Kentucky Derby Workout Comments
Comments by Dick Downey
April 30: Messier video added last night. Zandon video added this morning
May 1: Added Comments for workouts that took place on April 30 and May 1. All videos are posted except for Un Ojo's breeze, which the cameramen may not have caught.
May 2: Summer Is Tomorrow breezed today. Barring a surprise, the sole remaining workout will belong to Crown Pride on Wednesday.
May 3: Added a NOTE to Cyberknife
May 4: Crown Pride and Taiba breezed today. With these moves, our workout comments for Kentucky Derby 148 are concluded. I will post videos if they are made available.
WORKOUTS MAY 4
CROWN PRIDE
May 4 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
46:60 Breezing 1/9
I will post a video if it is made available. It can be viewed at the May 4 Works show link on the Home page.
May 4 NOTE: Fractions were 24.20 and 35.60, with an easy gallop-out in 1:00, followed by a slow gallop up the backstretch.
May 4 COMMENT:
Crown Pride did this on his own well within himself as he displayed athleticism and a fluid stride. It was an impressive move, albeit not in comformity with American training standards. He was not running off and was in perfect harmony with Christophe Lemaire, his Derby jockey. Views of this breeze on Kevin Kerstein's Twitter numbered over 5,000 just under an hour after it was posted, while Taiba's three-furlong blowout on this same date had about 1,400 views.
TAIBA
May 4 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
38:40 Breezing 4/6
I will post a video if it is made available. It can be viewed at the May 4 Works show link on the Home page.
May 4 COMMENT: Taiba also blew out three furlongs three days before he won the Santa Anita Derby. Taiba has not raced with blinkers, and he will not have an equipment change in the Derby, but he breezed with blinkers today as he did at Santa Anita on April 28. Taiba, the number 1 ranked horse in The Downey Profile, exhibited a long stride. He presents an unusual handicapping challenge.
WORKOUT MAY 2
SUMMER IS TOMORROW
May 2 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
49:20 Breezing 6/21
May 2 NOTE: Splits were 13.60 and 25.80, so he finished well. Out five furlongs in 1:02.00.
May 2 COMMENT: On a beautiful morning in Kentucky, Summer Is Tomorrow registered a moderate workout time. His gallop-out was limited in scope. He displayed what I think is obvious high front action coming down the lane.
WORKOUTS APRIL 30-MAY 1, 2022
BARBER ROAD
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
VIDEO
April 30 NOTE:
Barber Road breezed four furlongs in 48.80 going solo under exercise rider Elexander Aguilar.. His gallop-out was timed in a slow 1:02.40. Trainer Ortiz said, “We’re ready. We’ve had a really strong campaign leading into the Derby and he has a lot of good seasoning underneath him. We know we have a fit horse and will be ready for the mile and a quarter."
May 1 COMMENT: The reaction to the gallop-out in the clockers' area on the 4th floor at Churchill Downs was negative, but Rosie Napravnik was complimentary of it during the Works show both yesterday and today. Although he is not fast, she admires the way "he keeps coming" and the fact (and it is a fact) that he always tries hard. Barber Road, if you watched a lengthy interview with trainer Ortiz, has a ton of good personality, which might just make him an optimist in the world of horses.
CHARGE IT
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
47.40 Breezing 9/130
April 30 NOTE: Charge It, with Luis Saez up, breezed inside of Pioneer of Medina. Charge It was a little better on the gallop-out. Track clockers caught them in 12.20, 23.60, 35.80 and 47.40, with the indication being they were out five furlongs in 59.60 and six in 112.40. Pioneer of Medina still needs a defection to make the Derby field. During the move, the backside siren activated for a loose horse in a gap. The riders persevered through the gallop-out of this all-important breeze.
Trainer Pletcher said, “It was a solid move. I got them in :23 and one for the last quarter. I was in touch with them on the radio and we had that scary moment when the siren went off (a workmate of an Oaks horse on the track lost the rider) just as they were at the wire so I alerted them. But I saw they picked up the loose horse right away and I was able to let them know about that, too.”
May 1 COMMENT: This was a good workout, and if trainer Pletcher timed it right on his watch, the move was 46 and change. This was a really good workout. Charge It continues to remind me of a Point Given type, just not as far along in his development as Point Given was, in that he is big and quick. As reported above, Charge It had a better gallop-out.
CLASSIC CAUSEWAY
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.13:20 Breezing 3/4
VIDEO
April 30 NOTE: Under Julien Leparoux and outside of Sounion, a 5-year-old gelded allowance horse, who went in 1:14.20. Fractions for Classic Causeway were 24.60, 36.60 and 48.60, out seven furlongs in 1.27:00.
Trainer Lynch said, “He’s been doing everything right on the track to earn his spot in the Derby. With the way he’s training, I don’t want to be the one to hold him back.”
May 1 COMMENT: There was nothing to dislike about this workout. His evaluation is going to be tied to his performance while racing.
CYBERKNIFE
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.11:20 Breezing 1/4
VIDEO
FLORENT GEROUX VIDEO
April 30 NOTE: Cyberknife and Zozos worked in company, with Cyberknife breaking off a length behind and finishing on even terms. The move began at the 5/8 pole and ended at the 7/8 pole (midway through the clubhouse turn). Track clockers probably have the splits, and I will update if they become available. The pair were pulled up around mid-stretch.
“I think this is the part of Derby Week that is special because a lot of family and friends are here to support you,” said Geroux, who hasn’t seen his brother for more than two years due to COVID-19 restrictions in France. “I’ve been watching his plane on my phone, and my family is excited to spend some time with him once he arrives.”
May 1 COMMENT: Cyberknife continues to impress on the track at Churchill Downs, where he "really likes it" according to trainer Cox. This was a swift work made even more impressive because it included all of the far turn and part of the first one. According to DRF's Mike Welsch, initial splits were 34.23 (possibly a typo?) and 58.84. Welsch's watch got the six furlongs in 111.55 and out seven in "114.56" (a typo? maybe meant to type 124.56), and up a mile in 140.39. As slowly as Cyberknife finished the Arkansas Derby, he's starting to appeal to me.
May 3 NOTE:
Trainer Cox said yesterday, “I thought his two works here were the best Derby works I’ve seen. I may be biased, but that’s my opinion.” Also, yesterday I noticed Cox was sitting at the table reserved for connections of Cyberknife during the post position draw ceremony, which is an important event for the owners.
