-3-1-0 (12) 3.80
Foal Date: April 6, 2022
Auction Price(s): Texas Yearling Sale 2023 $70,000

#17
SANDMAN (KY)
Derby Points: 129
Earnings: $1,254,595
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Trainer: Mark E. Casse
Owner: D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables
Breeder: Lothenbach Stables Inc
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Tapit (Pulpit, Tap Your Heels)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Distorted Music (Distorted Humor, Music Room)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-15-13-2-0 (36) 3.24
Foal Date: Feb. 27, 2022
Auction Price(s): OBS March 2024 $1,200,000

#18
SOVEREIGNTY (KY)
Derby Points: 110
Earnings: $572,800
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: William I. Mott
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Breeder: Godolphin
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Into Mischief (Harlan's Holiday, Leslie's Lady)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Crowned (Bernardini, Mushka)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-3-3-0-0 (8) 4.33
Foal Date: Feb. 22, 2022
Auction Price(s): NA

#19
CHUNK OF GOLD (KY)
Derby Points: 75
Earnings: $348,818
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Trainer: Ethan W. West
Owner: Terry L. Stephens
Breeder: Brereton C. Jones
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Preservationist (Arch, Flying Dixie)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Play for Gold (Cairo Prince, Gold N Shaft)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-3-6-0-0 (10) 2.33
Foal Date: May 11, 2022
Auction Price(s): Fasig-Tipton October 2023 $2,500. Private sale: 1/2 sold to Stephens for $67,500; later, Stephens bought the other half for $100,000 per reporting by DRF's David Grening.

#20
OWEN ALMIGHTY (KY)
Derby Points: 65
Earnings: $499,935
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Brian A. Lynch
Owner: Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC
Breeder: Mark Stanley
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Speightstown (Gone West, Silken Cat (CAN))
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Tempers Rising (Bayern, Marchmont)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-5-7-0-0 (16) 3.57
Foal Date: March 5, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland November 2022 $360,000; Fasig-Tipton August 2023 $350,000 (not a typo)

#21
BAEZA (KY)
Derby Points: 37.5
Earnings: $148,500
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: John A. Shirreffs
Owner: C R K Stable LLC and Grandview Equine
Breeder: Grandview Equine
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): McKinzie (Street Sense, Runway Model)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Puca (Big Brown, Boat's Ghost)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-1-4-0-0 (6) 2.00
Foal Date: May 13, 2022
Auction Price(s): Keeneland September 2023 $1,200,000

Kentucky Derby Road: April 12 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 21:50:02 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: April 12 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes

G3 Stonestreet Lexingon Stakes, 1 1/16 Mile
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is at an end with the running of the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes. Going two turns for the first time Gosger (4-1) was midpack on the backstretch, loomed on the turn and took over in the stretch under Irad Ortiz, Jr. to get past Bracket Buster (25-1) and favored Praetor (8-5) for the win in 1:44.15 for 1 1/16 mile. Hypnus (9-2) was fourth in the field of seven. It's very unlikely the race will have Kentucky Derby implications. Kentucky Derby points: 20-10-6-4-2. Brendan Walsh trains Gosger for owner-breeder Harvey A Clarke Racing Stable. Gosger is a son of Nyquist out of Gloria S, by Tapit.

Equibase chart

I rad Ortiz Jr. (winning rider of Gosger); “He’s a really nice horse. He ran a little green down the lane, looking around. I tried to stay straight and keep him focused. He was very impressive. He’s fun to ride. I had a beautiful trip, and he responded whenever I asked him. He was there for me. Everything worked out perfect. Brendan did a great job. I’m happy to be here.”

Brendan Walsh (winning trainer): “We weren’t sure if he had enough experience coming here today. He could have done with maybe another run or two. We gave him a little time after he broke his maiden (Feb. 15 at Gulfstream Park). He did a lot of growing, so we just took our time with him. So I think there’s a lot of upside to the horse, and I think he’s got a lot in front of him.”

On what’s ahead for Gosger: “We’ll see how he comes out (of this race). I won’t do anything drastic too quick unless he really warrants it. He’s going to be a lovely horse as the year goes on, really, but we’re going to stay calm and pick our spots with him and see how we go.”

Manny Franco (rider of runner-up Bracket Buster): “I had a really good trip – I think the best trip in the race. I ended up in the lead without asking him to do it. He was traveling so well and comfortable. We just got run down by a better horse.”

Flavien Prat (rider of third-place finisher and beaten favorite Praetor): “He broke very well, he sat next to the pace, he made a good run turning for home.”

Michael McCarthy (trainer of fifth-place finisher and second choice Bullard): “I would have liked to have seen him 1, 2, 3 today. He’s coming back after a bit of an extended layoff. I was pleased with his performance. I thought it was a good place to start. The first half was a little slower than I would have liked. He needs to come from way out of it or be closer to the pace. A little bit of a head scratcher. I’m not exactly sure what to think. I’m just glad to get this horse back to the races. We will put our heads together and see where we go after this.”

.

ARRIVALS AT CD / BARN NUMBERS / WORKOUTS

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 19:26:18 GMT

ARRIVALS AT CD / BARN NUMBERS / WORKOUTS

MAY 1: THESE NOTES ARE CONCLUDED. TRAINING HOURS ON OAKS AND DERBY DAYS WILL BE ABBREVIATED.

UPDATED May 1 at 6:04 p.m. ET after the defection of Rodriguez

Arrival dates at Churchill Down, barn numbers, workouts.

Videos of workouts since the horse's last race are posted. Workouts are on fast dirt unless otherwise noted.

VIDEOS: Workouts available on video since the horse's last race are being posted. We began locating and posting these on April 19. Videos produced by 1/ST (such as the Baeza, Citizen Bull, Rodriguez and Tappan Street workouts) may require you to sign in to a 1/ST account. There is no charge for setting up an account. If available we will post Youtube videos instead of 1/ST.

Includes a few horses that need defections to make the Derby field, and some of those may opt to go in other races. As of April 21 in Derby points order they are Neoequos, Render Judgment, Baeza and California Burrito.

Training hours at Churchill Downs initially are 5:30-10 with renovation breaks from 6:45-7:15 and 8:30-9. Beginning April 18 training from 5:15-10, the same renovation breaks, and a 7:15-7:30 window exclusively for Derby and Oaks contenders.

Admire Daytona: April 9 (Quarantine barn 1)

April 22 53:20 Breezing 33/33 CD - VIDEO - typical, expected slow breeze - solo - 13.00, 39.20 - “With only three (actually four) weeks between races, we just prepped him the same way we did in Dubai,” exercise rider/assistant trainer Yoshimitsu Miyashita said. “We let him decide what he wanted to do over the four furlongs. He increased his speed a bit in the straight on his own and really it was exactly like the kind of work he turned in prior to the UAE Derby. He has managed to maintain his pre-UAE Derby physical condition perfectly so we just have to help him keep it until race day.”

April 23: Scheduled walk day.

April 24: Back on the race track today.

April 25: Admire Daytona had a routine morning of training that consisted of jogging in the one-mile chute before galloping.

April 26: He is scheduled to have a published workout Tuesday.

April 29 1.02:40 Breezing / CD - inside workmate Greatdayforhockey, a Dale Romans trainee whose highest Equibase figure is 71 - 13.40, 25.60, 49.40, out six in 116.20 - the type of move we have come to expect from Japanese trainers - "laps" as they say in Japan are 13.40, 12.20, next quarter in 23.80, out in another 13.80 - workmate stayed with him in gallop out - Trainer Kato said, “Up until now he’s been just training on his own just maintaining condition from Dubai. Today we wanted to train him in company to tighten the screws down and it was perfect. He is a horse that thrives off a challenge. We really appreciate Dale Romans helping us out today.”

April 30: Scheduled walk day.

May 1: He jogged in the one-mile chute.

American Promise: April 20, barn 44
March 25 59.80 Breezing 2/5 OP

April 1 59.20 Breezing 1/20 OP
April 9 59:40 Breezing 1/20 OP

April 18 1.25:20 Handily gate 1/1 OP - VIDEO - the rare "handily" workout at Oaklawn; seldom used outside California - In company with Bon Temps, under jockey Nik Juarez. Splits were 22.00, 33.60, 45.80, 57.80, 1:11.00. Bon Temps, a seven-race maiden, began dropping back on the turn and went five furlongs in :59.60. Trainer Lukas claimed, “That’s what I wanted him to do, jump on that other horse. From the wire to the seven-eighths (pole), I could tell he wasn’t as interested. That’s a habit – horses pulling up after they work – galloping out. What I’m trying to do is get him focused on getting into his races quicker because with a 20-horse field, there’s always a problem. Put yourself in a place where you can (avoid trouble). I’m training him a little bit different. He did a half-mile from the gate in :45 seconds. He doesn’t have to do that, but at least he’s got that in mind now. (The next work, which will be at Churchill Downs) will be a lot easier. The last two weeks have been the best two weeks he’s had here (at Oaklawn)."

April 21 NOTE: Arrived at CD yesterday, galloped today.

April 22 NOTE: After the imposing colt's gallop trainer Lukas said, “He’s just growing into his frame. He won’t be 3 until May 17.” American Promise will be ridden by Nik Juarez, his Kentucky Derby debut. Juarez is scheduled to ride Thursday at Oaklawn Park and will travel to Louisville on Friday.

April 23: Scheduled to breeze F riday or Saturday with Nik Juarez up.

April 25: Will breeze Saturday. Rosie Napravnik observing as American Promise galloped he "kinda has a little bit of a choppy way of going but really settling in with his rider...."

April 26 59:40 Breezing 4/33 CD sloppy - solo under Nik Juarez - 12.00, 23.80, 35.40, 47.00 out six in 112.40. Juarez said, “Got here last night, ready to work this morning. He was ready to work too and the off track was not a problem.”

April 27: Trainer Lukas said, “That’s a good spot, (post 5). He had a good work yesterday and everything has been positive.”

April 28: Trainer Lukas said, “The best thing is not having to make a single adjustment. Everything has been smooth so far the past six weeks (since winning the Virginia Derby). That is a big plus not to have to worry about anything.”

April 29: American Promise galloped a mile and a half under Tayja Smith for trainer D. Wayne Lukas at 7:15. Looking on from the backstretch was jockey Nik Juarez, who will have the mount in Kentucky Derby 151 that will mark his inaugural foray in the Run for the Roses.

April 30: He galloped a mile and three-eighths.

May 1: He galloped about a mile and a half under Tayja Smith.

Baeza: April 24

April 14 50:00 Handily 39/52 SA - VIDEO - solo

April 20 originally reported by Equibase six in 1.15:60 Handily (5/6), revised to seven in 1:28 Handily (3/4) - VIDEO - His worktab is scattered with slow and fast workouts beginning on Feb. 26: 52.60, 1:02.20, 1:10.40, 1:03.40, 1:12.00, 50.00 and today's 1:15.60/1:28.00; he raced once in this timeframe: the April 5 Santa Anita Derby following the 1:12.00 workout - under jockey Hector Berrios (Flavien Prat is named for the Derby) in company with Atitlan, a multiple graded stakes winner on turf - The SA press office says Baeza "was officially credited with a seven-furlong work in 1:28.00." Shirreffs said he clocked Baeza in 1:28.20. “Because his morning gallops have been a little on the easy side, I wanted to give him a longer work to put a little more air in him and with a good finish," he said. Fractions were not released by the press office, but DRF's Steve Andersen wrote Shirreffs got the final eighth in 11.80, which is not quite consistent with the difference in the six- and seven-furlong times posted by Equibase (12.40).

April 25: CRK Stables tweeted around midnight last night, "We’ve arrived at Churchill Downs and Baeza will visit the track tomorrow. We’ll see what the next 8 days holds! Best case scenario is we grab a spot in the Derby but time will tell."

April 26: Baeza galloped at Churchill Downs for the first time. With Render Judgment's connections decision to enter the Derby, presumably as the first also-eligible, as of this time Baeza needs two defections to make the main body of the field. Trainer Shirreffs said, “If we don’t make it, we’ll work him here Monday. Then we’ve got to look at the Preakness.”

April 27: From my vantage point on the backside, I caught Baeza galloping around the track twice.

April 28 1.02:00 Breezing 15/15 CD - VIDEO - jockey Prat up - 13.60, 26.40, 37.80, out six in 1:16.00 - slow work much like the last one, I doubt this is cause for concern - Trainer Shirreffs said, “I know 1:02 is a little on the slow side, but he’s not an especially sharp work horse. We put a good work into him last week (seven furlongs in 1:28 at Santa Anita on April 20) and he’s ready. We just need to get a little lucky and get him into the race.”
April 29: He visited the paddock and galloped. Trainer Shirreffs said, “We just want to keep him from getting too fresh now. Keep that nose to the grindstone, so to speak. Later in the week we’ll lighten it up.”

April 30: Baeza and crew have until 9 a.m. Friday morning (scratch time for the Derby) to get “lucky” and get to run. If that doesn’t happen, it’ll be on to the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. Trainer Shirreffs said, “We’re still hoping for a gift from the gods. What else are you going to do?”

May 1: He ran a strong two-mile gallop under exercise rider Frankie Herratel. Trainer Shirreffs said he sent him the extra distance “To get him to settle. We need to keep his feet on the ground."

Burnham Square: Returned to CD April 8 after the Blue Grass. Barn 26.

April 19 49.40 Breezing 51/97 CD - VIDEO - 24.40, 37.00, 49.40, out five in 1:02.00 per CD clockers (Mike Welsch got him in 1:02.60 and 1:15.60) but he continued almost all the way up the backstretch - solo under Brian Hernandez Jr., who has the Derby mount. Trainer Wilkes said beforehand it would be a maintenance work, but it looked like more than a maintenance work. Wilkes said beforehand he needed to do something with Burnham Square or he'd get upset. “I know I needed to run him more because he was making too many mistakes, and I thought I needed to educate him more so he doesn’t make those mistakes in the Derby. He’s got to move forward again from the Blue Grass because the water gets deeper again. He’s a lighter-framed horse. I can’t be afraid to train him because he needs it to get ready for the Derby.”

April 20: A photo by Barbara Livingston shows Burnham Square sweating on his neck during the breeze; he might've been worked up a bit, and I say that because Wilkes said before the work Burnham Square would get upset if he didn't do something with him.

April 21: Jogged today after working April 19 and day off April 20.

April 22: Burnham Square is expected to work Saturday.

April 24: Exercise rider Mark Cutler was asked to compare Burnham Square with Street Sense, whom he handled for trainer Carl Nafzger and then-assistant trainer Wilkes: “Street Sense liked to take his time. We’d get to Barn 30 and he would stop and wanted to look at everything. It was like he owned the place. (Burnham Square) tests you a little bit,” Cutler said smiling. “He wants to do a little more than you want.”

April 25: Set to work Saturday at 7:15 ET with Brian Hernandez, Jr. aboard.

April 26 59.40 Breezing 3/33 CD good - VIDEO - solo under Brian Hernandez, Jr. - 12.40, 24.40, 36, out six in 1:12, seven in 126.20. Hernandez said, “I let him out a little bit at the eighth pole and he got his last eighth in 11 and 1." Trainer Wilkes said, “The track was good. It was probably a tick faster, but he did it well in hand and had a strong gallop out. We just have to keep him on the ground now. He’s ready.” Watching the work from the backstretch was two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Carl Nafzger for whom Wilkes served as an exercise rider for Unbridled in 1990 and as an assistant for Street Sense in 2007.

April 27: Jogged in the mile chute. Trainer Wilkes said, “That’s a good spot (post 9)."
April 29: He galloped a mile and a half under Mark Cutler at 7:15 for trainer Ian Wilkes.

April 30: Burnham Square has not raced on an “off” track, something he could possibly encounter Saturday. “He worked really good over it Saturday,” jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. said of Burnham Square, who drilled five furlongs in :59.40 over a track labeled as good. “Good horses can overcome a lot.”

May 1: He galloped a mile under Mark Cutler. Trainer Wilkes said, “I’m feeling good and he’s doing good. That is all I can do until we lead him over there.”

Chunk of Gold: April 25, a day prior to the 11 a.m. deadline
April 5 49.20 Breezing 26/64 TP synthetic
April 12 59:40 Breezing 1/18 TP synthetic Trainer West: "I got 47 and change for a half-mile and out six in 1:12" Jareth Loveberry came in to handle the work.

April 19 49.40 Breezing 30/78 TP synthetic - VIDEO - Solo under Derby jockey Jareth Loveberry, workout was before sunrise. Churchill Downs publicity previously posted on X 12.60, 25.20, 38.20, 50.00 , out five in 1:02.00. Trainer West said, “It was exactly what we had planned. We wanted to go a little slow early and finish up well. Jareth never asked him, and he had a really strong gallop out. Chunk really wanted to do more, but we’ll save that for 14 days from now.” Chunk of Gold will work Friday at Turfway before vanning to Churchill Downs that afternoon.

April 21: Returned to the track at TP today after working April 19 and day off April 20.

April 22: Chunk of Gold is scheduled to work Friday at Turfway Park.

April 25 59:20 Breezing 1/4 TP synthetic - VIDEO not available at this post - under Jareth Loveberry outside 3yo Brodeur - 12.20, 24.20, 36.20, 47.60 - strong move approaching the wire and around first turn - Trainer West said, “Now we just have to keep that same energy level up over the next week. That was about as good as we could ask of him. He was galloping out really easy around the turn, then another horse came up to his outside and he wanted to get back in the bit.”

April 26: Chunk of Gold arrived at CD yesterday following ship from Turfway after his workout.

April 27: Trainer West joked, “I’d rather have post 19 then not have a post at all. I was hoping for the middle portion of the gate to have a better chance at not going so wide into the turn. Jareth has time to try and get into position into the turn.”
April 29: He visited the Kentucky Derby starting gate and then galloped a mile and a half under trainer Ethan West during the 7:15-7:30 training window.

April 30: He galloped a mile and a half and schooled in the paddock.
May 1: He galloped at 7:15 a.m. with trainer Ethan West in the saddle.

Citizen Bull: April 24, barn 33

April 13 initially reported 1.01:00 Handily 33/86 SA; changed to 47.60 Handily 12/102 SA - VIDEO - outside Dothraki without blinkers.

April 18 1.11:80 Handily 1/4 SA - VIDEO - outside unraced Lionel (1:00.00) without blinkers for the second straight work. Stable says he will race without blinkers for the first time in the Kentucky Derby. Citizen Bull spotted Lionel five lengths before overtaking him in the work.

April 22 NOTE: Still scheduled to arrive Thursday.

April 23 1.24:20 Handily 1/2 SA - VIDEO - in company - with blinkers on . Much the best.

April 25: After arriving late yesterday afternoon, Citizen Bull was on track this morning. Neck arched, he was "super aggressive" before galloping as his rider was pulling mightily standing up in the irons. Trainer Baffert said, “I really would have liked to have had these horses in California and given them their final works on a fast track out there in good weather tomorrow. Then I would have shipped in and set up shop. But they have rules about being on the grounds (by 11 a.m. Saturday), so we had to come in early. I’m just going to have to work around the wet track and the rain, but what can you do. It’s just good to be back on the scene.”

April 26: Baffert said his plan is to work Citizen Bull on Monday.

April 27: Citizen Bull came galloping by me on the backside. He struck me as a smallish horse and looked a bit like a sprinter. Scheduled to breeze Monday under Martin Garcia.

April 28 58:40 Breezing 1/15 CD - VIDEO - solo under Martin Garcia - 11.60, 23,00, 45.80, out six in 112.40, seven in 127.20 - note 45 and change would put him on the lead entering the backstretch of the Derby - Jockey Garcia said, “I thought I was working four furlongs. But then when I get into it, Bob tells me I’m going five. So I’d broken off at the half-mile pole, which meant I had to go past the wire and finish up at the seven (furlong marker). We did it and it worked out OK.”

April 29: He had a scheduled walk day.

April 30: Trainer Baffert said, "We’re going to have to use him early. We’re going to tell him to get out of there like he just robbed a bank.”

May 1: He galloped under Humberto Gomez.

Coal Battle: April 6, barn 42
April 8 48:40 Breezing 30/57 CD - VIDEO - solo, 24, out in 1:02.40 - “He was too fresh in the Arkansas Derby,” trainer Briley said. “I usually never have to saddle him on the walk, but I had to that day. Then after he broke, and Cornucopian and Speed King went blazing to the lead, we were in third. He was just too fresh. We have a plan now going forward." Juan Vargas will ride.

April 15 1.01:20 Breezing 14/21 CD - VIDEO - solo, 12.20, 23.80, 36.40 under assistant trainer Bethany Taylor. Out fractions unavailable.

Next scheduled workout is "probably" April 22.

April 22 47:80 Breezing 3/33 CD - VIDEO - solo under Bethany Taylor - 12.40, 24.60, out five furlongs in 100.80 - Taylor said, “I was thrilled with it. He keeps getting better every time he goes out there. He is improving every time.” Trainer Briley said, “It was good and he came back like he hadn’t done anything, not even taking a drink of water. Four or five days before a race, I like to give them a three-eighths blowout to put some air in their lungs."

April 23: Scheduled walk day.

April 24: Back on the track to stretch his legs, per the stable.

April 25: Assistant trainer Bethany Taylor said, “He was good in gate; such a gentleman." Coal Battle also galloped per the norm.

April 26: He walked at Barn 42 Saturday morning and following training hours had a paddock schooling session.

April 27: Galloped by me on the backside with controlled high energy. He looked great. Trainer Briley said, “I was hoping for 8, 9, 10 or 11, but it looks like most of the speed is inside of us so we can just drop in behind it (from post 16).”

April 28 36:00 Breezing 7/16 CD - VIDEO - part of trainer Briley's typical race prep is a blowout like this - exercise rider Taylor pushing him a bit shortly before the wire - 11.60, out four in 50.20 - in the video note how Taylor has both feet on the brakes until the work starting point of the blowout - Trainer Briley said, “He looks like he did pretty easily. The closer to the race the tougher it gets. He will walk tomorrow and then there will be some jogging and galloping. He’s ready.”

April 29: He had a scheduled work day. Owner Norman said, “We’ve been here since Saturday before the draw. have never been to the Derby. I had a horse here in 2022 (with trainer Lonnie Briley) on the Thursday before, but the traffic was so bad, I just turned around and decided I wouldn’t come back until I had a horse in it.”

April 30: He had a walk day. Coal Battle is 2-for-2 on off tracks with daylight victories coming at Evangeline Downs and Delta Downs.
May 1: He was on the track early to visit the paddock and jog a mile under Bethany Taylor. Trainer Briley said, “After a work, we walk two days. That’s the way I do it. He’ll gallop Friday.”

East Avenue: April 14, barn 9

April 19 47.60 Breezing 5/97 CD - VIDEO - in company with Raquel 11:60, 23.20, 47.60 out five in 1:00.60. Edgar Morales worked East Avenue while trainer Brendan Walsh’s exercise rider Stephen Dolan was aboard Raquel. Morales worked East Avenue in the past at Fair Grounds. Trainer quote unavailable at this post.

April 21 NOTE: Galloped today after a day off following his April 19 workout.

April 24: Trainer Walsh said, “I think we learned more about the horse in the Risen Star (when he finished 10th) than ever before. We had to knuckle down on him and get tougher on him. He didn’t learn an awful lot last year because he was just so talented at that stage. We didn’t realize it at the time that we might have been too easy on him, but (after) the Risen Star we had to fix that."

April 25: East Avenue is scheduled to breeze Saturday.

April 26: Workout postponed to Sunday with Manny Franco up.

April 27 59.40 Breezing 6/22 CD - VIDEO - in company outside of Joejoe Go (59.60) - 24.20, 35.80, out six in 1:12.20. Trainer Walsh said, “We’re really happy with our draw (post 12). There’s a lot of speed on our inside so I think it’s a good spot to be.”

April 28: Back on the track today.
April 29: He galloped a mile and a quarter at 7:15 under Stephen Dolan.
April 30: He galloped under jockey Stephen Dolan.

May 1: He galloped under Stephen Dolan.

Final Gambit: March 31, barn 22
April 2 48.80 Breezing 36/68 CD
April 9 1.00:80 Breezing 10/32 CD Broke off at the 4 1/2-furlong pole, 25.40, worked through the wire to mid-turn, out six in 1:13.60 and seven in 1:27. Trainer Cox: "I really like what I see from him. (The dirt) doesn't seem to slow him down."

April 18: Has been nine days since he worked.

April 19 No worries, 1:00.80 Breezing 24/56 CD - VIDEO - outside Coffee Talk 24.40, 36.60, 48.40, out six in 1:14.40. Trainer Cox was there for the workout outside Coffee Talk, whom he easily outworked, with exercise rider Edvin Vargas aboard. “He’s really handled the dirt well here. I thought it was a strong move today. He’s done everything well since we got him back here.”

April 21: After a day off, back on the track today.

April 23: Scheduled to work Saturday.

April 26: 1:01.00 Breezing 17/33 CD - VIDEO - Worked at 9:07 a.m. ET - once again outside Coffee Talk, 12.80, 25.40, 37.40, out six in 1:13.80 - smoked his workmate leaving the first turn and up the backstretch - he didn't stop until he was into the first turn again - very impressive.

April 27: Scheduled walk day.

April 28: He jogged about a mile under exercise rider Joel Osorio.
April 29: He galloped a mile and a half under Joel Osirio at 7:15.
April 30: He galloped about 1 ½ miles.

May 1: He galloped at 7:15 under Joel Osorio.

Flying Mohawk: March 31, barn 21
April 12 50:80 Breezing 74/86 CD - VIDEO - 26, out five 1:03.40, outside Honor Marie. Trainer Beckman: "I just wanted an easy move." Joe Ramos has the Derby mount.

April 19 1:00 Breezing 11/56 CD - VIDEO - Inside stablemate Honor Marie with exercise rider Maurilio Garcia in the saddle. 12.00, 23.40, 35.00, out six in 1:13.40

April 21 NOTE: CD track notes say he had "an easy training day" after a day off yesterday.

April 25 1:00.00 Breezing 3/11 CD - VIDEO - track rated good - under assistant trainer/exercise rider Maurlio Garcia inside Oaks contender Drexel Hill (also 1.00.00) - 12.40, 24.20, 35.80, out 1:12.80, 1:26.40 - pulling against his rider on the turn and into stretch - Trainer Beckman said, “He’s doing well and handled training over this track as we expected/ We never had any issues with him training over the dirt, and he’s shown that in his works.”

April 26: Scheduled walk day.

April 27: Trainer Beckman said, “Post 11 seems like a pretty good post. It’s right in the middle of the gate. He’ll break out of there and probably track the pace. So, we’re good with it.” Co-owner Jayson Werth said, “My grandpa played 19 years in the big leagues and for most of it, his number was 11. So, I have some history with that number and it was one of my favorite numbers growing up as a kid. We are here in the Kentucky Derby with the guy we never thought would make it here. I think he’s live at number 11.”

April 28: He had a light gallop Monday morning under assistant trainer/exercise rider Maurilio Garcia.

April 29: He galloped at 7:15 under Maurilio Garcia.
April 30: He galloped a mile and one half.

May 1: He galloped at 7:15 under Maurilio Garcia.

Grande: Arrived at Keeneland April 18. Arrived at Churchill Downs April 25, barn 37

Unless Pletcher calls an audible, Grande will have his sole pre-Derby work April 25 at Keeneland, then be vanned to Louisville.

April 23: No change in the expected schedule.

April 25 1:01.00 Breezing 3/11 KEE - VIDEO - in company with 3yo maiden winner Valentinian on the main track - 13.00, 25.00, 37.20 and
49, out six in 1:13.40, seven in 1:27.20 - John Velazquez standing in the irons all the way - given a nudge at the wire, pushed along a bit around the turn and into the backstretch - moves ahead of workmate, the workmate gets ahead as they finish up, workmate pulled up while Grande eases to a stop far into the backstretch - Trainer Pletcher said after the breeze, “I got him in 1:01 and four. But that’s just splitting hairs. The main thing was it was a very good work. I was very pleased and thought he worked super. He showed good energy throughout and galloped out strong.”

"My instinct told me to bring him to Keeneland. I thought we would have a more reliable surface. As it turns out, the track was muddy and sealed today at Churchill. With more rain in the forecast, I thought this was a safer play. Looking statistically at Derby winners, plenty of them have not had a breeze at Churchill. He will either take to the surface or he won’t. With the restriction of having to be at Churchill on Saturday, I thought the timing was too risky to ship in (from Belmont Park). We are thankful we have (another Derby starter). A couple of months ago, we weren’t sure we would be here at all. He stepped up, and I thought he ran a big race in the Wood. He had a tough trip in the first turn and came fighting to the wire. He is a relatively inexperienced horse and he is on the improve and I am cautiously optimistic.” Grande is scheduled to leave for Churchill Downs around 2 p.m. today.

April 26: Grande galloped about a mile and a half today at Churchill Downs. Trainer Pletcher said, “He’s a high energy colt and we’ve got to keep him busy. He’ll just gallop a mile.”

April 27: He was back on the track again today, his second straight day since working on April 25. No walk days for Grande. Trainer Pletcher said, “He’ll just gallop the rest of the week. And I’m fine with his Derby post draw (10).”

April 28: Trainer Pletcher said, “It’s looking like we might get some rain and some funky weather over the next few days so I wanted to get him to the gate (to school) when we’ve got dry land."

April 29: He engaged in a solid gallop of about a mile and three-eighths at 7:15 under exercise rider Juan Suarez. Trainer Pletcher said, “We’ve got him lined up to do some paddock schooling in the third race Wednesday."

April 30: Trainer Pletcher said, “The week has been good. Grande has been handling things the way you’d hope.”

May 1: He galloped a mile and three-eighths under regular exercise rider Juan Suarez. Trainer Pletcher said, "Horses like a routine."

Journalism: April 13 22 , barn 35

April 19 47.00 Breezing 1/57 SA - VIDEO - under Umberto Rispoli, inside Feel the Magic, a 4-year-old gelding and one-time winner. Both timed in 47.00. Fractions are not published anywhere I can locate. The work was termed maintenance, but it looked like more. Journalism's gallop out was long and strong. Trainer McCarthy said, “We’re just keeping him in his routine. He’s really been training well and this was kind of maintenance. He looked relaxed out there. We just let him stretch his legs a little bit." Rispoli said, “I was very happy. The horse seems to have come out well from the Santa Anita Derby. He’s in good shape and gave me a good feeling. One more to go.”

April 22: Journalism is en route to Churchill Downs from southern California via charter today. The ship includes a landing in Indianapolis, followed by a van ride to Louisville with a mid-afternoon arrival to Churchill Downs expected.

April 23: With Marc Witkowski aboard, Journalism came on the track during the 7:15–7:30 training window and galloped a mile and an eighth. “It looked like he got over the track nicely,” trainer McCarthy said, adding that any gate or paddock schooling is TBD. As far as when a workout will be, McCarthy said, “I’m handicapping the weather.” Rain is in the forecast for Friday with a lesser chance of precipitation Saturday.

April 24: Trainer McCarthy said, “He’s an easy horse to train. When he came to us last summer as a 2-year-old he sort of showed us he was more advanced than your average 2-year-old. He really proved that once we stretched him out in the second start and we knew he wasn’t an average 2-year-old.”

April 24: Based on his body language and demeanor, Journalism's exercise rider was obviously very happy with his gallop this morning.

April 25: Journalism galloped a strong mile and a half. Trainer McCarthy said, “He’ll probably work five eighths tomorrow. That’s my best guess today. We’ll see what the racetrack looks like then.”

April 26: Workout postponed to Sunday. Trainer McCarthy said, “That track out there is a little wetter than I’d like it to be. We’ll wait until tomorrow.”

April 27 1:01.40 Breezing 18/22 CD - VIDEO - solo - out into the first turn, what I was looking for - 13.60, 25.80, 37.60, out six in 1:13.60, seven in 1:26.80, a mile in 1:41.20 - Jockey Rispoli said, “Very professional. He’s a professional horse; a pleasure to ride.” Trainer McCarthy said, “I was very pleased with the work. Umberto was happy, so that’s good. He’ll just walk tomorrow. It’s all good for now.”

April 28: Scheduled walk day. Trainer McCarthy said, “He came out of it (the work) very well. We’re all good this morning. He just walking and that’s enough.”

April 29: He jogged a mile under exercise rider Marc Witkowski and visited the starting gate. Trainer McCarthy said, “In a lot of ways Louisville feels like home. I had all those years here with Todd (he was an assistant for Todd Pletcher for 11 years), so I know my way around a bit. If I want to go for a nice dinner, Jack Fry’s is one of my favorites. And there are a couple of watering holes around town where I like to stop by. But I’m not drinking this week. I’ve got other things to do.”

April 30: He had another good morning, turning in a strong gallop under exercise rider Marc Witkowski, who said, “He just feels so good when he gallops. He’s got a beautiful stride. I’ve never been on one that moves like him. Sweet – that’s the word for him.”

May 1: He and regular exercise rider Marc Witkowski turned in another solid gallop. Umberto Rispoli was asked if he did anything special in advance of a big race like the Derby. “No, not really,” he said. “I try to treat it just like I do all other races. At the end of the day it is just another race.”

Luxor Cafe: April 23, Quarantine barn 1

April 21 NOTE: Still on schedule to arrive at Churchill Downs April 23.

April 22 NOTE: As scheduled, Luxor Café is undergoing a 42-hour USDA quarantine in Chicago following his arrival there from Japan on Monday.

April 24: Luxor Café arrived at Churchill Downs Wednesday evening and jogged in the one-mile chute this morning. Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby liaison Kate Hunter said his connections were very pleased with how he shipped and will do more in his training in the next several days.

April 25: In a routine getting more familiar to American onlookers, Luxor Café jogged in the one-mile chute prior to galloping under exercise rider Naoto Suzuki. Trainer Noriyuki Hori is expected to arrive in Louisville on Monday.

April 26: Light gallop today.

April 27: Could work Tuesday.

April 29 1.02:40 Breezing / CD - solo - 13.40, 26.00, 37.80 - the type of move we have come to expect from Japanese trainers - "laps" as they say in Japan are 13.40, 12.60, 11.80, final quarter in 24.60 - Jockey Moreira said, “Today I was asked to canter a lap as a warm up. Then I galloped him from the five-furlong pole. It was just an easy work, just to keep him ticking over. The horse felt good, relaxed and had good rhythm throughout. I was happy with his action and focus. He pulled up well. Looking forward to the challenge of riding him in the Kentucky Derby.”

April 30: Scheduled walk day.

May 1: He warmed up in the mile chute and moved to the main track and galloped under Naoto Suzuki.

Neoequos: April 26
April 11 49:63 Breezing 20/37 GP

April 18 1.00:51 Breezing 2/4 GP - 37.00, out six in 1:14.20 with late urging per DRF's Mike Welsch who covered works at both Gulfstream Park and Payson Park this date. Trainer Joseph said, "He sat a bit off his workmate (Neoequos outworked Mr. Narcissistic) and finished up decent. He’s a horse that once he makes the lead he kind of doesn’t really go on much once he goes by the horse. Right now, we’re going to the Derby. The distance is still a question mark. Right now, I’m probably leaning toward working him one more time (Thursday or Friday) and then head to Churchill."

April 24 48:43 Breezing 1/16 GP - VIDEO - Trainer Joseph said, “It went good. He worked in company. He was inside his workmate. It was his last breeze and we were just looking for maintenance. It went well. He’s in good form."Joseph said Neoeuos will ship to Kentucky Friday, April 25 and that Flavien Prat is named to ride unless Baeza also makes the Derby field. Baeza has first dibs on Prat. Joseph added,

“We feel like we can get into the Derby, but if he doesn’t get in, he’ll run in one of the other races Derby Day. Right now, we’re leaning to the American Turf, but the Pat Day Mile, I’d say, is also in contention."

April 25: Now in the Kentucky Derby with the defection of Built, Neoequos is scheduled to arrive Saturday.

April 26: Arrived this morning, expected on the track tomorrow.

April 27: Jogged on the track for the first time.

April 29: He galloped at 7:15.

April 30: Trainer Joseph said, “All good, we’re ready."

May 1: He galloped.

Owen Almighty: Arrived shortly after April 8, Barn 40

April 21: Walked the shed row this wet morning.

April 22: Owen Almighty is scheduled to work Friday.

April 24: 1.01:60 Breezing 3/9 CD - VIDEO - With rain in the Friday forecast, Owen Almighty was sent out today in company with Nosleeptilbrooklyn, a maiden. Owen Almighty started two lengths behind and posted fractions of 26.00 and 37.60 and galloped out well in front with six furlongs in 1:14.00 and seven-eighths in 1:27.00. Trainer Lynch said, “I didn’t want to take a chance on the weather. The work couldn’t have been any better.” DRF's Mike Welsch posted on X 37.49, 1:01.38, out six in 1:13.75, up seven in 1:27.27.

April 25: Back out on the track today, jogging.

April 27: Galloped.

April 28: Scheduled walk day.

April 29: He galloped a mile and a half at 7:15 under Antonio Orellana. Trainer Lynch said, “He has tactical speed and he can sit off the pace. Then we’ll see what happens.”

April 30: He galloped a mile and a half. Trainer Lynch said, “His breeding (by Speightstown) indicates he should handle an off track and we hope that works in our favor.”

May 1: He jogged early Thursday with Antonio Orellano aboard. Trainer Lynch said, “We’ll just play it from the break. Then we will bide our time."

Publisher: April 1, barn 38
April 12 1.00:80 Breezing 12/31 CD - VIDEO - inside Tiztastic, 13, 24.80, 36.60, out six 1:13.40 and seven 1:26.60. Trainer Asmussen: "I was extremely pleased with how they handled and traveled over the racetrack."

April 19 59.60 Breezing 4/56 CD - VIDEO - inside Tiztastic, 12.80, 24.20, 36.00, out six in 1:11.80. Publisher got a head start on Tiztastic, a closer, but outworked Tiztastic to the wire and in the gallop out. There were no comments from trainer Asmussen in notes released by the track.

April 21: Galloped today after a day off April 20.

April 23: Trainer Asmussen was aboard his pony alongside Publisher while assistant trainer Scott Blasi was aboard a pony leading Tiztastic to the paddock prior to galloping.

April 25: Track notes say he will breeze Sunday.

April 27 49.20 Breezing 78/121 CD - VIDEO UNAVAILABLE AT THIS POST - maintenance move - Trainer Asmussen said, “It’s an ideal draw for both of them being next to each other (posts 13 and 14). They’ve been training together, everything is coming together perfectly. I just hope we can catch a day that’s going to be sunny and a fast track. We couldn’t be more excited.”

April 28: Scheduled walk day.

April 29: He jogged during the 7:15-7:30 training window.

April 30: Trainer Asmussen said, “Derby week is so much fun. It’s enjoyable to take it all in.”

May 1: He galloped under Roberto Howell .

Render Judgment: ~April 8~

April 19 1.00:80 Breezing 24/56 CD - VIDEO

April 26: He will be entered in the Kentucky Derby, per reporting by DRF's David Grening.

April 26: 59.00 Breezing 2/33 CD good - VIDEO - outside Hypnus 12.20, 23.60, 35.60, out six in 1:12.40, seven in 1:26.40 - he got by his mate before the wire and left him behind in the turn - very impressive workout

April 26: Injury to Tappan Street this morning puts Render Judgment in the main body of the Derby field. Julien Leparoux will ride.

April 27: Trainer McPeek said, “We will let Julien do his thing (from post 15). The good news is I think the horse is going to come from way off the pace so I don’t think the draw is a big deal. He needs to get to a whole new level that we’ve never seen from him. He always tries hard and is doing great. Julien worked him Saturday morning and it was the best work of his life. Post 1, 20 or 15, I don’t think where you put him in the starting gate is going to matter since he comes from off the pace.”

April 28: Toby Keith's family posted on X, “It was Toby’s dream… Render Judgment is going to the Kentucky Derby. He worked so hard to finally have one there. Toby will have the best seat in the house to watch.”

April 29: He galloped at 7:15 under Robby Albarado.

April 30: He galloped with Robby Albarado aboard.
May 1: He galloped under Robby Albarado. He reportedly has a quarter crack that is being treated.

Rodriguez: April 22, barn 33

April 20 1.00:40 Handily 10/59 SA - VIDEO - solo under an exercise rider, strong gallop out. Mike Smith watched the work. All the press office gave us is Baffert saying, "All went well." No fractions, no nothing. On X, Tom Ryan posted, "He had a great morning and exited his work in excellent shape. A very fit and happy 3-year-old - heading to Kentucky." Smith said, “If they want to be in front of him, they’ll have to run to get it," according to reporting by DRF's Steve Andersen.

April 22: Still scheduled to arrive Thursday. Woops, he arrived late Tuesday afternoon. Sean Collins of BloodHorse tweeted at 6 pm ET "Bob Baffert’s Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez and Santa Anita Oaks winner Tenma have arrived...."

April 23 : Rodriguez trained at 7:15 a.m. with exercise rider Humberto Gomez aboard.

April 25: April 25: Trainer Baffert said, “I really would have liked to have had these horses in California and given them their final works on a fast track out there in good weather tomorrow. Then I would have shipped in and set up shop. But they have rules about being on the grounds (by 11 a.m. Saturday), so we had to come in early. I’m just going to have to work around the wet track and the rain, but what can you do. It’s just good to be back on the scene.”

April 26: Rodriguez galloped today per the norm. Trainer Baffert said his plan is to work Rodriguez Sunday.

April 27 1:00 Breezing 9/22 CD - VIDEO - solo - worked to track kitchen - 12.40, 24.20, 36.20, 47.60, out six in 1:12.60, seven in 1:27.00. Exercise rider Eric Garcia came off the track shaking his head and said, “Amazing work; amazing. He was in hand all the way.”

April 28: Scheduled walk day.

April 29: He galloped under exercise rider Eric Garcia. Trainer Baffert said, "You know, they always have a terrific undercard for the Derby with lots of good opportunities for good horses. I had good horses over the past three years and never got to run them here. But I’m back doing it now (he has five horses in undercard races on Saturday) and have spots for my horses to run. That’s one of the best things of all for me and for my owners.”

April 30: Trainer Baffert said, “The four for Rodriguez isn’t so bad. He’ll be OK coming out of there.

May 1: He galloped under Eric Garcia.

Sandman: April 1, barn 36
April 15 April 15 49:60 Breezing 18/23 CD - VIDEO - solo, 13.60, 26.40, out five in 1:01.80, up six in 1:15.00 under Froylan Garcia. Trainer Casse said, “I asked the rider to go between 49 and 50 seconds and he did just that.”

April 20 NOTE: Kevin Kilroy said at the tail end of the Works show Sandman was not on the track today. We'll know soon enough whether it's just because today is Easter Sunday (many of the stables didn't do much today at CD), there was some other reason that's not important to his condition, or there is an issue.

April 21 NOTE: Sandman galloped a mile-and-a-half at 7:15 a.m. with Froylan Garcia aboard on a wet track.

April 23 1.02:40 Breezing 20/29 CD - VIDEO - solo - 13.60, 26.20, 38.00, out six in1:15.60 - the fastest segment was the second half of the turn in 11.80 - Trainer Casse said, “On a scale of 1 to 10 this gets a 10. That was his last work before the Derby. I think he grows every time I look at him. He is more than 16 hands, more than 16-3.” NOTE: He said to reporters, "He didn't want to pull up."

April 24: Trainer Casse said, “He walked early, and he’s just chilling now."

April 25: Jogged today.

April 26: Galloped today.

April 27: Trainer Casse said, “I think we did well on both of our draws,” Casse said of Sandman (17) and La Cara (7, Oaks). “The 14 through the 17 are about the same. Jose (Ortiz) was happy with it. I didn’t ask Sandman yet, but I am sure he is fine with it.”

April 28: Scheduled walk day. Trainer Casse said, “We are on the same schedule as the Arkansas Derby when we gave him Monday off."

April 29: He galloped a mile and a quarter at 7:15 under Froylan Garcia. Sandman is scheduled to school in the paddock this afternoon with horses in the third race. Trainer Casse said, “Jose (Ortiz) said he rode him terrible the first time. Before the Arkansas Derby, we watched tapes of the Southwest and Rebel and the key is to let him get into his stride, and Jose let him settle (in the Arkansas Derby). A lot has been made of him not running well here. The track was totally different last fall and now is the best I have seen it and I have been coming here 47 years. Dale Romans said the same thing last night, and he has been here about as long as I have.”

April 30: He galloped a mile and a half.

May 1: He jogged a mile under Froylan Garcia.

Sovereignty: April 13 16, barn 19

April 11 48.40 Breezing 3/24 PAY - Trainer Mott said, “He was into it. He’s not a great work horse, but he went well. Good sign that we’re able to keep going. I’m considering shipping him Sunday. I thought I’d probably want to have a couple works over the [Churchill Downs] track.”

April 19 1:00.60 Breezing 17/56 CD - VIDEO is limited to Kevin Kerstein's X post - CD camera crew did not catch the workout - 13.00, 25.20, 37.20, out six in 1:12.80 - outside of stablemate Playa Del Mar. According to Churchill Downs notes Playa Del Mar completed his move at the eighth pole, with Sovereignty drawing clear to the wire. Exercise rider Guesler Cardona was aboard for the work. I previously marked this work solo after seeing Kevin Kerstein's video of Sovereignty finishing up the move on X, but it only looked that way because Sovereignty left Playa Del Mar so far in his wake. Trainer Mott said, “There’s a lot of luck involved in winning the Kentucky Derby. You obviously have to have the right horse for the race, but you need to have some racing luck go your way. The goal is to have him the best he can be for the first Saturday in May.”

April 21: Sovereignty galloped following a day off after his April 19 breeze. Addendum: His neck was sweaty after the gallop.

April 23: After Sovereignty galloped at about 7:15 trainer Mott said, “No complaints this morning. He went through the paddock and then galloped out past the half-mile pole.”

April 24: Noticed again this morning Sovereignty's neck looked very washy after his gallop.

April 24: Trainer Mott said after Sovereignty's morning on the track, “We’re all good here. He stood in the gate, backed out and then galloped well.” Mott said he is flexible about the date of Sovereignty's upcoming workout.

April 25: Report this morning Sovereignty "didn't turn a hair" before entering the gate for the Fountain of Youth but he was dripping sweat before Tappan Street beat him in the Florida Derby. Rosie Napravnik said on today's Works show she is taking his sweating on the track at CD as a negative sign. These comments came before he galloped today. After the gallop the sweat on his neck wasn't as pronounced as previous days.

April 25: Trainer Mott said, “We’re hoping to (work) tomorrow. Or Sunday – or maybe even Monday – if the weather and track don’t cooperate.”

April 26: Did not breeze today. Looks like he will breeze Sunday. Trainer Mott said, “I don’t have a problem with the racetrack; I just decided to wait until tomorrow.”

April 27 1:01.80 Breezing 22/22 CD - VIDEO - easily outworked company under Javier Cardona - 25.40, 37.80, out six in 1:15.00 - Trainer Mott said, “Liked what I saw. He looked good coming through the stretch.”

April 28: Scheduled walk day. Trainer Mott said, “He came out of his work just fine. It’s all good. He’ll walk today, then the plan is to go back to galloping tomorrow.”

April 29: He put in a good gallop exercise rider Guesler Cardona, then went up and into the paddock with trainer Bill Mott on his pony. Trainer Mott said, “We’ll probably paddock school him in the afternoon Wednesday.

April 30: Trainer Mott said, “No complaints yet."

May 1: Trainer Bill Mott said, "We’ll take him around the paddock a few times this morning, then gallop him (under exercise rider Javier Cardona) around the track. Yesterday we took him to the paddock in the afternoon and he did OK. He got a little hot, but nothing special. We gave him some extra for lunch and he ate it all up. He ate up last night, too. The routine is good and so is he.”

Tappan Street: early April 20, barn 22
April 11 48:40 Breezing 3/24 PAY VIDEO - outside Rapture - Trainer Cox said he had him in 48.40, out 1:01.60. "He was under a good hold throughout. He definitely hasn’t regressed. He’s really doing well. He's a smart horse. I think we’ll probably stay here for one more (work)."

April 18 1.01:40 Breezing 2/12 PAY - VIDEO - pre-dawn work outside Rapture - DRF's Mike Welsch was there and tweeted early this date 1:02 breezing from the four-furlong marker w/ last four in 48.20, out six in 1:14.79 and seven 1:28.72. Rapture also worked in 1:01.40 (2/12). Trainer Cox said, “We were looking to kind of stretch his legs and have a nice gallop out and I thought we got what we were looking for. Continued on around the turn very nicely and galloped out strong. He looked great coming off the track. He’s been very consistent, and it seems like with his works, the further the better. I think just based off what we’ve seen, a horse (Hit Show) went to the Middle East (from Payson Park) and won the World Cup. If they can’t get them ready over this track, you’re not going to get them ready over any track."

April 21: On the track today after arriving from CD yesterday.

April 23: Scheduled to work Saturday.

April 26: 59.60 Breezing 8/33 CD - Worked at 9:04 a.m. ET - outside his company, inched ahead in the turn

April 26: Unfortunately Tappan Street is out of the Kentucky Derby after sustaining a condylar fracture this morning. The injury is not life-threatening; he will undergo surgery.

Tiztastic: March 25, barn 38, stall 24
April 12 1.00:80 Breezing 12/31 CD - VIDEO - outside Publisher, 13, 24.80, 36.60, out six 1:13.40 and seven 1:26.60. Trainer Asmussen: "I was extremely pleased with how they handled and traveled over the racetrack."

April 19 59.60 Breezing 4/56 CD - VIDEO - outside Publisher, 12.80, 24.40 and :36.40, out six in 1:11.80. Publisher got a head start on Tiztastic, a closer, but outworked Tiztastic to the wire and in the gallop out. There were no comments from trainer Asmussen in notes released by the track.

April 21 NOTE: Galloped today after a day off April 20.

April 25: Track notes say he will breeze Sunday.

April 27: April 27 50.20 Breezing 112/121 CD - VIDEO - solo - 12.40, 24.60, 50.20 - maintenance - Trainer Asmussen said, “It’s an ideal draw for both of them being next to each other (posts 13 and 14). They’ve been training together, everything is coming together perfectly. I just hope we can catch a day that’s going to be sunny and a fast track. We couldn’t be more excited.”
April 28: Scheduled walk day.

April 29: He jogged during the 7:15-7:30 training window.
April 30: Trainer Asmussen said, “Derby week is so much fun. It’s enjoyable to take it all in.”
May 1: He galloped under Carlos Rosas.

The Downey Profile Rankings

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 22:18:22 GMT

The Downey Profile Rankings

UPDATED May 1 at 6:04 p.m. ET after the defection of Rodriguez

Top 4

Journalism 20.26

Burnham Square 13.72

Sandman 13.61

East Avenue 12.43

5th, 6th, 7th

Sovereignty 11.22

Rodriguez 10.86

Coal Battle 7.86 T

Tiztastic 7.86 T

Others

Baeza 7.33

Grande 6.12

Citizen Bull 5.11

Flying Mohawk 4.99

Publisher 4.54

Admire Daytona 4.11

Luxor Cafe 3.79

2.79 or below

American Promise

Chunk of Gold

Final Gambit

Neoequos

Owen Almighty

Render Judgment

Earnings Per Start At Age 3

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 21:46:05 GMT

Average Earnings Per Start at Age 3

NOTE: EPS is a major factor in The Downey Profile. Changes at the top of this list could yield revisions to the top-rated horses in The Downey Profile. I will monitor this.

UPDATED May 1 at 6:04 p.m. ET after the defection of Rodriguez

Top 5

Sandman 363,333
Burnham Square 309,108
Coal Battle 293,750
Tiztastic 243,333

Journalism 240,000

Others
Sovereignty 214,760
Admire Daytona 212,136
Final Gambit 169,546
Rodriguez 128,000
East Avenue 121,875
Publisher 118,333
American Promise 111,666
Chunk of Gold 108,000
Luxor Cafe 107,667
Flying Mohawk 92,100
Grande 76,066
Citizen Bull 75,000

Owen Almighty 66,969
Neoequos 61,883
Baeza 49,333
Render Judgment 47,187

Kentucky Derby Road: April 8 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:37:52 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: April 8 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes

G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, 1 1/8 Mile
Burnham Square (4-1) sat in last place of seven off fairly quick early fractions, came wide into the stretch and overtook East Avenue (9-2) in the shadow of the wire to win the G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. River Thames (3-1) finished third with interest, longshot Admiral Dennis (15-1) was fourth, and Render Judgment was fifth. East Avenue set the pace into the far turn with fractions of 22.95, 46.95 and 1:11.96, stayed strong in the turn, and was denied at the last possible moment. Owen Almighty tracked East Avenue into the stretch and faded to sixth. Favored Chancer McPatrick (5-2) broke well but never got his engine running and finished last behind a slow final time of 1:51.33. Brian Hernandez, Jr. rode the winner for trainer Ian Wilkes and owner-breeder Janice Whitham's Whitham Thoroughbreds. Burnham Square was bred in Kentucky and is a son of Liam's Map out of Linda, by Scat Daddy. Kentucky Derby points: 100-50-25-15-10.

The track was not playing fast today, with a pair of seven-furlong stakes races timed in just under 1:24.

THE NEXT DAY: “Both horses got back last night to Churchill,” trainer Wilkes said from his main base in Louisville. “Everything is all good. It was a really exciting day for everyone involved.”

Burnham Square got a 96 Beyer, and Equbase rated him a 104.

Equibase chart

Winning jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr.: "When we turned for home we had a full head of steam and I was confident. It kind of goes back to Ian trusting us; he doesn’t give us a whole lot of instructions. My son, Ben, and I sat down last night and watched all his races, and we both kind of came up with a plan: Just let him travel, let him cruise along. That’s the nice thing about a horse like him. For a 3-year-old to make such a long run like he did today and be able to run down Grade 1 winners like he did – he’s an exciting horse to move forward with.”

Winning trainer Ian Wilkes on Burnham Square’s progress from a maiden claiming runner-up finish at Keeneland in his debut Oct. 26 to now winning the Toyota Blue Grass: “You’d probably have to pinch me, because if you’d asked me before that race, I would not have dreamed I’d be here with him. He’s taken me there. You know, the horse has taken me everywhere I’ve wanted to go. I’ve just got to try and stay out of his way. The only thing I had to do to help him was put blinkers on him.

“(Winning) the Holy Bull was good. The Fountain of Youth (fourth), maybe I was just – I had to go easy. He’s not a big, robust horse, and I was probably a little kind on him coming in to that race, wasn’t as hard on him as what I wanted to be. Then I trained him a little more for here because I needed points, so I couldn’t mess around. We had to step up and get a little more serious now. But his number was better in the Fountain of Youth than it was in the Holy Bull.

“I’ll watch him. He’ll tell me what I need to do. But we have to keep the foot on the gas – got to keep the foot down on the pedal – because we’ve got to get a little better again. It’s going to be very deep waters, and we’ve got to get a lot better.”

Luan Machado (rider of runner-up East Avenue): “We went really quick from the start, but the horse came back to me. It was a little aggressive,
and he dropped a little bit in the second half. He dug deep and he fought back. He tried his best to get him, and I am happy with him.”

Brendan Walsh (trainer of East Avenue): “I loved how he battled. He looked at the head of the straight like he was going to fold and he didn’t fold, and I think it’s a good sign for the future. I think he’s a horse that can still improve. It’s nice to see him run a race like that.

“We’d have to seriously consider (the Derby). We’ll go back and talk among ourselves and see what we do. But I loved what I saw today. We’re a little disappointed we didn’t win, but it’s the next best thing; at least he showed up today. He’s the horse we’ve always thought he was.”

East Avenue likely will relocate to Churchill Downs during the coming week.

Irad Ortiz Jr. (rider of third-place finisher River Thames): “Can’t complain, he put up one hell of a race. He got beat by two nice horses. He gave me everything. I think it was set up perfect for me. I thought I got the chance to run for home, but they followed all the way to the wire. It was a great race.”

Todd Pletcher (trainer of River Thames): “I thought he ran terrific. We got the trip we were hoping to get. We kind of anticipated the pace would unfold the way it did, and we were in the position we wanted to be. The turn for home we had a chance and kept trying all the way to the wire but couldn’t quite get there.

“I think (it was a step forward). It was the first time at a mile and an eighth. It seemed like he stuck it out pretty well, and he’s come a long way in a short period of time. It was a good effort; we just couldn’t quite get there.

“We will let the dust settle. I’ll talk to all the connections, and we will come up with a game plan.”

Flavien Prat (rider of favored Chancer McPatrick, who finished in a dead heat for sixth with Owen Almighty): “I thought I had a good trip, but when he had a chance to make a run, he didn’t.”

Brian Lynch (trainer of Owen Almighty): “He had the perfect trip and had every chance to make it his race, but he came up a little empty when we needed it. I don’t think the Derby is the way we will go. We’ll regroup and talk with our people and come up with another plan.”

GALLOP OUTS

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:48:56 GMT

GALLOP OUTS

We review the strength or lack thereof of gallop outs following races going nine furlongs or more.

Not every good horse gallops out strongly past the wire, but a lot of good ones do. Todd Pletcher, a high-achieving trainer for many years, places emphasis on the gallop out. Others not so much. For example, 2024 Kentucky Derby winner and Ken McPeek trainee Mystik Dan did not gallop out strongly at all following his third-place finish in the Arkansas Derby, and we did not see that in his pre-Derby workouts.

Replays available on YouTube, even those produced by the host track, don't always give us a good look at gallop-outs. I watched replays on TwinSpires.com. Here is a link to replays at The Downey Profile.

Feb. 15 Risen Star, 1 1/8 Mile
Magnitude, whose career ended with this race, won big and galloped out well ahead of the others. The best of the rest in the gallop out were second finisher Chunk of Gold and fourth finisher Vassimo, the latter of whom is out of consideration for the Derby. They were beaten by Magnitude about 9 and 12 lengths, resppectively.

March 15 Virginia Derby, 1 1/8 Mile
It's a one-turn race. Winner American Promise, second finisher Render Judgment (who, like Mystik Dan, is trained by Ken McPeek) and Rapture (who is not a Derby contender) galloped out best.

March 22 Jeff Ruby Steaks, 1 1/8 Mile, Synthetic Track
Winner Flying Gambit galloped out much the best. Best of the rest were Maximum Promise and Poster, who are not Derby contenders. Second finisher Flying Mohawk did not gallop out strongly.

March 22 Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16 Mile
Five of the six top finishers galloped out pretty well. Built was the exception. Second finisher Chunk of Gold initially ran ahead of winner Tiztastic, whose ears pricked just past the finish line. Instant Replay, who is off the Derby Trail, then also ran by Tiztastic after finishing the race pretty well. John Hancock and Vassimo, both of whom are also out of consideration for the Derby, then ran by both Tiztastic and Chunk of Gold in the latter portion of the first turn.

March 29 Florida Derby, 1 1/8 Mile
Heading to the finish line, Sovereignty was closing on winner Tappan Street. After the wire those two initially galloped out together, Tappan Street gallloped beyond Sovereignty into the backstretch. Madaket Road, who led and faded to fourth, also galloped out into the backstretch. Third finisher Neoequos trailed the top two after the wire in the first turn and was the first to be turned around

March 29 Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8 Mile
Sandman, who closed in the stretch to win, galloped out far ahead of the others into the backstretch with his ears pricked despite the fact he finished the final three furlongs of the race in over 38 seconds. In my eyes he produced a superior gallop out. Neither second finisher Publisher nor third finisher Coal Battle are visible in the gallop out footage, but this could have been by design. Beaten favorite Cornucopian and Brereton's Baytown can be seen far behind Sandman.

April 5 Wood Memorial, 1 1/8 Mile
Rodriguez galloped out into the backstretch, pricking his ears as he ran out of the turn before Mike Smith pulled him up as an outrider joined them. It looked impressive. Grande and Passion Rules, the second and third finishers, can be seen galloping up beside Rodriguez to mid-turn at which time the camera angle changed to only capture Rodriguez. Trainer Pletcher later commented that Grande galloped out well.

April 5 UAE Derby
Fourth finisher Shin Forever galloped by winner Admire Daytona soon after the wire. Second-finisher-by-a-nose Heart of Honor, who lugged out before the wire, also ran by the winner soon after in an abbreviated showing of the gallop out.

April 5 Santa Anita Derby
Running through the first turn in the mdidle of the track, second finisher Baeza out-galloped Journalism by several lengths. Journalism was guided to the outer rail mid-turn and was turned around before Baeza. I looked back at Journalism's gallop out in the March 1 San Felipe at 1 1/16 mile, and he ran further into the turn in that one. Neither gallop out was spectacular, but this could have been by design.

April 8 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes
Winner Burnham Square galloped out well, a bit better than narrow second finisher and pacesetter East Avenue. The horse that was last coming out of the far turn, Admiral Dennis, finished pretty well to get fourth and was right there with Burnham Square well into the gallop out before Burnham Square eased on ahead. Third finisher River Thames trailed those three.

FINISHED IN 38 SECONDS OR LESS

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:15:44 GMT

FINISHED IN 38 SECONDS OR LESS

UPDATED May 1 at 6:04 p.m. ET after the defection of Rodriguez

We look at whether horses finished the final 3/8 mile in races going nine furlongs or longer in 38 seconds or less.

Many Kentucky Derby winners have hit this mark in their final prep race.

YES

Feb. 1 Withers : Captain Cook 38 flat after first six furlongs in 1:13.83. Nothing else in the race will be in the Kentucky Derby.

Feb. 15 Risen Star : Magnitude is off Derby Trail.

March 15 Virginia Derby : American Promise 38.02 after running the first six furlongs in 1:08.39.

March 22 Louisiana Derby (9 1/2 furlongs): Tiztastic's average 1/16-mile time in the final seven furlongs is 6.33857 seconds, which I interpolate to 38.03 seconds He was no doubt slowing the final 1/16, so at 1 1/8 mile he is a YES.

March 22 Jeff Ruby Steaks (synthetic track)
Final Gambit finished in 36.02 after running the first six furlongs in 1:13.89.
Flying Mohawk finished in 37.22 after six in 1:13.48.

March 29 Fukuryu Stakes
Luxor Cafe finished in 36.30 after going the first six furlongs in 1:15.80.

March 29 Florida Derby
Tappan Street finished in 37.06 after running the first six furlongs in 1:12.21.
Sovereignty finished in 37.12 after the first six furlongs in 1:12.36

April 5 Wood Memorial
Rodriguez finished in 36.90 after running the first six furlongs in 1:11.25.
Grande finished in 37.24 after the first six in 1:11.52.

April 5 Santa Anita Derby
Journalism 37.59 after the first six furlongs in 1:11.97.

NO

Feb. 15 Risen Star
Chunk of Gold finished in 38.95.
Built was slightly slower.
American Promise was nowhere near.
East Avenue was slower yet.

March 15 American Derby (one turn)
Second finisher Render Judgment finished in 38.97.
Third finisher Omaha Omaha 38.42.

March 22 Louisiana Derby (9 1/2 furlongs)
Chunk of Gold's average 1/16-mile time in the final seven furlongs is 6.46 seconds, which I interpolate to 38.76 seconds for six furlongs.
Built's time using the same math comes out to 39.83 seconds.

March 22 Jeff Ruby Steaks (synthetic)

California Burriot finished in 38.92 after running the first six furlongs 1:12.87

March 29 Florida Derby
Neoequos finished in 38.17 after running the first six in 1:11.76.
Disruptor 38.90 after the first six in 1:12.12.

March 29 Arkansas Derby
Sandman finished in 38.51 after six in 1:11.28.
Publisher 38.93 after six in 1:11.57.
Coal Battle 40.19 after running the first six in 1:11.07 -- and still finished third. Maybe the surface was a "drying out track" or an otherwise tiring track. After rainfall the track was rated good most of the day and upgraded to fast a couple of races before the Arkansas Derby.

April 5 Santa Anita Derby
Baeza 38.15 after the first six furlongs in 1:11.55.

Citizen Bull 39.91 after the first six in 1:11.42.

April 5 UAE Derby

Winner Admire Daytona interpolated to 38.34 after six furlongs in 1:14.40 based on my view of the teletimer as the race unfolded.

Second finisher Heart of Honor interpolated to 38.19 after six furlongs in 1:14.60.

As mentioned on the 12-Second Furlongs page, the fractional times for this race as I view the teletimer strongly conflict with fractions announced by on-air talent following the race. The talent had the initial fractions much faster than I am seeing on the teletimer.

April 8 Toyota Blue Grass
Burnham Square finished in 38.77 after running the first six furlongs in 1:12.56.
East Avenue finished in 39.38 after six in 1:11.96.
River Thames finished in 39.13 after six in 1:12.36.

Owen Almighty finished in 39.90 after six in 1:12.21.

.

12-SECOND FURLONGS IN DERBY PREP RACES GOING NINE FURLONGS OR LONGER

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:48:31 GMT

12-SECOND FURLONGS IN DERBY PREP RACES GOING NINE FURLONGS OR LONGER

UPDATED May 1 at 6:04 p.m. ET after the defection of Rodriguez

UPDATED May 2 at 10:05 a.m. ET after a state vet scratched Grande.

We examine whether horses ran within one second of averaging 12 seconds per furlong at calls of races going nine furlongs or longer. History teaches us that such horses can run well in the Kentucky Derby.

APRIL 16 NOTE: Added Owen Almighty to the "YES" list.

YES

Feb. 15 Risen Star

Winner Magnitude is off the Derby Trail. Second finisher Chunk of Gold hit the mark first three calls. Third finisher Built hit the mark first four calls.

March 22 Louisiana Derby (9 1/2 furlongs)

Winner Tiztastic hit the first four marks in 24.79, 47.74, 1:11.83, 1:36.47 . His final time was 1:56.20.

Second finisher Chunk of Gold also hit the first four marks with splits of 23.59, 47.34, 1:11.43, 1:36.57 . His final time was 1:56.65.

Fifth finisher Built hit the mark at the first four calls but had nothing the final eighth mile.

Not applicable: After the race, trainer Cox said third and fourth finishers John Hancock won't make the Derby and will regroup.

March 22 Jeff Ruby Steaks (synthetic)

Also-ran California Burrito hit the first three marks, then finished slowly. 23.07, 48.13, 1:12.87 , 1:37.99, final time 1:51.79.

March 29 Florida Derby

Winner Tappan Street hit the mark four times: 24.14, 47.96, 1:12.21, 1:36.60 with a final time of 1:49.27.

Runner-up Sovereignty gets credit for hitting the mark four times even though the fourth split was off, but it was off only 1/100 of a second: 24.37, 47.97, 1:12.36, 1:37.01 with a final time of 1:49.48.

Third finisher Neoequos hit the mark four times: 23.68, 47.35, 1:11.76, 1:36.60 with a final time of 1:49.93

March 29 Arkansas Derby

Winner Sandman hit the mark three times. Knowing that he doesn't display early speed, I thought his initial splits would be a few lengths slower than this: 23.84, 47.16, 1:11.28 . He got the mile in 1:37.11 and the final time was 1:50.08

Second finisher Publisher hit the mark three times despite the fact he was last in the early going: 24.25, 47.61, 1:11.57 . His mile was timed in 1:37.44 and is final time was 1:50.50.

April 5 Wood Memorial

From the perspective of 12-second furlongs, this was the strongest Wood Memorial in a good while.

Rodriguez, on the lead with Captain Cook attending his pace, hit the mark at all five calls, the first horse to do so this year: 23.31, 47.44, 1:11.25, 1:35.68, 1:48.15 . It detracts a bit from his performance that front speed was holding this day Aqueduct, but it was still an outstanding performance.

Grande became the second horse to hit the mark at all five calls: 23.88, 47.73, 1:11.52, 1:36.25, 1:48.76 . With not much hype about him after the race, Grande's race has the earmarks of an underrated performance. Grande was shuffled back early, had to go wide up the backstretch while making a big middle move to gain contention, was wide around the far turn, was unnecessarily wide leaving the turn, and with all that he still overcame the track's speed bias to finish second in only his third career start. Let's see how much it took out of him, if anything.

At this juncture it appears Passion Rules doesn't have enough Derby points, but he also ran a strong race using the 12-second-per-furlong metric: 23.85, 47.70, 1:11.68, 1:36.44 , 1:49.07.

Captain Cook also has good marks in this category, but he couldn't keep up in the final furlong: 23.45, 47.49, 1:11.37, 1:36.22 , 1:49.31

April 5 Santa Anita Derby

I am giving Baeza credit for hitting the mark at three calls because he was only 7/100 of a second off at the fourth call: 22.75, 47.30 , 1:11.55, 1:37.07 , 1:49.70. Whether he has enough points to make the Derby is anyone's guess at this point.

See below for comments on Journalism.

April 8 Toyota Blue Grass

Burnham Square hit three of the marks but like everything else in the Toyota Blue Grass he noticeably slowed down after entering the final turn: 24.59, 48.32, 1:12.56 , 1:38.25, 1:51.33.

River Thames hit the mark at the first three calls but was unable to hold off Burnham Square: 23.60, 47.54, 1:12.36 , 1:38.08, 1:51.49.

Owen Almighty hit the mark at the first three calls but faded badly in the stretch to finish in a dead heat for sixth and last: 23.48, 47.58, 1:12.21 , 1:38.06, 1:52.11.

YES WITH AN ASTERISK

We heard pre-race hype from interests vested in promoting the Santa Anita Derby as the best Kentucky Derby prep of the year even with only five starters. The hype collapsed when both Baffert entries performed like 20-1 shots. To his credit, Journalism overcame difficulty and met expectations to win his fourth straight race. He is a legit horse and a deserving Kentucky Derby favorite. However, in my opinion the Santa Anita Derby clearly was not the top Derby prep of 2025 even if Journalism is the best horse. It was a five horse race in which two of the top three favorites ran poorly.

We hear this every year. What did he beat? When I ask myself this question I try to always remind myself the purpose of the preps is to separate the wheat from the chaff, and that was achieved in this Santa Anita Derby.

And now to the 12-second furlongs. This goes against the grain of his anticipated Kentucky Derby favoritism, but Journalism hit the mark only twice. He was under the mark at the first call and over the mark the last two calls: 22.57, 47.35, 1:11.97 , 1:37.24, 1:49.56. However, in my opinion Journalism would have hit the mark at least one of the two final calls, if not both, had he not run into trouble. I feel very confident his time at one mile would have been 1:37 or better in the absence of trouble.

This doesn't mean Journalism or other closers won't run into trouble in the Kentucky Derby. I'm "just sayin" Journalism gets a YES in my book.

NO

Feb. 1 Withers

Neither the winner Captain Cook nor any of the other starters qualified for a yes. Capatain Cook hit the mark only at the first call: 24.35 , 49.34, 1:13.83, 1:39.22, 1:51.83.

March 15 Virginia Derby (one turn)

A strange race. American Promise hit the mark the first call -- 23.27 -- but he ran SUB-12 seconds per furlong the remaining calls in this one-turn race -- 45.27, 1:08.39, 1:33.01, 1:46.41.

We have a similar reading on second finisher Render Judgment: 23.14 , 45.41, 1:08.88, 1:33.93 with a final time of 1:47.70 .

And the same with third finisher Omaha Omaha: 24.16, 46.09, 1:09.52, 1:34.52 with a final time of 1:47.80 .

March 22 Louisiana Derby (9 1/2 furlongs)

Not applicable: After the race, trainer Cox said third finisher Instant Replay and fourrh finisher John Hancock won't make the Derby and will regroup.

March 22 Jeff Ruby Steaks

Flying Gambit hit only the first two marks: 24.69, 48.90 , 1:13.89, 1:38.19. Final time 1:50.10.

Second finisher Flying Mohawk also hit only the first two marks: 24.22, 48.63 , 1:13.48, 1:38.16, 1:50.70.

Third finisher Maximum Promise also hit only the first two marks: 23.81, 48.47 , 1:13.33, 1:38.17, 1:50.82. He is out of consideration for the Derby.

Poster trained at Turfway all winter but also only hit the first two marks: 23.72, 48.34 , 1:13.20, 1:38.35, 1:51.05.

March 29 Fukuryu Stakes

We don't have complete splits for this race but Luxor Cafe could not have hit the mark at three calls. His time after six furlongs was 1:15.80 , we interpolate his one-mile time at 1:37.90 , and his final time was 1:52.10 . The track was rated good.

March 29 Arkansas Derby

Coal Battle hit the mark only twice. Before the race he was too much on the muscle, and he went too fast early. He could improve off this in the Kentucky Derby if he is able to settle down before the race: 23.28 , 46.76, 1:11.07 , 1:37.56, 1:51.26.

April 5 Santa Anita Derby

See above for comments on Journalism.

Citizen Bull hit the mark only twice: 22.41, 47.14, 1:11.42, 1:37.26, 1:51.33. He reportedly came out of the race in good shape but he looks more and more like a "needs-the-lead" type off this race.

Westwood doesn't have the points to make the Derby.

Barnes will not make the Kentucky Derby. I doubt we will see him race again any time soon.

April 5 UAE Derby

The splits in the UAE Derby are difficult to gauge because there is no runup to the timer. The timer starts when the gate opens. A typical runup is 34 feet, which is used in the Kentucky Derby.

There are no official fractional times at Emirates Racing's website. Byron King provided me sectional times for Admire Daytona supplied to atheraces.com by Total Performance Data: 8.84, 10.58, 11.22, 12.13, 12.35, 12.89, 12.63, 12.28, 12.52 and 13.70. The absence of a runup to the start at Meydan accounts for the slow 8.84 seconds for the first 100 meters, which is 328.08 feet compared to 330 feet in 1/16 of a mile.

Ignoring the slight differential in distance, the fractional times are: 3/16 mile in 19.42 (12 seconds per furlong for 3/16 mile would be 18 seconds), the first 7/16 in 42.77 (12 seconds per furlong would be 42), the first 11/16 in 1:08.01 (12 seconds per furlong would be 1:06), the first 15/16 in 1:32.92 (12 seconds per furlong would be 1:30), and the full 19/16 in 1:59.14 (12 seconds per furlong would be 1:54).

I stop-actioned the race video in order to get quarter-mile times from the inception of the race. While not exact I'm within a hundredths of a second in getting Admire Daytona in 25.00, 49.00 , 1:14.40, 1:39.00, 1:59.14.

But how do we deal with the lack of a runup. Should we deduct about two seconds from each split?

A stat posted on-screen just after the race shows the final quarter-mile was run in 26.22. Using my stop-action timing, the last 3/16 was run in about 20.14.

April 8 Blue Grass Stakes

Pacesetter East Avenue set the pace and hit the mark at one call and one close enough to get credit for two: 22.95, 46.95, 1:11.96 , 1:37.89, 1:51.34. He was beaten a nose by Burnham Square.

Kentucky Derby Road: April 5 Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby, UAE Derby

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 16:22:26 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: April 5 Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby, UAE Derby

Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, 1 1/8 Mile.

Journalism stamped his credentials as the probable Kentucky Derby favorite with a come-from-behind victory as the even-money favorite. It was his fourth straight win. Journalism saw longshot Westwood (44-1) lead the way around the first bend with Bob Baffert trainees Citizen Bull (2-1 second choice) and Barnes (5-2) in closest pursuit. Journalism was fifth in the field of five into the backstretch. Citizen Bull pulled ahead of Westwood midway up the back after initial fractions of 22.25 and 47.14. Baeza (14-1) made his presence known early in the second turn with six furlongs in the books at 1:11.42. Around that turn Citizen Bull and Baeza battled for supremacy with Westwood a grudging third, Journalism starting to come on strong on after traffic trouble when shuffled behind Westwood and bumping with Barnes at the seven-sixteenths pole, and Barnes fading. In In mid-stretch a charging Journalism was already past Citizen Bull and catching Baeza en route to the win by 3/4 of a length. He hit the finish line in 1:49.56 under Umberto Rispoli. Baeza was second, Westwood third 9 1/4 lengths off the winner, Citizen Bull fourth another half-length back and Barnes fifth, beaten 19 3/4 lengths.

The winner is trained by Michael McCarthy for the partnership of Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, Robert V. LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier-Lessee, Derrick Smith-Lessee, and Michael B. Tabor-Lessee. Journalism was bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation. He's by Curlin out of Mopotism, by Uncle Mo. Kentucky Derby points were valued at 75% of the normal 100-50-25-15-10 due to the short field.

THE NEXT DAY: “All good,” trainer McCarthy said Sunday morning. “I thought he showed a lot of poise being down inside. He had to kind of bide his time and wait for a seam to get through. As I said yesterday, he is amenable to whatever Umberto asks of him. He will have a couple of easy days and start back at the end of the week.: When Journalism ships to Louisville remains to be determined. "We’re going to watch the weather and come up with a game plan. We’ll get with everybody and see what we think is best for him.”

Journalism got a 102 Beyer in in the Santa Anita Derby. Journalism's Equibase speed figure is 108, which is next-level consistency. Second time out he broke his maiden with a 105 going a mile at Del Mar, followed by a 106 winning the Los Al Futurity and a 110 destroying the San Felipe.

Equibase chart

Winning trainer Michael McCarthy: “He had me worried for a jump or two. Special horse. I saw a little bit of adversity today, which you saw around the far turn. It took him a little bit to get his feet under him, but once Umberto was able to wheel him outside, he started getting him through his gears. He started to pick it up towards the end, leveled off nicely. He looked like he finished up well and galloped out well.

"It’s pretty exciting. It’s a huge day on the Santa Anita calendar, a huge day on any calendar, or any kind of Derby before the Kentucky Derby. So to go ahead and be a part of this and be lucky enough to win, it is special.”

Winning jockey Umberto Rispoli: “I was trapped on the fence, and I thought, ‘Wow, this isn’t looking good. I knew my only way out was to push Barnes a little bit. I got through. That’s such a good animal to be able to get out of there. It’s rare for a horse to get held up at the three-eighths pole and to get back in the race in that way. It’s always difficult, especially for such a big horse. But he has such an amazing style and is just an amazing horse."

Runner-up trainer John Shirreffs: “He (Baeza) ran super."

Bob Baffert, trainer of fourth-place Citizen Bull and fifth-place (and last) Barnes: “I was discouraged (Citizen Bull) didn’t get the win today. He got tired. He’s a heavy horse. The track was deep today. We will figure this out. We have a week and then we’ll decide what is next.”
As for Barnes: “We need to regroup.”

G2 Wood Memorial, 1 1/8 Mile
West coast invader Rodriguez led all the way to win by 3 1/2 lengths under Mike Smith in a swift 1:48.15. Internal fractions for Rodriguez (7-2 odds) were 23.31, 47.44, 1:11.25 and 1:35.68. Captain Cook (favored at 9-5) attended the pace into the stretch but faded to fourth 6 3/4 lengths behind the winner as Grande (4-1), who lost ground after the break, made a big middle move and went wide out of the turn before overtaking Captain Cook for the place. Passion Rules (9-1) got up late for third, beaten 5 1/4 lengths. Longshot McAfee (29-1) finished well to take fifth. Local hero Sand Devil ran sixth. Kentucky Derby points 100-50-25-15-10.

Bob Baffert trains the winner, who raced in the Starlight colors, for the consortium of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan. Rodriguez was bred in Kentucky by Kingswood Farm & David Egan. He's a son of 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic out of Cayala, by Cherokee Run.

Rodriguez was assigned an outstanding 111 Equibase figure. Per Tom Ryan's post on X, it's a 101 Beyer.

Rodriguez broke his maiden at Santa Anita in his second start with a 105 Equibase figure going one mile. Next out he ran second to Citizen Bull in the G3 Robert B Lewis Stakes, registering a 101. He backed up to a 92 when a very distant third to Journalism in the G2 San Felipe.

Equibase chart

Winning trainer Bob Baffert: “He’d been training like he was going to do something like that. I’ve always been very high on him. He’s just had some rough trips here in California. I knew the added distance would be a big factor for him. I thought he’d love stretching out and going a mile and an eighth. Mike Smith told me he wanted a super live one and I said, ‘Man, I’ve got a good one for you.’ He rode him beautifully. The horse looked great – he looked like Authentic. He won like a good horse. It was very impressive.

“His last two works were really strong here so I felt really good as long as he didn’t get too worked up, he'd be good. I think with taking the blinkers off, he relaxed a lot better. It was just a beautiful run and I’m just happy and blessed to have a horse like that.

“Any time you win in New York it means a lot. I have great memories of winning the Wood [Bob and John, 2006; Congaree, 2001]. It’s a very important race. Just knowing that you have a horse that looks like he’s a serious Derby contender makes it that much better. We’re all pretty excited and I’m really happy for our ownership group.”

Winning jockey Mike Smith: " Just happy I got the opportunity. I know they thought a lot of him early on. Because in California racing there’s not big fields, if it’s a five-horse field, Bob probably has three. They can’t all just go out there and hook each other, you’ve got to try and play some strategy.

“I think they realized he just wants to be left alone. I could tell that warming up. Every time you did something with him, he’d get uptight. That’s just it – if you get him to breathe, he’s gonna run, man, and that’s what he did today. That’s probably why he ran that 100 Beyer when he broke his maiden to be honest with you.

“Man, he was doing it and Manuel (Franco on Captain Cook) came at me early around that turn and he picked it up with him. We put some separation on the field, and when I felt him do that again, I said, ‘Oh, we’re OK! He’s just got to be good enough, and he was.

“I just really thank the owners and Bob. He said, ‘I’m pulling you off the bench, man. There’s three seconds and I need you to hit a three.’ I said, ‘alright, I’ll do it, Bob.’ I closed my eyes and I hit a three [laughs].”

About the gallop out: “He looked good, didn’t he? He really did. I asked Manuel, he picked him up [in the gallop out] and said, ‘Whoa, he’s still got a lot.’ I said, ‘yeah!’ Look, the Derby is always different, there’s going to be a big crowd. He gets a little [nervous], that’s why he had the earplugs. There’s a lot of growing for this horse to do, and that’s a good thing.

About a potential Derby bid: “I’m excited. I don’t want to say that I’m going back [to Louisville], he [Baffert] took me off the bench, but I just hope they keep me on.”

Runner-up trainer Todd Pletcher: "I thought he ran super. He didn’t break real well. He got shuffled around a little bit going into the first turn. Dylan [Davis] said he kind of had to check off heels which forced him to go really wide. He advanced nicely down the backside while out in the middle of the track. He still got hung out pretty wide on the far turn and I think compared to the ground saved that the winner had, it was a very creditable effort.

“He hasn’t been that far back, he hadn’t had dirt in his face – it was his first time in a stakes and only his third start. We have a lot of positive things to draw from it.”

On a start in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby May 3, at Churchill Downs: “I think so. That’s why we were here today – to see if we belong and earn some points. I think he proved that he does belong and got some points as well. We’ll see how he comes out of it and come up with a plan, but I thought he certainly ran well enough.”

Runner-up jockey Dylan Davis: “He ran very nicely. I was planning on just trying to break well. He broke OK. We were going nicely into the first turn but the four [My Mitole] ended up pushing the five [Sand Devil] out in front of me, I had to go a little wide because I was going to be on heels. After that, they kind of slowed down in front of me a little bit. My horse was off the bridle and I needed to get him on the bridle and get him engaged. I got him into it with a little mid-move there in the backside just to get him engaged with those frontrunners. I wanted him closer than where I was at. He was into a nice rhythm into the second turn, I was really happy with the way he was going then. The one [Rodriguez] just kind of jumped away from him. He ran well. He stepped up nicely and had to overcome a wide trip. Given the circumstances, he ran a great race, stepping up big from his two wins."

