BOURBONIC (KY)
Derby Points: 100
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $400,000
Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Calumet Farm
Breeder: Calumet Farm
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Bernardini (A.P. Indy, Cara Rafaela)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Dancing Afleet (Afleet Alex, Mrs Vanderbilt)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-6-8-0-0 (16) 3.00
Foal Date: April 7, 2018

Auction Price(s): NA

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 12. Barn 42.

Bourbonic was sent off at 72-1 odds in the Wood Memorial off of just-okay speed figures and no stakes races in his resume. This year, he'd finished first and second in a couple of optional claiming races at Aqueduct and Parx.

Todd Pletcher after Bourbonic and Dynamic One finished one-two in the Wood Memorial. "We felt like both horses were coming into the race in good order and we always had high hopes for Dynamic One. He’s a horse that’s just starting to put it all together. I was pleased with how they were coming into it, but with Bourbonic, it was Mr. Kelley of Calumet, who said he like to try a race with Derby points in it. They’re always game to take a chance.

On Bourbonic: “We always felt this horse would handle added distance. He was able to get a perfect trip and sit back and make one late run. He was able to get there just in time. It was a big effort. To have any chance, I think the only way he could be successful was to stay back and make one late run. He doesn’t have any early speed. I’ll talk to all the connections and see what everybody wants to do, but that was the purpose of being in today’s race; take a shot and see who would step up and fortunately it worked out. Sometimes the worst thing you can have is a hot hand in January and February. We were hoping something would come together and we always thought he had potential to step up. It was good to see him do it.”

Kendrick Carmouche: “I rode this horse twice before. Once on the turf, which he didn’t really like. Then I came back and rode him in a starter allowance after he broke his maiden. He ran such a good race. He fought back, which I really like with young horses. I like that fight at a young age. Nicky the Vest didn’t make it and that was my first option. I had Brooklyn Strong for my buddy Danny Velazquez and we kind of got off that one. This was a last resort. My agent got on the phone with Todd and said, 'Kendrick would love whichever horse you put him on.' When he told me I would be riding Bourbonic I said, 'That’s perfect.' He’s by Bernardini and he can make the distance. Todd asked me what I was going to do and I told him I wouldn’t move. I was just going to sit, sit, sit, sit and hopefully get out the last quarter of a mile. I knew he would go on from there. My horse was in a good stride. Each pole I was picking them up one by one without even asking. I’m thrilled for Calumet Farm. I won my first Grade 1 with True Timber in the Cigar Mile for them and now I won the Wood for them. These past six months of my career have just been what you dream of.”

THE NEXT DAY: Assistant trainer Byron Hughes said, “It was a very patient ride. That track often plays to front-runners or horses closer to the pace. Yesterday, it was playing fair and there were some closers. He waited as long as he could and made one run and it paid off. We always thought he wanted more distance, and two turns is something he needed. It was a good day for the team. He’s been a forward training horse here. He loves to train, and it’s been great to have him up here this winter. They (Bourbonic and Dynamic One) both look good. They both ate up last night and are walking around here this morning with a purpose."

April 16 NOTE: From trackside at Churchill Downs, Todd Pletcher watched his four Derby contenders work shortly after 7:30. Bourbonic and Dynamic One were the second pair to work in company, and they were in lockstep throughout, going company four furlongs in 48.60 (12/39). They both last raced on April 3. Initial fraction was 24.40. Dynamic One finished in front of Bourbonic at the wire and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.20 while Bourbonic was out six considerably slower, in 1:14.60. Pletcher also sent out Known Agenda and Sainthood to breeze.

Trainer Pletcher said, “I thought it would be good to work both of these horses together after coming out of the same race (the Wood Memorial). I’d say we were definitely surprised at winning the Wood. (Bourbonic) has always trained a little bit light, but we always thought that the further the distance, the better it would be for him. He likes to drop back and make one run.”

April 19 VIDEO: Todd Pletcher discusses his Derby foursome.

April 23 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Bourbonic breezed four furlongs solo in 49.60 (71/108). Initial fractions were 12.80 and 24.40. He was out five furlongs in 102.40 with exercise rider Hector Ramos aboard.

Trainer Pletcher said, “He has been pretty aggressive in his gallops so we worked him by himself today. It was a good steady work with a strong gallop out.

13th in the Kentucky Derby

Todd Pletcher: “He never got into position… I’m going to have to watch the replay.”

Kendrick Carmouche: “I just never could get a good run at them.”

BROOKLYN STRONG (NY)
Derby Points: 10
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $112,500
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Danny Velazquez
Owner: Mark Schwartz
Breeder: Cheryl Prudhomme & Dr. Michael Gallivan
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Wicked Strong (Hard Spun, Moyne Abbey)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Riviera Chic (Medaglia d'Oro, Hurricane Warning)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-4-4-1-0 (12) 3.00
Foal Date: Jan. 20, 2018

Auction Price(s): $30,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall 2018; $42,000 RNA Fasig-Tipton Saratoga August 2019; $6,000 RNA OBS October 2019; $5,000 OBS April 2020

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 27

Brooklyn Strong won at first asking and took the Sleepy Hollow against fellow New York-breds in his third start. He vaulted into the limelight by winning the Remsen Stakes last November.

This year, injury delayed his progress, and he made his 3yo debut in the Wood Memorial, when he finished fifth, beaten 4 3/4 lengths by Bourbonic.

Initially he was declared out of Kentucky Derby consideration. As defections from the Derby began to mount, owner Schwartz announced he was back in consideration.

April 26 NOTE: Brooklyn Strong worked five furlongs in 100.92, handily, at Parx. He will depart his Bensalem, Pennsylvania base at 6:00 p.m. today and is expected at Churchill Downs by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow.     

Trainer Velazquez said, “It was perfect. I’d like to say it went just as planned, but none of this has been planned. We’re excited. He worked great. Cooled out great. He’ll have all day to relax before he leaves.”

15th in the Kentucky Derby

 Danny Velazquez: “It’s a tough load with 20 horses. You’re in there a long time. Umberto (Rispoli) said he wasn’t standing correctly and he broke a little slow. Our horse was really trying. No harm, no foul. If he comes back OK, we’ll go to the Belmont.”

Umberto Rispoli: “He broke a little slow out of the gate but he tried.”

DYNAMIC ONE (KY)
Derby Points:40
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $140,000
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable, Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable
Breeder: Phipps Stable
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Union Rags (Dixie Union, Tempo)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Beat the Drums (Smart Strike (CAN), Storm Flag Flying)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-6-11-1-0 (24) 2.69
Foal Date: Feb. 2, 2018

Auction Price(s): $725,000 Keeneland September 2019

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 12. Barn 42.

Dynamic One broke his maiden in his fourth start, which was his third one at two turns, before finishing a closing second in the Wood Memorial.

Todd Pletcher after Bourbonic and Dynamic One finished one-two in the Wood Memorial. "We felt like both horses were coming into the race in good order and we always had high hopes for Dynamic One. He’s a horse that’s just starting to put it all together. I was pleased with how they were coming into it, but with Bourbonic, it was Mr. Kelley of Calumet, who said he like to try a race with Derby points in it. They’re always game to take a chance.

On Dynamic One: “The one thing we were concerned about is if he made the lead he might idle a little bit. Jose said he tried to time it as well as he could, and he was hoping the leader would carry him to the wire more than he did. It was another step forward for him.”

Jose Ortiz: “Passing the sixteenth pole I thought I would hold on, but we couldn’t get there. It was a very tough beat, but the other horse put up a good run the last sixteenth and beat me. My horse ran a hell of a race. I think he would handle the mile and a quarter pretty nicely.”

THE NEXT DAY: Assistant trainer Byron Hughes said, “He ran a game race. I was looking at the Trakus this morning, and he actually ran 43 feet more than Bourbonic did. It was a game race, and we were happy with his effort. They (Bourbonic and Dynamic One) both look good. They both ate up last night and are walking around here this morning with a purpose."

April 16 NOTE: From trackside at Churchill Downs, Todd Pletcher watched his four Derby contenders work shortly after 7:30. Bourbonic and Dynamic One were the second pair to work in company, and they were in lockstep throughout, going company four furlongs in 48.60 (12/39). They both last raced on April 3. Initial fraction was 24.40. Dynamic One finished in front of Bourbonic at the wire and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.20 while Bourbonic was out six considerably slower, in 1:14.60. Pletcher also sent out Known Agenda and Sainthood to breeze.