EPICENTER
May 1 CHURCHILL DOWNS Muddy
1.01:00 Breezing 3/6
May 1 NOTE: Epicenter breezed five furlongs inside of Alejandro, a recent maiden winner. Internal fractions not available with this post. He was out six furlong in 1.13:40. His exercise rider had his feet jammed on the brakes to pull Epicenter up as the colt continued to upper stretch.
May 1 COMMENT: This was an impressive breeze that looked easy. In the gallop-out Epicenter did not want to stop after his workmate did, and the rider had his legs jammed down on the irons as he pulled up the colt. Exercise rider Roberto Howell piloted him through splits of 12.60, 24.40, 36.20, 48.40 and out six furlongs in 1:13.80.
Trainer Asmussen said, “Honestly I have so much confidence in Epicenter right now I don’t think you could overdo it. He has taken a lot of training extremely easy. Including, I thought he took the Louisiana Derby extremely easy, how he came back from the test barn and walked into the barn, and that's why his training and his works ever since have been faster, or stronger, than is the norm for me.
“It felt perfect, knowing (Alejandro) and how he goes about what he is doing. His previous workmate, Gun It, is a very strong, very physical horse … somewhat hard to manage, and that brings out a little extra in (Epicenter), especially getting to the pole, getting off, getting away from the pole and what you are getting out of it. And as you saw today, they were away from it a lot smoother, just a lot easier to the pole. Still strong, still very smooth. I think he is in a beautiful rhythm, and we are trying to create the circumstances and prepare for what we are expecting to happen in the races this week.
“I am unbelievably excited to be doing this well with this much on the line. I had a pretty anxious drive last night with rain and thunderstorms for most of it, and if it's meant to be then it's meant to be, but everything seems to be working out perfectly. This year’s Oaks and Derby are extremely exciting with how strong the races look and how well all the horses are doing going into it. It is going to be an extremely exciting five or six days.”
HAPPY JACK
April 30 KEENELAND Fast
1:39.60 Breezing 1/1
April 30 NOTE: Trainer O'Neill said, “We’ve had some good fortune doing this before. We did it with Nyquist where we came here and did our final prep (workout). It’s so quiet; the track’s got a good cushion so it’s a little bit demanding, which we think they get a little bit better exercise out of it. Very happy with the way it went this morning. (He’s a) horse who’s got the potential but he hasn’t put up the numbers that we need to be a huge player in the race. We wanted to ask him firmly and make sure he was fit and ready. To me, he answered that question, and he’s ready.”
May 1 COMMENT: This solo workout really surprised me. It was awesome, very similar to the move Nyquist put in at Keeneland for trainer O'Neill (drawing applause from fans there for race 1 of the card) except that Nyquist dusted a workmate. The work was so good that I no longer have Happy Jack as a complete nullity in my thinking. I don't think he will win, but he could get a part.
MO DONEGAL
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
48.60 Breezing 55/130
VIDEO
TODD PLETCHER VIDEO
April 30 NOTE: Mo Donegal, with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up, breezed inside tough 3-year-old sprinter My Prankster, going four furlongs in 48.60, out five in 101.80. Internal splits aren't available.
Pletcher watched his colts’ drills from the Churchill grandstand and called Mo Donegal’s move “excellent. He was in hand and it was a good controlled work and gallop out. I was very happy with it.”
May 1 COMMENT: Last week's breeze was purely maintenance, and this one was a bit more than that. Nothing flashy, and apparently "just what they wanted," not that there's anything wrong with that.
PIONEER OF MEDINA
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
47.40 Breezing 9/130
VIDEO
TODD PLETCHER VIDEO
April 30 NOTE:
Charge It, with Luis Saez up, breezed inside of Pioneer of Medina. Charge It was a little better on the gallop-out. Track clockers caught them in 12.20, 23.60, 35.80 and 47.40, and out five furlongs in 59.60 and six in 112.40. Pioneer of Medina still needs a defection to make the Derby field. During the move, the backside siren activated for a loose horse in a gap. The riders persevered through the gallop-out of this all-important breeze.
Trainer Pletcher said, “It was a solid move. I got them in :23 and one for the last quarter. I was in touch with them on the radio and we had that scary moment when the siren went off (a workmate of an Oaks horse on the track lost the rider) just as they were at the wire so I alerted them. But I saw they picked up the loose horse right away and I was able to let them know about that, too.”
May 1 COMMENT: Pioneer of Medina is in the Derby now, and there was nothing about the way he worked that would make his connections think he shouldn't give it a try.
SMILE HAPPY
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
48.00 Breezing 28/130
VIDEO
COREY LANERIE and BRIAN HERNANDEZ, JR VIDEO
KENNY McPEEK VIDEO
April 30 NOTE: Tiz the Bomb (inside under Brian Hernandez, Jr.) stayed ahead of Smile Happy (outside under Corey Lanerie). Both were timed in 23.80 for a quarter and 48.00 for four furlongs, out five in 1:00.20. Smile Happy caught up with his workmate further out in the gallop-out. Jockey Lanerie said, “In the Blue Grass, that track was tiring. I was disappointed when he let that horse come and get him so easy. But I think he’s doing better than ever. I like our chances. I hope we get a good, clean break, and find a good position going into the first turn. Hopefully I’d like to be no further back than fifth or sixth, and get a good, clean trip. But it’s the Derby, you never know.”
April 30 NOTE: It's been a long day. I just noticed while watching the Works Show that Smile Happy, who's been galloping with a shadow roll this week, worked today without the shadow roll.
May 1 COMMENT: I like the way Smile Happy overtook Tiz the Bomb in the gallop-out. I am a big fan of Brian Hernandez, Jr. and have been around him enough to know he is an intelligent, articulate person not prone to exaggeration, so I am taking his post-work statement seriously. Smile Happy's stock has gone down this year, but the fact remains he is 2-2-0 from four starts, he can rate, and he has an impressive win over the track.
TAWNY PORT
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.01:60 Breezing 30/57
VIDEO
May 1 COMMENT: This work indicates to me and other onlookers that he runs more like a turf horse than a dirt horse. His demeanor on the track has been energetic, so there's that, and anything can happen, but the high knee action indicates a preference for turf.