Kendrick Carmouche, jockey of third finisher Passion Rules: “I had a perfect trip. I got the horse to break better. I had him in a good position. My horse broke good. I saved ground. It took him a little longer to get started. At the quarter-pole, I think those horses got away from him. I think that was pretty much the race."

G2 UAE Derby, 1 3/16 Mile

Admire Daytona edged Heart of Honor by a nose in a head bob to win. Don in the Mood was third, beaten 2 3/4 lengths, Shin Forever fourth and the filly Queen Azteca fifth. The winning time was 1:59.13. Admire Daytona and Rafid were part of opening fractions of 10.48, 11.10, 12.09 and 12.40. Heading into the final turn, Heart of Honor and Don in the Mood had joined those front-runners. Rafid soon faded to finish eighth of nine. Admire Daytona stayed the final quarter-mile in 26.22 in what a track announcer described as a war of attrition. Gotham Stakes winner and betting favorite Flood Zone, the only U. S. based horse in the race, was never in contention. He was last into the stretch and finished seventh of nine. It was the fourth straight UAE Derby win for a Japan-based horse.

Christophe Lemaire rode the winner for trainer Yukihiro Kato and owner Junko Kondo. Admire Daytona was bred in Japan by Northern Racing. He is by Drefong out of Ice Pastel, by Shackleford. Kentucky Derby points 100-50-25-15-10. All starters carried 126 pounds except Queen Azteca, who carried 121.

In his last start Admire Daytona finished fourth behind Fukuryu Stakes winner Luxor Cafe in the Hyacinth Stakes. Third finisher Don in the Mood was also third in the Hyacinth last time out. UAE Derby second finisher Heart of Honor, based in Dubai, also finished second most recently in the Al Bastakiya, preceded by another second in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas.

The track record is 1:55:18, Mendellsohn 2018. Hit Show ran the 1 1/4-mile Dubai World Cup in 2:03.50.

Chart from Emirates Racing

Of the top five finishers in the UAE Derby only Shin Forever was early-nominated to the Triple Crown. The deadline for late nominations is Monday, April 7 for connections who haven't already filed their paperwork and paid the $6,000 fee.

Winning jockey Christophe Lemaire: “Honestly, I thought I’d won but it was very tight so you never get too happy, too early. The Japanese horses come here with quite a bit of experience at home. For us, they arrive near their best this early in the season, not too much racing but also with plenty of experience. I think they like the Meydan dirt track too. For sure he can go to Kentucky, but it is such a difficult race to win. It is one of the most iconic races in the world and we have to go if we can.”

Winning trainer Yukihiro Kato: He confirmed the plan is for Admire Daytona to go to the Kentucky Derby.

Heart Of Honor trainer Jamie Osborne: “He’s put up a lifetime best, and you always have to be pleased when that happens. But this is a tough one to swallow.”

Don In The Mood jockey Ryusei Sakai: "He ran well. The pace was fast, he travelled nicely on the bridle, he just found it tough the last 400 meters."

Don in the Mood trainer Teiichi Konno: “He was traveling very well and I thought he might win it. It was tough for him at the end. He is always relaxed but was a little bit nervous in the stalls this time. His physique will definitely improve more.”

Shin Forever jockey Akira Sugawara: “Missing the jump ruined his race. All good. Other than that, he ran well.”

Queen Azteca jockey Carlos Lopez: “She went well, I’m so proud of her. She felt strong all the way, I thought she was going to kick a little bit more in the finish. She showed she is a good filly.”

Dragon (6th) jockey Yutaka Take: “He handled dirt well. He was hanging a bit and didn’t respond.”

Flood Zone (7th) jockey Florent Geroux: “Disappointed, to be honest. He broke well, I thought I was going to be in a good spot. I let the speed go, I tucked behind the two leaders and got down to the rail. From there, as soon as we hit the first turn, he never traveled, never grabbed the bit and just kept going backwards. It was too bad to be true. If he’d been able to grab the bit, I think I would have been able to travel into it, but I was trapped where I was and I couldn’t follow those in front. For some reason, our American horses don’t seem to have the same early speed here.”

Rafid (8th) jockey John Velazquez said: “Good break and that was it.”

Galactic Star (9th) jockey Tadhg O’Shea said: “Traveled well in the run, but just never finished off. Ran a little bit flat.”

Kentucky Derby Road: March 29 Arkansas Derby, Florida Derby, Fukuryu Stakes

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 15:00:13 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: March 29 Arkansas Derby, Florida Derby, Fukuryu Stakes

G1 Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8 Mile
Sandman got a good setup for his late kick, and he took full advantage to win at 7-2 odds. Odds-on favorite Cornucopian (4-5) and two-time stakes winner Speed King (15-1) rumbled through taxing opening fractions of 22.46 and 45.21 to open up on the field by about 10 lengths in the backstretch. Heading into the second turn, second betting choice Coal Battle (3-1) and Publisher (7-1) started coming after them as Sandman began gearing up for his anticipated late run with six furlongs gone in 1:10.37. After the field turned for home, Sandman's momentum carried him to the lead. Perhaps unaccustomed to that position he drifted out into Publisher's lane, but he was two lengths ahead at that point, and new rider Jose Ortiz righted him quickly to stay on task and finish ahead by 2 1/2. The winning time was 1:50.08. Publisher was second, Coal Battle third, Cornucopian fourth and Brereton's Baytown a distant fifth. Order of finish: 6-3-8-9-1-5-7-4-4-2. Kentucky Derby points 100-50-25-15-10. Sandman is by Tapit out of Distorted Music, by Distorted Humor and was bred in Kentucky by Lothenbach Stables. Today's Florida Derby winner Tappan Street's dam is also Distorted Humor. Sandman is trained by Mark Casse for D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables.

Equibase chart

Sandman racked up a 104 Equibase figure in the Arkansas Derby, a career best. He was given a solid 99 Beyer Speed Figure. Second-place finisher Publisher earned a 95 Beyer.

Sandman has now run eight times with three wins, a second and two thirds. He ran fifth in his debut (58 Equibase), a sprint at Churchill Downs, but rebounded at Saratoga to win at seven furlongs (93 Equibase). He was a badly-beaten fifth (77) in the one-turn G3 Iroquois at Churchill Downs. After finishing third in the two-turn G3 Street Sense (90), he won a high-priced allowance at Oaklawn (97). He's been in Hot Springs since, finishing a close second (100) to Speed King in the G3 Southwest and a fast-closing third (101) in the G2 Rebel.

Winning trainer Mark Casse: “I couldn’t believe (the fast early fractions), actually. I said, ‘Well, they’ll have to be superstars to keep going.’ The farther they went, the more confident I was. The faster they went, the more I smiled. I think that just shows how good he is (after lugging out in the stretch and still winning by 2 1/2 lengths). He wasn’t focusing and he was still able to draw away. As Jose said, he wants to get into a rhythm. And if you can get him into that rhythm, he’ll just go. Jose said he didn’t take a deep breath when he pulled up.”

Winning jockey Jose Ortiz: “We knew back then (when I rode him in the G3 Iroquois) that he wasn’t a one-turn horse. I was a little sad that I lost him because he came this way. But very excited to get him back. Today, a mile and an eighth, he’s proved that the two turns is his game. Very happy, very excited. Kentucky Derby – here we (come). He was a little shy from the whip from the left hand. I could see that from the replays the last time. I tried one time and didn’t try it again. So, he was rolling.”

Publisher trainer Steve Asmussen: “I’m very pleased with the progression he’s made. I love the class of that horse. I mean, he is meant for a big day. He is classy and calm. Wastes zero energy doing anything he shouldn’t be doing. Top class horse. (Did blinkers help?). I was hoping he would be a little bit closer, but he kind of got squeezed away from there again. You know what? With the pace scenario, we got a good trip. Winner outran us. At the head of the stretch, I’d have picked us and we ended up second. I’m very proud of how he ran, and we need to find more.”

Coal Battle trainer Lonnie Briley: “He was a little too fresh today. And you always think about the drawing board, going back to it. But in the paddock, he was a little anxious and stuff. So, I was worried about that today. He ran a good race. He ran third and Sandman had been coming from behind, so we knew that he would be a factor. When they added the blinkers to Publisher, he’s a good horse and he ran big. (Coal Battle) ran good against some good horses. We’ll have another shot at them soon.”

Coal Battle jockey Juan Vargas: “I think one thing that hurt my horse this time was he was very aggressive – like never before. I know he broke well from the gate, but this time he was very aggressive. I had to fight the horse and I think that cost me the race, for sure. If he had settled down, like normally he does, it was a perfect race for him. This time, I had to fight him a lot. You can’t fight him.”

Cornucopian jockey John Velazquez: “Nothing else you can say. We went fast.”

G1 Florida Derby, 1 1/8 Mile
Tappan Street (2-1 second choice) broke alertly, got into good early and intermediate position, continued a good trip with a strong outside move on the turn, and left the field behind in the stretch under urging by Luis Saez to win the G1 Curln Florida Derby over favored Sovereignty. Sovereignty (8-5) finished second after ceding ground from post 10 and coming on late as expected, beaten about 1 1/4 length. Neoequos (11-1) was in second place through much of the race but finished third for the second consecutive time on the Florida road to the Kentucky Derby. Makaket Road (5-1), sans blinkers, finished fourth after setting an honest pace through six furlongs in 23.37, 47.22 and 1:11.61 into the far turn. Third betting choice Disruptor (3-1) was a belated fifth. Tappan Street crossed the finish line after nine furlongs in 1:49.27. Order of finish: 9-10-1-8-4-6-5-2-3-7. Kentucky Derby points 100-50-25-15-10. Tappan Street is trained by Brad Cox for WinStar Farm, CHC Inc. and Cold Press. He was bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm and is a son of Into Mischief out of the Distorted Humor mare Virginia Key.

Today's winning Equibase figure is 96. The Beyer is 94. Second finisher Sovereignty registered a 95 Equibase figure.

Tappan Street broke his maiden at first asking going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 28, earning an impressive 93 Equibase speed figure. He regressed a bit in the G3 Holy Bull (89 Equibase) on Feb. 1 to run second to Burnham Spare, who's expected next in the Blue Grass at Keeneland. Tappan Street skpped the Foutain of Youth in preparation for the Florida Derby.

I didn't realize it's pronounced Ta-PAN Street until today!

Equibase chart

Winning trainer Brad Cox: “Anytime you have a young horse like this and you give them eight weeks between starts, it’s always a concern. But this is a very smart horse. He’s intelligent. I thought he would break very, very well today the way he was training, and he did. That put him in the race and put him in a great position.

“We have five weeks. We have to make sure he comes out of it in good order, first and foremost. Our plan right now is Monday or Tuesday to ship him to Churchill. Hopefully, he comes out of it in good order and we can march forward. I think he’s going to get a tremendous amount out of this.

“Luis was very high on him after he broke his maiden. He was very high on him after the Holy Bull. He had a lot of confidence in him and it all came together today. This is a step forward today. His numbers his first two starts were really good. I felt like the two-month lead up to the Florida Derby would propel him forward.”

Winning jockey Luis Saez: “Everything went to plan. He broke from there pretty well. He was in good position. The whole way I had a lot of horse. We knew the speed was inside and we followed the speed. Everything came out perfect. He was traveling professionally today. I saw [Sovereignty] and I let my horse go a little bit more, and he gave me a good turn of foot. When he came to the top of the stretch, I knew it was going to be tough to catch [us]. As soon as we broke from the gate, I had a lot of confidence the whole way. I knew he was going to give me a good turn of foot at the top of the stretch. He always does.

“I think it’s [Kentucky Derby] going to be a perfect race for him because he can sit anywhere. He can break and let the speed go, or he can be right there on the pace. It’s a good horse to be around. We had a good feeling about this horse from the first time I rode him. Today he proved he was a super horse. It would be the best. The Kentucky Derby for us is going to be everything. [Winning it] would be sweet.”

Winning President, CEO & Racing Manager Elliott Walden: “He really ran like we thought he would. We’ve given him the time after the Holy Bull because we thought he was this type of horse, and it was nice for him to show up. He’s taken that step now and I think he’s going to be a very live horse going into the Kentucky Derby.”

Second-place trainer Bill Mott: “He (Sovereignty) came with his run. He ran well. He had a pretty good trip. He got a little wide going into the first turn but he got in and got a pretty good trip. Manny said the ground kind of broke away from him two different times, once at the three-eighths pole and once at the five-sixteenths pole. He said he kind of lost it and gathered himself up, and then he did it again. But, look, he ran OK.

"The winner ran good. It was a good race. This doesn’t have to be his best race. Sometimes you can look at it and say, maybe that’s a good thing. You don’t want their best race before the big event. This is a very important race, but I think the fact that he ran very big last time and ran very well this time, maybe he’ll continue to improve. I don’t think the fact that he didn’t win doesn’t mean he didn’t run a good race.”

Second-place jockey Manny Franco: “I had a really good trip. I rode the horse the way he likes to run. I told Bill at two points he just didn’t get over the track. He bobbled on me and lost his stride. At that point I think I lost a little momentum to get him into the bridle again, into the rhythm, but he finished running. He’s going to be a good horse going forward.

“From the three-eighths pole he did it, and going to the quarter pole. I feel like he disappeared on me a little bit. But that’s the way it is. He kicked home anyway. When I hit the clear he was gaining ground.”

Edgard Zayas aboard Neoequos, 3d: “He ran a huge race. We got the trip we wanted. He set up perfect in a stalking position. We were able to slow the pace and he was great. He really finished up pretty nice. We wanted to get running out of there and then kind of get running to the outside and after that, if I had the horse, get it done.”

Mike Smith aboard Madaket Road, 4th: “Right now I just felt like it was a bit far. It wasn’t like I went overly fast. I thought we got away really well and put him in a great place to kick on. Let me tell you something, those two or three horses in front of us are serious, man, because I was running. I could hear him and I could feel him, and it was getting to him a little bit, but it’s not because of a lack of try. He still kicked.”

Trainer Todd Pletcher (Disruptor, 5th): “We blew it at the start, came away last. I thought he ran really well considering it was only his third start to make up a lot of ground.”

Joel Rosario aboard Jimmy’s Dailys, 6th: “He had a good trip. It just looked like he was going to do something turning for home and then he got a little tired. The horses in front just kept running. For a little while it looked like we were going to be fine, but the mile and an eighth kind of tired him out.”

Jorge Ruiz aboard Indecisiveness, 7th: “He break sharp from the gate and I tried to relax him but he was very strong. I was closer than I expected but he was very excited.”

Trainer Jorge Delgado (Cool Intentions, 8th): “He was coming off the layoff and I know it was a challenging spot being a Grade 1, but I was hoping to see a better effort. I think when the kickback hit his face he kind of went from 10 to zero. He was too far back. We might have a chance to go on the grass and probably shorten the distance. It’s a long season. He’s a 3-year-old with five starts, so we have plenty of options.”

Javier Castellano aboard Cool Intentions, 8th: “I had a good trip. We broke out of the gate and got a good position in the first turn. I loved my spot. I think the key part with my horse was he didn’t like and appreciate the dirt in his face, and I started to lose my position. I felt like I had to give him a little break and I put him in the clear on the backside. He was traveling so good. My target was [Sovereignty]. I followed him but he couldn’t keep up.”

Dylan Davis (aboard Enterdadragon, 10th: “We were going back to the dirt from the grass, and we were just trying to keep his face clean. He just really didn’t show much on the dirt, so we’re going to go back to the turf with him. They’re running him at Keeneland next start. It depends on what’s going on with Keeneland and New York, I’m doing both tracks, but I’d like to stay with him. He’s a really nice horse.”

Fukuryu Stakes, 1 1/8 Mile
Luxor Cafe, favored at 3-10 (1.3 as expressed on the board locally), dominated the 11-horse field in the nine-furlong Fukuryu Stakes at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan. He has been invited to the Kentucky Derby, and a response is expected mid-week. Luxor Cafe laid in sixth during the early going while kept clear on the outside under Joao Moreira. He quickly separated himself from the field when roused at the top of the stretch. Luxor Cafe finished the final three furlongs in 36.3 seconds and was five impressive lengths clear at the finish. The race was timed in 1:52.1 on a dirt course rated good. Meisho Zuiun was second, followed by Golden Cloud, Levant Univers and Slazak. The winner is trained by Noriyuki Hori for Koichi Nishikawa and was bred in Kentucky by Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt & Westerberg Ireland ULC. Luxor Cafe is a son of American Pharoah and is out of the More Than Ready mare Mary's Follies. It was the fourth consecutive win for Luxor Cafe.

Japan race chart The Fukuryu was run on a right-hand course. NOTE: My friend Roxy Roxborough advises Luxor Cafe never changed leads.

Luxor Cafe dominated the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, with his previous three wins including the one-mile Hyacinth Stakes, another Derby points race that was run on a left-hand course, American style. He took that one with a similar running style and was timed in 1:37.6 after going through the final three furlongs in a swift 35.1 seconds. He won the one-turn Hyacinth by only a half-length but was visually impressive. The Fukuryu gave Luxor Cafe two turns and more ground, and he responded by exponentially increasing his margin of victory.

T O Password won the Fukuryu last year and finished fifth, beaten 6 1/2 lengths, in the Kentucky Derby. In Louisville T O Password was in 18th place, 14 lengths off the pace, into the first turn, was checked there, and the jockey dropped his whip mid-stretch. The chart call: "T O PASSWORD (JPN) broke a step slow, checked in traffic into the first turn, settled off the inside into the backstretch, came under a ride nearing the seven-sixteenths pole, looped seven wide through the second turn and into the stretch, had the jockey lose the crop near the furlong marker and continued on well under a fierce hand ride."

Lap times* in the Fukuryu, presumably for the pacesetter at each furlong of the race:
12.8 - 11.9 - 13.2 - 13.0 - 12.2 - 12.3 - 12.5 - 12.2 - 12.0. The first three furlong pace was 37.9 seconds, slower than the final three furlongs, making the pace resemble that of a turf race. Except for the second call, the final furlong was run faster than any other.

*Lap Time is the time in between splits. The lap time is how long it takes you to get from one split to the next. The clock then starts over on the next split, or lap.

.

Kentucky Derby Road: March 22 Jeff Ruby Steaks, Louisiana Derby

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:01:25 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: March 22 Jeff Ruby Steaks, Louisiana Derby

Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16 Mile

Tiztastic, ridden by Joel Rosario for trainer Steve Asmussen, came on strong in the stretch to win by 2 1/4 lengths at 7-1 odds. Chunk of Gold (10-1), who also came into foremost contention in the stretch, narrowly held off the late-charging Instant Replay (8-1) to get the place after the latter one trailed the field early on. Early pacesetter John Hancock (favored at 9-5) held on for fourth while Built (5-1), who was never far back early and passed John Hancock on the far turn to lead into the stretch, backed up to come fifth. John Hancock got an early lead and ran through initial splits of 22.99 and 46.84 and was confronted by Built shortly into the arc of the final turn after six furlongs in 1:11.03. Tiztastic swooped outside leaving the turn and was on his way to the win near the final furlong of the race. The 1 3/16 mile was timed in 1:56.20. Tiztastic is a son of Tiz the Law out of Keesha, by Tapit. He was bred in Kentucky by Capital Livestock and is owned by the partnership of Winchell Thoroughbreds, Mrs. John Magnier, Micheal Tabor and Derrick Smith. Kentucky Derby points 100-50-25-15-10.

Equibase chart

Tiztastic's Beyer Speed Figure was 95. He was given a 99 Equibase figure.

Tiztastic broke his maiden his second start, an allowance race in August. Next time out he won the lucrative Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes on the track's undulating turf course, earning a 92 Equibase figure. He went on to finish second in the G3 Street Sense (91 Equibase), third in the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club (87), third in the G3 Southwest Stakes (97) and fifth in the G2 Rebel Stakes (94).

Winning Jockey Joel Rosario: "He did everything right. He was the best horse in the race. He handled a little bit of traffic at the 3/8ths pole. The pace was fast in front and I had the horse underneath me to get it done.”

Winning trainer Steve Asmussen: "We thought he’d run bigger in the Southwest. He had enough distance (today). He’s stepping forward when he needs to. The horse has a great mind about him. I loved the way he acted pre-race. He ran a solid race but I think there’s more in him."

Ethan West, trainer of Chunk of Gold (2nd): “He was a lot closer in this race than he ever has been. Jareth (Loveberry) said he was a lot more aggressive early on the front side here and he was trying to get covered up behind John Hancock. He said down the backside he took a big breath and relaxed and he said he was tired but rightfully so. Jareth put a beautiful ride on him - it was picture perfect.”

Florent Geroux, jockey of Instant Replay (3rd): “Distance is not a problem with him. Question is if he’s good enough. I was following the winner around there. I feel like he got a little bit tired on me the last sixteenth of a mile. He swapped leads on me. It was a great run, he’s moving forward.”

Flavien Prat on John Hancock (4th): “He broke so well, I went on with him and he was traveling well, he settled down nicely on the backside. They came at me and it looked like he was done, but he regrouped and ran a good fourth”

Brad Cox, trainer of Instant Replay (3rd) and John Hancock (4th): “They're not going to get in (the Kentucky Derby). I don’t think we’ll try to take another swing. John Hancock didn’t run as well as I hoped and expected. Instant Replay ran well, there was enough pace for him. We’ll regroup on them both and figure out next steps.”

Jose Ortiz, jockey of Built (5th): “I had a great trip. The last eighth of a mile was very hard for us. He started to struggle.”

Brian Hernandez Jr. jockey of Hypnus (7th): “We kind of had the same trip as the winner going down the backside. They were going fast. He cruised up my inside and I was right outside of him and I tried to make the run with him. My horse just couldn't sustain his run. He emptied out. His last two races.”

Jeff Ruby Steaks, 1 1/8 Mile
Juddmonte Farm's homebred, the aptly named Final Gambit, closed from 12th and last in the early going and flew past foes down the lane to win going away by 3 1/2 lengths on Turfway Park's synthetic surface. He was dismissed at 15-1 off a 6-1 morning line. Under Luan Machado for trainer Brad Cox, Final Gambit sat between seven and nine lengths off fractions of 22.97, 47.91 and 1:12.84 established by early front-runner Charlie's to Blame. Flying Mohawk (9-1) finished second after he also made a late move from 11th. The next three in order were Maximum Promise (9-1) beaten four lengths, Poster (9-5 favorite) another 3/4 length back and Giocoso (14-1) a distant seven lengths from the winner. The nine furlongs was timed in 1:50.10. Kentucky Derby points 100-50-25-15-10. Flying Gambit is a son of Not This Time out of Pachinko, by Tapit. Tapit is also the damsire of the G2 Louisiana Derby run on this date.

Equibase chart

Beyer Speed Figure 90. Equibase 96.

This was Final Gambit's fourth career start, the first one coming at Churchill Downs going a mile on turf. His third place finish earned him an 86 Equibase figure. His next three starts were all on Turfway Park's synthetic course. After finished second (95 Equibase) he broke his maiden third time out (84).

Winning jockey Luan Machado: “I knew keeping him in the clear around the turn would probably be best, but I was worried with how wide the horses on the front end were going. Sometimes when he’s between horses he doesn’t try as hard as when he’s in the clear. He really closed fast down the lane and was impressive late.”

Brad Cox assistant trainer Tessa Walden: “He was visually impressive when he broke his maiden here. It gave us confidence he’d come with a run, especially with how he handled the surface this winter.”

Second place trainer Whit Beckham (Flying Mohawk): “When you’re from Louisville, there’s only one race you’re aiming for and that’s the Derby."

Kentucky Derby Road: March 15 Virginia Derby

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 21:39:12 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: March 15 Virginia Derby

D. Wayne Lukas is back in the Kentucky Derby picture after American Promise upset the Virginia Derby. The son of Justify was ridden by Nik Juarez and was timed in 1:46.41 going through nine furlongs around one turn. At 7-1 American Promise attended odds-on favorite Getaway Car through fast early fractions pf 23.12 and 45.20 as Render Judgment tracked those two. Around the turn and six furlongs traveled in 1:08.39 American Promise seized the lead while Getaway Car shortened stride. Render Judgment caught the favorite at the eighth pole and finished second behind American Promise as he widened his lead to 7 3/4 lengths. Omaha Omaha got up late to wrest the show money from Getaway Car, finishing 3/4 length behind Render Judgment. Studlydoright was fifth. Only about a quarter-length separated the third, fourth and fifth finishers. The winner is owned by BC Stables and was bred in Kentucky by Candy Meadows LLC. He's out of the Tapit mare Tapella. Kentucky Derby points 50-25-15-10-5.

Equibase chart

His fast time in the Virginia Derby, albeit around one turn, earned American Promise an Equibase speed figure of 101, just a hair off the 102 Equibase and 95 Beyer he got breaking his maiden going two turns at Oaklawn Park on Dec. 29. This was his third race since then -- after finishing seventh in the Southwest (91) and fifth in the Risen Star (86). Beyer from today's race is a 95, same as he earned in his maiden-breaker.

American Promise is a large horse that has nine starts under his belt. If he carries his weight forward I would not be surprised if Lukas tests him in one more prep before the first Saturday in May.

Lukas assistant Sebastian Nicholl: “He had a gate work, so we really wanted to be close. We felt like he dropped too far back in his previous races, he broke badly in Arkansas, but this was perfect today and he broke beautifully, stalking the pace was perfect. He’s got a great mind as well. You know he handled all the adversity today beautifully.”

THE NEXT DAY. D Wayne Lukas: “This is a typical case of a horse that was in a growth spurt like he is, big and rangy. He didn’t actually know what was expected, like a big, rangy kid. But the last 30 days, he has really come around and I expect him to get better the next 30 days. I don’t know if I’m a good enough trainer to train him from now till the Derby and get a good performance. I have a tendency to want to run my horses periodically. They do better for me. But I’ll let him get here and get settled in. We have the options of doing something different, but also can be comfortable with the fact that we’re in the Derby already.”

Kentucky Derby Road: March 8 G3 Tampa Bay Derby

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 23:11:51 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: March 8 G3 Tampa Bay Derby

G3 Tampa Bay Derby, 1/16 Mile
Owen Almighty (5-2) would not be denied as he led at all calls to win in 1:42.30 under Irad Ortiz, Jr., who's ridden him in five of six career starts. First time past the finish line Brodeur (21-1) and Patch Adams (favored at 9-5) were first in line behind the leader; and into the first turn Owen Almighty was tracked by most closely by Brodeur as the first quarter-mile went in 23.84 and the half in 48.16. Up the back Owen Almighty continued his quest in front of Brodeur as Chancer McPatrick (2-1) joined in. Those three entered the far turn with six furlongs gone in 1:12.54. Into the stretch Owen Almighty increased his lead in a rousing run and won by 3 1/2 lengths over Chancer McPatrick, whose stablemate Hill Road loomed up to get third another 2 3/4 lengths behind. They were followed by Patch Adams, beaten 10 1/2 lengths, Brodeur, Naughty Rascal and Filoso. Kentucky Derby points 50-25-15-10-5.

Owen Almighty, disqualified winner of the Pascoe Stakes and second in the Sam F. Davis at the track, is trained by Brian Lynch. He was bred in Kentucky by Mark Stanley and is owned by Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC. He's by Speightstown out of Tempers Rising, by Bayern.

Owen Almighty earned a 98 Equibase figure in the Tampa Bay Derby following a 95 in the Pasco and a 96 in the Sam F. Davis. Skippylongstocking set a track record 1:41.20 today in race 5, the G3 Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes, earning him a 108 Equibase rating. Beyers to follow.

Winning Trainer Brian Lynch: “I’m just thrilled. He’s run two crackerjack races here (the Sam F. Davis and today) and of course this Derby is the big race of the meet, so it’s nice to see him take it in the fashion he did. This is a good field of horses, and it’s not to say the (Kentucky) Derby winner couldn’t come out of it, but he was the best today. It was a great ride by Irad. I didn’t give him any instructions – I just said one thing to him I learned from Bobby Frankel: ‘class horse, class rider. You two are a perfect match.’ Irad was just waiting (at the quarter pole), he knew he had plenty of horse. This is a wonderful ownership group.

"There will be conversation (about perhaps targeting the Kentucky Derby). But if I was to have my way I'd still stick to the plan and go to the Pat Day Mile."

Winning Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr.: “We had some cheater blinkers on last time and they were still too little. I talked to Brian and we decide to give him a little fuller blinkers today, and I think it helped. He was there for me when I asked him to go. I tapped him on the shoulder at the quarter-mile pole and he jumped on the bridle and I thought, that’s what I was looking for before. I knew he had more, but he had not really given it to me before today. He was just waiting on horses and kind of looking around. Today when I tapped him, he jumped on the bridle and I said ‘Let’s roll.’ I didn’t wait for nobody and he didn’t wait for nobody, so that was huge.”

Payton Boersma, the COO of owner Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing: “Owen is here, he’s my younger brother. Our Mom Jen is here and our dad (Travis) is coaching soccer back in Oregon. This horse really showed what he’s made of today. He’s going to be really tough going into that Derby. The Kentucky Derby, of course.”

Race 6 at Tampa saw the unveiling of Accelerize, who wasn't named when he was nominated to the Triple Crown (his dam was listed). In race 6 he broke from post 12 under Irad Ortiz, Jr. and won a seven-furlong maiden special weight as he pleased in 1:09 and change. It was visually impressive. He wore the Mike Repole colors in partnership with Spendthrift Farm. The $400,000 September 2023 Keeneland auction purchase is a son of Omaha Beach out of Motion Emotion, by Take Charge Indy. Accelerize was given a 97 Equibase speed figure.

Kentucky Derby Road: March 1 Gotham Stakes, Fountain of Youth Stakes, San Felipe Stakes

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 21:44:09 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: March 1 Fountain of Youth Stakes, San Felipe Stakes, Gotham Stakes

Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes , 1 1/16 Mile at Gulfstream Park
Sovereignty (3-1) came from back of the pack to nail River Thames (2-1) by a neck on the wire in the G2 Fountain of Youth, timed in 1:43.12. River Thames attended the early pace of 23.12, 47.07 and 1:10.68 set by Neoquos (14-1) before taking over in upper stretch to lead almost to the finish. Neoquos stayed on for a non-threatening third, beaten 2 3/4 lengths. Burnham Square (9-5 favorite) was fourth a neck back, and Gate to Wire fifth. Keep It Easy was eased. It was Sovereignty's first start of 2025 after beginning the year with a sketchy worktab. He won the Street Sense in his last start of 2024 with a closing style like today's effort Junior Alvarado was aboard for trainer Bill Mott and owner-breeder Godolphin. Sovereignty is a son of Into Mischief out the Bernardini mare Crowned. McKellen and Solid Left were scratched, leaving only a six-horse field. Kentucky Derby points 50-25-15-10-5.

The winning Equibase speed figure is 98. Sovereignty ran 73 and 84 Equibase figures in his first two starts, maiden special weights at Aqueduct and Saratoga, and a 99 when he broke his maiden at Churchill Downs in the Street Sense. Sovereignty and River of Thames were awarded a 95 Beyer Speed Figure (revised down from 98). Neoquos and Burnham Square each got a 91 Beyer.

Winning trainer Bill Mott: “It was a great run. He had a good trip. We had a good post inside, saved some ground on the first turn. Fortunately we didn’t get an outside post and have to be wide on the first turn. He saved some ground, he was able to tip out, and he’s got some acceleration. We got one under our belt and now we get with the team and see where we go. I guess it’s a good thing that we’ve shown that we can run over the track. Naturally, [the Florida Derby] is on the list of things to be considered very strongly.”

Winning jockey Junior Alvarado: “I was just trying to give him a good race. We’ve been running second and third and I wanted to make sure he could finish. At the three-eighths pole I found myself trying to save ground but I don’t think the inside’s the best place to be so I thought, let me lose a little ground here and put him on the outside. I was already a little bit riding him and when I put him in the clear, it seemed like everything came back to his head and he turned it on. After that it was like, ‘I hope we get there in time,’ and he did. He kept grinding his way there. He’s such a nice horse.

“When I saw him in the paddock I thought he looked like a man among kids. He was very, very, very good. Billy Mott always brings the horses here beautiful. I was just a little bit worried about the break that he had. He was still a baby back then and I knew he was still probably learning. I think today he was a little more of what’s happening. I just think he outclassed these horses.”

Trainer Todd Pletcher (River Thames, 2d, Gate to Wire, 5th): “He kind of got to looking around a little bit late. Johnny said he was looking at the screen and just got a little bit complacent on the lead. He showed that he’s still maturing. We actually got a perfect trip, stalking the horse that we thought would show speed. We were able to put him away and it looked like he was maybe home and I think he got a little complacent. The winner ran a very good race. He’s had three races in seven weeks, so we’ll let the dust settle and come up with a plan.

“[Gate to Wire] got a good trip, the trip we were hoping for. It looked like he started backing up a little bit at the three-eighths pole and then he kind of re-rallied a little bit, and just flattened out a little bit the last part.”

John Velazquez (on board River Thames, 2nd): “It was a good trip. I was where I wanted to be. He acted up a little bit today, kind of getting away from the horses, shying away. I had to ride him early on the turn. He passed the other horse and kind of stopped and got nailed.”

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. (Neoequos, 3rd): “I thought he ran well. I thought he was a winner at the three-furlong pole, he just didn’t stay. He’s a good horse and he proved it today. We’ll probably cut him back to one turn. Irad was aggressive and I was happy with that move. At the three-eighths pole I thought he was a winner. I thought we had [River Thames] put away for sure. Obviously, I could see [Sovereignty] making a move and my horse didn’t stay enough but he ran third. I’m proud of him.”

Irad Ortiz Jr. (on board Neoequos, 3d): “I knew he was going to be in front. I tried to slow him down as much as I could. I tried to relax him. Don't fight too much with him. And then he felt that horse outside of him at the five-eighths pole. He jumped on the bridle. But it was time to go, and he kept fighting. He was third today, first time going two turns.”

Edgard Zayas (on board Burnham Square, 4th): “He didn't break that good, like always. Last time, he made a nice move on the backstretch. But today he wasn't there. He's just still learning. It looked like in the turn he was going nowhere. But all of a sudden when I got him back to the outside, he really picked it up again. At the end he just got beat by two lengths, I think. He didn't get beat by much. I thought, wow, if he had given me this from the turn going into the stretch … He definitely needs more distance and a longer stretch. Last time it was probably a weaker field. But he's going to keep improving.”

The DK Horse San Felipe Stakes, 1 1/6 Mile at Santa Anita
At 3-1 odds Journalism pulled a mild upset defeating 2-5 favorite Barnes and two other Bob Baffert trainees. The long-striding Journalism tracked in fourth under Umberto Rispoli while Barnes ran through early fractions of 23.71 and 47.31 most closely followed by Baffert trainee Rodriguez. Heading into the far turn Journalism moved up a notch while Barnes maintained his lead with six furlongs gone in 1:11.10. It was just Barnes and Journalism at the top of the stretch, and Journalism went on with to to prevail by 1 3/4 length in a time of 1:42.24. It was Journalism's third win in four starts and his second at the 1 1/16-mile distance. Rodriguez finished third at 7-2 odds and beaten over 11 lengths, Mellencamp was fourth, and Smooth Cruisein fifth and last. With Berlin Wall scratched leaving a field of only five, reduced Kentucky Derby points were 37.5, 18.5, 11.5, 7.5 and 3.75. Michael McCarthy trains Journalism for Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 and Robert V. LaPenta. Curlin sired Journalism. He's out of Mopotism, by Uncle Mo.

For his San Felipe effort Journalism was given a rousing 110 Equibase speed figure. Journalism broke his maiden in his second start (105 speed figure) after finishing third in his debut at Del Mar (83). He went on to win the Los Alamitos Futurity (106) to close out his juvenile season. Journalism was given a 108 Beyer Speed Figure, and Barnes got a 105. Locked got a 109 for his big performance in the Santa Anita Handicap.

Winning jockey Umberto Rispoli: “He broke really sharp. He is the kind of horse that for the first furlong he needs to adjust himself. The trip was perfect. I couldn’t ask for anything better. Once I took him out and pressed the button he put on the beast mode. He ran really strong.”

Winning trainer Michael McCarthy: “Obviously it’s nice to have a horse on the Triple Crown trail. It is always great to have a horse that can take you places and he looks like he is taking himself and everybody else with him. I was fairly confident today. I wouldn’t say I was overly confident, but I thought he was doing well enough to make some noise today. It is a little overwhelming to think of where this horse could go.”

Runner-up jockey Juan Hernandez: “He was driving really well…honestly, we just got beat by a great horse today. This is his first time going two turns, and I think he ran great even after Journalism ran past me.”

Gotham Stakes, 1 Mile at Aqueduct
At 17-1 odds, Flood Zone upset the G3 Gotham for trainer Brad Cox under Reylu Gutierrez. Flood Zone, 7-5 favorite Sand Devil and longshot Normandy Coast vied for the lead through early splits of 23.86 and 47.97. The latter one faded after a half-mile. Six furlongs went in 1:13.69, and Flood Zone got the edge on Sand Devil from the outside before those two finished one-two separated by about 3 1/4 lengths. Time for the one-turn mile was 1:39.62, about par for the course for that distance today. Garamond came from mid-pack to get third, beaten five lengths. My Mitole was fourth by another 1 1/2 length followed by McAfee beaten over nine lengths. 7-5-9-10-8-6-3-4-2. Scorching was scratched after spiking a fever. The winner is owned by Wathnan Racing and was bred in Florida by Al Figliolia Westburystables. By Frosted out of Curls for Girls, by Curlin.

It was Flood Zone's first start out of the Cox barn after being previously trained by Victor Barboza, Jr. at Gulfstream Park where Flood Zone had a second and first from two starts, the latter one at 6 1/2 furlongs. Kentucky Derby points 50-25-15-10-5. McAfee and My Mitole are not early Triple Crown nominated but can become eligible with a $6,000 payment due by Monday, April 7.

Equibase gave Flood Zone a 97 speed figure in this, his third start. He got a 64 and a 95 in his first and second starts, respectively. Flood Zone was awarded a 98 Beyer Speed Figure, the same as Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.

Dustin Dugas, assistant to winning trainer Brad Cox, who also conditions eighth-place Sacrosanct: "It was a great effort. Reylu knew more about the horse than I did - he was a recent purchase and Reylu had ridden him the first two times as well. He said he was full of horse today and really happy with him. He broke very sharp, and he said as soon as he crossed the chute, he was full of horse and in command from there on. The horse came in from Payson and had three gallops here at Belmont. He seems like a solid colt.”

On Sacrosanct: “Manny [Franco] said he wanted to be a little more aggressive leaving there but a couple others were just as aggressive and squeezed him back. He couldn't really be as aggressive as he wanted to and from there on was playing catch up. It didn't work out in his favor, so we'll go back to the drawing board."

Winning jockey Reylu Gutierrez: "I'm ecstatic. These are the best connections in the world. Brad Cox is a multiple Eclipse Award-winning trainer. They could get any jockey in the country and for some reason they decided to keep Reylu Gutierrez on this horse and for that I'm humbled and grateful. This horse did all of it - it's all about the horse.

"He broke really sharp and on the bridle. Once we passed the chute, he was in control and in command. I just let him take me. I have to credit Dylan Davis, too. We spoke yesterday at Gulfstream about playing on this track and I have to give him a lot of credit. The horse did all the work.

"He's got small blinkers on so it's just a matter of him feeling that other horse [coming on]. He's a younger horse, too. You have to keep them alive and productive, and we did that - he did that. I didn't do anything special today. It was an outside draw and it's all about the horse. Going two turns, he'll be even better in my opinion. He has very good tactical speed and he has gears to go the distance."

On winning in New York: "It means everything to me. The emotion, especially here at Aqueduct with the Withers, the Gotham, the Wood Memorial, the Cigar Mile - they mean everything to me. Being a New York guy this is one of the best wins of my career amongst the Grade 1s and 2s just because it's New York. For me, riding in New York, there's nothing better."

Case Clay, U.S. Advisor of winning owner Wathnan Racing: "How fun was that? He always looked like a horse that could go a bit longer with his second race at six and a half furlongs, and the Gotham was the next logical step at a mile. The way he won that second race with that turn of foot on the dirt, we just had a lot of confidence in him.

"We were optimistic, but you never know with these 3-year-olds in these Derby preps how it's going to go. Reylu has always been confident in the horse, too, and wanted to ride him, and we were happy to have him ride him in this race. It's exciting and it doesn't always work out this way. For the team at Wathnan Racing, it feels good for all of us.

"A great break, very good position and not too fast for the first quarter. It was one of those things where - keep the position to the turn and then make a go of it. He answered from there and I thought it was a good ride. He had a good trip and when the rubber met the road, he answered."

On a next start and future plans to get to the Derby: "We'll get with Brad and see how he comes out of the race and make a decision from there."

Linda Rice, trainer of runner-up Sand Devil: "It wasn't exactly the trip we thought that we would get. We thought we would stalk off of it, but we stumbled at the break, and I think Jose had to get him underway then. But I thought he ran a good race."

About picking up 25 Kentucky Derby points and a potential next start in the Wood Memorial: "Frankly, as far as I'm concerned, we will head towards the Wood."

Jose Lezcano, jockey of runner-up Sand Devil: "Well, he gave me a good race. He broke a little awkwardly. I think he still gave me a very good race. I think he'll be a bit better next time, let's see what happens. I had to rush a little bit with my position, and he still gave me a good race. I think (longer) distance will be no problem for him."

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 26 Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:20:43 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 26 Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes

Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes, 1,609 Meters (1 Mile)
The winner of this race, Godolphin's Opera Ballo, isn't nominated to the Triple Crown, and neither were the other five entries, but he proved to be in a class by himself deserving of his odds-on favoritism. After stalking stablemate Olympus Point into the stretch, Opera Ballo was set down for the drive by Jamie Doyle and separated himself from the field in the blink of an eye to win by open lengths going away on the Kempton Park synthetic. The final time was 1:38.05, but the winner clearly quickened in the stretch. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Opera Ballo impressively won his debut at the same track using the same running style. His future is likely on the turf if post-race comments after his debut come to fruition. By the four-time Group 1 winner Ghaiyyath, out of Dubai Opera. Remaining order of finish: Hott Shott, Saddadd, Quai De Bethune, Molveno, Olympus Point.

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 23 Hyacinth Stakes, Rebel Stakes

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 06:00:10 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 23 Rebel Stakes, Hyacinth Stakes

G2 Rebel Stakes, 1 1/16 Mile

Coal Battle upended the Rebel at 11-1 odds after a patient ride by Juan Vargas. Madaket Road (5-1) broke on top of the 13-horse field under Irad Ortiz, Jr. and motored through splits of 22.47, 45.72 and 1:10.94 heading into the far turn. Innovator and Smoken Wicked were closest to the pacesetter initially, while Coal Battle bided his time in fifth several lengths back of the first flight. Coal Battle began a serious move in the turn despite being bumped on his left flank. He closed in on Madaket Road in upper stretch and gradually ran by to win by 1 1/4 length. Coal Battle covered the 1 1/16 mile in a nifty 1:43.01. Post time favorite Sandman (5-2) broke well but soon found himself far back of the torrid pace. He did his best running in the latter stages of the race after coming into the stretch five wide and closed strongly to finish third a half-length behind Madaket Road. Publisher (11-1) was fourth, Tiztastic (5-1) fifth.

Lonnie Briley, a veteran hardboot, trains the winner for Norman Stables. Coal Battle was bred in Kentucky by Hume Wornall and Jay Adcock. He's by Coal Front out of Wolfblade, by Midshipman.

Coal Battle earned a 103 Equibase speed figure and a 91 Beyer. Maybe the track was playing a bit fast, or maybe there is talent at Oaklawn in search of big purses. Clever Again won a 1 1/16-mile 3yo maiden special weight in 1:43.48 to start the day; it was an excellent effort as he prevailed by 3 1/4 lengths in a field of 10. Cornucopian, a 3yo, ran six furlongs in 1:09.02 in his career debut and won by 5 3/4 lengths in another field of 10, getting a 101 Beyer and a 107 Equibase. An allowance for older horses at the Rebel distance was timed in 1:42.96 with the winner, Lambeth, getting a 103 Equibase. In the Honeybee, Quietside was timed in 1:43.63, earning a 97 Equibase but only an 86 Beyer. Alexander Helios won the Razorback in 1:41.88, awarded a 113 Equibase and a 102 Beyer.

Winning trainer Lonnie Briley: "I was really worried about the one hole with so many horses in the race. Juan did a great job. He ran big and caught the lead horse and went by. We plan on going to the Arkansas Derby. And we figured the speed would have went, but we didn’t want him to get too far back. So, he had him in perfect position and he moved him at the right time. I always give him (Coal Battle) a little three-eighths before his race, and it’s like that’s where he wants to be. He ran big. He opened up on the field and he caught the lead horse and went by him. What can I say? You couldn’t ask for more.”

Winning jockey Juan Vargas: “My plan was just to follow the leaders. At the three-eighths pole, I began to move and he just took off. He responded. I was so happy with that. I knew I had horse, but (Madaket Road) just kept running. Around the sixteenth pole, my horse started to put his neck in front and I knew I had more horse today and he ran well to the finish line. It’s the best race he’s ever run. The field was stronger than his previous races, for sure. There were some nice horses, horses that can run. He showed that he can run, too.”

Second-place jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. (Madaket Road): “That (going to the lead) was the plan. I was so close. He was running down the lane, but that other horse was coming. I’m happy. My horse ran a big race.”

Third-place jockey Cristian Torres (Sandman): “We had the trip we wanted. They were definitely flying around. They were rolling. He’s an easy horse to ride. I just put my hands down and let him do his thing. When I asked him, he was there for me. We had to go wide on the (second) turn because when we started making our move, the horses in front of me were just stopping. I had to go wide, but he made his move. He shows up every time. Definitely, the longer the better for him.”

Tenth-place jockey Rafael Bejarano (Speed King): “No excuses. The horse broke clean, beautiful. I knew those two horses (Madaket Road and Innovator) were going to go to the lead, so I tried to save ground. Took a hold a little bit to save a little bit of horse, but at the half-mile pole, they were going too fast. He kind of got tired a little bit in the end.”Hyacinth Stakes, 1,600 Meters (about 1 Mile)

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer Briley said, “Seems like every race, he improves. I think it is the best race he’s run. It’s the plan, but (the Arkansas Derby) not etched in stone. I’m going to let him tell me because if I go to the Kentucky Derby with him, I don’t want to go with a tired horse. I skipped the Southwest after the Smarty Jones and it was about seven weeks that he hadn’t run and he ran a big race. Come back in 4 1/2 weeks and ask him for his life again and then in another five weeks again, that’s quite a bit.

“I wanted him to come back to make the run because I knew the fractions would be a lot faster than the last race and it worked out good,” Briley said. “The field was spread out quite a bit. He was sitting back there and then started to make his move a little before the three-eighths pole. I said: ‘Ooh, I was thinking a little early.’ When he hit the three-eighth pole, (Vargas) let him roll. When he ran up to the lead horse, I wasn’t worried then because I knew he would fight to go to the front.”

Hyacinth Stakes, 1,600 Meters (About 1 Mile)

Overcoming a slow start, odds-on favorite Luxor Cafe circled the field en route to a half-length victory over Promised Gene at Tokyo Racecourse. Vilja Lied set a brisk early pace going the first three furlongs in 35.60 and four in 48.80, followed most closely by Danon Figo and Ecoro Azel in the field of 10. None of those were around at the end of the race. Don in the Mood, who was fourth in the early running, finished third, beaten two lengths, followed by Admire Daytona another 1 1/4 length back in fourth. Dragon was fifth. The 1,600 meter (about 1 mile) race was timed in 1:37.60. Rachel King was on board Luxor Cafe for trainer Noriyuki Hori. The winner is owned by Koichi Nishikawa and was bred in Kentucky by Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt & Westerberg Ireland ULC. Luxor King is a son of American Pharoah out of Mary's Follies, by More Than Ready. The listed Hyacinth Stakes is worth points on a scale of 30-15-9-6-3 on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. Don in the Mood and Admire Daytona are not nominees to the Triple Crown but may be late-nominated for a fee of $6,000.

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 22 Saudi Derby, John Battaglia Memorial, Miracle Wood Stakes

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 13:57:03 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 22 Saudi Derby, John Battaglia Memorial, Miracle Wood Stakes

G3 Saudi Derby, 1,600 Meters (about 1 Mile)
Golden Vekoma ran down pacesetter Shin Forever to win the $1,500,000 G3 Saudi Derby in a time of 1:38.19 despite not timely changing leads in the stretch. The winner is a $90,000 Ocala Breeders' Sale purchase trained in the UAE and will be pointed to the G2 UAE Derby. He wasn't early-nominated to the Triple Crown but can be late-nominated for $6,000. Japan-based Shin Forever, who is Triple Crown-nominated, had a two-length lead into the stretch before being overtaken about 75 yards from the finish line and finishing two lengths back in second. Mhally was third. The lone North American runner Cyclone State found himself too far back early to make an impression on the race. There are no Kentucky Derby points associated with the Saudi Derby.

The winner of the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas Presented By Longines on Jan. 24 was ridden by Connor Beasley and is trained by Ahmad Harmash for Mohammed Ahmad Ali Al Subousi. Bred in Kentucky by Woods Edge Farm. By Vekoma out of Sticks Wondergirl, by Stevie Wonderboy.

Trainer Harmash on Golden Vekoma: "He's the kind of horse that has a big heart, and he tries all the time."

John Battaglia Memorial, 1 1/6 Mile
California Burrito led most of the way to win the Battaglia at Turfway Park on the synthetic in a languid 1:45.98. Maitre D shot from the gate at the far outside post to reach the first turn on top, but California Burrito and Irving Moncada were right there with Baby Max a close third. The first two contested the opening quarter-mile in 24.50, and from there it was California Burrito in charge up the backstretch under a strong hold through a half-mile in 49.41. Moncada began to ride him going six furlongs in a glacial 1:14.41 amidst the surrounding snow as Maitre D retreated. California Burrito had plenty left when Baby Max and Luis Saez came for him in earnest leaving the far turn and held on by a half-length. Maximum Promise, who was near or at the back of the field early on, made a solid-but-too-late move around the turn before getting up for a non-threatening third. Longshot Banks was fourth and Studlydoright fifth. The morning line favorite, First Resort, was by far the most significant scratch of three. Kentucky Derby points 20-10-6-4-2. Banks is not nominated to the Triple Crown.

The winner is trained by Tom Drury, Jr. for owners Aaron and Victoria Haberman. He was bred in Kentucky by Westbrook Stables. By Army Mule out of Bluegrass Sunset, by Hard Spun.

California Burrito got a 92 Beyer but the Equibase figure is 107.

Winning trainer Tommy Drury Jr.: “His first race was sort of a head-scratcher. We knew we’d be able to be aggressive with him entering for the $150,000 claiming tag because of that, and it actually gave him a confidence boost. Watching these 3-year-olds develop is like watching teenagers and trying to pick out which ones will make it to the NBA—it’s so difficult at this stage. His last race, he got an easy lead and did everything on his own, so we really didn’t know a lot about him. Tonight, he made the lead very easily again, but the way he battled back against Baby Max told us a lot. He has a lot of fight in him. He doesn’t need the lead—he’s worked behind horses in the morning.”

Winning jockey Irving Moncada: “He’s been working lights out in the morning. I was very confident in him coming into the race. The plan was to be aggressive early to get him into a good spot, and he took me right to the lead. He was doing it very easily on his own most of the race. I’m very impressed with how he battled back down the lane. I think the future is very bright for him. I see no problem with him stretching out in distance from today.”

Runner-up trainer Kelsey Danner (Baby Max): “We’re proud how well he ran. He just came up second best tonight.”

Miracle Wood Stakes, 1 Mile
Barbadian Runner ran down early leaders Crab Daddy and Pay Billy in the stretch to win the one-turn Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel by a head. The early pace was tepid as Crab Daddy ran the first quarter- and half-mile in 24.82 and 48.92 with Pay Billy attending the pace and Barbadian Runner never far back. Coming out of the turn Pay Billy overtook Crab Daddy and looked best for a moment, but Barbadian Runner loomed outside mid-stretch and narrowly edged by Pay Billy as Crab Daddy rapidly faded to fourth after being overtaken by 6-5 favorite Sacred Runner. The time was 1:38.39. The race carries no Derby points.

Ridden by Forest Boyce for trainer Henry Walters, Barbadian Runner is owned by AJ Will Win Stables. He was bred in Maryland by Shamrock Farm. Barbadian Runner is not a Triple Crown nominee and is unlikely to be late-nominated.

Barbadian Runner earned a 90 Equibase figure.

Winning trainer Henry Walters: “[Forest] said he ran as straight as an arrow until it got late in the race. That could be because he had to run another sixteenth of a mile. He’s a peculiar horse because he doesn’t [lug in] in the morning. I don’t know if he gets anxious. Sometimes he’ll do it down the backside, sometimes he won’t.

“I was expecting a much faster pace. I was a little worried going down the backside that he wouldn’t have as much punch. I thought everybody would be running at the end. Turning for home, Forest put him where he belonged, and he was right there. He’s very gritty. If I stick to my plans, he’s probably going to go to the farm three or four weeks and rest up for the spring."

Wining jockey Forest Boyce: “He didn’t drift nearly as bad as he had in the past. I thought we’d get a little more pace. We got to sit the perfect trip. I felt super confident [turning for home]. He’s just so full of himself right now.”

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 16 Sunland Derby

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 23:46:03 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 16 Sunland Derby

Sunland Derby, 1 1 /16 Mile
A head bob decided the $400,000 Sunland Derby as Getaway Car edged Caldera for the win. Getaway Car, the 6-5 favorite, zipped out of the gate in front and set opening fractions of 23.31, 46.93 and 1:10.99 under Juan Hernandez while Caldera bided his time. In the far turn Caldera and Rafael Bejarano stormed up to challenge, then overtake Getaway Car. During the ensuing stretch battle Getaway Car came back on Caldera and the pair hit the wire almost inseparable. The winning time was 1:42.64. Touchy, bet down with late money to 2-1, overtook tiring fourth finisher Take Charge Tom in the stretch to get the show but never challenged the top two. The winner is trained by Bob Baffert for SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan. Bred in KY by Blue Heaven Farm and Curlin Syndicate. Getaway Car is by Curlin out of Surrender Now, by Morning Line. Kentucky Derby points: 20-10-5-4-2.

Getaway Car's Equibase speed figure for the Sunland Derby is 99, the same he was awarded in his second-place finishes in the G2 Los Alamitos Futurity and G2 American Pharoah Stakes and his win of the G3 Best Pal. The winning Beyer Speed Figure is 92.

Quotes likely unavailable from the track.

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 15 Risen Star Stakes

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 01:05:31 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 15 Risen Star Stakes

Risen Star Stakes: 1 1/8 Mile at Fairgrounds

From the far outside post Magnitude shot to the lead under Ben Curtis and romped by 9 3/4 lengths going away in the Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes at 43-1 odds. He led through splits of 23.42, 46.92, 1:10.95, 1:36.13 and finished in a strong 1:48.85. Chunk of Gold, who was also 43-1, was best of the rest with a late move in his first two-turn start. Built, prominent into the stretch, held on for third. Vasssimo salvaged fourth after losing a lot of ground to the winner. East Avenue finished 10th, beaten over 20 lengths as the 4-5 favorite. Steve Asmussen trains the winner for Winchell Thoroughbreds. Bred in KY by Ron Stolich. By Not This Time out of the Bernardini mare Rockadelic. The $2 exacta paid an extraordinary $2,629.40.

The winning time compared to 1:44.12 for 1 1/16 mile (and an 89 Equibase figure) registered by Godolphin trainee Good Cheer, who's now five-for-five, in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. Magnitude (106 Equibase figure) moved a bit faster than than the 1:42.89 (a 104 Equibase) run by 4-year-old Hall of Fame in the Mineshaft Stakes two and three races earlier, respectively. David Aragona posted Saturday night Magnitude got a 109 Beyer. That figure was revised to a 108. As for Hall of Fame, it was his third straight win since a 10th-place finish in the 2024 Louisiana Derby followed by nine months away from the races.

Twelve ran in the Risen Star, making it a crowded field if not necessarily a very competitive one. Kentucky Derby points: 50-25-15-10-5.

NOTE: The original post contained incorrect information about East Avenue. Our apology.

Winning jockey Ben Curtis: “It was fantastic. It is a pleasure to ride horses like that. The instructions were limited but they were let the horse do what he does and try to get forward. I had all the confidence going out there in the world. He pulled away very well in the stretch and he hit the line strong. Couldn't be happier with the horse, couldn't be happier with the trip.”

Winning trainer Steve Asmussen; “He needed to make the decision to get over. He took the initiative and was very positive with what he wanted to do and the horse responded for him. I think the (Kentucky Derby) foundation, the races, being here staying in the system and what you can develop–it’s why we’re here. The horse has not missed a single day, a single oat. Scott (Blasi, assistant trainer) has done a tremendous job with him. We always thought he was capable of more. We put him where he needed to be, played the bias of the racetrack and he took advantage of it.”

Jareth Loveberry, jockey of runner-up Chunk of Gold; “I’ve been with Ethan the last two mornings, watching the replays and talking about the horse. The trip went pretty good but there’s still a little greenness–he’s still learning and developing, but he knows how to finish.”

Ethan West, trainer of Chunk of Gold: “We are absolutely thrilled. He ran a massive race. We asked a lot of him shipping down here and trying dirt for the first time and he came with a massive run. Jareth rode him perfectly.”

Luis Saez, jockey of third finisher Built: "He felt good the whole way. I thought we were going to win. Half a mile I thought we had. Came in at 3/8 he got pretty close, top of the stretch when I asked him he gave me a good turn of foot and when i got to the winner, he took off."

Wayne Catalano, trainer of Built; “I wasn't happy about getting nailed for second but I feel good about how he ran.”

Tyler Gaffalione, jockey of East Avenue (post-time favorite, finished 10th): “I felt like a winner every step until we got to the far turn, he switched leads and just kind of emptied out on me. I don't have an answer for it. Hopefully he comes back good and we’ll see what happens. It’s hard to tell (if he has the heart to pass other horses). He is still lightly raced, only four starts, so we still have some figuring out to do. Brendan (Walsh) does such a good job with his horses–he’ll figure it out.”

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 8 Sam F. Davis Stakes

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 22:41:25 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 8 Sam F. Davis Stakes

Sam F. Davis Stakes, 1 1 /16 Mile at Tampa Bay Downs
In only his second start and first at two turns, John Hancock won with a sparkling time of 1:42.27, a new stakes record. Favored at 5-2 under Flavien Prat, the winner broke well and was always foremost although challenged strongly by Owen Almighty until eventually getting his way in the stretch, best by one-half length. Fractions were 22.75, 46.23 and 1:10.49. Poster settled well back early before coming on from the second half of the field to get up for third, beaten 2 3/4 lengths and a neck past Camp Hale. Huge longshot Very Bold was fifth at 84-1. Treaty of Rome looked out of sorts in the post parade and had a miserable trip to fade on the far turn and finish ninth. Brad Cox trains the winner for CHC, Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC. Bred in Kentucky by WinStar. Kentucky Derby points: 20-10-6-4-2.

John Hancock, a son of Constitution, debuted at Tampa going six furlongs on Jan. 8 and won by three lengths in front-running fashion to earn a 94 Equibase figure. Despite setting a stakes record in the Davis, John Hancock's Equibase figure initially regressed to an 87 but was changed to a 96. The winner of the Suncoast Stakes for 3yo fillies, La Cara, got the mile in 1:38.51 two races earlier and initially earned a 95, then revised to 94. In Beyer country, John Hancock was given an underwhelming 85 while La Cara got an 84.

Winning trainer Brad Cox (via telephone): “It was his first time facing winners, it was the second start of his life, it was his first time going long. It was a lot to ask from a young horse. He took a lot of pressure and stayed on well. I'm very, very impressed with him. He fought off a horse (Owen Almighty) that had multiple starts, and was a stakes winner. It was a big, big move forward for him and I'm very proud of the effort.

"We had a race over the track and broke our maiden on it, but we were a little short on seasoning. Once again, his talent showed up and it was a very big effort and we're very proud of him. This is a nice race to win and setting the new stakes record on top of it is very nice. I want to congratulate WinStar Farm and also Flavien Prat, who did a great job. I'm looking forward to how he comes out of it, and we'll get him back to Payson Park tonight and regroup and come up for a plan for the future."

Winning jockey Flavien Prat: "(Owen Almighty) did get ahead of me at the 1/8 pole. I was trying to give him a chance because he was pretty aggressive going into the first turn and going faster than I wanted to, but he switched off nice on the backside. The both of us made a very good run turning for home, he took the lead at the 1/8 pole but my horse was very game and came back.”

Brian Lynch, trainer of runner-up Owen Almighty: “He tried, he did give it everything he had. He just got beat by a better horse today. We’ll take a deep breath and let the dust settle. We’ll just regroup and put our heads together. I think our horse tried as hard as he can, maybe he’s a little discouraged but I don’t think he’s old enough yet to have worked all that out. Very happy with the way he ran. We’ll put our heads together with our crew and I’m sure we’ll stay the course. Brad’s horse ran really well and no excuse. He (John Hancock) was very impressive.”

Irad Ortiz, Jr., jockey on Owen Almighty: “My horse did great. It was a good pace and I felt like he was going good. That horse (John Hancock) fought back in the stretch, it was a good race and that’s a nice horse. We just got beat today, we’ll try to come back stronger next time.”

Eoin Harty, trainer of third-place finisher Poster and fifth-place finisher Very Bold: "I thought they both ran very well, considering how far back they had to come from and that they were both very wide. But they both rallied and finished strongly. I'm very happy with them, though I would have been happier if I'd won. They both showed up. That gives me optimism for moving forward with them both. It's a little early to make any plans for either. We'll give them a few days and see how they come back from the race and we'll go from there."

Triple Crown Nominations By the Numbers

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:09:13 GMT

Triple Crown Nominations By the Numbers

The 2025 Triple Crown drew 373 early nominations, a 7.8% increase from last year’s 346. A record 69 Japan-based horses, 54 of them bred there and trained by 33 different conditioners, were nominated. Japan produced 47 early nominations last year.

Sixty nominees are stakes winners, including the top 10 point leaders on the Road to the Kentucky Derby: Citizen Bull , Speed King, Coal Battle, Burnham Square, Disco Time, Captain Cook, Built, Gaming, Getaway Car and Jonathan’s Way. The list also includes Grade I winners Chancer McPatrick and East Avenue.

The nominations feature several of the sport’s top conditioners, led by Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, who has 32 horses nominated. Other leading trainers include Bob Baffert (21), Brad Cox (14), Chad Brown (13) and Kenny McPeek (12).

Early Triple Crown Nominees by the Numbers:

· $3,200,000 – Highest-priced public auction purchase: Barnes (2023 Fasig-Tipton August Sale).

· $1,421,000 – Highest lifetime earnings: Citizen Bull

· 268 – Kentucky-bred nominees, the most of any state or country. Others: Japan (54), Florida (14), New York (11), Maryland (9), Louisiana (4), Pennsylvania (3), Ontario (2), Virginia (2), California (1), France (1), Iowa (1), Ireland (1), Ohio (1) and West Virginia (1).

· 181 – Bay-colored horses. Other colors: Dark bay/brown (89), chestnut (69), gray/roan (30), gray (4).

· 146 – Trainers with horses nominated to the Triple Crown.

· 60 – Stakes winners nominated.

· 32 – Horses nominated from trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn, followed by Bob Baffert (21), Brad Cox (14), Chad Brown (13) and Kenny McPeek (12).

· 21 – Horses sired by Into Mischief, the most of any stallion. Others: Not This Time (14), Nyquist (13), Constitution (11), Curlin (11), Gun Runner (11) and Uncle Mo (11).

· 20 – Geldings nominated.

· 7 – Fillies nominated: Beauty Reigns (trainer Bill Mott), Mistress (JPN) (Yoshito Yahagi), Necessity (Norm Casse), Promised Gene (JPN) (Yuki Uehara), Queen’s Chocolat (JPN) (Koichi Shintani), Velvet Devil (Mike Tomlinson) and Vilja Lied (JPN) (Masayuki Nishimura).

· 3 – Ridglings nominated.

· May 29, 2022 – Latest foal among nominees: Gunmetal.

· Jan. 8, 2022 – Earliest foal among nominees: Promised Gene (JPN).

Three-year-olds not nominated during the early phase can still join the Triple Crown trail by making a late payment of $6,000 by Monday, April 7, at www.thetriplecrown.com .

Thirteen horses have swept the Triple Crown: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018).

-- EDITED CHURCHILL DOWNS RELEASE

2025 Early Triple Crown Nominees (in alphabetical order) :

(22)Beholder

(22)Dayfa

(22)How My Heart Works

(22)Motion Emotion

(22)Nonna Mia

A. P. Kid

Admiral Dennis

Adventurist

Aftermath (IRE)

American Beyond

American Promise

Amjaad

Ananias

Ashley's Archer

Ask At Bat

Ask Stein (JPN)

Attack Now

Authentic Gallop

Aviator Gui

Baby Max

Baeza

Baker Hayfield

Barnes

Barricade

Batard (JPN)

Be Real

Bear Claw Necklace

Beauty Reigns

Berber Compass (JPN)

Big Boat

Bob Mo

Bon Temps

Bracket Buster

Brightline Bullet

Brodeur

Brooklyn Dance (JPN)

Brother Tony

Brummell

Built

Bullard

Bulldoze

Burnham Square

Burning Glory

Caldera

California Burrito

Calling Card

Camp Hale

Canal Beagle (JPN)

Candytown

Canuto

Capitol Hill

Captain Cook

Cash the Money

Caspian Wind

C'estbon Cadessert (JPN)

Chancer McPatrick

Chappelle

Chase a Dream

Chief Liam

Chunk of Gold

Cipher

Citizen Bull

Classic of Course

Classicist

Clay King (JPN)

Clever Again

Clock Tower

Coal Battle

Coche Deli (JPN)

Coco Cool

Coming in Hot

Complex Agenda

Contribution

Cornhuskerchris

Cornucopian

Cosmo Storm (JPN)

Crab Daddy

Crisis Manager

Cromwell

Crudo

Crystal Pearl

Curvino

Cut the Dust

Cyclone State

Daishin Link (JPN)

Danon Figo (JPN)

Danon Vestal (JPN)

Dapper Moon

Day and Age

Dear Chairman

Del Avar

Dettori

Diamond Eyed Jack

Disco Time

Disruptor

Donut God

Dragon (JPN)

Dragon Taylor

Dragon Welds

Dreaminblue

East Avenue

Ecoro Azel

Ecoro Sieg

Ecoro Svar

Enterdadragon

Exuberant Mischief

Ferocious

Filoso

Final Gambit

First Resort

Flood Zone

Flyin Private

Flying Mohawk

Fomo Joe

Fully Volatile

Gaming

Garamond

Gate to Wire

Gateskeeper

Gaura Thunder (JPN)

Gearing Up

Georgia Magic

Getaway Car

Ghostrick

Giocoso

Givememythememusic

Global Steve

Go Go Takashi (JPN)

Goal Oriented

God Espada (JPN)

Golden Afternoon

Golden Cloud

Gosger

Got'm Cot'm

Gran Giorno (JPN)

Grand Oracle

Grande

Grande Plage (JPN)

Grayscale

Gun Runner Charlie

Gunmetal

Guns Loaded

Hands of Time

Handsome Pants

Happy Man (JPN)

Hard as Life

Harlow

Heartwind

He's Not Joking

Highgarden

Hill Road

Honor the Bull

Hope's Alive

Hug (JPN)

Hymn

Hypnus

Icemaker

Incentive Pay

Indy Rags

Innately Good

Innovator

Iron Man Cal

Iron Sharpens Iron

Isambard Brunel

Isana (JPN)

It's Hammertime

Itsmybirthday

Janadriyah (JPN)

Jimmy's Dailys

John Hancock

Jonathan's Way

Journalism

Juris Doctor

Just Classic

Kalahari Dreams

Kalamatianos (JPN)

Kale's Angel

Keep It Easy

Kick It In

Kinetic Control

King Squall (JPN)

Lake Stripes (JPN)

Last Man Standing

Legitimate

Lionel

Logi Rickey (JPN)

Lord Chevalier (JPN)

Lord Labyrinth (JPN)

Lordship

Lotta Spirit Here

Lured Away

Luxor Cafe

Madaket Road

Magic Red

Magnitude

Maitre D

Majorca

Majority Opinion

Makes Sense

Mama Tried

Market Timing

Marshal

Maruvy

Maximum Promise

Maximus

McCorvey

McKinsense

Megalodon

Meisho Hachiro (JPN)

Melchior (JPN)

Mellencamp

Meritorious

Mistress (JPN)

Mo Plex

Mo Quality

Mobetterthangood

Modus Bestia

Mokara Mars (JPN)

Monet's Magic

Mount Kilimanjaro (FR)

Mount Vernon (JPN)

Mr. Mendelslew

Multiverse

Mutaz

Nanyo Powerful (JPN)

Natural Rise (JPN)

Naughty Rascal

Necessity

Neoequos

No Escape

Noble Confessor

Normandy Coast

Olive Green (JPN)

Omaha Omaha

On the Move (JPN)

One Man Team

Only in America

Onrush

Optical

Owen Almighty

Oy Gevald

Pascaline

Passion Rules

Patch Adams

Pay Billy

Pitkin

Poster

Poulsen

Power From Above

Power Play

Praetor

Prayer

Pretty Capable

Prime Power

Privman

Promised Gene (JPN)

Publisher

Quantum Wave (JPN)

Queen's Chocolat (JPN)

R Heisman

Radauti

Ranger Battalion

Rank

Rapture

Rated by Merit

Reggie Runs Rogue

Remember Big Jim

Render Judgment

Rhino (JPN)

Ripped

River Thames

Rodriguez

Roger Roger

Romanesque

Rossiniana

Rothko

Sacred Thunder

Sacrosanct

Saif Al Sahra

San Saba

Sand Devil

Sandman

Scarecrow

Scipio

Scorching

Seattle Road

Septarian

Shan

Shangrala Road

Shepherd

Shihono Perfetto (JPN)

Shin Believe

Shin Forever

Shootersgottashoot

Showcase

Sierra Silver

Smart Seeker (JPN)

Smoken Boy

Smoken Wicked

Smooth Cruisein

Snookie Bear

Sock It to Me

Sol Naciente (JPN)

Sole Lute

Solid Left

Sonic Skidaddle

Sonic Step (JPN)

Sorcerer's Silver

Souper Times

Sovereignty

Special Session

Speed King

Speedstorm

Stargell

Start Mo Up

Statesman

Steeze

Stiglets

Street Mo

Strummin

Studlydoright

Summer Night (JPN)

Summer Vibes

Summit Ridge

Super Cruise

Superpower

Surfside Moon

Surgical Precision

T O Elvis

Taisei Current (JPN)

Taisei Dorado (JPN)

Take Charge Tom

Takeru Hurlock (JPN)

Tamino

Tap Into This

Tappan Street

Tempus Prime

Tenacious Leader

Test Score

The Last Straw

The Warden

Thought Control

Thunder Road (JPN)

Tiger Twenty Four

Timely Decision

Tip Top Thomas

Tiz Secure

Tiztastic

Tjuta (JPN)

Tony Eclipse

Touchy

Treaty of Rome

Turn and Count

Tux

U Devil You

Uncaged

Uncle Jim

Valentinian

Vamos Carlitos

Varney

Vassimo

Velvet Devil

Very Bold

Vilja Lied (JPN)

Voldemort

Waco

Walking in Memphis

Weaponized

What Me Worry

Wise Decision

Wonder Rhythm (JPN)

Yamanin Bouclier (JPN)

Yinzer

Kentucky Derby Road, Feb. 1, 2025

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:19:08 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Feb. 1 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, Holy Bull Stakes, Withers Stakes, Swale Stakes

G3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, 1 Mile
Citizen Bull led throughout in this paid workout with splits of 23.27, 47.06 and 1:23.52 before getting home in 1:36.71 for the mile in a hand ride under Martin Garcia at 4-5 odds. Rodriguez, uncomfortable early while inside, rallied from the outside after dropping back to get second. Madaket Road was third after being well of the leaders, completing a Bob Baffert trifecta. Clock Tower and Valentines Candy rounded out the field. Owners are SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan. Bred by Robert Low and Lawana Low (KY). Kentucky Derby points 20-10-6-4-2.

Citizen Bull was awarded a 102 Equibase figure. He got a 105 in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Winning trainer Bob Baffert: “You don’t know until their next start. He has been working really well. He is a big strong heavy horse and he handled it well. He wasn’t cranked up totally but he is such a good horse that he just caught another gear. My other horses ran really well. They are learning their styles, and they need a little more racing. We are happy and especially winning the Robert B. Lewis because he was one of my favorite clients of all time. It is so nice. The ‘Bull’ looked good coming down (the stretch). It’s funny you see him and you don’t realize that he has those gears. He won’t show you that in the morning, but he does have gears.”

Winning jockey Martin Garcia: “He was fresh. When I was warming him up, he just wanted to go and you could see that he was ready. When the gates opened it was like the ground broke underneath him. He just broke too fast. Right away he recovered and I just sat, sat, sat and he took me right away. Bob knows when the horses are ready, that’s why he is in the Hall of Fame. He knows when the horse is ready. My horse took the pressure, and he was just so mature and professional. When he made the lead (early on) he kind of pinned his ears forward and he was waiting around for company. He was just messing around; he wasn’t very focused. He had one ear forward and one ear backwards, that means you have plenty of horse left. I feel really lucky because these are hard times and me being on a superstar horse like this it means a lot to me.”

Runner-up jockey Juan Hernandez: “I just let him take the reins because the other horse broke in front of me already. I didn’t want to go and fight him. When I gave him the reins, he relaxed beautifully and responded really well around the bend. When I asked him to pick it up, he picked it up and started making his move.”

THE NEXT DAY: Citizen Bull earned a 98 Beyer Speed Figure. Trainer Baffert said Citizen Bull is doing well after his 3 3/4-length win. He was non-committal about upcoming plans. Prior to the Lewis, Baffert noted Citizen Bull is a “big, heavy colt” that should improve with racing. On Sunday, he said “we’ll just wait and see” how soon Citizen Bull makes another start. “I need to talk it over with (SF Racing's) racing manager (Tom Ryan) and we’ll make a plan,” Baffert said.

G3 Holy Bull Stakes, 1 1/16 Mile
Burnham Square stalked the leaders and made a strong move into the stretch, as did Tappan Street, to finish one-two in the Holy Bull Stakes separated by 1 3/4 lengths. They sat off honest early fractions of 23.42 and 47.60. Tappan Street, favored at 8-5, went wide leaving the far turn and looked like he might roll to victory only to see Burnham Square outrun him to the wire at 4-1. Burning Glory third, second choice Ferocious fourth, He's Not Joking fifth. Early leaders Kinetic Control and Guns Loaded faded badly. Final time was a respectable 1:43.60. Edgard Zayas rode the winner for trainer Ian Wilkes and owner/breeder Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC (KY). Kentucky Derby points 20-10-6-4-2.

In his first start of 2025, Burnham Square topped his Equibase figures from last year with a 95. In 2024 he ascended with each start from 78 to 86 to 92 and continued the trend in the Holy Bull. Burnham Square got a 90 Beyer. Tappan Street was given a 92 Equibase fig in this, his second career start.

Winning trainer Ian Wilkes: “The key is the blinkers. I had to put the blinkers on because he wasn’t helping me at all. I had to help him. He wouldn’t help the jockey. He wouldn’t start running in the race. He’d run away from horses, wouldn’t run into the dirt. He did everything wrong. This horse doesn’t get tired, and that’s an asset you saw today. He overcame a lot of adversity today and still won. (The Fountain of Youth is) a strong possibility. First, I’m going to enjoy the night. I’ll talk to Mrs. Whitham and [her son and racing manager] Clay after this.”

Winning jockey Edgard Zayas: "Last time he broke a little sharp, so I really thought he’d break a little sharp and be close to the pace, but I feel like he was a little worked up before the race, a little nervous, so he broke out of there a little slow and I had to go to Plan B. I dropped to the rail and let him do his thing. He’s a horse that doesn’t get tired, has a really good stride, steady. Once I was closing in on the quarter pole, I knew I had a really good shot of winning.”

Runner-up trainer Brad Cox: “I thought he ran really big/. He was wide throughout. Young horse, still learning, second start of his life. He’s going to really move forward off this, I believe.”

Assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr., Ferocious: “He seemed more focused (with the blinkers), right on the bridle from the beginning the whole time. He was going good until the quarter pole and then he got a little tired. You have to start running. This horse seemed to be fit, and you have to carry on and keep going. We were expecting to be a little closer. We’ll regroup and look forward.”

Javier Castello, aboard Ferocious, who was first-time blinkers: “I had a great trip. I liked the way he settled behind horses on the first turn. I saved all the ground, and on the backside I gave him a little break. I stepped up outside and let him keep track of those pacemaker horses and he traveled good. He hadn’t run since the Breeders’ Cup and we tried to put a couple works together to make him fit for this race, but it seemed to me like he got tired a little bit.”

Withers Stakes, 1 1/8 Mile
Captain Cook bided his time behind early leaders Uncle Jim and Mo Quality and moderate fractions before bounding to the lead and winning by 2 1/4 lengths as the 7-5 favorite. Second was 33-1 longshot Surfside Moon, followed by a tardy Omaha Ohama after that one broke very slowly. Mo Quality and Uncle Jim faded to fourth and fifth. The winning time was 1:51.83 for the nine furlongs. Winning connections are jockey Manny Franco, trainer Rick Dutrow, owner St Elias Stable, breeder Marylou Whitney Stables LLC (KY). Kentucky Derby points 20-10-6-4-2.

Captain Cook earned a 97 Equibase after getting an 81 and a 90 in his first two starts.

Winning trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr.: “It feels good that we can head him towards another big race for his next start. I love that. I’m not thinking about the Derby right now, but he did get the job done the right way and he went three-wide around both turns here, didn’t break so sharp. First time around two turns, mile and an eighth – he ran big. Since we’ve seen him run the first time, we began to get more confidence and got to know him better – I got to see him come out of a race, stuff like that, and it’s all been good since he’s run. I hope that continues on.

“When he switched his leads, he kind of took off again. It was a tough race for him, he goes from seven-eighths to a mile and an eighth, only his third start. He didn’t break good.... You see we have a very relaxed horse – he doesn’t need the lead, anybody could see that from his first start with us and today. We’re very excited about running him back in the Wood, and I think that’s the next reasonable spot – a mile and an eighth, plenty of time, which he likes."

Winning jockey Manny Franco: "It was his first time two turns, and I was a little bit worried about that, but at the same time confident because I've been working him in the mornings, and I got to know him well. I knew he had stamina, but you never know. He proved he's a runner. He can do anything you want. He can stalk. He can be on the pace. He's a versatile horse."

James Lawrence II, trainer of runner-up Surfside Moon: "We gave him a layoff for 30 days and brought him back. He had three real nice works and his last work; he couldn't blow out a match. I expected him to run well. I really like this horse and hopefully we can map out a good plan for him. We'll look at (the Wood Memorial) and the Virginia Derby."

Runner-up jockey Sahin Civaci: "I sat off the speed in mid-pack and I was happy with my position. The horse relaxed really well and came with a good run. The winner just had more horse than I did. I was very impressed with my horse."

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer Dutrow said, “I don’t care about Beyers (he got a 94). He’s a very relaxed horse, and we’re very lucky to have him. He’s a pleasant surprise. He was running against better horses and when he broke his maiden with us, he liked the track well enough, but we don’t really know if he beat anything that day. Facing these guys yesterday, there were horses that had the credentials to run big. Our horse just ran a big race, man.

“He didn’t break so well, and Manny said that he could have went to the lead with him any time he wanted to/ He said he knew the horses that were in front of him were the two main players, but he said, ‘Rick, I had them any time. I could have passed them at the five-eighths pole if I wanted to.’ But there wasn’t any reason to – they had their thing, and they were battling, and he [Captain Cook] was just sitting outside as comfortable as a horse could be.

“We’re lucky that he is the way he is in a race,” Dutrow, Jr. added of the colt’s relaxed nature. “He doesn’t have a lot of size to him, and he’s going to need to conserve everything he’s got, but man, he does that. When Manny hopped off of that horse, he said, ‘Rick, I’m starting to dream.’ He’s got a big step forward next time when we run him back in the Wood, but he’s got plenty of time and we love that – so does he. He’ll be running back over a track he’s won two races over, and it seems like he’s all lined up to run big again, as long as he stays the way he is now.”

Dutrow also trains McAfee, who had his first work in almost one month when covering a half-mile in 52 seconds flat Feb. 1 over the Belmont dirt training track in a move that was met with rave reviews by exercise rider Emily Ellingwood, who frequently exercised multiple Grade 1-winner White Abarrio during his tenure with Dutrow, Jr.

“Oh, we’re excited about that guy,” Dutrow, Jr. said. “He’s doing great. After Emily would breeze White Abarrio for us in California, I could see her molars because she was smiling so much – that’s what happened yesterday when she breezed McAfee. She just loved the feeling the horse gave her.”

Dutrow, Jr. did not commit to a firm plan in the coming weeks for McAfee, but did say the colt could also be on his way to lucrative stakes like the Wood Memorial should he continue to train and race as expected.

“We have a hopeful plan that if he stays the way he is, it could set him up for the Wood and we could have two horses – two live horses – for that race,” Dutrow, Jr. said. “That’s never happened to me before, and I like to dream, too.”

Swale Stakes, 7 Furlongs at Gulfstream Park
There are no Kentucky Derby points for this one, but sometimes the best runners will hit the Trail. Gate to Wire went off at 13-1 for trainer Todd Pletcher and was much the best in the Swale. He did not go gate to wire, instead followed blazing fractions (21.93, 43.92) set by early battlers Grayscale, Gunmetal and Macho Music, was in striking distance rounding the turn and drew off in the lane to hit the finish line in 1:22.51. Gunmetal hung on for second, Macho Music third and Fire Pit fourth. Grayscale was done in the turn. Donut God was scratched. In addition to Pletcher, winning connections are jockey Dylan Davis, owner Donegal Racing, breeder Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd (KY).

In this, his second start of the year, Gate to Wire was given a 98 Equibase figure. His next-best in five starts was an 87 when 10th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. He got a 93 Beyer.

Winning trainer Todd Pletcher: “He won his debut on the grass, and we thought at that point he was training a little better on the grass. He was second in the Futurity and then we ran him in the Breeders’ Cup. Looking to get a race into him here, and five furlongs was just too short. Actually, the original plan was to run him back on relatively short rest in an allowance race and that didn’t fill, so we figured let’s take a shot while he’s doing good. It seems like these Munnings run on anything. I’ll talk to [Donegal Racing’s] Jerry [Crawford] and come up with a game plan. I liked the way he finished today. Who knows, maybe he’ll stretch out a little bit.”