Trainer Pletcher said, “I thought it would be good to work both of these horses together after coming out of the same race (the Wood Memorial). I’d say we were definitely surprised at winning the Wood. (Bourbonic) has always trained a little bit light, but we always thought that the further the distance, the better it would be for him. He likes to drop back and make one run.”

April 19 VIDEO: Todd Pletcher discusses his Derby foursome.

April 23 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Jose Ortiz and Dynamic One breezed with Prime Factor to their inside, going four furlongs in 47.80 (2/108). Initial fractions 24.40, 36.20. Out energetically five in 1:00.60, six in 1:13.20.

Trainer Pletcher said, “He finished full of energy with his ears pricked."

18th in the Kentucky Derby

Todd Pletcher: “We could never get in positon.”

Jose Ortiz: “Didn’t fire.”

ESSENTIAL QUALITY (KY)
Derby Points: 140
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $2,210,000
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Breeder: Godolphin
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Tapit (Pulpit, Tap Your Heels)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Delightful Quality (Elusive Quality, Contrive)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-12-14-1-0 (32) D3.00
Foal Date: April 9, 2018

Auction Price(s): NA

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 5. Barn 22.

Essential Quality easily leads the field in earnings made by winning all five of his races, including the Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, the Southwest Stakes and the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. The latter win was a nail-biter -- he ran down two-turn debuter and pacesetter Highly Motivated in deep stretch after attending his pace.

Brad Cox after winning the Toyota Blue Grass: “It’s a tremendous feeling. He had to dig in today. It was probably what he needed. It was good for him to get a good test today. He did everything easy enough in his last race. I was proud of what he was able to overcome today. Big effort. I was happy where we were (turning for home). I could tell the horse on the inside (Highly Motivated), he had horse, and we really had to work to get by him. The horse on the inside ran a huge race. Both of them really duked it out the whole way. It set up for both of them, and they both responded well. That was a good race four weeks out. Hopefully we’re ready.”

Luis Saez: “That other horse was fighting, and I thought we weren’t going to get him. But I always had faith in Essential Quality. He’s a nice horse No matter how fast or slow the pace, he always wants to be first at the wire.”

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer Cox said, “He looks good this morning, and I am happy with the way he came out of the race. I liked that he got a test yesterday. It was not like he just galloped up to the leader and went on by.” Cox said Essential Quality would go to Churchill Downs the following day.

April 8 NOTE: Trainer Cox said, “We got him in here (at Churchill Downs) from Keeneland on Monday (April 5) and he went back to the track Wednesday. He’ll probably work twice before the Derby and he’ll be ready. He really showed us a gutsy effort in the Blue Grass, and I think he’ll get a lot out of that race by how hard he had to work for the win.”

April 10 NOTE: Essential Quality galloped at 6:30 a.m.

April 17 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Essential Quality breezed five furlongs in 59.60 (4/40) at 5:15 this morning with Luis Saez up. The track was tight. Initial splits were 12.80, 24.60 and 47.40. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.20 and seven in 1:28.60. Essential Quality broke off for the workout one length behind two-time winning stablemate Spa City and finished even at the wire. Spa City’s final five-furlong time was :59.80, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols.

Trainer Cox said, “I’m not taking a deep breath yet, but we’re very pleased with where we are at today two weeks from the Derby. He really had to work for that win in the Blue Grass, and we were very pleased how well he ended up bouncing out of it.” Cox said he likes to work his horses early while the track is tight and they can skip over it.

April 17 VIDEO: Trainer Cox discusses Essential Quality, Mandaloun

April 17 VIDEO: Luis Saez shares his thoughts on Essential Quality

April 24 NOTE: Essential Quality breezed five in 1:00.40 (8/29) at Churchill Downs. Essential Quality breezed outside and off the hip of Spa City all the way. He ran through early fractions in 12.80, 24.80, 48.20. That second quarter-mile went in 23.40, and he finished up the work proper in 12.20. He was out six furlongs in a leisurely in 114.60 -- and well out-galloped by Spa City.

Trainer Cox said, “We keep radios on all of our riders so that way we can stay in contact throughout the work. Galloping out around the turn, I got on the radio to Edvin and told him not to let him go too strongly. Spa City is a horse we used as a workmate for Essential Quality the last three or four works. He’s a good matchup for him because he’s a good work horse.

April 24 VIDEO: Brad Cox after workouts by Essential Quality, Mandaloun

April 24 VIDEO: Godolphin/Darley America's Jimmy Bell

Fourth in the Kentucky Derby

Brad Cox: “He didn’t get the greatest trip as he was wide around both turns. That can happen when you start from the 14 hole, especially when don’t get off to a good start. He was leaning out on the far turn and Luis (Saez) said he was shying away from the other horses. We will just have to regroup. Proud of both horses. They trained well and just wish the order of finish was just a little different.”

Luis Saez: “He bumped pretty good (with Rock Your World) out of the gate. We ended up getting pretty wide the entire trip which didn’t help either.”

HELIUM (KY)
Derby Points: 50
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $255,492
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Trainer: Mark E. Casse
Owner: D. J. Stable LLC
Breeder: Teneri Farm Inc. & Bernardo Alvarez Calderon
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Ironicus (Distorted Humor, Meghan's Joy)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Thundering Emilia (Thunder Gulch, Saint Emilia (PER))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-3-7-0-0 (14) 3.00
Foal Date: April 1, 2018

Auction Price(s): $55,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October 2019

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 7. Barn 36.

Helium has won all three of his starts: a one-turn maiden race on synthetic at Woodbine last September, the seven-furlong Display Stakes on synthetic at Woodbine on Oct. 18, and the most recent being the 1 1/16-mile Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby on March 6.

Mark Casse after winning the Tampa Bay Derby: "He trained well enough that we thought he deserved a chance. We had thought about running in the Gotham and thought, if we’re going to try the dirt, let’s run him close to home, and it worked well for us. This horse is something, because he got away a little slow today and we had planned on him being closer. He made that big wide run on the turn, but when (Hidden Stash rallied) I was going to be happy with second. I thought, we can build on this, because this is only his third start.... What was amazing is that he wasn’t overly exhausted after the race. He’s a beautiful horse, he’s bred to run all day long and he looks like a Derby horse, so it’s exciting."

THE NEXT DAY: Jockey Ferrer said, “He tried to buck twice when we went to the track, and the pony went to grab him. I don’t know if he was trying to make a statement to me, but I petted him and talked to him and he settled down. Sometimes they want to act like little kids, and you just have to let them know you’re on the same team. After that, he was perfect. (During the race) I threw the reins in the air to let him know we weren’t done yet."

Trainer Casse said, “I’m not easily worried, but I was kind of worried because he had so much adversity to overcome. We planned to run him in the Grey Stakes (on Nov. 22), but it snowed and they cancelled the race.” (It wasn't rescheduled due to a decision about the pandemic.) We took him to New Orleans next, and were going to run him in the Grade III Lecomte at Fair Grounds, but he wrenched an ankle one morning. Nothing serious, but we brought him home to Ocala and gave him about 10 days off before we put him back in training."

April 10 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Helium breezed five furlongs in 59.20 (4/28) under Julien Leparoux on a track that looks to have been playing fast. He ran through splits of 11.80, 23.20 and 35.40 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.00. He was in company with Ghost of the Mambo. Assistant trainer David Carroll said, “Everything went as smoothly as we could’ve drew it up. He came in from Florida on Wednesday, and has been doing very well since.”

April 16 NOTE: Helium was the first work at 7:30 a.m. ET. after the renovation break at Churchill. He breezed five furlongs in 1:01.80 (28/36) inside of stablemate Peace Achieved through fractions of 25.60, 37.60 and 49.80. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.60. Peace Achieved completed his five-furlong move in 1:02.00.

Trainer Casse said, “The most important thing about the work is Julien (Leparoux) was happy." Casse is slated to arrive next week in Kentucky.

April 23 NOTE: At Churchill Downs with Julien Leparoux up, Helium breezed four furlongs in 49.80 (75/108) with a rank workmate, Laker Mamba, and the move got off to a rocky start. His splits were 12.20 and 24.00, and he was out five furlongs in 1:03.00.