TIZ THE BOMB
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
48.00 Breezing 28/130
BRIAN HERNANDEZ, JR and COREY LANERIE VIDEO
April 30 NOTE: Tiz the Bomb (inside under Brian Hernandez, Jr.) stayed ahead of Smile Happy (outside under Corey Lanerie). Both were timed in 23.80 for a quarter and 48.00 for four furlongs, out five in 1:00.20. Smile Happy caught up with his workmate further out in the gallop-out.
Jockey Hernandez said, “I had him at 12s all the way around. Just kind of a maintenance half the Saturday before Derby. Just one of those deals that he did his half and galloped out just like we wanted him to. Now it’s all about getting to the Derby in good order. Last week, I was on Tiz the Bomb, and we broke off about a half-length behind Smile Happy. Today we were supposed to swap places, but when we got to the pole, Smile Happy was a little further back than we thought he would be. So I went on and worked my horse like I thought he needed to be worked. It wasn’t quite the work that Kenny was looking for, but it looked like both horses got what they needed out of it. Once you’re in the process of working, you don’t want to stop and make it perfect. Sometimes you’ve got to call an audible and unfortunately that’s what we had to do today. The biggest thing is you don’t want to overdo it -- and blow your race in the morning.”
Trainer McPeek said, “It’s like the coach who calls the play, and everybody is supposed to do this and that, but that’s not what we called. Corey said he was worried about Brian’s horse getting a little keen in front of him. He was afraid they were going to go too fast. We wanted a 12s workout, and I think that’s how it played out. I wanted them to go 12s, kind of side by side, and not totally engage. I think they ended up going that, to 48. But no, that’s not the play I called. It happens. Brian’s horse is doing exceptionally well, and Corey was worried they were going to go too fast, because I was adamant that I didn’t want them to go too fast. They didn’t need to go down there in :46.”
May 1 COMMENT: Tiz the Bomb has worked well enough over the dirt at Churchill Downs to make a good impression. Very solid.
UN OJO
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
47.60 Breezing 14/130
VIDEO PENDING?
April 30 NOTE: Un Ojo posted fractions of 24.60 and 36.40. Trainer Courville said, “I was worried about the weather last night and thought we may have to push it back a day. Colby has won a lot of races for us (in Louisiana). Courville said a hood experiment tried yesterday didn't pan out, so there won't be an equipment change.
May 1 COMMENT:
This was a very nice breeze, just a tick slower than that of Charge It. He finished in 11 seconds.
WHITE ABARRIO
April 30 GULFSTREAM PARK Fast
48:28 Breezing 1/3
April 30 NOTE: White Abarrio breezed solo under exercise rider Vicente Gudiel after breaking off from a lead pony at the 3/8 pole, ran down the lane with his ears laid back, and engaged in an energetic gallop-out. Initial fractions were reported to be 12.60 and 24.20, and a track spokesperson said he galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.38 and seven in 1:25.15. Trainer Joseph told BloodHorse, "We weren't looking for overly too much. We had him in :47 4/5 but it was what he did after. I think that's the strongest he's galloped out since I've had him. He worked as good as we wanted him to work."
May 1 COMMENT: That was a heck of a workout. If this horse were human he'd be called a go-getter, because he likes to go get 'em. One of many good workouts by the Derby field, but to me this one was a notch above.
ZOZOS
April 30 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.11:40 Breezing 2/4
VIDEO
BRAD COX VIDEO
April 30 NOTE: Cyberknife and Zozos worked in company, with Cyberknife breaking off a length behind and finishing on even terms. The move began at the 5/8 pole and ended at the 7/8 pole (midway through the clubhouse turn). Track clockers probably have the splits, but they aren't available yet. I will update if they become available. The pair were pulled up around mid-stretch.
May 1 COMMENT: Zozos is drawing favorable attention at Churchill Downs because of his forward running style, something that's been successful since the points system was initiated. and his tenacity even though he is lightly raced. Although Cyberknife bested Zozos a notch in this move, this was a good breeze in its own right.
SUMMARY: Not that this is big news, but in my opinion we are seeing far more good workout than bad ones, adding to the perception that this may turn out to be a pretty good crop of top 3-year-olds.
WORKOUTS APRIL APRIL 27-29, 2022
CROWN PRIDE
April 27, 2022 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
46:40 Breezing 1/30
April 27 NOTE: The cameramen almost completely missed this workout, but the way it was done is revealed in the splits. Crown Pride breezed outside Southern Passage, a horse with little early speed. Crown Pride went about his business with splits of 11.60 and 23.20, then he finished in another 23.20. He was out five in 1:00.20 before his rider pretty much shut him down with six in 1:14.80. Regular exercise rider Masa Matsuda was aboard Crown Pride. This was Crown Pride's fourth workout in 12 days. I am open-minded about different training methods used in other countries and am following this horse with interest. “That is a typical Japanese training regimen,” said Japan-based representative for the Kentucky Derby Kate Hunter. “Masa was very pleased with the work. He said Crown Pride moves well over the surface with no extra effort.” Before the work, Crown Pride warmed up doing dressage in the mile chute while the track was undergoing a harrow break, and following the work he was gate-schooled and then had a leisurely trip back to the quarantine barn.
April 28 NOTE: Crown Pride had a walk day following a half-mile work in :46.40 on Wednesday. As with any horse, supporters want to see him break well in the Kentucky Derby. Video at Churchill Downs showed him veering left breaking from the schooling gate. I found this comment in the stewards' report after the UAE Derby: "Bumped on jumping, shifted out and bumped another runner." However, he recovered and won the UAE Derby, although not in a fast time.
April 29 COMMENT: I am warming up to Crown Pride. Although his time in the UAE Derby was slow, he showed he can respond to commands and launched an impressive, long drive to win. The UAE Derby (about 1,900 meters) was timed in 1:59:76. Maybe the best comparison that day is the $12 million Dubai World Cup for older horses run in 2:04:97, not exactly racehorse time. Based on these two races, the track was playing slowly.
The Godolphin Mile at about 1600 meters on dirt was run in 1:36:03, a respectable time, but maybe you would expect faster for a $1 million race on World Cup day coming out of a slightly diagonal chute going one turn. The $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen going six furlongs at one turn was timed in 1:11.13, while its turf counterpart, the six-furlong $1.5 million Al Quoz Sprint, was timed in 1:08:81, albeit run on the straight.