Winning rider Dylan Davis after his first time on Gate to Wire: “There was a lot of speed in the race. Todd said try to keep his face clean but I broke as aggressive as I could. I was able to get in a great tracking spot with the three speed pressing each other. It was a matter of my horse handling the dirt and fighting for me. He never had kickback in his face, he handled it well.He was traveling really good. I wanted to sit behind just a little bit longer, but he felt so strong I just said I have to turn him out and get to work on him. He was determined to win. He ran a great race.”

Kentucky Derby Road: Jan. 25 Southwest Stakes

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 23:14:17 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Jan. 25 Southwest Stakes

Southwest Stakes, 1 1/16 Mile

At 2-1 odds Gaming broke from post 1 a step slow, was checked twice early, pretty hard the second time, and never got involved at all finishing eighth of nine behind moderate fractions set at every call by winner Speed King and Rafael Bejarano who broke from the outside post. Sandman, the 6-1 third choice, stumbled badly at the break and was dead last going up the backstretch, but he fought valiantly in the stretch to get up for second, but not very close to the winner. Patch Adams at 4-5 stumbled a bit at the gate, kept trying through the lane, looked like he had third as the wire loomed, but was passed by Tiztastic who came on late for the show.

A slow slow slow 1:45.86 for the 1 1/16 mile. Purse was $1,000,000. Kentucky Derby points 20-10-6-4-2. Ron Moquett trains for owner Triton Thoroughbreds LLC.

Despite his slow time, Speed King was awarded a 103 Equibase speed figure. Speed King was assigned a preliminary Beyer Speed Figure of 93. Opening fractions were 24.11, 47.82 and 1:12.23.

Winning trainer Ron Moquett the next day: “I love to see someone that has been loyal have success. We’re obviously going to lean towards (the Rebel), with the ultimate goal the Arkansas Derby. He’s very tactical. We didn’t need to be on the lead. It just worked out that we were. We were going to get a good break and try to save ground from that point on. It just worked out where we were able to get an easy first quarter.”

Winning jockey Rafael Bejarano said he wasn’t planning to grab the lead, but seized the opportunity after speed types like Gaming and Patch Adams didn’t break sharply.

Speed King was second to Coal Battle in the Springboard Mile. Coal Battle returned to win the Smarty Jones Stakes.

Trainer Casse on Feb. 2: “I was just happy that he was fine. I’ve been doing this for a long time and watched a lot of horses run, good horses that could never overcome the break that he had to even hit the board. So, I think one, hats off to Cristian. Not really sure how he stayed on and two, he didn’t panic. He let the horse get himself together and the rest goes to Sandman. I said going in we’re going to find out whether he’s a man or a boy and I think he’s a man. He’s one of the reasons I came there This is the first time in some time. That was a real interrupted schedule, as well, training. So many things the way he ran were good. We’re staying there. That is our path to the Derby. It will be the Rebel next.”

Sandman was assigned a career-high 92 Beyer Speed Figure for the Southwest, a three-point improvement over his previous best, which came in a 1 3/4-length allowance victory at 1 mile Dec. 13 at Oaklawn to close his five-race 2-year-old campaign.

Kentucky Derby Road: Jan. 18 LeComte Stakes, Leonatus Stakes

dick@thedowneyprofile.com (James Downey) — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 17:09:10 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Jan. 18 LeComte Stakes, Leonatus Stakes

LeComte Stakes, 1 1/16 Mile
Favored at 9-5 in a 13-horse field, Disco Time and Florent Geroux broke from the far outside post, were bumped early, came from 10 1/4 lengths off the early pace, and went eight wide into the stretch on a sloppy-sealed track to win the Lecomte by a neck over 5-2 second choice Built. Innovator broke best from post 1, moved away from the rail, and led the field through fractions of 23.68, 47.91 and 1:13.38. In mid-stretch Innovator held a 2 1/2-length lead before giving way to hang on for third. Golden Afternoon and Maximum Promise were fourth and fifth. Disco Time earned 20 Kentucky Derby points, which were distributed 10-6-4-2 to the other four.

Disco Time overcame adversity, but the time for 1 1/6 mile was slow, 1:47.07. Was the track that tiring? The Silverbulletday for 3-year-old fillies, won by Simply Joking, was timed in 1:44.30 going a mile and 70 yards. She was given a 91 Equibase figure. Hit Show (104 Equibase) won the G3 Louisiana Stakes at the LeComte distance in 1:44.91, over 10 lengths faster. The winner of the Leonatus Stakes at Turfway (see below) got a 95. Disco Time was given an Equibase speed rating of 84.

Brad Cox trains Disco Time for Juddmonte and mentioned the Risen Star as the next step. From BloodHorse: Bred in Kentucky by Juddmonte out of the multiple stakes-winning Jump Start mare Disco Chick, Disco Time is a son of Not This Time. Sire of graded stakes winners Next and Cogburn, among other talented runners, Not This Time finished 2024 as the 13th-ranked stallion.

Winning trainer Brad Cox: “I did think he would be a little bit closer, but it looked like he was traveling well enough and there was a two or three length gap between him and the horses in front of him so I was hoping he would stay clean and on the outside. Florent did a good job of not pushing the button and overreacting and the horse finished up well. An easier trip wouldn’t have been as taxing on him. When they’re able to sit and maybe run the last 3/8ths of a mile as opposed to breaking on top and running the entire way.”

Winning jockey Florent Geroux: “That wasn’t the way we drew it up before the race. But he broke ok, and from there I saw a lot of horses going at it, so I just tucked in. I was able to save a lot of going into the first turn, which was important given the tough post we had. From there he relaxed beautifully for me and took the kickback very well. I didn’t feel like I was behind horses who were traveling great and felt like they were going to back up at me.... I feel like I gave some ground to the runner-up (Built) who had a little bit of a better trip than mine...."

Jareth Loveberry, jockey of runner-up Built: “We got a really good trip, he just didn’t quite handle the track as well. He just kept fighting through the mud, fighting through the mud. To run a second like that, given the way he handled the track, he ran a good race, even in defeat.”

Jamie Torres, jockey of third-place finisher Innovator: “If he can learn to relax more at the beginning, they won’t be able to get him. I could have had a ton of horse at the end if he would have relaxed. I don’t think getting the distance is a problem at all. It was just his first time going two turns."

Nick Vaccarezza, trainer of fourth-place finisher Golden Afternoon: “It was a good race. I’m proud of him. He was kind of even at the end. We’ll never know how it would have been with a fast track. I think maybe the grass will be his best surface, possibly targeting the American Derby.”

Axel Concepcion, jockey of fourth-place finisher Golden Afternoon: “I broke good and he put me in a really good position. I think he’s a nice horse. I think he handled the off track really well. He showed today that he has a lot of heart.”

Leonatus Stakes, One Mile
Baby Max drew clear by 2 1/2 lengths to win the 35th running of the $125,000 Leonatus Stakes at Turfway Park. Owned by J S Stables, trained by Kelsey Danner and ridden by Abel Cedillo, Baby Max covered a mile on sythetic track in 1:40.11 while earning a career-best 86 Brisnet Speed Rating.

Shan put together moderate-to-slow fractions of 24.88 and 50.01 to lead the way early. Baby Max tracked in third before making his move entering the far turn. At the top of the lane Baby Max collared Shan. Chunk of Gold, who was last early, stormed home late to finish second by another 3 3/4 lengths over a tiring Shan. They were followed in order by Church and State, Up to No Good, Hard as Life, 2-1 favorite Banks -- who was never involved -- and Can’t Deny It.

Baby Max was 5-1. His record improved to 4-2-1-0. By Maximus Mischief out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lemon Gal. Bred in Kentucky by Westbrook Stables.

Kentucky Derby Road: January 11, 2025

dick@thedowneyprofile.com (James Downey) — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 23:06:06 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Jan. 11 Pasco Stakes
This seven furlong local prep for the Sam F. Davis Stakes was ruined for one-length winner Owen Almighty after stewards declared an inquiry and disqualified him upon finding he interfered with the fourth-place finished one-half mile into the race. Irad Ortiz, Jr., known for his competitive tactics, was aboard Owen Almighty for trainer Brian Lynch. Stewards said Ortiz and Owen Almighty "bumped and forced Rookie Card to take up sharply." Second finisher Naughty Rascal, who cleared third finisher Very Bold by 4 1/2 lengths, was declared the winner for jockey Edwin Gonzalez and trainer Gerald Bennett. Owen Almighty's time was a quick 1:22.50 after vying for the lead early. Naughty Rascal, in the words of the Equibase chart writer, tracked the early pace from the outside, dug in deep stretch and finished gamely to the wire.

Gerald Bennet, winning trainer: “My horse ran his race, but I think he’ll get much better going around two turns. I didn’t really drill on him for this race. He eats everything you put in front of him, and he looked a little on the heavy side in the paddock. He’s way off from being at his peak, but you want them to peak at the right time. My main objective is to try to win the Tampa Bay Derby (on March 8).”

Edwin Gonzalez, winning jockey: “He got a little tired late, but he did everything I asked. He proved himself. He tried hard and put it right there for me.”

Brian Lynch, trainer of DQ'd Owen Almighty: “You haven’t run enough horses if you haven’t been in a position like this. (Ortiz said) he felt like (Alvarado on Rookie Card) was out of horse and he was backing out of there anyway. It’s just a very unfortunate thing.”

Naughty Rascal is 4-for-6, and first-place money of $62,500 raised his career earnings to $220,630. He is owned by Mr Pug, LLC and J.P.G. 2, LLC, the partnership of Ron Pugliese and Jim Georgeades.

Kentucky Derby Road: January 4, 2025

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 23:25:12 GMT

Kentucky Derby Road: Jan. 4 Smarty Jones Stakes, Jerome Stakes, San Vicente Stakes, Mucho Macho Man Stakes

Smarty Jones Stakes, 1 1/16 Mile at Oaklawn Park
The Springboard Mile winner Coal Battle won easily on a contested early pace under Juan Vargas. Mo Quality and Kale's Angel were second/third after contending early. Supplemented runner Bon Temps was fourth after being boxed in a bit through much of the running but failing to fire when freed up. A very slow 1:46.43 on a track rated fast. Morning line favorite Hot Property finished fifth of six. Coal Battle is now unbeaten in three dirt starts.

Winning trainer Lonnie Briley: “Today he went to the front and was pricking his ears. When he stayed up there, I’m thinking: ‘I’m going to steal it, jockey.’ He ran big, big. Every time we run him, he just seems to surprise us. He’s a neat little horse. I don’t know if it’s set in yet. No, it’s crazy for the little guy.”

Winning jockey Juan Vargas: “This time he kind of surprised me because I never expected he was going to the lead that easy. I can say this is the best race he’s run. He’s getting better and better. He surprised me the way he won."

Second-place trainer Chris Davis (Mo Quality): “I still think he’s just got a little bit of learning to do. The pace wasn’t kind of what we thought it would be. He didn’t break super sharp. In fact after the race, Junior (Alvarado) just said: ‘If he jumps, we probably wire them.’ He goes: ‘He didn’t get tired, just a little green still.’ So, (Mo Quality) going 6 1/2 to a mile and a sixteenth, Junior doesn’t think distance is an issue, nor do I. I think he just needs a little bit more seasoning...."

Jerome Stakes, One Mile at Aqueduct
Cyclone State made the front early and stayed there to win the one-mile Jerome by 3 1/2 with fractions of 23.43, 47.25, 1:13.20, 1:26.41 and 1:40.62 under Manny Franco at 3-1. Omaha Omaha was second after trailing 11 1/2 lengths in last halfway through. Ican, third, was keen early but shuffled back. Studlydoright fourth. Seven ran.

Chad Summers, winning trainer: "He just continues to get better. Obviously, a deep, tiring, heavy track today. The rail didn't look like it was that great. We wanted to get off the rail but kind of got stuck there. Our horse's first step is so quick. He's nominated to Saudi. The 'noms' come out on the 8th and I think this will get us an invitation."

Luis Rivera, Jr. winning jockey: "I break trying to go to the lead, then I saw the number one [Enduring Spirit] going for the same thing as me. I just put my horse like five paths outside the other horse, so my horse got relaxed a little bit, because I wasn't worried about the number one. So I let him stay there, then whenever I saw he wasn't there, I just moved to the rail and by the quarter pole I was asking him and he was there for me the whole way."

Michael Gorham, trainer of runner-up Omaha Omaha: "He's crying for more ground. This was pretty much our only option locally, so we gave it a go and he showed he belongs. Maybe we'll come back in a month for the Withers. He breaks OK. He just doesn't have natural speed. It takes him a quarter mile to get into his stride."

Raul Mena, jockey of Omaha Omaha: "This horse, it is a little difficult for him to try to be close to the pace. He takes his time all the time."

San Vicente Stakes, Seven Furlongs at Santa Anita
Not a Kentucky Derby points race but an important one nevertheless as highly-touted Barnes won for the Baffert stable at even money, making his record two-for-two after a debut win at Churchill Downs. Barnes dueled on the lead with McKinzie Street (12-1) through fractions of 22.65 and 45.10, then spurted away in the turn to win by 5 1/2 lengths. Romanesque (7-1), also trained by Baffert, got up for second by a half-length over Bullard (1-1). Smooth Cruisein and McKinzie Street filled out the finish. The winning time was 1:22.15.

Bob Baffert, winning trainer: “I knew he would run well. I was watching Juan, he knows the horse well, and he said he was a little green. But everyone who has worked him says he has another gear. They are all a little green. The second out is the most important for all these horses. Body-wise he has a lot of American Pharoah in him."

Winning jockey Juan Hernandez: “He’s really good. I love him. He was aggressive down the backside but he’s still learning how to run. I like him because around the quarter pole he got off the bridle and was kind of looking around a little bit. But when I corrected him, he came back to me. I was really surprised how he finished today.”

Mucho Macho Man Stakes, One Mile at Gulfstream Park
Kicking off the Florida Derby series, Guns Loaded got up late for the win at 6-5 under Luis Saez. Running off a six-furlong maiden win Nov. 16, the expensive yearling purchase led throughout on the rail through temperate fractions of 24.54 and 47.61 and held off late-charging Treaty of Rome. The winning time was 1:38.87 on fast dirt.

Winning trainer Jose D’Angelo: “Today he looked green again. He ran the first time out in Saratoga and he tried to go inside, and he did the same today. I asked Luis about the gallop out and he said when he saw the other horse he got another gear. So that’s good, but we have to train him now going forward.” The Holy Bull is the next goal, D'Angelo said.

Winning jockey Luis Saez: “The trip was perfect. We were concerned about [Macho Music]. He have a lot of speed, but he missed the break and we ended up on the lead and we took it. He was traveling pretty great. Pretty comfortable. When we came to the top of the stretch, I was trying to save as much horse as I could.”

.

Daily Derby Update: May 5, 2024

Sun, 05 May 2024 16:32:18 GMT

Daily Derby Update: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Standing outside his barn at Churchill Downs on Sunday morning, trainer Kenny McPeek was asked to sum up his feelings about Mystik Dan’s victory in the 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) just about 12 hours earlier. “Wow,” was all the Lexington native could say.

MYSTIK DAN - Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., pulled off an 18-1 upset in Saturday’s Run for the Roses, finishing a nose ahead of 4-1 Sierra Leone and Tyler Gaffalione, who was another nose in front of 7-1 Forever Young (JPN), with Ryusei Sakai aboard.

Hernandez used a ground-saving trip before guiding Mystik Dan through a tiny space that opened along the rail to the front. They passed a tiring Track Phantom, with Joel Rosario, then staved off a closing rush from his competition in the field of 20.

“Brian Hernandez gave him the ride,” a joyous but sleep-deprived McPeek said. “Look, he doesn’t win the race without the job Brian did.”

The Derby victory came a day after the pair teamed up win the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) for 3-year-old fillies Friday afternoon at Churchill Downs before a crowd of 107,236.

“I was fortunate to ride for Kenny,” said Hernandez about the Derby. “He and the owners entrusted in me to have the daring trip that we had. And we were fortunate to have a horse that trusted us, and he went through a couple of tight spots, and never thought twice about doing it. It was like, ‘No problem,’ and did it. It’s a big team effort, more than anything.”

McPeek put a call on speaker from Pimlico Race Course officials of the invitation to run Mystik Dan in the Preakness in just 13 days.

While accepting the invite, McPeek said, “We’re not committing. When I ran him back in two weeks (at Churchill Downs last November), it completely backfired. And we skipped the Rebel (at Oaklawn Park) because it was too short as well. So we’ll watch him over the next week, and probably decide then. It will be a last-minute decision. We’ll let him tell us.”

The victory in 2:03.34 for the mile-and-a-quarter was worth $3.1 million. The most recent time the Derby was decided by a nose was in 1996 when Grindstone edged Cavonnier. Having three horses finish almost as close in a Kentucky Derby photo finish goes back to 1947, when Jet Pilot finished a head in front of Phalanx, who was another head in front of Faultless.

“It got pretty tight,” Hernandez admitted. “Going around the second turn, I was watching those horses to the outside, and the thing about a race like that, everyone starts to make their moves. They can just stack and stack and stack, but we were just sitting there waiting. And the minute that Joel (Rosario, riding 41-1 Track Phantom) made a half a step to go meet those horses, we’re shooting through. When we did that, he (Joel) tried to come back down, but by then, Mystik Dan was already through there.”

After slipping into the lead, Mystik Dan appeared headed to victory by a comfortable margin, but fast-closing Sierra Leone and Forever Young made it unbelievably tight at the wire.

“We kind of busted through there right before we straightened up and headed for home, Hernandez said. “And Mystik Dan switched leads, and spurted off, it was like, hurry up and get to the wire as fast as we can. It was just rolling. When we got to the eighth pole, I was thinking, wow, we’re about to win the Kentucky Derby. And then, right at the wire, it was like, maybe we got beat. He never stopped running. It was the first time they were going a mile-and-a-quarter, those horses were getting to him late, but he was there for us.”

Both Hernandez and McPeek won the Oaks and Derby for the first time. McPeek became the first trainer since Ben Jones in 1952 to win both the Oaks and Derby. “I wish I could have met him,” McPeek said.

“For three weeks, I’ve felt that we had a shot at winning both races,” McPeek said. “Both horses have been doing fantastic. There was never any little issue, anywhere or anytime, with either horse. It was always all systems go.”

Two members of the partnership that owns Mystik Dan were at the McPeek barn on Sunday, checking out the horse, talking to the news media, and accepting the presentation of WWE championship title belts that the fight organization is presenting to winners at various sporting events this year.

When asked how many trips to the Kentucky Derby they’ve made, both Lance Gasaway and Sherilyn Gasaway, wife of Lance’s cousin Brent, made a startling admission.

“Just one,” Lance and Sherilyn said in unison.

Mystik Dan is a bay colt by the sire Goldencents, out of Ma’am, a Colonel John mare that the partners had raced. The breeding to the Spendthrift Farm sire was a match made in heaven.

“Kenny’s the one who suggested it,” Sharilyn Gasaway said.

Whether he races in the Preakness on May 18 or not, the Derby winner will ship directly to Saratoga in upstate New York, prepping for the June 8 Belmont Stakes. McPeek and his wife have a house there, and he said they’d accompany Mystik Dan while getting the house ready for the Belmont meeting at the track, and the regular Saratoga meet.

McPeek said Thorpedo Anna could be headed to the Acorn Stakes on June 7, and noted that he would have reservations against running her in the Belmont Stakes against Mystik Dan.

“I couldn’t have Brian riding both horses,” he said.

SIERRA LEONE (2 ^nd )/DOMESTIC PRODUCT (13 ^th ) – Trainer Chad Brown checked on Sierra Leone first hand Sunday morning, reporting that the son of Gun Runner was tired but all good following his achingly close runner-up finish in the first leg of the Triple Crown. After showing off the colt to co-owner Derrick Smith, who was on hand to also admire his gritty charge, Brown discussed what might be next for the Blue Grass Stakes victor after running a winning race that didn’t yield the result to match.

“He’s good, but he’s not going to the Preakness,” Brown said of Sierra Leone. “I’m going to take him to Saratoga tomorrow and he’s going to train there for the Belmont. He’s a little tired. He’s a real laid back horse but when we brought him he out, was a little more tired than he normally is after his races. I think giving him the five weeks to the Belmont is definitely the right thing to do.”

Sierra Leone expended tremendous energy in the Kentucky Derby as he rallied from 18th early on, made a wide, sweeping move off the far turn, traded bumps with third-place finisher Forever Young (JPN) in the lane and still only came up inches short. Brown said Sierra Leone does have a tendency to lean in and that jockey Tyler Gaffalione was trying to keep the colt straight in tight quarters with Forever Young without accidentally striking that rival with his stick.

“There was so much bumping going on there,” Brown said. “When horses are fatigued, they have a tendency to lean in a bit like he did with his last two wins and it’s going to be more exaggerated when they’re more tired. He had so much to do and by the time he got to the eighth pole, he was leaning in a bit.

“What Tyler was attempting to do is make room for his left stick, which the horse really respects, and keep him straight. And he was looking for sort of a pathway to use his left stick. But with the bumping, the tight duel between those two horses, it disarmed him with the stick. All he had was a rein to pull on and it really hurt his momentum. He couldn’t use it because he had no room to use his left stick without hitting his horse. He didn’t want to do that either. So he was trying create a path not only to straighten out my horse who really respects that, he was trying not to foul the other horse with the stick.”

Given the amount of ground Sierra Leone had to make up and the traffic he had to work his way through, Brown believes his protege ran the kind of race that further validates his belief that he brought the best horse into the 10-furlong classic.

“I’m very proud of the horse. I’m disappointed with the result, but I’m so proud of the horse, Brown said. “In my mind, he ran the best race. That’s no disrespect to the winner. It’s just, it’s a hard race to win, everything has to go right. With the winner, the horse showed up and was prepared right and he ran terrific. You have to have a trip where everything goes right.

“It’s not (Mystik Dan’s) fault the doors opened for him, I wish that would have happened for me. But I don’t think lesser of the winner’s performance. It’s just an example of two trips. But that’s what has to happen here. For us, I don’t think we had a bad trip. But our horse was very far back on a track that favors speed and he had to go around a lot of horses and he had a ton of ground to make up. To almost get there despite all that, I really feel he ran the best race. We’ll see going forward the rest of the year where he stacks up with the entire body of work.”

Brown added that his other Kentucky Derby starter, Domestic Product, emerged from his 13 ^th -place run having lost a shoe and grabbed a quarter.

“Domestic Product lost a shoe leaving the gate and grabbed his quarter pretty good,” Brown said. “Then he was a bit keen down the backside. Irad (Ortiz Jr.) was trying to tuck in and he was pulling and stuff like that. He was just never happy, he never really relaxed. I’m going to throw that race out. I do like that horse and hopefully he comes back good.”

From Brown, Sierra Leone’s defeat marked the third time he has sent out a horse who finished in the top three of the Derby. Brown saddled champion Good Magic to a runner-up finish behind eventual Triple Crown winner Justify in 2018 and had Zandon come home third to long shot winner Rich Strike in 2022.

“I really felt I had the best horse,” Brown said of Sierra Leone. “Nobody was really going to convince me otherwise. I wasn’t going to broadcast it, but I knew what I had. But I also went in prepared for the worst because it’s such a hard race to win. Little things can change fate. It can be brutal dealing with the agony of defeat sometimes.”

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) (3 ^rd ) – Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (JPN) was scheduled to return to Japan on Tuesday starting with a van trip to Chicago and then a flight to Narita.

Fujita left Louisville after the race Saturday night but told Hiroshi Ando, racing manager for trainer Yoshito Yahagi, that he “enjoyed the massive atmosphere and proud of his horse’s performance.”

Ando said that Yahagi was disappointed that Forever Young lost, but “how he ran his race made us so proud.”

Yahagi, who left Louisville early Sunday morning, noted that Forever Young’s third-place finish was the best result for a UAE Derby winner in the Derby and even after traveling first to Saudi Arabia where he won the Saudi Derby and then to Dubai and on to Kentucky, “it shows that you can do it.”

While winner Mystik Dan was getting the golden run along the rail, Forever Young and Sierra Leone were exchanging bumps. Jockey Ryusei Sakai did not claim foul.

“Claims of foul do not happen much in Japan,” Ando said. “It is the stewards’ call, not us.”

CATCHING FREEDOM (4 ^th )/JUST A TOUCH (20 ^th ) – It was a much quieter scene at Barn 22 Sunday morning than the rest of Kentucky Derby Week with both Catching Freedom and Just a Touch enjoying an easy day in the shedrow.

Both horses came out of the Derby fine and next plans are still to be determined, according to trainer Brad Cox.

T O PASSWORD (JPN) (5 ^th ) – Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password (JPN) was scheduled to return to Japan on Tuesday starting with a van trip to Chicago and then a flight to Narita.

Ozaza left Louisville after the race Saturday night and trainer Daisuke Takayanagi was on an early flight Sunday morning back to Japan.

After the race, Takayanagi told his racing manager Hiroshi Ando that T O Password “got a lot of experience for just his third race and was proud of his horse’s performance. It was a great experience for adapting to racing in North America.”

Stopping by the Quarantine Barn this morning was jockey Kazushi Kimura.

“He’s good this morning, no problems but he is tired,” said Kimura of T O Password, who was cut off at the start when Track Phantom came inward after the break. “It is what it is. He missed the first step and from there I followed Sierra Leone. He tried hard all the way.”

RESILIENCE (6 ^th ) – Wood Memorial Stakes winner Resilience was none the worse for wear after his sixth-place run in the Kentucky Derby, but will not go on to the Preakness Stakes (GI) trainer Bill Mott said.

“He had absolutely a great trip,” Mott said. “I think he tried. By the looks of it, he might not have handled the 10 furlongs. He actually ran a very good race. Leaving the quarter pole, he looked like he could win as well as anybody but he just couldn’t finish it off. I’d say at this point, we wouldn’t go (to the Belmont) either.”

STRONGHOLD (7 ^th ) – The California-based colt Stronghold, who had checked in seventh in Saturday’s Derby 150, was looking fine and feeling a little frisky at Barn 48 on the Churchill backstretch Sunday morning.

Trainer Phil D’Amato and his wife and chief exercise rider Sherri Alexander had caught an early flight west to their Santa Anita headquarters but stable assistant Julie Witt was overseeing activity and noted that all was well.

“He (Stronghold) got a little hot after running yesterday, but he’s fine and feeling good this morning,” she noted. “He’ll go back to California at some point in the next week I’d guess.

“We had five horses run here this week and Stronghold and Elm Drive will go back west. The others are going to stay and they’ll be joined by a few other runners currently over at Keeneland. Phil keeps a string here.”

HONOR MARIE (8 ^th ) – Trainer Whit Beckman lamented the trip his Derby runner Honor Marie had Saturday in Kentucky Derby 150.

"He had the worst of the worst trips,” Beckman said. “He passed a lot of horses, he was making his run. You ask Kenny McPeek, you look at how many Derbys he’s been in and I’m sure he’s had a lot of bad trips. He got a beautiful trip, and that’s what it takes. Hopefully we keep showing and doing this again because it was a fun week.”

ENDLESSLY (9 ^th ) – The Kentucky Derby ninth-place finisher, Amerman Racing’s Endlessly, was doing fine at Barn 35 on the Churchill Downs backstretch Sunday morning as trainer Michael McCarthy and assistant Justin Curran went about the business of dealing with their string of Kentucky horses.

McCarthy was booked on a flight to California for around 9 a.m. He had horses to run Sunday afternoon at Santa Anita from his California stable.

Both men indicated that they were pleased with the effort their son of Oscar Performance had given in his first attempt on a dirt surface.

“He certainly gave it a good try,” McCarthy said. “We beat more than half the field and that’s not bad. But it’s in the cards now for all concerned that the horse will go back to the grass. That’s where he wants to be.”

The horse is headed back to California, too, probably on a plane with other California runners in the next few days.

DORNOCH (10th)/SOCIETY MAN (16 ^th ) – Pricilla Schaefer, exercise rider for Danny Gargan, reported that all was good with Dornoch and Society Man following their 10 ^th - and 16 ^th -place finishes, respectively in the Kentucky Derby. Schaefer gave both colts tons of affection Sunday morning, stressing that the fact they both came back well was the best takeaway from their efforts.

“That’s the most important thing,” Schaefer said. “You should have seen us walking back yesterday, we were laughing, smiling. We were just happy to be there and happy that they came back safe and sound. That always comes first.”

WEST SARATOGA (12 ^th ) – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga was scheduled to return to trainer Larry Demeritte’s base at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky, later today.

Sitting in his tack room at Barn 42 after the race last night, Demeritte said that West Saratoga came out of the race good.

Demeritte was not at the barn today because he attends a 9:45 a.m. weekly church service in Lexington.

EPIC RIDE (14 ^th ) – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride returned to The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky, Saturday night after the race.

Trainer John Ennis reported via text that all was good with Epic Ride this morning.

“My plan was always to try and run in the Derby and give him some time off and bring him back at a mile in the summer,” Ennis said. “Maybe even Kentucky Downs.”

FIERCENESS (15 ^th ) – The Kentucky Derby favorite Fierceness was resting in Barn 39 at Churchill Downs Sunday morning after a disappointing effort that saw him among the leaders for the first mile of the mile and a quarter, but then lacking in punch for the run through the lane. The City of Light colt wound up 15th in the 20-horse field.

“The colt seems fine this morning,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “He cooled out fine and scoped clean and he’s doing OK. I haven’t; had a chance to discuss what’s next with Mike (Repole), but I think we will take a couple of weeks and let the dust settle before we make any decision.

“I believe he’ll ship up to Saratoga in the next week.”

JUST STEEL (17 ^th ) – Sebastian "Bas" Nicholl, assistant to trainer D. Wayne Lukas, said Just Steel emerged in good order from his 17 ^th -place finish.

GRAND MO THE FIRST (18 ^th ) – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First is scheduled to return to his base at Gulfstream Park on Monday.

“I don’t have a clear plan now (for what’s next),” trainer Victor Barboza Jr. said via text. “We will check the horse out the next few days and decide on a new race.”

CATALYTIC (19 ^th ) – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic came out of the Derby in good shape after finishing 19th with Jose Ortiz, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. reported. “All is well. He will go back to Florida,” Joseph said.

Daily Derby Update: May 3, 2024

Fri, 03 May 2024 15:53:39 GMT

Daily Derby Update: Friday, May 3, 2024

CATALYTIC – With overnight rain that was heavy at times, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. decided to have Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic walk the shedrow Friday morning.

The lightly raced Florida Derby (GI) runner-up drew post 5 with Jose Ortiz to ride. In the Derby advance wagering after three days, Catalytic is 37-1.

CATCHING FREEDOM/JUST A TOUCH – Catching Freedom and Just a Touch both had their final Derby training sessions, galloping 1 ½ miles at 7:45 a.m. Friday over the sloppy surface.

“We’re ready to go. Let’s do this,” trainer Brad Cox said.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Trainer Chad Brown’s Kentucky Derby duo of Sierra Leone and Domestic Product hit the track just before 6 a.m. and galloped twice around beneath the rain drops.

Sierra Leone, winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) in his most recent start, signaled his quality during his seasonal bow in the Risen Star Stakes (GII) when he was able to rally from ninth over a sealed, sloppy track after they went a half-mile of :49.67. If you are the company you keep, that race has continued to flatter the son of Gun Runner as the top five finishers in the Risen Star are all set to be in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.

“I knew I wanted to run there because of the long stretch and the timing of the race,” Brown said of the Risen Star. “You know it came up a super tough race and the weather was really challenging. But the horse ran against everything and still won … especially on a track that not many horses were closing on that day. This horse was able to overcome a lot and get there. And he’s really moved forward from there.”

Sierra Leone is the 3-to-1 second choice on the morning line.

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – Fountain of Youth Stakes winner (GII) Dornoch had a scheduled walk day while his stablemate Society Man hit the track early under the watch of trainer Danny Gargan for a jog over the sloppy conditions, but was feeling good enough to break into a gallop coming off the track.

ENDLESSLY – The multiple-stakes winning colt bred and owned by Joan and Jerry Amerman took advantage of the special 7:45-8 a.m. training period Friday for Derby or Oaks runners.

The Oscar Performance offspring had regular exercise rider Walter Davilia at the controls as they did a one-mile tour of a sloppy racing strip. On hand to observe the exercise were trainer Michael McCarthy and his right-hand assistant Justin Curran.

“He was loving the track this morning,” McCarthy said. “It was good to see him going so well.’

The trainer was asked how he felt about his horse and his situation on the eve of Derby 150.

“I’m feeling good about where we are,” he said.

He was further asked if he was feeling “real good” about it all.

“I try to not get too high, or too low,” was the reply. “But I’m feeling good.”

EPIC RIDE -- Welch Racing’s Epic Ride jogged in the mile chute shortly before 8 o’clock with Sophie Doyle aboard for trainer John Ennis.

Epic Ride will exit post 20 under Adam Beschizza.

“I just want him to run his race,” Ennis said of his hopes for Saturday. “And I just want the rain to stop. I want a fast track.”

Epic Ride will not go to the track in the morning.

FIERCENESS – The Kentucky Derby morning line favorite (5-2) took his final bit of exercise Friday at Churchill Downs during the 7:45-8 a.m. training session limited to Oaks and Derby runners.

Trainer Todd Pletcher was trackside overseeing the exercise by the Repole Stable homebred who had regular exercise rider Danny Wright aboard. The two went in at the 5 ½-furlong gap, then quickly broke off at the five-furlong pole for a solid one-mile navigation of the oval.

Pletcher was reminded that this is the 24th year that he will be running a horse in the world’s most famous race. He was asked if it is getting “old hat” by now.

“No way,” was the answer. “If anything, it just becomes more nerve racking.”

After his Florida Derby winner came off the track following his leg stretching, the conditioner was asked how he assessed his situation heading into Kentucky Derby 150.

“All good,” was the simple and direct reply.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (JPN) came on the track at 5:20, spent 10 minutes in the mile chute warming up under jockey Ryusei Sakai and then galloped on a sloppy track before returning to the chute for another 10 minutes to cool down before returning to the Quarantine Barn in a driving rain.

Looking on from the viewing stand at the six-furlong gap was trainer Yoshito Yahagi.

Yahagi, trained Loves Only You (JPN) and Marche Lorraine (JPN) to Breeders’ Cup victories at Del Mar in 2021. Was asked what he would like to see from his undefeated runner to keep his record perfect.

“First of all, I want him to come back safe,” Yahagi said. “I don’t want him to get too much excited and after that it is up to the jockey.”

Forever Young is scheduled to go to the track Saturday morning at 5:15.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First walked the shedrow under tack as trainer Victor Barboza Jr. opted to pass on going to the track as heavy rain fell.

“He had a strong gallop yesterday and schooled in the paddock yesterday afternoon and did very well,” Barboza said.

Grand Mo the First will exit post 15 under Emisael Jaramillo, starting next to Derby favorite Fierceness who led all the way in the Florida Derby (GI) in which Grand Mo the First was third.

HONOR MARIE – Ribble Farms, Michael Eiserman, Earl Silver, Kenneth Fishbein and Dave Fishbein’s Honor Marie had a quiet morning during training hours but got a taste of the Oaks Day crowd, schooling in the paddock during the first race.

JUST STEEL – The D. Wayne Lukas-trained Just Steel hit the track early for an easy jog over the rain-soaked Churchill Downs surface. The son of Justify owned by BC Stables and Henry Schmueckle is coming into the Derby off a runner-up finish in the Arkansas Derby (GI) on March 30, his 11 ^th career start.

MYSTIK DAN – Trainer Kenny McPeek sent Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan out Friday morning at the scheduled Derby/Oaks training time for a typical gallop.

With exercise rider Martin Reyes up, Mystik Dan went about a mile and three-eighths. The colt will start from post 3 with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard in the Derby.

After three days of advance wagering, the winner of the Southwest Stakes (GIII) and third-place finisher in the Arkansas Derby (GI) – both at Oaklawn Park – was a 19-1 choice for the Kentucky Derby.

RESILIENCE – With trainer Bill Mott keeping watch from astride his pony, Wood Memorial Stakes (GII) winner Resilience came out during the 7:45 a.m. training period and galloped twice around.

STRONGHOLD – Trainer Phil D’Amato repeated his early go with his Derby colt Stronghold Friday morning, sending the Ghostzapper offspring trackside at 5:30 with exercise rider Sherri Alexander at the controls.

The two went right off out of the six-furlong chute on a sloppy strip as light rain fell and did a once-around tour of the big Churchill oval.

After she came off the strip, Alexander had a big smile. “He felt great,” she said.

Reports out of the D’Amato barn all week have been glowing concerning the Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner. The way the story goes, Eric and Sharon Waller’s homebred bundle of joy has just gotten better and better since the turn of the year.

He started 2024 with a trip to New Mexico and a tally in the Sunland Derby. He came out of that one feeling very good about himself. Then he followed that up with an extra game score over the top colt Imagination in Santa Anita’s biggest 3-year-old contest on April 6, coming out of that race with his chest pumped up and good vibes flowing strongly.

Now he has looked strong all week in Kentucky and appears to be peaking just right as Derby looms.

D’Amato was asked about the possibility of putting his charge on the racetrack Saturday morning ahead of the race.

“I go about 50-50 with that,” the conditioner offered. “Some horses I put on the track (on race mornings); some not. We’ll play it by ear tomorrow.”

T O PASSWORD (JPN) – Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password (JPN) came on the track at 5:20, spent 10 minutes in the mile chute warming up under jockey Kazushi Kimura and then galloped on a sloppy track before returning to the chute for another 10 minutes to cool down before heading to the Quarantine Barn in a driving rain.

Watching the morning activity from the viewing stand at the six-furlong gap was trainer Daisuke Takayanagi. T O Password will represent the first Derby starter for Takayanagi.

“I want him to come back to the stable safe,” Takayanagi said. “Winning is most important. I am not concerned with his position. It is about how he feels and is comfortable (in the race).”

T O Password is not scheduled to go to the track in the morning.

TRACK PHANTOM – Trainer Steve Asmussen’s father, Keith, was on hand Friday morning to watch training including seeing Kentucky Derby contender Track Phantom who jogged with Roberto Howell in the irons.

Asked who Keith would be rooting for – his grandson’s mount Just Steel or his son’s trainee Track Phantom – he simply said, “a dead heat.”

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga jogged a mile and galloped a mile under Donte Lowery at 7 o’clock as morning showers began to lessen in intensity.

Trainer Larry Demeritte said West Saratoga would not go to the track Saturday morning.

“I don’t take my horses to the track on race day,” Demeritte said, “except one time I had this filly from England who didn’t run well unless I would take her out.”

Jesus Castanon has the mount on West Saratoga, who represents the first Derby starter for Demeritte and Veruchi.

“I would like to see him get to the first turn clear,” Demeritte said of West Saratoga, who will exit post 12. “Then on the backstretch lead the second flight and have the lead at the top of the stretch. The ideal trip.”

ALSO-ELIGIBLE – Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells’ Mugatu (No. 21) walked the shedrow as trainer Jeff Engler waited to hear word if there would be any defections from the main body of the Derby field that would get Mugatu into the starting gate.

“Looks like we are going to New York,” said Engler, who plans to work Mugatu on Sunday and then ship to Aqueduct for next Saturday’s $200,000 Peter Pan (GIII).

THE KENTUCKY DERBY FIELD – Here is the field for the 150 ^th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) in order of post positions (with rider and morning line odds): Dornoch (Luis Saez, 20-1), Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, 3-1), Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., 20-1), Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, 8-1), Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, 30-1), Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, 20-1), Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, 20-1), Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, 10-1), Encino (Axel Concepcion, 20-1), T O Password (JPN) (Kazuski Kimura, 30-1), Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai. 10-1), Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, 20-1), West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, 30-1), Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, 30-1), Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., 30-1), Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, 50-1), Fierceness (John Velasquez, 5-2), Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, 20-1), Resilience (Junior Alvarado, 20-1), Society Man (Frankie Dettori, 50-1); Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, 50-1). Also Eligible: Mugatu (Joe Talamo, 50-1). All starters will carry 126 pounds.

Dick's Picks for Kentucky Derby 150

Fri, 03 May 2024 02:17:21 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Dick's Picks for Kentucky Derby 150

Fri, 03 May 2024 01:31:08 GMT

Dick's Picks for Kentucky Derby 150

Posted May 2, 2024
By Dick Downey

This is The Downey Profile's 22d consecutive Kentucky Derby and likely its last in this format. The endeavor has been fun and satisfying, and I feel The Downey Profile was and still is groundbreaking in the completeness of its coverage of one of world's most important sporting events. I know I would do it all over again if the clock were turned back.

I may reach out to see if there's interest in an email-driven format. For now, I'll report to you my health is holding up well. There has been no detection of cancer cells since my July 2020 prostatectomy.

Thank you for subscribing. I am particularly grateful to those who have returned year after year to share in the joy and occasional disappointment of the Kentucky Derby.

Now let's get going. We'll begin with The Downey Profile's objective findings, followed by my selections. We'll conclude with comments about all 22 entries. If there are any late scratches that affect selections, I will post an update.

OBJECTIVE FINDINGS

DOWNEY PROFILE TOP 4 (See Section 5)
SIERRA LEONE (17.13 rating)
STRONGHOLD (17.13)
FIERCENESS (15.96)
FOREVER YOUNG (12.60)

DOWNEY PROFILE FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH
CATALYTIC (10.49)
CATCHING FREEDOM (10.04)
DOMESTIC PRODUCT (8.33, tie)
DORNOCH (8.33, tie)

PROFILE BUSTERS PROFILE (See Section 9)
CATCHING FREEDOM (5 points, tie)
RESILIENCE (5, tie)
JUST STEEL (5, tie)
NOTE: Fierceness has the most points (6) but cannot be a Profile Buster because he's in The Downey Profile Top 4. Ditto for Sierra Leone (5). Although I haven't run an analysis of this issue, my recall is that horses with both a Top 4 Downey Profile Ranking and a top Profile Buster number are formidable.

DERBY BY THE SPEED NUMBERS (See Section 6)
FIERCENESS - among the four fastest numbers in 5 of 6 categories
SIERRA LEONE - among the four fastest numbers in 5 of 6 categories
CATCHING FREEDOM - among the four fastest numbers in 3 of 6 categories
RESILIENCE - among the four fastest numbers in 3 of 6 categories

KENTUCKY DERBY SELECTIONS
#17 FIERCENESS
#19 RESILIENCE
#2 SIERRA LEONE
#6 JUST STEEL
#4 CATCHING FREEDOM
#11 FOREVER YOUNG

PLAYABLES IN MY ORDER OF PREFERENCE
# 8 JUST A TOUCH
#7 HONOR MARIE
#12 TRACK PHANTOM
#3 MYSTIK DAN
#5 CATALYTIC

KENTUCKY OAKS
MY WIN PICK: #13 JUST F Y I
I will probably play only this filly.
#5 THORPEDO ANNA
#14 LESLIE'S ROSE
#8 TARIFA

LONGSHOTS
#3 WHERE'S MY RING
#4 REGULATORY RISK

EVALUATIONS OF ENTRIES IN POST POSITION ORDER

1 DORNOCH - A starting gate with 20 stalls that replaced the old auxiliary gate means post 1 isn't as geometrically challenging as it once was. But it's still challenging. This will be the fifth Derby for the gate.

--The 2020 Derby saw Max Player in post 1 at 19-1 odds. He was far back early but finished well to get fifth, beaten seven lengths. ("Max Player reserved off of the inside, moved out between rivals four to five wide on the far turn, churned on in traffic and improved position" under Ricardo Santana, Jr.
--In 2021 Known Agenda drew post 1, was sent off at 9-1, and finished ninth, beaten 10 3/4 lengths; he was one of only four horses sent off at single-digit odds.("Known Agenda was unhurried along the inside, shifted out into the stretch and improved under stern urging" under Irad Ortiz, Jr.).
--In post 1 for the 2022 Derby was the last-place finisher, 36-1 Summer Is Tomorrow. He "was away in good order, set a contested tempo for six furlongs, but gave way readily once headed and was eased through the lane and walked off" under Mickael Barzelona, a top-notch European jockey.
--In 2023 Hit Show was sent off at 24-1 and finished fifth, beaten 6 1/4 lengths after sitting in striking distance all the way to the eighth pole. ("Hit Show tracked the top flight from the two to three path around the far turn, responded to rousing to range up outside of the leading trio entering the far turn, gradually progressed around that bend to spin into the lane in the five path while within striking range but flattened out between horses" with Manny Franco aboard.

Dornoch will undoubtedly be sent like Verifying was last year from post 2. That did not work out well. At 14-1 odds Verifying finished 16th after he "brushed an outer rival upon leaving the gates, dueled for the lead inside of a pair of pressers around the first turn, clung to an advantage down the backstretch, but weakened at the seven sixteenths pole, and wilted along the rail around the far turn."

I believe good horses in better post positions will finish better than Dornoch. On his best day Dornoch ran a 90 Beyer (Fountain of Youth) and a 94 Brisnet (Fountain of Youth, Blue Grass).

Dornoch had it pretty much his own way in the Fountain of Youth. Second betting choice Speak Easy, a speedy type, was a late scratch after getting loose on the track minutes before the race. Locked, the presumptive favorite, and Victory Avenue were scratched race morning. Merit was also scratched after racing in an allowance on Friday instead of the Fountain of Youth. Dornoch's final 5/16 was timed in 32.21. In the Blue Grass, he didn't go to the lead, and it didn't work out, and his gallop-out didn't stand out either.

Although Dornoch remains the only horse to beat Sierra Leone (Remsen Stakes), his Beyer figures haven't improved since. You can't bet them all, and I can't pull the trigger on him.

2 SIERRA LEONE - His qualifications, from his breeding to the $2.3 million auction price to some visually impressive winning performances, speak for themselves. He is an effective closer even when the pace is moderate to slow and whether the ground is wet or dry.

In average size fields an inside post is typically good for closers because they can save ground efficiently. Sierra Leone's style has been to drop back, avoid the fray, go through or around them on the far tun, and mow 'em down in the stretch. However, being this far inside is not trainer Brown's ideal post. He said on April 20, "You’ve seen horses win from the far outside and some that draw inside and run well. We’ll take what they give us, but somewhere in the middle would be ideal.” Although he hasn't taken much kickback in his four-race career, it's something Sierra Leone is able to do, and it's hard to conceive jockey Gaffalione won't give him a confident ride where he avoids trouble albeit behind more horses than ever before during the early running.

I think the real questions are whether he's fast enough to catch the better horses with clearer trips and whether his habit of lugging in during the stretch run of a long race will cost him. Although Sierra Leone did lug in during the Blue Grass stretch run, and although Just a Touch lost the lead to finish second, they galloped out together ahead of the rest of the field.

We are told jockey Gaffalione said Sierra Leone was only 75% in the Blue Grass. That is a scary thought for such a magnificent physical specimen. I am not a student of equine anatomy, but this horse is so large and muscular he reminds me of Justify. He paddles his left foreleg in races, but it hasn't affected his will or ability to win. His workouts at Keeneland and Churchill Downs were both excellent.

One issue that might arise is a reluctance to load in the gate. That process took three minutes in the Blue Grass, making the other horses wait in their stalls. In the Derby, however, Sierra Leone will be the third horse to load, so he'll be the one waiting for 17 others.

3 MYSTIK DAN - It is said a rainy day would move up Mystik Dan, who won the Southwest Stakes by a wide margin on a sloppy track, but we should not forget others have also run well on wet tracks, including the Southwest runner-up (Just Steel); the first five finishers in the sloppy Risen Star (Sierra Leone, Track Phantom, Catching Freedom, Resilience and Honor Marie); the Remsen top two on mud (Dornoch and Sierra Leone); the Gotham runner-up in the slop (Just a Touch); and a muddy maiden winner (Society Man).

That said, Mystik Dan is one of only two horses in the field with a triple-digit Beyer (Fierceness has two of them), and he is another closer drawn close to the rail. He doesn't mind running inside of horses with a rider who loves to skim the rail, a la the Southwest Stakes win.

I note Mystik Dan finished the final 5/16 of the 1 1/16-mile Southwest in 30.04. However, he was not strong in the gallop-out of the Arkansas Derby after finishing that one in 37.88. His works at Churchill Downs are just fine but do not exactly tout him.

His most recent race, a game third in the Arkansas Derby, yielded a top-echelon Equibase figure and a combined DRF speed-track variant number that's among the four best numbers in the field even after he was knocked sideways early in the backstretch. Trainer McPeek can beat you when you least expect it. I would not want to leave Mystik Dan off tickets.

4 CATCHING FREEDOM - Catching Freedom is a small horse, but that's not all bad as those types can be more nimble and adept at avoiding trouble in a crowded field. The down side is he might not be able to handle a bump as well as a larger horse.

A confirmed closer, Catching Freedom is another one that will have to work out a trip from an insidish post. Catching Freedom has trained very well at Churchill Downs and has been there long enough since winning the Louisiana Derby from far off the pace to put in four workouts. He gallops with his neck arched and looks the part. A definite player.

We do note, however, the gallop-out of the Louisiana Derby had Tuscan Gold and Agate Road besting the others. Catching Freedom and Honor Marie were pulled up early in the first turn. However, that could have been by design.

5 CATALYTIC - Finished second in the Florida Derby but far behind Fierceness both in the race and the gallop-out; but it was not a bad effort at all considering he hit the gate and it was only his third career start and first at two turns. Legacy pedigree influence Distorted Humor (think Funny Cide), the dam sire, makes him more interesting.

The down side is his speed figures make him impossible for me to endorse for the win, but he is not completely out of the question in a superfecta. This quote from trainer Joseph got my attention, and it's not your typical "just what I wanted" statement. "He’s showing a lot more energy here than he does at Gulfstream," Joseph said following Catalytic's April 28 breeze.

6 JUST STEEL - It seems no one is picking this horse to do anything after he finished a pretty close second to an outstanding performance by Muth in the Arkansas Derby.

His last Derby work orchestrated by trainer Lukas -- slow and no gallop-out -- told me either the horse is not doing well or Lukas didn't want to show his hand. With that work following a one-mile move in 1:40 eight days earlier, I suspect it's the latter. This is my personal view based on a reading of the room; you might not agree; but Lukas used to have a propensity for winning big races at long odds, and he could have that in mind here.

A replay of the Arkansas Derby showed me Just Steel found another gear when he switched leads in the stretch. After running second, he was a few lengths behind Muth in the gallop-out. The Arkansas Derby was a strong race in my estimation, and this son of Justify has some good numbers in our objective measurements. We think he is a player.

7 HONOR MARIE - An improving type that showed a lot more in his second start of the year than he did in the first. A really nice finish to got him second in the Louisiana Derby. But as mentioned in our section on Catching Freedom, the gallop-out of the Louisiana Derby had Tuscan Gold and Agate Road besting the others. Catching Freedom, the winner, and Honor Marie were pulled up early in the first turn, but that could have been by design.

Honor Marie doesn't fit well in our objective measures, but I would be careful about discarding him if you like to play trifectas and superfectas, and he is not out of the question to do better than that. Another step forward from the Louisiana Derby puts him right there for a sharp trainer, and his last workout for the Derby was a dandy.

One issue is there are at least three horses to his inside that have a similar come-from-behind style, leading me to think about where and when he will be tucked in toward the rail by his British, first-time Kentucky Derby jockey Ben Curtis. A strung-out field led by a fast pace would aid his trip.

8 JUST A TOUCH - Another one that doesn't fit our objective standards but who stands to improve going forward. The Blue Grass Stakes was his first outing at two turns and only his third career start (think Catalytic), but he ran a big race and looked like a winner turning for home. I think it took him a while to change leads in upper stretch as he was running by pacesetter/Sierra Leone rabbit Top Conor, but when he changed leads he ran on and was beaten only 1 1/2 length. The top finisher, Sierra Leone, didn't exactly blaze home, which helped Just a Touch stay close.

My intial post-race thought was that Just a Touch got a lot out of the effort and should move forward in his second start at two turns. Although Sierra Leone lugged in during his stretch run in the Blue Grass, and although Just a Touch finished second, they galloped out together ahead of the rest of the field. It wouldn't shock me if Just a Touch wins the Kentucky Derby, but other scenarios are also likely. I would use him underneath.

9 ENCINO - Scratched.

10 T O PASSWORD - He led, opened up, and barely held on to win the Fukuyru to qualify for this race in only his second career start. Immediately following the win his trainer said he sent the horse to make sure he won so they could go to Kentucky but that he would not do that in the Derby.

His sole workout at Churchill Downs was in company with a stable mate who started out three lengths in front as they approached the half-mile pole, setting up what looks like an off-the-pace strategy. But who knows what he'll do when the time comes.

I was once told there are owners out there who want their horses sent in a race like this so their friends will see him on the lead, even if it's not for long. I cannot recommend T O Password, but if he blows up some tickets, good for him.

11 - FOREVER YOUNG - How odd the two Japanese horses drew posts next door to each other.

Everything about Forever Young, from the way he has run races to his workouts at Churchill Downs, indicates the strategy will be to conserve energy early and run like hell late. He does show the ability to finish strong, but repeating his early fractions in the UAE Derby could put him 15 lengths off the lead at the top of the Derby stretch.

He appears to have stamina but may need to avoid kickback. Forever Young was kept to the outside while winning the UAE Derby, avoiding kickback the entire trip. He galloped out ahead of the field, bounding along no worse for the wear into the middle of the first turn at the close of the video. He is a Downey Profile Top 4 horse and is one of my selections because I believe he will have a late kick. But I can't pick him to win.

12 - TRACK PHANTOM - Track Phantom loves to run, and it's not hard to see him being part of the pace scenario, but his training since the Louisiana Derby does not point to that outcome. One would think adding blinkers to a speed horse would make him more of a speed horse, but his training is designed for him to rate off the pace so he will have some gas left when the running gets real. We are sure trainer Asmussen knows what he's doing.

Track Phantom doesn't fit our objective standards, and I can't play much money on him. He's a tough read given the fact that until his last (and longest) race he had never finished off the board in six starts. But then, when the distance got a bit longer in the Louisiana Derby, he couldn't sustain his speed. At that point jockey Rosario said it's possible he has distance limitations. I suspect that missing a work, as he did at Churchill Downs, might mean something of a physical nature nature is in play. He's the kind of horse I would not feel comfortable betting across the board, but I don't feel easy about leaving him out either.

13 - WEST SARATOGA - The only gray horse in the field.

I respect trainer Demeritte and how part of his battle with cancer is to keep training. It makes me so happy he could make it to the Kentucky Derby and bask in this beautiful week.

West Saratoga earned his way in with a second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, won decisively by Endlessly. You could throw a towel over the distance between West Saratoga, Seize the Grey, Triple Espresso and Woodcourt as they crossed the finish line, and West Saratoga was not prominent in the gallop-out. He would become the only Kentucky Derby winner I can recall whose final workout was designed for three furlongs. Much as I respect his trainer, I have to pass.

14 ENDLESSLY - The best 3-year-old on grass will try the dirt in the Derby. In the past Churchill Downs' dirt surface has been kind to some grass horses who made the surface switch. In this case the horse, according to trainer McCarthy, works about the same on Churchill's dirt as he has at other tracks. And there is the thought that, following the spate of equine fatalities at Churchill Downs last year which led to the meet being finished at Ellis Park, the soil on the main track was amended; in other words, it's not the same dirt surface that was sometimes kind to turf runners in the past. But since this is the first meet with the amended soil, we just don't know.

Endlessly's penultimate Derby workout was not good; his final one looked much better but it was staged with a hopelessly outmatched workmate. He fits in the I-can't-use-them-all category. I wish he were running in the American Turf where he would probably be in a "best bet" category.

15 DOMESTIC PRODUCT - I really like this horse and his trainer's ability to bring one to the Kentucky Derby the right way, but his route -- going straight to the Kentucky Derby off a win in a 1 1/16-mile race in early March (Tampa Bay Derby) -- does not work for me. In the Tampa Bay Derby, Good Money led through crawling fractions of 25.25, 51.15 and 1:16.21. Domestic Product got the final 5/16 mile and the win in a very quick 28.86 seconds which is comprehensible considering the glacial early pace. A faster pace, which he will get in the Kentucky Derby, may help Domestic Product.

I see a red flag in the fact he didn't compete in a major nine-furlong prep, but that is so obvious it worries me I'm wrong. Tough to use, tough to completely ignore. But I cannot see him winning the Kentucky Derby; then again, I couldn't see Rich Strike winning the Kentucky Derby. I was just struck by the thought of another sometimes potent angle -- the trainer's "other horse." Can you imagine that happening with this one versus Sierra Leone?

Domestic Product is drawn fairly wide for a closer who needs a fast pace to run his best race. Working out a perfect trip would be key to a good result.

16 GRAND MO THE FIRST - He is set to break from the gate next door to the presumptive favorite, Fierceness. The form says "bumped start" in the Florida Derby. The head-on video shows Grand Mo the First broke straight and was bumped by the horse to his inside.

The colt's works have been very slow. This seems to be taken straight out of the Mage playbook. Mage worked very slowly leading into the 2023 Kentucky Derby.Grand Mo the First could be part of the early pace, but based on his form and training we cannot endorse him.

17 FIERCENESS - We all know Fierceness has exhibited demonstrable issues with adversity, and in a large field that could be a problem. Is this a legitimate fear or a relatively minor concern?

There's always something to worry about when you invest. Whether it's Wall Street, main street or the Kentucky Derby, a need to climb the wall of worry is always there. One of Fierceness' two bad races occurred almost seven months ago. Is that relevant now? The need to have a good trip in the Kentucky Derby applies not just to Fierceness but to every horse in the field. Is Fierceness any more likely than others to encounter a bad trip?

Fierceness is my top pick to win. He is in The Downey Profile Top 4 (Section 5 of the Subscription Page). Because of that he cannot be a Profile Buster, but he has the most points in the Profile Busters Profile (Section 9 of the Subscription Page). And in six categories of speed figures set out in Derby by the Speed Numbers (Section 6 of the Subscription Page) used by DRF, Brisnet and Equibase, he shares the lead with Sierra Leone. The post 17 jinx (no horse has ever won the Derby from that post), which didn't influence my thinking in the first place, is likely gone with the defection of Encino and the addition of Epic Ride. If the field remains at 20, this moves Fierceness in one notch to post 16. Regardless of the post number, he can certainly get a clear trip from there enabling him to get into that rhythm he enjoys. Like the others, he needs to break well for obvious reasons and to avoid being squeezed back.

A nightmare scenario would be something like #19 Resilience breaking inward, forcing #18 Stronghold into Fierceness and Resilience getting the best of both of them running toward the first turn. This is my wall of worry.

If something like that doesn't happen, and if he runs his race, it's a matter of getting the distance, something they all face. Fierceness put in an awesome workout at Churchill Downs (my observation was "I don't know how Fierceness could be asked for a better workout going into a big race"), leading me to think he is no worse for the wear after his 13 1/2-length win in the Florida Derby. That race result standing alone is reason enough to like him, and during his gallop-out he remained far in front of the Florida Derby field.

18 STRONGHOLD - The son of Ghostzapper is tied for the lead in The Downey Profile rankings. I will box him in an exacta with the others in the Top 4, which I always do, but he lags in the other objective ratings and is hard for me to endorse.

I was told years ago that Ghostzapper is not a great sire of two-turn winners, and I notice the sire of Stronghold's dam is Jimmy Creed, who made his name sprinting.

Stronghold won the Santa Anita Derby by a slim margin over Imagination, who doesn't have the look of a top Triple Crown prospect. On the plus side, Stronghold and Imagination galloped out together in front of the rest far past the finish line.

I view his penultimate workout that took place at Santa Anita as the major one. It was very fast (46.60 -- too fast?). That was followed by a maintenance 59.80 breeze at Churchill Downs, where we saw a lot of fast workouts, with a gallop-out that was less than real strong probably by design.

19 RESILIENCE - An examination of Derby by the Speed Numbers shows his best figures at Brisnet where from the Wood Memorial he earned Top 4 numbers in both early speed and late pace as well as his overall number. In addition he is close to Top 4 territory with his Equibase figure. On the down side, his DRF Beyers of 90 in his last two races look dull by comparison.

Resilience's training at Churchill Downs has been excellent, with a single outstanding workout sandwiched between two others in a span that ran from April 18 to April 28. Technically, that's three works in 11 calendar days, but the old-timers call it "three works in 10 days," something you hardly see any more and that stands out in my mind. The second of the three works, Resilience ran nearly to the track kitchen and wanted to keep going. Can't hardly ask for better than that.

He has tactical speed that should serve him well from this wide post, and I think trainer Mott, a veteran who's won many big races, believes he's a stayer. However, the Wood Memorial gallop-out showed me something I didn't expect when Society Man easily outran Resilience. That may have been by design for each of them, it's impossible to know for sure. I put more emphasis on how he has moved forward in his training. Finally, Resilience's sire, Into Mischief, has been on a roll for several years. A lot to like with Resilience.

20 - SOCIETY MAN - It's odd he and his stable mate Dornoch drew opposite ends of the gate. The lone chestnut in the race unless Mugatu gets in. If this closer drops back very far, the wide post will seriously compromise him. A repeat of his Wood Memorial tactics, where he was never more than 4 1/2 lengths off the pace, would help him. He broke from the outside in that race too, post 10 of 12, and finished just 2 1/4 lengths behind Resilience.

As I mentioned above, the gallop-out in the Wood showed me something I didn't expect -- Society Man easily outran Resilience; however, each gallop-out may have been by design. In his works at Churchill Downs with stable mate Dornoch, Society Man has held his own, and I've seen him in good spirits bouncing on the track.

21 EPIC RIDE - A forward pace influence, he has to hit the go button from the far outside post, where will be unless Mugatu draws in. He chased a lively pace in the Blue Grass, and it did not work out well as he receded in the stretch and did not join Sierra Leone and Just a Touch as they led the gallop-out. Difficult to see him around at the finish, especially if Fierceness to his inside fires.

AE 22 MUGATU - In case Mugatu gets in, I can't help but notice he is very experienced with 12 starts; however, he has earned only $80,570 in the process. The $14,000 son of Blofeld has definitely improved this year, and anything is possible, but I will omit him from my wagering if he runs.

Good luck everyone, and as my friend Roxy Roxborough says, "May the odds be with you."

SAMPLE TRIFECTA BET
#17 FIERCENESS
with
#2 SIERRA LEONE
#4 CATCHING FREEDOM
#6 JUST STEEL
#11 FOREVER YOUNG
#19 RESILIENCE
with
#2 SIERRA LEONE
#3 MYSTIK DAN
#4 CATCHING FREEDOM
#5 CATALYTIC
#6 JUST STEEL
#7 HONOR MARIE
# 8 JUST A TOUCH
#11 FOREVER YOUNG
#12 TRACK PHANTOM
#19 RESILIENCE

A total of 45 bets.

Si's Selections for Kentucky Derby 150

Fri, 03 May 2024 01:13:19 GMT

Si's Selections for Kentucky Derby 150

#2 SIERRA LEONE (3-1) Gaffalione/Brown. Brown's first Derby WIN.

#7 HONOR MARIE (20-1) Curtis/Beckman. Nearing peak.

#18 STRONGHOLD (20-1) Fresu/D Amato. Improved to win SA Derby.

#19 RESILIENCE (20-1) Alvarado/Mott. Mott wants the ROSES.

#4 CATCHING FREEDOM (8-1) Prat/Cox. Strong closer.

The LOUISVILLE LONG SHOT of the Day: #14 ENDLESSLY (30+-1) Rispoli/McCarthy. They say he can't run on the DIRT ??? We'll find out!

Good luck, Si

Daily Derby Update: May 2, 2024

Thu, 02 May 2024 17:30:58 GMT

Daily Derby Update: Thursday, May 2, 2024

CATALYTIC – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic went to the track Thursday shortly after the start of the 7:30 a.m. training period for Oaks and Derby horses.

With regular exercise rider Olaf Hernandez aboard, the Florida Derby (GI) runner-up galloped a mile-and-a-half for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

“He also stood in the starting gate before his gallop,” said Joseph, who’s waiting to see the weather to map out his Friday training plans.

“It’s undecided,” Joseph said. “He’s scheduled to go to the track. If it rains, he might walk tomorrow. If the track’s good, he’ll go to the track. If the track’s nasty, he’ll just walk.”

Jose Ortiz will ride the lightly raced colt in the Derby from post 5. In the Derby advance wagering after two days, Catalytic is 40-1.

CATCHING FREEDOM/JUST A TOUCH – A host of “Team Cox” supporters were on hand Thursday to watch Albaugh Family Stables’ Catching Freedom along with Qatar Racing, Resolute Racing and Marc Detampel’s Just a Touch gallop at 7:30 a.m.

Trainer Brad Cox, who watched his horses train from the clocker stand near the five-eighths pole simply said, “Perfect.”

Both horses are scheduled to school in the paddock Thursday afternoon.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE - Blue Grass Stakes (GI) winner Sierra Leone has been metronomic in his training, going about his daily routine without a hitch and with eye-catching ability. The son of Gun Runner kept up that trend Thursday morning, coming out during the 7:30 a.m. training period and getting into another solid gallop twice around the Churchill Downs oval.

As has also been standard, stablemate and fellow Kentucky Derby entrant Domestic Product emerged after his comrade put in his morning work, coming onto the track just after 8 a.m. and galloping about 1 1/2 miles under the watch of trainer Chad Brown.

“Obviously we’re getting into the last couple days of training here,” Brown said. “My Oaks horses are done, the Derby horses will have one more routine gallop tomorrow. Sierra Leone looks super and I feel (Domestic Product) is flying under the radar a bit too. I was very pleased with both gallops. These horses both have so much energy and they’re moving well. In my position as a trainer that’s really all you can ask for.”

On hand to watch Sierra Leone Thursday morning was one of Brown’s top clients, Peter Brant, who owns the colt along with Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Brook Smith, and Westerberg. Brant owned a share of Claiborne Farm's 1984 Kentucky Derby winner Swale and has been impressed by Sierra Leone from Day One, as evidenced by the colt’s $2.3 million price tag as a yearling.

“He is a special horse and I’m confident that he should be here,” Brant said. “It is a difficult race (the Kentucky Derby). You have to have a good trip, you have to have a good rider, it’s all very complicated. But I’m just proud of him to be here. It’s one of those situations where an outstanding individual like him comes along and he runs to what he looks like, that doesn’t always happen.

“A lot of times you buy an expensive horse like that and they can’t run. We’re very, very lucky he’s made it this far and Chad has done a fantastic job. He wouldn’t bring the horse here if he didn’t feel he was up to it. We’re looking forward to this race but also looking forward to the future of taking care of this horse.”

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – Though he considered giving the colt a walk day Thursday, trainer Danny Gargan opted to send Remsen (GII) and Fountain of Youth Stakes (GII) winner Dornoch out for a jog early as he readies for what is expected to be a front-running effort in the Kentucky Derby.

With the son of Good Magic set to have to gun it out of post No. 1 in the Derby, Gargan may give Dornoch a walk day Friday in an effort to have him extra sharp come Saturday. His stablemate Society Man meanwhile did hit the track for his gallop and gate schooling Thursday, with plans to gallop Friday as well.

“They both looked great on the track I thought,” Gargan said. “Dornoch just had an easy morning, he went around there one time. We’ve walked him more going into some of his races but it is the Derby. Tomorrow, I’ll make the decision what we’re going to do but most likely he’ll walk because we want him to show speed. Society Man will go out and train. But I’m pleased with both of them.”

On Wednesday, Gargan had famed farrier Ian McKinlay come and lace up a quarter crack on Dornoch’s right front foot, an issue the colt has had dating back to his juvenile season. Gargan said the quarter crack is not something that has impacted Dornoch’s training or running previously, adding there have been no signs of any heat or lameness.

“He’s had it since has was 2,” Gargan said of the quarter crack. “It’s just routine what we do, Ian has always done him up. We’re coming into the Derby and we looked at it last week and Ian said he’d be good. We ended up putting one more lace in the top of it. But he looks great, no heat, he jogs beautifully. It’s something he’s had, it’s been there. But he ran with it and won three races with it. We’re pleased with how it looks right now.”

Dornoch has been in a three-quarter shoe but Gargan said he will be shod with a full shoe Saturday morning.

ENDLESSLY – It was basic training business for Amerman Racing’s Endlessly Thursday morning at Churchill Downs, nothing fancy. The dark homebred son of Oscar Performance took part in the 7:30-7:45 training period for Oaks and Derby runners with regular exercise rider Walter Davilia in the irons.

The jockey who’ll handle him on Saturday – Umberto Rispoli – was on hand as an observer and joined trainer Michael McCarthy trackside to watch the colt go through a smooth gallop of about a mile and a quarter.

“No more standing in the gate, no more trips to the paddock,” McCarthy said. “We’re all done with that. The only thing we want to do now is keep him happy.”

EPIC RIDE – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride jogged in the mile chute under Sophie Doyle during the 7:30-7:45 training period for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses.

Third in the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) in his most recent start, Epic Ride was entered in the Kentucky Derby last Saturday as an also eligible and made the main body of the race when Encino was scratched this week.

Trainer John Ennis took the uncertainty of whether Epic Ride would be in the Derby in stride.

“I don’t get anxious or nervous,” Ennis said. “The only aim is to get the horse to the race in the best shape possible. We are happy with everything and this morning he just bounced off the track.”

FIERCENESS – Repole Stable’s Fierceness, 2023’s 2-year-old champion, followed pattern and sauntered down to the racetrack for the 7:30 start of the special training session with regular exercise rider Danny Wright on board. The handsome City of Light colt galloped a mile and one half, then made a visit to the starting gate for the second day in a row.

“He’s good there (the gate),” Wright said. “Just in and out.”

Overseeing the colt’s activities were trainer Todd Pletcher, owner Mike Repole with family members and barn friend and favorite Avery Johnson, the basketball player, coach and commentator.

Fierceness has been assigned post 17 for Saturday’s 150th Kentucky Derby, a race where he has been tabbed as the 5-2 morning line favorite. Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez will be in the saddle.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (JPN) warmed up in the mile chute under training assistant Yusaku Oka and then galloped a mile and a half before returning to the chute to cool down before walking back to the Quarantine Barn.

Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, the undefeated Forever Young will be partnered as usual by Ryusei Sakai in Derby 150. Sakai is scheduled to return to Louisville tonight from Japan.

Forever Young is scheduled to be on the track at 5:15 Friday morning.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First galloped a mile and a quarter under Amel Macias for trainer Victor Barboza Jr.

Barboza said Grand Mo the First would school in the paddock this afternoon with horses in the fourth race and would train early Friday morning.

Emisael Jaramillo has the mount Saturday.

HONOR MARIE – Ribble Farms, Michael Eiserman, Earl Silver, Kenneth Fishbein and Dave Fishbein’s Honor Marie had his normal 1 ½-mile gallop Thursday morning regular rider Maurilio Garcia.

Trainer Whit Beckman, who made it back to the track following five days in the hospital, said his condition was slowly improving and hopes to be at the Derby.

JUST STEEL – After coming onto the track just before 5:30 a.m. with D. Wayne Lukas leading the way, Just Steel checked off another day of routine training with a gallop twice around under the lights.

“Everything’s good,” said Brian Coelho, who co-owns Just Steel in partnership with his friend John Bellinger. “It’s nerve wracking at this point, but it’s exiting at the same time.”

While Just Steel is not the most accomplished of the Derby entrants in terms of wins, he has it over most of his comrades in terms of experience. In throwback fashion, the son of Justify made seven starts during his 2-year-old season. He broke his maiden going six furlongs at Saratoga last August and earned his lone stakes win when he captured the 6 ½-furlong Ed Brown at Churchill Downs last November.

“He’s just an incredibly impressive horse who has competed at the pinnacle of his sport for the duration of his career,” said jockey Keith Asmussen, who guided Just Steel to his runner-up effort in the Arkansas Derby (GI) and will be aboard the colt on Saturday. “He broke his maiden at Saratoga, won the Ed Brown here, and has raced at every prep at Oaklawn. A horse that has his mindset and ability as a competitor, it’s hard not to have a bunch of confidence in him.”

MYSTIK DAN –Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan was out Thursday for trainer Kenny McPeek for a typical gallop of about a mile and three-eighths with Robby Albarado, a former jockey who regularly rides for McPeek and was available for the workout.

“It was a regular gallop, he’s doing fine,” said McPeek, whose colt will start from post 3 with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard.

After two days of advance wagering, the winner of the Southwest Stakes (GIII) and third-place finisher in the Arkansas Derby (GI) – both at Oaklawn Park – was a 27-1 proposition for the Kentucky Derby.

RESILIENCE – Wood Memorial Stakes (GII) winner Resilience put in another easy gallop Thursday morning, visiting the paddock and then going about 1 3/8 miles under the watch of trainer Bill Mott.

“Everything’s good,” Mott said.

With the scratch of Encino out to the race, Resilience will move in one spot in the gate and break from the No. 18 post.

STRONGHOLD – “We got on it real early; got him a good mile and a half gallop and he’s doing good.”

That was trainer Phil D’Amato speaking about his Kentucky Derby charge Stronghold on Thursday following a training session that unfolded shortly after the track opened at 5:15. The conditioner had given his Derby rider, Antonio Fresu, a leg up on his Ghostzapper colt and Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner and watched the twosome conduct their business on a fast Churchill Downs racing strip.

“We’ll go out again early tomorrow and go a little lighter,” he said. “Then we’ll be all buttoned up.”

At his Southern California base, D’Amato is seen as “the man,” working with his 100-plus stable, running several horses a day, often seen as the man to beat in many of the major stakes races. In Louisville this week, he’s just a guy with a horse and a hope.

“I like being under the radar,” he said. “Anytime you don’t have that bullseye on your back, life is easier.”

T O PASSWORD (JPN) – Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password (JPN) warmed up in the mile chute under jockey Kazushi Kimura and then galloped a mile and half with stablemate T O Saint Denis (JPN) and then returned to the chute to cool down before returning to the Quarantine Barn.

Looking on from the backstretch was trainer Daisuke Takayanagi, who seven years ago came to Churchill Downs to shadow trainer Dale Romans and to observe American training.

“I liked how his horses, when they would come out of the barn, he would take time with them and make them relax,” the 46-year-old Takayanagi said. “We can’t really do that as long in Japan, but it is something I would like to implement.”

TRACK PHANTOM – Lecomte Stakes (GIII) winner Track Phantom returned to his early morning training session Thursday for trainer Steve Asmussen and was under the watchful eye of co-owner Jerry Caroom.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Derby,” Caroom said. “It’s a fun week and we’re having a blast so far.”

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga galloped a mile and a half under Donte Lowery for trainer Larry Demeritte during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses.

West Saratoga is housed in Barn 42, the same barn that the winner of the first Derby Demeritte saw in person came out of.

“Seattle Slew in 1977,” Demeritte said. “We were almost in that Derby. Oscar Dishman had Silver Series that year and he drew the 14 hole for the Fountain of Youth and he shouldn’t have run that day.”

Silver Series finished 10 ^th in that race and the Derby dream ended.

“They had similar running styles, go to the front,” Demeritte said. “He went on to win the Ohio Derby, American Derby and was third in the Travers.”

Silver Series earned nearly $600,000 in his career that included six stakes wins.

“It is an interesting field this year,” Demeritte said. “But then I am paying a little more attention to it.”

West Saratoga has been ridden in his past two starts by Jesus Castanon, who will be aboard Saturday.

Castanon has had one previous Derby mount, that coming in 2011 on Shackleford. Trained by Dale Romans, Shackleford set the pace and had the lead at the eighth pole only to be overtaken by Animal Kingdom and finish fourth, 3 ¾ lengths behind the winner.

“I thought I was going to win it,” Castanon said Thursday morning. “It would have been my first Grade One. He wasn’t tired and I didn’t think anybody was going to come from behind (and get us). I was celebrating. In my mind, I was going crazy.”

ALSO-ELIGIBLE – Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells’ Mugatu (No. 21) galloped a mile and a half under Joe Talamo for trainer Jeff Engler. Mugatu would need one defection from the Derby field of 20 to move into the main body of the race.

Scratch time for the Kentucky Derby is 9 a.m. Friday and if Mugatu does not get in the race, Engler’s Plan B is to probably work Mugatu Sunday morning and then ship to New York that afternoon or Monday for the $200,000 Peter Pan (GIII) run at 1 1/8 miles on May 11 at Aqueduct.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY FIELD – Here is the field for the 150 ^th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) in order of post positions (with rider and morning line odds): Dornoch (Luis Saez, 20-1), Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, 3-1), Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., 20-1), Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, 8-1), Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, 30-1), Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, 20-1), Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, 20-1), Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, 10-1), Encino (Axel Concepcion, SCRATCHED), T O Password (JPN) (Kazuski Kimura, 30-1), Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai. 10-1), Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, 20-1), West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, 30-1), Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, 30-1), Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., 30-1), Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, 50-1), Fierceness (John Velasquez, 5-2), Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, 20-1), Resilience (Junior Alvarado, 20-1), Society Man (Frankie Dettori, 50-1); Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, 50-1). Also Eligible: Mugatu (Joe Talamo, 50-1). All starters will carry 126 pounds .

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

EVERLAND – Foster Family Racing, William Wargel, R.K. Eckrich Racing and Maxis Stable’s Everland, winner of the Bourbonette Oaks (Listed) in her most recent start for trainer Eric Foster, walked the shedrow Thursday.

“She’s doing great, everything’s good, wish we could run the race today,” said Foster, who scored an upset win Wednesday in the featured $291,000 William Walker Stakes with 29-1 Joe Shiesty. Abel Cedillo, who was that winning jockey, also will ride Everland in the Oaks.

“We came in here ready, and we’re not going to change a whole lot,” Foster said. “We’re already fit. Gallop yesterday, walk today, win tomorrow.”

Foster claimed the daughter of Arrogate for $30,000 on Dec. 30, 2023, at Turfway Park. Everland is 44-1 after two days of advance wagering and will start from post 9.

FIONA’S MAGIC – Stonehedge LLC’s homebred Fiona’s Magic jogged a mile and visited the paddock under Alejandro Mariano.

“Our on-track training is done,” trainer Michael Yates said. “She won’t go to the track in the morning.”

A winner of three of six starts, including the Davona Dale (GII), Fiona’s Magic will exit post 6 under Luis Saez, who will be aboard for the first time.

“I just want to see her break clean and go from there,” Yates said of what he was looking for Friday.

Should Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Candied draw into the race off the also-eligible list, Saez would have that mount. Yates has John Velazquez on standby, if necessary.

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin along with Godolphin’s Tarifa both galloped about 1 ½ miles Thursday at 7:30 a.m. for trainer Brad Cox.

“They’re doing as good as you can hope leading into the Oaks,” Cox said. “It’s a solid group of fillies this year and we’re looking forward to the race.”

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Six Column Stables, Randy Bloch, Jim Gladden, Mike Davis and Michael Steele’s Into Champagne was on the track Thursday at the 7:30 a.m. training time for trainer Ian Wilkes.

“She galloped about a mile-and-three-eighths with Adelso Orantes,” Wilkes said. “All good with her.”

Jockey Julian Leparoux will ride Into Champagne, the third-place finisher in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII). She has finished in the money in her four career starts with Leparoux.

The filly drew post 10 but will move in one spot with the scratch of Tapit Jenallie. She was bet down to 36-1 after two days of advance wagering.

JUST F Y I – George Krikorian’s reigning champion juvenile filly Just F Y I continues to train as impressively as any Oaks or Derby contender, putting in another gallop twice around Thursday where she was on the muscle.

The daughter of Justify certainly brings fresh legs to the table for the Oaks as she has had just one start this year, a runner-up finish in the Ashland Stakes (GI) at Keeneland.

“She’s moving great,” trainer Bill Mott said. “When she had that race in the Ashland, I think it was a little wake-up call. You lay those horses up five months and they get a little rusty, but I think she kind of realizes she’s back in the game.”

Rain is in the forecast for Oaks day, but an off track shouldn’t be an issue for Just F Y I. The bay filly won the Frizette Stakes (GI) at Saratoga last October over a sealed, sloppy surface.

LEMON MUFFIN - For the second straight day, Honeybee Stakes (GIII) winner Lemon Muffin jogged once around and in the chute after coming onto the track with stablemate and Derby entrant, Just Steel.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas has been jogging the filly in an effort to keep her energy contained after a swift final workout (:58.20 for five furlongs) on Saturday and strong gallop two days ago.

LESLIE’S ROSE/CANDIED – The two potential Kentucky Oaks fillies that train out of the Todd Pletcher barn took advantage of the special 7:30-7:45 training session available for runners pointing for the Kentucky Derby or the Kentucky Oaks.

Leslie’s Rose, who is assured a spot in the 14-horse field for the nine-furlong classic tomorrow, had regular exercise rider Joel Osorio in the saddle. Candied, who is on the also-eligible list and will need one defection from the race prior to the 9 a.m. Friday scratch time, had exercise rider Carlos Quevedo aboard.

“She went nice and easy today,” Osorio said of Leslie’s Rose and her mile and a half gallop. “She’s feeling very good.”

Leslie’s Rose will break from post 13 Friday at approximately 5:51 p.m. Regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. has the call.

OUR PRETTY WOMAN – Courtlandt Farm’s Our Pretty Woman drew into the Longines Kentucky Oaks field following the defection of Tapit Jenallie.

Trained by Steve Asmussen, Our Pretty Woman galloped about 1 ½ miles Thursday at 5:30 a.m.

POWER SQUEEZE – Lea Farms’ Kentucky-bred Power Squeeze was out on the Churchill Downs track Thursday with exercise rider Edwin Castro for trainer Jorge Delgado.

“She went out and galloped her mile-and-a-half,” Delgado said. “Just one more day. With the scratch (of Tapit Jenallie), that changes the race a little.”

Power Squeeze could extend her win streak to five if the upset winner of the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) prevails in the Kentucky Oaks. The filly, who is a 11-1 betting choice after two days of advance wagering, drew post 12 with Daniel Centeno in the field of 14, but the scratch will move Power Squeeze one stall closer to the rail.

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS -- With all the hard work behind them, the Chad Brown’s Oaks duo of Regulatory Risk and Ways and Means both put in their final gallops ahead of Friday’s signature test for 3-year-old fillies.

With rain in the forecast for Oaks day, Ways and Means may be faced with running over a wet track for the first time in her career. Regulatory Risk caught a sealed, sloppy track in the Busher Stakes at Aqueduct March 2 in which she finished fifth.

“They’re both doing really well but we’re watching the weather I guess,” Brown said. “These horses don’t have much experience in the wet, particularly Ways and Means, who is the stronger half of the entry. But she is doing super and I do expect her to run well.”

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie was withdrawn from Friday’s Oaks because of a slight injury, trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. said Thursday morning.

“She’s having a little problem with her back end, and we felt like she’s just too nice of a filly to do anything detrimental to her health,” Milligan said.

The trainer said that he first noticed something was a little off the last couple of days, but that the situation didn’t clear up.

“It’s very disappointing, very disheartening, but that’s how this game is,” he said. “She’s been doing really well, and been training really well. It showed up one morning while I was galloping her, and it’s there.”

Milligan said they’ll regroup and plan out an altered racing schedule for her 3-year-old season.

“We’re going to give her a little more time, maybe a 30-day break, let her eat some grass, then re-evaluate and see what we need to do,” said Milligan, who was training Tapit Jenallie to be his first Oaks starter.

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna went out Thursday morning for a gallop with her Oaks rider, Brian Hernandez Jr.