Assistant trainer David Carroll said, “Very happy with both of them (Helium and Soup and Sandwich). I thought Helium’s work was good; he’s a very smooth-moving horse. He’s the better work horse of the two and he went absolutely beautiful; in hand the whole way, just waiting for Julien to ask him. He just stretched his legs but that’s all we were looking for. These were the works we wanted for the final pieces of works. Both horses are in great shape so hopefully we have a good week and we have a good draw.”

Eighth in the Kentucky Derby

Mark Casse: “He finished mid-pack but just wasn’t good enough.”

Julien Leparoux: “I got him in a good spot out of the break and he just flattened.”

HIDDEN STASH (KY)
Derby Points: 32
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $130,000
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Trainer: Victoria H. Oliver
Owner: BBN Racing, LLC
Breeder: Rhineshire Farm LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Constitution (Tapit, Baffled)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Making Mark Money (Smart Strike (CAN), Kapsiki)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-10-12-0-0 (28) 3.67
Foal Date: March 15, 2018

Auction Price(s): $50,000 Keeneland September 2018

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 27. Barn 20.

He has two wins, a second and two thirds from seven starts, the last three as follows: third in the Sam F. Davis Stakes, second in the Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby and fourth in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. Trainer Oliver would be the 17th woman to run a horse in the Derby and the first since Carla Gaines had Bolo (12th) in 2015, per DRF's Marty McGee.

April 14 NOTE: Hidden Stash breezed a bullet half-mile at Keeneland in :47.80 (1/23)shortly after the track opened for training at 5:30. He was in company with 4-year-old gelded allowance winner Kentucky Ghost (49.40, 4/23) and unraced 3-year-old Social Chatter (also 49.40, 4/23), Hidden Stash produced initial fractions of 12.60, 24.40 and 36.60, catching up to his workmates at the wire after starting eight lengths back. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:00 and six in 1:13.80 with Rafael Bejarano aboard.

Trainer Oliver: “I thought he worked really well, and we beat the rain. I was going to work Thursday, Friday or Saturday. I was watching the weather and I wanted to get a decent work in, so we went this morning.” Oliver said plans another work on April 24 preceding a ship to Churchill Downs on April 27.

April 23 NOTE: At Keeneland, Hidden Stash breezed five furlongs in 1:00.60 B (6/26). Splits unavailable, but he galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.80. Exercise rider Darragh Sweeney handled the move.

Trainer Oliver said,  “He is going to jog and stand in the gate tomorrow and walk Sunday. He will gallop Monday and Tuesday and ship to Churchill after he trains Tuesday morning.” 

14th in the Kentucky Derby

Vicki Oliver: “He looks like he came out of it OK. He ate a lot of dirt but we scoped him and he’s fine. I just jogged him in the shedrow and he’s tired but he should be OK. He ran his race. Rafael (Bejarano) said he broke real good, but he had to check him several times. Horses were in front of him and there was nowhere to go.”

Rafael Bejarano: “I didn’t want to try and get him out of his rhythm too soon but when I needed to go he was just flat.”



HIGHLY MOTIVATED (KY)
Derby Points: 50
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $271,000
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
Breeder: Klaravich Stables
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Into Mischief (Harlan's Holiday, Leslie's Lady)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Strong Incentive (CAN) (Warrior's Reward, G. G.'s Dolly)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-1-1-1-0 (4) 1.67
Foal Date: March 23, 2018

Auction Price(s): $240,000 Keeneland November 2018

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 19. Barn 25.

Never off the board in five starts, four of which were around one turn. After running belatedly to finish a so-so third in the Gotham as the 9-10 favorite in his fourth outing, he ran a big one, losing to Essential Quality in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes by only a neck in his first race at two turns.

Whit Beckman, assistant to Chad Brown, after running a close second in the Toyota Blue Grass: “That was just a tremendous run he put in. He ran so well, and you could tell he just did not want to get beat. When one is trying that hard, and you could feel the disappointment. I wasn’t confident being on the front end in a big race like this. But Javier got there and my confidence was with Javi and his decisions.”

Javier Castellano: “He ran a huge race. I’m very satisfied the way he did it today. I got beat, finished second, but I’m so proud of my horse and the way he did it today. Easy fractions on the lead, he galloped along – that’s the first time he did two turns. We tested him a little bit to see how far he could go, and he did it. He tried with one of the best horses in the country, and I give all the credit to the winner. But I would never complain with my horse and the way he did it.”

THE NEXT DAY: Assistant trainer Beckham said, “He is good this morning. He put in a valiant effort yesterday going two turns for the first time. He took all the heat and kept battling. I am not sure, but knowing Chad I would not be surprised to see him go to Churchill for a couple of works."

April 17 NOTE: Highly Motivated galloped today at Keeneland and is scheduled to work there tomorrow. He is tentatively scheduled to be shipped to Churchill Downs on Monday. Per the Aqueduct press office, Highly Motivated is slated for the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Brown said, “He’ll work a half-mile at Keeneland tomorrow. I thought he ran terrific in the Blue Grass, and he came out of it good.”

Brown's previous Kentucky Derby starters include Good Magic (second in 2018), Practical Joke f(fifth in 2017), Shagaf (20th in 2016), My Man Sam (11th in 2016) and Normandy Invasion (fourth in 2013).

April 18 NOTE: This morning at Keeneland: Highly Motivated in company with Founder breezed four furlongs in 47.20. Splits: 12.20, 23.60, 36.00, out five furlongs in 1:00.20, six in 1:15.60. Founder, a 3YO maiden debut winner from four starts, also worked in 47.20. If Highly Motivated comes out of this work in good shape, the Kentucky Derby will be the next target.

April 20 NOTE: Trainer Brown speaks well of Highly Motivated

April 24 NOTE: Highly Motivated breezed five in 1:00.80 (11/29) at Churchill Downs. He breezed outside Southern District pretty much together to the wire. A nice gallop-out followed, followed by a solid pat on his neck. Initial fractions were 25.20 and 36.60. He was out six in 1:14.40, seven in 1:28.40.

Trainer Brown said, “I thought he breezed really well, and it went exactly how I wanted. I wasn’t afraid to give him a good solid breeze, and he did it and he did it well, with some in reserve too. He got over the track well, which I really wanted to see. He had been galloping well over it, but really, when you get to see a breeze, you can see more, obviously.”

April 24 VIDEO: Chad Brown after Highly Motivated's workout

10th in the Kentucky Derby

Chad Brown: “I thought I got a great trip, into the first turn and down the backside, and he just didn't fire today. I thought I got a hot setup and I wanted to be just behind that and that's where we were. He got over early, he saved ground on both turns; I got a dream trip. I hate to waste that kind of trip in the Derby on a horse that didn't fire today. It is what it is and we'll just have to regroup."

Javier Castellano: “We got into a good spot but just didn’t fire.”



HOT ROD CHARLIE (KY)
Derby Points: 110
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $962,000
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Doug O'Neill
Owner: Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, LLC and Strauss, William
Breeder: Edward A. Cox Jr.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Oxbow (Awesome Again (CAN), Tizamazing)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Indian Miss (Indian Charlie, Glacken's Gal)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-4-5-0-0 (10) 3.00
Foal Date: April 11, 2018

Auction Price(s): $17,000 Fasig Tipton February 2019; $110,000 Fasig-Tipton October 2019

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 25. Barn 41.

Hot Rod Charlie broke his maiden in his fourth start, then was second at long odds in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, a close third in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and the front-running winner of the Louisiana Derby.

Joel Rosario after winning the Louisiana Derby: “I wanted to get a little position. It didn’t look like there was much speed in the race. He broke well, and in the first turn I found myself on the lead. Working with him in the morning. He relaxes and you don’t have to get him in the race. It worked out really well. He handled the distance very well. Very impressive. With the horse coming on his outside (Midnight Bourbon), he really fought back. He doesn’t have to be on the lead. He can do anything. He can be a little bit off the pace and will run the same way.”

April 3 NOTE: At Santa Anita, Hot Rod Charlie worked four furlongs in 49.40 under Flavien Prat. Trainer O'Neill said, “He went the last eighth in 11 and change."

April 9 NOTE: Trainer O'Neill said, “If all goes well, our horse will breeze at Santa Anita every Saturday until the final one (April 24). He’s booked to fly to Kentucky the Sunday before (April 25). We have no jockey right now, but Rosario is supposed to let us know after the Arkansas Derby.” Rosario is to ride Concert Tour in the Arkansas Derby.