With the April 27 workout we know he has some early speed, and with all the time he's been out on the track since arriving at Churchill Downs in late, it's hard to imagine there will be a fitter horse in the race. However, he must break cleanly.
MESSIER
April 29 SANTA ANITA PARK Fast
1.11:60 Handily 1/1
April 29 NOTE: Trainer Yakteen said, “I’ll play it by ear and see what I want to do. I’ll go into Churchill, read the horses and see if I want to do anything there. But since Taiba’s work was a day before Messier’s, I might breeze him in Kentucky or let him stretch his legs a little bit there. If I want to just gallop into the race, I’ll gallop into the race.”
April 29 COMMENT: Bob Baffert's imprint is on Messier, who is a good workhorse. The work today was solo, and his gallop-out was visually impressive. The video ends just as his rider was pulling him up. His early speed will be hard to ignore on Derby day.
SIMPLIFICATION
April 29 GULFSTREAM PARK Muddy
Distance: Five furlongs
1.00:44 Breezing 1/10
VIDEO
April 29 NOTE: Simplification went the first three furlongs in 37.00 per info sent to DRF's Mike Welsch, who is here at Churchill Downs. He was out six furlongs in 1.12:80 and a mile in 1.38.60. Another big gallop-out for Simplification. Trainer Sano said, “I’m very happy with the work. He went very easy and handled everything. The jockey said he was better than last week. It was a really, really good work for the horse. I am 100-percent confident in my horse. I know the race is very strong, but I’m confident in the horse. I think this is a better horse than Gunnevera.”
April 29 COMMENT: Tucked away in south Florida, Simplification isn't getting much publicity for the Derby, but this son of Not This Time (out of a Candy Ride mare) continues to work lights out. He is putting in winning workouts.
TAIBA
April 28, 2022 SANTA ANITA PARK Fast
1.12:80 Handily 1/4
April 28 NOTE: Trainer Yakteen said, “It was very straightforward. He worked three-quarters from the five-eighth pole. It was a typical Taiba work and we accomplished what we wanted. I got him in 1:12.60 and out in 1:26. We’re good.” Drayden Van Dyke was aboard Taiba who worked in company with the 4-year-old American Admiral. Taiba is set to be flown Sunday to Indianapolis, followed by a van ride to Churchill Downs.
April 29 NOTE: Trainer Yakteen said, “I’ll play it by ear and see what I want to do. It was a perfectly scripted drill for Taiba Thursday and for Messier today. We’re all set; we’re good. I’ll go into Churchill, read the horses and see if I want to do anything there. But since Taiba’s work was a day before Messier’s, I might breeze him in Kentucky or let him stretch his legs a little bit there. If I want to just gallop into the race, I’ll gallop into the race.”
April 29 NOTE: This was not a knock-your-socks-off work, but it was workmanlike work offering nothing to extol or criticize or to add or detract from his record. More than anything, it determined he is a credible candidate for his next race.
ZANDON
April 29 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.00:40 Breezing 7/43
April 29 NOTE: Zandon went solo, and his splits were 12.80, 25.00 and 36.80, and he was out six furlongs in 1:12.80 and seven in 1:26.40. First furlong: 12.80; second furlong: 12:20; third furlong: 11.80. Final two furlongs: 23.60. First furlong out: 12.40; second furlong out: 13.60. Trainer Brown said, “I just didn’t want to take any chances with the weather forecast, even though it looks better for tomorrow. The track is in fabulous shape. You’re not going to get a better track to train over than we got this morning. With horses at this level heading into the Derby, very few of them work poorly. It’s the best of the crop running in the Derby. You just hope that you can be in that group of good workers and not in that small one that may not work well.”
April 29 COMMENT: This was a fine workout. Zandon was getting hold of the track, rated fast, after winning the Blue Grass on a very wet track. A good horse can run over any surface. Zandon is receiving a lot of positive comment at the track, but more importantly trainer Brown, who does not BS when it comes to the Derby, is showing enthusiasm. For different reasons to be discussed later, Zandon is definitely going to be one of my top picks, if not the top one.
WORKOUTS APRIL 22-25, 2022 and prior works where applicable
BARBER ROAD
April 22 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.16:40 Breezing 4/4
April 22 NOTE: Barber Road worked solo with jockey Reylu Gutierrez in the saddle. The son of Race Day easily galloped through opening splits of 13.60, 26.60, 39.60 and 51.80. He completed the final quarter-mile in 24.60, and his seven-furlong gallop out was timed in 1:29 (less than 13 seconds after the official workout ended), and the video shows he continued the gallop-out for a mile, at which time he got an appreciate pat on the neck from Reylu Gutierrez. This workout could have been deceptively good.
APRIL 26 COMMENT: The time of this workout is uninspiring, but he galloped out well. Barber Road has a history of slow five-furlong workouts three back from his next start, so this may be something similar and was probably intended to build stamina. I don't see any workout convincing me Barber Road will win the Kentucky Derby, but he is the type that could pick up a piece. However, I would like to see a faster final work before the Derby. The video of trainer Ortiz is worth watching just to see the personality of Barber Road. The former CEO of Walmart owns this horse. He is a good judge of character, and he believes in trainer Ortiz, a younger player in the game who makes a good impression in the video. Excellent interview by Jennie Rees.
CHARGE IT
April 15, 2022 PALM BEACH DOWNS Fast
47:77 Breezing 1/11
April 16 NOTE: Trainer Pletcher said, “He worked super. He was straight as an arrow and changed leads right on cue this morning. A couple of more breezes like that should have him a lot more professional when he runs in the Derby.” Per DRF, Pletcher said he timed Charge It in 24.60 and galloping out five-eighths in 1:00.60.
April 22, 2022 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.00:40 Breezing 10/47
April 22 NOTE: Charge It went in company outside Cezanne through fractions of 12, 25.40 and 37.60. They galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.80 and seven furlongs in 1:25 before Charge It completed his move with a one-mile time of 1:38.60.Trainer Pletcher said, “With Charge It, we were looking for a good, solid breeze. He went a minute and four-fifths with a super big gallop out. We were really happy with that.