After two days of advance wagering, the easy winner of the Fantasy (GII) at Oaklawn Park is the 2-1 favorite.

“She galloped a mile-and-a-half, the usual stuff,” said trainer Kenny McPeek, who was one of several trainers on hand Wednesday night at the Davenport Derby Dash to support Bellarmine University Basketball.

Thorpedo Anna, winner of three of her four career starts with Hernandez, drew post 5 for the Oaks.

WHERE’S MY RING – Michael McMillan’s Gazelle (GIII) winner Where’s My Ring took care of business relatively early Thursday morning, going trackside with exercise rider David Rodriguez up at 6:20 for a two-mile jog around the big oval.

Trainer Val Brinkerhoff took the filly to the track, then watched her stretch her legs from the clocker’s stand on the backside. They were back at Barn 30 shortly thereafter.

“We got her out early today to beat the heat (it has been in the 80s in Louisville of late),” Brinkerhoff said. “She’s as ready as she can be. We’re just hoping for a good trip tomorrow.”

The Twirling Candy filly will break from post 2 in the 14-horse Oaks lineup with veteran rider Jose Lezcano once again at the controls.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Here is the field for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) in order of post position (with jockey and morning line odds): The field for the Kentucky Oaks, from the rail out with riders and morning line odds, is: Tapit Jenallie (SCRATCHED), Gin Gin (Florent Geroux, 30-1), Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano, 15-1), Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, 20-1), Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., 5-1), Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, 30-1), Fiona’s Magic (Luis Saez, 30-1), Tarifa (Flavien Prat, 7-2), Everland (Abel Cedillo, 30-1), Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, 30-1), Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, 5-1), Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, 12-1), Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, 9-2), Leslie’s Rose (Irad Ortiz Jr., 4-1), Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, 15-1). Also-eligible: Candied (Luis Saez, 20-1).

Daily Derby Update: May 1, 2024

Wed, 01 May 2024 17:25:36 GMT

Daily Derby Update: Wednesday, May 1, 2024

CATALYTIC – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic was back on the track Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., with regular exercise rider Olaf Hernandez aboard.

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. had the Florida Derby (GI) runner-up gallop a mile-and-a-half. Later Wednesday, “He’s going to school in the paddock during race two this afternoon,” Joseph said. “Tomorrow, he’ll gallop again, and maybe school in the paddock, depending on how today goes.”

“All is well with him,” said Joseph, who will give a leg up to Jose Ortiz in the Derby. He’ll leave the post 5. “He’s been handling everything very well so far.”

CATCHING FREEDOM/JUST A TOUCH – It was a lively morning at Brad Cox’s Barn 22 with several ownership interests from Catching Freedom and Just a Touch watching their Derby contenders train.

The duo is scheduled to school in the paddock during the races Thursday.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE -- It was another routine morning for the Chad Brown-trained duo of Blue Grass Stakes (GI) winner Sierra Leone and Klaravich Stables’ Domestic Product. Sierra Leone came out at his customary time during the 7:30 a.m. training period, galloping twice around over the Churchill Downs track.

Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) winner Domestic Product put in his training just after 8 a.m., galloping with good energy and even giving Brown an anxious moment when he reared coming off the track.

“The horses look super,” Brown said. “(Domestic Product) actually came off on his hind legs and had me a little scared. He seems to conserve his energy so much. He’s really coming into the race the right way.”

Among the many onlookers at the Brown barn Wednesday morning was Brook Smith, whose happy visage has been a constant presence whenever Sierra Leone, whom he co-owns, goes to the track. The Louisville resident has been a popular spokesperson for the son of Gun Runner he owns 16 percent of in partnership with Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg as he enjoys his first venture as a Kentucky Derby owner.

Through a business investment with a sports entertainment insurance company in London, England, Smith was able to connect with the principles of Coolmore Stud. That relationship grew to the point where Smith was asked if he would be willing to partner with the group on a couple of purchases. He was on a plane when the bidding for Sierra Leone was taking place during the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale and when the final price hammered down at $2.3 million, the entrepreneur had no idea how massive the dividends would be coming at him.

“I got to know the (Coolmore) folks here in Kentucky and then I went to Ireland and had a lunch and spent a day at the farm there, which was unbelievable,” Smith said. "They asked if I wanted to partner with them on some high-end yearlings and I wasn’t going to miss that opportunity. They’ve been incredible, just lots of fun.

“I’m just kind of soaking it in still. I know waking up on Derby Day and heading to the track will be a lot different than it’s ever been before. I’m excited. I’m anxious but at the same time I’m more excited because if he runs his race, it’s going to be exciting.”

Quick with a grin and welcoming word, Smith has had his already ebullient nature cranked into overdrive since Sierra Leone cemented himself among the Derby favorites on the strength of his victory in the Blue Grass Stakes. He is determined to share the moment literally and figuratively as he has pledged 10 percent of the colt’s earnings to Churchill Downs’ Backside Learning Center with plans to contribute an additional $100,000 to BLC should Sierra Leone prevail.

“You have horses who are winning and if you just give a small percentage of the purse to the backside, it’s that simple,” Smith said. “A little bit moves the needle significantly.”

Smith has been generous with both his intentions and his time in the lead up to the 150th Kentucky Derby. He admits to being awestruck by the entire experience, one that already ranks among his significant involvements personally and professionally.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen next week. I guess if (Sierra Leone) gets there, the high will continue,” Smith said. “And even if it doesn’t, if he runs a big race and doesn’t win it’s still going to be one of the most memorable things of my life.”

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – Fountain of Youth Stakes (GII) winner Dornoch and Wood Memorial Stakes (GII) runner-up Society Man switched things up Wednesday morning with Dornoch coming out before 6 o’clock to train this time while his stablemate hit the track for a gallop and gate schooling during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Derby and Oaks horses.

“I wanted to school at the gate and I only have one rider so one will train early,” trainer Danny Gargan said. “Society Man did the gate today and I don’t know if I’ll take him again tomorrow. He trained really well today at that time and Dornoch looked good. I’m pleased with how my horses are doing. I think I have two super sound horses and they’re both training good. Just have to take it day by day.”

Gargan has often given Dornoch two walk days leading into some of his races, saying it hones the son of Good Magic’s early speed. That may be the plan again heading into Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, although Gargan said he is still deciding whether to send the bay colt to the track Thursday.

“Dornoch sometimes walks a couple days going into a race. It makes him sharper out of the gate,” Gargan explained. "I don’t know exactly what I’m doing with him. He could walk and he could train. I’ll think about it tonight. But all the races that he’s broke good and come out of the gate on the lead, we’ve walked him two days into it. So there is a big chance he’ll walk. Society Man we want to break and settle, so he’ll train every day. He’ll train through Friday.”

ENDLESSLY – Trainer Michael McCarthy will be saddling “his” first Kentucky Derby starter this Saturday in Amerman Racing’s Endlessly.

But, as the phrase goes, this won’t be his first rodeo.

For nearly 10 years, the California native came east to work as the chief assistant to Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher and was on board for the barn’s extensive run of Kentucky Derby starters. Between 2006 and 2012, McCarthy helped Pletcher saddle no fewer than 19 runners for the Run for the Roses, including the stable’s first score in the big one with Super Saver in 2010.

In 2014, with a want to be with his wife and young daughter back in California, McCarthy took a huge gamble and stepped away from the Pletcher gravy train to condition two horses of his own on the West Coast.

Through a lot of hard work “and a bit of luck,” he now oversees a stable of some 100 horses, including more than a few stakes types, and will have his own Derby runner in Endlessly.

Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs he was trackside at 7:30 to watch his Oscar Performance colt go through a mile and three-eighths gallop with Walter Davila in the tack.

“He looks good,” a fan offered as the four-time stakes winner cruised by.

“That’s him,” McCarthy offered back. “If he didn’t look good, I’d be worried. But he’s looking good.”

West Coast rider Umberto Rispoli will get a leg up from McCarthy Saturday, then break from post 14 in the 20-horse Derby lineup.

EPIC RIDE – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride visited the starting gate and then jogged in the mile chute under Sophie Doyle for trainer John Ennis.

“We will probably do all of our work down there the rest of the week,” Ennis said. “He’s sharp now and he stood in the gate quiet as a church mouse this morning.”

Epic Ride drew into the main body of the race Tuesday when Encino was scratched from the Derby. Epic Ride will exit post 20, the same spot Rich Strike came out of when he registered his 80-1 shocker two years ago.

Adam Beschizza, who has ridden Epic Ride in all five of his starts, has the mount in Derby 150. It will be the second Derby ride for Beschizza, who piloted Enforceable to a seventh-place finish in the 2020 Run for the Roses.

“He will get him to where he is comfortable,” Ennis said of coming out of the 20 hole.

Epic Ride is scheduled to school in the paddock this afternoon with horses in the third race.

FIERCENESS – Trainer Todd Pletcher, he of the eight Eclipse Awards as the nation’s top trainer, the Hall of Fame credentials and the two Kentucky Derby winners, will be saddling Kentucky Derby 150’s favorite Saturday in Repole Stable’s Fierceness.

The man has been down this road before – has he ever.

Fierceness, 2023’s 2-year-old champion, will be the record-extending 65th starter for the 56-year-old native of Dallas. Since he saddled his first Derby starters in 2000, the champion trainer has missed only one year (2003) in which he hasn’t had a least one starter in the world’s most famous horse race.

Twice (2007, 2013) he has started five runners in the field. Four other times (2000, 2015, 2018, 2021) he had four entered. On four additional occasions (2005, 2015, 2017, 2022) he sent out three entrants.

So this year he has only the one possibility in the City of Light colt he’ll tack up for a mile and a quarter journey under veteran John Velazquez. But it’s a very good possibility, as his 5-2 morning line favoritism in the field of 20 tells you.

Wednesday morning Pletcher had Fierceness on the Churchill oval at 7:30 under Danny Wright for a mile-and-a-quarter tour of the oval, followed by a jog down to the starting gate in the mile chute where the dark bay youngster practiced entering a version of the 20-hole gate he’ll see Saturday. Pletcher was nearby to make sure all went well. It did and a return to Barn 39 followed shortly thereafter.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (JPN) walked in the mile chute for 15 minutes and then had a paddock schooling session in which training assistant Yusaku Oka was replaced in the saddle for two laps around by trainer Yoshito Yahagi.

“I’m very proud to represent Japan at Kentucky Derby 150,” Yahagi said. “American horse racing is very tough. I always have so much respect for American horses. My horse had a great morning yesterday for his breeze and I’m very pleased with how he did it. We did many things to prepare for kickback but that’s all secret.”

Forever Young had worked five furlongs in 1:03 over a “good” track Tuesday morning. He completed his Wednesday morning activity by walking back to the Quarantine Barn.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First spent part of the walking in the grassy area behind Barn 41 and giving fans on their way into the track for Dawn at the Downs a real up-close look at a Kentucky Derby runner.

“No grass at Gulfstream Park (in the barn area),” trainer Victor Barboza Jr. said.

Once on the track, exercise rider Amel Macias took Grand Mo the First to the starting gate where he stood to the satisfaction of Barboza and then galloped a mile and a half.

Emisael Jaramillo, who has ridden Grand Mo the First in four of his six starts including his two victories, has the Derby mount. Jaramillo is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Friday night after riding at Gulfstream Park.

HONOR MARIE – Ribble Farms, Michael Eiserman, Earl Silver, Kenneth and Dave Fishbein’s Honor Marie galloped 1 ½ miles at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday under regular rider Maurilio Garcia.

Jockey Ben Curtis was on hand to watch his Derby contender train.

“It’s a fun week being involved with the Kentucky Derby,” Curtis said. “I’m excited to get to Saturday, though.”

This will be the first mount in the Derby for Curtis.

JUST STEEL – About 10 minutes after the track opened at 5:15 a.m., D. Wayne Lukas and his distinctive pony were on the scene leading Just Steel out for his routine gallop. Lukas stated he has been watching the energy level of the colt since his half-mile breeze in :50.40 on April 28 and has been encouraged by what he has seen since.

“Everything went smooth, he had good energy,” Lukas said. “We’re now in the keep-them-happy stage. And I’m happy.”

At this stage of his illustrious career, Lukas says his biggest satisfaction when it comes to the Derby is being able to bring his clients to Thoroughbred’s biggest stage. The latest success story in that respect is Brian Coelho, who co-owns Just Steel in partnership with his friend John Bellinger.

Coelho, who is based in California and is president and CEO of Central Valley Meat Company, only got involved in the Thoroughbred industry three years ago. Bellinger had a mutual friend with Lukas and after some discussion, they decided to get their feet wet in the game by buying some yearlings at the 2022 Keeneland September sale.

Among the youngsters that caught their eye was a big-framed son of Justify out of the Eaton Sales consignment. The colt who would become Just Steel was hammered down for $500,000 by BC Stables -- the nom de course of Coelho and Bellinger’s operation. With Lukas giving both his equine protege and his new clients an education along the way, Just Steel ran himself into the upper ranks of the sophomore division with runner-up finishes in the Southwest Stakes (GII) and Arkansas Derby (GI).

“Being able to be here, it’s a dream come true and in such a short period of time,” Coelho said. “We searched out some good horses. We identified (Just Steel) at the Keeneland September sale and he had great structure and a great pedigree to start with. Just a good sound horse, good body, big frame and he’s really developed well. We feel very fortunate and are just trying to enjoy the moment.”

Joking that he does nothing halfway, Coelho says that he now owns 21-22 horses. He recognizes how fortune he has been during this whirlwind journey to racing’s promise land and gives full credit to his legendary conditioner for making an improbable opportunity come to fruition.

“It’s very rare,” Coelho said of his experience. “The amount of knowledge with Mr. Lukas and spending the time with him learning the sport, it's been amazing just to sit and talk with him and learn so much from him. He’s always available, it’s been a great learning experience the last few years for sure.”

MYSTIK DAN – Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan was out for trainer Kenny McPeek for a typical gallop of about a mile and three-eighths with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. on Wednesday, along with a little gate schooling.

“We stood him in the gate for like a minute, 45 seconds, to kind of simulate what’s going to happen Saturday,” Hernandez said. “Then we popped him out and let him go for about a sixteenth of a mile. Then he came back to us and trained well. It seems like he’s ready to go.”

“We just did a little gate schooling, since we drew inside,” said McPeek, whose colt will start from the post 3 with Hernandez. “We wanted to make sure we leave there clean. We don’t want to leave there flat-footed.”

The scratching of Encino could make a difference in the Derby. “I do think he was a little speed in there,” McPeek said. “I’m not sure how that will unfold.”

RESILIENCE – It was a “thumbs up” kind of morning for trainer Bill Mott as he watched Wood Memorial Stakes (GII) winner Resilience complete his latest day of training without a hitch days out from the Kentucky Derby.

As has been the standard routine for Resilience, he and champion stablemate Just F Y I visited the paddock and then took to the Churchill Downs track. The son of Into Mischief galloped twice around the oval with Mott keeping watch from his pony.

In addition to fielding multiple questions about his latest Kentucky Derby contender, Mott still gets asked about how he would feel to have one of his proteges actually cross the wire first in the 10-furlong classic. Mott famously won the Derby with Country House in 2019 when the colt was elevated to the victory after Maximum Security was disqualified because of interference.

Mott stated he was already feeling like a winner when Country House outran his 65-1 odds to hit the wire in second. Over the next 23 minutes that passed as the stewards reviewed the incident that led to the historic decision to take Maximum Security down, Mott remembers thinking a change in order in his favor was inevitable.

“I was happy to win the other one the way we won it, it was fine. But actually if you’re competing you want to win -- and 99 percent of time you have to cross the wire first to get the victory,” the Hall of Fame trainer recalled. “There was some suspense. During that 23 minutes there was a TV in the tunnel and I went in the tunnel and the stewards were showing the view of the stretch run and it was becoming pretty obvious there would probably be a disqualification.

“I think the stewards knew right away there would be a disqualification and what took a while was figuring out where to place (Maximum Security). He bothered 3-4 horses in the race. We didn’t get really get bothered in the race. We were thrilled the way our horses ran, even to be second, my son Riley and I were going down and you would have through we won the race.”

STRONGHOLD – Trainer Phil D’Amato was back from his two-day sojourn to his stable headquarters at Santa Anita Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs and gave his Kentucky Derby rider – Antonio Fresu – a leg up on his Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold for an early tour of the track.

The two went trackside just after 5:30 and took a mile and one-half gallop around the strip, then headed back to Barn 48.

“I wanted to get (Fresu) up on him and let him get the lay of the land,” D’Amato said. “We’ll probably do the same thing tomorrow.”

The Italian Fresu, who is making quite a name for himself with his riding exploits in Southern California, will be making his first start in the Kentucky Derby. That will be true, too, for D’Amato, as well as the colt’s owners and breeders, Eric and Sharon Waller.

Saturday, Stronghold will come out of post 18 in the 20-horse lineup.

T O PASSWORD (JPN) – Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password (JPN), who worked a half-mile in :46.80 on Tuesday, walked in the mile chute for 15 minutes under jockey Kazushi Kimura and then walked to the paddock for a schooling session.

“I spent some time in North America and I’ll never forget the experience I had here learning from some great people like Dale Romans,” trainer Daisuke Takayanagi said. “It really helped my training career when I got back to Japan.

“(T O Password) had a long trip from Japan and I wanted to see how he’d do going a little faster than normal. I didn’t care about time, I wanted to see how he was moving. I was very pleased with how he was moving. He has only run two times but improved in his second start. I think he can keep improving.”

Following the paddock stop, T O Password walked back to the Quarantine Barn.

TRACK PHANTOM – Lecomte Stakes (GIII) winner Track Phantom galloped about 1 3/8 miles at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday and schooled at the starting gate, which is normal for most Steve Asmussen trainees on Wednesday.

Track Phantom is scheduled to school in the paddock during racing Wednesday.

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga visited the starting gate under exercise rider Donte Lowery and then galloped a mile and a half for trainer Larry Demeritte.

For Veruchi, the Derby experience is one to relish.

“I bought my first horse in 1982, and two weeks later he won at Centennial Racetrack in Littleton, Colorado,” Veruchi said. “I thought, this is easy. And now, to be here, who would have thought it. I don’t know anybody who has been in the Kentucky Derby or even anybody who has won a graded stake.”

ALSO ELIGIBLE – Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells’ Mugatu (No. 21) galloped a mile and a half at 7:30 under jockey Joe Talamo for trainer Jeff Engler.

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

“I know she’s going to run her race, if she transitions to the dirt,” said Foster, who has been in the horse business his entire life, other than about 10 years when he worked as a boilermaker. “We’re gonna find out Friday if she belongs. Going from the artificial to the dirt was my biggest concern. I always said that I’d never run in the Oaks or Derby just to run. Saying that, I think she has a legitimate shot.”

Foster claimed the daughter of Arrogate for $30,000 in a Dec. 30, 2023, race at Turfway Park.

"In claiming, it is a numbers game,” he said. “We try to pick the ones we like the breeding on, or the past performances.”

Foster couldn’t cite anything specific that he’s done which has made a difference in Everland’s rise from the claiming ranks to competing in one of the top graded stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

"There aren’t a lot of secrets out there,” he said. “She was getting beat, but I actually thought she put some effort in for most of her races. They’re the same as we are – you give a horse three, or four, or five chances at the upper level, and most of the time there’s just one thing to do to get their confidence up.

“I try to do the minimum, to keep it simple for the horse,” he added. “We just put her on our program, and try to keep her happy. All we do is take care of them so they last a long time. I try to do everything to keep them healthy to where they can keep running.”

Everland drew the post 9 for the Oaks, and was 30-1 on the morning line with Cedillo.

FIONA’S MAGIC – Stonehedge LLC’s homebred Fiona’s Magic had her morning routine switched up a bit Wednesday morning by trainer Michael Yates.

“Instead of breaking off when she came on the track, I took her over to the front side to let her get a look at all the people (for Dawn at the Downs),” Yates said. “Then she galloped about a mile and three-eighths.”

Alejandro Mariano was aboard Fiona’s Magic, who will be ridden in the Oaks by Luis Saez from post 7.

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin along with Godolphin’s Tarifa both galloped about 1 ½ miles Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. for trainer Brad Cox.

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Six Column Stables, Randy Bloch, Jim Gladden, Mike Davis and Michael Steele’s Into Champagne went to the track Wednesday at the 7:30 a.m. training time for trainer Ian Wilkes.

“She galloped about a mile-and-three-eighths with her exercise rider, Adelso Orantes,” Wilkes said. Later in the morning, he said, she was going to be schooling in the paddock.

Jockey Julian Leparoux likes his chances in the Oaks with Into Champagne. The filly drew the post 10 and was bet down to 34-1 in advance wagering Tuesday.

“She doesn’t have any bad races, she’s always run good, so hopefully we get the trip, and we’ll see what happens,” he said.

JUST F Y I – George Krikorian’s champion filly Just F Y I had another standard morning for trainer Bill Mott, visiting the paddock before putting in her gallop over the main track.

Just F Y I capped off her 3-for-3 2-year-old season with a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI). The daughter of Justify ran second to fellow Oaks contender Leslie’s Rose in the Ashland Stakes (GI) on April 5.

LEMON MUFFIN -- Trying to keep Lemon Muffin on the ground in recent days has been the challenge for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. To that end, the steel-colored daughter of Collected jogged once around the track and in the chute Wednesday in an effort to try and harness some of her abundant energy.

“She galloped real strong again yesterday morning, she’s been doing a little too much in her mornings,” Lukas said. “That work the other day (five furlongs in :58.20) was all her. She came back the first day after that, we gave her a day off, and then the next day she was rolling around there again. But that’s her, that’s what we need to see.”

Jockey Keith Asmussen, who will be aboard Lemon Muffin in the Oaks, was on hand to watch his filly train Wednesday. As the young rider sat in Lukas’ office during the break, the Hall of Fame trainer let his pilot know “she’s a different horse than you rode last time.”

The last race Lukas was referring to was Lemon Muffin’s seventh-place run in the Fantasy Stakes (GII) on March 30, an effort he says he is drawing a line through.

“She never spiked a temperature that day but she wasn’t herself that day,” Lukas said. “She saddled quiet even. If she goes over there on Friday like she’s been this week, we’re in good shape.”

LESLIE’S ROSE/CANDIED – Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher’s Kentucky Oaks candidates – Leslie’s Rose and Candied – followed pattern Wednesday morning and galloped during the special training session between 7:30-7:45 at Churchill Downs on a lovely Kentucky morning.

The trainer assigned the duo’s regular riders to handle the duties with Joel Osorio on Leslie’s Rose and Carlos Quevedo aboard Candied.

Following their gallops of approximately a mile and one-quarter, the riders jogged their horses into the track’s mile chute and took turns standing them in the starting gate. Pletcher was nearby to see that all went well. Then it was back to Barn 39 for a bath and a snack.

“All’s quiet,” the trainer noted. “Quiet is good.”

Leslie’s Rose, the lukewarm favorite for the classic at 4-1, will break from post 14 in the full field for the nine-furlong Oaks Friday with regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr.

Candied is on the outside looking in. She’s on the also-eligible list and will need two defections from the body of the race to be a starter.

POWER SQUEEZE – Lea Farms’ Kentucky-bred Power Squeeze went to a Churchill Downs track Wednesday for trainer Jorge Delgado, with exercise rider Edwin Castro.

“She just did her routine, and galloped a mile-and-a-half,” Delgado said. “She looked really good. She’s having some fun out there. I can’t wait until Friday. I just wish the race was this afternoon, and not two days away. People are noticing her now.”

If the upset winner of the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) captures the Kentucky Oaks, she’ll extend her win streak to five. The filly, bet down to 8-1 in advance wagering, breaks from the post 12 with Daniel Centeno.

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS -- Klaravich Stables’ Kentucky Oaks duo of Regulatory Risk and Ways and Means continued to go through their paces without drama. Each galloped twice around during the 7:30 a.m. training session Wednesday with trainer Chad Brown looking on.

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie was out stretching her legs on Wednesday with trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. at 6 a.m. in preparation for Friday’s Oaks.

“We just jogged her two miles,” Milligan said. “Two days to go, if we’re not ready now, we’re not going to be ready. She’s blooming at the right time.”

Kevin Horton, who’s in charge of the stable started by his late father, was on hand to check out his filly’s progress.

“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “Eddie’s done a great job getting her ready, he’s hands-on, that’s for sure. There aren’t many like him.”

The Horton stable has campaigned such Eclipse Award champions as Will Take Charge and Take Charge Brandi, and 2006 Kentucky Oaks winner Lemons Forever.

“He was fixing to retire on me, to go traveling with his wife,” Horton said of his trainer. “I just thought there was something better for him to do. We’ve had a good relationship, and he’s horseman so deep. Eddie’s first class, he’s on the horse every day, how can you get any better?”

In addition to Lemons Forever, the Horton stable finished third in the 2021 Oaks with Will’s Secret.

“We’re pretty excited, since we’re coming in under the radar,” Horton said. “She’s improved so much, and I think she’s gonna be a shocker to some people.”

Tapit Jenallie, who will start in the Oaks from post 1 with jockey Manny Esquivel, was 44-1 after Tuesday’s advance wagering for the Oaks.

“I’m a fan of the 1-hole, if you have a horse that breaks good,” Horton said. “She breaks good. One of those fears is going wide in the first turn and getting hung out. Well, there’s no reason to be wide if you’ve got the speed to get away.”

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna went out Wednesday morning for a gallop with another jockey that trainer Kenny McPeek regularly calls on, Robby Albarado.

"The filly galloped a mile-and-a-half, and stood in the gate, too,” McPeek said.

Thorpedo Anna, winner of three of her four career starts including the Fantasy Stakes (GII) at Oaklawn Park, drew the No. 5 post for the Oaks. The filly, who will have jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard, was bet down to the 5-2 favorite after Tuesday’s advance wagering.

WHERE’S MY RING – Trainer Val Brinkerhoff had a good problem on his hands Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs. His filly Where’s My Ring was scheduled to stretch her legs under exercise rider David Rodriguez; just something simple was the plan.

“She’s feelin’ good though, real good,” Brinkerhoff said. “I was just going to jog her around there one time, but now I might have to gallop her one, too.”

The well-made daughter of Twirling Candy did just that during the special 7:30-7:45 training session for Oaks and Derby horses, proving to be part of the show put on for a large crowd on a sunny morning.

Michael McMillan, the filly’s owner, was on hand for the activities.

“She’s the first horse I ever bought,” the Las Vegas resident said. “It’s exciting being with her and coming up to a big race like the Oaks.”

McMillan, whose business is medical billing, was living in Del Mar out in California and found himself going to the racetrack there looking for entertainment. He discovered that he and his family liked it and they decided to become involved. Now he owns eight horses on his own and shares parts of several others.

“I just bought a home here in Simpsonville,” he said. “We’re going to shift our emphasis to Kentucky and race here. The purses are amazing and Val (Brinkerhoff) and I are going to set up shop.”

Where’s My Ring gave him a taste of big-time success last out when she captured the Gazelle (GIII) in New York and earned Kentucky Oaks points. Now New York rider Jose Lezcano will be back aboard the filly Friday as they take a big-time swing at the $1.5 million purse in the 150th Kentucky Oaks.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Here is the field for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) in order of post position (with jockey and morning line odds): The field for the Kentucky Oaks, from the rail out with riders and morning line odds, is: Tapit Jenallie (Manny Esquivel, 30-1), Gin Gin (Florent Geroux, 30-1), Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano, 15-1), Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, 20-1), Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., 5-1), Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, 30-1), Fiona’s Magic (Luis Saez, 30-1), Tarifa (Flavien Prat, 7-2), Everland (Abel Cedillo, 30-1), Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, 30-1), Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, 5-1), Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, 12-1), Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, 9-2), Leslie’s Rose (Irad Ortiz Jr., 4-1). Also-eligible: Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, 15-1), Candied (Luis Saez, 20-1).

KENTUCKY DERBY ODDS

Wed, 01 May 2024 03:04:08 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 30, 2024

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:16:03 GMT

Daily Derby Update: Tuesday, April 30, 2024

CATALYTIC – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic was back on the track Tuesday at the 7:30 a.m. time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses following a harrow break.

With regular exercise rider Olaf Hernandez aboard, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. had the Florida Derby (GI) runner-up jog a mile. He’s hopeful that lightly tested Catalytic continues to improve in the Derby.

“On paper, it’s hard to see that he can win,” Joseph said. “But in racing, you have to have a hope and a dream. You need a perfect setup. He’s a horse who’s only had three starts, so you have to hope that there’s improvement to come. How much improvement, we don’t know.”

And the Derby will present an opportunity to show how much the $125,000 yearling purchase has come along.

“This is the most eyes we ever get,” Joseph said. “There’s pressure on the vets, pressure on the trainers, everyone wants everything to be perfect. That’s our wish, that we have a perfect week. Everyone’s watching, even those who don’t watch racing. It’s the biggest race in America, it’s America’s race, and the attention it gets for two minutes is second to none.”

With jockey Jose Ortiz aboard, Catalytic was timed in :47.80 for the half-mile on Sunday. Ortiz will ride Catalytic in the Derby, starting from the No. 5 post as a 30-1 shot.

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – Trainer Brad Cox confirmed Encino will not run in Kentucky Derby 150 after being off after training this morning.

Cox’s other two contenders, Catching Freedom and Just a Touch both galloped at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday and schooled in the paddock.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE - Grade 1 winner Sierra Leone and his stablemate, Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) victor Domestic Product, took to the track separately Tuesday for their morning training under the watch of trainer Chad Brown.

Blue Grass Stakes (GI) winner Sierra Leone headed out first, galloping twice around the Churchill Downs track during the 7:30 a.m. training period. Shortly after 8 a.m., it was Domestic Product’s turn to get his legs moving as he also went twice around on the gallop days out from their expected run in the Kentucky Derby.

“Everyone’s doing great, we had a nice day of training,” Brown said. “The track is a little wet but it’s in good condition considering. I was happy with that.”

Sierra Leone specifically has gained his share of admirers with the strong impression he has made during the morning hours. Among those who have been on the colt’s bandwagon for some time now is his jockey, Tyler Gaffalione who, like Brown, will be aiming to capture the roses for the first time.

Gaffalione’s best finish in the Derby from six prior mounts came in 2019 when he guided War of Will to a seventh-place effort after the duo nearly went down due to inference from Maximum Security, who was disqualified from the victory.

Gaffalione rode Sierra Leone for the first time in the Feb. 17 Risen Star Stakes (GII) and the chemistry between the two was instant. After getting the colt to rally from ninth to score a half-length win that day, Gaffalione further showcased how well he got along with his mount during their victory in the Blue Grass Stakes when he was able to settle the son of Gun Runner following a prerace tantrum at the gate en route to a 1 1/2-length triumph.

“I love everything about him,” Gaffalione said of Sierra Leone. “He was so impressive in the Risen Star making up all that ground, but I was even more impressed with him the last time in the Blue Grass. With that little bit of fit he threw behind the gate, for him to compose himself and get his mind back on running and put on the performance he did I thought was incredible. It shows the mind frame he has and the talent he has.”

Gaffalione was able to get a feel for what the competition experiences when alongside Sierra Leone as he worked stablemate Domestic Product when the two Brown trainees went in company together on April 27.

“Every time I got up closer to him, he would stick his head out a little bit more,” Gaffalione said. “I’ve definitely never had these feelings before, it’s pretty special. That’s the thing, you get a horse like this and it’s just so exciting. I’m living the dream right now.”

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – Keeping his two contenders healthy and happy is the goal for trainer Danny Gargan as he readies for Kentucky 150 on Saturday. On Tuesday morning after his charges traveled over the drying out Churchill Downs surface, the Louisville native deemed it another day of mission accomplished on that front.

With Gargan looking on, Society Man and Dornoch each put in solid gallops beneath the Twin Spires. Wood Memorial Stakes (GII) runner-up Society Man was first on the scene, coming out early to take advantage of the quieter setting as he stretched his legs.”

“Society Man is actually the tougher of the two to train. He’s stronger to gallop,” Gargan said. “That’s why we train him early because he’s more relaxed that way.”

The imposing frame of Remsen Stakes (GII) winner Dornoch was out and about during the 7:30 a.m. training session as he galloped twice around the Churchill Down main track.

“Everyone’s good. Everyone ate up well. They trained good,” Gargan said. “Dornoch always looks good out there on the track.”

ENDLESSLY – Amerman Racing’s homebred colt Endlessly galloped a mile and one-eighth Tuesday morning after standing in the starting gate during the special 7:30-7:45 training session for Derby and Oaks horses.

Assistant trainer Justin Curran noted further that the four-time stakes winner is likely to paddock school with horses in this afternoon’s fourth race, provided it wasn’t raining.

Trainer Michael McCarthy watched his charge’s exercises from the frontside grandstand, then returned to his Barn 35 headquarters.

He was asked for a short take on the dark bay, who has five tallies in six starts, though he has yet to race on a dirt surface.

“He’s always been a good-feeling horse,” the conditioner said. “He likes his work; he’s glad to do it.

“He’s continued in that fashion since he’s been here and, of course, that’s what we want to see.”

McCarthy will give rider Umberto Rispoli a leg up in the new $200 million paddock Saturday in the lead up to Derby 150. The two then will get to start their 1 ¼-mile journey from post 14 in the 20-horse lineup.

EPIC RIDE – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride officially drew into Kentucky Derby 150 following the defection of Encino Tuesday afternoon.

Trainer John Ennis reported the colt will continue his normal training plus have some gate and paddock schooling.

Epic Ride jogged a mile this morning under Sophie Doyle.

FIERCENESS – The morning line favorite for Kentucky Derby 150 this Saturday – Repole Stable’s homebred Fierceness – got his morning exercise in during the special 7:30-7:45 training session designated for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses at Churchill Downs on a track designated as “good” because of overnight rains in the Louisville area.

Danny Wright, the veteran British jockey who once rode for Queen Elizabeth II in England, was up on the City of Light colt, as he has been for the run up to his go in the $5 million headliner.

“He’s feelin’ good,” Wright reported back at Barn 39 following the gallop. “He’s been like that since Day One. He’s a neat little horse.”

Trainer Todd Pletcher noted that his handsome colt was likely to follow a similar pattern morning Wednesday with a side trip for schooling in the starting gate.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (JPN) turned in his final major preparation for the 150 ^th Kentucky Derby by working five furlongs in 1:03 over a track rated as “good” Tuesday morning.

Fractions on the work were :14, :27, :39.60 and out six furlongs in 1:16.80 under training assistant Yusaku Oka.

It was the second work at Churchill Downs for Forever Young, who covered six furlongs in 1:19.60 last Wednesday under jockey Ryusei Sakai.

Oka was pleased with the work and Forever Young’s ability to handle the less than fast track condition.

“He handled it well and moved well over the track,” Oka said through a translator. “I think we did a good for job for the final breeze.”

Yoshito Yahagi trains Forever Young and is scheduled to arrive in Louisville tonight to oversee final Derby preparations.

Oka, who was the morning partner for 2021 Breeders’ Cup winners Marche Lorraine (JPN) and Loves Only You (JPN) for Yahagi was asked about the confidence level with Forever Young going into the Derby.

After a pause, Oka grinned and said, “The Kentucky Derby is a difficult race to win but all I can is Team Yahagi Stable is undefeated in the United States and Forever Young is undefeated.”

Forever Young is scheduled to return to the track Wednesday with a trip to the paddock on the agenda.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First galloped a mile and a half under Amel Macias for trainer Victor Barboza Jr.

Grand Mo the First began his career on the all-weather surface at Gulfstream Park and concluded his 2-year-old campaign with a third-place finish in the Zuma Beach (GIII) on the grass at Santa Anita.

“We went to California for the Breeders’ Cup, but he didn’t get in,” owner David Geofrey said. “He ran OK out there (in the Zuma Beach in which he was defeated by Derby rival Endlessly). After that we regrouped to see if could go on dirt and we put him in the Swale and he did OK.”

OK was a third-place finish in the Swale that was followed by a close third in the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) and then third in the Florida Derby (GI).

“And now, here we are,” Geofrey said.

HONOR MARIE – Ribble Farms, Michael Eisterman, Earl Silver, Kenneth and Dave Fishbein’s Honor Marie galloped 1 ½ miles at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday under regular rider Maurilio Garcia.

JUST STEEL – BC Stables LLC and Henry Schmueckle’s Just Steel hit the track early Tuesday morning along with stablemate and Kentucky Oaks contender Lemon Muffin, putting in an easy jog two days after breezing a half mile in his last series work before the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas was pleased with what he saw from the son of Justify on Tuesday as he believes the colt was wanting to do a little more than was being asked.

“That’s what I wanted to see today, he had very good energy,” the Hall of Fame trainer said. “Actually, watching him go around there, I was thinking we probably should have galloped him. He’s got a lot of energy.”

Just Steel was installed at 20-1 odds on the morning line and will break from post 6 on Saturday.

MYSTIK DAN –Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan was out for trainer Kenny McPeek for a typical gallop with exercise rider Martin Reyes on Tuesday.

“He galloped a mile-and-a-half and stood in the gate,” said McPeek.

Brian Hernandez Jr. will ride Mystik Dan, 20-1 on the Derby morning line, from the No. 3 post. Last Saturday, Mystik Dan was timed for the five furlongs in 1:01.20 with Hernandez.

RESILIENCE – It was another good morning for Wood Memorial Stakes (GII) winner Resilience as he galloped twice around the Churchill Downs oval on Tuesday during the 7:30 p.m. training period for Oaks and Derby contenders.

For many horsemen, the Kentucky Derby represents the pinnacle achievement in Thoroughbred racing. In that respect, it would be especially fitting if Resilience is able to deliver a victory in the 10-furlong classic to the man who has been as responsible for equine excellence as anyone over the decades.

The Bill Mott trainee is co-owned by Emily Bushnell, daughter of longtime owners Pam and Marty Wygod, and renowned bloodstock consultant Ric Waldman, whose numerous achievements include managing the career of the legendary stallion Storm Cat at Overbook Farm. Through Waldman’s guidance, Storm Cat became a commercial powerhouse in the Thoroughbred industry, commanding a $500,000 stud fee at the peak of his career en route to creating a bloodline that has its finger prints over the best sires and runners to this day.

Throughout his career, Waldman has counted the Wygods among his top clients and closest friends. In a move that speaks to the level of camaraderie and respect he commands, the Wygods gifted partial ownership of Resilience to Waldman.

That generous gesture took on greater emotional importance when Marty Wygod passed away on April 12 at the age of 84 -- just six days after Resilience prevailed in the Wood Memorial. For Waldman, having the chance to become a Kentucky Derby-winning owner pales in comparison to the honor he has of being part of Marty Wygod’s legacy.

“For the historical perspective of it, that would be quite unique that someone years from now would look back on that and see my name (in the Derby),” Waldman said. “But I don’t get caught up in it. My mind hasn’t been trained in that way. How I came about owning this horse is so personal. I said this before and I still believe, I consider myself more of a steward of this horse for Marty and Pam Wygod.

“It was a very personal gift that they gave me,” Waldman continued. “It’s a continuation of our friendship that we’ve had the whole time. I’m grateful for that. Some people think, I’m sure even Bill (Mott) thought ‘Why would you give away the best horse that you might have ever had?’ And the answer to that, if I can put words in Marty’s mouth, is that is the only horse he would give because he would want it to be meaningful. He would want it be to a meaningful gift, something of significance. That’s how Marty would think.”

In Resilience, Waldman sees the culmination of years of diligence on the part of the Wygods - and himself.

Resilience’s dam, Meadowsweet, was bred by the Wygods and is herself the only filly produced from multiple Grade 1 winner Tranquility Lake. The colt is also by five-time leading sire Into Mischief, who counts Storm Cat as his great grandsire.

“I love the horse, I care about the horse, and I can’t wait for the horse’s second career,” Waldman said of Resilience. “As a stallion, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if he ended up having some good turf horses as well as dirt horses. But I always get ahead of myself on this breeding thing. Emily is always in the present on racing and I’m always thinking way past that and forget to smell the roses.”

If the best case scenario happens for Waldman on Saturday, he will have ample chances take in that floral fragrance. Regardless, he believes the colt’s presence in the race itself is worthy of celebration.

“The difference between my emotional barometer on this between winning and losing is more narrow than most people,” Waldman said. “If he wins, I’m not going to jump over the barn and if he loses, I’m not going feel like the world has collapsed. If the horse comes back safely and soundly then there is nothing that could happen that could alter that barometer reading much from that.”

STRONGHOLD – The Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner Stronghold went trackside early Tuesday morning under exercise rider Sherri Alexander. The two entered the strip termed sloppy following overnight rains in the Louisville area just after 5:30 and did a 1-mile jog around the big oval.

“He’ll go back to galloping tomorrow,” Alexander said.

The exercise rider triples as stable foreman and wife of trainer Phil D’Amato, who had headed back to California Sunday to take care of their large string at Santa Anita. Tuesday she took all five of the D’Amato contingent on board for races this weekend to the track for a bit of leg stretching.

D’Amato is scheduled to return to Kentucky this afternoon.

T O PASSWORD (JPN) – Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password (JPN) worked a half-mile in :46.80 under jockey Kazushi Kimura.

Working in company with Alysheba (GII) entrant T O Saint Denis (JPN), T O Password produced fractions of :23.80 and out five furlongs in :59.60 over track rated as “good” following overnight rain in Louisville.

“Everything was smooth this morning,” Kimura said. “I put him behind his workmate to get some kickback. We got everything we wanted this morning.”

With rain a possibility for Saturday, Kimura was asked if he was confident that T O Password could handle conditions similar to this morning.

“He was OK with the mud this morning,” Kimura said, “but with 20 horses, you never know.”

Trainer Daisuke Takayanagi agreed with his rider’s assessment and indicated that T O Password would return to the track in the morning.

TRACK PHANTOM – Lecomte Stakes (GIII) winner Track Phantom had an early training session where he jogged about a mile at 5:30 a.m.

The Steve Asmussen trainee is likely to school in the gate Wednesday.

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga galloped two miles under Donte Lowery and visited the paddock Tuesday morning for trainer Larry Demeritte.

West Saratoga never has raced on an off track and with a chance of rain Saturday, Demeritte was asked about how his colt would fare on sloppy going.

“I don’t want to ruin the day for anybody (with rain), but I’d take it,” Demeritte said. “I know his daddy liked it.”

That would be Exaggerator, runner-up in the 2016 Kentucky Derby and subsequent winner of the Preakness (GI) and Haskell (GI), both of which were run on sloppy tracks and made up a good chunk of Exaggerator’s $3.5 million in earnings.

ALSO-ELIGIBLE – Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells’ Mugatu (No. 21) walked the shedrow for trainer Jeff Engler.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY FIELD – Here is the field for the 150 ^th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) in order of post positions (with rider and morning line odds): Dornoch (Luis Saez, 20-1), Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, 3-1), Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., 20-1), Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, 8-1), Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, 30-1), Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, 20-1), Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, 20-1), Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, 10-1), Encino (Axel Concepcion, 20-1), T O Password (JPN) (Kazuski Kimura, 30-1), Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai. 10-1), Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, 20-1), West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, 30-1), Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, 30-1), Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., 30-1), Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, 50-1), Fierceness (John Velasquez, 5-2), Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, 20-1), Resilience (Junior Alvarado, 20-1), Society Man (Frankie Dettori, 50-1), Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, 50-1). Also-Eligible: Mugatu (Joe Talamo, 50-1). All starters will carry 126 pounds.

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

“She’ll go out tomorrow, to keep her fresh,” said Foster, who claimed the daughter of Arrogate for $30,000 in a Dec. 30, 2023, race at Turfway Park. She drew the No. 9 post for the Oaks, and was 30-1 on the morning line, with Abel Cedillo to ride.

FIONA’S MAGIC – Stonehedge LLC’s homebred Fiona’s Magic galloped a mile and three-eighths under Alejandro Mariano for trainer Michael Yates at 9:30.

With rain chances in the long-range forecast at better than 50 percent for Friday, Yates was asked how an off track would affect his filly, who finished second in her debut on a track listed as good.

“I hate to run on an off track with any of my horses,” Yates said. “Today she looked good out there (over a track rated as ‘good’).”

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin along with Godolphin’s Tarifa both galloped about 1 ½ miles Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. for trainer Brad Cox.

“Just going through the normal motions right now,” Cox said. “All good.”

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Six Column Stables, Randy Bloch, Jim Gladden, Mike Davis and Michael Steele’s Into Champagne went to the track Tuesday at the 7:30 a.m. training time for trainer Ian Wilkes.

“She galloped about a mile-and-three-eighths today with her exercise rider, Adelso Orantes,” Wilkes said. “It’s probably one of the strongest Oaks’ fields that I’ve seen in a long time. Top to bottom, it’s very strong.”

The filly drew the No. 10 post with jockey Julien Leparoux and is 30-1 on the morning line.

JUST F Y I – Champion filly Just F Y I used Tuesday’s training session to show how little her last workout took out of her. George Krikorian’s homebred daughter of Justify visited the paddock and proceeded to skip over the track as she galloped twice around during the 7:30 a.m. training session, two days after working a half mile in :49.40.

“She’s got some stride on her,” trainer Bill Mott commented of the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) winner.

The Oaks will mark just the second start for Just F Y I this season as she had her seasonal bow delayed due to illness. She most recently finished second to fellow Oaks contender Leslie’s Rose in the Ashland Stakes (GI) on April 5.

LEMON MUFFIN - As has been customary for the D. Wayne Lukas trainee, Oaks contender Lemon Muffin was among the early risers at Churchill Downs on Tuesday. The Honeybee Stakes (GIII) headed out along with her stablemate, Derby entrant Just Steel, for a routine gallop over the drying out surface.

Among those present at the track on Tuesday was Lemon Muffin’s jockey Keith Asmussen. The son of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen arrived on the scene as he is set to be aboard both the daughter of Collected and Just Steel for Lukas when the due try to put their names in the history books Friday and Saturday, respectively.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be here given the gravity of the week,” Keith Asmussen said. “Now I get to be here as a race rider and experience this week in a different dimension. For many years we’ve been here and…I’m certainly used to being around racing of this caliber. But as a rider it’s definitely a different experience. I’m not too nervous or anxious. Just couldn’t be more excited for the experience.”

When Lemon Muffin prevailed by 3 1/2 lengths over Tapit Jenallie in the Honeybee on Feb. 24, it marked the first career graded stakes victory of the younger Asmussen.

“I really loved the filly heading into that race. I was excited to stretch her out,” Asmussen said. “She ran in there as a maiden but I always thought the world of her. When she ran the way she did, it was definitely exciting but we weren’t surprised.”

LESLIE’S ROSE/CANDIED – The two Grade I stakes winners out of the Todd Pletcher barn, Leslie’s Rose and Candied, each galloped a mile and a quarter during the 7:30-7:45 training session for horses eyeing the Kentucky Derby or the Kentucky Oaks. Both had their regular ex

The two will school in the paddock with the horses for this afternoon’s sixth race.

Leslie’s Rose has been assured a spot in the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks Friday. She’ll come out of the 14-hole in the 14-horse field with regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. attached. Candied, unfortunately, is on the also-eligible list and will need two withdrawals if she’s to make the field in the nine-furlong classic.

POWER SQUEEZE – Lea Farms’ Kentucky-bred Power Squeeze went out Tuesday onto a Churchill Downs track listed as good after overnight rains for trainer Jorge Delgado, with her regular exercise rider, Edwin Castro.

“She went a mile-and-a-half, galloping,” Delgado said. “It’s her routine, we’ll follow it the next two days. She’s eating well, resting well, resting good, so no complaints.”

Delgado, who is regularly stabled in New Jersey, Delaware Park and Gulfstream Park, said this is his first time at Churchill Downs.

“This is my first time at Churchill, my first time at the Oaks and the Derby,” he said. “It’s all new to me. We’re looking forward to enjoying every day to the fullest, and that our horses will perform the way they’ve been training.”

The upset winner of the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) is looking to extend her win streak to five in the Kentucky Oaks. The filly, a 12-1 morning-line pick, breaks from the No. 12 post with Daniel Centeno.

“She’s training really good,” Delgado said. “We’re getting really excited, because she’s doing everything better than expected. She looks like a winner … it’s difficult to control my excitement about her.”

With a balanced field of 14 entered in the Oaks, Power Squeeze hasn’t received as much attention as some of her competition.

“I really don’t mind,” Delgado said. “It’s really better to let her do the talking.”

Delgado said it’s hard to believe that his horses are in Louisville going up against those of trainers he remembers from his childhood.

“Some of the trainers that are competing in this race, I saw them as a child,” he said. “Trainers like (D. Wayne) Lukas, (Todd) Pletcher, (Bill) Mott, and a few others. To be here with a horse running against them, it means a lot. But it’ll mean a lot more if I beat them.”

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS – Just as trainer Chad Brown has two strong contenders for the Kentucky Derby in Sierra Leone and Domestic Product, the four-time Eclipse Award winning trainer has also been confident in the two fillies he is set to saddle in the Kentucky Oaks on May 3.

Regulatory Risk and Ways and Means, both owned by Klaravich Stables, added to the good feelings their conditioner has for them as they each galloped twice around during the 7:30 a.m. training period on Tuesday.

“It was another good day of training,” Brown said.

Both fillies were set to paddock school Tuesday as they ready for their respective runs in the signature race for 3-year-old fillies. Regulatory Risk is coming into the race off a runner-up finish in the Gazelle Stakes (GII) while Ways and Means returned from a seven-month layoff to place second in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII).

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie walked the shedrow Tuesday for trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. in preparation for Friday’s Oaks.

“She’s doing good,” said Milligan, who is training an Oaks entry for the first time.

Tapit Jenallie, who will start in the Oaks from the No. 1 post at 30-1 morning-line odds, worked a half-mile last Thursday with jockey Manny Esquivel, in :49.40.

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna went out Tuesday morning with her Oaks jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr., for trainer Kenny McPeek.

“She did the same thing as Mystik Dan, galloping a mile-and-a-half and then stood in the gate,” McPeek said.

Thorpedo Anna, winner of three of her four career starts including the Fantasy Stakes (GII) at Oaklawn Park, drew the No. 5 post for the Oaks, and is 5-1 on the morning line. Last Friday, Hernandez guided her to a five-furlong work in :59.40.

WHERE’S MY RING – Trainer Val Brinkerhoff stuck to pattern with his Kentucky Oaks filly Where’s My Ring and had exercise rider David Rodriguez take his bay daughter of Twirling Candy trackside at 7:30 a.m. to stretch her legs for a mile and a half gallop. The Gazelle (GIII) winner accomplished her assignment in good order.

“She had issues with ulcers when she was a 2-year-old,” Brinkerhoff said. “We gave her a bit of time off and got that sorted out and she’s been good since. She’s come good at the right time.”

Where’s My Ring will break from post 3 in the nine-furlong Oaks and have the saddle services of New York veteran Jose Lezcano, who was aboard for her handy tally in the Gazelle.

ALSO ELIGIBLE – Our Pretty Woman galloped 1 ½ miles at 5:30 a.m. for trainer Steve Asmussen. The filly still needs one defection to make the body of the Oaks.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Here is the field for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) in order of post position (with jockey and morning line odds): The field for the Kentucky Oaks, from the rail out with riders and morning line odds, is: Tapit Jenallie (Manny Esquivel, 30-1), Gin Gin (Florent Geroux, 30-1), Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano, 15-1), Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, 20-1), Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., 5-1), Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, 30-1), Fiona’s Magic (Luis Saez, 30-1), Tarifa (Flavien Prat, 7-2), Everland (Abel Cedillo, 30-1), Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, 30-1), Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, 5-1), Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, 12-1), Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, 9-2), Leslie’s Rose (Irad Ortiz Jr., 4-1). Also-eligible: Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, 15-1), Candied (Luis Saez, 20-1).

Daily Derby Update: April 29, 2024

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:04:55 GMT

Daily Derby Update: Monday, April 29, 2024

CATALYTIC – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic walked the shedrow on Monday following a Sunday workout.

“That’s the routine we follow after a breeze,” trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said. “He’ll be back out tomorrow.”

With jockey Jose Ortiz aboard, Catalytic was timed in :47.80 for the half-mile on Sunday. Ortiz will ride Catalytic in the Derby, starting from the No. 5 post as a 30-1 shot.

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Catching Freedom, Encino and Just a Touch all returned to the track Monday around 6:45 a.m. for easy one-mile jogs following their respective breezes Saturday.

“

All three horses exited their works in good shape,” Cox said. “They’ll gallop the rest of the week and be ready for Saturday.”

Jockey Florent Geroux was on hand Monday to watch his mount in the Derby, Just a Touch, train.

“I’m really excited about his chances,” said Geroux, who won the Derby in 2021 via disqualification aboard Mandaloun. “He’s light on experience but he’s a very talented colt. I think he’s ready to run a big race.”

Jockey Flavien Prat will ride Catching Freedom while Axel Concepcion will be in the irons for Encino.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Stablemates Sierra Leone and Domestic Product both returned to the track Monday for the first time since working five furlongs in company on April 17. The Chad Brown-trained Kentucky Derby contenders each jogged the wrong way once around the Churchill Downs oval during the 7:30 a.m. training period.

“Everyone’s good,” Brown said.

While Brown already has most of the sport’s top races on his resume, the four-time Eclipse Award winning trainer will be seeking his first victory in the Kentucky Derby. He has come into the Derby with strong chances before, saddling champion Good Magic to a runner-up finish in 2018 and having Grade I winner Zandon run third in 2022. What Brown hasn’t had prior to this year is the 1-2 punch for the classic he believes he currently possesses.

While Sierra Leone casts a long shadow off the strength of his victories in the Blue Grass (GI) and Risen Star (GII) Stakes, Domestic Product could be right in the mix in his own right if race conditions set up in his favor. Having closed into slow fractions while running second in the Holy Bull Stakes (GIII) and winning the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII), Domestic Product looms a real threat if he gets a halfway decent pace on the front end.

“I’m thinking the same way. The horse has really been giving a great appearance here at Churchill, he’s really glowing and beaming with energy,” Brown said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with both of the Derby colts. Knock on wood they just go into the race this way. (Domestic Product), he’s a hell of a nice horse. He just looks terrific.”

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – It was back to business for trainer Danny Gargan’s duo of Dornoch and Society Man on Monday with each returning to the track after putting in their final work April 27 when they breezed four furlongs.

Society Man was the first to the track on Monday, heading out just after 6 a.m. for a light jog. The chestnut son of Good Magic was especially easy to spot and he wore what Gargan calls a unicorn light between his ears.

“Churchill has really bright lights but most of the tracks -- Palm Meadows, Saratoga -- there’s not a bunch of lights. So we put that on all the horses so we know where they are,” Gargan said.

Dornoch took the track during the 7:30 a.m. training period, coming out for a jog the wrong way while also having a session of gate schooling that Gargan deemed “perfect.”

“Society Man always bounces right back out of his race,” Gargan said. “Dornoch struggles a little bit sometimes, but he’s come out of the Blue Grass better than he’s come out of any race, I think. We didn’t really have to ship this time or go anywhere, so I’m real pleased with him. But Society Man, he never has a bad day. He’s one of those horses where day in and day out, he’s a happy kind of guy. Just always the same, real level.”

ENDLESSLY – Trainer Mike McCarthy had his handsome bay Endlessly dressed out and ready to roll shortly after 6 a.m. Monday and he sent him and exercise rider Walter Davila trackside for a mile and one-quarter tour of the Churchill Downs oval.

“He’s happy,” reported the exercise rider after returning from the exercise. “I’m happy, too,” noted McCarthy regarding the homebred son of Oscar Performance that he conditions for the Amerman Racing couple of John and Jerry Amerman.

The conditioner has guided his good-looking bay charge through an interesting platform that has seen him win four stakes – two on grass, two on all-weather – though he’s yet to race on a dirt surface. He’s trained well on the loam, but Saturday will be his initial chunk of competition on it.

Jockey Umberto Rispoli will be making his second Derby start having finished 14th on Brooklyn Strong in 2021.

FIERCENESS – Repole Stable’s Kentucky Derby favorite Fierceness looked a picture Monday morning moving smoothly through a gallop of a mile and three-eighths during the special 7:30-7:45 training session for Derby and Oaks runners.

The City of Light colt, bred by his owner, once again had the former Brit jockey Danny Wright in the saddle as he took another step forward toward his date with destiny in the mile and a quarter classic scheduled to go off at 6:57 p.m. Saturday.

Should he run to his 5-2 morning line odds, he’d add $3.1 million to his healthy bankroll that already reads $1,703,850. He’d also pick up a spectacular gold trophy to go alongside his championship hardware for being named America’s top 2-year-old of 2023.

His Hall of Fame trainer, Todd Pletcher, has named Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez to handle the riding duties on Saturday.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (JPN) warmed up in the mile chute for a half-hour before galloping a mile and a half under Yusaku Oka. Following the gallop, Forever Young returned to the chute to cool down before walking back to the Quarantine Barn.

Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young is scheduled to work Tuesday morning with fellow Derby entrant T O Password (JPN).

Yahagi is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Tuesday night.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First galloped two miles at 6:30 under Amel Macias for trainer Victor Barboza Jr.

The Kentucky-bred son of Uncle Mo comes into Derby 150 off a third-place finish behind Derby favorite Fierceness in the Florida Derby (GI).

Grand Mo the First finished 16 lengths behind Fierceness that day, so the question is how to make up that margin.

“This time it will be different, a different race,” Barboza said. “The pace will be quicker this time. The last time, nobody fought him (Fierceness). He got away with :24 and :49 and nobody fought him. This will be different.”

HONOR MARIE – Ribble Farms, Michael Eisterman, Earl Silver, Kenneth and Dave Fishbein’s Honor Marie galloped 1 ½ miles at 7:30 a.m. Monday under regular rider Maurilio Garcia.

Jockey Ben Curtis will ride in his first Kentucky Derby aboard Honor Marie.

“I came over to North America in November and I never thought I’d be riding in the Kentucky Derby,” said Curtis, a native of Ireland who was riding in Europe. “It’s a fantastic opportunity on a horse who I think could show up brilliantly on Derby Day. His stamina is there, his pedigree is there and everything he’s shown to this point says he will stay for the mile-and-a-quarter trip. There’s question marks on others in the race but he crosses off a lot of those question marks.

“He’s a very laid back, professional horse. A lot of the good ones are. They know how to keep their cool and use the right energy when it matters when the gates open. The way he goes through a race he likes to warm up into it. He puts himself in the right spots. There’s a long stretch here and I think it will suit his running style very well.”

JUST STEEL – BC Stables, LLC and Henry Schmueckle’s Just Steel walked the shedrow one day after breezing four furlongs in his final serious preparation for the Kentucky Derby (GI)

Among the intangibles trainer D. Wayne Lukas believes is a key aspect toward having success in the Derby is having an entrant with the pedigree to handle the first leg of the Triple Crown. As the Hall of Famer prepares to saddle his 50th Kentucky Derby starter with Just Steel, both of his equine protege and his jockey check that box.

Just Steel, a son of Triple Crown winner and newly minted Hall of Fame Justify, will be ridden in the 1 1/4-miles classic by Keith Asmussen, son of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. The younger Asmussen began his career in saddle in 2020 and is coming off a 2023 season in which he rode 60 winners while earning more than $3.2 million.

This year, the 25-year-old Asmussen - who has a Master’s Degree in accounting - already has ridden 53 winners through Sunday, including his first graded stakes victory when he guided Lukas trainee Lemon Muffin to victory in the Honeybee Stakes (GIII). Not only is Asmussen keeping the mount on Lemon Muffin in the Kentucky Oaks (GI), Lukas is giving him a chance go to one better on Just Steel after the duo most recently finished second in the Arkansas Derby (GI) on March 30.

“He has a really good pedigree to be a horseman,” Lukas said of Keith Asmussen. “Physically, he doesn’t fit. He’s too tall, too skinny but he’s got so much horsemanship that he overcomes it. We used to say in athletics they look good in the lobby, he doesn’t look good in the lobby, he looks better on the horse. He’s very smart. He’s got a lot of confidence and it’s not going to bother him to get out there with those guys.”

If Just Steel is able to pull the upset on Derby Day, Keith Asmussen will beat his father to the punch in achieving a victory in the first leg of the Triple Crown as Steve Asmussen is winless with 25 starters.

"I do make the comment to these jockeys in these big races, that I don’t want them to embarrass me,” Lukas said. “I feel real comfortable that this is really solid young man who is going to carry himself well through it all.”

MYSTIK DAN – Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan was out for trainer Kenny McPeek for a typical gallop with Martin Reyes on Monday.

“He jogged one (mile) and galloped one,” said McPeek, who was satisfied in drawing the No. 3 post position in the Derby. The 20-1 morning-line shot will have Brian Hernandez Jr. on board for the Derby.

On Saturday, Mystik Dan was timed for the five furlongs in 1:01.20 with Hernandez.

RESILIENCE – With another morning of ideal weather providing the perfect backdrop, Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman’s Resilience kept to his routine as well, returning to the track to loosen his legs up with an easy jog under the watch of trainer Bill Mott one day after putting in a half-mile breeze in preparation for the Kentucky Derby (GI).

When Resilience makes his way into the starting gate for the 150th Kentucky Derby, the son of Into Mischief will have a new pilot at the helm in jockey Junior Alvarado as John Velazquez - who rode the colt to victory in the Wood Memorial (GII) - is committed to morning-line favorite Fierceness. While Alvarado hasn’t yet guided the bay colt in a race setting, few riders are more familiar with what it takes to get a Mott trainee to succeed in a big spot.

Alvarado is coming off a career-best year in 2023 in which he notched more than $13.3 million in earnings and 16 graded stakes victories. A major of those graded wins came aboard horses for Mott, including his most notable mount, 2023 Horse of the Year Cody’s Wish.

In addition to guiding Cody’s Wish, Alvarado has also been trusted by Mott to handle the duties for such Grade 1 winners as War Like Goddess, the late Art Collector, Olympiad, and reigning juvenile filly champion and Oaks contender, Just F Y I. If momentum contributes anything toward racing luck, Alvarado has that in spades whenever Mott is the one legging him up.

“I’ve been riding for Mott the last 11 years and the last couple years, we’ve been on a great run in big races,” said Alvarado, who also won the $20 million Saudi Cup (GI) this year aboard Todd Fincher trainee Senor Buscador. “Hopefully it can continue this week. I think I am lucky right now. I think I’ve been on a hell for a run for the last three years. I wouldn’t change anything.”

Alvarado did get on Resilience when the colt was a juvenile up in Saratoga and the impression his future mount left on him then is one he hopes will be fully validated in the 10-furlong classic on May 4.

“I worked him in Saratoga before he ever ran. We always thought he was very nice, we just always thought he would be a late developer,” Alvarado said of Resilience. “He was a little awkward at that time, but the talent always was there. He’s been showing that in every race he runs since, he’s been progressing and running faster numbers. Hopefully this race, he gets a little faster.”

STRONGHOLD – The Ghostzapper colt Stronghold merely walked the shedrow at Barn 48 Monday morning one day after he had drilled five furlongs in :59.80 in company as his final prep for his date in Saturday’s $5 million Kentucky Derby.

“He’s doing fine today,” reported Sherri Alexander, the wife, exercise rider and No. 1 assistant to Stronghold’s conditioner, Phil D’Amato. “He ate up last night and he’s looking for mints this morning.”

Following Sunday’s exercise with the barn’s stakes horse Motorious, Alexander turned wheelman to rush her husband to the Louisville airport and a flight back to their Los Angeles headquarters at Santa Anita Park. The stable ran two horses at the California track yesterday, winning one and running third with the other.

Rider Antonio Fresu is scheduled to arrive in Louisville today. D’Amato is planning to return Tuesday.

Stronghold, the Santa Anita Derby winner, is slated to start his Kentucky Derby journey from post 18 in the 20-horse lineup.

T O PASSWORD (JPN) –Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password (JPN) wamed up in the mile chute for a half-hour and then galloped a mile and a half under jockey Kazushi Kimura. Following the gallop, T O Password returned to the chute to visit the starting gate and cool down before walking back to the Quarantine Barn.

T O Password is scheduled to work with fellow Derby entrant Forever Young (JPN) Tuesday morning.

Trainer Daisuke Takayanagi is scheduled to arrive in Louisville tonight.

TRACK PHANTOM – Lecomte Stakes (GIII) winner Track Phantom had a scheduled walk day in trainer Steve Asmussen’s Barn 38 following his five-eighths work in 1:00 Sunday morning.

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga galloped a mile under Donte Lowery and then visited the starting gate Monday morning.

“He’s feeling good this morning,” trainer Larry Demeritte said. “He will probably go to the paddock Tuesday and possibly Wednesday.”

ALSO ELIGIBLES – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride (No. 21) jogged for 10 minutes in the mile chute under Sophie Doyle.

Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells’ Mugatu (No. 22) galloped a mile and half at 6:30 under jockey Joe Talamo for trainer Jeff Engler.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY FIELD – Here is the field for the 150 ^th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) in order of post positions (with rider and morning line odds): Dornoch (Luis Saez, 20-1), Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, 3-1), Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., 20-1), Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, 8-1), Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, 30-1), Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, 20-1), Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, 20-1), Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, 10-1), Encino (Axel Concepcion, 20-1), T O Password (JPN) (Kazuski Kimura, 30-1), Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai. 10-1), Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, 20-1), West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, 30-1), Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, 30-1), Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., 30-1), Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, 50-1), Fierceness (John Velasquez, 5-2), Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, 20-1), Resilience (Junior Alvarado, 20-1), Society Man (Frankie Dettori, 50-1). Also-Eligible: Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, 50-1), Mugatu (Joe Talamo, 50-1). All starters will carry 126 pounds.

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

“Everything is good so far,” said Foster of the daughter of Arrogate, claimed by Foster for $30,000 in a Dec. 30, 2023, race at Turfway Park. She drew the No. 9 post, and was listed on the morning line at 30-1, with Abel Cedillo to ride.

Foster has 10 horses entered in races at Churchill Downs this week, including Maxisuperfly in the $600,000 Edgewood (GII), a turf race preceding the Oaks.

FIONA’S MAGIC – Stonehedge LLC’s homebred Fiona’s Magic galloped a mile and three-eighths and visited the starting gate shortly after 9 o’clock Monday morning under exercise rider Alejandro Mariano.

“She did well at the gate,” trainer Michael Yates said of the winner of the Davona Dale (GII).

In her most recent start, the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII), Fiona’s Magic finished eighth, beaten 44 ¾ lengths.

“We learned absolutely nothing from that race,” Yates said. “We breezed her eight days before the race and scoped her. She scoped clean. Everything looked to be on 'go.' She had no nasal discharge. Everything was normal, but after the race, we scoped her, and she was loaded with mucus.”

Fiona’s Magic had three wins and two seconds before that race and Yates knew his filly was in trouble on the backstretch.

“When Chad (Brown’s) filly (Ways and Means) ran right by us between the half-mile pole and the three-eighths,” Yates said of when he knew something was wrong.

Last Tuesday at Gulfstream Park, Fiona’s Magic worked six furlongs in 1:15.16.

“The day after she worked, she scoped clean and everything looked good and that’s when we made the decision to come here,” said Yates, who has 28 horses stabled at Gulfstream Park and another 25 in training at his farm in Ocala, Florida.

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin along with Godolphin’s Tarifa both galloped about 1 ½ miles Monday at 7:30 a.m. for trainer Brad Cox.

“Just going through the normal motions right now,” Cox said. “All good.”

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Six Column Stables, Randy Bloch, Jim Gladden, Mike Davis and Michael Steele’s Into Champagne walked the shedrow on Monday for trainer Ian Wilkes.

“She’s been doing fine since she got here,” Wilkes said of his filly, who drew the No. 10 post with jockey Julian Leparoux and is a 30-1 shot on the morning line. “Monday’s always a walk day at our barn so nothing different today.

Following morning training, Into Champagne had a paddock schooling session.

JUST F Y I – One day after breezing a half mile in :49.40, reigning juvenile filly champion Just F Y I stretched her legs with a jog once around during the 7:30 a.m. training period.

Instead of a walk day, trainer Bill Mott wanted to give his Oaks contender and her stablemate, Kentucky Derby entrant Resilience, a chance to “loosen up” a day after their respective breezes.

“They’re both good,” the Hall of Fame trainer said.

LEMON MUFFIN -- It was an early morning for Honeybee Stakes (GIII) winner Lemon Muffin on Monday. With assistant trainer Sebastian "Bas" Nicholl keeping an eye on things for trainer D. Wayne Lukas, Lemon Muffin returned to the track around 5:30 a.m. for a jog once around.

The daughter of Collected put in a swift final work on April 27 in advance of the Kentucky Oaks (GI), going five furlongs in :58.20. Owned by Aaron Sones, Julie Gilbert, and Harrison Sones, Lemon Muffin won the Honeybee on Feb. 24 before most recently finishing seventh in the Fantasy Stakes (GII).

LESLIE’S ROSE/CANDIED – Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher is a clockwork guy.

Steady, steady, steady is what you get. His horses like it and, in the end, that’s what it’s all about.

His two potential Kentucky Oaks fillies – Leslie’s Rose and Candied – followed pattern Monday morning and went about the business of preparing for Friday’s Grade I Kentucky Oaks with a mile and three-eighths gallop during the 7:30-7:45 special Oaks/Derby training period that Churchill Downs provides for those runners aiming for the two classics.

As he has on a regular basis, the conditioner assigned the horses’ regular exercise riders – Joel Osorio on Leslie’s Rose and Carlos Quevedo on Candied – to the two well-bred fillies for their exercise. The two covered a mile and three-eighths, then headed back to Barn 39.

Leslie’s Rose is already in the $1.5 million field and drew Post 14; Candied is on the also-eligible list and will need two withdrawals this week if she’s to go.

“No gate work for these two today,” Pletcher said. “We’re all good.”

POWER SQUEEZE – Lea Farms’ Kentucky-bred Power Squeeze visited the Churchill Downs track for a gallop Monday with exercise rider Edwin Castro. Trainer Jorge Delgado arrived in Louisville on Sunday from South Florida to oversee the final preparations of the Union Rags filly for the Oaks.

“She’s doing pretty good,” said Delgado, a nephew of Gustavo Delgado, the winning trainer of last year’s Derby with Mage. “Since she traveled on Thursday, she’s gone to the track now three times.”

Last Wednesday, she was timed by Gulfstream Park clockers going four furlongs in 49 seconds, in her last major work in preparation for the Oaks. Delgado said that because of travel plans, he decided to work her before shipping north. “We had to go with the cards we were dealt, and felt that it was the best way to give her time to recuperate,” he said.

“She’s very fit, and after a very busy winter, it’s a matter of maintenance here,” said Delgado, who had her ready to pull off an 11-1 upset in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) that earned her a trip to the Kentucky Oaks – which was her fourth win in a row.

“Hopefully we can keep her as happy as she looks now right through the day of the race,” he added about the filly, a 12-1 morning-line pick who breaks from the No. 12 post with Daniel Centeno.

Delgado thinks the mile-and-an-eighth distance of the Oaks will suit Power Squeeze. “She’s a long-legged filly, with a long stride,” he said. “I believe the farther we go, the better it will be for her. I feel confident with the way she’s acting, the way she’s training.”

If there’s rain for the Oaks, Delgado believes she can handle any kickback. “She ran a second place sprinting in the slop,” he said, “and she won at Delaware, main track only, when it came off the turf. So I don’t think she cares about the slop. As long as she has a clean trip, I think she has a good chance.”

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS - Trainer Chad Brown’s two Oaks contenders were both on the track during the 7:30 a.m. training period.

Klaravich Stables’ Regulatory Risk returned to the track for a jog once around after putting in a half-mile work on April 27, while Grade I-placed Ways and Means, who is also owned by Klaravich, was back galloping for the first time since her blazing half-mile breeze on April 26.

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie was on the track early Monday for trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. in preparation for the Oaks.

“Basically I just walked her around, walked her to the paddock, then galloped her to the half-mile pole and then came back,” said Milligan.

Tapit Jenallie is the only horse that he’s training at a racetrack for Horton.

“I actually broke her,” he said. “At that time, I was breaking yearlings for people. I broke most of her family, and I had broke horses for Mr. Horton for about 20 years. When I broke her, I really liked her and thought she was a pretty nice filly.”

Working with Tapit Jenallie marks a career change for Milligan. “This is my first year to train for Mr. Horton at the track. I broke horses for 30 years, that’s all that I’ve done. Before that, I trained at the track, and was a jockey before that. Last July, I was quitting breaking babies anyway, and he asked me if I’d train for him at the racetrack.

“I had a training center in East Texas where I raised my two boys, and when they went off to college, we decided to do something different. I sold that place and moved up to Hot Springs, broke babies there for three years, then started this deal with Mr. Horton.”

Tapit Jenallie worked a half-mile Thursday with jockey Manny Esquivel, in :49.40.

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna went out in the second set of workers for trainer Kenny McPeek on Monday with Martin Reyes.

“She went out a seven and a four – a mile-and-three-eighths gallop,” McPeek said.

Thorpedo Anna, who will have Brian Hernandez Jr. on board, drew the No. 5 post for the Oaks, and is at 5-1 on the morning line. On Friday, Hernandez guided her to a five-furlong work in :59.40.

WHERE’S MY RING – Michael McMillan’s Gazelle Stakes (GIII) winner Where’s My Ring had a quiet Monday morning with her key bit of activity being a nice gallop during the special 7:30-7:45 training period for Derby and Oaks runners.

Trainer Val Brinkerhoff put regular exercise rider David Rodriguez up on his Twirling Candy filly, then watched them tour the big oval once, then half again in smart fashion.

The conditioner offered a nod of approval and noted: “She’ll go back (to stand in) the gate again at some point this week.”

Where’s My Ring drew post 3 for the $1.5-million Kentucky Oaks this Friday. Her Gazelle partner, veteran New York rider Jose Lezcano, once again will be in the saddle.

ALSO ELIGIBES – Our Pretty Woman jogged one mile at 5:30 a.m. under regular rider Wilson Fabian for trainer Steve Asmussen. The filly still needs one defection to make the body of the Oaks.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Here is the field for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) in order of post position (with jockey and morning line odds): The field for the Kentucky Oaks, from the rail out with riders and morning line odds, is: Tapit Jenallie (Manny Esquivel, 30-1), Gin Gin (Florent Geroux, 30-1), Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano, 15-1), Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, 20-1), Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., 5-1), Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, 30-1), Fiona’s Magic (Luis Saez, 30-1), Tarifa (Flavien Prat, 7-2), Everland (Abel Cedillo, 30-1), Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, 30-1), Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, 5-1), Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, 12-1), Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, 9-2), Leslie’s Rose (Irad Ortiz Jr., 4-1). Also-eligible: Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, 15-1), Candied (Luis Saez, 20-1).

Daily Derby Update: April 28, 2024

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 16:30:39 GMT

Daily Derby Update: Sunday, April 28, 2024

CATALYTIC – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic had his final workout Sunday ahead of next Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. With jockey Jose Ortiz aboard, Catalytic was timed in :47.80 for the half-mile.

“It was a good time, a good work,” said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who was pleased in drawing the No. 5 post position for the Run for the Roses. “I thought it went as good as we could have asked, and Jose is happy with him. Hopefully we have a good week, and go on from here.”

Joseph said he has noticed a difference in Catalytic since he arrived from South Florida. “He’s showing a lot more energy here than he does at Gulfstream. And there, he doesn’t seem to pay attention, here he seems very focused.”

Ortiz gave a thumbs-up to the work for Catalytic, a 30-1 proposition on the morning line.

“He looked great, felt great. It was just a maintenance work, and exactly what we were looking for. The horse is happy,” he said. “Keeping him happy is all we have to do until Saturday.”

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Catching Freedom, Encino and Just a Touch all had a scheduled walk day following their respective works Saturday morning.

All three are expected to return to the track Monday.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Trainer Chad Brown’s Kentucky Derby (GI)-bound duo of Grade I winner Sierra Leone and Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) winner Domestic Product both walked the shedrow a day after working five furlongs in company.

"We look in good shape,” Brown said. “I just checked everyone and I’m really pleased."

Brown added that he likely will do some paddock schooling with his charges over the coming days.

“I’m not sure about (gate schooling) yet. Sierra Leone is good. The other horses, they did some gate schooling before they came here so I’m not sure I really need to bring them back,” Brown said. “Definitely paddock schooling. I’m not sure when I’m going to start that. Maybe Tuesday, at the latest Wednesday.”

Sierra Leone, who won the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) in his most recent start, is owned by Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith. Domestic Product is a Klaravich Stables homebred.

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – One day after working four furlongs in company in their final moves ahead of the Kentucky Derby, Dornoch and Society Man both had a walk day on Sunday for trainer Danny Gargan.

“They’re good. Dornoch is strong and happy, he’s acting like a wild man,” Gargan said.

ENDLESSLY – Trainer Mike McCarthy, as is his wont, was on it early with his good colt Endlessly, giving exercise rider Walter Davila a leg up at 6 a.m. out of Barn 35 en route to a one-mile gallop around Churchill Downs Sunday morning.

Endlessly, a winner of five of six starts – with four of them in stakes – drew post 14 in the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field upcoming this Saturday. He’ll have California-based Umberto Rispoli aboard for the $5 million feature that many people consider the most famous horse race in the world.

“He’ll gallop a mile again tomorrow,” McCarthy said. “Then we might stretch him out some later in the week.”

FIERCENESS – Repole Stable’s Fierceness, last year’s 2-year-old champion and this year’s favorite for Kentucky Derby 150, galloped approximately a mile and a quarter Sunday morning during the special Derby/Oaks training session between 7:30 and 7:45 at Churchill Downs. In the irons for trainer Todd Pletcher was Danny Wright, the Brit who once rode for the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Fierceness, who captured the Florida Derby in his most recent outing, once again will have veteran John Velazquez on his back as they break from post 17 in the 20-horse lineup.

Pletcher will follow the galloping routine for the balance of the week leading up to Saturday’s $5 million Derby. The conditioner also stated that he would gate school his City of Light colt Tuesday and take him to the paddock both Tuesday and Wednesday.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s undefeated Forever Young (JPN) walked the mile chute for about an hour under Yusaku Oka for trainer Yoshito Yahagi.

Forever Young drew post 11 for the Kentucky Derby and Kate Hunter, Asia representative for the Kentucky Derby, said the connections of the UAE Derby (GIII) winner were pleased with the draw.

Forever Young is scheduled to work Tuesday in company with Derby entrant T O Password (JPN).

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First jogged a mile and galloped a mile under Amel Macias for trainer Victor Barboza Jr.

Grand Mo the First drew post 16 for the Derby, a spot that pleased the connections.

Barboza had been hoping for an outside draw and as the pills were pulled most of the inside spots in the gate were taken. As the remaining gate spots drew larger, the smiles grew larger.

“I’m very, very happy with the draw,” said Barboza, who wanted anywhere between 12 and 18.

“We were the next to last one drawn,” owner David Geofrey said of the pill pull in which the final two spots were 13 and 16.

Geofrey said this will be the third Derby he has attended and the most different.

“I always wanted to come here and this time I have come with a horse,” Geofrey said.

Third to Kentucky Derby morning line favorite Fierceness in the Florida Derby (GI) Grand Mo the First is slated gallop up to the race with an open gallop and gate visit scheduled for Wednesday.

Emisael Jamarillo has the mount, his second in the Derby. He finished 18 ^th on Majesto in 2016.

HONOR MARIE – Ribble Farms, Michael Eisterman, Earl Silver, Kenneth and Dave Fishbein’s Honor Marie galloped 1 ½ miles at 7:30 a.m. Sunday under regular rider Maurilio Garcia.

“This has always been a fun week my entire life,” said trainer Whit Beckman, who grew up in Louisville. “It’s just even more special to be involved with one of my horses. If he’s feeling good, I’m feeling good. And, right now, I’m all good.”

JUST STEEL – Right as the Churchill Downs track opened at 5:15 a.m., Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas was on the scene to send BC Stable’s Just Steel through his final timed workout in preparation for the colt’s expected start in the Kentucky Derby (GI).

As Lukas watched from astride his pony, Just Steel had the track practically to himself as he broke off and registered splits of :13.40 and :25.20 during an easy half-mile in :50.40 before being eased up on the gallop out.

“Just a slow maintenance work. We’re close to the race, we didn’t want to do much,” Lukas said. “We pretty much did what we thought. I didn’t want him to gallop out much because I didn’t want to do too much this close. He probably could have done more, but that’s what it was.”

Lukas worked Just Steel one mile at Churchill Downs on April 20, although stamina should be the last thing the son of Justify has to worry about come May 4.

“I think he has a pedigree to do this, very much so,” Lukas said. “And his running style probably complements it too. If he’s good enough, he’ll show up. But we’ve got something to work with his pedigree.”

MYSTIK DAN – After Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan put in his final major tune-up on Saturday for the Derby for trainer Kenny McPeek, so he walked the shedrow on Sunday.

“He walked today after his work,” said McPeek, who was satisfied in drawing the No. 3 post position in the Derby. He’ll have Brian Hernandez Jr. on board and was listed at 20-1 on the morning line.

On Saturday, he was timed for the five furlongs in 1:01.20 with Hernandez, finishing up in 1:14.40.

RESILIENCE – Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott is bringing Wood Memorial (GII) winner Resilience up to the Kentucky Derby (GI) in old school fashion. On Sunday, Mott sent Resilience out for his third work in 10 days as the colt covered four furlongs in :49.20 during the 7:30 a.m. training session.

Shortly after stablemate and champion Just F Y I completed her half-mile breeze in advance of the Kentucky Oaks (GI), Resilience got down to his own bit of serious business in a solo move with blinkers on. The son of Into Mischief was well in hand through fractions of :12.60 and :24.80 before galloping out in 1:01.40.

“I would say I was hoping to see exactly what we got,” Mott said. “I was hoping for a :49 work. We put a really good work into both horses six days ago so we just wanted our final work to be nice and smooth and cross our fingers and hope they come back good. It looked like they both breezed well, finished up well and came back nicely. Neither one of them was being pushed.”

The addition of blinkers has helped Resilience dial in his focus, with Mott now seeing a horse whose mind is on par with his physical ability. When he captured the Wood Memorial on April 6, he was able to not only finish up in strong fashion but do so with what appeared to be more left in the tank.

"He’s physically done well and with the blinkers he seems to be more focused on everything,” Mott said “He got jostled around a bit in the Wood but by the time he got to the backside, he had a nice trip, had a nice stalking position.”

Mott added that, rather than a walk day, he may send Resilience back to the track on Monday for an easy jog.

STRONGHOLD – Trainer Phil D’Amato put the finishing touches on his colt Stronghold as the Ghostzapper offspring heads toward Saturday’s 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby.

The conditioner sent Eric and Sharon Waller’s homebred trackside during the 7:30-7:45 training period for Derby and Oaks horses Sunday morning at Churchill Downs. He signed on rider Joe Talamo to handle the youngster in a team drill with his charge Motorious and rider Martin Garcia. Motorious is one of the horses D’Amato brought in from California and he’s bound for Saturday’s $600,000, Grade II Twin Spires Turf Sprint.

The trainer’s instructions were for the two to work in concert, but not go too, too fast for their five-furlong exercise. The riders did just that, breaking off at the five-eighths pole and going in unison to the wire where they finished all but even. Churchill clockers gave Stronghold, who worked outside, a final time of :59.80 and his workmate a clocking of 1:00.

