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

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 XBTV.com sign-in)

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 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

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 SHOW

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

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.

April 27

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."


TOP RESULTS
Seventh Remsen
Second Holy Bull
First Tampa Bay Derby

CONNECTIONS QUOTES

Trainer Brown after the Holy Bull: “He ran super. I’m really proud of him. The winner ran good to continue on and kick there. We made a good plan to just stay on the rail and save ground. He was pulling (with blinkers off), but it was a slow pace. It jammed us up a little bit pulling, but I’m just so proud that the horse gets back on track."

Tyler Gaffalione after the Tampa Bay Derby: “It worked out well because I was able to get right behind Javier (Castellano, on No More Time) the whole way and when we got around the 3/8-mile pole, he started to ask his horse and I just followed him. My horse was very responsive and he did the job well. That’s the thing I was most proud of coming into the stretch, was that (Grand Mo the First) was kind of leaning on my horse and I felt like if I could just get him free, I had plenty of horse. He’s still young and he’s still learning but I was very proud when he got him at the wire.”

Trainer Brown after the Tampa Bay Derby: “He showed a lot of heart after getting bumped by (Grand Mo the First) and he showed a lot of perseverance.He got good seasoning today. He had to rate and he was pulling a little bit off a slow pace, and I was really impressed with his heart and the fact he got his nose down on the wire. I think this race will serve him well moving forward. That’s why I wanted to run him here because he needed a race like this for a little more experience and a little more seasoning. I’m happy management here decided to go ahead, because this is an important race for the Kentucky Derby and I think they should be commended for putting the (tote issue) aside and running the race.”



CATALYTIC (KY)   #5     30-1
Derby Points: 50
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $186,000
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Owner: Bobo, Tami, Davies, Julie and Isaacs, George G.
Breeder: Fred W. Hertrich III
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Catalina Cruiser ((Union Rags, Sea Gull)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): One Show Only (Distorted Humor, Showpiece)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-4-5-0-0 (10) 3.00
Foal Date: March 21, 2021
Auction Price(s): $70,000 Keeneland November 2022; $125,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga August 2022
Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 22, Barn 3

WORKOUTS

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.”

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.