APRIL 26 COMMENT: Video is not available for the April 15 and April 22 works. Charge It reminds me physically of a Point Given type, who inexplicably lost the Kentucky Derby only to reel off several straight Grade I wins including the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. Charge It is not that far along in his development yet, but it only takes one race to change that. He looks like he's still growing into himself, and I see big things ahead for him. Trainer Pletcher said the gallop-out after the April 22 work is awesome on paper and in the words of trainer Pletcher, and it is my experience Pletcher absolutely does get excited when he sees an a big gallop-out. Can Charge It overcome the greenness he showed in the stretch of the Florida Derby when he finished close to a Downey Profile Top 4 horse, White Abarrio?
CLASSIC CAUSEWAY
April 16 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
48.80 Breezeing 21/74
April 23 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.00:80 Breezing 22/70
APRIL 26 COMMENT: Video is not available for these works. They must've knocked the socks off connections to consider running in the Kentucky Derby after running last in the Florida Derby. Or it could be a simple case of Derby Fever.
CROWN PRIDE
April 16 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.18:60 Breezing 1/1
April 16 NOTE: At 7:30 on a track rated good, exercise rider Masa Matsuda guided Crown Pride six furlongs from the half-mile pole. The duo easily completed opening fractions of 14.60, 28.20, 54 and 1:06.20. Crown Pride steadily picked up his work around the turn and onto the backside before completing his move through seven furlongs in 1:32.40 according to Churchill Downs. The official clocking was for six furlongs.
April 19 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
49:80 Breezing 24/44
April 24 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
49:20 Breezing 35/58
April 24 NOTE: Working solo, his fractions were 12.40, 24.80 and 37.20, out five furlongs in 101.40. The final eighth-mile to the finish line was 12 flat, and he was out in 12.20. Trainer Koichi Shintani is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on May 1 and will be in attendance at the post position draw Monday, May 2.
April 25 NOTE: Crown Pride returned to the track a day after breezing. With Masa Matsuda aboard, the UAE Derby winner jogged in the mile chute and then schooled in the starting gate before returning to the Quarantine Barn.
April 26 NOTE: Although he wasn't credited with a workout today, Brandon Stauble said during the works show he blew out a couple of furlongs through the stretch.
April 26 COMMENT: He is a good mover without much wasted motion. During the April 24 gallop-out, his ears were flicking back and forth waiting for commands, a good sign. The gallop-out continued though six furlongs, but apparently the time was not caught by track clockers. This horse spends a lot of time on the track in the mornings, and it is fun to see and hear about the training methods that are employed by his Japanese trainer and exercise rider, including dressage in the chute going in circles and figure 8s. Crown Pride had three workouts in nine days that appear designed to get faster each time. Recently he had a problem during gate schooling, throwing his exercise rider as he veered to the left big time. Speculation is the gate bell ringing distracted him. He was put right back into the gate and broke more in a straight line with an outrider and horse standing to his left. Japanese horses have been doing well around the world, and maybe Crown Pride should not be a toss to run well.
CYBERKNIFE
April 16 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.00:00 Breezing 4/14
April 16 NOTE: On a track rated good, Cyberknife worked at 9:00 outside of multiple stakes-placed stablemate Tommy Bee. Cyberknife started two lengths behind Tommy Bee and completed fractions of 12.20, 23.80 and 47.20. Cyberknife finished even with Tommy Bee around the seven eighths pole and easily galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.40.
Trainer Cox said, “I thought he looked great. He’s done well at Churchill in the past and really likes it here.”
April 23 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.12:20 Breezing 1/3
FLORENT GEROUX VIDEO
BRAD COX VIDEO
April 23 NOTE:
Cyberknife breezed at 5:15 with Florent Geroux in the saddle on the outside of stablemate Koolhaus, a 4-year-old allowance horse. Cyberknife started two lengths back at the five-furlong marker and finished two lengths in front at the wire. Cyberknife continued his strong move around the far turn and completed seven furlongs in 1:24.60, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols.
Jockey Geroux said, “It was a really strong move, and he’s a really good work horse. He continues to improve as time goes on, and he showed that winning the Arkansas Derby. Even going back to his allowance win before the Arkansas Derby he showed a new level of class.”
APRIL 26 COMMENT:
The slow gallop-out on April 16 was no doubt by design as we saw him come back a week later with a stout gallop-out in 1:24.60. Big John Nichols had that on his watch, and he is reliable. I believe this work was caught on video, as part of it was shown on the Works show yesterday, but it has not been put online in its entirety that I can find. However, his gallop-out is on the Florent Geroux video at 1:40, and it shows him torching his workmate in the clubhouse turn and up the backstretch. Even though workmate was only going five furlongs from the 5/8 pole and Cyberknife was going six, the gap opened up by Cyberknife was impressive. During Chad Brown's interview he was asked about the slow finishing time in the Arkansas Derby; he said it was an oddly run race where "they went quick early, then didn't finish up as fast as some of the other preps. I thought our horse made two moves in the race -- once they turned up the backside he split horses..." During the interview, Cox's demeanor becames very upbeat as he described how Cyberknife's mental side has caught up with his physicality, which showed up in that morning's workout.
EARLY VOTING
April 23 BELMONT PARK Fast
49:92 Breezing 44/118
APRIL 26 COMMENT: This horse is lightly-raced, and the workout did not inspire trainer Brown to immediately say, "Oh yeah, we are going to Kentucky!" I don't know why there's been what appears to be a delay in making a decision (it had been reported a decision would be made the day after the work) unless perhaps investment genius and owner Seth Klarman was not available to talk to Brown, or perhaps Brown was waiting to see how Zandon would do after being shipped to Churchill Downs the next morning (he's been doing great, by the way).
EPICENTER
April 17 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1:00.80 Breezing 7/26
STEVE ASMUSSEN/RACETRACK VIDEO (Clip at 2:32)
Epicenter worked at 6:00 inside of three-time winning 6-year-old Gun It with exercise rider Wilson Fabian up, and Eddie Martin, Jr., who's won over 4,000 races, on the company. Epicenter clipped through opening fractions of 12.60, 24.20 and 36.00. Epicenter galloped out strongly around the clubhouse turn and onto the backside with a six-furlong gallop out in 1:13.60, seven in 1:27.00, and a mile in 1:44.00.