“He felt real good,” Talamo said following the exercise. “I’ve worked this horse before (Talamo broke his maiden at Churchill last October) and today he showed me another gear. He’s a different horse now; he did this easy.”

D’Amato, who watched the work from the frontside grandstand, was quite pleased with the drill.

“I told them I just wanted a maintenance work today; nothing too serious. And in the end it was an ideal drill. I said maybe go in 1:01 or so, but the way the track is playing right now their times were plenty good. This horse has raced six times at six different racetracks and he knows what he’s doing out there now. We’ve checked all the boxes and I’m very happy with where we stand coming up to the Derby.”

With his wife and chief exercise rider Sherri Alexander at the wheel, the trainer headed out from the track to catch a plane back to California and his main string of runners. He

indicated he’d return Tuesday for the balance of Derby Week.

T O PASSWORD (JPN) – Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password (JPN) warmed up for a half-hour in the mile chute with stablemate T O Saint Denis (JPN) and then galloped an easy mile before turning to the chute to cool down. Training assistant Yuichi Tomomichi rode T O Password this morning.

Jockey Kazushi Kimura is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Sunday and will take over the morning saddle activity on Monday.

T O Password drew post 10 for the Kentucky Derby and Kate Hunter, Asia representative for the Kentucky Derby, said the connections of the undefeated colt were pleased with the draw.

T O Password is scheduled to work Tuesday in company with Derby entrant Forever Young (JPN).

TRACK PHANTOM – Lecomte Stakes (GIII) winner Track Phantom had his final work prior to the Kentucky Derby, working a solid five furlongs in 1:00 outside stablemate Mugen.

Track Phantom began his move through a solid opening quarter-mile of :24.20 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60, according to Churchill Downs Clocker John Nichols.

“I think Track Phantom has a beautiful rhythm to him with a nice, beautiful stride,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “I don’t think he’s a horse that has to be on the lead. In his last two starts there were very tepid paces. I think for him to be wrangled back in either of those two races wouldn’t have been to his style. I obviously expect there to be more pace in the Derby, everybody does with the quarter-mile run into the first turn. I think in a full field I still want him to jump away from there well but I’d be very surprised to see him on the lead in this year’s Derby.”

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga walked the shedrow Sunday morning following a three-eighths work in :37.20 under jockey Jesus Castanon on Saturday.

rained by Larry Demeritte, West Saratoga will return to the track Monday. West Saratoga drew post 13 for the Derby.

“No matter what, I go to church on Sundays,” Demeritte said Saturday. “It’s normally a quiet day at the barn for us.”

ALSO ELIGIBLE – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride galloped a mile and a half under Sophie Doyle for trainer John Ennis.

Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells’ Mugatu had a scheduled walk day for trainer Jeff Engler.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY FIELD – Here is the field for the 150 ^th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) in order of post positions (with rider and morning line odds): Dornoch (Luis Saez, 20-1), Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, 3-1), Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., 20-1), Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, 8-1), Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, 30-1), Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, 20-1), Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, 20-1), Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, 10-1), Encino (Axel Concepcion, 20-1), T O Password (JPN) (Kazuski Kimura, 30-1), Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai. 10-1), Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, 20-1), West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, 30-1), Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, 30-1), Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., 30-1), Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, 50-1), Fierceness (John Velasquez, 5-2), Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, 20-1), Resilience (Junior Alvarado, 20-1), Society Man (Frankie Dettori, 50-1). Also-Eligible: Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, 50-1), Mugatu (Joe Talamo, 50-1). All starters will carry 126 pounds.

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

Everland drew the No. 9 post, and was listed on the morning line as a 30-1 shot with Abel Cedillo to ride. Cedillo was aboard Sunday.

“I thought she looked really good,” trainer Eric Foster said. “He (Cedillo) was smiling. I was tickled with her.”

Foster admitted “we’ve got a lot of unanswered here” heading into the Oaks – how she’ll handle the crowd, and the switch from an artificial racing surface to the dirt.

“We’re hoping her breeding will make the difference,” he said of the daughter of Arrogate. “There was an Arrogate that won at a mile-and-a-quarter last night, and we like Arrogates. We’re hoping he shines through on her.”

FIONA’S MAGIC – Stonehedge LLC’s Fiona’s Magic made her first visit to the track Sunday moirning since arriving from South Florida, galloping a mile and a quarter under exercise rider Alejandro Mariano for trainer Michael Yates.

Winner of the Davona Dale (GII) to punch her ticket to the Kentucky Oaks, Fiona’s Magic will exit post 7 under Luis Saez in Friday’s race.

Fiona’s Magic gives Yates an Oaks starter for the second consecutive year. Last year, Dorth Vader was prominent throughout before tiring late to finish fifth, beaten only 3 ¼ lengths by Pretty Mischievous.

Yates said he would give Fiona’s Magic gate and paddock schooling sessions this week prior to the Oaks.

He said that owner Marilyn Campbell was scheduled to arrive in Louisville on Thursday.

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin along with Godolphin’s Tarifa both had an easy training session Sunday morning for trainer Brad Cox.

“Both fillies are doing well out of their works from Friday,” Cox said. “We’ll gallop them this week and probably school in the paddock again.”

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Six Column Stables, Randy Bloch, Jim Gladden, Mike Davis and Michael Steele’s Into Champagne was out just before 6 a.m. for trainer Ian Wilkes. Exercise rider Adelso Orantes was aboard.

“She galloped, about a mile-and-three-eighths today,” Wilkes said of his filly, who drew the No. 10 post with jockey Julian Leparoux.

The draw suits Into Champagne, listed at 30-1 on the morning line, Wilkes said. “No problem there. The post is fine … it’s better than the 1 or 2, and it gives us a few options.”

The Gulfstream Parks Oaks (GII) third-place finisher completed a five-furlong breeze Friday morning in 1:00, with Leparoux.

JUST F Y I – Jockey Junior Alvarado’s face visibly beams when discussing Just F Y I, the champion filly he has guided through each of her four career starts. The positive adjectives and broad smiles continued to flow from the rider Sunday shortly after he climbed off his Kentucky Oaks (GI) contender following as easy half-mile breeze in :49.40.

In registering her third workout in 10 days, George Krikorian’s homebred filly continued to flaunt good energy as she broke off solo during the 7:30 a.m. training period with trainer Bill Mott looking on from his pony. Alvarado was a passenger through splits of :24.80 with a gallop out in 1:02.40.

“It was a great work, it was nice and comfortable,” said Alvarado, who will also ride Resilience for Mott in the Kentucky Derby. “Today was more like a maintenance work to make sure she felt good. She traveled very well, nice and comfortable and galloped out with good energy.

“This track can go either way, sometimes horses don’t get a good hold of it. And she’s just been skipping over this ground,” Alvarado said. “She’s traveling as good as you want a horse to travel over this ground and that makes me happy because she’s a lengthy filly. I just love my chances. She’s handled the track and been galloping everyday with good energy, that’s all you can ask.”

In addition to her class, Just F Y I is indeed bringing fresh legs into the Kentucky Oaks as she has only made one start thus far in 2024. Following her Eclipse Award-clinching victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) last November, the daughter of Justify had her sophomore debut delayed by illness.

When she finally did return in the Ashland Stakes (GI) at Keeneland on April 5, she finished second, three lengths behind race winner Leslie’s Rose, but got a jolt of fitness out of the effort.

“I think she’s a little more mature now and doing very well,” Mott said. “She seems like having the race at Keeneland under her belt, she’s begun to wake up. Over the winter, they kind of let down and they’re going through the motions in their training but sometimes it takes a race to really put them on edge and I think we accomplished that with her race in the Ashland. Hopefully it will move her forward.”

Mott added he may send Just F Y I back to the track Monday for a light jog.

LEMON MUFFIN -- Honeybee Stakes (GIII) winner Lemon Muffin had a walk day for trainer D. Wayne Lukas after working five furlongs in :58.20 on Saturday.

LESLIE’S ROSE/CANDIED – Trainer Todd Pletcher had his two Kentucky Oaks candidates trackside Sunday morning during the 7:30-7:45 training period for Oaks and Derby horses at Churchill Downs.

Exercise rider Joel Osorio was aboard Leslie’s Rose, while Carlos Quevedo handled Candied.

They both galloped roughly a mile and one quarter, then took turns standing in the starting gate. Pletcher indicated he’ll have both of them spend some time in the paddock both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Leslie’s Rose will be ridden in Friday’s $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks by regular rider, Irad Ortiz Jr. She drew the outside post 14 at Saturday’s draw. Candied is the second also-eligible and will need two withdrawals to make the field.

POWER SQUEEZE – Lea Farms’ Kentucky-bred Power Squeeze visited the Churchill Downs track for a gallop Sunday after arriving late Thursday from South Florida.

Trainer Jorge Delgado is expected to arrive in Louisville today to oversee the final preparation of the Union Rags filly for the Oaks.

Daniel Centeno has the riding assignment on Power Squeeze for the Oaks from post 12.

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS - While Klaravich Stables’ Regulatory Risk walked the shedrow one day after putting in a half-mile work, her stablemate and fellow Kentucky Oaks (GI) contender Ways and Means returned to the track for a jog with trainer Chad Brown looking on.

Brown expressed concern that Ways and Means might have done too much when she worked four furlongs in a blistering in :46.20 on April 26 but he has been encouraged since by the way the daughter of Practical Joke has bounced out of that effort.

“She looked great today. She looked good,” Brown said. “Tomorrow, we’ll give her a little gallop and see how it goes. She came out really sound and happy and normally those things you don’t quite know the next week until you run them or work them again. But so far, so good.”

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie was on the track Sunday for trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. in preparation for the Oaks.

“I jogged her to the half-mile pole, then turned her around and galloped her back, so she basically went a mile galloping,” said Milligan.

Milligan sounded philosophical about drawing the No. 1 post position on Saturday. “The owner asked me before the draw what post I wanted,” he said. “I told him it really didn’t matter because where we ended up, because it’s where God wanted us. We’ll how this comes out. She was in the 1-hole at Oaklawn, and ran well. She was in the 2-hole at Delta Downs and won. She is an impatient filly, so I don’t like her to stand around while the others load.”

The Oaks’ 30-1 shot worked a half-mile Thursday with jockey Manny Esquivel, in :49.40.

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna returned to the track on Sunday with exercise rider Martin Reyes, two days after she completed her final major workout for the Longines Kentucky Oaks for trainer Kenny McPeek.

“She jogged a mile and galloped a mile,” McPeek said. “That’s typical for the first day back for us.”

Thorpedo Anna, who will have Brian Hernandez Jr. on board, drew the No. 5 post for the Oaks, and was near the top of the morning line at 5-1. On Friday, Hernandez guided her to a five-furlong work in :59.40.

WHERE’S MY RING – Michael McMillan’s Where’s My Ring galloped a solid two miles under exercise rider David Rodriguez during the 7:30-7:45 special Derby/Oaks training session at Churchill Downs Sunday morning.

Trainer Val Brinkerhoff, who has guided the daughter of Twirling Candy through an eight-race career so far that peaked on April 6 at Aqueduct when she both broke her maiden and scored her first stakes victory in the Grade III Gazelle, watched his charge go through her exercise from the backside clockers’ stand. He seemed quite pleased with her leg stretching.

Veteran New York rider Jose Lezcano rode Where’s My Ring in her stakes tally and has signed on once more to take the controls when she goes in the Oaks Friday. They’ll begin from post 3 in the 14-horse field for the mile and one-eighth test.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Here is the field for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) in order of post position (with jockey and morning line odds): The field for the Kentucky Oaks, from the rail out with riders and morning line odds, is: Tapit Jenallie (Manny Esquivel, 30-1), Gin Gin (Florent Geroux, 30-1), Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano, 15-1), Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, 20-1), Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., 5-1), Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, 30-1), Fiona’s Magic (Luis Saez, 30-1), Tarifa (Flavien Prat, 7-2), Everland (Abel Cedillo, 30-1), Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, 30-1), Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, 5-1), Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, 12-1), Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, 9-2), Leslie’s Rose (Irad Ortiz Jr., 4-1). Also-eligible: Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, 15-1), Candied (Luis Saez, 20-1).

Kentucky Derby Post Position Draw Reactions

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:16:28 GMT

Kentucky Derby and Oaks Post Position Draw Reactions

DORNOCH (Post 1, 20-1), Society Man (Post 20, 50-1) – trainer Danny Gargan – “Dornoch is going to come out of there running so it’s not the end of the world. It’s the new gate so a lot of people are saying the 1 hole is not what it used to be. So we’re not breaking into that funny turn and that will help too. I don’t think it’s the kiss of death. There’s no speed on our outside so hopefully he’ll break running and we’ll put him on the front end and see how it goes. We planned on keeping his face clean, now we’ll keep it real clean. And society man is a closer so he’ll just break and get over and sit midpack, maybe 10th or 10th and hopefully make a big run.”

SIERRA LEONE (Post 2, 3-1), DOMESTIC PRODUCT (Post 15, 30-1),– trainer Chad Brown – “Not that bad. Sierra Leone, he’s in just a touch farther in than I wanted but he didn’t get the 1 hole so I’m OK with that. With this particular horse, what I didn’t want was the 19 or 20. In fact, it would have been hard for him to drop over without losing ground, significant ground around the first turn. With Domestic Product, I thought it was a very good draw for him. He has a lot of natural speed, he should be in the second flight and I think that Irad (Ortiz Jr.) will have plenty of options from the 15 for that long run down the stretch the first time to sort of position himself hopefully behind the half dozen speed horses.”

MYSTIC DAN (Post 3, 20-1) – trainer Kenny McPeek – “I like it a lot. When you’re waiting for your number to come up, I told my wife that posts 3 or 7 was good for me. He can track right into the turn and he’s a horse that’s proven that he can run inside horses. So he doesn’t need the outside and he’s going to get a shorter trip from this post. So I’m very pleased.”

CATCHING FREEDOM (Post 4, 8-1), Encino (Post 9, 20-1), Just a Touch (Post 8, 10-1) – trainer Brad Cox – “Post positions are pretty over rated in my opinion. They all drew fine. If you’re a good enough horse you can overcome any post position. We can’t control posts so I like to keep things in perspective of what I can control, which is their training. They all worked well this morning and are training great going into the race. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to running all three horses.”

CATALYTIC (Post 5, 30-1) – trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. – “We drew well, so we can’t complain about the draw. We just have to get away clean and after that it’s up to Jose (Ortiz) to give him a good trip and for him to run the race of his life.”

JUST STEEL (Post 6, 20-1) – trainer Wayne Lukas – “It’s fine. I just didn’t want inside. I don’t care for the inside but anything from probably the 5 out is comfortable.”

HONOR MARIE (Post 7, 20-1) – trainer Whit Beckman – “It’s a great spot. We’re ready to go.”

WEST SARATOGA (Post 13, 50-1) – trainer Larry Demeritte – “I think it’s just fine breaking from post 13. We are so grateful to be here and enjoying every single minute.”

ENDLESSLY (Post 14, 30-1) – trainer Michael McCarthy – “Fantastic. I wanted to be anywhere between seven and 14, so this is perfect.”

FIERCENESS (Post 17, 5-2) – trainer Todd Pletcher – “I’m fine with the post. There’s a long enough run into the first turn to hopefully establish position.”

STRONGHOLD (Post 18, 20-1) – trainer Phil D’Amato – “It’s not the worst. He gets away from there pretty well so I think we can get a good spot.”

RESILIENCE (Post 19, 20-1) – trainer Bill Mott – “I’m fine with it. For me, I would have preferred to be in the outside half than the inside half. We have a certain amount of speed but not the speed that you would need to get away from the 1 hole or even the 2 hole. So you know, I think I’m happy enough being out there. Part of it is the trip and you have a chance from there to have a clean trip at least through the stretch and hopefully by the time you get to the turn, something works out in your favor, and you can track in a little bit.

KENTUCKY OAKS

GIN GIN (Post 2, 30-1), Tarifa (Post 8, 7-2) – trainer Brad Cox – “I think post positions are a little overrated. If you have the right horse you can really win from anywhere. I think both horses had a solid work the other morning so that’s most important at this stage to me.”

WHERE’S MY RING (Post 3, 15-1) – trainer Val Brinkerhoff – “I don’t like it, I love it.”

REGULATORY RISK (Post 4, 20-1), WAYS AND MEANS (Post 11, 5-1) – trainer Chad Brown – “Both of them good spots. Regulatory Risk is going to have to make up a couple lengths somewhere to get a piece of it and I think the inside draw was key for her to try and save ground. So that was really good. With Ways and Means, raw speed especially going 1 1/8 miles, I expect her to be very forward in the race. I’d rather her be outside most horses through that first run into the turn and have options out there. I’m very pleased, I didn’t want to be stuck inside with her. If she breaks clean, Tyler (Gaffalione) should have plenty of options to just choose his spot if he wants to go on or be just off the lead.”

THORPEDO ANNA (Post 5, 5-1) – trainer Kenny McPeek – “She’s got another good spot. You can let her run to the first turn. She’s fast, and has got enough early speed to put herself in a good spot (with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.). It’ll be interesting to see what’s inside of her, I haven’t really studied all of that. But I’m pretty confident with her.”

JUST F Y I (Post 13, 9-2) – trainer Bill Mott – “She won the Breeders’ Cup from the 12. Hopefully she’ll have a good clean trip and have a chance to get over. If she’s on her game, she’ll break pretty good and hope it works out as well as it did in the Breeders’ Cup.”

LESLIE’S ROSE (Post 14, 4-1) – trainer Todd Pletcher – “It’s not ideal. We’ll have to overcome it.”

.

Derby by the Speed Numbers 2024

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 21:38:20 GMT

Kentucky Derby by the Speed Numbers

OR Who'll Reach the Eighth Pole First?

By Dick Downey

Posted April 27, 2024

In 64 of the last 69 (93 percent) runnings of the Kentucky Derby, the winner was either on the lead with an eighth of a mile to go in the race, within a length of the lead, or running second although more than a length off the leader. Of those 69 winners, 50 of them (72 percent) were on the lead at the eighth pole. *Running positions at the eighth pole since the 2005 Kentucky Derby are shown below.

The Kentucky Derby is 1 1/4 miles for 3-year-olds only. It's the first time any of the horses have ever run that far in a race. In this industry, speed figures are calculated to identify how fast horses run, not by time, but by analysis. From six categories of speed figures published at Daily Racing Form, Brisnet and Equibase for 3-year-old races at 1 1/8 or 1 3/16 miles, we identified the horses with the best four figures in each category, then we added up how many times each of the horses were among the best. **A chart showing all the horses' speed figures in all the categories is below. ***A brief description of each the speed figure methods is below the chart.

There are six categories. The study finds horses with the four fastest numbers in each of those six categories. The four horses found the most are:

FIERCENESS - among the four fastest numbers in 5 categories

SIERRA LEONE - among the four fastest numbers in 5 categories

CATCHING FREEDOM - among the four fastest numbers in 3 categories

RESILIENCE - among the four fastest numbers in 3 categories

DETAILS

Top 4 Beyer Speed Figures: Fierceness 110 (Florida Derby); Sierra Leone 98 (Blue Grass Stakes); Catching Freedom 97 (Louisiana Derby); Honor Marie 96 (Louisiana Derby); Just a Touch 96 (Blue Grass Stakes)

Top 4 DRF combined speed/track variant figures: Endlessly 113 (El Camino Real Derby); Just Steel 107 (Arkansas Derby); Fierceness 105 (Florida Derby); Catching Freedom 103 (Louisiana Derby); Mystik Dan 103 (Arkansas Derby); Sierra Leone (Blue Grass Stakes)

Top 4 Brisnet Speed Figures: Fierceness 106 (Florida Derby); Resilience 104 (Wood Memorial); Society Man 102 (Wood Memorial); Sierra Leone 101 (Blue Grass Stakes)

Top 4 combined Brisnet E1-E2 figures: Just a Touch 215 (Blue Grass Stakes); Dornoch 200 (Blue Grass Stakes); Resilience 205 (Wood Memorial); Track Phantom 200 (Louisiana Derby)

Top 4 Brisnet late pace figures: Fierceness 113 (Florida Derby); Catching Freedom 101 (Louisiana Derby); Sierra Leone 99 (Risen Star); Resilience 98 (Wood Memorial)

Top 4 Equibase Speed Figures: Just Steel 112 (Arkansas Derby); Fierceness 110 (Florida Derby); Sierra Leone 107 (Blue Grass Stakes); Mystik Dan 106 (Arkansas Derby)

*DETAILS SINCE 2005

In 2023, Mage was second, two lengths off the pace, at the eighth pole. In 2022, Rich Strike was third, four lengths off the pace, at the eighth-pole. In 2021, Medina Spirit (since disqualified) and Mandaloun (who was second across the wire) were one-two at the marker, separated by a neck. In 2020, Authentic was ahead by a length. In 2019, Maximum Security also led by a length with a furlong left - but was disqualified. In 2018, Justify led by 2 1/2 lengths at the all-important eighth pole. In 2017, Always Dreaming led by three lengths at the eighth-pole. In 2016, Nyquist led by 2 1/2 lengths at the eighth pole. In 2015, American Pharoah had poked his head in front at that point of the race. In 2014, California Chrome led by five lengths at the furlong marker. In 2013, Orb was second, 2 1/2 lengths off the lead at the eighth pole. In 2012, I'll Have Another was second, three lengths off the lead with a furlong left. In 2011, Animal Kingdom didn't qualify for this stat, but he was about as close as you can get -- third by by 1 1/2 length at the eighth pole. In 2010, Super Saver was two lengths the best at the furlong marker. Mine That Bird was one length ahead at the eighth pole in 2009. Big Brown, the 2008 Derby winner, was 2 1/2 lengths ahead. In 2007, Street Sense was up by a length, and in 2006, Barbaro was four lengths in front at the eighth pole. The 2005 winner, Giacomo, was an exception to the rule. He was in sixth place at the eighth pole, almost three lengths off the lead held by Closing Argument at that moment.

***Descriptions of Speed Figures Used in the Study

Beyer Speed Figures; Speed Rating and Track Variant

Beyer Speed Figures are a well-known handicapping staple at Daily Racing Form. A single number is designed to express how fast a horse ran in a race.

These figures are complemented by the publication's pure speed rating and track variant figures, explained succinctly as follows.

The speed rating is a comparison of a horse's final time with the best time at the distance at that track in the last three years. The best time is given a rating of 100. One point is deducted for each fifth of a second by which a horse fails to equal that time.

To compute the track variant, the speed ratings of all winners in each type of race on a card are added together and an average is computed, which is deducted from 100. The lower the track variant, the faster the track, or the better the overall quality of competition that day, according to Daily Racing Form. Conversely, a higher track variant almost always means a slower track.

Brisnet Speed Figures

Brisnet has its own formula for calculating speed and like Beyer figures, a single number is designed to express how fast a horse ran in a race.

Brisnet speed figures are complemented by pace figures to evaluate horses' speed in the early and late stages of races, called E1, E2 and LP. E1 is the pace rating of the horse from the start to the first call of the race, usually a half-mile in longer races, and E2 is the pace rating of the horse from the start to the second call, usually three-quarters of a mile. LP is the pace rating of the horse from the second call to the finish of the race.

Equibase Speed Figures

Since 1991 Equibase has been the official repository for statistics in Thoroughbred racing in North America. This company also has its own formula for assessing speed expressed in a single number.

Daily Derby Update: April 27, 2024

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 19:19:05 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 27, 2024

CATALYTIC – Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. was preparing Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic for a planned Sunday work. On Saturday, the Florida Derby (GI) runner-up was out with exercise rider Olaf Hernandez during the designated training time for Oaks and Derby horses.

“He’s doing well,” said Joseph, who plans to keep a string of horses stabled at Churchill for the entire meet. “He had a nice gallop today, about a mile-and-a-half again. I thought he got over the track well.”

Catalytic is scheduled to work Sunday during the designated training period for Oaks and Derby horses that starts around 7:30 a.m.

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – “Let’s go to work.”

That was the statement Brad Cox said when he arrived at Barn 22 early Saturday morning before his trio of Kentucky Derby contenders – Catching Freedom (five furlongs, :59.20); Encino (five furlongs, :59.20) and Just a Touch (five furlongs, 1:00.80) – all had their final works prior to the “Run for the Roses.”

At 5:15 a.m., Albaugh Family Stables’ Catching Freedom worked to the inside of Godolphin’s Encino. The duo went an opening quarter-mile in :23.80 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.

Then, during the 7:30 a.m. exclusive training window for Derby/Oaks contenders, Qatar Racing, Resolute Racing and Marc Detampel’s Just a Touch breezed five furlongs in 1:00.80.

“Solid morning overall,” said jockey Florent Geroux, who worked both Encino and Just a Touch. “I thought both horses worked well. Encino seems to have bounced out of the Lexington in good shape and was solid. Just a Touch was very easy. He did everything on his own.”

Geroux is set to ride Just a Touch while 2023 Eclipse Award-winning apprentice rider Axel Concepcion, represented by Cox’s son, Bryson, will ride Encino.

“All three had good, solid moves this morning,” Cox said. “I liked the breeze this morning for Encino and that was really the thing we were looking for as far as making the decision to enter the Derby. His work went great. We did a little more with him this morning than we normally would back in two weeks. He responded well and so did Catching Freedom.

“I thought Just a Touch went pretty working a minute and change and galloped out in hand.”

All three Derby contenders are scheduled to have an easy Sunday morning and walk the shedrow.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Call it trainer speak, but Chad Brown was definitive in his belief that what he saw from his two Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders Saturday morning was just the eyeful he was looking for one week out from the first leg of the Triple Crown

Heading up a busy work tab morning under ideal weather conditions, the Brown-trained duo of Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith’s Sierra Leone and Klaravich Stables’ homebred Domestic Product put in their final major piece of work ahead of the 10-furlong classic on May 4. Working in company with Blue Grass Stakes (GI) winner Sierra Leone inside, the duo drilled five furlongs in 1:00.20 over the fast main track.

With Kriss Bon in the irons for Sierra Leone and Tyler Gaffalione up on Domestic Product, the duo notched splits of :13, :24.80, :36.40 and galloped out in 1:13.20 and 1:26.20. Gaffalione is set to be aboard Sierra Leone on Derby Day, but has ridden Domestic Product in the past and was filling in for Irad Ortiz Jr., who had to be in New York.

“Just that,” Brown said when asked what he wanted to see from his Derby duo. “It was executed perfectly. I wanted them to a good five-eighths out in three-quarters but well within themselves. (Sierra Leone) is super fit and it was just an outstanding work. I’m just trying to get him in there happy and sound.

“He’s a very rare horse. He’s just everything you want as a trainer.”

Touting himself in the morning hours is nothing new for Sierra Leone, as he posted a similarly impressive four-furlong breeze at Keeneland on April 20. With the last breeze now in the books, Brown can now focus on getting the horse who may arguably be his best Kentucky Derby contender yet over to the starting gate in the best condition possible.

"We’re just really trying to stay out of his way. Me and my team, we’ve been managing this horse and just trying to allow him to be who he was meant to be,” said Brown, who best finish in the Kentucky Derby came when he second with champion Good Magic in 2018. “Don’t do anything to prevent him from getting there really. He has a tremendous amount of power and endurance. He might not be the fastest horse early in his races but once he gets moving, it does seem like his stride is probably two to the horses next to him.

Brown added that Sierra Leone, who was fractious while loading for the Blue Grass Stakes, has had two gate schooling sessions at Churchill.

“He’s visited the gate twice this week and did really well, there is no need to take him back,” Brown said.

Domestic Product is one Brown said has been “glowing” since he arrived at Churchill Downs. The winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) on March 9 continued that trend with the way he handled the final workout.

“With these two horses, I feel as confident that I’ll have good runs in the Derby if they can get clear trips,” Brown said.

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – The Danny Gargan-trained duo of Dornoch and Society Man have been workmates for each other throughout their careers. Hence, it was fitting the two pushed each other through the last major breeze ahead of the biggest race of their young lives.

Dornoch, owned by West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing and Pine Racing Stables, and stablemate Society Man were once again in company as they put in a half-mile move in :46.60 during the 7:30 a.m. training period at Churchill Downs Saturday.

With Dornoch situated on the inside, the two posted splits of :11.60, 23.20, and 34.60 before galloping out in :59 and 1:12.60.

“The track is playing super fast right now,” Gargan said. “We thought we’d go in 47 and change, I got them 46 and 4. They went out nice though and … that’s kind of the work for everybody, they’re all going around the same time. We wanted to go a little bit slower but they looked good doing it, they were in hand, no one was asking them. We’re just hoping they come back good, everything looks good and they’re cooling out good.”

Society Man, who is owned by the partnership of Reeves Thoroughbreds, West Paces, GMP Stables and Carl and Yurie Pascarella, has been friendly company for his multiple graded stakes winning stablemate since their juvenile seasons with Gargan saying the Wood Memorial (GII) runner-up is one of the few horses he has that can hang with Dornoch.

“They’ve worked together even as 2-year-olds,” Gargan said. “They’ve breezed together multiple times, I couldn’t even tell you how many times. They worked twice before the Remsen together and they’ve worked twice here now together. They worked in Saratoga together as babies so they’re definitely familiar with each other.”

ENDLESSLY – Trainer Michael McCarthy was asked if the conversation had taken place.

“It’s been done,” the conditioner said. “We’ll be running in the Derby.”

The Oscar Performance colt had drilled a half-mile in :47.80 Friday morning and the trainer had called owner John Amerman not long after to discuss the next step for his multiple-stakes winner.

The bay was a winner of five of his six starts, none of them on dirt. In light of that, the conditioner gently encouraged his boss to consider staying on the sure road and entering Endlessly in the $600,000 American Turf (GII) next Saturday.

But Derby Fever is hard to cure and owner-breeder Amerman and his wife Jerry opted to take their big shot at the world’s most famous race.

So it will be a first-timers special for the connections around the bay: Owner, trainer and jockey (Umberto Rispoli) will all be experiencing their first go-round in the $5 million headliner.

FIERCENESS – The possible Kentucky Derby favorite – Repole Stable’s Fierceness – had a quiet walk morning Saturday at Churchill Downs following his :48.80 final prep Friday for the Run for the Roses.

“He looked super this morning,” trainer Todd Pletcher said of his Florida Derby (GI) winner. “We’re all good.”

The trainer has lined-up Hall of Famer John Velaquez to be at the controls for 2023’s 2-year-old champion. Racing fans with a recall for recent history might remember a similar scenario in 2017. Pletcher won the Florida Derby with Always Dreaming, then gave Velazquez a leg up on the colt in the Kentucky Derby. They met next in the winner’s circle.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (JPN) warmed up in the mile chute during the morning’s first harrow break and then gallop at a two-minute-mile clip under Yusaku Oka.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Tuesday night. Fujita is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on Friday.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First made his first appearance on the track Saturday morning for trainer Victor Barboza Jr., jogging a mile under exercise rider Amel Macias.

Grand Mo the First walked around in the grass behind Barn 41 before going to the track at 6:45 when equine traffic thinned before the first harrow break of the morning. Barboza said the colt would train at the same time during the coming week.

Grand Mo the First worked six furlongs in 1:16.46 at Gulfstream Park on Tuesday that will serve as his final pre-Derby work.

“No works here, but he will go to the paddock and gate one or two times,” said Barboza, who won an allowance race last year here on Derby Day with Petulante.

Third in the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) and Florida Derby (GI) in his past two starts, Grand Mo the First will be ridden in the Derby by Emisael Jaramillo.

Barboza was eager Saturday morning to see what this evening’s post position draw would bring.

“The draw is very important,” Barboza said. “I don’t want to be inside where a lot of horses could come over on you. I’d prefer the middle to the outside, say from the 12 to the 18.”

HONOR MARIE – TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) runner-up Honor Marie went back to the track Saturday for the first time since his sharp five-furlong drill in :59.20 Thursday.

“He came out of the work great,” trainer Whit Beckman said. “I was very happy when I got back to the barn from the work because he looked like he didn’t do much at all.”

Honor Marie jogged about a mile under regular exercise rider Maurilio Garcia.

JUST STEEL – BC Stable’s Just Steel, runner-up in the Arkansas Derby (GI) in his most recent outing, galloped during the special 7:30 a.m. training period with trainer D. Wayne Lukas looking on.

“The next couple days I might do something with him,” Lukas said regarding when Just Steel might have his final pre-Derby breeze.

MYSTIK DAN – Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan put in his final major tuneup on Saturday for the Derby for trainer Kenny McPeek. He was timed for the five furlongs in 1:01.20 with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., finishing up in 1:14.40.

“It was pretty basic stuff out there,” McPeek said. “For me, he worked fast enough last weekend. He didn’t need a whole lot. I told Brian to go a minute and change, and that I didn’t want him to go 59. He went in 1:01, which is fine, and he had a nice gallop out. He’ll gate school, paddock school, and have regular gallops all week.”

Mystik Dan, the winner of the Southwest (GIII) and most recently finished third in the Arkansas Derby (GI) at Oaklawn Park, will have Hernandez aboard in the Derby.

Traffic problems may have cost him an even better finish in the Arkansas Derby.

“He could have had a cleaner trip. He got turned sideways on the first turn, and I think it cost him some ground,” McPeek said. “But he ran well enough to get him some points to get in. He likes it here, this is his home track. He almost got the track record for five-and-a-half (furlongs) on a dry track. We’re pretty optimistic, whether it’s rain or shine.”

RESILIENCE – Similar to Friday, Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman’s Wood Memorial (GII) winner Resilience galloped during the 7:30 training session Saturday morning after taking a trip through the new Churchill Downs paddock. Trainer Bill Mott said his intention is to work Resilience on Sunday.

STRONGHOLD – The Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner Stronghold again trained during the special 7:30-7:45 Oaks/Derby session Saturday morning at Churchill Downs. The Ghostzapper colt galloped strongly for exercise rider Sherri Alexander, covering about a mile and one half on a fast track during a warm morning.

Trainer Phil D’Amato looked on from the clocker’s stand on the backside and said he liked what he saw.

“He seems like he’s full of energy,” the conditioner said, “and that what you like to see. I’m very happy with how he’s coming up to this.”

D’Amato has scheduled Stronghold’s final prep for the $5 million Derby for Sunday during the 7:30-7:45 special training period for Oaks and Derby runners. He’s signed on local rider Joe Talamo to be aboard for a work of “probably five furlongs.”

Stronghold’s Derby date means it will be another case of an owner (Eric and Sharon Waller), a trainer (D’Amato) and a jockey (Antonio Fresu) getting their first go-round in the world’s most famous race.

T O PASSWORD (JPN) – Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password (JPN) left the Quarantine Barn at 5:45 Saturday morning for his first activity at Churchill Downs since arriving early Friday from Chicago where he was in quarantine.

With training assistant Yuichi Tomomichi aboard, T O Password and stablemate T O Saint Denis (JPN) warmed up for about a half-hour in the mile chute and then galloped a mile before returning to the chute to cool down. T O Saint Denis is a candidate for Friday’s $750,000 Alysheba (GII) presented by Sentient Jet.

Trainer Daisuke Takayanagi is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Monday afternoon. Breeder Bokujo Yanagawa arrives Friday and will represent the owner.

Kazushi Kimura, who has the Derby mount, is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Monday.

TRACK PHANTOM – L and N Racing, Clark Brewster, Jerry Caroom and Breeze Easy’s Track Phantom had another routine 1 ½-mile gallop Saturday around 5:45 a.m. under exercise rider Roberto Howell.

The Steve Asmussen trainee is scheduled to school in both the paddock and starting gate prior to the Derby.

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga completed his major training for Derby 150 by working three furlongs under jockey Jesus Castanon in :37.20.

With Veruchi and trainer Larry Demeritte looking on from the frontside, West Saratoga clocked an initial eighth in :11.80 and galloped out a half-mile in :50.20.

“He was good this morning and handled the track well,” said Castanon, who waited to work until six other Derby and two Oaks hopefuls had completed their breezes. “He has handled every track that I have been on him … Tampa, Turfway, Keeneland and here.”

Demeritte only got to see the last part of the work.

“By the time we got to the frontside, I just got to see the stretch,” Demeritte said. “I liked the gallop out. I was hoping for :36, but he had strong gallop out.”

Demeritte said West Saratoga would walk Sunday and then gallop up to the race with paddock schooling slated for Monday and a gate visit for Tuesday.

After the work, West Saratoga was a handful after getting a bath.

“He likes to show off for the cameras,” Demeritte said. “If he’s happy, I’m happy.”

West Saratoga is named for the street in Littleton, Colorado, where Veruchi grew up.

“It is six blocks from the old Centennial Racetrack which closed in 1983,” said Veruchi, who is in Louisville through the Derby.

ALSO ELIGIBLES

EPIC RIDE - Welch Racing’s Epic Ride galloped a mile under Sophie Doyle for trainer John Ennis.

Epic Ride arrived at Churchill Downs at 8 p.m. Friday from The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington where he worked a half-mile in :51.20 that morning.

Epic Ride will need one defection from the anticipated Derby field to make the main body of the race.

“

We are going to go to the paddock maybe Wednesday and the gate Thursday,” Ennis said. “If we get in, we get in. If we don’t, after scratch time Friday we will go back to Lexington. I’m not sure (where he may run next if he does not get in the Derby.”

MUGATU - Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells’ Mugatu galloped at a two-minute lick under Joe Talamo at 9 o’clock for trainer Jeff Engler.

Mugatu arrived at Churchill Downs at 5 p.m. Friday from Belterra.

“We moved to Belterra from Turfway so he could train on the dirt,” Engler said. “If he doesn’t get in the Derby, he would probably work here and then ship Saturday or Sunday for the Peter Pan.”

The $200,000 Peter Pan (GIII) will be run May 11 at Aqueduct going 1 1/8 miles.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY DERBY – Here are the horses (with jockeys and trainers) that are qualified for the Kentucky Derby and those on the also-eligible list (in alphabetical order with AEs listed last in preference order):

Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, Saffie Joseph Jr.); Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown); Dornoch (Luis Saez, Danny Gargan); Encino (Axel Concepcion, Brad Cox); Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, Michael McCarthy); Fierceness (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher); Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Yoshito Yahagi); Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, Victor Barboza Jr.); Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, Whit Beckman); Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Resilience (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown); Society Man (Frankie Dettori, Danny Gargan); Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, Phil D’Amato); T O Password (JPN) (Kazushi Kimura, Daisuke Takayanagi); Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, Larry Demerritte).

Also Eligibles: Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, John Ennis); Mugatu (Joe Talamo, Jeff Engler)

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

FIONA’S MAGIC – Stonehedge LLC’s Fiona’s Magic, winner of the Davona Dale (GII), arrived at Churchill Downs at 3:50 Saturday morning after vanning from trainer Bo Yates’ base at Gulfstream Park.

Fiona’s Magic did not go to the track this morning.

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Trainer Brad Cox’s duo of Gin Gin and Tarifa both walked Barn 22 Saturday morning following their five-furlong moves in :59.60 and :59.20, respectively, Friday morning.

Both fillies are scheduled to go back to the track Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Following a Friday work, Six Column Stables, Randy Bloch, Jim Gladden, Mike Davis and Michael Steele’s Into Champagne was back out shortly after the track opened Saturday morning for trainer Ian Wilkes. Exercise rider Adelso Orantes was aboard.

“She was out for a jog, just a mile,” Wilkes said. “She came out of her work fine. She’ll gallop tomorrow, then walk Monday.”

On Friday, the Gulfstream Parks Oaks (GIII) third-place finisher completed a five-furlong breeze Friday morning in 1:00, with jockey Julien Leparoux.

JUST F Y I – Reigning juvenile filly champion Just F Y I had another routine day on Saturday. George Krikorian’s homebred galloped about 1 1/2 miles after going through the Churchill Downs paddock with trainer Bill Mott saying he plans to give the daughter of Justify one more move on Sunday in advance of the Kentucky Oaks (GI).

LEMON MUFFIN - Among the reasons Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas is emboldened about Lemon Muffin’s chances in the Kentucky Oaks (GI) is the clear preference she has for the Churchill Downs surface.

On Saturday, the Honeybee Stakes (GIII) winner flaunted how much she enjoys her time beneath the Twin Spires when she blazed five furlongs in :58.20 in her final major work in advance of the nation’s top race for 3-year-old fillies. Breaking off solo during the 7:30 a.m. training period, Lemon Muffin posted splits of :11.20, :22, and :33.80 with a gallop out in 1:14.

While the main track has been playing fast, Lukas wanted to get a stronger move into his Oaks contender to make sure her fitness is on point coming off a lackluster seventh-place finish in the Fantasy Stakes (GII) on March 30.

“She worked really strong. I wanted a strong work out of her because her performance the last time, I didn’t think she got a lot out of it,” Lukas said. “She went in 58 and 1 and that’s probably going to be a bullet work this morning. The track is playing very well.”

Owned by Aaron Sones and Julie Gilbert, Lemon Muffin came out of the Fantasy with what Lukas believes might have been a minor illness that impacted her run that day.

“She was flat last time, a little under the weather,” Lukas said. “But she really has responded well. And I think she has a real affinity for this surface. She loves it out here. (That time today) was by herself, no prompt, no workmate. She loves it here.”

LESLIE’S ROSE/CANDIED – Trainer Todd Pletcher sent his two Kentucky Oaks hopes to the racetrack Saturday morning during the special 7:30-7:45 training period. Exercise rider Joel Osorio handled Leslie’s Rose, who is assured a spot in the $1.5 million Oaks starting gate. Exercise rider Carlos Quevedo was the man for Candied, who will need two defections from the fillies under consideration for the Oaks to make the main body of the race.

Both fillies covered approximately a mile and a quarter in a good gallop.

POWER SQUEEZE – Lea Farms’ Kentucky-bred Power Squeeze galloped Saturday morning in her first appearance on the track since arriving late Thursday night from Gulfstream Park.

Trainer Jorge Delgado is arriving in Louisville on Sunday.

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS – While her male counterparts were stealing focus during the 7:30 a.m. training session on Saturday, Klaravich Stables’ Regulatory Risk put in a strong effort of her own when she breezed four furlongs in :49.60 in preparation for her expected start in the Kentucky Oaks (GI).

In a solo move, jockey Jose Ortiz guided Regulatory Risk through splits of :12.60, and :25 before galloping out in 1:01.60 and 1:14 flat.

”She did a little lighter piece of work,” trainer Chad Brown said of the Gazelle Stakes (GIII) runner-up. “She’s been in steady work up in New York and up there in the winter really developing, and she’s come pretty far forward. She’s not one of the main contenders in here but we decided to come down because she has come forward so much, she could get a piece of this race, which would make her pretty valuable. So we’re going to give her a shot in there.”

As Regulatory Risk was finishing her last major move, stablemate Ways and Means -- also owned by Klaravich -- had a walk day after blazing through a four-furlong move in :46 1/5 on Friday.

“She came out of it well,” Brown said of Ways and Means. “Luckily the track cooled off. It was such a fast work but I will say, once I got to seeing the work over a few times and some of the other fast works yesterday, it seemed the track was very, very fast. I don’t think it’s going to hurt her. She’s an extremely rare talent herself.”

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie walked the shedrow on Saturday for trainer Eddie Milligan Jr in preparation for the Oaks. She worked a half-mile Thursday with jockey Manny Esquivel, in 49 2/5 seconds. She’s expected to be out on the track Sunday.

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna walked the shedrow on Saturday, a day after she completed her final major workout for the Longines Kentucky Oaks for trainer Kenny McPeek.

“She’s doing fine,” McPeek said. “High energy, that’s her. Both Mystik Dan and she schooled twice in the paddock this week. She got a little nervous at Oaklawn, with its tight stalls. It was all new scenery to her, because she had been at Fair Grounds all winter. She had been at Oaklawn only for about 72 hours. But here, this is home track for both horses.”

On Friday, jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. guided her to a five-furlong work in 59.40 seconds. She has won three of her four starts with Hernandez, most recently the Fantasy (GII) at Oaklawn Park in her first start this year.

WHERE’S MY RING – Trainer Val Brinkerhoff reported that all was quiet and well at Barn 30 with his 3-year-old filly Where’s My Ring, who is owned by Michael McMillan and has a date this coming Friday in the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks. The daughter of Twirling Candy only had a walk day Saturday following her handy :46.60 drill Friday morning during the special Oaks/Derby training period.

The veteran horseman did have to deal with a touch of anxiety throughout the morning, however, concerning his scheduled rider for the 1 1/8-mile test. Veteran New York jockey Jose Lezcano had the call for the Oaks following his winning ride in the Gazelle (GIII) at Aqueduct in her most recent effort April 6. But Lezcano was involved in a spill in New York on Friday and Brinkerhoff was needing to hear positive news on the medical front from the rider’s agent.

After having to consider two other riding possibilities over the course of the morning, Brinkerhoff finally got good news from the Lezcano folks that he had been cleared to ride and was planning on being in Kentucky for his Friday engagement.

ALSO ELIGIBLES: Courtlandt Farm’s Our Pretty Woman, currently No. 15 on the Oaks preference list, galloped about 1 ½ miles at 5:30 a.m. Saturday with Wilson Fabian in the irons. She’d need one defection to make the Oaks field.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Here are the horses (with trainers) that are qualified for the Longines Kentucky Oaks and those on the also-eligible list (in alphabetical order with AEs listed last in preference order):

Everland (Abel Cedillo, Eric Foster); Fiona’s Magic (TBA, Bo Yates); Gin Gin (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, Ian Wilkes); Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Leslie’s Rose (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher);

Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, Jorge Delgado); Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown); Tapit Jenallie (Manny Esquivel, Eddie Milligan); Tarifa (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown) and Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano, Val Brinkerhoff).

Also-Eligible: Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Candied (Luis Saez, Todd Pletcher).

Daily Derby Update: April 26, 2024

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:21:31 GMT

Daily Derby Update: Friday, April 26, 2024

CATALYTIC – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic was back on the track Friday with exercise rider Olaf Hernandez, shortly after he received a new set of shoes.

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. arrived from South Florida on Thursday, and was on hand to supervise the shoeing and the easy mile-and-a-half gallop when he took to the track at 9:10 Friday morning.

“He’s galloping well,” said Joseph, who also gave Catalytic some time to stand in the starting gate. “He’s getting over the track really well. So far, so good.”

Catalytic, the Florida Derby (GI) runner-up behind probable Kentucky Derby favorite Fierceness, is scheduled to work Sunday.

“Before we shipped from Florida, we weren’t sure what to do, if we should work him at Gulfstream or wait until we got here,” Joseph said. “The weather is looking good for this weekend, so hopefully it stays like that.”

Joseph is looking forward to taking part in something different that Churchill is doing this year – holding the Derby and Oaks post position draws between races Saturday night.

“That’s very different, something quite unique,” he said. “Anything that helps generate interest with the fans. It will be something to see. It’s always good to be creative.”

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – All was well in trainer Brad Cox’s Barn 22 Friday as his Derby trio of Catching Freedom, Encino and Just a Touch all galloped about 1 ½ miles around 6 a.m.

“It was a solid day of training for them ahead of their breezes tomorrow,” Cox said. “We’re looking forward to seeing good works out of all of them tomorrow ahead of next Saturday.”

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith’s Sierra Leone continued to give trainer Chad Brown a favorable impression, galloping a mile and a half under Kriss Bon. The son of Gun Runner is slated to have his final major workout in advance of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday with Bon set to be in the saddle during the 7:30 a.m. reserved training period for Derby/Oaks horses.

Klaravich Stables’ Domestic Product put in his mile and a half gallop shortly after 8 a.m. Friday and is also set to work at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday with Tyler Gaffalione in the irons.

"Tyler Gaffalione is going to breeze Domestic Product, and Kriss Bon is going to breeze Sierra Leone,” Brown said. “Tyler is riding Sierra Leone (in the Derby) but he knows Domestic Product and (jockey) Irad (Ortiz Jr.) has to be in New York, so he’s going to cover for him. Both of those horses are doing great.”

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – Two-time graded stakes winner Dornoch, owned by West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing and Pine Racing Stables’, made a strong impression Friday with a solid gallop during the 7:30 a.m. training period under the watchful eye of trainer Danny Gargan.

Dornoch opened his season with a victory in the Fountain of Youth (GII) at Gulfstream Park on March 2, but will have to rebound off a fourth-place run in the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) at Keeneland on April 6. The son of Good Magic didn’t have ideal shipping conditions for that race, however, because of inclement weather and also didn’t get the smoothest of breaks away from the starting gate that day.

“I think he’s training better heading into this race than he was for the Blue Grass,” Gargan said. “He reared at the start (of the Blue Grass) a little bit, nobody noticed that. But he did rear a bit. Then he broke awkward and had to sit in the pocket. Hopefully this time he can get a clean break and keep his face clean. We don’t need to be on the lead but we’d like to be right there.”

Dornoch’s stablemate Society Man hit the track for his gallop at 5:45 a.m. on Friday. Both horses are slated to breeze during the 7:30 a.m. training period on Saturday.

Society Man is owned by the partnership of Reeves Thoroughbreds, West Paces, GMP Stables and Carl and Yurie Pascarella and well outran his odds when he finished second in the Wood Memorial (GII) at odds of 106-1.

“I was kind of shocked when I entered, I thought we’d be 30- or 40-1, but when he went off a 100-1, I was a little shocked by that,” Gargan said. “We liked him going into the race, he’d been training good. He’d been a workmate for Dornoch going into the Remsen (GII), he was probably the only horse I had who could breeze with him. He kept up with him and he was right there all the time. That’s when I got a little high on him then.”

ENDLESSLY – Amerman Racing’s Endlessly got right on it early Friday morning at Churchill Downs working a half-mile in :47.80 (out five furlongs in 1:00) at 5:30 shortly after the track opened for business. Umberto Rispoli was in from his California base to handle the drill and will be in the saddle when the horse runs next.

Now, where he runs next is currently the question.

“All options are now open,” said trainer Michael McCarthy, who oversaw the early drill. “I liked his move this morning, very pleased with it. Now we’ll see what’s next.”

Endlessly, a homebred by Oscar Performance, has yet to run on a dirt track in any of his six races (with five wins) to date. He has been a turf or synthetic ace so far, including four stakes wins. And that has led to a friendly debate among his connections.

Endlessly could continue on the proven path and start next Saturday in the $600,000, Grade II American Turf on the Churchill lawn. Or he could take a shot at the $5 million, Grade I Kentucky Derby, contested at a mile and a quarter on the main track.

“I’m going to have a conversation with Mr. Amerman now and see what we’re going to do,” McCarthy said. “It’ll be interesting.”

FIERCENESS – Repole Stable's Fierceness put in his final major Kentucky Derby prep Friday morning during the 7:30-7:45 a.m. period that is reserved strictly for horses aiming for the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks.

The Florida Derby winner, bred by his owner, had Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez aboard as Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher looked on from in Churchill Downs grandstand. Clockers caught the City of Light colt in :48.80 for his half-mile exercise. Fractions on the work that was accomplished in company with Agate Road were :12.80, :24.80, :36.80, :48.80, galloping out five furlongs in 1:00.60, six furlongs in 1:12.60 and seven-eighths in 1:26.

Velazquez had a big smile when asked about the move and noted: “He really, really went well today.”

Pletcher offered his opinion of the exercise and replied: “I’m very, very happy with the work.”

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (JPN) warmed up in the mile chute during the morning’s first harrow break and then galloped a mile and a half under Yusaku Oka.

According to Kate Hunter, Asia representative for the Kentucky Derby, Forever Young would gallop at a two-minute lick in the morning.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First arrived at Churchill Downs at 11:39 p.m. Thursday after vanning to Louisville from Gulfstream Park.

Trainer Victor Barboza Jr. was en route to Louisville on Friday.

Grand Mo the First walked the shedrow this morning and is scheduled to go to the track in the morning.

HONOR MARIE – It was a scheduled walk day at trainer Whit Beckman’s Barn 37 after TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) runner-up Honor Marie worked a sharp half-mile in :59.20 Thursday.

JUST STEEL – BC Stable’s Just Steel gave those watching the Derby/Oaks contenders during the special 7:30 a.m. training period an eyeful of his large frame as he jogged with the pony with trainer D. Wayne Lukas looking on.

“I’m jogging him today with the idea that I could do something tomorrow or the next day,” Lukas said, referring to when his charge might have his final pre-Derby breeze.

A 17-hand son of Justify, Just Steel captured the Ed Brown Stakes at Churchill Downs last November and is coming into the Derby off a second-place run in the Arkansas Derby (GI) on March 30.

“He’s really big, he’s 17 hands and he’s just finding himself now,” Lukas said. “He’s going to get better as he gets older but he’s starting to find himself and get the idea.”

MYSTIK DAN – Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan galloped a light mile-and-a-half for trainer Kenny McPeek under Martin Reyes.

Mystik Dan, the winner of the Southwest (GIII) and most recently finished third in the Arkansas Derby (GI) at Oaklawn Park, is scheduled to work Saturday with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who has the Derby riding assignment.

RESILIENCE – With co-owner Ric Waldman in attendance, Wood Memorial (GII) winner Resilience put in an easy gallop at 7:30 Friday morning and may have his final breeze Sunday, according to trainer Bill Mott.

Resilience, who is owed by Waldman in partnership with Emily Bushnell, took four tries to break his maiden but has won two of his past three outings. In the Wood Memorial, Mott said he saw what his charge was capable of when he finally put him mind toward the business at hand.

“I think it seems like the last couple races, the last race in particular, he was more focused,” Mott said. "We closed his blinkers up a bit and it seemed to get him a little more focused. Instead of paying attention to what the other horses were doing, he was minding his own business. That’s really helped him. We always kind of felt that there seems to be a little bit more there, like he’s leaving a little left in the tank. Last time he finally showed that.”

STRONGHOLD – Eric and Sharon Waller’s Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold continued to train forwardly at Churchill Downs Friday morning as he prepares for a run in Kentucky Derby 150 on Saturday, May 4.

Trainer Phil D’Amato, in from California to oversee his charge’s preparations, sent the Ghostzapper colt out during the 7:30 special training period for Derby/Oaks horses after having put his favorite exercise rider – Sherri Alexander – up for the exercise that covered roughly a mile and one half of a steady gallop.

D’Amato’s propensity for Alexander is understandable; she’s his wife. She’s also a veteran horsewoman who knows how to do well with a good horse.

D’Amato will continue on in Louisville through Sunday, when he has a “probably five furlong” drill slated for Stronghold with rider Joe Talamo scheduled to be in the tack. The trainer will then catch a plane back to his California headquarters to tend to some business before returning to Kentucky on Tuesday for the balance of the week.

T O PASSWORD (JPN) – Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password arrived at Churchill Downs at 4:45 a.m. Friday after spending 42 hours in quarantine in Chicago following a flight from Japan.

Undefeated in two starts in Japan going a mile and eighth, T O Password is trained by Daisuke Takayanagi and will be ridden in the Derby by Kazushi Kimura.

“I’m very lucky to run in the Kentucky Derby,” Takayanagi said before T O Password left Japan. “I am honored to join the history of running in the 150 ^th one.

“I didn’t change any training with T O Password going into the Derby. We have a long travel schedule and it’s a lot different environment compared to Japan. I’d like to make a similar Japanese training style over the Churchill Downs track.

“T O Password had a good jump out of the gate in his last two starts, so naturally he had good position. But we aren’t sure if we’ll have that good of a position in the Kentucky Derby.”

TRACK PHANTOM – L and N Racing, Clark Brewster, Jerry Caroom and Breeze Easy’s Track Phantom had a routine 1 ½-mile gallop Friday around 5:45 a.m.

The Steve Asmussen trainee will add blinkers for the Kentucky Derby and has been galloping with them for the past two weeks.

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga was scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs Friday afternoon from Lexington.

Trained by Larry Demeritte, West Saratoga is slated to work three furlongs Saturday morning with jockey Jesus Castanon in the irons.

ALSO ELIGIBLES – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride worked an easy half-mile in :51.20 at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky, and is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs this evening for trainer John Ennis.

Epic Ride would need one defection from the top 20 point earners and invitees on the Road to the Kentucky Derby to be included in the main body of the race when entries close Saturday morning.

Trainer Jeff Engler reported Mugatu is scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs Friday and train Saturday.

Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, Saffie Joseph Jr.); Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown); Dornoch (Luis Saez, Danny Gargan); Encino (TBA, Brad Cox); Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, Michael McCarthy); Fierceness (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher); Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Yoshito Yahagi); Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, Victor Barboza Jr.); Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, Whit Beckman); Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Resilience (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown); Society Man (Frankie Dettori, Danny Gargan); Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, Phil D’Amato); T O Password (JPN) (Kazushi Kimura, Daisuke Takayanagi); Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, Larry Demerritte).

Also Eligibles: Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, John Ennis); Seize the Grey (TBA, Wayne Lukas); Mugatu (Joe Talamo, Jeff Engler).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Trainer Brad Cox’s duo of Gin Gin and Tarifa completed their final tune-ups prior to the Longines Kentucky Oaks, working together through five furlongs in :59.60 and :59.20, respectively.

Tarifa, ridden by jockey Flavien Prat, started the work about two lengths back of her stablemate, who was ridden by Kelvin Perez. The duo cruised through opening quarter-mile of :23.80 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:11.

“I thought the move was very strong,” Cox said. “Tarifa started just behind Gin Gin and they both finished up well together and galloped out strong. A good, solid move. We’re looking forward to getting them ready for next Friday.”

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Gulfstream Parks Oaks (GIII) third-place finisher Into Champagne completed a five-furlong breeze Friday morning in 1:00 for trainer Ian Wilkes. With jockey Julien Leparoux aboard, Into Champagne galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.

“Everything was really good,” Wilkes said. “I couldn’t be any happier with the way she’s doing. Now we’ll gallop, school her in the paddock, school her in the gate to get ready – the normal things. And keep her happy.”

Into Champagne is Wilkes’ second filly in the Oaks, with Champagne Anyone having finished fourth in 2019.

“That’s the key (to winning),” he said. “You just have to get in the gate. Once you’re in the gate, it’s a long run to the first turn, so you don’t have to rush. You just hope for a clean break, and go from there.”

JUST F Y I – The improved level of fitness trainer Bill Mott has been seeing from champion filly Just F Y I was again on display Friday. George Krikorian’s homebred daughter of Justify put in another energetic gallop, going about 1 1/2 miles beneath the Twin Spires after going through the new Churchill Downs paddock.

Just F Y I had has just one start since taking the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) last November, an effort that capped off a 3-for-3 campaign for the Eclipse Award honoree. After having her seasonal bow delayed because of illness, the bay filly finished second in the Ashland Stakes (GI) at Keeneland on April 5.

“Her last race, we went into that last race not 100 percent cranked up,” Mott said. “She had been sick and she missed a couple works. We got a couple works into her and we ran her and I believe she was probably needed the race, just because she had been off several months. It seems like she’s bounced out of that race good.”

Mott added he might breeze Just F Y I on Sunday.

LEMON MUFFIN – Taking to the track during the 7:30 a.m. training period along with her stablemate and Kentucky Derby hopeful, Just Steel, Aaron Sones and Julie Gilbert’s Lemon Muffin put in a routine gallop as trainer D. Wayne Lukas pondered when he might give the Oaks hopeful her final workout.

After winning the Honeybee Stakes (GIII) on Feb. 24, Lemon Muffin threw in a disappointing effort when she finished seventh in the Fantasy Stakes (GII), an outing Lukas is drawing a line through given how dull the filly was the day after.

“She didn’t feel good when she ran in the Fantasy, so throw that one out,” Lukas said. “She was really flat the next day but she’s training really well since. She’s going to have something to say about this race.”

LESLIE’S ROSE/MANAMA GOLD – Whisper Hill Farm’s Leslie’s Rose merely walked the shedrow at trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn on the Churchill Downs backside Friday morning.

The Into Mischief filly, who is likely to be one of the favorites for next Friday’s Grade I Kentucky Oaks, had worked a half mile in :49.40 Thursday at Churchill in her final major move in front of the nine-furlong classic.

“She came out of it (the work) well,” Pletcher said. “We’re all good.”

Victorious’ Manama Gold worked a half-mile in :48.60 with Irad Ortz Jr. in the saddle during the special Oaks/Derby training period between 7:30 and 7:45.

The 3-year-old daughter of Star Guitar has been a late arrival at the Pletcher barn in hopes of finding a spot in year’s $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks. Her most recent outing was a tally in the UAE Oaks (GIII) at Meydan in Dubai in February, a triumph that gave her the points for entrance in this year’s Kentucky Oaks.

But because of various issues, notably a late ship from the Middle East, the conditioner doesn’t feel the Louisiana-bred is ready to take on an assignment as tough at next Friday’s championship race.

“She worked OK this morning (half mile in :48.60), but she got real tired at the end of it,” Pletcher said. “She looks like she has the makings of a good filly, but we’re going to need some more time to work with her before she’s ready to go. We won’t be putting her in the Oaks.”

POWER SQUEEZE – Lea Farms’ Kentucky-bred Power Squeeze arrived at Churchill Downs at 9 p.m. Thursday from South Florida, and will visit the track for the first time on Saturday.

On Wednesday, she was timed by Gulfstream Park clockers going four furlongs in :49.03 in her final work in preparation for the Oaks.

Trainer Jorge Delgado is arriving in Louisville on Sunday.

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS – While Klaravich Stables’ Regulatory Risk put in a routine gallop ahead of her planned breeze on Saturday, her stablemate Ways and Means showcased how fast the Churchill Downs surface was playing when she drilled four furlongs in :46.20 under exercise rider Peter Roman.

Working solo, Ways and Means cranked out splits of :12.40 and :23.40 en route to her blistering final time, galloping out in :58.40 and 1:11.80.

Trainer Chad Brown didn’t hide the fact the work was more than he wanted to see from the daughter of Practical Joke a week out from the Kentucky Oaks (GI), but he was encouraged by the way the filly he calls the best he has trained on dirt handled the effort.

“She just did a little bit too much,” Brown said. “It seemed like she was doing it in hand but it’s a little quicker than I was looking for so that part’s disappointing. But she came back good from it and hopefully she can overcome it. The track was fast, and a bit of rider error.”

Ways and Means returned from a near seven-month layoff to finish second in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) on March 30. While Friday’s move wasn’t exactly what Brown ordered, it did showcase part of the reason why the filly has earned such high regard from her four-time Eclipse Award winning trainer.

“Part of what you saw there is just her raw talent,” Brown said. “Right on top of the race a week out, I just wish she had done just a tick less. But looking at some of the times, it seems the track’s very quick. I have turf horses who just went down there in :48 and 2 and they can’t run on dirt at all so maybe the track is just that fast hopefully.

“I will say, she doesn’t seem to be blowing much. That gives me a little bit of relief. So we’ll see.”

Regulatory Risk galloped with Gudiel Alvarez and is set to breeze on Saturday at 7:30 with Jose Ortiz in the irons.

TAPIT JENALLIE – After Thursday morning’s half-mile breeze, Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie walked the shedrow on Friday for trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. in preparation for the Oaks.

Jockey Manny Esquivel, who rode her to a third-place finish in the GII Fantasy and a second in the GIII Honeybee at Oaklawn Park, guided the homebred daughter of Tapit to a 49.40 half-mile Thursday.

THORPEDO ANNA – Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. was aboard Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna for her final major workout on Friday ahead of the Longines Kentucky Oaks for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Hernandez guided her to a five-furlong work in :59.40, with splits of :12.20 and :35.40 and galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.60.

“She worked really well,” Hernandez said. “She was in the bridle all the way. She’s a forward filly, and always shows how talented she is.”

“She does things really easy,” McPeek said. “She was born fast.”

The Fast Anna filly is the winner of three of her four starts with Hernandez, most recently having captured the Fantasy (GII) in her first start this year. Thorpedo Anna cost just $40,000 at the Fasig-Tipton sale in Lexington, Kentucky, in October 2022.

WHERE’S MY RING – Michael McMillan’s Where’s My Ring, a solid winner of New York’s Grade III Gazelle Stakes last out on April 6, put in her final major prep for next Friday’s Kentucky Oaks when she covered a half mile in :46.60 under exercise rider David Rodriguez during the special Oaks/Derby training period at Churchill Downs Friday morning at 7:30.

Veteran horseman Val Brinkerhoff was very pleased with the drill.

“It was good to see her make a move like that coming up to this kind of race,” the trainer said. “We’ve had so many issues with her; mostly small problems, but plenty of them all along the way. But now she’s right. I know we haven’t gotten to the bottom of her yet, but it’s good to have her doing well with her getting ready to take on that tough bunch next Friday. I’m just glad she’s come around.”

Brinkerhoff said top New York rider Jose Lezcano – who rode Where’s My Ring in her Gazelle triumph – again will be on board for the Grade I Oaks.

ALSO ELIGIBLES: Courtlandt Farm’s Our Pretty Woman, currently No. 15 on the Oaks preference list, galloped about 1 ½ miles at 5:30 a.m. Friday with Wilson Fabian in the irons. She’d need one defection to make the Oaks field.

Eclipse Thoroughbreds’ Candied walked trainer Todd Pletcher’s shedrow following her half-mile move in :47.60 Thursday morning.

Everland (Abel Cedillo, Eric Foster); Fiona’s Magic (TBA, Bo Yates); Gin Gin (TBA, Brad Cox); Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, Ian Wilkes); Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Leslie’s Rose (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, Jorge Delgado); Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown); Tapit Jenallie (Manny Esquivel, Eddie Milligan); Tarifa (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown) and Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano, Val Brinkerhoff).

Also-Eligible: Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Candied (Luis Saez, Todd Pletcher)

Daily Derby Update: Thursday, April 25, 2024

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 17:58:11 GMT

Daily Derby Update: Thursday, April 25, 2024

CATALYTIC – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic was back on the track Thursday with an energetic gallop going a mile-and-a-half under exercise rider Olaf Hernandez.

Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Catalytic arrived at Churchill Downs Monday morning after vanning from South Florida.

“He’s doing well,” said Tristan Ford, an assistant to Joseph, after the gallop. “Everyone is happy with the way he’s progressing.”

Catalytic, the Florida Derby (GI) runner-up behind probable Kentucky Derby favorite Fierceness, is expected to work this weekend, possibly Sunday.

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Catching Freedom, Encino and Just a Touch had their normal training sessions Thursday at 7:30 a.m., all galloping 1 ½ miles.

The trio will train between 5:30-6:30 a.m. Friday and work at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith’s Sierra Leone galloped a mile and a half under Kriss Bon and for the second consecutive morning visited the starting gate.

“He did great this morning (at the gate),” trainer Chad Brown said of Sierra Leone, who delayed the start of the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) by being reluctant to load in the gate in front of the Keeneland grandstand.

Domestic Product, owned by Klaravich Stables, galloped a mile and a half under Peter Roman.

“He’s feelin’ good this morning,” Roman said after the morning’s activity was completed.

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing and Pine Racing Stables’

Dornoch galloped a mile and a half at 7:30 with Pricilla Schaefer aboard for trainer Danny Gargan.

Schaefer returned to the track at 9 with Gargan’s other Kentucky Derby hopeful, Society Man.

Owned by the partnership of Reeves Thoroughbreds, West Paces, GMP Stables and Carl and Yurie Pascarella. Society Man also galloped a mile and a half.

“He’s strong,” Gargan said as Society Man jogged past a viewing stand heading back to the barn. “He’s a bulldog now.”

ENDLESSLY – Amerman Racing’s Endlessly had a normal training day Thursday, galloping 1 ½ miles around 5:45 a.m.

The winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) is scheduled to work Saturday.

FIERCENESS – Repole Stable’s homebred Fierceness, winner of the Florida Derby (GI) by 13 ½ lengths in his most recent start, galloped a mile and three-eighths under exercise rider Danny Wright for trainer Todd Pletcher.

The Eclipse Award winner as the champion 2-year-old of 2023, Fierceness is scheduled to work Friday morning at 7:30 with jockey John Velazquez aboard.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (JPN) walked in the mile chute for about an hour under Yusaku Oka before returning the Quarantine Barn.

Forever Young worked six furlongs in 1:19.60 in company on Wednesday.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First was en route to Churchill Downs Thursday from Gulfstream Park. Trainer Victor Barboza Jr. said Grand Mo the First was scheduled to arrive here around 9 o’clock tonight.

Grand Mo the First is scheduled to walk Friday and then go to the track Saturday.

HONOR MARIE – It was a busy morning outside trainer Whit Beckman’s Barn 37 as his Kentucky Derby hopeful Honor Marie completed his major training towards the first Saturday in May with a strong five-furlong move in :59.20 with jockey Ben Curtis in the irons.

“We can take one breath now that the work is over,” Beckman said about an hour after the 7:30 a.m. breeze. “He came back to the barn and everything was great. The work was great. It reminded me a lot of his work leading up to the Kentucky Jockey Club, except that work was over at (Churchill Downs’) Trackside.”

Honor Marie was partnered in his work with Agoo, a 3-year-old son of Munnings who won a maiden special weight in October at Keeneland. The duo started the move together through a swift opening quarter-mile of :23.80. As they reached the top of the stretch following three furlongs in :35.60, Honor Marie began to separate from his stablemate and completed his move four lengths in front at the wire. As he galloped out, Honor Marie continued to extend his margin and completed six furlongs in 1:12.60 and finished seven furlongs in 1:27.60, according to Churchill Downs Clocker John Nichols.

“Everyone keeps asking me about why I’m not working on a traditional schedule but I just train each horse individually and not have a certain schedule like every Friday or Saturday or Sunday they work,” Beckman said.

Honor Marie will have a scheduled walk day on Friday.

JUST STEEL – BC Stable’s Just Steel stayed with his traditional early training session and galloped 1 ½ miles Thursday morning for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

“We’re very fortunate to have some solid horses in the barn this year and in both the Kentucky Derby and Oaks (with Lemon Muffin) but I’ve got a great 2-year-old class getting ready to come in the barn,” Lukas said. “Derby 150 is special but we always have to keep thinking forward.”

Just Steel is scheduled to have one more work prior to the Kentucky Derby.

MYSTIK DAN – Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan galloped the usual mile-and-a-half for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Mystik Dan, the winner of the Southwest (GIII) and most recently finished third in the Arkansas Derby (GI) at Oaklawn Park, is scheduled to work Saturday. Brian Hernandez Jr. has the Derby riding assignment.

RESILIENCE – Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman’s Resilience had an easy gallop at 7:30 Thursday morning.

Jockey Junior Alvarado has the mount in the Kentucky Derby and is scheduled to ride at Churchill Downs throughout Derby Week.

“It’s great to be here in Kentucky right now,” Alvarado said. “The (Bill Mott) barn has meant a lot for my career.”

STRONGHOLD – Eric and Sharon Waller’s Stronghold, trained by Phil D’Amato, galloped a mile and a half Thursday morning with the trainer’s wife, Sherri, aboard.

Winner of the Sunland Derby (GIII) and Santa Anita Derby (GI) in his two starts of 2024, Stronghold is scheduled work Sunday morning with Joe Talamo up.

“Sunday is looking like the best day,” D’Amato said of the schedule that is weather dependent.

T O PASSWORD (JPN) – Tomoya Ozasa’s Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby invitee T O Password is in quarantine in Chicago and scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs early Friday morning.

TRACK PHANTOM – Lecomte Stakes (GIII) winner Track Phantom returned to his early schedule Thursday for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, galloping about 1 ½ miles under exercise rider Roberto Howell at 5:45 a.m.

The son of Quality Road changed training schedules Wednesday when he visited the starting gate at 7:30 a.m. during the special Derby/Oaks training session.

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga galloped Thursday morning at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

Trainer Larry Demeritte said West Saratoga would train Friday morning in Lexington and then ship to Churchill Downs with a 2 p.m. arrival anticipated.

Jesus Castanon is scheduled to be aboard for a three-furlong work here Saturday.

ALSO ELIGIBLES – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride, third in the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) in his most recent start, galloped this morning at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

Trainer John Ennis said Epic Ride would train in the morning then ship to Churchill Downs Friday evening.

Adam Beschizza would have the Derby mount.

Trainer Jeff Engler reported Mugatu, fifth-place finisher of the Blue Grass, would arrive Friday and two-minute lick Saturday morning with jockey Joe Talamo in the irons.

Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, Saffie Joseph Jr.); Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown); Dornoch (Luis Saez, Danny Gargan); Encino (TBA, Brad Cox); Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, Michael McCarthy); Fierceness (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher); Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Yoshito Yahagi); Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, Victor Barboza Jr.); Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, Whit Beckman); Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Resilience (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown); Society Man (Frankie Dettori, Danny Gargan); Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, Phil D’Amato); T O Password (JPN) (Kazushi Kimura, Daisuke Takayanagi); Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, Larry Demerritte).

Also Eligibles: Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, John Ennis); Uncle Heavy (TBA, Butch Reid); Seize the Grey (TBA, Wayne Lukas); Mugatu (Joe Talamo, Jeff Engler).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin along with Godolphin’s Tarifa both galloped about 1 ½ miles Thursday at 7:30 a.m. Both fillies are scheduled to work Friday at 7:30 a.m.

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Gulfstream Parks Oaks (GIII) third-place finisher Into Champagne had an easy mile-and-three-eighths gallop Thursday morning for trainer Ian Wilkes. After her gallop, Wilkes said he’s expecting to breeze her Friday.

“I’ll probably breeze her tomorrow (Friday), since it looks like there’s a chance for rain coming in later,” said Wilkes.

Over the years, Wilkes has trained several horses with champagne in their names — including Champagne Problems, a Grade III-winning earner of more than $400,000, Champagne Anyone, the 2019 Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) winner who finished fourth in the Kentucky Oaks, and Yes to Champagne.

“I’ve got a lot of alcoholic owners,” Wilkes joked. “I do have a lot of 2-year-olds coming along with champagne in their names. It’s fun, it’s great. The owners love it, y’know, and that’s the main thing.”

JUST F Y I – Champion filly Just F Y I had a 1 ½-mile gallop Thursday morning at 7:30.

The Bill Mott trainee is expected to be one of the favorites for the Longines Kentucky Oaks. “She’s a beautiful filly,” Mott said. “She feels good most days in her training and gets a lot out of it.'

LESLIE’S ROSE – Whisper Hill Farm’s Ashland (GI) winner Leslie’s Rose worked a half-mile in :49.40 on her own with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Getting into the work on her own shortly after coming on the track, Leslie’s Rose produced fractions of :13.20, :25.20 and :49.40 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.40 and three-quarters in 1:16.20.

“She worked really, really good,” said Ortiz, who has been aboard Leslie’s Rose in all four of her starts.

Pletcher said he was pleased with the work.

“I was very, very happy with it,” said Pletcher, a four-time Oaks winner. “She got over the ground well and galloped out strong.”

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS – Klaravich Stables’ Regulatory Risk and Ways and Means both galloped a mile and half for trainer Chad Brown.

Ways and Means galloped under Peter Roman before the first morning harrow break and is scheduled to work at 7:30 Friday morning.

Regulatory Risk galloped at 7:30 with Gudiel Alvarez in the boot and is scheduled to work Saturday at 7:30 with Jose Ortiz up.

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie breezed a half-mile Thursday morning in preparation for the Oaks. Jockey Manny Esquivel guided the homebred daughter of Tapit for trainer Eddie Milligan Jr., and will get the call to ride her in the Oaks.

Working without company, Tapit Jenallie was timed in :49.40 with fractions of :12.80, :25, out in 1:02.40 and finishing up in 1:16.20, according to Churchill Downs Clocker Adam Wallace.

“She worked really well,” Milligan said as he held the shank while she got her cool down bath. “She did everything we wanted her to do this morning. The time was kind of where I thought she should be today. She just needed an easy breeze without taking too much out of her.

“Manny said she worked well. He rode her the last two times at Hot Springs (Oaklawn Park, third in the GII Fantasy and second in the GIII Honeybee), and she’s gotten somewhat better, and has grown quite a bit. She’s really doing great.”

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna is scheduled to have her final major workout on Friday ahead of the Longines Kentucky Oaks for trainer Kenny McPeek.

On Thursday, Thorpedo Anna galloped an easy mile-and-a-half. The Fast Anna filly is the winner of three of her four starts with Brian Hernandez Jr., most recently having captured the Fantasy (GII) in her first start this year.

WHERE’S MY RING – Michael McMillan’s Where’s My Ring jogged a mile before the first morning harrow break with exercise rider David Rodriguez aboard for trainer Val Brinkerhoff.

Winner of the Gazelle (GIII) in her most recent start, Where’s My Ring is scheduled to work a half-mile in the morning with Rodriguez up.

ALSO ELIGIBES – Victorious’ Manama Gold galloped a mile and three-eighths under Jonathan Fabian Aguilar for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Pletcher said the UAE Oaks (GIII) winner would work in the morning before making a decision on her Oaks status.

Pletcher’s other Oaks hopeful, Eclipse Thoroughbreds Partners’ Candied, worked a half-mile in company with graded stakes-placed Scalable.

With jockey Luis Saez up, Candied worked to the outside of Scalable and produced fractions of :12.60, :24.20, :36.20 and :47.60 with a five-eighths gallop out of 1:00, three-quarters in 1:12.80 and seven-eighths in 1:27.40, according to Churchill Downs Clocker John Nichols.

“Very good, a good solid work,” Pletcher said. “She switched leads on cue and galloped out strong. I hope she gets in.”

Everland (Abel Cedillo, Eric Foster); Fiona’s Magic (TBA, Bo Yates); Gin Gin (TBA, Brad Cox); Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, Ian Wilkes); Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Leslie’s Rose (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, Jorge Delgado); Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown); Tapit Jenallie (Manny Esquivel, Eddie Milligan Jr.); Tarifa (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown) and Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano, Val Brinkerhoff).

Also-Eligible: Manama Gold (TBA, Todd Pletcher); Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Candied (Luis Saez, Todd Pletcher)

Daily Derby Update: April 24, 2024

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:49:51 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 24, 2024

CATALYTIC – After coming to the track for the first time Tuesday morning, Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic returned Wednesday to gallop a mile and a half under exercise rider Olaf Hernandez.

Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Catalytic arrived at Churchill Downs Monday morning after vanning from South Florida.

“He just galloped the mile and a half,” said Tristan Ford, an assistant to Joseph. “We’re happy with everything. He’s feeling good.”

Catalytic, the Florida Derby (GI) runner-up behind expected Kentucky Derby favorite Fierceness, is on target to work Sunday.

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Catching Freedom, Encino and Just a Touch all galloped about 1 ½ miles Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. and schooled in the starting gate.

All three horses are scheduled to breeze Saturday morning.

Cox stated Encino’s jockey has yet to be confirmed for the Kentucky Derby.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Trainer Chad Brown’s Derby duo of Sierra Leone and Domestic Product galloped a mile and a half during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Derby and Oaks horses.

Kriss Bon was aboard Sierra Leone, who gave Brown his third Blue Grass Stakes (GI) victory. Brown’s other Blue Grass winners were Good Magic, who finished second in the 2018 Derby, and Zandon, who finished third in the 2022 Derby.

Sierra Leone is owned by the partnership of Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith.

Peter Roman partnered Domestic Product, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) in his most recent start. Klaravich Stables owns and bred Domestic Product.

Both colts are scheduled to work Saturday, weather permitting.

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – Trainer Danny Gargan’s two Kentucky Derby hopefuls both galloped a miler and a half under exercise rider Pricilla Schaefer.

Winner of the Fountain of Youth (GII), Dornoch is owned by the partnership of West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing and Pine Racing Stables. He put in his morning work at 7:30. Luis Saez has the Derby mount.

Coming out at 9 o’clock for his morning exercise was Wood Memorial runner-up Society Man, who is owned by the partnership of Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, West Paces, GMP Stables and Carl and Yurie Pascarella. Frankie Dettori has the mount on Society Man.

The two colts are scheduled to work in company Saturday morning with Saez aboard Dornoch.

“I think they worked fine together last week and going to do it again this week,” Gargan said. “This time, I’ll put Dornoch on the inside of Society Man. Another day of training down and one closer to the Derby.”

ENDLESSLY – Amerman Racing’s Endlessly had a normal training day Wednesday, galloping 1 ½ miles around 5:45 a.m.

The winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) is scheduled to work Saturday.

FIERCENESS – Repole Stable’s champion Fierceness galloped a mile and three-eighths under regular exercise rider Danny Wright for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) last November at Santa Anita to wrap up the Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old, Fierceness is scheduled to work Friday morning with John Velazquez aboard.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s undefeated Forever Young (JPN) worked six furlongs in 1:19.60 over a fast track in company.

With jockey Ryusei Sakai aboard, Forever Young posted fractions of :14.80, :28.80, :42.60, :55.20, 1:19.60 and out seven furlongs in 1:33,60. He was joined for the last half-mile by Cuffed Candy, an unraced 3-year-old for trainer Dale Romans.

“Thanks to Dale Romans (with providing the workmate) so we were able to do exactly what we want to do this far out (from the Derby),” Sakai said through a translator.

As usual, Forever Young warmed up in the mile chute for a half-hour during the first harrow break of the morning before commencing his work that went off slowly and finished with a final quarter-mile in :24.40.

Following the work, Forever Young visited the starting gate.

“The gate was no problem,” said Sakai, who missed out on riding in last year’s Derby after Continuar (JPN) was scratched days before the race. “He has been to the gate before at all the places he has run.”

Sakai has been aboard Forever Young in all five of his starts ranging in distance from a mile to a mile and three-sixteenths. Forever Young raced in Japan last year at age 2 and this year has been to Saudi Arabia and Dubai before coming here.

Sakai said Forever Young, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, would have another work next week. However, Sakai will not be aboard for that work as he is returning to Japan to ride this weekend before coming back to Louisville late next week.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First exited his six-furlong work of 1:16.46 on Tuesday morning at Gulfstream Park in good order and is on schedule to van to Churchill Downs on Thursday.

Trainer Victor Barboza Jr. will be here Friday, which is a scheduled walk day for Grand Mo the First.

HONOR MARIE – Trainer Whit Beckman was “calm, cool and relaxed” Wednesday morning watching TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) runner-up Honor Marie train.

“I don’t really get nervous when I run a horse in a race I think they can win,” Beckman said. “It’s a weird feeling but right now I don’t feel too nervous.”

Honor Marie is scheduled to work Thursday morning with jockey Ben Curtis in the irons.

JUST STEEL – BC Stable’s Just Steel was the first Kentucky Derby contender to train Wednesday morning with Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas closely watching aboard his pony.

The son of new Hall of Fame inductee Justify galloped about 1 ½ miles.

MYSTIK DAN – Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan galloped an easy mile and a half for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Mystik Dan, the winner of the Southwest (GIII) and most recently third in the Arkansas Derby (GI) at Oaklawn Park, is scheduled to work Saturday. Brian Hernandez Jr. has the Derby riding assignment.

RESILIENCE – Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman’s Resilience had an easy gallop at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The winner of the Wood Memorial (GII) is scheduled to school in the paddock a couple times before the Derby, according to trainer Bill Mott.

STRONGHOLD – Eric and Sharon Waller’s Stronghold, who arrived at Churchill Downs Tuesday afternoon at 4 o’clock from his base at Santa Anita, jogged a mile Wednesday morning with trainer Phil D’Amato’s wife, Sherri, in the saddle.

Weather permitting, the Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner is scheduled to work Saturday with Joe Talamo up.

ALSO ELIGIBLES – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride, third in the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) in his most recent start, galloped Wednesday morning at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky, for trainer John Ennis.