April 10 NOTE: Today at Santa Anita, he worked five in 1.01:20 (27/66) and was labeled the rare "breezing" by clockers at the track, but who knows if this really means anything or whether the clockers were given a heads-up the move would be "breezing". Most of the works out west look like breezes, but clockers label almost all of them handily.

April 12 NOTE: Flavien Prat has been booked to ride Hot Rod Charlie in the Kentucky Derby.

April 17 NOTE: Today at Santa Anita, Hot Rod Charlie worked six furlongs in 1:14.20, with Flavien Prat up. Prat also worked Dream Shake this morning. Trainer O'Neill said, “He looked solid. So far, so good.”

April 18 NOTE: Trainer O'Neill said, “Now it’s day to day to day, keep him injury free and keep moving forward. I would think having gone through the Derby twice before is an advantage. It is all horse-driven, based on who you’re going there with, but we’re very optimistic with Hot Rod Charlie. He’s already shown he can ship and perform well at the highest level. We’re excited, and the previous experience definitely is a benefit, I would think.”

April 24 NOTE: Hot Rod Charlie worked six furlongs 1:13.68 (2/4) under Flavien Prat at Santa Anita before the first race. He was set down while one length behind workmate Chasing Fame at the five furlong pole. He assumed command at the top of the stretch and worked past the wire to the seven furlong pole through splits of 24.46, 48.94 and 1:00.90. Santa Anita timer Dane Nelson had Hot Rod Charlie galloping out seven furlongs in 1:27.43. Next stop: Churchill Downs tomorrow.

Trainer O'Neill said, “I’m extremely grateful to the Santa Anita Racing Department for letting us work after training hours and before the races. I love the fresh track and not having to worry about traffic. I’m real happy with the way he breezed. We’re all set, looking forward to getting him to Churchill and finding out what our post position will be on Tuesday.”

Jockey Prat said, “I loved the way he went. He went really easy, and he went a solid three quarters, with a good gallop out. I loved his energy and the way he went by his stablemate. Essential Quality is the favorite, and we’re one of many horses who have a good chance. There’s no pressure, and I’m really excited to be riding this horse.”

April 26 VIDEO: Doug O'Neill talks Hot Rod Charlie

April 27 NOTE: Bill Strauss, a co-owner of Hot Rod Charlie, co-founded ProFlowers.com. Now he's looking for special flowers.

April 27 NOTE: Roadrunner Racing's Greg and Glenna Helm having fun in Louisville.

Third in the Kentucky Derby

Doug O’Neill: “I’m proud; very proud. He ran huge. It looked to me like he had a good trip. But Flavien might have a different take on that. We’re honored and blessed to have a horse like this. I’m so proud of him. And know for sure that he’ll be back.”

Flavien Prat: “He ran great.”

KEEPMEINMIND (KY)

Derby Points:18
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $409,707
Jockey: David Cohen
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
Owner: Cypress Creek Equine, Bennewith, Arnold and Spendthrift Farm LLC
Breeder: Southern Equine Stables, LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Laoban (Uncle Mo, Chattertown)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Inclination (Victory Gallop (CAN), Blockbuster)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 0-2-4-0-0 (6) 2.00
Foal Date: Feb. 8, 2018

Auction Price(s): NA

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 14. Barn 46.

Keepmeinmind got off to a slow start this year after ending 2020 by winning the Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs. That win followed a place in the Breeders' Futurity and a show in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. His fortunes dipped when he finished sixth in the Rebel Stakes and fifth of six in the Arkansas Derby.

April 23 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Keepmeinmind went in company with Shasta Star, a very energetic move coming from behind on the inside and blowing on past, looks like he's enjoying his new environment but the initial splits were fast. Four furlongs in 46.20 (1/108). Splits 22.80, 34.40. Out five in 59.20. David Cohen was up.

Trainer Diodoro said, I am very happy with both of them (including Oaks candidate Ava's Grace).He worked really good today and he loves the track here, too. I just got a text from (Spendthrift), ‘very sharp’. It is a tough spot (outside looking in at the Derby field. If we don’t get in, we will train here for the Preakness.”

Commenting later,  jockey Cohen called the work “beautiful" and added, “He went very strong. I actually put him behind another one of our horses, about 10 lengths. Just wanted to give him a good target and wanted to give him something to pass. As soon as he got up by that horse and went up on the inside, there was a little traffic outside. Opted to just go up the rail. That was one thing he was dealing with early on in his career. He wasn’t wanting to go into some tight spots and kind of sucking out and giving up some much needed ground, which he did in the Breeders’ Cup prep and the Breeders’ Cup as well.”

April 24 NOTE: After defections, Keepemeinmind made the Kentucky Derby field.

April 24 VIDEO: Spendthrift Farm general manager Ned Toffey on Keepmeinmind

April 27 NOTE: Trainer Robertino Diodoro hasn't given up on Keepmeinmind.

Seventh in the Kentucky Derby

Robertino Diodoro: “The one thing we wanted was to get him back to his old ways and he relaxed the way we wanted. David (Cohen) said they started moving so fast he had to swing him out wider than we wanted. No excuses. We’re happy with the horse. You don’t want to be happy with seventh, but we are.”

David Cohen: “I have to be proud of his effort. He ran a good race and I’m very thankful for Robertino (Diodoro) for being so loyal to us.”

KING FURY (KY) - SCRATCHED
Derby Points: 20
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $207,595
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
Owner: Fern Circle Stables and Three Chimneys Farm, LLC
Breeder: Heider Family Stables, LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Curlin (Smart Strike (CAN), Sherriff's Deputy)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Taris (Flatter, Comedy)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index:6-6-12-0-0 (24) 3.00
Foal Date: Jan. 12, 2018

Auction Price(s): $950,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga August 2019

Arrival at Churchill Downs:  April 18. Barn 7.

He broke his maiden first time out, then won the Street Sense Stakes, his third race. He was given a break after running seventh in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and fifth in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. On April 10, he made his sophomore debut in the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes.

Brian Hernandez Jr. after winning the Lexington Stakes: “They were going fast, and my horse, he actually jumped away from (the gate) really, really good. Then going around the turn, he went to hopping up and down from the dirt. Once he got down to the fence and midway down the backside, he went to traveling so good. I got to the five-eighths pole and went ‘Man, they’re in trouble from this point’ because he was just doing it the right way and traveling and taking us the whole way. He was so powerful today that I knew I would just be able to pick my way through like we did. He was just there for me the whole way.”

Kenny McPeek: “This has always been a really, really good horse. We were a little aggressive with him last fall. I’m going to give a big tip of the hat to the (co-owner) Three Chimneys team. They said, ‘Hey, send him to us for a little while. Let’s give him a little break'. He needed it. We tested him at the highest levels, and he came back bigger and stronger.”

“We’ll check him after this race. I think he’s going to handle a mile and a quarter without any trouble. Whether he gets in (the Kentucky Derby, it’s out of our control. We’ll see how he bounces out. We think a mile a quarter would be great. We'll look at the opposition. The Preakness is a great race too. It could be either-or, but it would definitely one or the other.”

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer McPeek said, “All good; we are real proud of him. If his points get him in to the Kentucky Derby, we will probably run. It is his home track and he has won there. If he doesn’t get in the Derby, he will run in the Preakness. He seems like a horse that is ready to do all that. We will have to see how that ball bounces. It is out of our control, but we will keep his work schedule the same.”

April 17 NOTE: With defections from the Derby still occurring, King Fury still has a shot to make the field.

April 24 NOTE: As of yesterday, he made it into the field.

April 24 NOTE: King Fury breezed five furlongs in 1:00.20 (6/29) at Churchill Downs. He made a good impression going solo with Brian Hernandez, Jr. on board. They began in 12.80, 25.20, 36.80 and 48.40. Out six furlongs in 112.80, seven in 126.60.

Jockey Hernandez said, “Everything was good. He did it with his ears up and he seems like he’s a happy horse. He’s got a little confidence in himself coming out of the Lexington. He’s coming into the Derby with some confidence.”