April 17 NOTE:
Trainer Asmussen said, "The track is in top condition. Both horses are training extremely well. It has been standard (for them to work in company), and the company they worked with (today) is the company they worked with in New Orleans. We're trying to create more of the same, with the success they had there. With Epicenter, the spacing of his races since December has been very effective for him, and we're trying to put the building blocks in place for him to handle the mile and a quarter here. I couldn't feel any better about how he's doing and how much he likes it here at Churchill Downs. (In coming workouts) they are not going to be asked to pick it up much at all. Both of these horses have been working very sharply, and I'm very pleased with how they're doing it and how they're coming out of it."
April 24 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.12:20 Breezing 3/4
RACING AND BLOODSTOCK MANAGER DAVID FISKE VIDEO
OWNER RON WINCHELL VIDEO
April 24 NOTE:
Epicenter worked outside Gun It under exercise rider Wilson Fabian. Opening fractions were 13.00, 24.40, 35.80 and 47.20. He was out seven furlongs in 1:26.20 and a mile in 1:41.00. Trainer Asmussen said, “We’re so happy the weather has cooperated on our scheduled work days. The racetrack is in great shape this morning. These were the most significant works for us. We’re following a pattern that we’re very comfortable with. I love the rhythm these horses are in. Both of these horses (including Echo Zulu) have kept their same workmates from New Orleans this winter. I’m unbelievably appreciative of the job Wilson and Eddie have done helping get them to this point.
“They’ve both started out as tremendous prospects and individuals. We’re aiming with incremental improvement to not take too big of a leap forward. So everything is a building block to success. Since they have arrived here at Churchill that trend has continued. I was so excited with Echo Zulu’s first work here.”
APRIL 26 COMMENT: Epicenter was bred in downstate Kentucky (we call it south central Kentucky), just 60 miles north of Nashville in Warren County, where I live in Bowling Green. People here are more excited about the Derby than usual. As for me, I'm excited every year. This horse has been punching all the buttons on race day and otherwise. Asmussen's demeanor during the April 17 clip could be attributed to a long drive from Oaklawn as he was burning the training candle at both ends between Hot Springs and Louisville. Epicenter's workmate, Gun It, is a useful 6-year-old allowance horse, and he must be a good work horse because he holds his own with Epicenter. Usually it's hard to read much into the workouts of Asmussen trainees because he typically has them run in moderate times, but Epicenter, who's worked three times since the Louisiana Derby, as well as Gun It, post faster times than most of their stable mates. You'll notice in the workout video that Gun It's rider gets busy on him in the lane as Epicenter's rider sits chilly. During the extended gallop-out, the two horses pretty much stay together, but Epicenter's rider is standing up on his stirrups. It's my opinion this was Epicenter's major work for the Derby, and it was a quality move.
ETHEREAL ROAD
April 25 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.02:20 Breezing 8/8
COMMENT: This was strictly a maintenance move nine days after the Lexington Stakes.
HAPPY JACK
No workouts since the Santa Anita Derby.
IN DUE TIME
No workouts since the Lexington Stakes.
MESSIER
April 23 SANTA ANITA PARK Fast
59:80 Handily 7/37
April 23 NOTE: Messier worked solo in a “maintenance” drill, per trainer Yakteen's comment to DRF. Messier passed the finish line in 47.20 and finished the work in the clubhouse turn. Yakteen had him galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.00. Yakteen said, “We let him stretch his legs, keep the air in his lungs, and keep our tank full. That was accomplished. We’re very happy with the drill. He was doing it comfortably, doing it within himself, Drayden had plenty of horse.”
APRIL 26 COMMENT: The April 23 move was deemed the "work of the day" at Santa Anita. The video was cut just as Messier was starting his gallop-out. He switched leads effortlessly in the stretch. Nothing not to like about this workout.
MO DONEGAL
April 22, 2022 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
50:20 Breezing 49/62
April 22 NOTE:
Mo Donegal breezed outside of My Prankster, a good 3-year-old sprinter, through composed early fractions of 13 and 26.20. They galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.20. with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up.
Trainer Pletcher said, "With Mo Donegal, with the Wood just 13 days ago, we were just looking for an easy half in :50. He had a nice gallop out as well. All the horses got over the track well. The track still had a little moisture in it from yesterday but they all handled it well.”
Jockey Ortiz said, "Mo Donegal is a really good horse. He is nice and quiet. He does everything we ask him to do. It looks like he should like the distance. It shouldn’t be a problem with him. With a mile-and-a-quarter for 3-year-olds, he’s the type of style you want for that day.”
APRIL 26 COMMENT: This was strictly a maintenance work compared to that of stable mate Charge It on the same day. Charge It had his second work since running in the Florida Derby, while this was Mo Donegal's first work since winning the Wood Memorial.
PIONEER OF MEDINA
April 15, 2022 PALM BEACH DOWNS Fast
1.00:41 Breezing 1/8
April 25 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
59:80 Breezing 1/8
April 25 NOTE: Classic Causeway is now back in the Derby picture, knocking Pioneer of Medina down to number 21 on the Derby leaderboard. Working during the special training session with maiden winner Macallan, Pioneer of Medina posted eighth of a mile fractions of 12.60, 24.40, 35.60 and 47.80. he galloped out six furlong in 1:12.60, seven in 1:25.40 and a mile in 1:40.20.
April 25 NOTE: Trainer Pletcher said, “You can use all the trainer clichés you want. We saw what we wanted to see. It was very good, well executed with a strong finish, and he galloped out well. I’ll talk it over with Mr. (Oussama) Aboughazale and we’ll see how he comes out of the work and make a decision. He got a good breeze over the track, and he has the opportunity to draw in.”
APRIL 26 COMMENT: Trainer Pletcher revealed during the tail end of an April 22 video that Pioneer of Medina's "blood work was a little bit off when we shipped him in," but at the time he was still being considered for the Derby. The April 25 workout looks to have resolved that question -- if he makes the field.
SIMPLIFICATION
April 15, 2022 GULFSTREAM PARK Fast
1:01.83 Breezing 4/6
April 15 NOTE: Trainer Sano said, “He galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.3, the seven furlongs in 1:27 and the mile in 1:40. Excellent. I’m so happy with my horse. He went very easy and came back well.” Junior Alvarado was aboard for the breeze.
April 16 NOTE: Trainer Sano told DRF, “He worked very well. He went very easy, very quiet. It was a different work than the one before the Florida Derby, when he went too speedy. He galloped out very nicely today. Just the way we wanted.” Junior Alvarado was aboard. Sano said he expects Jose Ortiz to have the Derby mount.