Trainer Jeff Engler reported Mugatu is back in consideration for the Kentucky Derby also-eligible list. The fifth-place finisher of the Blue Grass (GI) is based at Belterra Park in Ohio.

Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, Saffie Joseph Jr.); Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown); Dornoch (Luis Saez, Danny Gargan); Encino (TBA, Brad Cox); Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, Michael McCarthy); Fierceness (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher); Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Yoshito Yahagi); Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, Victor Barboza Jr.); Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, Whit Beckman); Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Resilience (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown); Society Man (Frankie Dettori, Danny Gargan); Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, Phil D’Amato); T O Password (JPN) (Kazushi Kimura, Daisuke Takayanagi); Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, Larry Demerritte).

Also Eligibles: Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, John Ennis); Uncle Heavy (TBA, Butch Reid); Seize the Grey (TBA, Wayne Lukas); Mugatu (TBA, Jeff Engler).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin along with Godolphin’s Tarifa both galloped about 1 ½ miles Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. then schooled in the paddock following training.

Both fillies are scheduled to work Friday or Saturday depending on weather.

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Gulfstream Parks Oaks (GIII) third-place finisher Into Champagne had an easy 1 ½-mile gallop Wednesday morning for trainer Ian Wilkes.

She’s scheduled to breeze Friday or Saturday.

JUST F Y I – Champion filly Just F Y I returned to the track Wednesday for the first time since her sharp five-furlong move in :59.80 Monday morning.

The Bill Mott trainee had a light gallop at 7:30 a.m.

LESLIE’S ROSE – Whisper Hill Farm’s Ashland (GI) winner Leslie’s Rose galloped a mile and three-eighths with exercise rider Joel Osorio aboard for four-time Kentucky Oaks-winning trainer Todd Pletcher.

Leslie’s Rose is scheduled to work Thursday morning.

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS – Klaravich Stables’ Regulatory Risk and Ways and Means both galloped a mile and half Wednesday morning for trainer Chad Brown.

Ways and Means, second in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) in her 2024 debut, galloped early under Peter Roman. She will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione.

Regulatory Risk galloped during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Derby and Oaks horses with Gudiel Alvarez aboard. Jose Ortiz has the Oaks mount on the Gazelle (GIII) runner-up.

Brown initially had both fillies scheduled to work Friday, but said Wednesday morning, “I’m not sure about that. I may work one filly Friday and one Saturday.”

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie is on target to work Thursday morning in preparation for the Oaks, eight days later. Trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. took the homebred daughter of Tapit to the starting gate and paddock, before galloping her a mile and a half.

“She’s doing really well right now,” Milligan said. “She went into the gate real good, relaxed real good, and she did everything I needed her to do today. We’ll breeze her an easy half- mile tomorrow, then walk her a couple of days after that.”

Tapit Jenallie is scheduled to work Thursday with jockey Manny Esquivel up.

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna galloped a mile and a half for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Thorpedo Anna is the winner of three of her four starts with Brian Hernandez Jr., most recently having captured the Fantasy (GII) in her first start this year. The Fast Anna filly is scheduled to work Friday.

WHERE’S MY RING – Michael McMillan’s Gazelle (GIII) winner Where’s My Ring galloped a mile and a half early Wednesday morning under David Rodriguez.

“She will jog Thursday and then work a half-mile Friday,” trainer Val Brinkerhoff said of the filly who will be piloted in the Oaks by Jose Lezcano, who was aboard for the Gazelle victory.

ALSO ELIGIBLES – Manama Gold (No. 15) and Candied (No. 17) both galloped a mile and three-eighths for trainer Todd Pletcher. Manama Gold was out early under Jonathan Fabian Aguilar while Candied galloped at 7:30 under Carlos Quevedo.

They are scheduled to work Thursday.

Pletcher said Luis Saez would have the mount on Candied should she make it into the main body of the race. The rider for Manama Gold is to be determined.

“We will see how she breezes tomorrow,” Pletcher said of Manama Gold regarding her Oaks status.

Also-Eligible: Manama Gold (TBA, Todd Pletcher); Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Candied (Luis Saez, Todd Pletcher)

Kentucky Derby field

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 21:51:14 GMT

150th Grade 1 Kentucky Derby May 4, 2024 10 Furlongs

Run Annually Since 1874 at Churchill Downs

Purse: $5,000,000 with $3,100,000 guaranteed to the winner; $1,000,000 to second; $500,000 to third; $250,000 to fourth; $150,000 to fifth.

Race 12, 6:57 ET

Daily Derby Update: April 23, 2024

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:50:20 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 23, 2024

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Catching Freedom, Encino and Just a Touch all galloped about 1 ½ miles Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

Following their training sessions, the trio schooled in the paddock at 10 a.m.

Cox, who was at Keeneland Tuesday morning, is scheduled to be back at Churchill Downs Wednesday.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Trainer Chad Brown’s two Kentucky Derby hopefuls galloped a mile and a half during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses.

It was the first day on the track for Klaravich Stables’ Domestic Product, who was partnered by Peter Roman.

“

The first day on the track was excellent. He was moving well,” Brown said.

Sierra Leone, winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) and Risen Star (GII), had regular exercise rider Kriss Bon aboard. Sierra Leone is owned by the partnership of Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith.

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – Trainer Danny Gargan’s Kentucky Derby hopefuls, Dornoch and Society Man, galloped a mile and a half under Pricilla Schaefer.

Dornoch, owned by the partnership of West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing and Pine Racing Stables, galloped at 7:30 and comes into the Derby off a fourth-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes (GI).

Society Man, runner-up in the Wood Memorial (GII) in his most recent start, galloped at 9 a.m. He is owned by the partnership of Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, West Paces Racing, GMP Stables and Carl and Yurie Pascarella.

ENDLESSLY – Amerman Racing’s Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) winner Endlessly had an easy 1 ½-mile gallop early Tuesday morning.

Endlessly is slated to work Saturday.

FIERCENESS – Repole Stable’s Fierceness, the champion 2-year-old of 2023 and possible favorite for the 150 ^th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby (GI) Presented by Woodford Reserve, made his first appearance on the track at Churchill Downs on a sun-splashed Tuesday morning.

Under regular exercise rider Danny Wright, Fierceness galloped a mile during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks runners.

Wright has been the regular morning partner for Fierceness since last summer at Saratoga.

“He looked smooth and handled it well,” trainer Todd Pletcher said of the morning’s activity.

Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) and Florida Derby (GI) in dominating fashion, Fierceness is scheduled to work Friday morning … weather permitting.

Pletcher said Fierceness would make a couple of trips to the starting gate as well as a couple of paddock schooling sessions next week.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s undefeated Forever Young (JPN) warmed up in the mile chute for a half-hour before galloping a mile and a half under jockey Ryusei Sakai.

Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young is scheduled to work six furlongs in company Wednesday morning with Sakai aboard.

Yahagi is scheduled to arrive in Louisville next Tuesday night and be trackside Wednesday morning, May 1.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – At Gulfstream Park Tuesday morning, Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First worked six furlongs in 1:16.46 for trainer Victor Barboza Jr. Grand Mo the First is scheduled to ship to Louisville on Thursday.

“It was a beautiful workout,” Barboza said via text of the solo move with jockey Emisael Jaramillo up. “We will arrive there Thursday night, walk Friday and then go to the track Saturday.”

HONOR MARIE – Ribble Farms, Michael Eiserman, Earl Silver, Kenneth and Dave Fishbein’s Honor Marie galloped 1 ½ miles Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. under trainer Whit Beckman’s exercise rider Maurilio Garcia.

His jockey, Ben Curtis, was also in town Tuesday to watch his Derby mount train. Curtis, a native of Ireland, moved his tack to North America this winter and will base at Delaware Park throughout the spring and early summer.

JUST STEEL – BC Stable’s Just Steel returned to the track Tuesday for the first time since is serious one-mile work Saturday.

The D. Wayne Lukas trainee had an easy gallop around 5:30 a.m.

MYSTIK DAN – Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan galloped a mile and a half for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Winner of the Southwest (GIII) and most recently third in the Arkansas Derby (GI), Mystik Dan is scheduled to work Saturday.

RESILIENCE – Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman’s Resilience jogged about one mile Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. a day after his five furlong move in 1:01.60

“It was a beautiful work and had very good energy,” jockey Junior Alvarado said. “He’s a very easy horse to manage. He galloped out very strong. I had to pull him up a little bit earlier because he wanted to keep going.”

Alvarado was named to ride Resilience in the Kentucky Derby.

STRONGHOLD – Eric and Sharon Walker’s Stronghold, winner of the Santa Anita Derby (GI) in his most recent start, was en route to Louisville Tuesday morning from trainer Phil D’Amato’s main base at Santa Anita.

Stronghold was scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs Tuesday afternoon.

TRACK PHANTOM – Lecomte (GIII) winner Track Phantom jogged about one mile then had a light gallop under exercise rider Roberto Howell Tuesday at 5:45 a.m.

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga galloped two miles at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky, under Donte Lowery for trainer Larry Demeritte.

West Saratoga is scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs with a work scheduled for Saturday morning.

“I thank God every day for my blessings in this life and this is truly amazing how we got to this position with this horse,” Demeritte said. “I’m hopeful people will see our story and become interested in this sport because this horse is proving anyone with a dream can make it to the Derby stage.”

ALSO ELIGIBLES – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride galloped at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Trainer John Ennis tentative plans call for Epic Ride to come to Churchill Downs after training Friday morning in Lexington.

Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, Saffie Joseph Jr.); Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown); Dornoch (Luis Saez, Danny Gargan); Encino (TBA, Brad Cox); Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, Michael McCarthy); Fierceness (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher); Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Yoshito Yahagi); Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, Victor Barboza Jr.); Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, Whit Beckman); Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Resilience (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown); Society Man (TBA, Danny Gargan); Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, Phil D’Amato); T O Password (JPN) (Kazushi Kimura, Daisuke Takayanagi); Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, Larry Demerritte).

Also Eligibles: Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, John Ennis); Uncle Heavy (TBA, Butch Reid); Seize the Grey (TBA, Wayne Lukas).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Calumet Farm’s Gin Gin along with Godolphin’s Tarifa, two of trainer Brad Cox’s Longines Kentucky Oaks hopefuls, both galloped about 1 ½ miles Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

The duo will have their final breeze before the Oaks Friday or Saturday.

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Six Column Stables, Randy Bloch, Jim Gladden, Mike Davis and Michael Steele’s Into Champagne galloped about 1 ½ miles Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. with trainer Ian Wilkes watching from the clocker stand.

JUST F Y I – George Krikorian’s Ashland (GI) runner-up Just F Y I had a scheduled walk day at Bill Mott’s Barn 19 following her strong five-furlong move in :59.80 Monday at Churchill Downs.

LEMON MUFFIN – Aaron Sones’ Lemon Muffin returned to the track Tuesday for the first time since her five-eighths work in 1:02.20 Saturday morning.

Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, Lemon Muffin had an easy gallop at 5:30 a.m.

LESLIE’S ROSE – Whisper Hill Farm’s Ashland (GI) winner Leslie’s Rose galloped a mile and three-eighths under Joel Osorio for trainer Todd Pletcher. She is scheduled to work Thursday morning.

Pletcher said Leslie’s Rose would make a couple of trips to the starting gate as well as a couple of paddock schooling sessions next week.

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS – Klaravich Stables’ Regulatory Risk and Ways and Means both galloped a mile and a half on their first day on track at Churchill Downs.

“The first day on the track was excellent. They were moving well,” Brown said of the fillies who arrived at Churchill Downs Monday morning.

Peter Roman was on Ways and Means and Gudiel Alvarez was on Regulatory Risk

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie stood in the mile chute for about 15 minutes and then headed to the frontside of the track under trainer Eddie Milligan Jr.

“She went to the paddock, visited the gate and stood at the three-sixteenths pole for a while before galloping a mile and a half,” said Milligan, who has another nine horses stabled at the nearby Trackside Training Center.

Tapit Jenallie is scheduled to work Thursday with jockey Manny Esquivel up.

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna galloped a mile and a half for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Winner of three of four starts with the most recent coming in the Fantasy (GII), Thorpedo Anna is scheduled to work Friday.

WHERE’S MY RING – Michael McMillan’s Where’s My Ring galloped a mile and a half under exercise rider David Rodriguez for trainer Val Brinkerhoff.

Winner of the Gazelle (GIII) in her most recent start, Where’s My Ring is scheduled to work a half-mile on Friday for Brinkerhoff who has three other horses here and another 24 at Santa Anita.

ALSO ELIGIBES – Fawzi Abdulla Nass’ Manama Gold and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Candied galloped a mile and three-eighths for trainer Todd Pletcher. Jonathan Fabian Aguilar was on Manama Gold and Carlos Quevedo on Candied. The two are scheduled to work Thursday.

SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Here are the horses (with trainers) that are qualified for the Longines Kentucky Oaks and those on the bubble:

Everland (Abel Cedillo, Eric Foster); Fiona’s Magic (TBA, Bo Yates); Gin Gin (TBA, Brad Cox); Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, Ian Wilkes); Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Leslie’s Rose (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, Jorge Delgado); Regulatory Risk (TBA, Chad Brown); Tapit Jenallie (Manny Esquivel, Eddie Milligan); Tarifa (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown) and Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano, Val Brinkerhoff).

Also-Eligible: Manama Gold (TBA, Todd Pletcher); Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Candied (TBA, Todd Pletcher)

Daily Derby Update: April 22, 2024

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 21:29:18 GMT

Daily Derby Update: April 22, 2024

CATALYTIC – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic arrived from South Florida at 7 o’clock Monday morning for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

Runner-up in the Florida Derby (GI) in his most recent start, Catalytic will be ridden by Jose Ortiz in Kentucky Derby 150. Catalytic is scheduled to work Sunday.

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – Trainer Brad Cox’s Derby trio of Catching Freedom, Encino and Just a Touch all trained Monday at 7:30 a.m.

Catching Freedom and Just a Touch, who recorded published workouts Saturday, had a lighter training session compared to Encino.

“They’re all handling things well right now,” Cox said. “At this point we’re one work away from the Derby so we’re looking forward to seeing them train this week and then working all three of them this weekend.”

All three are likely to train Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Klaravich Stables’ Domestic Product arrived at Churchill Downs from Payson Park in South Florida early Monday morning for trainer Chad Brown.

Winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) in his most recent start, Domestic Product will be ridden in the Derby by Irad Ortiz Jr.

Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith’s Sierra Leone, winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) in his most recent start, galloped a little more than a mile under Kriss Bon.

The final pre-Derby works for the two likely will be Saturday, depending on the weather. As of Monday, rain was forecast for Friday with a lesser chance of precipitation for Saturday.

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – Trainer Danny Gargan’s Derby duo of Dornoch and Society Man jogged Monday morning under Pricilla Schaefer. Both horses are scheduled to work Saturday.

Dornoch, the full brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, also visited the starting gate. He is owned by the partnership of West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing and Pine Racing Stables. Luis Saez has the Derby mount.

Society Man, owned in partnership by Reeves Thoroughbreds, West Paces, GMP Stables and Carl and Yurie Pascarella, has not had a rider confirmed by Gargan for the Derby.

ENDLESSLY – Amerman Racing’s Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) winner Endlessly had an easy Monday at trainer Michael McCarthy’s Barn 35 after he breezed five furlongs in 1:00.80 Saturday at Churchill Downs.

The son of Oscar Performance was one of the first horses to school in the paddock after training later Monday morning under the watchful eye of McCarthy’s local assistant Justin Curran.

McCarthy is scheduled to return to Louisville Thursday morning.

FIERCENESS – Repole Stable’s Fierceness, runaway winner of the Florida Derby (GI) in his most recent start for trainer Todd Pletcher, arrived at Churchill Downs at 4:30 this morning from Palm Beach Downs in South Florida.

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) – Susumu Fujita’s undefeated Forever Young (JPN) spent 20 minutes in the mile chute and then galloped a mile and a half under Yusaku Oka.

Winner of the Saudi Derby (GIII) and UAE Derby (GII) in his past two starts, Forever Young is trained by Yoshito Yahagi.

Ryusei Sakai, who has been aboard Forever Young in all of his starts, is scheduled to arrive in Louisville tonight and will be aboard the colt the next two mornings with a workout scheduled for Wednesday. Sakai will return to Japan after the two days here and then return Thursday of Derby Week.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First is scheduled to work Tuesday morning at Gulfstream Park for trainer Victor Barboza Jr.

“If he works out tomorrow with God’s favor and everything is OK, we are traveling to Kentucky on Thursday,” Barboza said via text.

Jockey Emisael Jaramillo will be aboard for the work scheduled at 8 a.m.

HONOR MARIE – Ribble Farms, Michael Eiserman, Earl Silver, Kenneth and Dave Fishbein’s Honor Marie galloped 1 ½ miles Monday at 7:30 a.m. under trainer Whit Beckman’s exercise rider Maurilio Garcia.

Honor Marie will have his final work for the Kentucky Derby Thursday with jockey Ben Curtis in the saddle.

Beckman confirmed Monday that Curtis will have the mount in Kentucky Derby 150.

JUST STEEL – BC Stable’s Just Steel walked Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ famed Barn 44 Monday after working one mile in 1:40 Saturday.

MYSTIK DAN – Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan, third in the Arkansas Derby (GI) in his most recent start, galloped Monday morning for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Mystik Dan is scheduled to work Saturday.

McPeek also said that Common Defense, owned by the partnership of David Bernsen, Tony Holmes, Michael Holmes and Norevale Farm, would not run in the Kentucky Derby with plans to be determined.

RESILIENCE – Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman’s Resilience had a serious tune up for Kentucky Derby 150 Monday with a five-furlong move in 1:01.60 under jockey Junior Alvarado, who has the mount in the “Run for the Roses.”

Resilience galloped about one-mile before he worked Monday at 9 a.m. The winner of the Wood Memorial (GII) breezed an opening quarter-mile in :25.80 and easily galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.60, according to Churchill Downs Clocker John Nichols.

“He’s the type of horse that has taken a little more time to mature than some others,” trainer Bill Mott said. “We took our time with his development and it’s seem to have worked out well.”

STRONGHOLD – Eric and Sharon Waller’s Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner Stronghold galloped Monday morning at Santa Anita and is scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs on Tuesday.

“He galloped this morning and looked good and will be flying your way early tomorrow morning,” trainer Phil D’Amato said via text. “He will probably work Sunday and (jockey Antonio) Fresu night come in to breeze him.”

T O PASSOWRD (JPN) – Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password is scheduled to leave Japan Tuesday to start the long trek to Churchill Downs that will include a stopover in Chicago to quarantine for 42 hours before a scheduled arrival in Louisville early Friday morning

TRACK PHANTOM – Trainer Steve Asmussen’s Barn 38 was quiet Monday morning following Track Phantom’s five-furlong move in 1:00.80 Sunday morning at Churchill Downs.

Track Phantom, who had a scheduled walk day, is expected to return to the track Tuesday.

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga galloped a mile and three-quarters at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky, for his first day back at the track since working six furlongs in 1:16.20 on Friday at Keeneland.

Trainer Larry Demeritte plans to bring West Saratoga to Churchill Downs on Friday with a three-furlong work scheduled for Saturday. Jesus Castanon has the Derby mount.

Also Eligibles – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride galloped at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky, this morning for trainer John Ennis.

Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, Saffie Joseph Jr.); Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., Chad Brown); Dornoch (Luis Saez, Danny Gargan); Encino (TBA, Brad Cox); Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, Michael McCarthy); Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai, Yoshito Yahagi); Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, Victor Barboza Jr.); Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, Whit Beckman); Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Resilience (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown); Society Man (TBA, Danny Gargan); Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, Phil D’Amato); T O Password (JPN) (Kazushi Kimura, Daisuke Takayanagi); Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, Larry Demerritte).

Also Eligibles: Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, John Ennis); Uncle Heavy (TBA, Butch Reid); Seize the Grey (TBA, Wayne Lukas).

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

EVERLAND – Foster Family Racing, William Wargel, R.K. Eckrich Racing and Maxis Stable’s Everland, winner of the Bourbonette Oaks (Listed) in her most recent start, walked the shedrow at Keeneland Monday morning for trainer Eric Foster.

GIN GIN/TARIFA – Two-time Longines Kentucky Oaks-winning trainer Brad Cox was intently watching his duo of Gin Gin and Tarifa train Monday morning for their expected starts on the first Friday in May.

Gin Gin and Tarifa worked together five furlongs in 1:00.80 Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.

INTO CHAMPAGNE – Six Column Stables, Randy Bloch, Jim Gladden, Mike Davis and Michael Steele’s Into Champagne had a scheduled walk day in trainer Ian Wilkes’ Barn 26 following her sharp five-furlong breeze of 1:00.20 Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.

JUST F Y I – George Krikorian’s Ashland (GI) runner-up Just F Y I returned to the work tab Monday with a sharp five furlong breeze in :59.80 at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Bill Mott, Just F Y I cruised through opening eighth-mile fractions of :12.20, :24.20 and :36 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.20 and seven furlongs in 1:25.40. She completed one mile in 1:40.20 while remaining in hand under jockey Junior Alvarado.

“She’s a very nice filly and we had a minor setback with her this winter when she developed a fever on race day (in the Davona Dale) and we had to scratch that day,” Mott said. “It’s one of those situations where we hoped she’d get over the virus quickly to return training, and she did. Then, we started looking at the Ashland as her next option.”

LEMON MUFFIN – Aaron Sones’ Lemon Muffin walked trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ Barn 44 shedrow following her five-furlong move in 1:02.20 Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.

LESLIE’S ROSE – Trainer Todd Pletcher’s trio of Kentucky Oaks hopefuls, who arrived at Churchill Downs on Sunday, all had mile gallops Monday morning during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses.

Whisper Hill Farm’s Leslie’s Rose, winner of the Ashland (GI) in her most recent start, was partnered by Joel Osorio.

Fawzi Abdulla Nass’ Manama Gold, winner of the UAE Oaks (GIII) and currently 15 ^th on the list of Oaks possibles in a field limited to 14 starters, was ridden by Carlos Quevedo.

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Candied, winner of last fall’s Alcibiades (GI) and currently 17 ^th on the list of Oaks possibles, was ridden by Jonathan Fabian Aguilar.

Manama Gold, who would have to be supplemented into the Oaks, just came to the Pletcher barn.

“After the UAE Oaks that (the Kentucky Oaks) was the plan,” Pletcher said. “It was the same thing as with Shahama (who was sixth in the Kentucky Oaks) two years ago. But there were some delays and she didn’t clear quarantine until a week ago. With Shahama, we had her with at Palm Beach (Downs) for some time before coming here.”

REGULATORY RISK/WAYS AND MEANS – Klaravich Stables’ Kentucky Oaks hopefuls Regulatory Risk and Ways and Means arrived at Churchill Downs on Monday morning from varied starting points on the East Coast.

Regulatory Risk, runner-up in the Gazelle (GIII), in her most recent start, arrived from Belmont Park and Ways and Means, runner-up in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) in her most recent start, arrived from Payson Park in South Florida.

Regulatory Risk re-entered the Oaks picture following a half-mile work in :48.88 at Belmont Park on Saturday.

“She worked great in her first work after the Gazelle,” trainer Chad Brown said. “She is a rapidly improving filly and she will work here this weekend. She deserves a shot and we wanted to meet the requirements of being here on the grounds (by Saturday the 27 ^th ).”

TAPIT JENALLIE – Willis Horton Racing’s Tapit Jenallie galloped a mile and a half with trainer Eddie Milligan Jr. aboard Monday morning.

Third in the Fantasy (GII) in her most recent start, Tapit Jenallie returned to the track for the first time since working five furlongs in :58.40 last Thursday.

“She probably will work again Thursday with an easy half-mile,” Milligan said. “Manny (Esquivel) will work her again and he has the mount for the Oaks.”

THORPEDO ANNA – Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s Thorpedo Anna, four-length winner of the Fantasy (GII) in her most recent start, galloped Monday morning for trainer Kenny McPeek.

She is scheduled for her third Churchill Downs workout since the Fantasy on Friday.

WHERE’S MY RING – Michael McMillan’s Gazelle (GIII) winner Where’s My Ring walked the shedrow Monday morning, a day after blowing out a quarter-mile through the stretch.

“That was her dragging me around the shedrow,” trainer Val Brinkerhoff said with a laugh.

Where’s My Ring is scheduled to work Friday morning. Jose Lezcano, who was aboard for the Gazelle victory, will have the Oaks mount.

Everland (Abel Cedillo, Eric Foster); Fiona’s Magic (TBA, Bo Yates); Gin Gin (TBA, Brad Cox); Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, Ian Wilkes); Just F Y I (Junior Alvarado, Bill Mott); Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, Wayne Lukas); Power Squeeze (Daniel Centeno, Jorge Delgado); Regulatory Risk (TBA, Chad Brown); Tapit Jenallie (Manny Esquivel, Eddie Milligan); Tarifa (Flavien Prat, Brad Cox); Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Ways and Means (Tyler Gaffalione, Chad Brown) and Where’s My Ring (Jose Lezcano).

Also-Eligible: Manama Gold (TBA, Todd Pletcher) and Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen).

Kentucky Derby Horse Profiles 2024

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 04:18:38 GMT

KENTUCKY DERBY HORSES

PROFILES IN ORDER OF DERBY POINTS

In Section 4 we break down the numbers and analyze the performances of the Kentucky Derby hopefuls in Derby prep races. In this section, Section 3, all in one place are the contenders' connections, Derby points, non-restricted stakes earnings, breeding, dosage, auction prices, arrival at Churchill Downs, stakes race results, workouts and post-race connections quotes. Workout videos are posted when available.

At The Downey Profile we like post-race quotes because they are uttered without much time to spin what happened out there. Post-race quotes are from a variety of Kentucky Derby points races including the important recent preps. In a few cases we've included pre-race comments.

SIERRA LEONE (KY) #2 3-1
Derby Points: 155
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $871,250
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Owner: Brant, Peter M., Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael, Smith, Derrick, Westerberg and Smith, Brook T.
Breeder: Debby M. Oxley
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Gun Runner (Candy Ride (ARG), Quiet Giant)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Heavenly Love (Malibu Moon, Darling My Darling)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-2-8-0-0 (12) 2.00
Foal Date: March 31, 2021
Auction Price(s): $2,300,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga 2022
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 21, Barn 25

WORKOUTS

April 20
Sierra Leone 48.80 breezing 18/125 KEE under exercise rider Kriss Bon in company with recent Keeneland maiden winner White Palomino (97 Equibase). VIDEO FROM KEENELAND He is expected at Churchill Downs tomorrow. Initial splits were 12.40, 24.20 and 36.80. Sierra Leone galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.20 and six in 1:15.60. Sierra Leone distanced his workmate in the first turn. Trainer Brown said, “(He) worked super. The horse is really fit and ready. It was just what I wanted. I’ve always worked him in company in the mornings. He’s always been a decent workhorse, just needs a little focus. Obviously, we’ve added blinkers this year, which have helped. But a little competition so he just feels a horse next to him just keeps him in the bridle nicely. He’s a very alpha horse. He’s definitely in charge of what’s going on everywhere, and we give him his space and we let him be him. He’s a very rare horse to have in your shedrow. (Regarding his reluctance to load in the gate before the Blue Grass) Brown said, “I have a plan set up so he can see the gate a couple of times this week coming up. I really don’t anticipate any problems. He’s really never been much of a problem at the gate. I’d be more interested with the post position of where he’s going to be strategically in that first turn more than the loading process. Maybe I’ll regret those words, but I feel somewhere in the middle of the field always seems to be the (best). But there’s no telling. You’ve seen horses win from the far outside and some that draw inside and run well. We’ll take what they give us, but somewhere in the middle would be ideal.” Brown said Sierra Leone would ship to Churchill Downs on Sunday work again April 27 if weather permits.

April 27
Sierra Leone 1:00.20 breezing 15/58 CD inside Domestic Product (1:00.20), who broke off about a half-length behind Sierra Leone. The horses were on even terms early in the turn, but Sierra Leone resumed a half-length advantage in upper stretch and was up a neck at the finish line. They galloped out well together most of the way up the backstretch. . Initial fractions were 13.00, 24.80 and 36.40; out six in 1:13.20 and seven in 1:26.20. Not too shabby! Yesterday trainer Brown said exercise rider Kriss Bon would be up on Sierra Leone while that one's regular rider Tyler Gafflalione filled in for Irad Ortiz, Jr. who was scheduled to be in New York, aboard Domestic Product. We will update if that isn't the way it turned out. VIDEO AT 21:30 Trainer Brown said, “It was executed perfectly. I wanted them to a good five-eighths out in three-quarters but well within themselves. He is super fit and it was just an outstanding work. I’m just trying to get him in there happy and sound. He’s a very rare horse. He’s just everything you want as a trainer. We’re just really trying to stay out of his way. Me and my team, we’ve been managing this horse and just trying to allow him to be who he was meant to be. Don’t do anything to prevent him from getting there really. He has a tremendous amount of power and endurance. He might not be the fastest horse early in his races but once he gets moving, it does seem like his stride is probably two to the horses next to him." Gate issues? "He’s visited the gate twice this week and did really well, there is no need to take him back. With these two horses, I feel as confident that I’ll have good runs in the Derby if they can get clear trips."

TOP RESULTS
Second Remsen Stakes
First Risen Star
First Toyota Blue Grass

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Jose Ortiz after the Remsen: “He broke good, they went plenty fast. He just sit there, he was relaxed. I make a move at the half a mile and he responded nicely. He was lugging in a little bit in the stretch and the other horse (Dornoch) looked like he was waiting. When he felt me, he came back. I think it was a good race from him (Sierra Leone). My horse kept coming. He ran a bit greenly, but I’m proud of him. It was a big step up. He was running so good to the other horses, and I didn’t want to get him stopped, so I went wide with him.”

Trainer Brown after the Risen Star: “I told Tyler to keep him out of trouble. He had a minor stumble but was able to get him into the race and in the clear off the rail. I told him to stay outside and keep him straight. Given the track conditions (sloppy) and slow pace and that he hasn’t run since the Remsen, I thought he showed a lot to run down a pretty good horse who was in form and fit and didn’t have to ship. This proved a lot to me today.”

Tyler Gaffalione after the Risen Star: “The blinkers really helped him focus today. He broke alertly, and we hoped going into this race there would be more speed. He got a comfortable trip up the backside and relaxed for me. When he took the lead in the stretch I could feel beneath me he is only going to want to go longer after this. He is an incredible horse and Chad Brown and his team have done an incredible job with him. You always keep dreaming of the big races like the derby and horses like this help you keep the dream alive.”

Trainer Brown after the Blue Grass: “He hesitates a touch here and there, but really the outside post with the wonderful, large crowd we have at Keeneland today got him just a little bit stirred up (when he refused to load multiple times), Tyler said. Probably from just the outside post. But we’ll do plenty of gate schooling before the Derby, and I don’t anticipate that being a problem for him. He’s just a natural athlete. I’m so lucky, so appreciative of the ownership group.... He's been a star since he’s been born. The Oxleys are here, who bred the horse. Tyler did such a great job. I don’t know if they ever fully figure it out, but he’s only had a handful of starts. But there’s such good chemistry with Tyler and Sierra Leone his last two starts. You can see he wants to lean in a little bit, but it’s never too bad. He’s still polishing off his experience and his skills, and I just think a mile-and-a-quarter won’t be a problem going forward. We’re looking forward to it.”

Tyler Gaffalione after the Blue Grass: “I think (his reluctance to load) was just the crowd. We break right in front of them here. Everybody’s lined up against the rail and he was the last horse going in, so I think it just kind of got to him – got him a little nervous. I loved everything about it. He didn’t break the sharpest, but it actually gave me time to get over and save some ground into the first turn. He took the dirt just fine. Down the backside he got into a great rhythm. From the five-eighths pole on, he was moving like a winner.... He made it way too easy today. I actually got there a little quicker than I thought I would. I actually tapped on him a little bit at the five-sixteenths to slow down, because he was really wanting to get going.... We haven’t even got close to the bottom of him yet.”

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer Brown said, “I’m not going to get too far away from this guy." He added there will be one work at Keeneland followed by a ship to Churchill Downs with one work there.

FIERCENESS (KY) #17 5-2
Derby Points: 136
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $1,646,100
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable
Breeder: Repole Stable, Inc.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): City of Light (Quality Road, Paris Notion)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Nonna Bella (Stay Thirsty, Nonna Mia)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-3-2-0-0 (6) 5.00
Foal Date: March 28, 2021
Auction Price(s): Homebred
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 22 Barn 39

WORKOUTS

April 12
Fierceness 50.28 breezing 14/22 PBD under John Velazquez. VIDEO Trainer Pletcher said, "He's been great since the Florida Derby. His energy level is good. He’s seemed to take the race really well. He had a nice easy breeze this morning and was moving great. Really, I couldn’t be happier with him. He’ll get his next work here at Palm Beach Downs and then we’ll make a decision when to ship to Churchill. We have to be there at 11.a.m. on the Saturday before, so there’s a good chance we’ll have our final breeze at Churchill, but I want to keep the window open if I don’t like the way the weather is looking in Kentucky. Right now, I’m happy we’ve stayed where we are (with good weather).... The way he trained up to the Florida Derby, we expected a good performance, but that was kind of a ‘wow’ performance. I don’t think he’d need a better one (in the Derby), just similar. What can you do? He ran that well. It didn’t seem to be a stressful race on him. He came to the wire with his ears pricked. Johnny never seemingly asked him at any point.”

April 19

April 26

Fierceness 48.80 breezing 43/68 CD under John Velazquez outside Agate Road, his first workout at Churchill Downs. Opening fractions of 12.80, 24.80, 36.80, out five in 1:00.60, six in 1:12.60 seven in 1:26.00. At the wire Fierceness was a quickly-increasing 2 1/2 lengths ahead of Agate Road, and he ran well beyond Agate Road past the wire. He eased up just before the track kitchen located at the start of the far turn. I don't know how Fierceness could be asked for a better workout going into a big race. VIDEO AT 21:00 . While it's possible the track was playing a bit fast today, trainer and jockey were demonstrably happy. Track notes said Velazquez had a big smile and said, “He really, really went well today.” Trainer Pletcher, known for being understated, said, “I’m very, very happy with the work.”

TOP RESULTS
Seventh Champagne
First Breeders' Cup Juvenile
Third Holy Bull
First Florida Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

No quotes available from the Champagne

Trainer Pletcher after the Breeders' Cup Juvenile: “Look, not everyone would do that (enter this race off a seventh-place finish in the Champagne). We talked about it, we covered every base after the Champagne. The horse trained awesome all summer (at Saratoga); he was a monster since his debut. We took a shot today and it worked out. He had a beautiful trip and he showed what he is all about. A lot of the tactics in a race like this, you have to leave in your rider’s hands. I could make a case for five horses being the pacesetter, possibly. It was really about getting in a good rhythm with him and letting him get comfortable with him. (John Velazquez) was able to do that. It did look easy. It was a helluva race. Very impressive.”

John Velazquez after the Breeders' Cup Juvenile: “I had a perfect trip. We were concerned a little about the break. He behaved well in the gate and broke well. He went forwardly and sat second nicely. Once we passed the half-mile pole, he grabbed into the bridle a little sooner than I wanted. When he got to the quarter-pole, he started looking around so I got after him. He was running down the stretch and got serious once I got after him. I had no doubt (I was going to win.) I worked him in the morning and I was very impressed and I was hoping he would put the same work in the afternoon.”

John Velazquez after the Holy Bull: “The way he broke out of there, he kind of broke a step slow and got bounced out of there. I had to put him into the race and then sat against him on the backstretch. Somebody moved on the outside and I let him do his thing. [I saw] Paco’s already riding so I kind of sat against him thinking, ‘Let me just wait.’ When I asked him, he wasn’t there for me.”

Trainer Pletcher before the Florida Derby: “Normally I’d be afraid of the outside post but Forte won from the 11 last year so you can overcome that. Everybody knows Gulfstream two-turn races are tricky, and I think that’s why the start is so important, getting away cleanly. I think what happens in a lot of these two-turn races is the jockeys are so conscious of having to get to the first turn in good position that it can get a little rough leaving the gate sometimes.... The horse gives you a lot of confidence watching him breeze. It seems like he’s in really good form, so we’re expecting a good performance from him.”

Trainer Pletcher after the Florida Derby: “That was a pretty awesome performance. That’s what we see in the mornings when we breeze him, a special talent. That's why it was so perplexing his two races that he didn't run brilliantly. I think he did really well over the eight weeks. I think he put on some weight. He strengthened a little bit. He had a really good series of works. We got a better trip today.... We weren’t committed to being on the lead. We were committed to being forward and getting a good position on the first turn.... From a talent perspective, he has it all.”

John Velazquez after the Florida Derby: “It was pretty easy. This is what I expected last time out of him. He had been working lights out. He broke well today and I just let him have it. I let them come and get him, and he dominated the whole race. When he got to the backstretch and switched to the turn, he picked it up and so I let him do it. He was comfortable. Then at the quarter pole, I gave him a little smooch and he picked it up right away. It was pretty easy.”

Owner Mike Repole after the Florida Derby: “It’s surreal. I don’t know what to tell you. It’s not normal to do it once, twice in back-to-back years to win this race and go in with the Kentucky Derby favorite? As you guys know from the past, a lot can happen from now to post time, but we saw something pretty special today. I got 70 family members and they wanted it for me as much as I wanted it for them."

CATCHING FREEDOM (KY) #4 8-1
Derby Points: 125
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $802,000
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC
Breeder: WinStar Farm, LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Constitution (Tapit, Baffled)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Catch My Drift (Pioneerof the Nile, Drift to the Lead)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-5-3-0-0 (10) 5.67
Foal Date: March 8, 2021
Auction Price(s): $575,000 Keeneland September 2022
Arrival at Churchill Downs: March 25, Barn 22

WORKOUTS

April 5
Catching Freedom 48.40 Breezing 9/65 CD with exercise rider Edvin Vargas aboard. Opening fraction 24 and out five in 1:01.20. Trainer Cox said, “He’s settled in nicely since we shipped him back to Churchill from Fair Grounds. He was impressive closing from that far back in the Louisiana Derby and I think the longer stretch at Churchill plus the mile-and-a-quarter should only help him in the Derby.”

April 13
Catching Freedom 48.00 breezing 14/123 CD solo with exercise rider Edvin Vargas in the saddle through splits of 11.60 and 23.60, out five furlongs in 1:01 and six in 1:14.60. Trainer Cox said, “He’s had very steady training the last five, six weeks. We’ve worked him solo the last couple times and he’s done very well. I’d say the track this morning was a bit heavy. but he still got over it fine. His last two works have been fairly easy, and we’ll see how things shake out over the next two weeks with what we’ll do before the Derby.” VIDEO

April 20
Catching Freedom 1:00.80 breezing 20/72 CD under Flavien Prat outside third-time-out Oaklawn maiden winner (94 Equibase) Castlewarden (1:01.00) shortly after the track opened this morning. Catching Freedom began his work from the 4 1/2-furlong pole. After breaking off a length behind Castlewarden, Chasing Freedom finished on even terms with his workmate. Chasing Freedom's initial fractions were 25.40 and 37.80, and he galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.20 and seven in 1:26.20. VIDEO

April 27
Catching Freedom 59.20 breezing 2/58 CD under exercise rider Edvin Vargas inside Encino (59.20), ridden by Florent Geroux, who also rides Just a Touch. The first two on the track when training hours opened at 5:15, Encino was noticeably larger than Catching Freedom. After jogging to the front side they wasted no time heading back around the first turn and quickly got to work from the 4 1/2 furlong pole. The pair broke off together and finished up energetically in equal times assigned by clockers on a track that might be playing a bit quickly again today. They galloped up the backstretch almost to the half-mile pole, which precedes the far turn, and walked off the track uneventfully. Opening fractions 23.80, 47.20; out six in 1:12.00 and seven in 1:26.40. VIDEO AT 34:26 Trainer Cox said, "All three had good, solid moves this morning. I liked the breeze this morning for Encino, and that was really the thing we were looking for as far as making the decision to enter the Derby. His work went great. We did a little more with him this morning than we normally would back in two weeks. He responded well and so did Catching Freedom."

TOP RESULTS
First Smarty Jones
Third Risen Star
First Louisiana Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Cox after the Smarty Jones: "Very proud of the horse. I think he's still learning. I think he was a little green there down the lane, but overall showed that he does have a lot of stamina and talent. I thought he stepped up and ran well against a solid group of 3-year-olds."

Cristian Torres after the Smarty Jones: "We were able to have a great trip. I saved all the ground the first part of the race. As soon as I got him out, he accelerated like he always does."

Owner Dennis Albaugh after the Risen Star: “We got third today but we keep getting points for the first Saturday in May which is always important. I think this race today was a good effort and should set him up well moving forward.”

Trainer Cox after the Louisiana Derby: "I didn’t know what to make of it early on, being so far back and with not much pace, but Flavien did a great job of letting him inch up. He needed pretty much the entire stretch to get there and I am very proud of the effort. We’ll make sure he is happy and healthy. We’ll ship him up to Churchill; he broke his maiden there so he knows the place. Hopefully he can have a great six weeks and a big run the first Saturday in May.”

Flavien Prat after the Louisiana Derby: "You never know until he runs (the mile-and-a-quarter distance), but it seems like he'll handle it."

STRONGHOLD (KY) #18 20-1
Derby Points: 125
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings:
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Trainer: Philip D'Amato
Owner: Waller, Eric M. and Waller, Sharon
Breeder: Eric Waller & Sharon Waller
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Ghostzapper (Awesome Again (CAN), Baby Zip)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Spectator (Jimmy Creed, Diva's Tribute)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-4-6-0-0 (12) 3.00
Foal Date: Jan. 24, 2021
Auction Price(s): Homebred
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 23, Barn 48

WORKOUTS

April 20
Stronghold 46.60 handily 1/68 SA with Antonio Fresu aboard outside Shady Tiger (47.40, won Echo Eddie Stakes recently). Stronghold broke off four lengths behind his workmate and finished on even terms. They continued to stride together into the backstretch. Trainer D'Amato said, “I think the track was a little fast today, but he did it the right way. He was in hand and we gave him a little target to help stretch him out on the gallop out. Antonio was very happy with him. He was cooling out like it was just a trot in the park for him. So far so good. All that spacing helped us to be where we are at now. With a fresher horse. He hasn’t had a tough campaign as a 3-year-old. We picked our spots and hopefully we’ll have a fresh horse for a Triple Crown bid.” Jockey Fresu said, “He did it so easy. I was actually expecting about 48 the way he was going. The track was a little fast today. I didn’t ask him for anything.”

April 28

Stronghold 59.80 breezing 3/16 CD outside under Joe Talamo. He broke off a length behind his workmate, was about two lengths back midway through the turn, on even terms turning for home and stayed that way into the first turn. The gallop-out ended about halfway up the backstretch after Stronghold edged away from his workmate. VIDEO AT 28:43 The breeze was in company with Motorious (1:00.00, entered in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint) and rider Martin Garcia. Talamo said, “He felt real good. I’ve worked this horse before (Talamo broke his maiden at Churchill last October) and today he showed me another gear. He’s a different horse now; he did this easy.” Trainer D'Amato said, “I told them I just wanted a maintenance work today; nothing too serious. And in the end it was an ideal drill. I said maybe go in 1:01 or so, but the way the track is playing right now their times were plenty good. This horse has raced six times at six different racetracks and he knows what he’s doing out there now. We’ve checked all the boxes and I’m very happy with where we stand coming up to the Derby.” D'Amato said he was catching a plane to California today and will return to Churchill Downs Tuesday.

VIDEO

TOP RESULTS
Second Bob Hope
Second Los Alamitos Futurity
First Sunland Park Derby
First Santa Anita Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer D'Amato after the Sunland Derby: “It was a really great ride by Antonio and he got the job done. I liked where we were sitting right there on the outside stalking. This horse likes that spot. The six (Alotaluck) put a little pressure on us at the half-mile pole, but Stronghold was able to find another gear there and once he shook loose at the top of the lane, I thought we had a great chance."

Trainer D’Amato after the Santa Anita Derby: “We thought we needed a top three performance…. We were definitely hoping to get on the winning end here. I think this was a great education for him, and a nice test that he's going to need to win a race like the Kentucky Derby. I was hoping we'd get that track and trip. It was a nice little speed battle back there, and he handled it well. He didn't really get the easiest trip coming around the turn, but luckily, he was able to squeeze through a small hole there and prove that he can be the best when it comes down to the wire.”

Antonio Fresu after the Santa Anita Derby: “It is my first Grade I in America and it is all thanks to these great people that gave me the opportunity to ride this fantastic horse…. I loved the way Phil D’Amato was training him the last couple of works. The horse was getting so much confidence and he was getting so much better than before. Today he proved to be a very good horse.”

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer D'Amato said, "He came out of the race in great shape. It’s very special. Especially to win with a horse I think is one of the top contenders (for the Kentucky Derby). Stronghold is a horse that just continues to improve, and I think it’s the further the better with him. He does just enough. He’s shown the will to win, but those are usually the kinds of horses that stretch out well because they don’t use themselves too much early and drain the gas tank. They have something left. I’m happy where we’re at with him right now. I’ll devise a plan to get him to Churchill, but we’ll keep him here (at Santa Anita) for at least the next two weeks. Then we’ll look at the long-term weather forecast and decide whether we’ll be there a week out or two weeks out. I think it’s more about not having any interruptions to his training, that’s the most important thing for the Derby.”

RESILIENCE (KY) #19 20-1
Derby Points: 110
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $416,000
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: William I. Mott
Owner: Bushnell, Emily and Waldman, Ric
Breeder: Pam & Martin Wygod
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Into Mischief (Harlan's Holiday, Leslie's Lady)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Meadowsweet (Smart Strike (CAN), Tranquility Lake)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-5-8-0-0 (18) 3.50
Foal Date: March 24 2021
Auction Price(s): Not sold at public auction
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 10, Barn 19

WORKOUTS

April 18
Resilience 50.20 breezing 12/18 CD at 7:30 a.m. in company with and inside of Oaks candidate Just FYI (50.00) after galloping about one mile. VIDEO Just F Y I began one length behind; by the quarter-pole,Just F Y I moved about a length in front of Resilience; and by the wire, the duo finished together. Resilience galloped out in 1:02.80 while Just F Y I did the same in 1:03.40. Trainer Mott said, “I thought (Resilience) had a great trip in the Wood Memorial. I thought Johnny rode him great. He might have gotten a little jammed up on the first turn but got clear down the backside. When (Velazquez) asked him, he responded and he finished up well. The best part is he looked good visually. The entire family of this horse has been very accomplished on the racetrack. Part of the family is Courageous Cat, who I trained for a Grade I win (in the Shoemaker Mile). The owners have been in the breeding business a long time and Resilience is just the result of their program.”

April 22

Resilience 1:01.60 breezing 10/12 CD under Junior Alvarado going solo. The opening quarter was timed in 25.80. Resilience galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.60 and kept going a long way up the backstretch. Junior Alvarado said, "Today he galloped out very strong, He wanted to keep going, that's a good sign." Trainer Mott said, “He’s the type of horse that has taken a little more time to mature than some others. We took our time with his development and it’s seem to have worked out well.” Trainer Mott sent Resilience out for a breeze only four days ago, and I suspect we will see another one soon. Mott is following the same pattern with Just F Y I for the Oaks. Her breeze this morning was dynamite. It was Just F Y I's second workout since finishing runner-up to Leslie's Rose in the Ashland, and Leslie's Rose is absent from the worktab. When I was a much, much younger man I knew this guy who was a degenerate gambler if there ever was one, but he did know things about horse racing. When it came to handicapping horses he liked telling people about his dad who helped manage stallions at Claiborne farm years and years before then. "Three works in 10 days, that's a good bet," he'd say. "Dad never bought a form at the races, he already knew all the horses," the guy would say, "and he knew the ones that worked three times in 10 days." Times have changed, and we hardly ever see a horse that works two times in 10 days, much less three. Resilience and Just F Y I could be old-school exceptions. Heads up. VIDEO OF JUST F Y I AT THE WORKS SHOW VIDEO OF RESILIENCE AT THE WORKS SHOW

April 24

Resilience was back out on the track for the second time in two days following his April 22 workout. No off day in the shedrow for Resilience! Stable mate Just F Y I, who also breezed Monday, took the following day off. I don't hold that against the Oaks filly as long as she was out on the track today. The works show focused on only a handful of horses today and I'm not at Churchill Downs yet, so check Daily Derby update for details on Just F Y I. I will be at Churchill Downs first thing Friday morning and through the weekend.

April 28

Resilience 49.20 breezing 37/60 CD solo move, his third work in 11 days, something you hardly ever see any more (see April 22 note above). This was a solid move intended for maintenance with a strong gallop-out but not as deep into the backstretch as the eye-catching final move we saw from trainer Mott's Country House in 2019. However, the gallop-out in Resilience's prior work, the middle one of the three, went far up the backstretch. VIDEO AT 30:28 Stable mate Just F Y I also breezed the third time in 11 days for trainer Mott this morning, and she looked on top of her game again. I like her in the Oaks. Early fractions for Resilience were 12.60 and 24.80 before galloping out in 1:01.40. Trainer Mott said, “I would say I was hoping to see exactly what we got. I was hoping for a :49 work. We put a really good work into both horses (Resilience and Just F Y I) six days ago so we just wanted our final work to be nice and smooth and cross our fingers and hope they come back good. It looked like they both breezed well, finished up well and came back nicely. Neither one of them was being pushed. He’s physically done well and with the blinkers he seems to be more focused on everything. He got jostled around a bit in the Wood but by the time he got to the backside, he had a nice trip, had a nice stalking position." Mott added that he may send Resilience back to the track on Monday for an easy jog rather than walking the shedrow.

TOP RESULTS
Fourth Risen Star
First Wood Memorial

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

John Velazquez after the Risen Star: “The distance was good. I think he’s still just very green though. It was very hard for him to pass the horses. When the horse came out on him a little bit, he didn’t know what to do. But he’s a good one, that’s for sure.”

Trainer Mott on after Wood Memorial, when Resilience added blinkers: “He ran very well. Leana (Williford) did a great job with him. It was a similar trip to what we were hoping for. The blinkers didn't hurt, did they."

John Velazquez after the Wood Memorial: "We broke really well, which was what we wanted to do. He got a little bit aggressive, more than I wanted to in the first part. Then I put him out and he kind of relaxed better on the outside of horses. The reason we put blinkers on is because he's kind of hesitant in passing the horses. So, I kind of engaged him a little bit early to see if he'd pass horses and he passed them. Then I was like 'Oh man I might've broken a little too soon.' Then he just kept me busy down the lane.... Very nice horse. The second time I rode him, he kind of got shy away from the horses coming out and didn't want to pass, then all of a sudden everybody passed him at the sixteenth pole. Then I said, 'maybe blinkers will keep him smart and focused and running' and it did today, so this is where to do it."

THE NEXT DAY: Assistant trainer Willaford said, "(Resilience is) good. We’re very happy and we were hoping for Resilience’s performance. He’ll make his way over to Churchill sooner rather than later.”

FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) #11 10-1
Derby Points: 100
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $1,769,919
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
Owner: Susumu Fujita
Breeder: Northern Racing
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Real Steel (Deep Impact (JPN), Loves Only Me)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Forever Darling (Congrats, Darling My Darling)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-2-6-0-0 (12) 3.00
Foal Date: Feb. 24, 2021
Auction Price(s): $720,603, JHRA Select Yearling and Foal Sale 2022
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 13, Quarantine Barn 1

WORKOUTS

April 20
Forever Young was out on the track solo during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses and galloped with good energy but it was not intended to be a timed workout. We are told that will happen Tuesday, April 23.

April 30

Forever Young 1:03.00 breezing 2/3 CD (good) under his exercise rider. The jockey is arriving Thursday. We were told this work would be in company with T O Password, but they worked separately, and this one was solo. Officials were informed this work would go six furlongs, but clockers caught it in five. The gallop-out went to about mid-backstretch. This was a maintenance work. VIDEO AT 27:25 Fractions were slow as usual: 14.00, 27.00, 39.60 and out six furlongs in 1:16.80. Exercise rider Oka said, “He handled it well and moved well over the track. I think we did a good for job for the final breeze.” Oka grinned and said, “The Kentucky Derby is a difficult race to win but all I can say is Team Yahagi Stable is undefeated in the United States and Forever Young is undefeated.”

TOP RESULTS
First JBC Nisai Yushun
First Zennippon Nisai Yushun
First Saudi Derby
First UAE Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Yahagi after the Saudi Derby: “He didn’t have a good start. He was wide out and it was a tough race, but he ended up winning, so we are very satisfied. He didn’t like the kickback, so the jockey kept him wide out. Still, he had a very good performance, so I’m very happy about that. We will first head to the UAE Derby before hopefully the Kentucky Derby. My heart is very, very tired. Stretching out to distance is very welcome for him. I love Saudi Arabia, I love this country.”

Jockey Ryusei Sakai after the Saudi Derby: “He tried very hard, he knows everything about what to do, he’s a special horse. I was very confident coming into the race, but it was a tougher race because the runner-up was tough and running really well. I was worried but we finished very strongly. He hasn’t fully matured but he is improving now. At the final turn I was very confident and I trusted my horse, so I just urged him very strongly to the line. I have been riding him since his debut and my master Yahagi and I hope he can have more and more experience overseas and I can learn a lot from him.”

Trainer Yahagi after the UAE Derby: “He did not travel well from Japan to Saudi Arabia so he was not in great condition but he still performed very well. After traveling from Riyadh to Dubai he improved and he has so much potential, I always have a lot of confidence in him. His condition improved from the Saudi Derby and so I was very confident that the horse would perform for me. I really trust the horse and it was a great performance.

“Of course it will be very difficult to manage the horse's condition from Dubai to Kentucky, but I really believe my team will be able to get him in good order. This horse is yet to be beaten, and I feel he’s the champion three-year-old in Japan. I will do everything to prepare for Kentucky.”

ENDLESSLY (KY) #14 30-1
Derby Points: 100
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $658,000
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
Owner: Amerman Racing LLC
Breeder: Mrs. Jerry Amerman
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Oscar Performance (Kitten's Joy, Devine Actress)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Dream Fuhrever (Langfuhr, Society Dream (FR))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-4-8-1-0 (18) 2.60
Foal Date: March 25, 2021
Auction Price(s): Homebred
Arrival at Churchill Downs: On or around April 1, Barn 35

WORKOUTS

April 6
Endlessly 49.60 breezing 72/102 CD under exercise rider Walter Davila outside 3yo Blue Eyed George with those two together until Endlessly edged slightly ahead on the gallop out in 1:02.80. Trainer McCarthy said, “After the Jeff Ruby, Mr. Amerman and I talked and we’re going to leave all of our options open. We still have a few weeks to train here and have some time to make a final decision...."

April 13
Endlessly 49.00 breezing 54/123. CD inside stablemate and maiden special weight winner Yellow Card. They stayed together until the wire when Endlessly got slight edge galloping out five furlongs in 1:02.20. VIDEO VIDEO

April 20
Endlessly 1:00.80 breezing 20/72 CD under James Graham in company with and inside of second-time-out Turfway maiden winner (95 Equibase) Yellow Card (1:00.80) shortly after the track opened this morning. Endlessly broke off about a length behind the workmate before finishing on even terms. Internal fractions were 25.00 and 36.60. Joe Kristufek commented Endlessly "was struggling" to keep up with Yellow Card past the wire, and in fact Yellow Card drew off easily from Endlessly in the first turn. I added Yellow Card to my stable alert. VIDEO ON CHURCHILL DOWNS WORKS SHOW

April 26

Endlessly 47.80 breezing 19/68 CD under Umberto Rispoli in company with Gottaneedforspeed (best Equibase 70 from three starts). Endlessly was among the first horses to step on the track when training began at 5:15. His team wasted no time before he broke off in company to breeze four furlongs in 47.80. Endlessly began the move about a half-length back and outside and hit the wire about a half in front of his workmate. This post will be updated with internal and out fractions, but Endlessly kept up with the workmate past the wire better than his previous workout. Presumably trainer McCarthy and Amerman Racing will soon decide/disclose whether Endlessly will compete in the Kentucky Derby or the American Turf on May 4. Trainer McCarthy said, “All options are now open. I liked his move this morning, very pleased with it. Now we’ll see what’s next. I’m going to have a conversation with Mr. Amerman now and see what we’re going to do. It’ll be interesting.” VIDEO AT 40.24

TOP RESULTS
First Del Mar Juvenile Turf
First Zuma Beach
Eighth Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
First El Camino Real Derby
First Jeff Ruby Steaks

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer McCarthy after the Del Mar Juvenile Turf: “The horse had drawn a little bit outside today and I told Juan just go ahead and bounce out of there and hopefully not get yourself stuck too far out in the middle of the racetrack around the first turn. The horse was attentive to him and he put himself in a great spot. He looked like he was always traveling comfortably. It did look like Juan took it to him a little early. It just seemed like he couldn’t wait any longer and he was able to finish off nicely.”

Juan Hernandez after the Del Mar Juvenile Turf: “I had a good trip. Mike told me the horse had really been training well. When you hear that, you don’t get nervous out there if you get in a little trouble. You know the horse is going to run strong. My horse did that today. I was tracking the favorite (Boltage) and when I got by him I knew I was in good shape.”

Juan Hernandez after the Zuma Beach: "My horse was really professional. He came through the horses really well and after that he just passed everybody like the last couple of races. He's improving with every race."

Trainer McCarthy after the El Camino Real Derby: “You like winning a race like this, but this is a tough spot knowing that this place is going away. I feel bad for everybody up here. His workouts on dirt have just been steady, whereas Rombauer (the 2021 winner) was a very good work horse. Endlessly is just a different horse. There are plenty of rich grass races for 3-year-olds later in the year.”

Umberto Rispoli after the El Camino Real Derby: “He’s a very nice horse and he handled everything well. I just took my time because there was a lot of speed in front of me. You kind of have to help him along around the (second) turn, but when he wanted to go he took off.”

Trainer McCarthy after the Jeff Ruby Steaks: “This was a really solid effort but I think his best days down the road are on turf. I thought he sat a great trip today being just off a fast pace. He’s a very nice colt and mentally has handled everything in stride. I think he has a very bright future ahead of him and he’s already very accomplished in his young career.”

Jockey Rispoli after the Jeff Ruby Steaks: “I just remained patient with the pace in front of me. This was his second start on the Tapeta and I think he handled it much better today (than in the El Camino Real Derby). He was able to get into a much better rhythm. In the stretch he was just so powerful and continued to go strongly through the wire.”

DORNOCH (KY) #1 20-1
Derby Points: 75
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $472,375
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Owner: West Paces Racing LLC, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, LLC, Two Eight Racing, LLC and Pine Racing Stables
Breeder: Grandview Equine
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Good Magic (Curlin, Glinda the Good)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Puca (Big Brown, Boat's Ghost)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-4-8-0-0 (14) 2.50
Foal Date: April 22, 2021
Auction Price(s): $325,000 Keeneland September 2021
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 10, Barn 42

WORKOUTS

April 20
Dornoch 48.20 breezing 16/123 CD wih Luis Saez aboard outside fellow Derby contender Society Man (48.20) during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses. Society Man came out on the track bouncing and was restrained before the pair broke off pretty much together and worked on even terms. During the gallop-out Society Man wouldn't let Dornoch by him. VIDEO ON KENTUCKY DERBY WORKOUTS SHOW

April 27

Dornoch 46.60 breezing 2/130 CD inside Society Man (46.60). The workouts were coming rat-a-tat today, and I didn't catch them break off, but they finished on even terms. The TV cameramen were unable to catch this work at all. I was able to get a video. Dornoch and Society Man galloped out together with Dornoch eventually ahead out by about a length as they were eased down on the backstretch between the 5/8 and 1/2 poles. I talked to DRF's Mike Welsch, and he told me he got this work in 47. Regardless of the time, trainer Gargan signaled his stated intention for Dornoch to get the lead in the Derby. Opening fractions per track clockers were 11.60, 23.20 and 34.60. Out five furlongs in 59.00, six in 1:12.60. . Please refer to video of this work on the Derby workouts page . Trainer Gargan said, “The track is playing super fast right now. We thought we’d go in 47 and change, I got them 46 and 4. They went out nice though and … that’s kind of the work for everybody, they’re all going around the same time. We wanted to go a little bit slower but they looked good doing it, they were in hand, no one was asking them. We’re just hoping they come back good, everything looks good and they’re cooling out good. They’ve worked together even as 2-year-olds. They’ve breezed together multiple times, I couldn’t even tell you how many times. They worked twice before the Remsen together and they’ve worked twice here now together. They worked in Saratoga together as babies so they’re definitely familiar with each other.”

TOP RESULTS
First Remsen
First Fountain of Youth
Fourth Toyota Blue Grass

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Gargan after the Remsen: “Kendrick told me, when he rode him at Monmouth, he said ‘Danny, if I had more time.’ When he saw the horse go by him, he said he gets to playing around, which he bounced off the rail today and when he gets out there by himself he loses focus. He said if he sees another horse, he’s going to run back to him and today he proved it. It was something that was always said but never proven until today, but that was pretty impressive because I thought the other horse went way past him. For him to dig in and fight back like that, especially after the half mile in 46, three quarters in 1:11, he ran the whole race.”

Luis Saez after the Remsen: “It was pretty good fractions. I had everyone on top right there, but he was pretty comfortable. When he has pressure, he’s OK, but when he feels alone, he kind of look around. But he’s learning. He’s a pretty good horse. He’s a pretty nice horse, but I feel like he’s still learning. When he kind of feels a little alone, he was a little lost. As soon as the other one (Sierra Leone) came to him, he saw him and he want to beat him. I can’t describe this. He wants to win the race....

“Jose tried to close, but he’s a big horse and he got through. It’s pretty difficult to come back, but he has a big stride, and two jumps – he was right there. I was pretty surprised. Every day, you learn something new from horses, and this is a pretty special horse. Last time, he kind of was the same, but he ran with different horses. Today was a pretty tough race, and he proved that he’s a pretty good horse.”

Trainer Gargan before the Fountain of Youth: “When horses run in the Breeders’ Cup, they get a break. I won the Remsen before and didn’t give them a break in the past and it didn’t work out so well for me. I just wanted him to have every chance he deserves (after the Remsen).... I think he’s a really good horse, so we just went ahead and gave him three or four weeks off and let him grow and mature.... Everybody in barn likes him. We think he’s a nice horse. I just don’t want him to go too forward. Hopefully he doesn’t have to run a crazy, big, fast number or anything like that too soon."

Trainer Gargan after the Fountain of Youth: "We could run in the Florida Derby or the Blue Grass. We really wanted to stalk today, it just didn’t work out that way.... Surely it won’t be his fastest race. We didn’t expect to win today. It just kind of played out that way. I don’t think he ran very hard. He was just kind of playing around out there. Before, we were going to follow (Speak Easy, who was scratched) around there and have a target, because that’s how we’ve been training."

Luis Saez after the Fountain of Youth: “We just break from there running. We know the inside horse has a little speed and we’d like to follow him but Dornoch is a super horse and I didn’t want to get him in trouble.... I know when horses get close to him he’s going to give me another gear, so I was not worried. The plan was the follow Speak Easy (who was scratched). We know Speak Easy is a good horse but have a pretty good horse. The horse can run all day. He has matured and grown. He’s a big horse. This horse has something very special. When he got pressure, he took off again.”

Trainer Gargan after the Blue Grass: “He went really well. He got in there behind. It’s his first time really getting a lot of dirt like that, he resented it a little bit early, Luis said. He said he kind of ran away from the horses. (He was) a little bit stuck in there. Next time, we’ll break him out of (the starting gate on the lead) and keep his face clean, and he'll run better next time. There’s no pressure now. We’re going to go over there (to Churchill) and have fun. We’re going to have two horses (Dornoch and Society Man...and enjoy ourselves, and hopefully get lucky and win that day.”

Luis Saez after the Blue Grass: “Good, perfect trip. It wasn’t the trip we were expecting; we didn’t get there. We had a clean trip.”

THE NEXT DAY: Dornoch was scheduled to go to Churchill Downs April 10. “I may have shipped him in here (to Keeneland) a little too close to the race,” trainer Gargan said. “He ran good but got a little tired. He’ll run better next time. He got dirt for the first time and got back in there. I don’t expect to have horses gunning it out of there in the Derby like they did yesterday, so hopefully him and Fierceness can break out of there and go a nice, relaxed pace. We’ll enjoy the Derby and hopefully he can lay up close and run big. We think we’ll bring a tougher, fitter horse who’s learned a lot to the Derby.”

JUST A TOUCH (KY) #8 10-1
Derby Points: 75
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $247,500
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Qatar Racing, LLC, Resolute Racing and Detampel, Marc
Breeder: Don Alberto Corporation
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Justify (Scat Daddy, Stage Magic)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Just a Beauty (Tapit, Victory Road)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-6-7-0-0 (16) 3.57
Foal Date: May 5, 2021
Auction Price(s): $170,000 RNA Keeneland September 2021; $125,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October 2022; $300,000 OBS April 2023
Arrival at Churchill Downs: On or about April 8, Barn 22

WORKOUTS

April 20
Just a Touch 48.20 breezing 16/123 CD under Florent Geroux. This was a solo work during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses, opening in 24.20 and out five furlongs in 1:01.20. Geroux said, “He’s doing great and feeling great. He’s a very nice colt with a very bright future.” It appears the camera crew at Churchill Downs did not capture video of this work.

April 27
Just a Touch 1:00.80 breezing 26/58 CD going solo under Florent Geroux. This was a longer work than last week's move, and a bit less intense. The move, characteristic of the Cox barn, began at the 4 1/2 furlong pole. Opening splits of 12.40, 24.00, 36.00, 48.20; out six in 1:13.60 and seven in 1:27.20. One of several quality workouts today. Please refer to video of this work on the Derby workouts page . Jockey Geroux said, “Solid morning overall. I thought both horses (Just a Touch and Encino) worked well. I thought Just a Touch went pretty working a minute and change and galloped out in hand.” Trainer Cox said, "All three had good, solid moves this morning."

TOP RESULTS
Second Gotham
Second Toyota Blue Grass

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Cox before the Gotham: “He’s a good-sized colt and done everything right in the mornings and he showed up first time out. It’s going to be a big ask shipping him up there, but I like the idea of stretching him out to the one-turn mile.... We’ve done plenty with him since he broke his maiden and fitness-wise we’ve got him as tight as we can get him."

Trainer Cox after the Gotham: "He ran well. It looked like he finished up well. He showed enough speed and he’s obviously still learning, but I think he’ll be better around two turns. He’s big, with plenty of leg, and hopefully he will stretch out."

Florent Geroux after the Gotham: "He was still a little bit immature. I lost him a little bit. He was not traveling that great in the turn, so I had to ask him a little more than I would have loved to, but I was very happy with the last eighth of a mile. He picked himself up and came back to re-rally and secure the second place. I think he will be good going two turns."

Trainer Cox after the Blue Grass: “He’s going to have to move forward in the next four weeks. Colts can do that. If he moves forward, he will be able to compete in the Derby. I knew Sierra Leone would be hard to hold off. Derby is still under consideration. I’m proud of the effort today. (We’ll probably ship to Churchill Downs tomorrow.)”

Florent Geroux after the Blue Grass: “He ran great, had a great trip. The pace was a bit quicker than I thought it would be. Turning for home, I thought I had it but was just taken down by Sierra Leone. My horse had a good finish to be second. He ran a good race and against really good horses, maybe the Derby favorite. But we are in the Derby and he’s a real good horse and I have hope for him. I really think he’s going to blossom and be great.”

THE NEXT DAY: Just a Touch was scheduled to be shipped to Churchill Downs to continue training for the Kentucky Derby.

TRACK PHANTOM (KY) #12 20-1
Derby Points: 70
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $300,000
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Owner: L and N Racing LLC, Brewster, Clark O., Caroom, Jerry and Breeze Easy, LLC
Breeder: Breeze Easy, LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Quality Road (Elusive Quality, Kobla)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Miss Sunset (Into Mischief, Tuscan Sunset)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-2-5-0-0 (8) 2.20
Foal Date: Feb. 17, 2021
Auction Price(s): $500,000 Keeneland September 2022
Arrival at Churchill Downs: March 27, Barn 38

WORKOUTS

April 7
Track Phantom 1:02.00 breezing 4/13 CD sporting a small set of blinkers while under Joel Rosario and outside 4yh Gatlinburg. They went in 13.40, 26.20 and 37.80. Track Phantom edged clear at the wire and galloped out in 1:15.20. Assistant trainer Scott Blasi said, “I thought it was a nice first work getting back to Churchill.

April 21
Track Phantom 1:00.80 breezing 6/32 CD with Tyler Gaffalione up outside Carbone (also 1:00.80, tried to get on Derby Trail) at 5:45 a.m. Gaffalione's presence (he is committed to Sierra Leone) may indicate a rider for Track Phantom has not been firmed up, or it could be a rider is lined up but could not be at Churchill Downs this morning. I doubt this indicates a problem with Sierra Leone. This was Track Phantom's first workout in two weeks. He is wearing blinkers but has not raced with blinkers. Even though these two were given identical times, Track Phantom broke off about a length behind Carbone and was on even terms at the wire after being asked a bit in the stretch by Gaffalione. The opening quarter was a slow 26.20, making the final three furlongs 34.60. Track Phantom galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60 and from there distanced Carbone, who has shown endurance limitations in the afternoon, and galloped well up the backstretch. The move might mark an attempt to change Track Phantom's forward running style, and it was a little sharper than we often see from this barn. VIDEO ON THE WORKS SHOW AT 11:30

April 28

Track Phantom 1:00.00 breezing 5/16 CD outside Mugen (1:00.00, 3yo filly winless in five MSW starts, most recently Equibase 88 going 5.5 furlongs). Track Phantom has blinkers added in his training since his last start. Often adding blinkers signals a plan to utilize early speed, but Track Phantom alreay has plenty of of that and has been stalking in company in his recent training. He broke off a length behind Mugen, entered the stretch about a half-length behind, and was a head back at the wire. During the gallop-out he easily edged ahead of Mugan entering the backstretch. VIDEO AT 37:20 The opening quarter-mile went in 24.20 and he galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60. Trainer Asmussen said, “I think Track Phantom has a beautiful rhythm to him with a nice, beautiful stride. I don’t think he’s a horse that has to be on the lead. In his last two starts there were very tepid paces. I think for him to be wrangled back in either of those two races wouldn’t have been to his style. I obviously expect there to be more pace in the Derby, everybody does with the quarter-mile run into the first turn. I think in a full field I still want him to jump away from there well but I’d be very surprised to see him on the lead in this year’s Derby.”

TOP RESULTS
First Gun Runner
First Lecomte
Second Risen Star
Fourth Louisiana Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Asmussen after the Gun Runner: “It’s impressive that both of his two turn races have been victories, and it was a good field today. I actually thought they went too fast in the middle, you know, 46 4/5 here in a two-turn race, you don’t see horses see it out very often. He’s obviously a very good horse who has some room to physically develop and we have him right where want to be at this stage of his career.”

Cristian Torres said after the Gun Runner: “He broke sharp for us like we expected. Going into the first turn I was trying to let the one horse (Next Level) go and save (my horse). On the backside, he kind of relaxed a little bit, but I knew we were going a little bit fast. The way he was traveling, he felt comfortable and he was well in hand. I just waited until we turned for home to really ask him and when he did, he just took off.”

Trainer Asmussen said in a Q and A after the Lecomte: “It’s easy to compare where he’s at with where we were with Epicenter two years ago. Epicenter won the Gun Runner and was second in the Lecomte, but physically he was developing at the right time.... I think the Lecomte was as easy on him as you could have wanted it to be, with him still getting something out of it.”

Joel Rosario after the Risen Star: “He ran a great race but ended up just being second best. He tries hard every time and keeps getting better. He did everything right, but just too bad he got beat. I think he ran well on the (sloppy sealed) surface.”

Joel Rosario after the Louisiana Derby : “He ran very nice out there. I don't know if it was the distance. It looked like it was a comfortable pace. He was relaxed and he gave me a kick but the others came strong at the end. Sometimes it's hard to tell, but maybe he got tired at the end.”

WEST SARATOGA (KY) #13 50-1
Derby Points: 67
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: 363,640
Jockey: Jesus Lopez Castanon
Trainer: Larry W. Demeritte
Owner: Harry L. Veruchi
Breeder: Two Hearts Farm II LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Exaggerator (Curlin, Dawn Raid (CAN))
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Mo Wicked (Uncle Mo, Wicked Ride)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-3-5-0-0 (10) 3.00
Foal Date: March 19, 2021
Auction Price(s): $11,000 Keeneland September 2022
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 26, Barn 42

WORKOUTS

April 6
West Saratoga 36:40 Breezing 5/30 TTC

April 19
West Saratoga 1:16.20 breezing 1/1 KEE wet fast. West Saratoga 1:16.20 breezing 1/1 KEE wet fast. With Jesus Castanon aboard and going solo, West Saratoga cut out splits of 13.60, 26.40, 39.80, 51.20, 1:04.20 and galloped out seven furlongs in 1:30.20. Trainer Demeritte said West Saratoga would be returned to The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington and stay there until April 26, with a three-furlong breeze scheduled at Churchill Downs the next day. Demeritte said, “I am happy with the work, and right now everything is in place going forward. That work (April 6) was for speed and this one for stamina. You can’t do both at the same time. He will have a lot of long gallops. The Thoroughbred Center has a 7-furlong track, and working six furlongs there would be almost like going two turns and the turns are tighter there. With a classic horse going longer distances, they stay on their leads longer going into the turns. He still has to get there. We are preparing to win and everybody feels the same. Hey, I might be a first-time starter (in the Derby), but I’m not a rookie. I love being over there on Derby Day. I have been in a lot of Derbies – the Ohio Derby, Indiana Derby – but this is the ultimate Derby.” Jockey Castanon, who rode Shackleford fourth in the 2011 Kentucky Derby before winning the Preakness, said, “It’s about never giving up and to keep trying. Demeritte added, "After the first time Jesus got on him, he told me ‘this guy is real.' He flew up from Tampa to work him (at Turfway) and then flew back to ride races that afternoon. That’s how professional he is.” VIDEO

April 27
West Saratoga 37.20 breezing 8/27 CD. West Saratoga broke off at the 3/8 pole and exhibited high knee action. Rosie Napravnik commented she thought he would worked past the wire, and she said he did, but trainer Demeritte previously said this would be a three-furlong workout, and that's how clockers recorded it. The opening furlong in 11.80, out four in 50.20 per track clockers. The work did not give me confidence in West Saratoga. If he wins, I don't know what to say. VIDEO AT 26:12 Jockey Castanon said, “He was good this morning and handled the track well. “He has handled every track that I have been on him … Tampa, Turfway, Keeneland and here.” Trainer Demeritte said, “By the time we got to the frontside, I just got to see the stretch. I liked the gallop out. I was hoping for :36, but he had a strong gallop out.”

TOP RESULTS
First Iroquois
Fifth Claiborne Breeders' Futurity
Second Pasco
Third Sam F. Davis
Second Jeff Ruby Steaks

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Demeritte said after the Pasco his horse got checked into the turn, but he didn’t dispute the stewards’ verdict. “I thought my horse made a fight of it and ran a great race to get second. Our plan is to keep him here and train up to the (Sam F.) Davis.”

No quotes available from the Sam F. Davis or Jeff Ruby Steaks

JUST STEEL (KY) #6 20-1
Derby Points: 65
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $628,295
Jockey: Keith J. Asmussen
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Owner: BC Stables, LLC
Breeder: Summerhill Farm
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Justify (Scat Daddy, Stage Magic)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Irish Lights (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS), Aspen Falls)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-4-4-0-0 (10) 4.00
Foal Date: March 9, 2021
Auction Price(s): $500,000 Keeneland September 2021
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 13, Barn 44

WORKOUTS

April 11
Just Steel 1.00:80 breezing 1/2 OP muddy

April 20
Just Steel one mile 1:40.00 breezing 1/1 CD with exercise rider Jamie Torres aboard outside eight-race maiden Daily Grind, who joined Just Steel at the 5/8 pole (five in 1:03.80, 70/72) shortly after the track opened this morning. The duo was then briefly joined by a set of workers from the Norm Casse barn at the half-mile pole, but by the quarter-mile pole they were separated. Just Steel's opening fractions were 13.40, 37.20, 49.40 and 1:13.80. Just Steel finished the final 5/8 in 1:02.80 and the pair hit the wire within a head of one another, so Daily Grind must have broken off five lengths ahead. Video does not show that portion of the work. Trainer Lukas said, “When he won the Ed Brown Stakes as a 2-year-old he wasn’t nearly as tall and big and heavy as he is right now. I don’t think he’ll be winning any 6 1/2-furlong races (like the Ed Brown) anytime in the near future. He’s got a pedigree that he’ll have no problem getting a mile-and-a-quarter, unlike many of the horses in the race. We have opinions, horses have the facts. They have the brilliance to show that ability doing things at distances we know probably shouldn’t be the best for them.” VIDEO AT CHURCHILL DOWNS WORKOUT SHO W

April 28

Just Steel 50.40 breezing 52/60 CD solo. On the video at 35:40 the rider grabs a crop right-handed from the back left pocket and shows it to Just Steel, who appears to respond by running a bit faster. At that precise time Rosie Napravnik commented Just Steel was "not overly motivated" but then the broadcast team noted, right after the rider stood up in the stirrups after the four furlongs was completed, Just Steel worked a mile last weekend. In my opinion, this was a maintenance work that went as planned. VIDEO AT 35:02 Initial splits were 13.40 and 25.20. Trainer Lukas said, “Just a slow maintenance work. We’re close to the race, we didn’t want to do much. We pretty much did what we thought. I didn’t want him to gallop out much because I didn’t want to do too much this close. He probably could have done more, but that’s what it was. I think he has a pedigree to do this, very much so. And his running style probably complements it too. If he’s good enough, he’ll show up. But we’ve got something to work with, his pedigree.”

TOP RESULTS
Seventh Hopeful
Sixth Claiborne Breeders' Futurity
First Ed Brown Stakes
Second Smarty Jones
Second Southwest
Seventh Rebel
Second Arkansas Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Lukas after the Ed Brown Stakes: “He kind of came to life the last race, winning that little stake, which helped us because he’s had a couple of trips where I don’t think he learned much. He got his act together very well. The thing I loved about his last race was the way he extended his stride on the far turn. He was running along and all of a sudden, he extended it about 3 feet per jump. I need that because I’m hoping he’s a two-turn horse.”

Trainer Lukas after the Smarty Jones: "I really feel like I was a little bit to blame. I was a little concerned about maybe getting him tightened down too much early, with the four-race series in mind. He came up a little bit short the last sixteenth. I blame myself a little bit. He ran a really strong race, but he did come up a little bit short."

Trainer Lukas before the Rebel: “He’s still carrying a little weight. He’s a big, powerful horse and I think with racing, he’ll drop some of that weight and he’ll be a bit better at finishing.... I think he needs racing.”

Trainer Lukas after the Rebel: “You can’t overcome the 11 hole, 11, 12. You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t. You almost have to break hard and get up there. You’re bound to be wide. I was sick to my stomach when they drew. We’ll draw a line through it.”

Trainer Lukas after the Arkansas Derbyu: “We’re excited, but it’s disappointing there won’t be Bob. He’s got great horses. He’s got Derby horses, but he’s going through a lot of things right now that shouldn’t be happening. But we can’t change that. I was confident about my horse. I was telling someone else, when there’s a little bit of brilliance in there, when you see it, you can dig in there and get it. If they don’t have that brilliance, then you’re just in la la land bringing these horses over and hoping, but he’s got some in him and now we just have to see if we can get it out of him.”

Keith Asmussen after the Arkansas Derby: “The horse handled it beautifully – excellent position. The horse was extremely comfortable in the first turn and down the backside. Loved where he was every step of the race and he really ran home. I think more ground will help him a little bit.”

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer Lukas said, "He’s developing in the right direction at the right time, just like I tried to do. Tried to use all my experience to bring him along. Have him good in May and he’s responding really well. He’s a nice horse. (The media) doesn’t even know he’s on the ground. They don’t give him any credit. They talked about the Arkansas Derby and went to the fifth, sixth, seventh horse and everything. My owner called and said: ‘Are we OK?’ I said: ‘Yeah, we don’t need that.’”

HONOR MARIE (KY) #7 20-1
Derby Points: 65
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $448,455
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
Owner: Ribble Farms LLC, Eiserman, Michael H., Silver, Earl I., Fishbein, Kenneth E. and Fishbein, Dave
Breeder: Royce Pulliam
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Honor Code (A.P. Indy, Serena's Cat)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Dame Marie (Smart Strike (CAN), Crystal Crossing (IRE))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-11-15-1-0 (36) 3.24
Foal Date: May 4, 2021
Auction Price(s): $40,000 Keeneland September 2022
Arrival at Churchill Downs: March 27, Barn 37

WORKOUTS

April 7
Honor Marie 47.80 breezing 3/36 CD outside recent maiden winner Anthem King with both going 12:20 and 24.20 and Honor Marie finishing one length ahead and out five in 1:01.60. Trainer Beckman said, “I thought it was a really good move for his first work back here at Churchill. He did well this winter down at Fair Grounds and the Risen Star is proving to be a very key race leading into the Derby.”

April 14
Honor Marie 48.80 breezing 24/77 CD with jockey Ben Curtis up in company with Anthem King. Initial fractions were 12.40 and 24.80. Honor Marie galloped out five in 1:02.00, a bit ahead of Anthem King. Trainer Beckman said, “He did it the right way, easily. We didn’t want to do a ton this week, and he seemed to do it well. He’s the type of horse that will always do what you ask of him. I always thought it was good to have a workmate next to him to just give him a little encouragement.” ADDED LATER: In an April 19 story in Thoroughbred Racing Commentary, veteran British jockey Ben Curtis said, “(The Louisiana Derby) was probably a personal best from Honor Marie and I found him very easy to ride. He’s been training well since and when I flew to Churchill last week to breeze him he looked a million dollars. He did an easy half-mile breeze in 48.4s, well in his comfort zone, moving fantastic and finishing with his ears pricked. It was as near-perfect as you can get in a breeze. Some horses going into the race will have question marks over their stamina, but all Honor Marie has ever done in his races is finish strong and close late. He’s going to thrive over the trip and he’s already got winning form at Churchill."

April 25

Honor Marie 59.20 breezing 1/11 CD under Ben Curtis in company with 3yo Agoo (1:00.00), who typically has Equibase figures in the 80s. Initial fractions were 12.00, 23.80, 35.60 and 47.40. He was out six in 1:12.60 and seven in 1:27.60. The pair broke off with Honor Marie about a length back. He was soon on even terms with Agoo and they entered the stretch that way. At the wire, Honor Marie had powered to a three-length advantage, and he galloped out well ahead of his workmate. Honor Marie continued galloping up the backstretch beyond the timed seven furlongs. VIDEO AT 17:15

TOP RESULTS
First Kentucky Jockey Club
Fifth Risen Star
Second Louisiana Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Beckman said after the Kentucky Jockey Club: “He’s a very nice horse and we were confident with his pedigree, and the way he trained, he’d enjoy longer distances. It’s very exciting to have a horse like this and win our first graded stakes with him. We’ll probably take him down to Fair Grounds after this. They have a good program for 3-year-olds.”