Trainer McPeek said, "We weren’t fretting about it too much. It was all up to a higher power, if we didn’t get in, then it was to go on to the Preakness.... We would have worked him the same today, if he was going to Baltimore or if he was staying here. He’s a steady horse, and he knows what to do. He grinds away and does it quickly. Two weeks and a day ago, I had no notion that we’d be thinking about him running in the Derby. But he ran such a powerful race in the Lexington, that he really deserves a chance. And he’s 2-for-3 here at Churchill, two really good first starts, so we know that he really likes the ground. We were always really high on him. For him to finally show the talent we knew he always had in the Lexington, it was really nice. We’re fortunate that now we’ve gotten in the back door for the Derby with our 20 points. Now we just have to give him a good, clean trip and let him show his stuff.”

April 25 VIDEO:  Brian Hernandez Jr. talks about King Fury

April 30 NOTE: King Fury has been scratched due to an elevated temperature and white blood cell count.

KNOWN AGENDA (KY)
Derby Points: 102
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $461,100
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: St. Elias Stable
Breeder: St. Elias Stables, LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Curlin (Smart Strike (CAN), Sherriff's Deputy)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Byrama (GB) (Byron GB), Aymara (GB)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-5-8-4-1 (22) 1.44
Foal Date: March 22, 2018

Auction Price(s): RNA $135,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga August 2019

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 12. Barn 42.

He broke his maiden second time out, then finished third in the Remsen Stakes in December. He flubbed by finishing fifth in the Sam F. Davis Stakes in his 3-year-old debut, but then rebounded to easily take a Gulfstream Park allowance race, followed by winning the Florida Derby.

Trainer Pletcher following the Florida Derby win: “I was really pleased with the progress he was making up the backside, because one of the things we were a little bit worried about was if he got stuck inside, he didn’t seem to handle that in the Remsen very well. A lot of horses are more confident when they’re outside in the clear. When he was making progress up the backside and picking off horses while he was inside and behind horses, I had a pretty good feeling at that point that he was running his race today and that it was a matter of – we’re going to find out how good he is.”

Irad Ortiz, Jr.: “The instructions were to try and stay as close as I can without going too crazy and start working my way out and put the horse in the clear outside. I saw a couple horses outside of me, and I had to take a hold to go around, and I said it was too much, so I just followed the flow of the race. I had to go to the rail, and it worked out great. When I took him out, he started rolling.”

April 9 NOTE: Breezed an easy half-mile in 50.25 at Palm Beach Downs in company with Colonel Liam, rated in the top 10 nationally.

April 11 NOTE: Trainer Pletcher said: “There’s some bad weather in Orlando, so they postponed the flight. He’ll train at Palm Beach Downs and then go (tomorrow). We were scheduled to go today and then all the bad weather came in. He’s doing excellent. We’re very happy with him. He’s showing good energy. He seems pleased with himself.... now we’ll get to Churchill and, hopefully, breeze on Friday there.” Pletcher said he plans to give Known Agenda two works at Churchill before the Derby. "He’s not one that’s going to put in some super quick breezes, but I feel like the mile and a quarter is right in his wheelhouse, and I like the way he’s doing.”

April 16 NOTE: From trackside at Churchill Downs, Todd Pletcher watched his four Derby contenders work shortly after 7:30. Known Agenda Sainthood were the first pair to work in company, and they were in lockstep throughout, going company five furlongs in 1:00.40 (9/36). They both last raced on March 27. Fractions were 12.60, 24.40 and 36.40. They galloped out together through six furlongs in 1:13.40. Irad Ortiz Jr. was aboard Known Agenda, and exercise rider Amelia Green rode Sainthood, who does not have a jockey publicly committed yet. Pletcher also sent out Bourbonic and Dynamic One to breeze.

Trainer Pletcher said, “Because of the spacing of their last two races (Florida Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks), I wanted a more serious work out of them. I thought both horses got over the surface well, and that’s what was most important about getting them up here early to work over it. I paired these two together because of that spacing of their last race.”

April 19 VIDEO: Todd Pletcher discusses his Derby foursome.

April 23 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Known Agenda breezed inside of Sainthood, both going five furlongs in 1:01.00 (17/50). Initially 12.60, 24.40, 36.20. Out six in 1:14.20, seven in 1:27.20. Irad Ortiz, Jr. was in for the work.

Trainer Pletcher said, “Known Agenda is not the most aggressive work horse. He is not an Always Dreaming (the 2017 Kentucky Derby winner) that will work in :59. He has had two good works here (1:00.40 last Friday), and I liked the way Sainthood worked with him.”

Ninth in the Kentucky Derby

Todd Pletcher: “He never got into position. He made a move around the far turn but got shuffled back. I’m going to have to watch the replay.”

Irad Ortiz Jr.: “We made a move on the backside but just sort of flattened.”

LIKE THE KING (KY)
Derby Points: 104
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $161,300
Jockey: Drayden Van Dyke
Trainer: Wesley A. Ward
Owner: M Racing Group, LLC
Breeder: Horseshoe Racing LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Palace Malice (Curlin, Palace Rumor)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Like A Queen (Corinthian, Arcanum)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-8-7-0-0 (18) 4.14
Foal Date: Feb. 13, 2018

Auction Price(s): $28,000 Keeneland November 2018; $170,000 October 2019

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 27. Barn 41.

Made his Derby points winning the Jeff Ruby Steaks on synthetic at Turfway.
Pal
April 10 NOTE: At Keeneland, Like the King breezed six furlongs over the turf course rated firm in 1:16.00 under Drayden Van Dyke. He's set for two more works there on the main track before the Derby. He reportedly started far back of workmates Outadore and After Five, passing the former and making up five lengths on the latter. Trainer Ward said, “I wanted to make sure he got a lot out of it today. Those were two good horses in front of him. Outadore was third in the Breeders’ Cup (Juvenile Turf) and After Five was second in the Futurity at Belmont. He got a good blow today. I wanted Drayden on him today because it is only his second time on him. His next two works will be on the main track with Julio (Garcia) with the last one on (April 25) if the weather cooperates.”

April 17 NOTE: Like the King worked six furlongs in 1:12.80 (1/3) at Keeneland. With Julio Garcia aboard, Like the King started three lengths in back of 2020 Canadian champion female sprinter Artie’s Princess and drew even at the sixteenth pole.

At the conclusion of the work, trainer Wesley Ward and Gary Stevens, agent for Drayden Van Dyke, who will have the Derby mount, exchanged fist bumps with enthusiasm.

Trainer Ward said, “That was a good work, and the horse he worked with is a champion. He’ll work again next Saturday or Sunday.” Like the King is expected to van to Churchill Downs on April 27.

April 24 NOTE: Like the King breezed five furlongs in 1:01.00 (9/28) at Keeneland. Working in company with 4-year-old Artie’s Princess, the 2020 Sovereign Award winner as Canada’s champion female sprinter, Like the King started two lengths in back and edged clear at the wire, galloping out six furlongs in 1:15.40 with Julio Garcia aboard.

Trainer Ward said, “He was nice and smooth down the lane. He had that filly measured, as he did last week. He looked a lot smoother this week than last week. Last week he was kind of on the bridle. Today he was a lot more fluid. He’s a very difficult horse to gallop. He had a really, really strong last part of his gallop yesterday when a couple of workers came inside of him. So I wasn’t looking to go :59 or anything today.”

12th in the Kentucky Derby

Wesley Ward: “It was a great experience. The big question mark was if he would like the dirt. He worked great leading up to the race. We were very happy with the day but his future will be on the grass.”

Drayden Van Dyke: “He didn’t really handle the dirt.”

MANDALOUN (KY)
Derby Points: 52
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $270,000
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Juddmonte Farms
Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Inc
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Into Mischief (Harlan's Holiday, Leslie's Lady)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Brooch (Empire Maker, Daring Diva (GB))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-3-1-0-0 (6) 11.00
Foal Date: March 18, 2018

Auction Price(s): NA

Arrival at Churchill Downs: Latter March. Barn 22.

Mandaloun went into the Louisiana Derby the 6-5 favorite off his impressive win of the Risen Star Stakes. He threw a clunker, finishing sixth of eight, beaten 11 3/4 lengths by Hot Rod Charlie.

Trainer Cox after the race: “He was flat and we’re disappointed. There’s no other way to say it. I don’t know. Obviously, this is a nice horse that won the race and he backed up Essential Quality’s form (second to him in Breeders' Cup Juvenile) pretty good. I was happy with the trip. He was three wide and stalking the winner, but at the half-mile pole it looked like we were in trouble. I have no excuse right now, we’ll just have to see. It’s frustrating but it’s part of it. I can’t ask him to train any better, and I don’t think I would have done anything different. We’ll just regroup.”

