DERBY WORKS (4/27): Col. John (:57.4), Fillies (:58+) in Hot Drills

[Thunder Gulch]

Wow...this may have been the most important move of the week because of his status as the Cali top dog and lack of dirt experience. Can't wait to read Welsh's report to see if he was urged at all.

[Thunder Gulch]

Steve, if you saw it, what was your opinion of the three. Obviously the times look strong, but was it easy or did they push them any? kentuckyderby.com has been posting video of the works and should have it up later today

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

Steve, if you saw it, what was your opinion of the three. Obviously the times look strong, but was it easy or did they push them any? kentuckyderby.com has been posting video of the works and should have it up later today

I know ... I wish they'd hurry up and post the work. I'm dying to see what he looked like. I've only seen a bit of video of him galloping over the surface and IMO, so far so good.

[TheSpyder]

Thanks for the link. Not sure how to evaluate works but any opinions on what ones you have watched...anyone? Colonial John and Cowboy Cal looked very impressive but again not sure I know what I'm looking at.

Help!

Spyder

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

Steve, if you saw it, what was your opinion of the three. Obviously the times look strong, but was it easy or did they push them any? kentuckyderby.com has been posting video of the works and should have it up later today

[sundaysilenceforever]

Here's the alert:

Date: April 27, 2008
Track: CHURCHILL DOWNS
Distance: Five Furlongs
Time: 57:80 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 1/62

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

Steve, if you saw it, what was your opinion of the three. Obviously the times look strong, but was it easy or did they push them any? kentuckyderby.com has been posting video of the works and should have it up later today

Colonel John's work will be talked about as the "Derby work" you look for ala Barbaro and Street Sense the last two years. It was essentially perfect from a movement point of view in that he looked like he could have gone as long as the rider wanted. I was watching from the clocker's stand in the Media Center so we will have to rely on someone at the gap to hear how he came off the track. He finished up in an eye-opening :23.1.. terrific considering the splits (12.0, 23.2, 34.3, 46.0, 57.4 (1:11.1).

The fillies both seemed to go great, but as noted, it appeared Eight Belles was tiring approaching the finish. Proud Spell went really well and evenly in a move that mirrored Colonel John's...

[Danzig]

i wonder if jones and porter will go by todays work for eight belles....that doesnt sound like a good work to head for the derby on. hell, i don't even know that that's a good oaks work!

looks as tho col john did finally get acclimated, as early on there were reports that he was uncomfortable with the surface.

[mclem10011]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Colonel John's work will be talked about as the "Derby work" you look for ala Barbaro and Street Sense the last two years. It was essentially perfect from a movement point of view in that he looked like he could have gone as long as the rider wanted. I was watching from the clocker's stand in the Media Center so we will have to rely on someone at the gap to hear how he came off the track. He finished up in an eye-opening :23.1.. terrific considering the splits (12.0, 23.2, 34.3, 46.0, 57.4 (1:11.1).

The fillies both seemed to go great, but as noted, it appeared Eight Belles was tiring approaching the finish. Proud Spell went really well and evenly in a move that mirrored Colonel John's...

It sounds like Steve, not only were the fractions outstanding, but visually the way he was getting over the track was terrific? In terms of his stride etc.? That is what I remember from the Barbaro work, was the way he was getting over the track, it was so visually impressive to look at. Thanks for all the great info.