April 22 GULFSTREAM PARK Fast
59:42 Breezing 4/17
April 22 NOTE:
Simplification galloped out a mile in 1:37.52 under a near-motionless Junior Alvarado. Trainer Sano said, “I’m so happy. The work was impressive. He did it very handily, very easy. Junior worked the horse.
He told me, ‘Your horse wins the Derby. I’m so proud of my horse. I know the race is a strong race, but my horse is working very good. I want to win the race for Gulfstream. One more work (set for five furlongs) next Friday, and then he’ll go to Kentucky. When he’s in Kentucky he won’t work. He’ll only gallop."
Over at DRF, Mike Welsch got the horse going six furlongs in 1:11.95 and seven-eighths in 1:24.10 before easing but not pulling up after a mile in 1:37.52 over a track that Welsch said was on the quick side. According to his report, Simplification was pulling up after a mile and a quarter.
April 26 COMMENT: Simplification's April 22 breeze, which was solo, was a monster work, quick track or not. No, it was not a bullet work, but the way Simplification kept running through the clubhouse turn, up the backstretch and into the far turn was impressive. He looks like a smooth mover, too. This had to be his major work for the Derby, and he did it the right way. The April 15 breeze was also solo, which I like to see, and while it was a prelude to the big one a week later, it was impressive in its own right. If he continues to do well, I will not overlook him in my bets.
SMILE HAPPY
April 23 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.00:40 Breezing 12/70
April 23 NOTE: Tiz the Bomb and Smile Happy breezed in company. Smile Happy and Corey Lanerie began the work about one length in front of Brian Hernandez Jr. and Tiz the Bomb. Hernandez and Tiz the Bomb moved to the outside of Smile Happy and finished in tandem at the wire. Trainer McPeek said, “We were just looking for an easy move today and we got that. We’ll probably do the same thing again next week.”
April 26 COMMENT: During the work proper, Tiz the Bomb was a bit better, but I think Smile Happy was better in the gallop-out. Tiz the Bomb, who was outside, handled the dirt just fine, but can he handle kickback on Derby day? The work was not designed to test that out. This workout was just fine, but I wish we had the internal splits and the gallop-out times. Visually, I liked Smile Happy's gallop-out, which was a mile. Smile Happy was, as Brandon Stauble discussed during the Works show this morning, wet on his neck during the breeze (and wet when he came out on the track that day, according to Stauble), and I think people are bit worried he is regressing. I cannot say that at this point. This morning, Smile Happy looked dry as he came onto the track. Smile Happy is a smooth mover and Tiz the Bomb not so much. He has the front action of a turf horse. Trainer McPeek said Smile Happy needs another work like that for fitness, and then "we won't have an excuse."
SUMMER IS TOMORROW
He arrived at Churchill Downs on April 23, quarantined for a couple of days, and was on the track April 25.
TAIBA
Unlike runner-up Messier, the Santa Anita Derby winner did not work the weekend of April 23.
TAWNY PORT
Will work once between the Lexington Stakes and the Kentucky Derby. He looked bright and attentive on the track the morning of April 25.
TIZ THE BOMB
April 23 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.00:20 Breezing 8/70
KEN MCPEEK VIDEO
April 23 NOTE:
Tiz the Bomb and Smile Happy breezed in company. Smile Happy and Corey Lanerie began the work about one length in front of Brian Hernandez Jr. and Tiz the Bomb. Hernandez and Tiz the Bomb moved to the outside of Smile Happy and finished in tandem at the wire.
My buddy in Louisville, Mike Overstreet, read today that Tiz the Bomb has won at all of Kentucky's tracks except Churchill Downs: Ellis Park, Keeneland, Kentucky Downs and Turfway Park.
Trainer McPeek said, “We were just looking for an easy move today and we got that. We’ll probably do the same thing again next week.”
April 26 COMMENT: During the work proper, Tiz the Bomb was a bit better, but I think Smile Happy was better in the gallop-out. Jockey Lanerie said in his post-work interview that when Tiz the Bomb came to him in the stretch, he let him go on by "til I tell him what to do." Tiz the Bomb, who was outside, handled the dirt just fine, but can he handle kickback on Derby day? The work was not designed to test that. I wish we had the internal splits and the gallop-out times. Visually, I liked Smile Happy's gallop-out, which was a mile, and Lanerie seemed happy with it. At the end of the video, he said without guile, "we got a good chance." Smile Happy was, as Brandon Stauble discussed during the Works show this morning, wet on his neck during the breeze (and wet when he came out on the track that day, according to Stauble). Lanerie didn't mention that. This morning, Smile Happy looked dry as he came onto the track. Smile Happy is a smooth mover and Tiz the Bomb not so much. He has the front action of a turf horse. Trainer McPeek said Tiz the Bomb might be forwardly placed in order to reduce "adversity."
UN OJO
April 16 THE TRAINING CENTER AT COPPER CROWNE Fast
1.03:15 Breezing 2/8
April 16 NOTE: After his breeze today, Un Ojo was pronounced good to go to the Derby. Trainer Courville told DRF, “He’s moving good right now. He worked really good. He galloped out really good and cooled out well. He’s bouncing around the barn.”
April 23 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
59:40 Breezing 2/70
GROOM/EXERCISE RIDER CLAY COURVILLE VIDEO
April 23 NOTE: Un Ojo arrived at Churchill Downs on April 19 with trainer Ricky Courville’s son, Clay, in tow. Clay breezed Un Ojo solo through opening eighth-mile splits of 11.60, 23.00, 35.00 and 47.60. Un Ojo galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.20.
Clay Courville said, “It’s amazing being here at Churchill Downs. I’ve been here before, but nothing like this. He is getting over the track really well.”
April 26 COMMENT: This work was a little faster early than late. The video stops before Un Ojo was pulled up, but he looked to be galloping out seven furlongs. The work on April 16 was merely to see if he was okay after having two staples removed from his shoulder after he was slammed into the rail in upper stretch of the Arkansas Derby, taking him out of contention. I want to see how his final breeze is handled, but if this was his major breeze for the Derby, I'm not sure this is what was desired.