Florent Geroux: “He was a little flat today and I ran out of gas late. I’m disappointed. I had the same trip I had the first two times (in the Lecomte and Risen Star). I was tracking the horses that ran one-two (today) and, for some reason, just came up really empty when it was time to run. It’s disappointing. That’s why these preps are made, to see where you are at for the Derby. Off that effort I really don’t know what he’ll do. He’s already in (the Kentucky Derby), but I don’t know. He was traveling great on the backside, I almost thought I had to slow him down because he was doing so good. But when it was time to run, he just didn’t have it.”

April 10 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Mandaloun breezed outside Bonny South, gettting five furlongs in 58.80 (1/28). Splits were 23.40 and 46.60, and he was out six in 1:11.40 and seven in 125.60. The track looks to have been playing fast. Trainer Cox said, “They both worked fast but looked like they were doing it really easy.”

April 17 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Mandaloun breezed six furlongs in 1:11.40 (1/3) first thing this morning with Florent Geroux aboard in company with maiden winner Colonel Bowman. The track was tight. The duo began their six-furlong move from the five-eighths pole and cruised through splits of 12.40, 24.20, 35.60 and 58.80. Mandaloun extended his stride in front of Colonel Bowman through a seven-furlong gallop out in 1:25.20 and a mile in 1:41.60. Colonel Bowman’s final six-furlong time was 1:11.80.

Trainer Cox said, "He worked great. We were all puzzled after the Louisiana Derby, but he’s been doing great since that race. Maybe that was just a head scratcher. He’s a really good looking son of Into Mischief, and we know he’s better than what we saw in his last start.” Cox said he likes to work his horses early while the track is tight and they can skip over it.

April 17 VIDEO: Trainer Cox discusses Mandaloun and Essential Quality

April 17 VIDEO: Jockey Geroux on Mandaloun

April 24 NOTE: Mandaloun breezed five furlongs in 1:00.00 (4/29) at Churchill Downs with Florent Geroux up. He made up about eight lengths on workmate Joe Frazier before they got to the wire -- after splits of 23.20, 35.60 and 47.60. He galloped out six furlongs energetically in 1:12.60 and seven in an eased-down 1:27.20.

Jockey Gerox said, “Going into the pole, Joe Frazier was a little bit strong and I didn’t want to ask Mandaloun to catch up to him too much. I didn’t want to get him in the bit too early, so we started six or seven lengths behind but going around the turn he really picked up the pace. He has a big stride to him and was full of himself getting over this track.”

April 17 VIDEO: Trainer Cox discusses Essential Quality, Mandaloun

April 24 VIDEO: Florent Geroux after Mandaloun's work

Second in the Kentucky Derby

Brad Cox: “He ran huge. He saved ground along the inside, battled and battled hard, thought he had a shot to win it there, We just came up a little short.”

Florent Geroux: “He absolutely ran his heart out. Words can’t describe how proud I am of him. What a race and what a horse. Well done to trainer Brad Cox. He got him ready to run off the Louisiana Derby effort. He showed us he is the horse we always thought. We just got beat.”



MEDINA SPIRIT (FL)
Derby Points: 74
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $290,000
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Zedan Racing Stables Inc
Breeder: Gail Rice
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Protonico (Giant's Causeway, Alpha Spirit)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Mongolian Changa (Brilliant Speed, Bridled)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-6-15-0-0 (24) 2.20
Foal Date: April 5, 2018

Auction Price(s): $1,000 OBS Winter 2019; $35,000 OBS July 2020

Arrival at Churchill Downs:  April 23. Barn 33.

This inexpensive purchase hasn't finished worse than second in five starts, four of which have come in graded stakes. He won his debut, finished second in the Sham Stakes, won the Robert B. Lewis, and finished second in both the San Felipe Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby.

John Velazaquez after finishing second in the Santa Anita Derby: “The horse ran well, but the winner took the lead on a fast track and kept running. My horse kept coming and kept coming but couldn’t catch up. He did have some left in the tank at the end, and he kept coming, but the other horse got away pretty well and opened up again. It was too hard to catch up.”

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer Baffert said, “He ran a game race like he always does. The winner was very impressive, but our horse showed up, he ran his race, he came out of it well and we’ve got four weeks to sharpen him up. He’ll be right there. He’s always going to be tough; he tries hard all the time.”

April 16 NOTE: At Santa Anita, Medina Spirit worked five furlongs in 1:00.00 (4/43). He's scheduled to leave for Kentucky April 23 or 25. Trainer Baffert said, “He worked five eighths, galloped out strong and looked good" adding that the Derby “looks very wide open.”

April 23 NOTE: At Santa Anita on April 22, Medina Spirit worked outside of 4yo stakes horse Azul Coast, going six furlongs on 1:12.20 (1/3).

April 27 NOTE: Bob Baffert talks about Medina Spirit with Chad Summers for worldhorseracing.com.



First in the Kentucky Derby

Bob Baffert: “This little horse coming in here, he’s always shown he’s an overachiever. His heart is bigger than his body. When he turned for home, something just told me. He reminded me of Silver Charm (Baffert’s 1st Derby winner). He doesn’t know how much he cost. He wouldn’t let anyone pass him. Mr. Zedan wanted to come to the Derby with a $45,000 horse. I thought we’d see what happens. This horse, the way he ran, I didn’t know he had it in him. Johnny Velazquez is unbelievable. He’s so cool. He told me last night not to underestimate this horse. He’s better than you think.”

John Velazquez: “Every time I asked him to give more he kept fighting on. You couldn’t ask for more of a horse. When you ride a horse like this who is competitive you can’t ask for anything else.”



MIDNIGHT BOURBON (KY)
Derby Points: 66
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $430,000
Jockey: Mike Smith
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy, Cee's Song)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Catch the Moon (Malibu Moon, Catch My Fancy)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-2-8-0-0 (14) 2.50
Foal Date: Jan. 25, 2018

Auction Price(s): $525,000 Keeneland September 2019

Arrival at Churchill Downs: Latter March. Barn 38.

Midnight Bourbon has never finished off the board. Through seven lifetime starts, he’s recorded two wins, two seconds and three third-place finishes. Most recently, he finished second to Hot Rod Charlie in the $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby.

Joe Talamo after finishing second in the Louisiana Derby: “We got a perfect trip and turning for home I had a lot of horse and I thought we had it. We just got outfinished. Hats off to the winner, he ran huge and fought back on me. I think this distance suits this horse and I think he will be fine.”

April 4 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Midnight Bourbon breezed five in 1.01:20 (5/11).

April 11 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Midnight Bourbon breezed five furlongs in 1:00.40 (1/15) outside of stablemate Jackie’s Warrior through fractions of 12.40, 24.80 and 36.80. They galloped out together through five furlongs in 1:13.20 and seven in 1:27.40.

April 19 NOTE: At Churchill Downs during the Derby-Oaks training window, Midnight Bourbon breezed outside Bajan Rum going five furlongs in 59.80. Initial splits were 12.40, 24.00, 35.60. He was out six in 1:12.80 and seven in 1:26.00. Bajan Rum is a Turfway maiden winner second time out off a long layoff.

April 19 VIDEO: Trainer Asmussen after Midnight Bourbon's workout.

April 24 VIDEO: Steve Asmussen on a variety of subjects.

April 26 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Midnight Bourbon went five furlongs in 1:02.40 under exercise rider Wilson Fabian. He posted splits of 24.40 and 49.60 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:16.20.

Trainer Asmussen said, “I’m very happy with how he went. We got exactly what we wanted, and he continues to do very well.”

Sixth in the Kentucky Derby

Steve Asmussen: “We missed the break and that’s the only thing I thought he’d do right.”

Mike Smith: “We simply missed the break.”

O BESOS (KY)
Derby Points: 25
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $116,000
Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza
Trainer: Gregory D. Foley
Owner: Bernard Racing LLC, Tagg Team Racing and West Point Thoroughbreds
Breeder: L. Barrett Bernard
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Orb (Malibu Moon, Lady Liberty)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Snuggs and Kisses (Soto, With a Splash)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-5-7-0-0 (16) 3.57
Foal Date: March 4, 2018

Auction Price(s): NA

Arrival at Churchill Downs: Latter March. Barn 11.