Rafael Bejarano said after the Kentucky Jockey Club: “I was thinking the two turns would help out. After I saw there was a lot of speed in the race which would fit him, he came with a big run. In his last start he ran OK but that was seven furlongs. I was more confident with him going two turns today.”

Trainer Beckman after the Risen Star: “It was a great starting point for his three-year-old year. He can only move forward after this and I think if we get a fast track next time he will improve even more.”

Jockey Ben Curtis after the Louisiana Derby: “He ran a big race. He’s tough. He can get any trip, he’s so relaxed. I’m thankful to (trainer) Whit (Beckman) for this opportunity.”

Trainer quote after the Louisiana Derby unavailable.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT (KY) #15 30-1
Derby Points: 60
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $260,500
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
Breeder: Klaravich Stables
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Practical Joke ((Into Mischief, Halo Humor)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Goods and Services (Paynter, Indian Legend)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 0-2-2-0-0 (4) 3.00
Foal Date: Feb. 22, 2021
Auction Price(s): Homebred
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 22, Barn 25

WORKOUTS

April 6
Domestic Product 48:60 breezing 3/61 PAY

April 13
Domestic Product 48.40 breezing 1/57 at PAY.

April 20

April 27

April 19

Catalytic 1:00.72 breezing 2/7 GP. Trainer Joseph said, “Everything went all right. I got him in a minute and four-fifths and the gallop-out in 1:14-and-change." Joseph said he plans to ship Catalytic to Churchill Downs Sunday in two days. “The key is to get there, and once you get there, anything can happen in the Derby," he said. VIDEO

April 28

Catalytic 47.80 breezing 13/60 CD outside a workmate. After breaking off a length behind, Catalytic ran beside the workmate in the turn and was up one length at the finish line. The workmate slowed going into the first turn while Catalytic galloped out far ahead. He was pulled up about halfway up the stretch. VIDEO AT 32:22 Trainer Joseph said, “It was a good time, a good work. I thought it went as good as we could have asked, and Jose is happy with him. Hopefully we have a good week, and go on from here. He’s showing a lot more energy here than he does at Gulfstream. And there, he doesn’t seem to pay attention, here he seems very focused.” Jockey Ortiz said, “He looked great, felt great. It was just a maintenance work, and exactly what we were looking for. The horse is happy. Keeping him happy is all we have to do until Saturday.”

TOP RESULTS
Second Florida Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Joseph after the Florida Derby: “It wasn’t the ideal circumstance but he was brave today. I had a lot of respect for some of the horses in the race and he ran a really good second. Nothing was going to beat the winner. We should improve a lot from this.”

Julien Leparoux after the Florida Derby: “We had a great trip. We ran against a monster today. In saying that, he had the race by himself in front. I was trying to get a good race for my horse. so I put him in a good spot in the clear and he kept on going."

SOCIETY MAN (KY) #20 50-1
Derby Points: 50
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $141,875
Jockey: L Dettori
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, West Paces Racing LLC, GMP Stables LLC and Carl and Yurie Pascarella
Breeder: SF Bloodstock LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Good Magic (Curlin, Glinda the Good)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): You Cheated (Colonel John, Zipper Zapper)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-5-5-0-0 (12) 3.80
Foal Date: April 19, 2021
Auction Price(s): $85,000 Keeneland September 2021
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 10, Barn 42

WORKOUTS

April 20
Society Man 48.20 breezing 16/123 CD inside Dornoch (48.20) during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses. Society Man came out on the track bouncing and was restrained before the pair broke off pretty much together and worked on even terms. During the gallop-out Society Man wouldn't let Dornoch get past him. VIDEO AT CHURCHILL DOWNS WORKOUT SHOW

April 27
Society Man 46.60 breezing 2/130 CD outside Dornoch (46.60). The workouts were coming rat-a-tat today, and I didn't catch them break off, but they finished on even terms. The cameramen were unable to catch this work at all. A video I took shows Dornoch and Society Man galloped out together with Dornoch eventually ahead out by about a length as they were eased down on the backstretch between the 5/8 and 1/2 poles. I talked to DRF's Mike Welsch, and he tole me he got this work in 47. Society Man did well to keep up with a fast horse today. Opening fractions per track clockers were 11.60, 23.20 and 34.60. Out five furlongs in 59.00, six in 1:12.60. SEE DORNOCH VIDEO ON THE DERBY WORKOUTS PAGE Trainer Gargan said, “The track is playing super fast right now. We thought we’d go in 47 and change, I got them 46 and 4. They went out nice though and … that’s kind of the work for everybody, they’re all going around the same time. We wanted to go a little bit slower but they looked good doing it, they were in hand, no one was asking them. We’re just hoping they come back good, everything looks good and they’re cooling out good. They’ve worked together even as 2-year-olds. They’ve breezed together multiple times, I couldn’t even tell you how many times. They worked twice before the Remsen together and they’ve worked twice here now together. They worked in Saratoga together as babies so they’re definitely familiar with each other.”

TOP RESULTS
Eighth Withers
Second Wood Memorial

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Gargan before the Wood Memorial: “The kid rode him good (in his maiden-breaker). He sat back there and didn’t get in a hurry. He showed a nice turn of foot and opened up there and won pretty easy. His pedigree suggests two turns, so we don’t think distance will be a problem. We just have to hope he’s mature enough to run with these kind of horses. The first time I ran him two turns, he needed a race. We had turned him out and gelded him, and he had a big gap in races. I thought he just needed one to get back running, and then we went ahead and took a shot in the Withers. We’ve always wanted to run him long.

“We expected him to run better in the Withers, but he broke in a tangle and never really got running. We have always liked him and he’s a nice gelding. We’re just taking another chance and seeing if he can move forward (in the Wood). If he can hit the board, it would be great.

“He was pretty good the other day (schooling at the gate after prior troubles in races), so let’s hope he keeps getting better. A lot of the Good Magics can be a little feisty.

“I wanted to get a good work this week. He’s a little bit chunkier and to get the distance, I want to get him tightened up. He had a strong work and then we’ll bring him back next week and go a little slower – 49 [seconds] or 48 and change.”

Trainer Gargan after the Wood Memorial: "What a race he ran. I was super proud of him, and I thought for a minute he was going to get there. He's learning and getting better, and obviously we're going to look at the Derby with him. 50 (points) gets you in usually. We couldn't be more excited. His mother won going a mile and an eighth, and he's getting better. I'm excited to have two for the Derby, both by Good Magic."

THE NEXT DAY: Society Man was scheduled to ship to Churchill April 10.

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer Gargan said, "I ran him as a maiden in a stake, so I’ve always liked him quite a bit. I thought he would run 1-2-3 in the Withers, and I was kind of disappointed. He didn’t get a very good trip and got checked out of there. That was frustrating, but then he came back and looked really good breaking his maiden. He did it again yesterday. He’s a different kind of horse (from stable mate Dornoch) with a different running style. He ran a really game effort and is getting better with every race."

MYSTIK DAN (KY) #3 20-1
Derby Points: 46
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $550,050
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
Owner: Gasaway, Lance, 4 G Racing LLC, and Daniel Hamby III
Breeder: Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby & 4G Racing, LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Goldencents ((Into Mischief, Golden Works (CAN))
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Ma'am (Colonel John, Lady Siphonica)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 0-1-1-0-0 (2) 3.00
Foal Date: March 4, 2021
Auction Price(s): Homebred
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 10, Barn 7

WORKOUTS

April 13
Mystik Dan 48.00 breezing 14/123 CD with Brian Hernandez, Jr. up through a quarter-mile in 24.20 and out five furlongs in 1:00.80. Trainer McPeek said, “He ran a credible third last time in the Arkansas Derby. I think he got a lot out of that race, and has shown he handled it well in his training after.”

April 20
Mystik Dan 59.40 breezing 1/72 CD with Brian Herrnandez, Jr. aboard outside Northern Flame (tried to get on the Derby Trail, also 59.40) during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses. As they prepared for the workout Mystik Dan was about a length behind his workmate but soon came alongside him although not quite even, was about a half-length back at the sixtheenth pole, and efficiently surged to hit the wire together with Northern Flame. Opening splits were 23.80, 35.60 and 47.60. Beyond that, the pair ran together through the first turn out six furlongs in 1:12.60, and Mystik Dan was pulled up first in the backstretch. Trainer McPeek said, “When Mystik Dan won the Southwest it was ultra impressive. After that race we decided not to come back until the Arkansas Derby where he got turned sideways in the first turn. All that said he ran a good race. He’s a fresh horse and hasn’t been over-taxed in the preps. I think it sets him up well for the Kentucky Derby.” VIDEO AT CHURCHILL DOWNS WORKOUTS SHOW

April 27
Mystik Dan 1:01.20 breezing 35/58 CD under Brian Hernandez, Jr. outside a workmate. This was strictly a maintenance work with Mystik Dan recording a noticeably faster time in his penultimate workout last weekend. Initial three furlongs clocked at 36.40; out six in 1:14.40. Trainer McPeek said, “It was pretty basic stuff out there. For me, he worked fast enough last weekend. He didn’t need a whole lot. I told Brian to go a minute and change, and that I didn’t want him to go 59. He went in 1:01, which is fine, and he had a nice gallop out. He’ll gate school, paddock school, and have regular gallops all week. He could have had a cleaner trip (in the Arkansas Derby). He got turned sideways on the first turn, and I think it cost him some ground. But he ran well enough to get him some points to get in. He likes it here, this is his home track. He almost got the track record for five-and-a-half (furlongs) on a dry track. We’re pretty optimistic, whether it’s rain or shine.”

TOP RESULTS
Fifth Smarty Jones
First Southwest
Third Arkansas Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Brian Hernandez Jr. after the Southwest: “I was actually thinking about (the rail) the whole way in the post parade there. I was just trying to figure out what horse I could get behind…. And from there, he just traveled so well the whole way. We were able to save ground on both turns. When we got to the second turn, I called on him and he picked it up.”

Trainer McPeek after the Southwest: “We left it up to Brian…. He needed to learn how to settle off horses and maintain that late punch, and we’ve been doing that in the morning every day. I think we’ll probably skip the Rebel and wait for the Arkansas Derby…. I’ve run him back quick and it’s kicked me.”

Trainer McPeek after the Arkansas Derby: “He got beat up a little bit in the first turn by the 5 horse (Liberal Arts). But look, third is a respectable run. I really expected him to win, but these things aren’t easy.”

Brian Hernandez, Jr. after the Arkansas Derby: “We went around the first turn and got knocked pretty good by (Liberal Arts). It was pretty hard and kind of cost us some position. But our horse, you’ve got to be proud of him. He ran on nicely, and picking up third was big.”

ENCINO (KY) #9 SCRATCHED
Derby Points: 40
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $323,136
Jockey: Alex Concepcion
Trainer: Brad Cox
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Godolphin
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Nyquist (Uncle Mo, Seeking Gabrielle)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Glittering Jewel (Bernardini, Bedazzle)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-2-6-0-0 (10) 2.33
Foal Date: March 14, 2021
Auction Price(s): Homebred
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 16, Barn 22

WORKOUTS

April 27
Encino 59.20 breezing 2/58 CD under Florent Geroux, who rides Just a Touch, outside of Catching Freedom (59.20) under exercise rider Edvin Vargas. The first two on the track when training hours opened at 5:15, Encino was noticeably larger than Catching Freedom. After jogging to the front side they wasted no time heading back around the first turn and quickly got to work from the 4 1/2 furlong pole. The pair broke off together and finished up energetically on a track that might be playing a bit quickly again today. They galloped out up the backstretch almost to the half-mile pole, which precedes the far turn, and walked off the track uneventfully. Opening fractions 23.80, 47.20; out six in 1:12.00 and seven in 1:26.40. If this was a test of how Encino is doing after the Lexington Stakes, it looks like he passed it. Now the question for Godolphin is which race to take on next, the Derby or the Preakness. In my estimation Godolphin is not an outfit that will run in the Derby just to have a Derby horse. Instead, alternate outcomes will be evaluated and I would think a decision made based on what is best for the horse and his potential as a stallion. UPDATE: Axel Concepcion is named to ride Encino in the Derby per a tweet by my editor at BloodHorse, Byron King. VIDEO AT 34:26 Jockey Geroux said, “Solid morning overall. I thought both horses (Just a Touch and Encino) worked well. Encino seems to have bounced out of the Lexington in good shape and was solid." Trainer Cox said, ox said. “I liked the breeze this morning for Encino, and that was really the thing we were looking for as far as making the decision to enter the Derby. His work went great. We did a little more with him this morning than we normally would back in two weeks. He responded well...."

TOP RESULTS
First Battaglia
First Stonestreet Lexington

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Axel Concepcion after the John Battaglia Memorial: "After I broke pretty well from the gate I was able to get over and begin to follow Epic Ride. He relaxed very well down the backside and around the far turn I was able to ask him for his best run. I had a lot of horse still left down the lane and he continued to run hard all the way to the wire."

Trainer Cox after the Lexington: “I want to start by thanking Sheikh Mohammed for the opportunity with the horse and congratulate him. Ultimately (a possible Kentucky Derby start) will be up to the Godolphin team – Dan Pride, Michael Banahan, Sheikh Mohammed.... We’ll ship him over to Churchill in a few days regardless. I’ll tell you it will either be the Derby or the Preakness.... Hopefully, he comes out of it in good shape and we’ll march forward. (Assistant trainer) Tessa Bisha (Walden) had him up at Turfway all winter, and as the winter went on she kept raving about how well he was doing. She loved him in the Battaglia. There was a little bit of a question mark about whether he would like the dirt, but he handled it today. He had a few works at Keeneland leading up to this race and showed his hand.”

Florent Geroux after the Lexington: “He broke like a shot. I was expecting more speed. His biggest issue was how he would do with Hades having blinkers on and Lucky Jeremy to the outside; he outbroke them. It was pretty much all him to the first turn; he pretty much controlled the race from there. He was cruising around there, and when he felt The Wine Steward outside of him, it gave him a little extra push. I think that’s what he needed because he was getting a little lost out there on his own. But he had plenty left in the tank, the dirt felt great, and it looks like added distance shouldn’t be a problem for him.”

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer Cox told DRF, “Mentally, he’s not all there yet, and that’s okay. I think there’s some room for improvement. Florent said he raced a little green on and off . . . but he finished up. Most Godolphin horses relish a route of ground, and he did. He was beginning to shut off a little bit up the backside. Florent had some positive things to say about him, said he was green, still learning. He thinks there’s a tremendous amount of improvement he could do mentally moving forward.”

GRAND MO THE FIRST #16 50-1
Derby Points: 40
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $164,250
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
Trainer: Victor Barboza, Jr.
Owner: Granpollo Stable
Breeder: John D. Gunther
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie, Playa Maya)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Lillies So Fair (Giant's Causeway, Wildwood Flower)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 0-1-9-0-0 (10) 1.22
Foal Date: Feb. 6, 2021
Auction Price(s): $125,000 Keeneland September 2021; $135,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall 2022; $335,000 OBS March 2023
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 25

WORKOUTS

April 14
Grand Mo the First 1:03.95 breezing 9/9 GP. Trainer Barboza said, “Next week, the horse will breeze at Gulfstream, and if everything is OK, he will go to Churchill. It was a very relaxed breeze. It was important for me for him to finish strong after the wire. The horse is a happy horse. It’s been a dream since I was a child in Venezuela. Every year, I watched the Kentucky Derby. I have a good chance today to enter the Derby.”

April 23

Grand Mo the First 1:16.46 breezing 2/2 GP solo with Emisael Jaramillo up. Trainer Barboza said, “It was a beautiful workout. We will arrive there Thursday night, walk Friday and then go to the track Saturday.” The colt's last work was also very slow. This seems to be taken straight out of the Mage playbook. He worked very slowly leading into the 2023 Kentucky Derby. ADDED APRIL 25: Trainer Barboza said, “My plan after the Florida Derby was to have two workouts, and I really liked this last work. He came back to the barn very fresh and he’s ready to go to Churchill. The pace in the Tampa Bay Derby was very slow and he nearly won. I think he’ll have a very good chance if the pace is faster in the Kentucky Derby.”

TOP RESULTS
Third Zuma Beach
Third Swale
Third Tampa Bay Derby
Third Florida Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

There is very little out there from the connections of Grand Mo the First.

Trainer Barboza after the Florida Derby: “I’m very happy with the race.... He has a good chance to make the Kentucky Derby.”

T O PASSWORD (JPN) #10 30-1
Derby Points: Japan Road to the Derby
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $120,474
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi
Owner: Tomoya Ozasa
Breeder: Yanagawa Bokujo
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Copano Rickey (JPN) (Gold Allure (JPN), Copano Nikita)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): T O Rachel (JPN) (King Kamehameha (JPN), Nike Favor)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-0-6-2-0 (10) 1.00
Foal Date: May 20, 2021
Auction Price(s): Not sold at public auction
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 26, Quarantine barn

WORKOUTS

April 30

T O Password 46.80 breezing 1/2 CD (good). We were told this would be in company with Forever Young, but they worked separately. Equipped with blinkers, T O Password broke off during the work proper about a length behind Japanese workmate T O Saint Denis (47.00, 2/2), made a quick move to range up to him on the turn, was outworked briefly in upper stretch, and got by the workmate before the wire while being pushed a bit by the rider. He easily won the gallop-out with ears pricked. The setup of the work evidenced an intent to try to come from behind in the Derby, which is what his trainer said they would do after they won the Fukyuru on a diminishing lead, but the raw time could indicate he'll be winging it early. Hard to read. VIDEO AT 24:48 The opening quarter-mile was timed in 23.80 and he was out five furlongs in :59.60. Jockey Kazushi Kimura said, “Everything was smooth this morning. I put him behind his workmate to get some kickback. We got everything we wanted this morning. He was OK with the mud this morning, but with 20 horses, you never know.”

TOP RESULTS
First Fukuryu Stakes

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Jockey Katsuma Sameshima after the Fukuryu Stakes: "This time he (again) was in front. Therefore, the next time will be the test for him. Because winning the race today was the utmost priority, I just concentrated on winning today. I am very happy I was able to get the job done. I rode him two times on training two weeks in a row. In both training and warming up before the race, I felt he has the habit of pushing forward with energy, so I thought it would be better to let him run the way he wants, rather than considering the pace with other horses."

EPIC RIDE (KY) #21 50-1
Derby Points: 35
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $198,315
Jockey: Adam Beschizza
Trainer: John Ennis
Owner: Welch Racing LLC
Breeder: Fred W. Hertrich III
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Blame (Arch, Liable)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Pick a Time (Gio Ponti, Ask Me When)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-2-8-1-0 (12) 1.40
Foal Date: May 17, 2022
Auction Price(s): $160,000 Keeneland September 2022
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 26

TOP RESULTS
First Leonatus Stakes
Second Battaglia
Third Toyota Blue Grass

WORKOUTS

April 18

Epic Ride 48.20 breezing 2/9 TTC

April 26
Epic Ride 51.20 breezing 22/23 TTC

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Ennis before the Battaglia: “Coming out of his maiden win, we were testing the waters to see if he could go two turns because he was pretty quick when he broke his maiden. He handled everything great (in the Leonatus Stakes). He always trains great. He’s such a level-headed horse that it was easy for him to rate and relax throughout.... It’s hard to win a stakes anywhere but especially here in Kentucky in a 3-year-old stakes. To win it in the fashion he did we were very pleased.”

Ennis after the Battaglia: “I’d probably side with the Blue Grass (at Keeneland) because we’ll be all level weights,” Ennis told DRF, noting that Encino carried 118 to Epic Ride's 124 in the Battaglia. “I think he’s a nice horse. We won’t make any decisions yet, but that’s what I’m thinking right now.”

Trainer Ennis after the Blue Grass: “Super, super proud of the horse. Great ride. I think the winner is a very, very good horse. Probably entitled to be the Derby favorite. We’re just delighted. We’ll see how he comes out it, but I would love if we could get into the Derby because I think he’s entitled to have a shot. Let’s see what happens. He’s a lovely horse and he's going to be a nice horse later in the year."

Adam Beschizza after the Blue Grass: “I was very happy with the trip. I mean we were sort of on the wing of the field there and we could go whenever we wanted to. He gave a very good account, it was nice to pull some Derby points there. With luck, we could get the owners to the first weekend in May.”

ALSO ELIGIBLE: MUGATU (KY) #22 50-1
Derby Points: 14
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $30,107
Jockey: Joe Talamo
Trainer: Jeff Engler
Owner: Average Joe Racing Stables and Wells, Dan
Breeder: JSM Eqine LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Blofeld (Quality Road, Storm Minstrel)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Union Way (Union Rags, Island Hop)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 0-4-4-0-0 (8) 3.00
Foal Date: April 17, 2021
Auction Price(s): $14,000 OBS April 2023
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 26

WORKOUTS

April 20
Mugatu 59.80 breezing 3/3 BTP

TOP RESULTS
Fifth Toyota Blue Grass
Eighth Rushaway Stakes
Fourth John Battaglia Memorial

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Unavailable.

Kentucky Derby Workouts 2024

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:12:15 GMT

COLLATED KENTUCKY DERBY WORKOUTS 2024

ALL TIMES PER LOCAL TRACK CLOCKERS.
ALL WORKS ON FAST DIRT UNLESS NOTED.
CONNECTIONS' COMMENTS AND VIDEO POSTED WHEN AVAILABLE.

April 5
Catching Freedom 48.40 Breezing 9/65 CD with exercise rider Edvin Vargas aboard. Opening fraction 24 and out five in 1:01.20. Trainer Cox said, “He’s settled in nicely since we shipped him back to Churchill from Fair Grounds. He was impressive closing from that far back in the Louisiana Derby and I think the longer stretch at Churchill plus the mile-and-a-quarter should only help him in the Derby.”

April 6
Common Defense 47.80 breezing -- CD under Brian Hernandez, Jr., outside 3yo Real Men Violin with an opening quarter of 24.60 and out in 1:01.40.

Domestic Product 48:60 breezing 3/61 PAY

Endlessly 49.60 breezing 72/102 CD under exercise rider Walter Davila outside 3yo Blue Eyed George with those two together until Endlessly edged slightly ahead on the gallop out in 1:02.80. Trainer McCarthy said, “After the Jeff Ruby, Mr. Amerman and I talked and we’re going to leave all of our options open. We still have a few weeks to train here and have some time to make a final decision...."

No More Time 48:60 breezing 8/52 PMM going solo. Trainer D'Angelo said, "He went good and also had a strong gallop-out/ Everything’s good. We’re hoping to get into the Kentucky Derby. We’re not just going to just run a horse there. We have a horse with a chance to win the race.” Assuming they made the Derby, D'Angelo said he planned to breeze No More Time at Palm Meadows on April 13 before shipping to Churchill Downs.

West Saratoga 36:40 Breezing 5/30 TTC

April 7
Honor Marie 47.80 breezing 3/36 CD outside recent maiden winner Anthem King with both going 12:20 and 24.20 and Honor Marie finishing one length ahead and out five in 1:01.60. Trainer Beckman said, “I thought it was a really good move for his first work back here at Churchill. He did well this winter down at Fair Grounds and the Risen Star is proving to be a very key race leading into the Derby.”

Track Phantom 1:02.00 breezing 4/13 CD sporting a small set of blinkers while under Joel Rosario and outside 4yo Gatlinburg. They went in 13.40, 26.20 and 37.80. Track Phantom edged clear at the wire and galloped out in 1:15.20. Assistant trainer Scott Blasi said, “I thought it was a nice first work getting back to Churchill.

April 11
Just Steel 1.00:80 breezing 1/2 OP muddy

April 12
Catalytic 49:25 breezing 4/20 GP. . Trainer Joseph said, “He went well. It was his first breeze back. It was an easy half in 49-and-1. He’ll work back here once more, most likely next Friday, and then he’ll ship and have his last work at Churchill. He bounced out of the race well for a horse that was only making his third start, second start in three weeks. He was a distant second behind a deserving favorite, but I feel like he’s a horse that can improve again, which he should.”

Fierceness 50.28 breezing 14/22 PBD under John Velazquez. Video: https://youtu.be/JYJ0FoRCzU8 Trainer Pletcher said, "He's been great since the Florida Derby. His energy level is good. He’s seemed to take the race really well. He had a nice easy breeze this morning and was moving great. Really, I couldn’t be happier with him. He’ll get his next work here at Palm Beach Downs and then we’ll make a decision when to ship to Churchill. We have to be there at 11.a.m. on the Saturday before, so there’s a good chance we’ll have our final breeze at Churchill, but I want to keep the window open if I don’t like the way the weather is looking in Kentucky. Right now, I’m happy we’ve stayed where we are (with good weather).... The way he trained up to the Florida Derby, we expected a good performance, but that was kind of a ‘wow’ performance. I don’t think he’d need a better one (in the Derby), just similar. What can you do? He ran that well. It didn’t seem to be a stressful race on him. He came to the wire with his ears pricked. Johnny never seemingly asked him at any point.”

April 13
Catching Freedom 48.00 breezing 14/123 CD solo with exercise rider Edvin Vargas in the saddle through splits of 11.60 and 23.60, out five furlongs in 1:01 and six in 1:14.60. Trainer Cox told Jennie Rees, "Actually we had him 1:01 and 2 from the 4 1/2.... The track was a little heavy this morning...." He also said, “He’s had very steady training the last five, six weeks. We’ve worked him solo the last couple times and he’s done very well. I’d say the track this morning was a bit heavy. but he still got over it fine. His last two works have been fairly easy, and we’ll see how things shake out over the next two weeks with what we’ll do before the Derby.” VIDEO

Common Defense 49.40 breezing 65/123 CD.

Domestic Product 48.40 breezing 1/57 at PAY.

Endlessly 49.00 breezing 54/123 CD inside stablemate and maiden special weight winner Yellow Card. They stayed together until the wire when Endlessly got slight edge galloping out five furlongs in 1:02.20. VIDEO VIDEO

Mystik Dan 48.00 breezing 14/123 CD with Brian Hernandez, Jr. up through a quarter-mile in 24.20 and out five furlongs in 1:00.80. Trainer McPeek said, “He ran a credible third last time in the Arkansas Derby. I think he got a lot out of that race, and has shown he handled it well in his training after.” “Looked good,” co-owner Gasaway said. “The horse moved good. Just a maintenance half-mile. They’ll get down on him in the next two weeks.”

Tuscan Gold 48.40 breezing 1/57 at PAY.

April 14
Grand Mo the First 1:03.95 breezing 9/9 GP. Trainer Barboza said, “Next week, the horse will breeze at Gulfstream, and if everything is OK, he will go to Churchill. It was a very relaxed breeze. It was important for me for him to finish strong after the wire. The horse is a happy horse. It’s been a dream since I was a child in Venezuela. Every year, I watched the Kentucky Derby. I have a good chance today to enter the Derby.” VIDEO

Honor Marie 48.80 breezing 24/77 CD with jockey Ben Curtis up in company with Anthem King. Initial fractions were 12.40 and 24.80. Honor Marie galloped out five in 1:02.00, a bit ahead of Anthem King. Trainer Beckman said, “He did it the right way, easily. We didn’t want to do a ton this week, and he seemed to do it well. He’s the type of horse that will always do what you ask of him. I always thought it was good to have a workmate next to him to just give him a little encouragement.” Video ADDED LATER: In an April 19 story found in Thoroughbred Racing Commentary, veteran British jockey Ben Curtis said, “(The Louisiana Derby) was probably a personal best from Honor Marie and I found him very easy to ride. He’s been training well since and when I flew to Churchill last week to breeze him he looked a million dollars. He did an easy half-mile breeze in 48.4s, well in his comfort zone, moving fantastic and finishing with his ears pricked. It was as near-perfect as you can get in a breeze. Some horses going into the race will have question marks over their stamina, but all Honor Marie has ever done in his races is finish strong and close late. He’s going to thrive over the trip and he’s already got winning form at Churchill."

No More Time 1:01.90 breezing 1/4 PMM. He was declared off the Derby Trail after this work with a condylar fracture to be followed by surgery on April 15. Encino is now in the Derby field should connections want that.

April 17

Seize the Grey 59.20 breezing 1/1 CD sloppy. The work took place around dawn. There were only four workouts at Churchill Downs on this date. Seize the Grey needs numerous defections to make the Kentucky Derby field.

April 18
Epic Ride 48.20 breezing 2/9 TTC

Resilience 50.20 breezing 12/18 CD at 7:30 a.m. in company with and inside of Oaks candidate Just FYI (50.00) after galloping about one mile. VIDEO Just F Y I began one length behind; by the quarter-pole,Just F Y I moved about a length in front of Resilience; and by the wire, the duo finished together. Resilience galloped out in 1:02.80 while Just F Y I did the same in 1:03.40. Trainer Mott said, “I thought (Resilience) had a great trip in the Wood Memorial. I thought Johnny rode him great. He might have gotten a little jammed up on the first turn but got clear down the backside. When (Velazquez) asked him, he responded and he finished up well. The best part is he looked good visually. The entire family of this horse has been very accomplished on the racetrack. Part of the family is Courageous Cat, who I trained for a Grade I win (in the Shoemaker Mile). The owners have been in the breeding business a long time and Resilience is just the result of their program.”

April 19
Catalytic 1:00.72 breezing 2/7 GP. Trainer Joseph said, “Everything went all right. I got him in a minute and four-fifths and the gallop-out in 1:14-and-change." Joseph said he plans to ship Catalytic to Churchill Downs Sunday in two days. “The key is to get there, and once you get there, anything can happen in the Derby," he said. VIDEO

Fierceness 1:00.50 breezing 1/5 PBD under John Velazquez in company with Agate Road (1:00.90). Trainer Pletcher said, “I thought he worked super – a solid five-eighths with a good gallop-out, exactly what we were targeting. I think he is doing every bit as good, if not better, than he was going into the Florida Derby.' Plans to ship Fierceness to Kentucky are not known publicly. VIDEO (may require sign-in XBTV.com)

West Saratoga 1:16.20 breezing 1/1 KEE wet fast. With Jesus Castanon aboard and going solo, West Saratoga cut out splits of 13.60, 26.40, 39.80, 51.20, 1:04.20 and galloped out seven furlongs in 1:30.20. Trainer Demeritte said West Saratoga would be returned to The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington and stay there until April 26, with a three-furlong breeze scheduled at Churchill Downs the next day. Demeritte said, “I am happy with the work, and right now everything is in place going forward. That work (April 6) was for speed and this one for stamina. You can’t do both at the same time. He will have a lot of long gallops. The Thoroughbred Center has a 7-furlong track, and working six furlongs there would be almost like going two turns and the turns are tighter there. With a classic horse going longer distances, they stay on their leads longer going into the turns. He still has to get there. We are preparing to win and everybody feels the same. Hey, I might be a first-time starter (in the Derby), but I’m not a rookie. I love being over there on Derby Day. I have been in a lot of Derbies – the Ohio Derby, Indiana Derby – but this is the ultimate Derby.” Jockey Castanon, who rode Shackleford fourth in the 2011 Kentucky Derby before winning the Preakness, said, “It’s about never giving up and to keep trying. Demeritte added, "After the first time Jesus got on him, he told me ‘this guy is real.' He flew up from Tampa to work him (at Turfway) and then flew back to ride races that afternoon. That’s how professional he is.” VIDEO

April 20

Workouts at Churchill Downs on this date may be viewed here with the exception of Just a Touch. He was not caught on that video. Sierra Leone and Stronghold are shown on separate videos.

Catching Freedom 1:00.80 breezing 20/72 CD under Flavien Prat outside third-time-out Oaklawn maiden winner (94 Equibase) Castlewarden (1:01.00) shortly after the track opened this morning. Catching Freedom began his work from the 4 1/2-furlong pole. After breaking off a length behind Castlewarden, Chasing Freedom finished on even terms with his workmate. Chasing Freedom's initial fractions were 25.40 and 37.80, and he galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.20 and seven in 1:26.20.

Domestic Product 48.40 breezing 3/37 PAY. Trainer Brown said his assistants in Tampa were very enthusiastic about the work and a gallop-out in 1:13. "He is screaming for some pace to run at," Brown said. Expected to arrive at Churchill Downs April 22.

Dornoch 48.20 breezing 16/123 CD wih Luis Saez aboard outside fellow Derby contender Society Man (48.20) during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses. Society Man came out on the track bouncing and was restrained before the pair broke off pretty much together and worked on even terms. During the gallop-out Society Man wouldn't let Dornoch by him.

Endlessly 1:00.80 breezing 20/72 CD under James Graham in company with and inside of second-time-out Turfway maiden winner (95 Equibase) Yellow Card (1:00.80) shortly after the track opened this morning. Endlessly broke off about a length behind the workmate before finishing on even terms. Internal fractions were 25.00 and 36.60. Joe Kristufek commented Endlessly "was struggling" to keep up with Yellow Card past the wire, and in fact Yellow Card drew off easily from Endlessly in the first turn. I added Yellow Card to my stable alert.

Forever Young was out on the track solo during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses and galloped with good energy but it was not intended to be a timed workout. We are told that will happen Tuesday, April 23.

Just a Touch 48.20 breezing 16/123 CD under Florent Geroux. This was a solo work during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses, opening in 24.20 and out five furlongs in 1:01.20. Geroux said, “He’s doing great and feeling great. He’s a very nice colt with a very bright future.”

Just Steel one mile 1:40.00 breezing 1/1 CD with exercise rider Jamie Torres aboard outside eight-race maiden Daily Grind, who joined Just Steel at the 5/8 pole (five in 1:03.80, 70/72) shortly after the track opened this morning. The duo was then briefly joined by a set of workers from the Norm Casse barn at the half-mile pole, but by the quarter-mile pole they were separated. Just Steel's opening fractions were 13.40, 37.20, 49.40 and 1:13.80. Just Steel finished the final 5/8 in 1:02.80 and the pair hit the wire within a head of one another, so Daily Grind must have broken off five lengths ahead. Video does not show that portion of the work. Trainer Lukas said, “When he won the Ed Brown Stakes as a 2-year-old he wasn’t nearly as tall and big and heavy as he is right now. I don’t think he’ll be winning any 6 1/2-furlong races (like the Ed Brown) anytime in the near future. He’s got a pedigree that he’ll have no problem getting a mile-and-a-quarter, unlike many of the horses in the race. We have opinions, horses have the facts. They have the brilliance to show that ability doing things at distances we know probably shouldn’t be the best for them.”

Mugatu 59.80 breezing 3/3 BTP.

Mystik Dan 59.40 breezing 1/72 CD with Brian Herrnandez, Jr. aboard outside Northern Flame (tried to get on the Derby Trail, also 59.40) during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses. As they prepared for the workout Mystik Dan was about a length behind his workmate but soon came alongside him although not quite even, was about a half-length back at the sixtheenth pole, and efficiently surged to hit the wire together with Northern Flame. Opening splits were 23.80, 35.60 and 47.60. Beyond that, the pair ran together through the first turn out six furlongs in 1:12.60, and Mystik Dan was pulled up first in the backstretch. Trainer McPeek said, “When Mystik Dan won the Southwest it was ultra impressive. After that race we decided not to come back until the Arkansas Derby where he got turned sideways in the first turn. All that said he ran a good race. He’s a fresh horse and hasn’t been over-taxed in the preps. I think it sets him up well for the Kentucky Derby.”

Sierra Leone 48.80 breezing 18/125 KEE under exercise rider Kriss Bon in company with recent Keeneland maiden winner White Palomino (97 Equibase). VIDEO FROM KEENELAND He is expected at Churchill Downs tomorrow. Initial splits were 12.40, 24.20 and 36.80. Sierra Leone galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.20 and six in 1:15.60. Sierra Leone distanced his workmate in the first turn. Trainer Brown said, “(He) worked super. The horse is really fit and ready. It was just what I wanted. I’ve always worked him in company in the mornings. He’s always been a decent workhorse, just needs a little focus. Obviously, we’ve added blinkers this year, which have helped. But a little competition so he just feels a horse next to him just keeps him in the bridle nicely. He’s a very alpha horse. He’s definitely in charge of what’s going on everywhere, and we give him his space and we let him be him. He’s a very rare horse to have in your shedrow. (Regarding his reluctance to load in the gate before the Blue Grass) Brown said, “I have a plan set up so he can see the gate a couple of times this week coming up. I really don’t anticipate any problems. He’s really never been much of a problem at the gate. I’d be more interested with the post position of where he’s going to be strategically in that first turn more than the loading process. Maybe I’ll regret those words, but I feel somewhere in the middle of the field always seems to be the (best). But there’s no telling. You’ve seen horses win from the far outside and some that draw inside and run well. We’ll take what they give us, but somewhere in the middle would be ideal.” Brown said Sierra Leone would ship to Churchill Downs on Sunday work again April 27 if weather permits.

Society Man 48.20 breezing 16/123 CD inside Dornoch (48.20) during the time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses. Society Man came out on the track bouncing and was restrained before the pair broke off pretty much together and worked on even terms. During the gallop-out Society Man wouldn't let Dornoch get past him.

Stronghold 46.60 handily 1/68 SA with Antonio Fresu aboard outside Shady Tiger (47.40, won Echo Eddie Stakes recently). Stronghold broke off four lengths behind his workmate and finished on even terms. They continued to stride together into the backstretch. Trainer D'Amato said, “I think the track was a little fast today, but he did it the right way. He was in hand and we gave him a little target to help stretch him out on the gallop out. Antonio was very happy with him. He was cooling out like it was just a trot in the park for him. So far so good. All that spacing helped us to be where we are at now. With a fresher horse. He hasn’t had a tough campaign as a 3-year-old. We picked our spots and hopefully we’ll have a fresh horse for a Triple Crown bid.” Jockey Fresu said, “He did it so easy. I was actually expecting about 48 the way he was going. The track was a little fast today. I didn’t ask him for anything.” VIDEO

April 21
Deterministic 1:02.86 breezing 11/19 BEL dirt training track in company with The Shoe Lady (four in 49.49, recent allowance optional claimer winner Equibase 69).

Track Phantom 1:00.80 breezing 6/32 CD with Tyler Gaffalione up outside Carbone (also 1:00.80, tried to get on Derby Trail) at 5:45 a.m. Gaffalione's presence (he is committed to Sierra Leone) may indicate a rider for Track Phantom has not been firmed up, or it could be a rider is lined up but could not be at Churchill Downs this morning. I doubt this indicates a problem with Sierra Leone. This was Track Phantom's first workout in two weeks. He is wearing blinkers but has not raced with blinkers. Even though these two were given identical times, Track Phantom broke off about a length behind Carbone and was on even terms at the wire after being asked a bit in the stretch by Gaffalione. The opening quarter was a slow 26.20, making the final three furlongs 34.60. Track Phantom galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60 and from there distanced Carbone, who has shown endurance limitations in the afternoon, and galloped well up the backstretch. The move might mark an attempt to change Track Phantom's forward running style, and it was a little sharper than we often see from this barn. VIDEO ON THE WORKS SHOW AT 11:30

April 22
Resilience 1:01.60 breezing 10/12 CD under Junior Alvarado going solo. The opening quarter was timed in 25.80. Resilience galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.60 and kept going a long way up the backstretch , something I like to see before the Derby. Junior Alvarado said, "Today he galloped out very strong, He wanted to keep going, that's a good sign." Trainer Mott said, “He’s the type of horse that has taken a little more time to mature than some others. We took our time with his development and it’s seem to have worked out well.” Resilience galloped out a long way up the backstretch, something I like to see before the Derby. Trainer Mott sent Resilience out for a breeze only four days ago, and I suspect we will see another one soon. Mott is following the same pattern with Just F Y I for the Oaks. Her breeze this morning was dynamite. It was Just F Y I's second workout since finishing runner-up to Leslie's Rose in the Ashland, and Leslie's Rose is absent from the worktab. When I was a much, much younger man I knew this guy who was a degenerate gambler if there ever was one, but he did know things about horse racing. When it came to handicapping horses he liked telling people about his dad who helped manage stallions at Claiborne farm years and years before then. "Three works in 10 days, that's a good bet," he'd say. "Dad never bought a form at the races, he already knew all the horses," the guy would say, "and he knew the ones that worked three times in 10 days." Times have changed, and we hardly ever see a horse that works two times in 10 days, much less three. Resilience and Just F Y I could be old-school exceptions. Heads up. VIDEO OF JUST FYI AT THE WORKS SHOW VIDEO OF RESILIENCE AT THE WORKS SHOW

April 23
Grand Mo the First 1:16.46 breezing 2/2 GP solo with Emisael Jaramillo up. Trainer Barboza said, “It was a beautiful workout. We will arrive there Thursday night, walk Friday and then go to the track Saturday.” The colt's last work was also very slow, timed in 1:03.95. This seems to be taken straight out of the Mage playbook. He worked very slowly leading into the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

April 24
Forever Young 6f 1:19.60 breezing 1/1 CD under Ryusei Sakai in company the last four furlongs with a horse from the Dale Romans barn. Forever Young wore a hood without ear coverings. Forever Young was under mild restraint initially without displaying any resentment. The workmate joined the move heading into the far ahead of Forever Young but was directly in front of Forever Young when they ran into the stretch. By design Sakai shifted Forever Young to the inside of the workmate and proceeded to blow by him. There was not a long gallop-out, and I don't have a time for the gallop-out. This horse, per Japanese practice we have witnessed in the past at Churchill Downs, spends a lot of time on the track each day and did so prior to today's work. Per the broadcast of the workout initial fractions were very slow, 14.80, 28.80, 42.60, 55.20. These numbers yield a final 1/2 mile timed in 50.80, final 3/8 in 37.00, stretch run in 24.40. The time announced in the works broadcast, 1:19 flat, was erroneous. WORK BEGINS AT 26.40

Resilience was back out on the track for the second time in two days following his April 22 workout. No off day in the shedrow for Resilience! Stable mate Just F Y I, who also breezed Monday, took the following day off. I don't hold that against the Oaks filly as long as she was out on the track today. The works show focused on only a handful of horses today and I'm not at Churchill Downs yet, so check Daily Derby update for details on Just F Y I. I will be at Churchill Downs first thing Friday morning and through the weekend.

April 25
Honor Marie 59.20 breezing 1/11 CD under Ben Curtis in company with 3yo Agoo (1:00.00), who typically has Equibase figures in the 80s. Initial fractions were 12.00, 23.80, 35.60 and 47.40. He was out six in 1:12.60 and seven in 1:27.60. The pair broke off with Honor Marie about a length back. He was soon on even terms with Agoo and they entered the stretch that way. At the wire, Honor Marie had powered to a three-length advantage, and he galloped out well ahead of his workmate. Honor Marie continued galloping up the backstretch beyond the timed seven furlongs. VIDEO AT 17:15

April 26
Endlessly 47.80 breezing 19/68 CD under Umberto Rispoli in company with Gottaneedforspeed (best Equibase 70 from three starts). Endlessly was among the first horses to step on the track when training began at 5:15. His team wasted no time before he broke off in company to breeze four furlongs in 47.80. Endlessly began the move about a half-length back and outside and hit the wire about a half in front of his workmate. This post will be updated with internal and out fractions, but Endlessly kept up with the workmate past the wire better than his previous workout. Presumably trainer McCarthy and Amerman Racing will soon decide/disclose whether Endlessly will compete in the Kentucky Derby or the American Turf on May 4. Trainer McCarthy said, “All options are now open. I liked his move this morning, very pleased with it. Now we’ll see what’s next. I’m going to have a conversation with Mr. Amerman now and see what we’re going to do. It’ll be interesting.” VIDEO AT 40.24

Epic Ride 51.20 breezing 22/23 TTC. VIDEO UNAVAILABLE

Seize the Grey 1:00.00 breezing 11/25 CD solo and showing energy. No doubt Seize the Grey needs no workmate to encourage him in the mornings. VIDEO UNAVAILABLE

Catching Freedom 59.20 breezing 2/58 CD under exercise rider Edvin Vargas inside Encino (59.20), ridden by Florent Geroux, who also rides Just a Touch. The first two on the track when training hours opened at 5:15, Encino was noticeably larger than Catching Freedom. After jogging to the front side they wasted no time heading back around the first turn and quickly got to work from the 4 1/2 furlong pole. The pair broke off together and finished up energetically in equal times assigned by clockers on a track that might be playing a bit quickly again today. They galloped up the backstretch almost to the half-mile pole, which precedes the far turn, and walked off the track uneventfully. Opening fractions 23.80, 47.20; out six in 1:12.00 and seven in 1:26.40. VIDEO AT 34:26 Trainer Cox said, "All three had good, solid moves this morning. I liked the breeze this morning for Encino, and that was really the thing we were looking for as far as making the decision to enter the Derby. His work went great. We did a little more with him this morning than we normally would back in two weeks. He responded well and so did Catching Freedom."

Domestic Product 1:00.20 breezing 15/58 CD outside Sierra Leone (1:00.20), who broke off about a half-length in front of Domestic Product. The horses were on even terms early in the turn, but Sierra Leone resumed a half-length advantage in upper stretch and was up a neck at the finish line. They galloped out well together most of the way up the backstretch. Initial fractions were 13.00, 24.80 and 36.40; out six in 1:13.20 and seven in 1:26.20. Not too shabby! Yesterday trainer Brown said exercise rider Kriss Bon would be up on Sierra Leone while that one's regular rider Tyler Gafflalione filled in on Domestic Product for Irad Ortiz, Jr. who was scheduled to be in New York. We will update if that isn't the way it turned out. VIDEO AT 21:30 Trainer Brown said, “It was executed perfectly. I wanted them to a good five-eighths out in three-quarters but well within themselves. "(Domestic Product has been) “glowing. With these two horses, I feel as confident that I’ll have good runs in the Derby if they can get clear trips."

Encino 59.20 breezing 2/58 CD under Florent Geroux, who rides Just a Touch, outside of Catching Freedom (59.20) under exercise rider Edvin Vargas. The first two on the track when training hours opened at 5:15, Encino was noticeably larger than Catching Freedom. After jogging to the front side they wasted no time heading back around the first turn and quickly got to work from the 4 1/2 furlong pole. The pair broke off together and finished up energetically on a track that might be playing a bit quickly again today. They galloped out up the backstretch almost to the half-mile pole, which precedes the far turn, and walked off the track uneventfully. Opening fractions 23.80, 47.20; out six in 1:12.00 and seven in 1:26.40. If this was a test of how Encino is doing after the Lexington Stakes, it looks like he passed it. Now the question for Godolphin is which race to take on next, the Derby or the Preakness. In my estimation Godolphin is not an outfit that will run in the Derby just to have a Derby horse. Instead, alternate outcomes will be evaluated and I would think a decision made based on what is best for the horse and his potential as a stallion. UPDATE: Axel Concepcion is named to ride Encino in the Derby per a tweet by my editor at BloodHorse, Byron King. VIDEO AT 34:26 Jockey Geroux said, “Solid morning overall. I thought both horses (Just a Touch and Encino) worked well. Encino seems to have bounced out of the Lexington in good shape and was solid." Trainer Cox said, ox said. “I liked the breeze this morning for Encino, and that was really the thing we were looking for as far as making the decision to enter the Derby. His work went great. We did a little more with him this morning than we normally would back in two weeks. He responded well...."

Sierra Leone 1:00.20 breezing 15/58 CD inside Domestic Product (1:00.20), who broke off about a half-length behind Sierra Leone. The horses were on even terms early in the turn, but Sierra Leone resumed a half-length advantage in upper stretch and was up a neck at the finish line. They galloped out well together most of the way up the backstretch. . Initial fractions were 13.00, 24.80 and 36.40; out six in 1:13.20 and seven in 1:26.20. Not too shabby! Yesterday trainer Brown said exercise rider Kriss Bon would be up on Sierra Leone while that one's regular rider Tyler Gafflalione filled in for Irad Ortiz, Jr. who was scheduled to be in New York, aboard Domestic Product. We will update if that isn't the way it turned out. VIDEO AT 21:30

Society Man 46.60 breezing 2/130 CD outside Dornoch (46.60). The workouts were coming rat-a-tat today, and I didn't catch them break off, but they finished on even terms. The cameramen were unable to catch this work at all. A video I took shows Dornoch and Society Man galloped out together with Dornoch eventually ahead out by about a length as they were eased down on the backstretch between the 5/8 and 1/2 poles. I talked to DRF's Mike Welsch, and he tole me he got this work in 47. Society Man did well to keep up with a fast horse today. Opening fractions per track clockers were 11.60, 23.20 and 34.60. Out five furlongs in 59.00, six in 1:12.60. SEE DORNOCH VIDEO Trainer Gargan said, “The track is playing super fast right now. We thought we’d go in 47 and change, I got them 46 and 4. They went out nice though and … that’s kind of the work for everybody, they’re all going around the same time. We wanted to go a little bit slower but they looked good doing it, they were in hand, no one was asking them. We’re just hoping they come back good, everything looks good and they’re cooling out good. They’ve worked together even as 2-year-olds. They’ve breezed together multiple times, I couldn’t even tell you how many times. They worked twice before the Remsen together and they’ve worked twice here now together. They worked in Saratoga together as babies so they’re definitely familiar with each other.”

T O Password made his first appearance on the Churchill Downs oval, and he was noticeably sweating. I recall a previous note indicating he will work Tuesday.

West Saratoga 37.20 breezing 8/27 CD. West Saratoga broke off at the 3/8 pole and exhibited high knee action. Rosie Napravnik commented she thought he would worked past the wire, and she said he did, but trainer Demeritte previously said this would be a three-furlong workout, and that's how clockers recorded it. The opening furlong in 11.80, out four in 50.20 per track clockers. The work did not give me confidence in West Saratoga. If he wins, I don't know what to say. Video at 26:12 Jockey Castanon said, “He was good this morning and handled the track well. “He has handled every track that I have been on him … Tampa, Turfway, Keeneland and here.” Trainer Demeritte said, “By the time we got to the frontside, I just got to see the stretch. I liked the gallop out. I was hoping for :36, but he had a strong gallop out.”

Uncle Heavy remains at Parx and wasn't entered in the Derby. Maybe the Preakness. Today he worked in 1:01.51 breezing 1/2 at PARX.

April 28

FRACTIONAL TIMES AND QUOTES HAVE BEEN ADDED HERE, AND THE NOTES ARE COMPLETE.

THESE NOTES WILL BE POSTED IN THE HORSE PROFILES IN SECTION 3. (There will be a delay as I will be at the Louisville Bats baseball game this afternoon. I need a little break! )

Catalytic 47.80 breezing 13/60 CD outside a workmate. After breaking off a length behind, Catalytic ran beside the workmate in the turn and was up one length at the finish line. The workmate slowed going into the first turn while Catalytic galloped out far ahead. He was pulled up about halfway up the stretch. VIDEO AT 32:22 Trainer Joseph said, “It was a good time, a good work. I thought it went as good as we could have asked, and Jose is happy with him. Hopefully we have a good week, and go on from here. He’s showing a lot more energy here than he does at Gulfstream. And there, he doesn’t seem to pay attention, here he seems very focused.” Jockey Ortiz said, “He looked great, felt great. It was just a maintenance work, and exactly what we were looking for. The horse is happy. Keeping him happy is all we have to do until Saturday.”

Just Steel 50.40 breezing 52/60 CD solo. On the video at 35:40 the rider grabs a crop right-handed from the back left pocket and shows it to Just Steel, who appears to respond by running a bit faster. At that precise time Rosie Napravnik commented Just Steel was "not overly motivated" but then the broadcast team noted, right after the rider stood up in the stirrups after the four furlongs was completed, Just Steel worked a mile last weekend. In my opinion, this was a maintenance work that went as planned. VIDEO AT 35:02 Initial splits were 13.40 and 25.20. Trainer Lukas said, “Just a slow maintenance work. We’re close to the race, we didn’t want to do much. We pretty much did what we thought. I didn’t want him to gallop out much because I didn’t want to do too much this close. He probably could have done more, but that’s what it was. I think he has a pedigree to do this, very much so. And his running style probably complements it too. If he’s good enough, he’ll show up. But we’ve got something to work with, his pedigree.”

Resilience 49.20 breezing 37/60 CD solo move, his third work in 11 days, something you hardly ever see any more (see April 22 note above). This was a solid move intended for maintenance with a strong gallop-out but not as deep into the backstretch as the eye-catching final move we saw from trainer Mott's Country House in 2019. However, the gallop-out in Resilience's prior work, the middle one of the three, went far up the backstretch. VIDEO AT 30:28 Stable mate Just F Y I also breezed the third time in 11 days for trainer Mott this morning, and she looked on top of her game again. I like her in the Oaks. Early fractions for Resilience were 12.60 and 24.80 before galloping out in 1:01.40. Trainer Mott said, “I would say I was hoping to see exactly what we got. I was hoping for a :49 work. We put a really good work into both horses (Resilience and Just F Y I) six days ago so we just wanted our final work to be nice and smooth and cross our fingers and hope they come back good. It looked like they both breezed well, finished up well and came back nicely. Neither one of them was being pushed. He’s physically done well and with the blinkers he seems to be more focused on everything. He got jostled around a bit in the Wood but by the time he got to the backside, he had a nice trip, had a nice stalking position." Mott added that he may send Resilience back to the track on Monday for an easy jog rather than walking the shedrow.

Stronghold 59.80 breezing 3/16 CD outside under Joe Talamo. He broke off a length behind his workmate, was about two lengths back midway through the turn, on even terms turning for home and stayed that way into the first turn. The gallop-out ended about halfway up the backstretch after Stronghold edged away from his workmate. VIDEO AT 28:43 The breeze was in company with Motorious (1:00.00, entered in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint) and rider Martin Garcia. Talamo said, “He felt real good. I’ve worked this horse before (Talamo broke his maiden at Churchill last October) and today he showed me another gear. He’s a different horse now; he did this easy.” Trainer D'Amato said, “I told them I just wanted a maintenance work today; nothing too serious. And in the end it was an ideal drill. I said maybe go in 1:01 or so, but the way the track is playing right now their times were plenty good. This horse has raced six times at six different racetracks and he knows what he’s doing out there now. We’ve checked all the boxes and I’m very happy with where we stand coming up to the Derby.” D'Amato said he was catching a plane to California today and will return to Churchill Downs Tuesday.

Track Phantom 1:00.00 breezing 5/16 CD outside Mugen (1:00.00, 3yo filly winless in five MSW starts, most recently Equibase 88 going 5.5 furlongs). Track Phantom has blinkers added in his training since his last start. Often adding blinkers signals a plan to utilize early speed, but Track Phantom alreay has plenty of of that and has been stalking in company in his recent training. He broke off a length behind Mugen, entered the stretch about a half-length behind, and was a head back at the wire. During the gallop-out he easily edged ahead of Mugan entering the backstretch. VIDEO AT 37:20 The opening quarter-mile went in 24.20 and he galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60. Trainer Asmussen said, “I think Track Phantom has a beautiful rhythm to him with a nice, beautiful stride. I don’t think he’s a horse that has to be on the lead. In his last two starts there were very tepid paces. I think for him to be wrangled back in either of those two races wouldn’t have been to his style. I obviously expect there to be more pace in the Derby, everybody does with the quarter-mile run into the first turn. I think in a full field I still want him to jump away from there well but I’d be very surprised to see him on the lead in this year’s Derby.”

April 30

Nine Furlong Prep Races Analyses

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 22:08:40 GMT

NINE-FURLONG PREP RACES

NOTES, FRACTIONS AND HOW THEY FINISHED; BEYERS

*Please note my April 14 postscript to the Blue Grass Stakes.

_____________________________

UPDATES

March 27: Comments for the Fukuyru Stakes

March 25: Comments and fractions for the Louisiana Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks

April 1: Comments and fractions for the Florida Derby, UAE Derby, Arkansas Derby

April 7: Comments and fractions for the Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby

______________________

A Bonus Section: 8.5 Furlong Races Since Feb. 3

Feb. 3

Hades won the Holy Bull with an always prominent trip. Hades led all but a few strides -- Fierceness stuck a head in front to the outside after about six furlongs -- but Hades went on with it and Fierceness gave way to the late-running second finisher Domestic Product. Early contender Inveigled hung on for fourth, Dancing Groom fifth. Fractions on the fast track were moderate-to-slow 25.03, 50.53, 1:14.25, 1:39.28 and 1:46.07. Final 5/16 in 31.82. He got a 90 Beyer, adjusted from the original 85.

Feb. 3

Robert B. Lewis Stakes. This race was run at one mile. Nysos was the one "by a pole." He bided his time behind Scatify, Wine Me Up, Mc Vay, then blew by coming out of the far turn. Early splits were quick 22.81 and 46.67, then 1:11.11 when Nysos wound up and fired the fast ball. Seven in 1:23.86, final in 1:36.65. Final quarter-mile in 25.54. Next four finishers were Wine Me Up, Scatify, Mc Vay and Moonlit Sonata. Nysos and Wine Me Up ineligilbe for the Kentucky Derby because they are trained by Bob Baffert. Nysos given a 105 Beyer.

Feb. 3

Southwest Stakes. Mystik Dan rode the rail through the far turn under Brian Hernandez and blew away opponents in the muddy stretch. Early stretch leader Just Steel hung on for second with Liberal Arts almost up for the place but not quite. Awesome Road and Common Defense fourth and fifth. Early pacesetters Carbone and Otto the Conqueror not around late. Pace fractions 23.56, 47.95, 1:13.23, 1:37.74, 1:43.67. Mystik Dan finished the final 5/16 in 30.04.

Feb. 10

Sam F. Davis Stakes. No More Time stayed on well after leading through early splits of 23.52 and 46.61 while pressed by West Saratoga, eventually outran that one and easily held off a late move by Agate Road. West Saratoga third by several lengths, Elysian Meadows and Fuilmineo fourth and fifth. Final time a respectable 1:43.26 after six furlongs in 1:10.81, leaving the final 5/16 at 32.45. Despite his solid overall time, maybe the slowish finish led to an 80 Beyer.

Feb. 18

Sunland Derby goes to Stronghold. Despite drifting out in the stretch, 6-5 favorite Stronghold held sway to win. Lucky Jeremy shot to the early lead but was initially pressured by both the eventual winner and Alotofluck as they ran through the first quarter-mile in 23.69. Lucky Jeremy battled with Stronghold through subsequent fractions of 47.45 and 1:11.32. Stronghold got clear in mid-stretch while out in the middle of the track, hitting the wire in 1:42.64. Alotaluck stayed on and narrowly edged Lucky Jeremy for the place. Curlin's Kaos fourth. Informed Patriot fifth. Stronghold's final 5/16 mile went in 31.32. Stronghold registered an 89 Beyer (and thanks to a loyal subscriber for the info).

Feb. 24

in the Rebel Stakes it was the favorite Timberlake, easily, at 4-5 odds. He laid in fifth early as Carbone led through honest fractions of 23.20 and 47.67 with Northern Flame, Common Defense and Woodcourt in closest pursuit. Into the far turn and six furlongs in 1:12.93, the top three were unchanged as Timberlake eased wide into fourth place, two lengths back. Carbone spit the bit in upper stretch as Timberlake surged to the front, drifted out and won going away in 1:44.00 with the final 5/16 timed in 30.67. The other early runners, longshots all, stayed on with Common Defense finishing second, Northern Flame third, Woodcourt fourth. Dimatic was fifth. Cristian Torres up on the winner. Timberlake was awarded a 93 Beyer.

March 2

Encino won the Battaglia Memorial on Tapeta synthetic. Encino broke well from post 12, settled in fifth early, rated up the backstretch, gained ground on the outside in the far turn, and outran his competion to the wire in 1:44.22 under Axel Concepcion. Bolt at Midnight led through early fractions of 24.84 and 48.3, initally followed most closely by longshot Fidget, short-priced Blue Eyed George and favored Epic Ride. The latter one made a bold move in the far turn with Encino charging up to his outside. Six furlongs were gone in 1:12.98. Epic Ride left the turn on the lead but yielded late to Encino. Blue Eyed George stayed on to finish third. Mugatu came on fourth at 68-1 odds, and Ode to Balius, another longshot, picked up pieces to finish fifth. Encino finished in 30.84. His Beyer figure was 89.

March 2

The scratch-laden Fountain of Youth was won by heavy favorite Dornoch after he finally shook off stubborn longshot Le Dom Bro in the stretch after that one pressed him from the inside for most of the race. Luis Saez was aboard. After breaking second to Le Dom Bro, Dornoch led through each call in honest fractions of 24.35, 48.14 and 1:11.43 before hitting the finish line in 1:43.64 on a fast track. Le Dom Bro clung to second just ahead of the late-running Frankie's Empire. Real Macho was fourth after stalking the pace down the backside. Dancing Groom was fifth and last. Second betting choice Speak Easy was a late scratch after getting loose on the track minutes before the race. Locked and Victory Avenue were scratched race morning, and Merit raced in an allowance on Friday instead of the Fountain of Youth. The final 5/16 was timed in 32.21. Dornoch didn't have to run too hard according to trainer Gargan. His Beyer was 88.

March 2

The winner of the San Felipe was Imagination, Wine Me Up second. Neither can qualify for the Kentucky Derby because they are in Bob Baffert's barn. Third- and fourth-finishers Mc Vay and Scatify were beaten 6 3/4 and 37 3/4 lengths, respectively, after the latter was eased.

March 9

Tampa Bay Derby. Domestic Product, No More Time and Grand Mo the First topped the Tampa Bay Derby in a blanket finish and in that order. The race was run with the tote inoperable in Tampa and other east coast tracks. Good Money led through crawling fractions of 25.25, 51.15 and 1:16.21, with No More Time attending and Domestic Product and Grand Mo the First waiting in mid-pack for the other one to make his move. That happened as they rounded the far turn. No More Time and Javier Castellano grabbed the lead in upper stretch only to be run down in the final jump by Domestic Product under Tyler Gaffalione. Grand Mo the First, who was running early alongside Domestic Product, was right there at the wire for third. Good Money was fourth and Heartened made a late move up the rail to get fifth. The winning time was 1:45.47. The Tampa Bay Derby, race 11 on the card, went off at 5:51 ET after an announced post time of 5:18.Domestic Product got the final 5/16 mile in a very quick 28.86 seconds which is understandable considering the glacial early pace. The Tampa Bay Derby unfolded much like the Risen Star and had the look of a turf race even though both were run on dirt. Domestic Product was given an 82 Beyer. Word came out that the fractional times were double-checked and are accurate.

April 13

Lexington Stakes. Encino, a personal favorite of mine, led at each call and finished the final 5/16 mile in 31.99, not bad after running the first quarter-mile in 23.55 and the half in 47.28. His six-furlong time was 1:11.94. Encino slowed down the pace in the fourth quarter-mile timed in 25.28 (the mile in 1:37.22). In the far turn, Encino and runner-up The Wine Steward had separated themselves from the remaining field. At that point Luis Saez started asking The Wine Steward hard while Florent Geroux was sitting chilly on Encino. In the stretch Geroux popped Encino with his crop twice but mainly waved the stick. The camera angle on the gallop out initially features Encino alone with The Wine Steward nowhere to be seen. Eventually Secret Chat galloped past Encino. Encino earned a 94 Beyer for this effort

Early Nine Furlong Races

The Withers, El Camino Real Derby and Risen Star Stakes are run relatively early compared to the heavyweight races with more Derby points typically starting in late March.

Feb. 3

Withers Stakes. Uncle Heavy won in a slow 1:53.79 on a muddy/sealed track. His Beyer figure was 84, a cut below his peers in the same time period.

Feb. 10

El Camino Real Derby. Endlessly was sent off at 7-10 odds in a field of eight and won going away in the final edition of this race at soon-to-be-shuttered Golden Gate Fields. Endlessly was 7 1/2 lengths off the pace after a quarter-mile and won by 1 1/4 length. His internal fractions were 24.55, 49.01, 1:13.99, 1:38.66 and the final time was 1:50.68. He did not run 12-second furlongs at at least three of the five calls, but he did finish the final 3/8 mile in under 38 seconds -- we have him at 36.69. Umberto Rispoli had the mount. Endlessly earned an 87 Beyer.

Feb. 17

Risen Star Stakes. Sierra Leone made his much-heralded return to the races, winning at 2-1 odds in a field of 12 with a late run well out on a sloppy-sealed track under Tyler Gaffalione. Sierra Leone trailed modest early fractions. Final time was 1:52.13 on a track that was very wet all day. Track Phantom led through splits of 24.32, 49.67, 1:14.74 and 1:39.40 before yielding late to the winner by a half-length. As the field passed the finish line the first time, Sierra Leone had three horses beat. Catching Freedom, mid-pack early, made a solid bid to get a close third. Resilience, always prominent, hung on for fourth. Honor Marie fifth. Sierra Leone finished the final 3/8 mile in a respectable 36.89, but his early fractions were very slow as he trailed the pace at the first three calls by 6 1/2 lengths, 6 1/4 lengths and 2 1/2 lengths. Sierra Leone acquired a Beyer figure of 90. APRIL 21 POSTSCRIPT: Nothing ran in 12s, but the top five finishers all got the final 3/8 mile in 38 seconds or less: Sierra Leone, Track Phantom, Catching Freedom, Resilience and Honor Marie.

Major Nine Furlong+ Races

Every year we examine fractions in the 9 and 9.5 furlong Kentucky Derby prep races, with emphasis on (1) whether horses finished the final 3/8 mile in 38 seconds or less; and (2) whether horses ran 12-second furlongs, or what we call "12s," at three of the five calls or better. See Section 7 for more information about "12's". Horses with these abilities do well in the Kentucky Derby. It's better if a horse can run "12's" AND finish in 38 seconds or less in the same race.

March 23

1 3/16 Mile Louisiana Derby Comments and Fractions

The fifth running of the Louisiana Derby at the current distance of 1 3/16 mile. In 2020 favored Wells Bayou won in 1:56.47 and earned an Equibase speed figure of 102. Hot Rod Charlie was best in 2021, timed in 1:55.06 (101 Equibase figure). In 2022 it was Epicenter in 1:54.38 (new track record, 102 Equibase). In 2023 Kingsbarns was timed in 1:57.33 (96 Equibase figure). In 2024 Catching Freedom's time was 1:56.16 (98 Equibase figure).

This race continued a 2024 trend where the top finishers of Kentucky Derby points races run relatively slowly early and fast late, much like winners of turf races.

Catching Freedom, who earned a 97 Beyer, charged from last to first as he enjoyed the extra distance of the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby. He'll get six weeks to prepare for the Kentucky Derby, and he may need it after that gigantic effort. Since trainer Cox is a Louisville resident, we expect Catching Freedom to be at Churchill Downs sooner rather than later. We will follow Catching Freedom's workouts and general appearances on the track as the big day draws nearer.

Although he gets credit for finishing the final three furlongs in under 38 seconds, Catching Freedom did not run 12-second furlongs (see Section 7 for more about that). However, note he ran each leg of the second, third and fourth quarter-miles faster than the leg before it, and he finished the final 3/16 mile in just over 18 seconds. If it's the finest effort of his career, who can fault that? Whether he can run back to it is another question. It's possible he could improve. Time reveals all.

Honor Marie also did not run 12s, but he finished strongly and gets credit for getting the final three furlongs in 38 seconds or less. This was a greatly improved effort from the Risen Star, when Honor Marie either didn't like the slop or just needed a race. The slop was probably not the culprit -- he finished second sprinting on a sloppy course last year at Churchill Downs. Third race off the layoff could bode well for him.

Tuscan Gold ran 12s in at least three of the five calls, so he gets credit for that. He also is credited with an interpolated final three furlongs in 38 seconds or less. Trainer Brown was high on Tuscan Gold coming into the Louisiana Derby, and he ran really well except for the fact that he switched back to his left lead as he was surpassed by the top two. Some might say he ran evenly, and that wouldn't be unfair. Caught in the stretch by a pair of freight trains going downhill, he passed another pair, early leaders Track Phantom and Common Defense. Tuscan Gold probably got a lot out of the race but showed he needed more seasoning.

Track Phantom may have run into distance limitations. I'm not totally convinced because he ran 12s and maybe (it depends on how you figure it) an interpolated final 3/8 in under 38 seconds. I'm inclined to veer away from the latter factor because he slowed considerably in the final 3/16 mile which, if interpolated to 3/8 mile, results in a finish of almost 38 3/5 seconds. Regardless, after setting an honest pace while pressured by Common Defense through the first mile, he was unable to out-finish the top three. Should Track Phantom continue to the Kentucky Derby, it's hard to see anyone trying to change his forward running style.

Common Defense slowed in the stretch considerably more than Track Phantom. Common Defense gets credit for 12s but not finishing in 38 seconds or less. Behind by 1/2 length after a mile, Common Defense was beaten four lengths after he switched back to his left lead about 200 yards from the finish line, per the Equibase chart.

The Louisiana Derby is not included in the portion of The Downey Profile that rewards horses for finishing first or second in one of five major prep races. Although its stature has been praised since the distance was upped from nine furlongs to 1 3/16 mile, it is nevertheless true that since then not one horse that finished first or second in the Louisiana Derby has won the Kentucky Derby. Could this year be the year?

The gallop-out had Tuscan Gold and Agate Road besting the others. Catching Freedom and Honor Marie were pulled up early in the first turn.

Catching Freedom

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :25.24 (eleventh)
1/2 mile -- :49.88 (eleventh)
3/4 mile -- 1:13.89 (eleventh)
1 mile -- 1:37.88 (fourth)
1 3/16 mile -- 1:56.16 (first)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :25.24
second 1/4 mile -- :24.64
third 1/4 mile -- :24.01
fourth 1/4 mile -- :23.99
final 3/16 mile -- :18.28

Honor Marie

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :24.94 (ninth)
1/2 mile -- :49.58 (tenth)
3/4 mile -- 1:13.54 (ninth)
1 mile -- 1:37.93 (sixth)
1 3/16 mile -- 1:56.36 (second)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :24.94
second 1/4 mile -- :24.64
third 1/4 mile -- :23.96
fourth 1/4 mile -- :24.39
final 3/16 mile -- :18.43

Tuscan Gold

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.94 (sixth)
1/2 mile -- :48.63 (third)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.74 (third)
1 mile -- 1:37.68 (third)
1 3/16 mile -- 1:56.51 (third)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.94
second 1/4 mile -- :24.69
third 1/4 mile -- :24.11
fourth 1/4 mile -- :24.94
final 3/16 mile -- :18.83

Track Phantom

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.49 (first)
1/2 mile -- :48.33 (first)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.54 (first)
1 mile -- 1:37.38 (first)
1 3/16 mile -- 1:56.66 (fourth)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.49
second 1/4 mile -- :24.84
third 1/4 mile -- :23.21
fourth 1/4 mile -- :24.84
final 3/16 mile -- :19.28

Common Defense

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.69 (second)
1/2 mile -- :48.43 (second)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.64 (second)
1 mile -- 1:37.48 (second)
1 3/16 mile -- 1:56.96 (fifth)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.69
second 1/4 mile -- :24.74
third 1/4 mile -- :24.21
fourth 1/4 mile -- :24.84
final 3/16 mile -- :19.48

March 23
1 1/8 Mile Jeff Ruby Steaks Comments and Fractions

Endlessly, who earned a 91 Beyer, did not run12s, but he did finish impressively in under 38 seconds to win by four convincing lengths. He continued a 2024 Derby points races theme: slow early, fast late. The Tapeta surface at Turfway Park has in the limited time I've watched it this year played fairly, but here is a case where the finish looked turfy.

After winning the Jeff Ruby, trainer McCarthy was equivocal about Endlessly's dirt-track prospects. We will see if Derby Fever grips owner Amerman. Endlessly is known for being just okay in his dirt works, but the fact remains he's never run on Churchill Downs' dirt track, which many experts say can accommodate turf horses. Let's see how Endlessly responds when he is shipped into Churchill Downs for either the American Turf or the Kentucky Derby.

West Saratoga was "outgamed late" in the words of the chart call. Third by 1/2 length at the furlong marker, he was beaten four lengths. He did not run 12s but did finish in under 38 seconds.

Seize the Grey also failed to run 12s but finished in under 38 seconds. He ran evenly throughout -- off the pace by 2 1/2 lengths, 1 3/4 lengths, 1 3/4 lengths and 2 1/4 lengths before finishining four lengths and a head behind at the wire.

You could throw a towel over the distance between West Saratoga, Seize the Grey, Triple Espresso and Woodcourt as they crossed the finish line. In the gallop-out, Endlessly was pulled up fairly early in the first turn. Most eager were Lucky Jeremy and Woodcourt, although neither of them displayed a monster gallop-out.

Endlessly

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :24.12 (seventh)
1/2 mile -- :49.22 (seventh)
3/4 mile -- 1:13.65 (seventh)
1 mile -- 1:37.93 (first)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.15 (first)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :24.12
second 1/4 mile -- :25.10
third 1/4 mile -- :24.43
fourth 1/4 mile -- :24.28
final 1/8 mile -- :12.22
final 3/8 mile -- :36.50

West Saratoga

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.93 (sixth)
1/2 mile -- :48.77 (third)
3/4 mile -- 1:13.10 (third)
1 mile -- 1:38.03 (third)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.95 (second)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.93
second 1/4 mile -- :24.84
third 1/4 mile -- :24.33
fourth 1/4 mile -- :24.93
final 1/8 mile -- :12.92
final 3/8 mile -- :37.85

Seize the Grey

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.83 (fifth)
1/2 mile -- :48.92 (fifth)
3/4 mile -- 1:13.35 (fifth)
1 mile -- 1:38.38 (fifth)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.97 (third)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.83
second 1/4 mile -- :25.09
third 1/4 mile -- :24.43
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.03
final 1/8 mile -- :12.59
final 3/8 mile -- :37.62

March 23

1800 Meter Fukuryu Stakes Comments
T O Password became the first winner of the Fukuryu Stakes to accept an invitation to the Kentucky Derby. T O Password was hustled to the lead from post 10 of 11 and saved ground from there under Katsuma Sameshima. He nearly gave up his advantage nearing the stretch but jetted away from a closely-bunched group of contenders leaving the far right-handed turn and built a two-length lead. However, he barely hung on by a long nose to win the 1800 meter race in 1:54 1/5, two seconds or more slower than the previous three winners. Track video does not show internal fractions. His trainer, Daisuke Takayanagi, commented later that the front-running style was employed to make sure they emerged victorious and implied the strategy would not be used in the "true test," the Kentucky Derby. The Fukuryu purse was $265,000 American.

March 30
Florida Derby Comments and Fractions

Fierceness ran a perfect race by my metrics, achieving 12-second furlongs at every call, including the finish line, and finishing the final three furlongs in well under 38 seconds. After breaking cleanly and getting into good position entering the first turn, he was soon on the lead. Never taking kickback, he got into a good rhythm in the backstretch and showed formidable tactical speed and endurance from there on to win by 13 1/2 lengths. This kind of effort would win most any Kentucky Derby in my estimation.

The next day trainer Pletcher said Fierceness recovered quickly, and he talked about upcoming plans. “I have to do some more research. As I understand it, Churchill has a new rule this year that you have to be on the grounds the Saturday before the Derby. So, you have to be on the grounds for a week,” said Pletcher.

“He had his final breeze for the Florida Derby eight days before the race. I moved it up one day because we had that rain coming, and we were able to get it in before the rain. If I were to have his final breeze eight days out, that gives me some options. If his final breeze is seven days out that locks you into committing to do it at Churchill. We’ve got to think that through a little bit.”

A loyal and knowledgeable subscriber contacted me the day after the race and mentioned Bellamy Road's 17 1/2-length victory in the Wood Memorial 19 years ago (Scrappy T and Naughty New Yorker were in that field) and Sinister Minister's front-running, 12 3/4-length blowout of the Toyota Blue Grass the following year (facing among others Strong Contender, Bluegrass Cat and First Samurai). Neither horse made a dent in the Derby. My friend said Saturday looked different as Fierceness was eased through the stretch and had plenty left in the tank.

After Forte's late scratch by a state veterinarian shortly before last year's Kentucky Derby, a win by Fierceness would provide a storybook ending for Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher -- and a boost to an event that in the last five years has seen better days.

We've had a winner who was disqualified in a controversial stewards' ruling that arguably defied state regulations and whose trainer later agreed to a prison sentence for cheating with drugs (2019), a Derby run in front of 6,000 people in the month of September (2020), a winner that tested positive for a substance banned on race day and whose disqualification was accompanied by almost three years of litigation (2021), an 80-1 winner that has never won again and that was so wild post-race he repeatedly tried to bite the lead pony and outrider while being led to the winner's circle (2022), and a 15-1 winner that was credible despite having raced only three times but that failed to win another race after the Derby before being retired (2023).

As pointed out by my friend, the last horse to win a big Derby prep race the way Fierceness did it was Maximum Security, my pick to win that ill-fated 2019 Derby. And win he did only to be disqualified.

Fierceness was awarded a 110 Beyer figure, and his gallop-out saw him remain far in front of the field. Catalytic earned a 90, Grand Mo the First an 87 and Conquest Warrior an 86.

There are at least three big questions at this point. Will Fierceness bounce next time out? Will he maintain his weight? And will he be able to deal with adversity in the crowded field of the Kentucky Derby.

Weight loss would probably lead to a bounce. There has to be a way to get a reliable gauge on this talented colt's weight as the Kentucky Derby approaches.

Aside from the dreaded bounce, the fundamental question that remains for Fierceness is whether he can overcome adversity. He's had his problems, but if he gets a Barbaro-like trip in the Derby, the adversity question could become a moot point in two minutes as long as he's fit.

The top three finishers in the Florida Derby pretty much ran a merry-go-round, except that the merry-go-round broke in half behind Fierceness like something from the climax of Hitchcock's "Strangers On A Train."

We could ask ourselves "Who did he beat," and the answer might be "Not much," but I don't see that point of view as being necessarily helpful. The reason these preps exist is to separate the wheat from the chaff, and man did we see a big sickle in the Florida Derby.

Fierceness

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :24.06 (first)
1/2 mile -- :47.50 (first)
3/4 mile -- 1:11.31 (first)
1 mile -- 1:35.63 (first)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:48.22 (first)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :24.06
second 1/4 mile -- :23.44
third 1/4 mile -- :23.81
fourth 1/4 mile -- :24.32
final 1/8 mile -- :12.59
final 3/8 mile -- :36.91

Catalytic

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :24.36 (second)
1/2 mile -- :47.70 (second)
3/4 mile -- 1:11.61 (second)
1 mile -- 1:37.23 (second)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.92 (second)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :24.36
second 1/4 mile -- :23.34
third 1/4 mile -- :23.91
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.62
final 1/8 mile -- :13.69
final 3/8 mile -- :39.31

Grand Mo the First

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :24.41 (fourth)
1/2 mile -- :47.80 (fourth)
3/4 mile -- 1:11.61 (third)
1 mile -- 1:37.83 (third)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:51.42 (third)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :24.41
second 1/4 mile -- :23.39
third 1/4 mile -- :23.81
fourth 1/4 mile -- :26.22
final 1/8 mile -- :13.59
final 3/8 mile -- :39.81

March 30
UAE Derby Comments and Fractions

Forever Young is now five-for-five after winning the UAE Derby. Upon reviews of the video, after breaking from the outside post 11 he got into stalking position a couple of lengths behind give or take a length, although four to five wide entering both turns with while in fifth or fourth position; moved into third as they headed home; and overtook Auto Bahn, one of the two pacesetters, 200 meters from the finish line. Forever Young drew off to win by two lengths over Auto Bahn, with Pandagate another 4 3/4 lengths back in third, Mendelssohn Bay beaten 7 3/4 lengths in fourth and Navy Seal fifth by a total of 8 1/4 lengths.

Forever Young was kept to the outside, avoiding kickback the entire trip. He galloped out ahead of the field, bounding along no worse for the wear into the middle of the first turn at the close of the video.

After the race Forever Young's owner Susumu Fujita said, "We will go to America." The 50 Kentucky Derby points for finishing second will go unused as Auto Bahn is a South American-bred and not eligible for the Kentucky Derby because he is a 4-year-old under North American rules.

The distance of the UAE Derby is 1900 meters, or 6234 feet, which is 36 feet shorter than 1 3/16 mile. The final time was 1:57.89. The Meydan track record for the distance is 1:55:18 and belongs to Mendelssohn, who won the UAE Derby six years ago.

Of 14 runnings of the UAE Derby since the distance was upped to 1 3/16 mile from nine furlongs, Forever Young's time is the sixth fastest. Mendelssohn ran approximately 13 lengths faster than Forever Young.

The track may not have been playing all that fast. Two Rivers Over won the Godolphin Mile in 1:37.49. Upset winner Laurel River won the UAE Derby (about 1 1/4 mile) in 2:02.31. The track record for that distance is 2:01.38 set by Thunder Snow the same year Mendelssohn won the UAE Derby. However, the 2024 Al Quoz Sprint (about six furlongs) was won in 1:07.50, a new track record breaking the mark of 1:07.61 set by Wildman Jack in July 2020.

Here are times for the UAE Derby in the 10 preceding years and the Kentucky Derby result: Derma Sotogake (2023, 1:55.81, sixth), Crown Pride (2022, 1:59.76, thirteenth), Rebel's Romance (2021, 1:56.28, NA), race canceled (2020), Plus Que Parfait (2019, 1:58.41, eighth), Mendelssohn (2018, 1:55.18, twentieth), Thunder Snow (2017, 1:57.76, DNF), Lani (2016, 1:58.41, ninth), Mubtaahij (2015, 1:58.35, eighth), Toast of New York (2014, 1:57.92, NA).

After 1,500 meters of this year's UAE Derby, the horses were at the top of the quarter-mile-long stretch and Forever Young was second, about three-quarter lengths back of Auto Bahn. At 1,600 meters, Forever Young was about one-half length off the lead. At 1,700 meters, he led. Here are the pace times at those and other points based on my estimates, which are very close if not dead on.

400 meters (about two furlongs): 24.70
800 meters (about four furlongs): 49.00
1,200 meters (about six furlongs): 1:14.90
1,400 meters (about seven furlongs): 1:27.20
1,500 meters (about 7 1/2 furlongs) 1:33.60 (Forever Young three-quarters length back)
1,600 meters (about one mile): 1:39.50 (Forever Young one-half length back)
1700 meters (about 8 1/2 furlongs): 1:45.40 (Forever Young led)
1800 meters (about nine furlongs): 1:51.50
1900 meters (about 1 3/16 mile: 1:57.89 (final time)

This was not a fast-run race. The pace after about six furlongs was 1:14.90, so Forever Young was a little over 1:15. He ran the first 1 1/6 mile in 1:45.40. To his credit, he finished the final quarter-mile in a touch over 24 1/5, the final eighth-mile in 12.49 and the final sixteenth-mile in 6.39. In the stretch, Forever Young was motoring. Before that, not so much.

Here are three "ifs to consider. If there is much pace in the Kentucky Derby, and if Forever Young runs these kinds of fractions, and if at the top of the Churchill Downs stretch the leader has gotten the first mile in 1:36 and change, Forever Young would find himself about 15 lengths off the pace with a quarter-mile remaining in the race.

Here's a link to UAE Derby video where you can see some of the race milestones I've cited superimposed on the track.

March 30
Arkansas Derby Comments and Fractions

After looking at Equibase figures I suspected the Arkansas Derby might have been a sneaky-good race, and then I looked at the Beyers and my own figures. I conclude this race was excellent.