WHITE ABARRIO
April 17 GULFSTREAM PARK Fast
34:55 Breezing 1/41
April 17 NOTE: With Junior Alvarado filling in for Tyler Gaffalione, White Abarrio began his work at the three-eighths marker and posted an 11.34 opening split on the watch of DRF's Mike Welsch. He was out four furlongs in 47.48 and five in 1:00.52. Trainer Joseph said, “That was super. I wanted a decent three-eighths with an extended gallop out, and that’s what we got.”
Joseph told a track publicist, “The way he worked today gives me a lot of confidence – the way he came back and the way he worked first work back – knowing we have three weeks to go. I think we’re in a good position. Three weeks is long time, but I like where we’re at. Visually, it was as impressive as his time. Sometimes he can work quick and not look as impressive, but today, it was an easy work in a quick time."
Alvarado said, “When you work those nice horses, they will fool you. They will go fast when you definitely don’t think you’re going that fast. He was just skipping over the ground. It was like he wasn’t even touching the ground. That was really nothing for him. When he got back to the barn, he wasn’t blowing like he was tired or anything at all.”
April 22 NOTE: White Abarrio is scheduled to breeze three furlongs at Gulfstream Park April 24. He is slated to have his final pre-Derby workout at Gulfstream May 1 before shipping to Kentucky.
April 24 GULFSTREAM PARK Fast
1.00:04 Breezing 5/13
April 24 NOTE: White Abarrio breezed in company, passing workmate Stormy Pattern (1:01.04) nearing the wire. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.58.
Trainer Joseph said, “It went good. I got him in 59 and 4. They got him in a minute. He worked with that horse before the Florida Derby, two weeks out. We kept everything the same, the same workmate, a similar pattern two weeks out. That time he ran a 1:02. This time he ran a little faster than a minute. Last time he galloped out in 1:13. This time he galloped out in 1:12. You just try to keep an even keel. It’s a long way to go in horse racing terms – 13 days. You just want to get through everything and ship up there fine and go into the race the best we can.”
April 26 COMMENT: The fast three furlong move going solo on April 17 was followed by a nice 5 1/2 furlong gallop-out, and that was followed by a step forward in the April 24 breeze, when White Abarrio broke off four lengths behind an unidentified workmate. He soon within two lengths, then a length as they rounded the far turn. When prompted, White Abarrio ran right by the horse to his inside and was best by almost two lengths under the wire. He distanced his workmate in the gallop-out. We don't have the fractions for either work, but visually White Abarrio did it the right way.
ZANDON
April 23 KEENELAND Fast
48:60 Breezing 24/91
VIDEO
CHAD BROWN VIDEO
April 23 NOTE:
Exercise rider Kriss Bon handled the move as Zandon completed eighth-mile fractions of 12.80, 25.20 and 37.00. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:00.80, six furlongs in 1:13.80 and seven-eighths of a mile in 1:27.60. Trainer Chad Brown reported Zandon will ship to Churchill Downs the next day.
Trainer Brown said, “He was moving super; just what we wanted to see. We just wanted to maintain where he is. He does not have to get any fitter. I was impressed with how he galloped out. He has had a small number of races,but those races were very meaningful. We quite liked him by the time he debuted. I was surprised he won sprinting. When he won, he really picked my head up. I thought he had way above average potential. Then he showed a lot in the Remsen going 1 1/8 miles. He has a lot of good experience in a small number of races.”
April 24 NOTE: Zandon is scheduled to have his final Kentucky Derby work at Churchill Downs on Saturday, April 30. He was vanned to Churchill Downs from Keeneland today.
April 25 NOTE:
Zandon made his first appearance on the track at Churchill Downs Monday at 9:40 while the track was quiet.
Trainer Brown said of Saturday's workout, “It looked like he was galloping through the lane. It was a super move. I really just wanted to stretch his legs and evaluate how he’s moving and maintaining where he’s at.”
April 26 NOTE: My impression of trainer Brown's approach with the media before the Kentucky Derby is that he doesn't lavish praise on a horse unless he means it, and he is very high on Zandon. He is staying close to the horse. Working solo at Keeneland, he ran the final furlong of the breeze in 11.60 before galloping out in 12.20, 13.00 and 13.80, and this was his first workout after the Blue Grass. All cliches aside, I think Brown really would not trade places with anyone right now. Before breaking off, exercise rider Bonn had a snug hold on Zandon. The colt showed good acceleration when allowed to go, and his ears were pricked. At the end of the gallop-out, the horse was bouncing around. Brown said the horse has always been a beautiful mover, and he hopes the colt's race experience, though limited, has moved him up a lot.
ZOZOS
April 15 CHURCHILL DOWNS
1:00.60 Breezing 15/60
April 16 NOTE:
On April 15 Zozos worked in company at 5:30 with Turnerloose. With jockey Florent Geroux in the saddle, Zozos started about one length behind his stablemate and worked through early fractions of 24 and 48.40. The duo began their five-furlong move at the half-mile pole and Zozos finished even with Turnerloose at the seven-furlong marker. Zozos galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60.
Jockey Geroux said, “He’s a really smart horse. He’s starting to come into his own, and it was a really nice work this morning. I settled back of (Turnerloose) and he finished up nicely with her. Both horses worked well.”
April 22, 2022 CHURCHILL DOWNS Fast
1.12:40 Breezing 1/4
April 22 NOTE:
Zozos breezed with Florent Geroux in the saddle outside of stablemate Fulsome through fractions of 24 and 48.40. The duo galloped out around the clubhouse through seven furlongs in 1:25.20.
Trainer Cox said, “It was another really strong move. He galloped out really well around the turn and is really doing well over this track. He’s a quick horse as he showed in the Louisiana Derby but he settles into his works nicely.”
April 26 COMMENT:
His two works since the Louisiana Derby have been good ones evidencing a horse progressing despite having limited experience, and he seems plenty fit with the gallop-out to seven furlongs in 1:25.20. The workmate, Fulsome, is 4-year-old three-time graded stakes winning son of Into Mischief. Zozos broke off about a length behind and to the outside of Fulsom and hit the finish line on even terms while running with his head slightly cocked to the right in the stretch. He showed good energy and eased ahead by two lengths going into the backstretch while not distracted by slower gallopers to his outside. Trainer Cox said he timed a five-furlong move, making the six in 1:12.40 more impressive. Cox said Zozos is a very intelligent horse that's moved up since the Louisiana Derby, and that he can track a horse or two, doesn't have to have the lead.
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