Trainer Foley after running third at long odds to Hot Rod Charlie and Midnight Bourbon in the Louisiana Derby: “He answered that distance question today. He galloped out in front. It would have been nice to finish second. We sure have to think about it (the Kentucky Derby). The biggest thing was would he go that far, and I think he answered the ground question as good or better than any of them in there.”

April 8 NOTE: Trainer Foley said, “We’ll prepare like we can get in the Derby. If not, we’ll go to the Pat Day (Mile).

April 17 NOTE: O Besos now in the top 20 in preference to make the Derby field.

April 22 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, O Besos impressed onlookers with his development as he breezed four furlongs in 48.00 (8/39) with track clockers getting initial splits of 12.00 and 36.20, out five furlongs in 1:00, six in 112.60 and seven in 1:26.40. He started the workout proper midway through the far turn, and it ended midway through the first turn. Mike Welsch, who clocks for DRF, tweeted, "O’Besos extremely impressive officially working 4F from 3/8 in 48.13 but that was just the beginning, really accelerated around the turn kept finding more 5F 59.70 3/4 112.59 up 7/8 126.27."

Trainer Foley said, “We’re really pleased with how the overall work went and how strong he galloped out/ Our horse has shown improvement in every start so far. We think leading up to the Derby, he’s going to keep showing that improvement and run a big effort. He’ll be ready to make a run at the field at the top of the stretch. We had some distance questions when we ran in the Louisiana Derby, but he was the only horse in the field that day who was making up any ground.”

April 22 VIDEOS: Marcelino Pedroza Jr. and Greg Foley

Fifth in the Kentucky Derby

Greg Foley: “I’m so proud of our horse. He tried so hard. We got a great trip. He settled well after getting a little rank going down the stretch.”

Marcelino Pedroza: “He got a little head strong in the stretch for the first time but I got him settled into the perfect spot. He was moving so comfortably around the turn and we got in the perfect spot to make a run at the leaders. He’s a phenomenal horse.”


ROCK YOUR WORLD (KY)
Derby Points: 100
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $510,000
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: John W. Sadler
Owner: Hronis Racing LLC and Talla Racing LLC
Breeder: Ron McAnally & Deborah McAnally
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Candy Ride (ARG), Ride the Rails, Candy Girl (ARG))
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Charm the Maker (Empire Maker, Charm the Giant (IRE))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-4-8-1-0 (16) 2.20
Foal Date: Feb. 28, 2018

Auction Price(s): $650,000 Keeneland September 2018

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 25. Barn 43.

Picked out by bloodstock agent David Ingordo, who also picked out Zenyatta, Stellar Wind, Honor Code, Lady Eli, Ball Dancing....

Rock Your World ran twice on turf to begin his career, winning both a maiden sprint in January and the one-mile Pasadena Stakes in February, before leading all the way to win the Santa Anita Derby on a track that was favoring speed a bit.

Trainer Sadler after winning the Santa Anita Derby: “We have been laying in the weeds. I thought it would be good to start this horse off on the turf, much like Omaha Beach, and develop. The plan was to run him a couple of times on the turf, and now it was time to get the points. We gotta get the points to think about going to Kentucky. We knew we had to be either one or two today to have enough points to go. Umberto Rispoli has been a great addition to our jockey colony here. The post dictated our strategy. I saw Umberto in the paddock this morning at 8 a.m., and I told him go big or go home. We had to get out of there with the scratch inside of us. It worked out great, and I’m very excited.”

Umberto Rispoli: No quote

Part owner Kosta Hronis: “It (nervous feeling) kind of started Wednesday at the draw, and it gets harder to sleep at night. I finally decided to put my iPad down and not read anything, then I’m watching the TV yesterday and I got excited again and didn’t sleep. Things came together and thank God, John Sadler has done a great job, Juan Leva and Alex Bosano, everybody on the backside they made all this happen. They did a great job with the horse. We told Umberto to be aggressive, but if somebody was going to go, let them go. But I think he just felt comfortable, it was just kind of the thing you had to come out and compete right off the bat, and he did. He rode a great race, I think he knew he had the horse to do it. We get to go to the Kentucky Derby, that’s going to be a fun day. We’re going to try to enjoy this for today, and with three year olds, he’s only had three starts, making his fourth start in his career in the Kentucky Derby, I guess we really have nothing to lose. Just go in there and enjoy it.”

THE NEXT DAY: Trainer Sadler said, “We’re still enjoying this win. This is Easter Sunday, so Monday we’ll look at the calendar, but he would have a traditional California pattern where we’ll train here and go to Kentucky the week of the race. You’re hoping, but it’s one of those things, you don’t know until you do it. We’re thrilled the way things worked out. I’ve never won the Derby, but last time I was there, we won the Breeders’ Cup Classic (in 2018 with Accelerate), so I’m looking forward to going back to Louisville. We’ve run four horses in the Kentucky Derby before but haven’t won. Umberto has been a great addition to our jockey colony . . . I was kind of shocked hearing this was his first Grade I win here. He did so well last year, I thought he would have picked up one already. He’s a good kid, very competitive.”

April 17 NOTE: Today at Santa Anita, Rock Your World worked five furlongs in 59.60 in company with stablemate Tripoli, who was clocked in 1:00.20, about three lengths slower. Trainer Sadler said he plans to have one more breeze at Santa Anita for Rock Your World, likely next Saturday, before shipping to Kentucky.

He added, “I had him going a minute for five furlongs with Serapio Figueroa riding, in company with Tripoli. It was a pretty effortless work, just smooth and relaxed. I was very happy.”

April 17 NOTE: Umberto Rispoli replaced with Joel Rosario.

April 18 NOTE: Trainer Sadler said, “Let’s be very clear here, I was rooting for Concert Tour to win the Arkansas Derby, and this is all a non-conversation. We decided to wait until after the Concert Tour race to see what was gonna happen, and nobody could’ve predicted that, really. I mean, he was one to five or whatever and then he didn’t run on.

“So, when Joel came available…You know, these are agonizing decisions and not easy. I want to be very clear, I think the world of Rispoli and I think the world of his riding. He’s a terrific rider on our circuit and he’s been a great addition to California and will continue to be. But, I had to make a call and this is the call I made…History will tell whether I’m right or wrong. Things could go bad, you know, overnight in this game, but this is the decision we made for this race, so you know, we have to live with it and go forward.

“We think with (Joel’s) experience over the track…And just my relationship with him and these owners (Hronis Racing, LLC and Talla Racing, LLC)…this gives us our strongest position. So, this is what we’re going to do…I would love for somebody to look this up. Am I the trainer that Joel Rosario has won the most races for in his career? I think so…We were winning titles together at Del Mar and if you say, ‘Okay, Rosario with Chad Brown or Rosario with Todd Pletcher. Which trainer has the most wins with this jock?’ I think it’s me.

“I’ll be shocked if it isn’t…One of the great stats in racing history is Russell Baze and Jerry Hollendorfer. It’s like, there’s nobody even close. You know, the runs they had together…So, there’s definitely some good chemistry there and we just gotta hope things go our way in Kentucky.”

April 24 NOTE: Rock Your World worked with exercise rider Cerapio Figueroa aboard. He went five furlongs in 59.20 (3/67), with stablemate Best Chance, who was clocked in 1:00.00. He'll be shipped to Kentucky tomorrow.

Trainer Sadler said, “He breezed very well. “He looked good, nice and smooth. It was kind of a repeat of last week. We didn’t want to do too much because he’s right where he wants to be already. We’re happy. It was just what we were after. He went very well, was well within himself throughout and galloped out strongly.”

April 26 VIDEO: John Sadler in town with Rock Your World

17th in the Kentucky Derby

John Sadler: “We got squeezed at the start and we were done. No chance.”

Joel Rosario: “It was pretty much over after the break. We got out of position from there and it was a tough trip to overcome in a race like the Derby.”

SAINTHOOD (KY)
Derby Points: 40
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $47,500
Jockey: Corey Lanerie
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: WinStar Farm LLC and CHC INC.
Breeder: Edward Taylor & Springland Farm
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Mshawish (Medaglia d'Oro, Thunder Bayou)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Lemon Hero (Lemon Drop Kid, Bright Gold)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-2-5-3-0 (14) 1.55
Foal Date: May 15, 2018

Auction Price(s): $100,000 Keeneland January 2019; RNA $90,000 Keeneland September 2019; $62,000 OBS October 2019

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 11. Barn 42.