The Beyers are not very inspiring. Muth, who can't run in the Kentucky Derby, got a 98 Beyer figure (compared to a 110 Beyer for Fierceness in the Florida Derby), followed by Just Steel at 95, Mystik Dan 89 and Timberlake 88.

In contrast, Equibase awarded Muth a 115 speed figure (compared to an Equibase figure of 110 for Fierceness in the Florida Derby), Just Steel 112, Mystik Dan 106 and Timberlake 105.

Running my own numbers, all of the top four finishers in the Arkansas Derby get credit for 12s (running within one second of averaging 12 seconds per furlong in at least three calls), and three of those four finished the final 3/8 mile in 38 seconds or less.

In turn, those numbers reminded me of the 2005 Santa Anita Derby. The top four, in order of finish, were....

1 Buzzard's Bay (30-1) 23.70, 47.32, 1:11.34, 1:36.45, 1:49.18
2 General John B (64-1) 23.70, 47.36, 1:11.38, 1:36.49, 1:49.28
3 Wilko (7-2) 24.05, 47.32 1:11.59, 1:36.80, 1:49.30
4 Giacomo (7-2) 24.35, 48.32 1:12.11, 1:36.85, 1:49.58

All four of them ran 12s, and all four finished in under 38 seconds. Buzzards Bay was given a 114 Equibase figure, and Giacomo got a 111. Giacomo went on to win the Kentucky Derby at 50-1 odds. Buzzards Bay was fifth at 46-1 odds.

It could have turned out differently, but that's racing. Afleet Alex's jockey chose the rail in the stretch, but it was a slower path that day, and the favorite missed winning by a length. The jockey blamed himself for the loss. Undaunted, connections ran Afleet Alex in the Preakness and Belmont Stakes and won both. But the point is, that was a very strong race that produced all three of the Triple Crown wins.

Just Steel is an enigma to me. He runs a lot and you never know what you're going to get. One thing is clear to me, though, and it is that Just Steel and Muth got significantly better trips than Mystik Dan, who lost 2 1/2 lengths of ground in the second quarter-mile when Liberal Arts (the 5 horse) bolted mid-race.

The chart describes the incident in mild terms. "LIBERAL ARTS back off the early pace while between horses into the first turn, very rank late in that bend, got out to bother a pair of outer rivals, two to four wide second turn, evenly through the stretch..... MYSTIK DAN in mid pack outside in the first turn, slight bother and carried out four wide onto the backstretch, made a mild advance while four wide in the second bend, stalled a bit in the drive but managed to be up late for the show, no match for the top two."

Timberlake was a little hard for his jockey to handle, or at least that's what jockey Prat said, and faded late. The horse jumped into the lead when Time for Truth didn't go on with it after the first quarter-mile, and it might have taken too much out of him. After Timberlake lost the lead, I was surprised when he faded to not second or third, but fourth after Mystik Dan got by him late.

Muth

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.53 (second)
1/2 mile -- :47.56 (second)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.30 (second)
1 mile -- 1:37.25 (first)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:49.54 (first)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.53
second 1/4 mile -- :24.03
third 1/4 mile -- :24.74
fourth 1/4 mile -- :24.95
final 1/8 mile -- :12.29
final 3/8 mile -- :37.24

Just Steel

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.83 (fourth)
1/2 mile -- :47.76 (third)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.46 (third)
1 mile -- 1:37.65 (third)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:49.94 (second)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.83
second 1/4 mile -- :23.93
third 1/4 mile -- :24.70
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.19
final 1/8 mile -- :12.29
final 3/8 mile -- :37.48

Mystik Dan

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :24.18 (eighth)
1/2 mile -- :48.71 (eighth)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.91 (seventh)
1 mile -- 1:37.95 (fourth)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.79 (third)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :24.18
second 1/4 mile -- :24.53
third 1/4 mile -- :24.20
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.04
final 1/8 mile -- :12.84
final 3/8 mile -- :37.88

Timberlake

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.73 (third)
1/2 mile -- :47.46 (first)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.26 (first)
1 mile -- 1:37.55 (second)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.89 (fourth)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.73
second 1/4 mile -- :23.73
third 1/4 mile -- :24.80
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.29
final 1/8 mile -- :13.34
final 3/8 mile -- :38.63

April 6

1 1/8 Mile Blue Grass Stakes, Keeneland

Sierra Leone was awarded a 98 Beyer Speed Rating. He gets credit for running 12-second furlongs and finishing in under 38 seconds. Second finisher Just a Touch also gets credit for running 12s, but he finished a more slowly (just over 39) after attending fast early fractions.

We were at Keeneland. All my buddy could talk about all day was Sierra Leone, and all day long the dirt races were a repeat of Friday. It was the Keeneland of old where winning on dirt was all about being on or near the lead. Out-footed early? Done. Miss the break a little? Done. Before the Blue Grass I said, "Ron, there is no way Sierra Leone can win this race from 10 lengths off the pace." And he didn't. He came from about nine lengths off the pace.

There was only one other Keeneland dirt race at two turns Saturday (race 1), and yes, that winner didn't lead all the way. In fact, he was sixth early -- and he was three lengths off the pace after a half-mile. But Sierra Leone was 8 3/4 lengths behind at that call.

At this point the son of Gun Runner looks like he's worth every bit of the $2.3 million it took to buy him. Sloppy track? Oh yeah. Fast track? Yep again. Closer against a speed bias? No worries. Run a big race after four weeks of rest? Wait, he hasn't done that this year. But he did it last year.

So we will watch workouts and try to see if he's holding his flesh and so forth. But right now he looks like the UConn of 3-year-olds, meaning there might be only a couple of teams in the nation that have a chance of running better regardless of the game plan.

I didn't count on my fingers and toes, but it seemed like the gate crew tried to load Sierra Leone about 10 times. Ordinarily you would think the horse would not benefit from going through that. But again, no problem for him. What if he loads like a gentleman in the Kentucky Derby? What if he falls apart? Food for thought.

As the horse balked and balked and balked, it crossed my mind the wait was unfair to the rest of the horses, all of whom were to his inside. If the delay had gone on much longer, I suspect the field would have been backed out of their stalls and reloaded. No way was Sierra Leone going to be scratched. But in retrospect, maybe the long wait didn't matter because Sierra Leone looked destined to win.

After the Blue Grass I heard a turf writer in the press box say there was a million-dollar rabbit in the race. He was referring to Top Conor, who was shipped in from Florida off of one career start. That came at Gulfstream Park where he won a Feb. 17 one-mile maiden special weight by two lengths under Jose Ortiz. Top Conor's trainer is Chad Brown, who also conditions Sierra Leone. If there is common ownership between the two horses, it doesn't show at Equbase.

Just a Touch made his two-turn debut in a grade 1 and ran an awesome race. I knew he would overtake Top Conor as they headed for the top of the stretch, and I thought he might have it won until I glanced to my left and saw Sierra Leone chugging toward the front. Watcing the race on video, it took Just a Touch longer to get by Top Conor than I perceived while watching live, and it also appears he was a bit late changing leads. Once he did he ran on, but the momentum belonged to the winner.

Like Sierra Leone, Just a Touch has already shown he can compete on an off track, and added distance should be no problem for this son of Justify out of a Tapit mare. Furthermore, he stands to improve going two turns for the second time in the Kentucky Derby.

Epic Ride needs defections to make the Derby. Like the top two, he gets credit for running 12s. He didn't come close to finishing in 38 seconds or less.

Per both the chart and his trainer, Dornoch was keen into the first turn and he got in a bit tight. Without the lead maybe he was thrown off his game. Trainer Gargan said he'd be on the lead and/or run better next time. The biggest disappointment in the race, Dornoch did not run 12s or finish in under 38 seconds.

Video of the gallop-out shows Sierra Leone and Just a Touch on even terms.

April 14 Postscript: I saw a reference to this on Twitter a few days ago and today had time to pull up the Blue Grass head-on, which confirms the tweet referencing that Sierra Leone paddles his left foreleg. It can be seen clearly during the stretch run. It's a bit unnerving to see a $2.3 million purchase run that way. Not that every horse has perfect motion, because they don't, and some very good ones succeed despite this way of moving. Vekoma (won the 2029 Blue Grass at 7-5 odds, was 12th in the Kentucky Derby at 16-1, went on to win two grade 1s in his last three starts) and Archarcharch (won the 2011 Arkansas Derby but was 15th in the Kentucky Derby after drawing the rail, did not race again) come to mind. One has to wonder if the horse is bothered by it and whether it's the reason for his extreme reluctance to load in the Blue Grass.

That thought led me to wonder if the paddling was something new, which could explain that reluctance but which seemed highly unlikely, and it's not. A review of the Risen Star shows the same thing. It's hard to know what to make of it. At this time of year we have to be wary of overreacting to every little thing, but at the same time we need to be aware.

Sierra Leone

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :24.60 (ninth)
1/2 mile -- :48.23 (ninth)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.13 (seventh)
1 mile -- 1:37.15 (fourth)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.08 (first)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :24.60
second 1/4 mile -- :23.63
third 1/4 mile -- :23.90
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.02
final 1/8 mile -- :12.93
final 3/8 mile -- :37.95

Just a Touch

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.35 (second)
1/2 mile -- :46.68 (second)
3/4 mile -- 1:11.23 (second)
1 mile -- 1:36.65 (first)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.38 (second)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.35
second 1/4 mile -- :23.33
third 1/4 mile -- :24.55
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.42
final 1/8 mile -- :13.73
final 3/8 mile -- :39.15

Epic Ride

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.49 (fourth)
1/2 mile -- :46.88 (third)
3/4 mile -- 1:11.13 (third)
1 mile -- 1:36.85 (third)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:51.13 (third)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.49
second 1/4 mile -- :23.39
third 1/4 mile -- :24.25
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.72
final 1/8 mile -- :14.28
final 3/8 mile -- :40.00

Dornoch

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.45 (third)
1/2 mile -- :46.92 (fourth)
3/4 mile -- 1:11.33 (fourth)
1 mile -- 1:37.45 (fifth)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:51.38 (fourth)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.45
second 1/4 mile -- :23.47
third 1/4 mile -- :24.41
fourth 1/4 mile -- :26.12
final 1/8 mile -- :13.93
final 3/8 mile -- :40.05

April 6

1 1/8 Mile Wood Memorial, Aqueduct

Resilience got a 90 Beyer winning the Wood. He gets credit for running 12-second furlongs, and he finished in slightly under 38 seconds.

With blinkers added by Bill Mott, and running on the outside of horses from post 1 with the help of an expert ride by John Velazquez, Resliience ran a career-best race. Connections say he doesn't like being inside of horses, something to remember when post positions are drawn for the Derby. That Beyer figure is just okay, but let's not forget Resilience has an uninterrupted string of ascending Beyers in his six career races, to wit: 57, 76, 79, 80, 85 and now 90.

Resilience is by the outstanding sire Into Mischief. In the Risen Star Sierra Leone beat him by only 3 1/2 lengths. It is possible the added distance of the Derby will benefit Resilience, but he probably needs to draw outsidish and get a forward trip.

Society Man was deservingly sent off at 106-1 odds and blew up a $2 exacta payoff worth $742. I expect his odds to be very high again in the Kentucky Derby. He ran 12s, and I'm giving him credit for finishing in 38 seconds. He seems like a complete write-off in the Derby, but then again Rich Strike won the race at 80-1 odds two years ago.

The gallop-out showed me something I didn't expect. Society Man easily outran Resilience. What a form upgrade for this Danny Gargan trainee.

Resilience

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.65 (third)
1/2 mile -- :47.89 (third)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.51 (third)
1 mile -- 1:37.35 (first)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.28 (first)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.65
second 1/4 mile -- :24.24
third 1/4 mile -- :24.62
fourth 1/4 mile -- :24.84
final 1/8 mile -- :12.93
final 3/8 mile -- :37.77

Society Man

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :24.00 (fifth)
1/2 mile -- :48.39 (fifth)
3/4 mile -- 1:12.71 (fourth)
1 mile -- 1:37.85 (second)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:50.73 (second)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :24.00
second 1/4 mile -- :24.39
third 1/4 mile -- :24.32
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.14
final 1/8 mile -- :12.88
final 3/8 mile -- :38.02

April 6

1 1/8 Mile Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita

Stronghold was given an 89 Beyer in the Santa Anita Derby. He gets 12s but finished in over 38 seconds.

Stronghold bested Bob Baffert trainee Imagination, who is not eligible for the Kentucky Derby barring court intervention, by a neck in an effort that was not particularly engaging for me visually.

His Beyer matched the 89 he was given in the Sunland Derby, which he won by 2 1/2 lengths against lesser company.

The most positive thing I noticed was Stronghold and Imagination galloping out together far past the finish line.

Stronghold

Fractions
1/4 mile -- :23.22 (fourth)
1/2 mile -- :47.23 (fourth)
3/4 mile -- 1:11.30 (fourth)
1 mile -- 1:36.88 (first)
1 1/8 mile -- 1:49.98 (first)

Internal Fractions
first 1/4 mile -- :23.22
second 1/4 mile -- :24.01
third 1/4 mile -- :24.07
fourth 1/4 mile -- :25.58
final 1/8 mile -- :13.10
final 3/8 mile -- :38.68

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Charts 2009-2021

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:46:38 GMT

Facts and Figures About The
Kentucky Derby Future Wager

2009-2021

Daily Derby Update: Sunday, May 7, 2023

Sun, 07 May 2023 18:01:26 GMT

DAILY DERBY UPDATE: Sunday, May 7, 2023

It was a celebration long into the night for the connections of Kentucky Derby 149 winner Mage, who had several fans and owners stop by Barn 42 Sunday morning to see the winner of Saturday’s Run for the Roses.

“For all of us, this was a lot of time, dedication and sacrifice more than anything from these two boys (trainer Gustavo Delgado Sr. and assistant trainer/co-owner Gustavo Delgado Jr.),” co-owner Ramiro Restrepo said. “This is a game that you lose way more than you win. It’s a labor of love. You’re just dream chasing. Today is very special for all of us. This is the top of the mountain in this sport for so many. Everyone knows the Kentucky Derby around the world. It’s arguably, if not the, top race in the world. We had that dream come true. For one brief second, we can exhale, and look up, and enjoy this moment.”

The Delgado Team was on hand at Churchill Downs Sunday morning and stated the Preakness Stakes (GI) remains in consideration.

“The horse is looking very good. I checked with the vet, and he’s fine,” Delgado Sr. said. “Winning the Kentucky Derby is different than winning the Triple Crown and Simon Bolivar in Venezuela. It’s the same but different.

“It was a very happy experience to win the Kentucky Derby with my son and family here. When we go out there and work every day, every day, every day, it’s the best. Winning the Kentucky Derby was the goal. This is a good thing.”

For the first time since Mine that Bird pulled off his 50-1 upset in the 2009 Run for the Roses, Barn 42 served as the residence of the Kentucky Derby winner.

Mage became the 13th winner to come out of that barn since 1972, and the second winner to come out of Stall 10. The other Stall 10 occupant was 2006 winner Barbaro, who also wore the No. 8 saddlecloth in his run to glory.

“This is something we wanted, we worked for this,” Delgado Jr. said. “My dad had accomplished pretty much everything in Venezuela. For him, at 60-years-old, to start over again, pretty much at zero… and for me, it’s the best example. I’m very proud of him.”

Mage is likely to remain at Churchill Downs for several days and could return to the track as soon as Tuesday.

TWO PHIL’S (second) – Patricia’s Hope, Phil Sagan and Madaket Stable’s Two Phil’s was doing well Sunday after the Derby in Barn 1 at Churchill Downs, according to trainer Larry Rivelli’s staff who were doing their daily barn chores.

Two Phil’s, the winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) in late March, nearly became the second consecutive winner out of the race following Rich Strike’s victory in Kentucky Derby 148.

“He proved his race at Turfway was no joke,” jockey Jareth Loveberry said. “It was tough to run second like that but I know this horse gave me his all. He fought back when Mage came to him. I can’t say enough about everyone who’s been involved with this horse. It’s been such an emotional journey to get to this point in my career. I’ve had so many ups and downs throughout the years. The most amazing part about the Derby was being here with my family. They let me do what I love and it means everything to me.

“I’ll never forget the feeling. The view of the stretch, the crowd and the feeling I was going to win.”

Rivelli, who was getting on a plane to Chicago Sunday morning, stated there are no immediate plans for the colt’s next start.

ANGEL OF EMPIRE (third), HIT SHOW (fifth), VERIFYING (16 ^th ), JACE'S ROAD (17 ^th ) – Without having time to fully go over them, trainer Brad Cox said all four of his Kentucky Derby runners were doing well Sunday morning. Albaugh Family Stables’ Angel of Empire, the 4-1 post time favorite, provided Cox with the best finish of the four by coming in third. He was followed by Gary and Mary West’s Hit Show in fifth, Coolmore’s Verifying in 16th and West Point Thoroughbreds and Albaugh Family Stables’ Jace’s Road in 17th.

“We’re going to go over these horses this morning and hopefully they come out of it in good shape,” Cox said. “Hit Show had a good trip. He had every opportunity, but was just fifth best. Manny (Franco) did a fantastic job on him. Angel of Empire was outrun early. He closed into a hot pace. He kind of tracked Mage from the half-mile pole on. Flavien (Prat) went when he went. If you watch the two of them together, you could say that Mage was traveling a little easier than Angel of Empire. Angel of Empire just kept coming and coming, so big effort on his part. It’s a hard race to get in and even harder to win.”

Cox said it’s still too early to know if any of the four Derby horses would move on to the Preakness Stakes in two weeks, but he does plan to be represented in the race.

“Right now, First Mission is our Preakness horse,” Cox said. I don’t know if we’ll add any of these horses, but we’ll have to make a decision soon. First Mission had a fantastic work yesterday (five furlongs in :59.80). I’m very happy with what we’re seeing.”

Godolphin LLC’s First Mission won the Lexington Stakes (GIII) April 15 in just his third career start.

DISARM (fourth) – Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Disarm was back in Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s Barn 38 Sunday morning following his fourth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

“He’s faced a lot of adversity this year,” Asmussen said. “We’re very proud of how he handled himself through it all.”

DERMA SOTOGAKE (JPN) (sixth) – Hiroyuki Asanuma’s Derma Sotogake (JPN) Derby dreams were dashed at the start when he brushed the gate leaving post 14.

“It was an important race, but the moment the gate opened was everything,” trainer Hidetaka Otonashi said. “My strategy was to race in front, but I got into a situation where I couldn’t do that at all and it was impossible to come back from that position. I wanted to make a good lead if possible. (Jockey Christophe) Lemaire said he felt good, but again he was poorly positioned. I think it is all about the late start out of the gate.”

Derma Sotogake is scheduled to return to Japan on Monday with the Japan Dirt Derby on July 12 as the next goal.

TAPIT TRICE (seventh), KINGSBARNS (14 ^th ) – Trainer Todd Pletcher was back on the job at Barn 39 early Sunday morning.

“They both came out of it well,” he said, “and we’ll be vanning them up to New York at some point in the next while.”

Pletcher also had planned to run the likely Derby favorite – 2-year-old champion Forte – in the headliner but on the morning of the race Kentucky state racing veterinarians deemed the colt not ready to compete because of an issue with his right front hoof.

The two colts he did get to run were Derby starters 63 and 64 for the Hall of Fame conditioner. He won the Run for the Roses in 2010 with Super Saver and again with Always Dreaming in 2017.

Pletcher also said he’d likely be shipping his two of Kentucky Oaks horses – Gambling Girl, who finished second, beaten a neck, in Friday’s 149th edition of the “Run for the Lilies,” and Julia Shining, who never made it off the also-eligible list – to New York.

“There’s still a chance we might run Julia Shining in the Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico during Preakness Week,” the conditioner noted. “I’ll have to huddle with the owners on that.”

RAISE CAIN (eighth) – Andrew and Rania Warren’s Raise Cain headed back to Keeneland on Sunday to trainer Ben Colebrook’s main base of operations. Plans are to be determined for the Gotham (GIII) winner.

“We will see how he comes out of this race, but there are no definite plans for his next race,” Colebrook said. “He ran hard and had a tough trip late in the race.”

ROCKET CAN (ninth) – Frank Fletcher Racing Operation’s Rocket Can was in good shape Sunday morning at Barn 19, according to Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott’s chief assistant Kenny McCarthy.

The Mott barn enjoyed success on the Derby undercard Saturday with Godolphin’s Cody’s Wish returning to the winner’s circle in the $750,000 Churchill Downs Stakes (GI).

Even though Rocket Can did not win the Run for the Roses, the Mott barn still played a part in the success of Mage’s victory. His dam, Puca, was trained by Mott and finished 12 ^th in the 2015 Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI).

CONFIDENCE GAME (10 ^th ) – Don’t Tell My Wife Stables and Ocean Reef Racing Stables’ Confidence Game “seemed happy” Sunday morning following his 10th-place finish in the Derby and will be considered for the Preakness Stakes, according to trainer Keith Desormeaux.

“Yes, if he’s up to it. Absolutely,” Desormeaux said via text message.

SUN THUNDER (11 ^th ) – All was well with the Kenny McPeek-trained Sun Thunder Sunday morning following his 11 ^th -place finish in the Kentucky Derby. McPeek reported Saturday that the Belmont Stakes (GI) could be in play for his next start.

MANDARIN HERO (12 ^th ) – Hiroaki Arai’s Mandarin Hero (JPN) is scheduled to return to Japan Monday with connections looking at the Japan Dirt Derby on July 12.

Mandarin Hero had a wide trip and was bumped hard in the second turn under Kazushi Kimura in his second U.S. start following a runner-up finish in the Santa Anita Derby (GI).

“I was hoping to finish in the top five, but it turned out to be a disappointing result. But I am glad I took on the challenge,” trainer Terunobu Fujita said. “The horse behaved well throughout the walkover, paddock and post parade. And he loaded into the gate well, so the atmosphere was no problem.

“The start was good and I was in good position along the way, so I believed that he would use his good legs at the end. I can only give thanks to Mandarin Hero for running hard until the end even though his face was caked with mud. I am very proud of him and I appreciate everyone who cheered us on.”

Also heading back to Japan on Monday is Continuar (JPN), who was withdrawn from the Derby Thursday night by trainer Yoshito Yahagi. Continuar also will target the Japan Dirt Derby.

REINCARNATE (13 ^th ) – Trainer Tim Yakteen was closing up shop Sunday morning at Barn 27 on the Churchill backside, getting things ship shape so he and his wife, Millie Ball, could catch a plane back to Los Angeles later in the day. He had made arrangements for another plane to take the six runners he had brought east to run on the Derby Day card to return to their Santa Anita headquarters on Wednesday.

“Reincarnate came out of the Derby in good shape,” the conditioner said.

He also reported that Practical Move, the big colt who had spiked a fever during Derby Week and never got a chance to run in the 149th edition of the Kentucky Derby, was recovering nicely and that he, too, would be aboard the Wednesday flight.

KING RUSSELL (15 ^th ) – Trainer Ron Moquett reported that Brereton C. Jones and Naber Racing’s King Russell exited his 15th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby in good order and that next race plans are pending.

CYCLONE MISCHIEF (18 ^th ) – Albaugh Family Stables’ Cyclone Mischief was the final entrant in this year’s Kentucky Derby but after a tough start, he finished 18 ^th . Trainer Dale Romans chief assistant Baldemar Bahena stated the barn was disappointed in the outcome but the horse was doing fine Sunday morning.

Churchill Downs Addresses Horse Fatalities

Sun, 07 May 2023 13:59:17 GMT

Churchill Downs Addresses Horse Fatalities

Churchill Downs issued the following statement after the Kentucky Derby in the wake of seven equine fatalities at the track in the last week.

"Two horses sustained severe injuries during today’s Churchill Downs race card. Chloe’s Dream suffered a right knee fracture in Race 2 at the top of the first turn. Freezing Point incurred a left front biaxial sesamoid fracture in Race 8 midway down the backstretch. In the interest of pursuing the most humane treatment for each horse, the owner, trainer and private veterinarian, in consultation with a board-certified equine surgeon, made the difficult decision to euthanize. We express our most sincere condolences to those connections who cared for and loved Chloe’s Dream and Freezing Point.

"It is with the utmost sadness that we report these tragic fatal injuries. Churchill Downs is unwavering in our commitment to the health and well-being of equine safety. The equine fatalities leading to this year’s Kentucky Derby are a sobering reminder of the urgent need to mobilize our industry in order to explore every avenue possible and effectively minimize any avoidable risk in the sport.

"Despite our determination to continually improve upon the highest industry standards, there is more to be done and we will rigorously work to understand what caused these incidents and build upon our existing data, programs and practices to better understand what has been incredibly difficult for us to witness and accept this week.

"While each incident reported has been unique, it is important to note that there has been no discernable pattern detected in the injuries sustained. Our track surfaces are closely monitored by industry experts to ensure their integrity. Each horse that participates in racing at Churchill Downs must undergo multiple, comprehensive veterinarian exams and observations to ensure their fitness to race.

"From here, we will fully and actively work with the Kentucky Horseracing Commission (KHRC) and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) to thoroughly investigate each incident to determine, to the degree possible, any underlying health or environmental causes and apply those learnings to continue to improve the safety of this sport. Together, we all want what is best for the horses.

"The team at Churchill Downs works year-round to deliver an inspiring and world-class event to thousands of fans, but also to provide the safest racing environment each and every day. We are proud of the enduring legacy of the Kentucky Derby and these magnificent horses are central to its iconic appeal. While we believe the incidents leading to this year’s Derby are anomalies, they are unacceptable and we remain steadfast in our commitment to safety and integrity.

Si's Selections

Sat, 06 May 2023 11:49:55 GMT

Si's Selections for Kentucky Derby 149

#5 TAPIT TRICE
#17 DERMA SOTOGAKE
#14 ANGEL OF EMPIRE
#11 DISARM
#3 TWO PHIL'S

FORTE hard to leave out. I like Tapit Trice more and Forte's odds are too low for me. A little worried about post 15 too.

GOOD LUCK! SI

Daily Derby Update: Friday, May 5, 2023

Fri, 05 May 2023 15:36:16 GMT

DAILY DERBY UPDATE: Friday, May 5, 2023

C R K Racing’s Skinner was scratched from Kentucky Derby 149, trainer John Shirreffs citing an elevated temperature. With the defection of Skinner, the Kentucky Derby field is down to 19 starters. Practical Move, Lord Miles and Continuar (JPN) were scratched on Thursday. The last time four horses were scratched from the Kentucky Derby was 2015 when 22 horses entered the race.

ANGEL OF EMPIRE/HIT SHOW/JACE’S ROAD, VERIFYING – Gary and Mary West’s Hit Show went out to train at 6:30 a.m., while his other three Derby running stablemates, Albaugh Family Stables’ Angel of Empire, West Point Thoroughbreds and Albaugh Family Stables’ Jace’s Road, and Coolmore’s Verifying went to out to train at 7:45 a.m. during the special training time Friday.

All four had routine 1 ½-mile gallops, including Verifying, who had gotten loose after dumping his exercise rider Thursday.

“Everybody’s good,” trainer Brad Cox said.

CONFIDENCE GAME – Don’t Tell My Wife Stables’ Confidence Game returned to the track Friday to gallop and is likely to also gallop Saturday morning, race day.

When asked earlier in the week, how he saw the Kentucky Derby playing out, trainer Keith Desormeaux said, “It seems simple to me. In my mind, it’s simple. Our post position is determined. Hopefully there’s speed on the outside, surely. They’re going to be sending their horses. They are going to overdo it and they’re going to come down on us. But, that pace is going to be rapid and if James Graham can just get him out on the rail, do a Calvin Borel special and get him on the rail and comfortable. And, hopefully the Red Sea opens when it’s time to go. But yeah, simple. Get on the rail and pray.”

CYCLONE MISCHIEF – After sweating out whether Cyclone Mischief would make the field, trainer Dale Romans was relaxed Friday morning after his colt galloped with exercise rider Faustino Herrarte.

On Thursday, Cyclone Mischief made the field when Practical Move was scratched with a fever. By Friday morning, with three more scratches, the colt owned by Albaugh Family Stables LLC and Castleton Lyons took ownership of the No. 17 gate. He’ll wear the 21 saddle number for betting purposes.

“The entire look of the race really changed yesterday,” Romans said following his horse’s gallop of about a mile-and-three-eighths. “I’m happy with his gallop.”

DERMA SOTOGAKE – Hiroyuki Asanuma’s Derma Sotogake (JPN) came on the track accompanied by a pony at 6:50 and walked to the frontside of the track before circling back to the mile chute where he walked with the pony for 30 minutes.

After jogging in the chute for another 10 minutes and walking for five, Derma Sotogake galloped a little more than a mile.

Trained by Hidetaka Otonashi, Derma Sotogake will be ridden in the Derby by Christophe Lemaire.

Lemaire, who will be riding in the Kentucky Derby for the second time, was aboard Derma Sotogake for the first time in the UAE Derby (GII) victory. The UAE Derby was the eighth start for Derma Sotogake, making him and Two Phil’s the most experienced runners in Derby 149.

“He has a lot of experience and it has made him tougher and tougher,” Lemaire said. “It is important to have that experience with 18 other horses in a high level race.”

Derma Sotogake led all the way in the UAE Derby victory, but Lemaire says he doesn’t have to have the lead.

“In the past, he has won from the middle and from the front,” Lemaire said. “He can adapt to the conditions of the race and that is a big advantage for me.”

Derma Sotogake is not expected to go to the track Saturday morning.

DISARM – Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Disarm galloped Friday at 7:45 a.m. for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.

FORTE/KINGSBARNS/TAPIT TRICE – The Todd Pletcher trio galloped strongly Friday morning for the last time coming up to their dates with destiny Saturday in Kentucky Derby 149.

They took advantage of the special 7:45 to 8 a.m. training period for Oaks and Derby horses only on the big Churchill Downs strip. The three colts had their usual exercise riders aboard for their mile and three-eighths exercise – Hector Ramos on multiple-stakes winner Forte; Elder Flores on the undefeated Kingsbarns, and Amelia Green aboard the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) ace Tapit Trice.

The Hall of Fame trainer was asked if there was any one thing he’d wished he had for any of his three runners coming up to the mile and one-quarter Classic.

“In a perfect world, I would have liked to have had one more race for seasoning for Kingsbarns,” he said. (The Uncle Mo colt has only three starts coming into the race.) “But other than that, we’re all good to go.”

Pletcher has Irad Ortiz Jr. named to ride Forte; Jose Ortiz set to handle Kingsbarns, and Luis Saez set to handle Tapit Trice.

KING RUSSELL – Brereton C. Jones and Naber Racing’s King Russell galloped 1 ½ miles Friday at 7:45 a.m., his first gallop as an official Kentucky Derby starter. The Arkansas Derby runner-up, AE23, needed three defections to make the field and after two earlier in the day, the connections got word shortly before 9 p.m. when Continuar was coming out and King Russell was in.

“I kind of thought we’d get in the whole time,” trainer Ron Moquett said. “I was under the impression we would be and should be in the Derby. I schooled him yesterday as if he was in the race, but at the time I was walking to the paddock, it was still a full field.”

Moquett has never wavered in his confidence in King Russell, a son of Creative Cause, who ran fifth in the Kentucky Derby and third in the Preakness in 2012. When asked what gives him that confidence, Moquett said, “I think he’s improving and the fact there are some well-meant horses that finished behind us that day (in the Arkansas Derby). We’re moving forward at the right time. That’s what anybody wants for their horse to be happy and healthy, to be peaking at the right moment. Hopefully, we get a good trip and everything works out well.”

MAGE – The Good Magic colt, runner-up to Forte in the Florida Derby (GI), galloped Friday a little more than a mile-and-a-half with regular exercise rider J.J. Delgado.

“We’re pleased with the way he has been training for the race,” said assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr. “He’s ready.”

Delgado Jr. said his father, trainer Gustavo Delgado Sr., does not plan to take Mage onto the track Saturday morning. Javier Castellano will ride the colt, owned by OGMA Investments LLC, Ramiro Restrepo, Sterling Racing LLC and CMNWLTH. He’s listed at 15-1 on the morning line.

MANDARIN HERO (JPN) – Hiroaki Arai’s Mandarin Hero came on the track at 6:50 and walked to the frontside of the track before circling back to the mile chute where he walked for 30 minutes. After jogging in the chute for another 10 minutes and walking for five, Mandarin Hero galloped a little more than mile under Yuji Horita.

Mandarin Hero did not draw into the main body of the race until Thursday with the withdrawal from the field of Practical Move and Lord Miles.

Trainer Terunobu Fujita had canceled a flight to Louisville when it appeared the Santa Anita Derby (GI) runner-up would not be in the starting gate. However, last-minute arrangements were made with Fujita scheduled to arrive late tonight.

Arai is scheduled to arrive in Louisville this afternoon.

Another late arrival will be jockey Kazushi Kimura, who has six mounts this afternoon on Woodbine’s program that begins at 1:10 p.m. ET. Kimura, who rode Mandarin Hero in the Santa Anita Derby, is scheduled to arrive in Louisville at midnight.

Mandarin Hero will not go to the track Saturday morning.

REINCARNATE – Trainer Tim Yakteen’s remaining Kentucky Derby hope – SF Racing (and partners) Reincarnate – went out early (5:15) Friday and galloped a mile and a quarter under Baltazar Contreras in his final piece of preparation for Saturday’s Derby 149.

The California-based conditioner was forced to scratch his other Derby hope – the big colt Practical Move – when he spiked a fever Thursday after training in the morning. Word out of the barn is that he was doing better Friday, but they were hoping for better yet by Monday when the trainer has arrangements to fly back west the six horses he brought to town for Saturday’s card.

Reincarnate, who’ll be handled in the Derby by Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez, will break from Post 7 in the 20-horse lineup.

RAISE CAIN – Andrew and Rania Warren’s Raise Cain jogged with exercise rider Rene Morales aboard for trainer Ben Colebrook to complete his preparation for Derby 149.

Raise Cain, who represents Colebrook’s first Derby starter, and will be ridden by Gerardo Corrales, also in his first Derby.

“I hope he gets a clean break and gets into the first turn without getting wiped out,” Colebrook said of the deep closer. “I think there will be more pace than people think.”

ROCKET CAN – The Into Mischief colt, owned by Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, was on the track Friday morning for a gallop of about a mile-and-three-eighths with regular exercise rider Guelser Cardona. He’ll also have a gallop on Saturday, roughly 11 hours before the Derby.

“He made it around there, and made it back,” Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott joked, noting that he’ll bring Rocket Can out on Saturday morning. “No problems.”

The colt, listed at morning-line odds of 30-1, will have Junior Alvarado aboard in the Derby. He’ll wear blinkers, and has worn them in training.

SKINNER – Just as things appeared to be coming up rosy for trainer John Shirreffs and his Kentucky Derby candidate Skinner, the bottom fell out Friday morning.

The Curlin colt had galloped a mile strongly Friday morning during the special 7:45 to 8 a.m. Derby/Oaks training period and all looked well. But then, back at Barn 41, something seemed amiss. Several temperature checks on the well-made bay did not come back right, forcing the veteran conditioner to alert track officials that it would not be right for him to run Saturday. It was a last-minute heartbreaker for the trainer and the horse’s connections, the C R K Stable of Californians Lee and Susan Searing.

Skinner was a fast-closing third in his most-recent outing, the Santa Anita Derby on April 8 and was seen as a serious contender for the Kentucky Derby. He had been scheduled to be handled by California’s top rider, Juan Hernandez.

Ironically, the winner of the Santa Anita Derby, the big colt Practical Move, had spiked a fever Thursday also forcing his people to take him out of the race.

With Skinner’s withdrawal, the field for Derby 149 is now reduced to 19 runners.

SUN THUNDER – Trainer Kenny McPeek had his colt back on the track Friday morning with regular exercise rider Martin Vargas, galloping slightly more than a mile-and-a-half. McPeek’s assistant, Greg Geier, said there are no plans for Sun Thunder to go out on Derby Day to train.

The colt, owned by R.T Racing Stable and Cypress Creek Equine is 50-1 on the morning line, has trained with blinkers on, and will wear them in the Derby.

TWO PHIL’S – Patricia’s Hope, Phillip Sagan, and Madaket Stable’s Two Phil’s had a walk day on Friday ahead of his “Run for the Roses.”

“He’s feeling strong,” trainer Larry Rivelli said.

This will be Rivelli’s first Derby and the same goes for Two Phil’s jockey, Jareth Loveberry. Winner of the Street Sense as a 2-year-old over a sloppy track, the son of Hard Spun has one win over the local track in two tries.

“We’d be very happy if it rained,” owner Anthony Sagan said.

Daily Derby Update: Thursday, May 4, 2023

Fri, 05 May 2023 00:07:09 GMT

DAILY DERBY UPDATE: May 4, 2023

Includes Kentucky Oaks

Less than 48 hours remain until the first Saturday and trainers are ea gerly watching as their Kentucky Derby contenders log their final training sessions before the Run for the Roses. It was an eventful morning for trainer Brad Cox with three of his four Derby contenders scheduled to gallop at 7:30 a.m. Two of three contenders were completing their final circuit around the racetrack when the third runner, Verifying, passed the five-furlong marker and got loose from his rider. He was apprehended at the quarter pole by Outriders Greg Blasi and Lee Lockwood.

Cox reported Verifying was fine following the training mishap.

Moments later, Peter Miller’s filly And Tell Me Nolies reared as she was walking off the track and ran off the gap back to her Barn 24.

Miller stated And Tell Me Nolies was OK.

There will be special training hours on Friday and Saturday with training from 5:30-7:30 a.m. with Friday’s 7:45-8 slot reserved for Oaks and Derby horses and the same time Saturday for Derby horses.

ANGEL OF EMPIRE/HIT SHOW/JACE’S ROAD, VERIFYING – Gary and Mary West’s Hit Show went out to train at 5:15 a.m., while his other three Derby running stablemates, Albaugh Family Stables’ Angel of Empire, West Point Thoroughbreds and Albaugh Family Stables’ Jace’s Road, and Coolmore’s Verifying went to out to train at 7:30 a.m. during the special training time Thursday.

Three of the four had routine 1 ½-mile gallops, but Verifying had a little more eventful training session. He dumped his exercise rider and had to be caught by outrider Greg Blasi and Lee Lockwood. About an hour later, Cox reported Verifying was “fine.”

In addition to the four horses in the Kentucky Derby, Cox also has three fillies in the Kentucky Oaks as he seeks his third win in that race. When asked how he was holding up from the pressures of the week, the Louisville native said, “I’m great. It’s cool, it’s great. Since we got all of our works in and our gate schooling in, I’m just ready for race day to get here.”

All four of the Cox Derby runners will school in the paddock during the first race Thursday.

CONFIDENCE GAME – Don’t Tell My Wife Stables’ Confidence Game walked the shedrow of barn 24 as is the normal routine for the Keith Desormeaux stable. He will return to the track Friday to gallop and is likely to also gallop Saturday morning, race day.

A lot has been made out of the fact that Confidence Game has not run since the Rebel Stakes (GII) Feb. 25 at Oaklawn this week, but the only ones not concerned are his trainer and owner.

“The answer is simple, it took the ownership a month to sober up,” Desormeaux said. “That’s the funny answer. How do you want me to make a decision when the ownership was still partying a month later? It was awesome. The Rebel was fun for those guys. The serious answer is it was 40 degrees all weekend in Hot Springs that week, he ran in that kind of weather and then we shipped back to New Orleans on Sunday and it’s 80 degrees. In New Orleans it was 80 degrees all week. So, he went from 40 to 80. And, it zapped him. I knew I was going to give him a couple of light weeks. And, right when I got him up to race readiness again, which was around Louisiana Derby time, around Arkansas Derby time, Blue Grass time, it was time to ship here. And, horses need to acclimate. He was going from New Orleans to Louisville, changing homes, changing routine. I just didn’t think adding a race on top of that was beneficial to what I wanted to do Saturday, so we chose not to run and I feel very comfortable with that decision. The horse is just thriving right now.”

“Ten weeks, there’s been a lot of talk about this, but Keith and I talked about it and we felt it was in the best interest of the horse,” Don’t Tell My Wife Stables Managing Partner Kirk Godby said. “We wanted to have him fresh and ready to run in the Triple Crown. We felt this gives him the best chance to compete in this race and then go on from there. We’re excited.”

CONTINUAR – Lion Race Horse Co. Ltd.’s Continuar (JPN) walked from the Quarantine Barn to the front of the grandstand and then went to the mile chute where he warmed up during the first harrow break of the morning.

When the track reopened for training at 7:30, Continuar cantered a mile with trainer Yoshito Yahagi looking on.

Ryusei Sakai will be aboard Continuar for his first Derby mount and will break from post 20.

DERMA SOTOGAKE – Hiroyuki Asanuma’s Derma Sotogake (JPN) walked from the Quarantine Barn to the front of the grandstand and then went to the mile chute where he warmed up during the first harrow break of the morning.

When the track reopened at 7:30, the UAE Derby (GII) winner galloped a mile and a quarter as trainer Hidetaka Otonashi and jockey Christophe Lemaire looked on.

Derma Sotogake will represent the second Derby mount for Lemaire, who was aboard Crown Pride (JPN) last year when that runner finished 13th.

Lemaire rode the son of Mind Your Biscuits for the first time in the UAE Derby, a front-running 5 ½-length victory, a performance that propelled Derma Sotogake to the co-fourth choice on the Derby 149 morning line at 10-1.

DISARM – Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Disarm galloped Thursday at 7:30 a.m. for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.

FORTE/KINGSBARNS/MAJOR DUDE/TAPIT TRICE – As per usual, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher had his Derby trio trackside and ready to roll for the special 7:30 to 7:45 training period for Derby and Oaks runners. They all went about their business by galloping about a mile and three eighths around the big Churchill oval.

The threesome consisted of Derby favorite Forte (with exercise rider Hector Ramos up), the undefeated Kingsbarns (Elder Flores) and the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) star Tapit Trice (Amelia Green).

Green, a young English horsewoman who has worked for Pletcher for the past six years, was asked about the possibility of her charge – the gray Tapit Trice – winning Saturday’s Derby and what that would mean to her.

“Well, I’m lucky to be working in a good barn with good horses,” she said. “All our horses are working well, including mine. But I don’t think you’re going to find anyone here this week with a Derby horse that wouldn’t tell you their horse is training well.

“If one of the horses from our barn were to win, I’d be delighted. We’re a team here and we root for each other and want the others to do well. But probably – deep in my heart – there’s a place that would feel very warm if my horse was to win the Derby. That would be special.”

Pletcher said “All is good so far,” when asked about his Derby hopefuls. He’s scheduled them for a visit to the paddock with the horses for today’s Race six and indicated his runners would be ready to train again Friday in the special 7:45 to 8 a.m. training session for Derby and Oaks runners.

LORD MILES – Vegso Racing Stable’s Wood Memorial (GII) winner walked the shedrow Thursday morning.

MAGE – The Good Magic colt, runner-up to Forte in the Florida Derby (GI), galloped Thursday with regular exercise rider J.J. Delgado.

“Today he was schooling at the gate, and he looked really, really good on the track,” said trainer Gustavo Delgado. “There wasn’t any problem when the horse (Verifying) got loose. Today he’s probably going to the paddock, too.”

“The talent he’s showing is very great,” Delgado added after lightly raced Mage galloped a strong mile-and-a-half.

Javier Castellano will ride the colt, owned by OGMA Investments LLC, Ramiro Restrepo, Sterling Racing LLC and CMNWLTH, out of post eight. He’s listed at 15-1 on the morning line.

PRACTICAL MOVE/REINCARNATE – Trainer Tim Yakteen sent his Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move out for a good gallop at the start of the special 7:30 to 7:45 training session Thursday morning at Churchill Downs. The big colt by Practical Joke galloped under exercise rider Baltazar Contreras for a mile and three-eighths and schooled in the starting gate as well.

At 7:55 Contreras got a leg up on Reincarnate, the Sham Stakes (GIII) winner, and he, too, headed to the racetrack for a good gallop, covering a mile and a quarter when all was said and done.

The trainer was asked if all was good with his charges heading toward Derby 149.

“Yes, I’m happy with where my horses are,” he said. “Everything is going well.”

Practical Move will break out of Post 10 Saturday with regular rider Ramon Vazquez aboard. Reincarnate will come out of Post seven and have Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez in the saddle.

RAISE CAIN – Andrew and Rania Warren’s Raise Cain galloped 1 ½ miles under Rene Morales for trainer Ben Colebrook.

“This morning was as good as he ever trained,” Colebrook said. “His ears were pricked.”

Raise Cain will represent the first Derby starter for the 45-year-old Colebrook, who went out on his own in 2012.

“The first Derby I saw in person was Thunder Gulch in 1995,” Colebrook said. “The first Derby I really remember was Alysheba (in 1987). He was my favorite horse.”

ROCKET CAN – The Into Mischief colt, owned by Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, was on the track Thursday morning for a gallop of about a mile-and-three-eighths with regular exercise rider Guelser Cardona.

“We got held up a bit, but it turned out OK,” said Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, referring to Verifying dumping his exercise rider and taking off.

Rocket Can, who drew the No. 18 post position and was listed at morning-line odds of 30-1, will have Junior Alvarado aboard in the Derby. He’ll wear blinkers, and has trained with them on.

SKINNER – Following a pattern he set on his first Churchill training morning this past Monday, trainer John Shirreffs sent his colt Skinner to the racetrack at 9 a.m. for his morning exercise.

The Curlin colt, a $510,000 2-year-old-in-training purchase by owners C R K Stable, had exercise rider Donnie Balthazar up and a stable pony alongside as they came through the six-furlong gap and backtracked to the finish line and up into the paddock. The rider then took the bay onto the racetrack from there for a strong mile and one-half gallop, moving smartly in the middle of the racetrack. Skinner was on the bit and wanting to run.

“Oh, yeah, happy with that strong move,” said Shirreffs, who watched he drill from a viewing stand on the backside.

Skinner was escorted by veteran pony lady Monnie Goetz. She has taken Shirreffs previous Kentucky Derby winner, Giacomo, to the post for the 2005 Kentucky Derby. She was asked if she had happy memories of that.

“Oh, yes,” she said. “That’s always fun when you’re working with a winner. I’ve had a couple of others that I took to the post, too – Orb in 2013 and California Chrome in 2014.”

Who, it was wondered, would she be taking postward for Derby 149?

“Don’t know yet,” she noted. “I’ve been working with about 13 of them leading up to the race. I’ll wind up with one of them.”

Made aware of the special training hours in place for Friday because of the Kentucky Oaks card, Shirreffs indicated that he would send his charge out during the special 7:45 to 8 a.m. training period set aside for Derby and Oaks runners. The track closes for training after that.

SUN THUNDER – Trainer Kenny McPeek had his colt back on the track Thursday with regular exercise rider Martin Vargas, galloping slightly more than a mile.

On Oaks Day, McPeek plans to send Sun Thunder out in the first set when the track opens at 5:15 a.m.

Riding Sun Thunder in his breeze was his Derby jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr. The colt, owned by R.T Racing Stable and Cypress Creek Equine, has been training with blinkers on, and will wear them in the Derby. Sun Thunder and Hernandez will leave the Derby starting gate from post position 13. He’s listed at 50-1 on the morning line.

McPeek has made headlines throughout the week sporting University of Kentucky and University of Louisville gear. However, Wednesday night McPeek and his family attended the Davenport Derby Dash, a benefit for the Scott Davenport Foundation at Bellarmine University.

When asked at the event his instructions to Hernandez in the Derby, McPeek stated, “I’m just watching along. I’ll let Brian decide what to do.”

TWO PHIL’S – Patricia’s Hope, Phillip Sagan, and Madaket Stable’s Two Phil’s visited the track earlier than usual on Thursday, galloping his standard 1 and 1/4 miles at 6 a.m. under exercise rider Gonzalo Gonzales. The son of Hard Spun by the General Quarters mare Mia Torri was bred by the father and son team of Chicago natives Philip and Anthony Sagan, who have retained 10 percent ownership.

One of the two eponymous Phils, Phil Sagan arrived in Louisville on Wednesday and joined son Anthony on the backside Thursday morning.

“

Two Phil’s is the first horse we ever bred, and nobody wanted him,” Anthony Sagan said. “His mother is a Florida-bred and we actually bought her off Michael “Bo” Yates (trainer of Oaks filly Dorth Vader). She was the first horse we ever bought. The mom is the same type of horse—relaxed, easy going, nothing bothered her, she didn't lose her mind in the paddock—so he got that from her. How many guys get involved in the game with one horse and then after she’s done racing, breed that horse, and the first horse she has is now in the Derby.”

Two Phil’s has two brothers, a two-year-old by Omaha Beach and a baby by McKenzie. The chestnut colt will school in the paddock ahead of Race three on Thursday.

ALSO-ELIGIBLES (at the time notes were released) – Trainer Dale Romans is making sure Cyclone Mischief is fresh, fit and ready to step into the 20th starting gate on Saturday, if a horse is scratched from the Derby field.

“He went out to school in the gate, and will stand in the paddock today,” Romans said Friday following a gallop of about a mile-and-three-eighths with exercise rider Faustino Herrarte. “He galloped super today.”

Hiroaki Arai’s Mandarin Hero galloped two miles under Yuji Horita.

Brereton C. Jones and Naber Racing’s King Russell galloped 1 ½ miles Thursday at 7:30 a.m.

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE

AFFIRMATIVE LADY – AMO Racing USA’s Affirmative Lady had an eventful mile and a half gallop under Kevin Lundie.

“She had an interrupted mile and a half,” trainer Graham Motion said. “She had to pull up because of the loose horse. It’s ironic, really, with the special training time and there is supposed to be no drama.”

Winner of the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) in her most recent start, Affirmative Lady will exit post 13 under John Velazquez in Friday afternoon’s Oaks.

“I’d like to see Johnny save some ground going into the first turn,” Motion said. “He has done it so many times, I will leave it up to him.”

Motion said Affirmative Lady would not go to the track in the morning.

AND TELL ME NOLIES – Peter Redekop’s And Tell Me Nolies went out to train at 7:30 a.m. with the other Kentucky Oaks and Derby contenders and was appearing to have a routine morning of galloping and standing in the starting gate until the very end of the session. As she was walking back to the barn, she reared and dumped her exercise rider before galloping at full speed off the track and back to the barn.

Trainer Peter Miller, who had been watching training with his two sons Jacob and Seth, reported the filly appears to be fine and they are moving forward to the Oaks.

“She just got real happy and reared up,” Miller said. “Luckily, she didn’t go down or anything, so she’s OK. She seems OK.”

BOTANICAL, THE ALYS LOOK, WET PAINT – Trainer Brad Cox sent Botanical and The Alys Look to the track together first set at 5:15 a.m. along with Derby runner Hit Show for their Thursday training and they both galloped a 1 ½ miles. Kentucky Oaks morning line favorite Wet Paint went out to train at 7:30 with three of her stablemates running in the Kentucky Derby, Angel of Empire, Jace’s Road and Verifying, and she also galloped 1 ½ miles.

“They’re really good,” Cox said. “They just had regular gallops. They all schooled yesterday and were great. They’ll just walk tomorrow.”

DEFINING PURPOSE – The Ashland Stakes (GI) winner took to the track Thursday morning during the period reserved for Oaks and Derby horses, with regular exercise rider Shelby Spalding aboard, for the usual gallop of about a mile-and-three-eighths.

“My filly was off the track before it happened, so she got in her full gallop,” trainer Kenny McPeek said of the incident with Verifying dumping his exercise rider and running off. She’ll walk the shedrow early Friday, before the Oaks later in the day.

The filly, who races in the silks of Magdalena Racing, Collette Marie Vanmatre and James Ball, drew the No. 11 post position in the field of 14. Brian Hernandez Jr. will ride 12-1 Defining Purpose Friday.

DORTH VADER – John Ropes’ Dorth Vader had a routine 1 ½-mile gallop at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

FLYING CONNECTION – Brad King, Randy Andrews, G. Chris Coleman, Jim Cone, Suzanne Kirby and Lee Lewis’ Flying Connection galloped a mile and a half under Oscar Rojero.

“She had to pull up (because of the loose horse), but a couple minutes later I saw her around the seven-eighths pole and see was going strong,” trainer Todd Fincher said.

Fincher said the wire-to-wire winner of the Sunland Park Oaks (Listed) in her most recent start would not go to the track Friday morning.

Florent Geroux, who worked Flying Connection twice here, has the mount and will leave from post 10.

“I’d like to see her break a length and front and have a clean trip,” said Fincher, who is saddling his first Oaks starter. “Then we will see how she stacks up.”

GAMBLING GIRL/JULIA SHINING – Trainer Todd Pletcher had his two Kentucky Oaks possibles trackside for the special training session between 7:30 and 7:45 Thursday morning. Exercise rider Carlos Quevedo was at the controls for Gambling Girl, while Humberto Zamora was in the saddle with Julia Shining.

Gambling Girl is guaranteed a spot for the 149th edition of the “Run for the Lillies,” while Julia Shining will need a couple of scratches in the race prior to 9 a.m. Friday. Both took their Thursday exercise over a mile and three eighths on a sunny Louisville morning.

Gambling Girl will have Irad Ortiz Jr. in the tack and break from Post three. Julia Shining may wind up in the Black-Eyed Susan on Preakness weekend in Baltimore

MIMI KAKUSHI – Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s Mimi Kakushi jogged a mile alongside a pony and then galloped a mile under Xavier Ziani.

Trainer Salem bin Ghadayer said Mimi Kakushi could go to the track in the morning or be hand-walked in the Quarantine Barn.

Mimi Kakushi will represent bin Ghadayer’s first starter in the United States and the trainer is optimistic about his filly.

“She has improved every race and I think she has a good chance,” bin Ghadayer said of the UAE Oaks (GIII) winner. “It is a very open race, but we came here to win and not to turn around and go back home.”

PRETTY MISCHIEVOUS – With trainer Brendan Walsh on pony overseeing the preparations, Pretty Mischievous galloped her regular distance of one mile and a half during the 7:30 - 7:45 a.m. Derby/Oaks training window.

“She’s had a great week, really she’s doing super,” Walsh said. “She’s got a lot of class. It’s been a good couple of days so far, which feels good heading into a big weekend.”

Walsh has saddled three winners from four entries in the first three days of Churchill’s Spring Meet, including winning two maiden races on Wednesday’s card with Gloria’s Princess and Eddie M.

PROMISEHER AMERICA – Forgoing the Derby and Oaks training window, Hoffman Thoroughbreds, Tom McCrocklin, and Medallion Racing’s Promiseher America jogged one mile at around 6:00 a.m. Thursday.

“She did perfect. She’s a quiet filly. She’s not nervous at all and seems like her normal self in the new environment. (Her exercise rider Fernando Tapara) was really happy with the gallop yesterday,” assistant trainer Rodrigo Montecino reported.

SOUTHLAWN – Robert Masterson’s Southlawn had a 1 ½-mile gallop Thursday morning for trainer Norm Casse. Jockey Rey Gutierrez was on hand watching his Oaks mount train while getting interviewed in the Kentucky Derby Morning Works Show.

WONDER WHEEL – A day after making an appearance during the Oaks and Derby training window, the Mark Casse-trainee Wonder Wheel returned to her routine exercise time of 6 a.m. on Thursday morning. Assistant trainer David Carroll led D.J. Stable’s filly through an easy gallop.

“If the real Wonder Wheel shows up, she’ll be tough,” Mark Casse said. “She is 2 for 2 here at Churchill. My wife brought two dresses, her fancy dress for Derby day and her other dress which is nice but is for the Oaks, and I told her she might want to reverse that. I can’t say anything better than that about how she is doing.”

Dick's Picks for the 2023 Kentucky Derby

Thu, 04 May 2023 16:45:54 GMT

Dick's Picks for the 2023 Kentucky Derby

By Dick Downey

Posted May 4, 2023 at 12:48 p.m. ET

Updated May 4, 2023 at 3:13 p.m. ET with scratch of Practical Move, inclusion of Cyclone Mischief

Updated May 4, 2023 at 5:12 p.m. ET with Lord Miles ordered out of the race, inclusion of Mandarin Hero

Updated May 4, 2023 at 11:15 p.m. ET with scratch of Continuar, inclusion of King Russell

Updated May 5, 2023 at 11:05 a.m. ET with scratch of Skinner

Updated May 6, 2023 at 12:02 p.m. ET after scratch of Forte

PLEASE NOTE FINAL REVISIONS AND FINAL EDIT TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY AFTER THE SCRATCH OF FORTE.

RACE SETUP

Most of the early speed drew inside one of the two horses among the three lowest morning lines: Angel of Empire (#14, 8-1) and Derma Sotogake (#17, 10-1). With a good trip Angel of Empire can sit outside the initial pace, and with a well-timed ride he can loom large as the field turns for home and and the wall of sound to run the dramatic last quarter-mile of the Kentucky Derby.

Tapit Trice (#5, 5-1), the morning line favorite with the scratch of Forte, doesn't break from the gate all that well and may very well find himself behind horses in the early going. I suspect Tapit Trice, in order to be most effective and utilize his long stride, will need to find a way to get outside the speed, but how long will it take? More about that below.

Angel of Empire being outside the early pace, especially a quick early pace, will help him. The consensus seems to be the early pace won't be hot, but you never know in the Derby. No one saw a 45-and-change first half-mile coming last year, but it happened.

The addition of #22 Mandarin Hero and #23 King Russell in the outside posts puts two more closers in the field.

My thought is Reincarnate (#7) is a good candidate to lead the field into the first turn after his most recent workout going four furlongs in 46:40 Handily (1/31) at Santa Anita. He may try to take it all the way, Baffert style, but without being in Baffert's barn. If he does, well, that's horse racing for better or for worse.

Verifying (#2) could be right there with Reincarnate at the first turn IF he isn't shuffled back by the inevitable narrowing of running room while horses are jockeyed for position the first time down the lane.

Confidence Game (#4) has won two races on the lead and had a very aggressive workout last Saturday, so it's hard to rule out an early engagement for him.

Kingsbarns (#6) won the Louisiana Derby on the lead when he put a field with little early speed to sleep and got away with moderate fractions. As long as he isn't banged around much in the early going, he won't have a problem dealing with kickback, so while I don't look for Kingsbarns to lead early I suspect he'll be prominent.

Other horses are, in my opinion, candidates to be at the front or close to it in the early going: Jace's Road (post 12), a stablemate of Angel of Empire; Derma Sotogake (JPN) (post 17, 10-1), who resents restraint and could be part of the speed; Rocket Can (#18), although I think he is unlikely, and Cyclone Mischief (#21).

Should a brisk early pace set up, I see it benefiting my top choice (Angel of Empire) and other closers.
_______________

OBJECTIVE MEASURES

The Downey Profile is an objective evaluation of the Kentucky Derby, and this year we've looked to two other objective measures. Attached here is a summary of the three different objective measures used this year: (a) The Downey Profile rankings; (b) Profile Busters Profile; and (c) Derby by the Speed Numbers.

(a) Top 4 Downey Profile horses in order of points: Angel of Empire, Tapit Trice, Confidence Game (added after scratch of Practical Move), Hit Show (Performance Points Only category, moved up after scratch of Forte) and Mandarin Hero (Total Points category, moved up after scratch of Forte)

(b) Profile Buster Profile: Mandarin Hero and Two Phil's

(c) Top 4 Derby by the Speed Numbers in order of points: Angel of Empire (5), Skinner (4), Two Phil's (4), Tapit Trice (3), Verifying (3)

HORSES SUGGESTED BY THESE OBJECTIVE MEASURES

ANGEL OF EMPIRE (8-1, #14) He also looks good in both my Profile and Derby by the Speed Numbers.

Angel of Empire is my Derby horse. Horses are pack animals, and the ones that separate from the pack like to win. This was one such horse in the Arkansas Derby The way he separated himself from the field, his turn of foot, impressed me. The separation took place quickly.

Some might say, what did he beat. You can look at a lot of the fields in races like this and say the same thing about the winner. I don't think this argument holds water, and my answer to it is, he beat every other horse in the race. The fact is that the margin of victory in the Arkansas Derby was much greater than it was in the Santa Anita Derby, the Florida Derby and the Blue Grass Stakes combined.

I think the comment made by Chris Landeros after his last workout was telling. Angel of Empire had just left Jace's Road in his dust during the gallop-out -- again we saw a sudden separation of horses. Landeros was aboard Angel of Empire for the move. Asked about the work by the notes team, Landeros said, "He seems to have a lot of gears."

Albaugh Family Stables owns Angel of Empire, and they own Jace's Road in partnership with West Point Thoroughbreds. Jace's Road will break from post 12 and represent an early influence that could help insure an honest pace. Meanwhile, Angel of Empire can sit outside the leaders early while Prat waits to see if he will repeat his stunning turn of foot. In the meantime, if he needs to run through kickback Angel of Empire has shown it doesn't bother him.

Angel of Empire has a dosage index of 9.00. I have long written about the demise of the dual qualifier (horses had to have a dosage index of 4.00 to qualify, but the handicapping method went away a number of years ago), and some of you may remember I recently wrote Angel of Empire could represent not just the demise, but the extinction of dosage as a factor in the Kentucky Derby. Before the Arkansas Derby, I had never seen a horse with a dosage index this high annihilate foes going nine furlongs.

Not only that, but Angel of Empire ran through the wire and led the way in the Arkansas Derby gallop-out, separated two or three lengths from the ran-too-late Red Route One who in the gallop-out was just ahead of second-, third- and fourth-place finishers King Russell, Reincarnate and Rocket Can. Those four remained grouped closely in the first turn like they were at the finish line.

One last point, and it's that the Arkansas Derby draws a huge crowd. The Kentucky Derby won't be Angel of Empire's first rodeo in front of a large number of raucous fans. My top selection.

TWO PHIL'S (12-1, #3) He is a Profile Buster along with Mandarin Hero, and he rates well in my Derby by the Speed Numbers analysis.

Two Phil's is another one that can handle kickback, and he'll likely need that quality exiting from post 3 as horses ahead of him wrangle for position going into the first turn.

The win of the Jeff Ruby by Two Phil's was devastating as he came from the middle of the field to blow away his competition in the lane. Like Angel of Empire, he defies pack mentality. Before the synthetic-track Ruby, Two Phil's raced competitively on dirt in the Lecomte and Risen Star, but he could not quite close the deal.

Trainer Rivelli said the colt trained super at Turfway, that he clearly liked the synthetic surface, and that he wished for a sloppy track at Churchill Downs on May 6 (Two Phil's won on the slop there last fall). Two Phil's isn't going to have synthetic track or rain on Saturday, but will he need it? His recent works on dirt have been great, and upon arrival at Churchill Downs this week, he's stood on the track like an old pro, unfazed by the activity around him.

There's a lot to like here. After the wire in the Jeff Ruby, Two Phil's gallop-out extended all the way to the backstretch, and the camera work doesn't show anything else close to him.

And lest we overlook this, synthetic horses are often best on turf. Two Phil's hasn't run on turf, but if he is indeed best on turf, the dirt track at Churchill Downs is known to be kind to some of the turf horses that try it. Major threat.

PRACTICAL MOVE (SCRATCHED) He looks good in the Downey Profile and Derby by the Speed Numbers.

By my count there are four, maybe five possible early-pace horses located inside Practical Move in the starting gate. Practical Move's backers want to see him get another trip like the ones he got in the San Felipe Stakes and Santa Anita Derby, sitting off (hopefully for him) lesser horses while saving ground before he assumes command.

A knock on the Santa Anita Derby as a whole could be that the top three finishers received a perfect setup from two long odds horses setting a brisk pace (54-1 One in Vermillion and 40-1 Low Expectations, pace was 22.30 and 46.30) for over a half-mile. The absence of Geaux Rocket Ride, who was scratched after spiking a fever, left the field absent a front-runner with the potential to carry his speed deep into the stretch.

Going into the Kentucky Derby, assuming he gets a good trip and runs well, the question is whether Practical Move can keep it going after a mile and an eighth. His pedigree does not exude classic distance, and he held off a charging Mandarin Hero (as of this post still needing two defections to get in) by only a nose in the Santa Anita Derby, with Skinner a looming one-half length back at the wire. But here's the thing. Despite the momentum Mandarin Hero and Skinner built when they were coming after Practical Move in the lane, Practical Move still led the field through the gallop-out, initially followed most closely by Mandarin Hero and Skinner -- and it was National Treasure, not Mandarin Hero or Skinnerr, who joined Practical Move as they approached the center of the first turn.

I'm told there are rumors floating around about Practical Move, but if he isn't okay why does Rosie Napravnik have him picked second? I do take note that none of the other in-house experts at Churchill Downs have him in their top 5 selections, but Rosie has proven them wrong before.

FORTE (SCRATCHED) He is in The Downey Profile Top 4.

I wonder if Forte will be sent off at 3-1 or less. If those odds hold, maybe we better forget about whatever concerns we have.

Concerns like him getting worked up and sweating on his neck like he did before the Florida Derby. Wait, he won the Florida Derby anyway.

Concerns like his descending Beyer speed figures. Let's take a look at some comparative figures.

Beyers: Breeders' Cup Juvenile: 100. Fountain of Youth: 98. Florida Derby: 95.
Brisnet: Breeders' Cup Juvenile: 100. Fountain of Youth: 103. Florida Derby: 100.
Equibase: Breeders' Cup Juvenile: 105. Fountain of Youth: 106. Florida Derby: 104.

That was a bit anti-climactic unless you trust the Beyer figures a lot more than the others.

Concerns that his pedigree doesn't shout classic distance. Maybe it doesn't, but does that mean he can't win the Kentucky Derby?

Concerns the Florida Derby took too much out of him. That is possible, in my opinion. Although it was a courageous win, the race kind of fell apart in front of him when second-finisher Mage shortened stride late after coming from last to quickly pass Forte. Forte looked all-out to get the win. Still, after the wire, Forte and Mage galloped out best, but neither of them galloped past the mid-point of the first turn.

I feel at this point like I'm playing Devil's Advocate against Forte, just searching for reasons to beat a winner of six races in seven starts, so I'll return to the initial point. Maybe we should just watch the board and see if he gets support to match the future wagers (5-2 in pool 6) and the morning line (3-1). He's a deserving favorite.

TAPIT TRICE (5-1, #5) This $1.3 million yearling purchase is in The Downey Profile Top 4 and in the Top 4 of Derby by the Speed Numbers.

Tapit Trice did not draw well, in my opinion. Although he has a long, graceful, athletic stride, he is not very quick leaving the gate, where he is inside-ish. Tapit Trice impresses me as a horse that wants to be outside to run his best. If so, the question is how and when will he get outside.

There may be a path. Let's look at the horses to his outside in the gate. Reincarnate [7] and Jace's Road [12] will probably be sent, and Mage [8] probably will be behind him, possibly opening the space to get out. But Skinner [9] Practical Move [10] and Disarm [11] could block that space, and certainly the riders of those horses will see it would be to their advantage to do so.

In conclusion at some point Tapit Trice should run freely enough to impact the race, but I see his chance of winning compromised by the post position.

SKINNER (SCRATCHED) He ranks well in Derby by the Speed Numbers, which looks at six measurements of speed. He has a top 4 Beyer Speed Figure; a top 4 DRF combined speed/track variant number; a top 4 Brisnet late pace figure; and a top 4 Equibase speed figure.

Victor Espinoza, who won a Triple Crown aboard American Pharoah the year after he won the Derby and Preakness on California Chrome, was taken off Skinner for the Kentucky Derby and replaced with Juan Hernandez, who's never ridden him or in a Triple Crown race. Comments by trainer Shirreffs intimate the owner wanted a change after Espinoza moved too soon on Skinner in the Santa Anita Derby.

Curiously, Skinner was the only horse that finished in the top four of the Santa Anita Derby to run perfect 12-second furlongs (see Sections 4 and 7), and he finished the final 3/8 mile in under 37 seconds. Assuming the track was playing fast, and in my opinion it was, he did very well to close from seventh to be beaten by only a half-length. So if he was ridden poorly, no telling what could happen with better timing.

The chart call for the Santa Anita Derby: "Skinner got bumped on both sides leaving the gate, reserved three wide early, went three deep into the far turn, range up four wide outside the leaders leaving the bend, bumped with the runner-up in the lane, fought three deep into the final sixteenth and finished a game third."

CONFIDENCE GAME (20-1, #4) He is in the Top 4 of The Downey Profile rankings. Read more about him below in The Pace Candidates section. From three total wins he has come from behind to win once (on a sloppy track in the Rebel). He has two wins as the pacesetter with both those races taking place at Churchill Downs. I consider him a possible pace factor.

MANDARIN HERO (20-1, #22) He is a Profile Buster along with Two Phil's; is in the Top 4 in the Total Points Category of The Downey Profile rankings; and is among the Top 4 in Derby by the Speed Numbers. Mandarin Hero, who ran a 100 Beyer in the Santa Anita Derby, could be a major player. He ran his eyeballs out in the Santa Anita Derby after being shipped in from Japan. I have to wonder if he has another effort like that in him this soon. He's on the small side, so has he retained his weight? Can he handle such an extreme outside post with his come-from behind style? If he makes it into the field, I could not pick him to win, but perhaps on the bottom of vertical exotics.

VERIFYING (15-1, #2) He is in among the top horses in Derby by the Speed Numbers. See section below for Verifying.

THE PACE CANDIDATES

Most if not all the horses in the preceding section are expected to come from off the pace. Confidence Game could be an exception, and there's more about him below. Let's take a look at the early pace.

VERIFYING (15-1, #2) This one is a consistent pace factor and is capable of breaking well and running an initial quarter-mile in 23 seconds. Recently I wondered if the Blue Grass was his Derby and if he had another eighth-mile in him, but then I looked back at the gallop-out. Verifying was showing the way ahead of Tapit Trice, who overtook Verifying late to win the Blue Grass by a neck. He's an expensive, well-bred horse who has a legitimate chance in the Kentucky Derby.

I'm mainly concerned with his post, which is not a desirable one even with the relatively new starting gate that has the inner posts looking straight down the stretch instead of the inner rail. Verifying will need a clean trip into the first turn, and no one knows how that's going to work out. One thing is for sure, in my opinion, and it's that he will be sent by jockey Gaffalione, who's not afraid to ride aggressively.

I would not leave Verifying off of tickets.

CONFIDENCE GAME (20-1, #4) Confidence Game wowed onlookers with what some perceive to have been a one-mile breeze last Saturday, although it was made official at five furlongs. Trainer Desormeaux claimed he was told Confidence Game went 1 1/6 mile in 1:43 and 2/5. This gives me the impression Desormeaux wants jockey Graham be aggressive, have Confidence Game right there leaving the far turn, and let the chips fall where they may. Last year Confidence Game won on the lead sprinting and in an allowance race at the home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs.

The obvious issue is that Confidence Game hasn't raced since February and has not raced beyond 1 1/16 mile. The last horse I recall who tried the Derby under similar circumstances was Destin. After winning the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Derby in March 2016, he finished sixth, beaten seven lengths, in the Kentucky Derby.

KINGSBARNS (#6) is discussed in the next section.

REINCARNATE (50-1, #7) This looks like a mistake morning line. Some of the readers probably know more than I do about this, but I'm told there's a belief that his morning line was somehow switched with that of Jace's Road at the post position draw. Jace's Road was announced at 15-1, but he's 50-1 in the program. Reincarnate was announced at 50-1, which surprised me, and he's the same in the program. I guess my point is, if Reincarnate is bet down quite a bit from that 50-1 morning line, don't be surprised.

This horse has been on the lead at the first call three times, winning twice and finishing second the other time. In each of those three races he cut out splits of 23 and 47 seconds (one of them was 47 and 1). One of the two wins came in the Sham, where he hung on by a neck to the since-injured Newgate. Horses from trainer Baffert's barn have a history of improving off so-so finishes to win the Kentucky Derby (Authentic in 2020, Medina Spirit in 2021 later disqualified by stewards for a betamethasone positive).

Beating Reincarnate will be more likely if he gets an early challenge or two. His best chance of winning is to get an uncontested lead and just cruise around there.

Last year trainer Yakteen had two horses in the Derby formerly trained by Baffert. Taiba was sent off at 5-1 odds and finished 12th. Messier finished 15th at 7-1 odds.

Although horses transferred out of Baffert's barn have not been outstanding as a group this year, it might be wise to use Reincarnate on tickets in case he gets out front and stays ahead of tiring horses.

JACE'S ROAD (50-1, #12) The stablemate to Angel of Empire is expected to be forwardly placed early. In past races he's set the pace only once, winning the Gun Runner (sire of his stablemate) by five lengths in December at Fair Grounds. He did not fare as well in the Southwest Stakes after finding himself fifth early and fifth at the end after losing ground. Much more forwardly-placed in the Louisiana Derby, Jace's Road was second early and could have challenged Kingsbarns at that point, but jockey Geroux decided to back off and conserve his energy. However, Kingsbarns had plenty left in the tank and won. Disarm came on late to get second.

DERMA SOTOGAKE (10-1, #17) Derma Sotogake ran a very good and fast UAE Derby on the lead and finished strongly after cutting out honest early fractions. He was all alone at the finish line. I am told he got a 1 on the Ragozin sheets, a very good number. The 1 3/16-mile UAE Derby was Derma Sotogake's fifth (not a typo) race at 1 1/8 mile or longer, so he has a lot of foundation.

If this horse had won a major prep race in the United States like he did the UAE Derby, his morning line would probably be less than 10-1. The fact remains that from 22 editions of the UAE Derby, not one horse from the UAE Derby has hit the board in the Kentucky Derby. Five years ago UAE Derby winner Mendelssohn got a lot of steam at Churchill Downs, was sent off at 6-1, and finished last after being eased.

With history against Derma Sotogake, nothing is ever absolute in this game. With that disclaimer, I view this horse as one that will either run great or bad.

His assistant trainer said Tuesday, “I think from the outside (post 17) he will be able to take a decent position keeping an eye on the whole field in the early stages. He broke quickly from the gate the other day, so I think it won’t be a problem."

I'm not sure how to interpret that comment, but in my opinion, if Derma Sotogake has a chance to win, I cannot envision his rider doing anything other than sending him. My reasoning is that this horse has demonstrated in the mornings his resentment of being restrained by throwing his head. If that his how he's ridden in the Derby, would it not compromise him?

Perhaps the rider will not try to rate Derma Sotogake. I'm thinking back on the 2017 Derby when Always Dreaming was a bear to train in the mornings. Trainer Pletcher resorted to draw reins to keep him under control in training because Always Dreaming kept trying to run off. It was a big deal, and his unruliness left a lot of people doubting Always Dreaming. But when the Derby gate opened, Always Dreaming had it his way. He was not restrained, and he won.

I have to think Derma Sotogake's odds would be skewed lower due to heavy Japanese interest and wagering, so if he's not on the board at less than his 10-1 morning line, it might be a tell.

Derma Sotogake could merit a ticket where he's the winner or on top in vertical bets. He's not my top pick or in my top 6, but a saver ticket on him might be in order just in case he turns out to be another rendition of Always Dreaming.

ROCKET CAN (#18) is discussed two sections down.

CYCLONE MISCHIEF (30-1, #21) I am happy to see Cyclone Mischief get in the Derby because it's possible he will enhance the early pace, helping set it up for my top pick. If he is not sent, he will either have to deal with kickback, which he didn't seem to handle in the Holy Bull, or he will be very wide in the first turn. And it's possible he will be very wide even if he is sent.

HORSES THAT IMPRESS ME SUBJECTIVELY

KINGSBARNS (12-1, #6) This horse hasn't done anything wrong in three career starts, all age three.

The name alone shows connections thought highly of him from the beginning. An $800,000 Fasig-Tipton Florida March 2022 purchase, the village of Kingsbarns is just down the road from the royal and ancient home of golf, St. Andrews.

Kingsbarns is a laid-back professional horse that just deals with things. For example, he's unbeaten even though he has never run out of his own stall at a track. He raced right through kickback to impressively win his first start, a one-turn mile at Gulfstream Park after shipping in from Palm Beach Downs. Next he shipped up to Tampa and won an allowance race by almost eight lengths. Then he shipped to Fair Grounds and won the Louisiana Derby. As my old friend Mike "Cheap Speed" Pearson used to say about Smarty Jones, "Kingsbarns just don't care." Now he will run out of his own stall for the first time in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Kingsbarns won the Louisiana Derby on the lead, the first time he used that style. From post 6 he's likely to encounter kickback, which is not a concern. The main thing he must avoid, like any horse trying for position hitting the first turn, is being jostled, and that's out of our hands.

I have kind of come around to this horse, and it was watching videos of his first two races on Tuesday afternoon that brought me. I also realized he has ascending speed figures much like Angel of Empire. One other thing, and it's that Flavien Prat chose to ride Angel of Empire over Kingsbarns. If he's right, then maybe I'm good with Angel of Empire. And now in Kingsbarns' corner is Jose Ortiz. Not bad.

DISARM (30-1, #11) His speed figures aren't special, but Disarm's training at Churchill Downs has been eye-catching, walking and jogging with his neck bowed, very much within himself and looking like the real deal.

That kind of demeanor doesn't always produce a big race, but nine days after he ran an just-okay third in the short-stretch Lexington Stakes to get Derby points, Disarm put in one of the two best, if not the best, Derby workout this year. To me the most impressive part came after the finish line when Disarm ran hard up the backstretch, and was into the far turn when he was pulled up. That was a good Derby work, and trainer Asmussen was obviously enthused by what he saw as revealed in a post-workout interview by Jennie Rees.

Wouldn't it be ironic if Asmussen and owner Winchell, who teamed up with heavily favored Epicenter in the 2022 Derby only to see him upset by ultra-longshot Rich Strike, finally got their first gold trophy with a 30-1 morning line.

TWO HORSES SHOWING LIFE WITH BLINKERS ADDED

SUN THUNDER (50-1, #13) and ROCKET CAN (30-1, #18) They have picked up supporters in recent days with the addition of blinkers by their respective trainers.

Rocket Can's stakes resume shows a decline in form with fluctuating speed figures: first in the Holy Bull (82 Beyer, 93 Brisnet), second to Forte in the Fountain of Youth (91 Beyer, 98 Brisnet) and fourth as the favorite in the Arkansas Derby (86 Beyer, 96 Brisnet). Trainer Mott is known for persevering with Country House, who was in the far outside post in the 2019 Derby and won via the disqualification of Maximum Security. Country House ran the race of his life a week after putting in the best workout of his life in company with stablemate Tacitus who went on to finish a good fourth (moved up to third).

Rocket Can's penultimate Derby work found him running all the way into the second turn, which is what Country House and Tacitus did in their final works. Rocket Can's most recent work was impressive as well, just not as ambitious. He looks great on the track and has a trainer in his corner who's founds ways to win for decades.

Sun Thunder gives the impression he's feeling very well, and it wouldn't surprise me if he far outruns his odds.

The McPeek trainee has been very energetic on the track for several days, both while working Tuesday and otherwise galloping with ears consistently pricked. At a 50-1 morning line he sports a resume that includes not one, not two, but three races at 1 1/8 mile or more. He suggests to us he can get a mile and a quarter, and there is a degree of consistency about him even though he doesn't consistently win races: fourth of eight in the Southwest, second of 14 in the Risen Star, fifth of 12 in the Louisiana Derby, and fourth of 11 in the Blue Grass.

THE REMAINING FIELD

HIT SHOW (30-1, #1) His inside post and lack of early speed lead me to think he will have a tough trip. Whether he will hit the board is anyone's guess, but he doesn't lead my list of candidates because of the heavy traffic he's likely to encounter during the run to the first turn. However, as of Saturday Hit Show is now in the Top 4 of The Downey Profile (Performance Points Only category) after the defection of Forte, and so I added him to the recommended plays set out below.

MAGE (15-1, #8) I recommend using Mage because even though he is subpar at getting away from the gate, he can motor if he gets a decent trip. With only three races under his belt, Mage's inexperience could be his undoing when he encounters the delirium that is the Kentucky Derby crowd. If possible keep an eye on him in the paddock and post parade.

RAISE CAIN (50-1, #16) He will be very high odds. He will be running late and try to pick up pieces. This horse is a smooth galloper, and I see a possibility of his being in the picture late if the race falls apart behind the winner.

KING RUSSELL (AE) (50-1, #23) Only in the Kentucky Derby could a horse that most recently finished second in a grade 1 race be 50-1 on the morning line. He is a late runner and starts from the far outside, and thus will be compromised from a ground-saving standpoint, so maybe long, long odds are justified. At any rate, King Russell would not affect the early pace, so his participation does not affect my top selections. I could see using him in superfectas. Maybe trifectas, depending on the budget.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

DICK'S PICKS

1. ANGEL OF EMPIRE (objective pick)
2. KINGSBARNS (subjective pick)
3. TWO PHIL'S (objective pick)

4. TAPIT TRICE (objective pick)

Longshots

DISARM (subjective pick)
ROCKET CAN (subjective pick)

Derma Sotogake ?

On the top in a couple of plays maybe use DERMA SOTOGAKE in case he duplicates his UAE Derby effort, which I consider unlikely, but he is gettting respect at the windows.

ON THE BOTTOM OF TICKETS
Must use HIT SHOW, MANDARIN HERO, VERIFYING
Recommend consideration of KING RUSSELL, MAGE, RAISE CAIN, SUN THUNDER

Possible trifecta plays (NOTE: VERIFYING IS #2)

14 ANGEL OF EMPIRE
with 3 TWO PHIL'S / 5 TAPIT TRICE 6 KINGSBARNS
with 1 HIT SHOW / 2 VERIFYING / 3 TWO PHIL'S / 5 TAPIT TRICE / 6 KINGSBARNS / 8 MAGE / 11 DISARM / 13 SUN THUNDER / 16 RAISE CAIN / 18 ROCKET CAN / 22 MANDARIN HERO / 23 KING RUSSELL
(33 combinations)

3 TWO PHIL'S / 5 TAPIT TRICE / 6 KINGSBARNS
with 14 ANGEL OF EMPIRE
with 1 HIT SHOW / 2 VERIFYING / 3 TWO PHIL'S / 5 TAPIT TRICE / 6 KINGSBARNS / 8 MAGE / 11 DISARM / 13 SUN THUNDER / 16 RAISE CAIN / 18 ROCKET CAN / MANDARIN HERO / 23 KING RUSSELL
(33 combinations)

3 TWO PHIL'S / 5 TAPIT TRICE / 6 KINGSBARNS
with 1 HIT SHOW / 2 VERIFYING / 3 TWO PHIL'S / 5 TAPIT TRICE / 6 KINGSBARNS / 8 MAGE / 11 DISARM / 13 SUN THUNDER / 16 RAISE CAIN / 18 ROCKET CAN / MANDARIN HERO / 23 KING RUSSELL
with 14 ANGEL OF EMPIRE
(33 combinations)

One more possible tranche:
1 HIT SHOW / 2 VERIFYING / 3 TWO PHIL'S / 5 TAPIT TRICE / 6 KINGSBARNS / 8 MAGE / 11 DISARM / 13 SUN THUNDER / 16 RAISE CAIN / 18 ROCKET CAN / 22 MANDARIN HERO / 23 KING RUSSELL
with 14 ANGEL OF EMPIRE
with 3 TWO PHIL'S / 5 TAPIT TRICE / 6 KINGSBARNS
(33 combinations)