Sainthood ran second sprinting on debut in January at Gulfstream Park, broke his maiden at Fair Grounds next time out while routing for the first time, and got his Derby points with a second-place finish in the Jeff Ruby Steaks.

April 9 NOTE: At Keeneland, Sainthood breezed a half-mile in company with maiden winner Donegal Bay in :48.60 with Amelia Green in the saddle. Sainthood produced initial fractions of 12.80, 24.60 and 48.60 and was out five-eighths in 1:01.00, six in 1:13.80 and seven in 1:27.60.

April 9 NOTE: WinStar President/CEO and Racing Manager Elliott Walden said “We are planning on (running in the Derby). He worked great. It was textbook.”

April 16 NOTE: From trackside at Churchill Downs, Todd Pletcher watched his four Derby contenders work shortly after 7:30. Known Agenda Sainthood were the first pair to work in company, and they were in lockstep throughout, going company five furlongs in 1:00.40 (9/36). They both last raced on March 27. Fractions were 12.60, 24.40 and 36.40. They galloped out together through six furlongs in 1:13.40. Irad Ortiz Jr. was aboard Known Agenda, and exercise rider Amelia Green rode Sainthood, who does not have a jockey publicly committed yet. Pletcher also sent out Bourbonic and Dynamic One to breeze.

Trainer Pletcher said, “Because of the spacing of their last two races (Florida Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks), I wanted a more serious work out of them. I thought both horses got over the surface well, and that’s what was most important about getting them up here early to work over it. I paired these two together because of that spacing of their last race.”

April 17 NOTE: Breaking news this evening: Joel Rosario will replace Umberto Rispoli on Rock Your World in the Kentucky Derby.

April 19 VIDEO: Todd Pletcher discusses his Derby foursome.

April 23 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Known Agenda breezed inside of Sainthood, both going five furlongs in 1:01.00 (17/50). Initially 12.60, 24.40, 36.20. Out six in 1:14.20, seven in 1:27.20.

Trainer Pletcher said, “Known Agenda is not the most aggressive work horse. He is not an Always Dreaming (the 2017 Kentucky Derby winner) that will work in :59. He has had two good works here (1:00.40 last Friday), and I liked the way Sainthood worked with him.”

11th in the Kentucky Derby

Todd Pletcher: “He never got into position.”

Corey Lanerie: “I couldn’t have gotten into a better spot but he just didn’t have enough to get it done.”

SOUP AND SANDWICH (FL)
Derby Points: 40
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $161,000
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Trainer: Mark E. Casse
Owner: Live Oak Plantation
Breeder: Live Oak Stud
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Into Mischief (Harlan's Holiday, Leslie's Lady)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Souper Scoop (Tapit, Scoop)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-6-6-0-0 (14) 3.67
Foal Date: March 30, 2018

Auction Price(s): NA

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 7. Barn 36.

Soup and Sandwich has not finished off the board in three lifetime starts. He dominated Florida-bred competition in his debut at Gulfstream by 7 1/4 lengths. He returned in a first-level allowance at Tampa Bay Downs where he beat only two rivals by 2 3/4 lengths. He finished second, 2 3/4 lengths behind winner Known Agenda, in the Florida Derby on March 27 after dueling on the lead most of the race.

Mark Casse after a runner-up finish in the Florida Derby: “I was very pleased, especially if he ever learns what he’s doing. Johnny (Velazquez) said he had to fight with him a little. He stayed on his left lead all the way down the stretch. He’s like that in the morning, too. The thing that will help him is it was a little difficult to ship him down from Palm Meadows. It got him a little worked up. He’ll run a lot better out of his stall at Churchill Downs.”

April 11 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Soup and Sandwich worked a half-mile in company outside two-time winner Natural Power in 48.80 (8/17) under Declan Carroll. Initial splits were 12.60 and 24.60, and he galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60 and seven in 1:27.40. Natural Power was timed in 49.20, about two lengths slower.

Assistant trainer David Carroll: “This was the first time I’ve seen him work, because he’s been in Florida. He has a big stride on him and really got over the track well. I told Declan to just let him do his thing and gallop out nicely. I think he’s starting to find his stride. The Derby will be the first time he’ll be led over from his own stall, and I think it’ll benefit him getting experience over the track.”

April 17 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Soup and Sandwich (7/40) breezed five furlongs in 59.80 today at 7:30 a.m. with Tyler Gaffalione on board in company with four-time winner Epic Dreamer. The track was tight. His opening fractions were12.40, 24.20 and 35.20. Soup and Sandwich began drawing clear of his workmate at the wire and galloped out strongly in front with a six-furlong time of 1:12.40 and seven in 1:25.20.

Trainer Casse isn't at Churchill Downs. Assistant trainer David Carroll said, “This horse is just starting to figure things around the racetrack. Tyler was in cruise control around there, and that gallop out was great.”

April 17 VIDEO: Tyler Gaffalione interviewed about Soup and Sandwich

April 23 NOTE: At Churchill Downs under Tyler Gaffalione, Soup and Sandwich breezed outside Peace Achieved four furlongs in an easy 50:00 (78/108). Early splits were 12.40, 25.00, and he was out five furlongs in 1:03 like stable mate Helium earlier today.

Assistant trainer David Carroll said, “Very happy with both of them (Helium and Soup and Sandwich). Soup and Sandwich was a little rank going to the pole but he’s a horse that likes to train. We only jogged him two miles the other day so he was a little fresh. He was anxious to get going but once he broke off he was very smooth the whole way, switched leads, galloped out nicely, and came home great; you couldn’t ask for anything better. These were the works we wanted for the final pieces of works. Both horses are in great shape so hopefully we have a good week and we have a good draw.”

19th and last in the Kentucky Derby

 Mark Casse: “We’ll regroup and see where we go from here.”

Tyler Gaffalione: “We got away from the gate good but he faded late.”

SUPER STOCK (KY)
Derby Points: 109
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings: $709,000
Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr.
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Owner: Woolsey, Erv and Asmussen, Keith
Breeder: Pedro Gonzalez & P. J. Gonzalez
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Dialed In (Mineshaft, Miss Doolittle)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Super Girlie (Closing Argument, Beafleet)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-2-5-0-0 (10) 3.00
Foal Date: April 12, 2018

Auction Price(s): $70,000 Keeneland September 2018

Arrival at Churchill Downs: April 14. Barn 38.

Super Stock was usually around before winning the Arkansas Derby. After winning at third asking, he was third in the Iroquois, third in the Breeders' Futurity, second in the Street Sense (at Churchill Downs) and fourth in the Rebel Stakes.

Ricardo Santana Jr., after the Arkansas Derby: “We got a beautiful trip. I was talking to Mr. Steve for about two weeks about this race. The post was perfect. We both liked breaking from #1.We knew there was some speed, and everything came out perfect. It was a really important win for Steve and his family. I’m really blessed to be the one they chose to ride this race.”

Winning trainer Steve Asmussen: “It worked perfectly. We wanted to use his post position. I thought he used his post position into the first turn extremely well. Those horses went :46 2/5 for a half-mile. Plenty solid factions, carried him nicely. He got up behind them a little quicker than we thought he would, obviously, in the stretch. My confidence level was, he was going to run really good. I've been in races like that, that you have no control over how good or bad somebody else runs. But I felt like that he was going to represent extremely well. He's been touting himself all week."

ApriL 11 NOTE: Trainer Asmussen said Super Stock emerged in “fantastic” shape from his Arkansas Derby win and is scheduled to be flown early this week to Kentucky.

April 24 NOTE: At Churchill Downs, Super Stock breezed in a typically Asmussen-barn moderate 1:01.20 (16/29) outside a runner from Derby 146, Max Player. Per track clockers as always, early fractions were 12.80, 24.60, 36.40. He was out six furlongs in 1:14.60 and seven in 128.00.

Trainer Asmussen said, “He went perfect and he gave us exactly what we were looking for. I think that the horse’s confidence level is at an all-time high, he goes really well over this racetrack, and I couldn’t feel any better about him going into the Derby.”

April 24 VIDEO: Steve Asmussen on a variety of subjects

April 27 NOTE: Erv Woolsey, who knows the ins and outs of Nashville, tells an ironic tale of bad luck and good fortune.

16th in the Kentucky Derby

Steve Asmussen: No comment available.

Ricardo Santana Jr.: “Didn’t have it today.”