DERBY DIGEST: Last major works completed ahead of Monday draw

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PLETCHER DERBY, OAKS CONTENDERS WORK FRIDAY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, April 22, 2022) – Derby season is here and Churchill Downs was bustling with excitement Friday morning as 10 Derby and Oaks contenders logged their penultimate work prior to the first weekend in May. Half of those workers were from Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn – Oaks contenders Goddess of Fire (five furlongs, 1:00.80); Nest (four furlongs, :49.80); and Shahama (five furlongs, 1:00.80) and Derby contenders Charge It (five furlongs, 1:00.40) and Mo Donegal (four furlongs, :50.20).

Other Derby and Oaks contenders that worked Friday were Barber Road (six furlongs, 1:16.40); Beguine (five furlongs, 1:01); Cocktail Moments (five furlongs, 1:01.20); Turnerloose (five furlongs, 1:01.20) and Zozos (six furlongs, 1:12.40).

The Pletcher squad began their works at 6 a.m. (all times Eastern) with the trio of Oaks breezes. Red Oak Stable’s Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) runner-up Goddess of Fire worked on the inside of KHK Racing’s UAE Oaks (GIII) winner Shahama through fractions of :13.20, :25.60 and :37.40. The duo galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.20 and completed seven furlongs in 1:26. Their stablemate, Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House’s recent Ashland (GI) heroine Nest, worked an easy half-mile outside of Inventing through eighth-mile clockings of :13.20, :25.40 and :37.80. They galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.60.

“Nest went a nice half in about :50 and galloped out nicely,” Pletcher said. “We were looking for a little bit more from Goddess of Fire and Shahama. Goddess of Fire hasn’t run since the Fair Grounds Oaks and Shahama hasn’t run since the UAE Oaks. So, we were looking for a little bit of a stronger work from them. They galloped out well and I was pleased with how they went.”

About 90 minutes later, Pletcher’s Derby duo of Whisper Hill Farm’s Florida Derby (GI) runner-up Charge It and Donegal Racing’s Wood Memorial (GII) winner Mo Donegal worked in separate sets. Charge It was the first of the two to work and went in company outside Cezanne through fractions of :12, :25.40, :37.60. They galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.80 and seven furlongs in 1:25. Charge It completed his move with a one-mile time of 1:38.60. Mo Donegal breezed outside of My Prankster through composed early fractions of :13 and :26.20. They galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.20.

“With Charge It, we were looking for a good, solid breeze,” Pletcher said. “He went a minute and four-fifths with a super big gallop out. We were really happy with that. 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 Irad Oritz Jr. was at Churchill Downs to work both Nest and Mo Donegal on Friday for Pletcher.

“Nest is improving race by race,” Ortiz said. “We really loved her since Day 1. Hopefully, we can get lucky that day. 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.”

Pletcher’s third Derby contender, Pioneer of Medina, galloped at 8:15 a.m.

At 7:30 a.m., WSS Racing’s Arkansas Derby (GI) runner-up 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 his seven-furlong gallop out in 1:29.

Shortly before Barber Road worked, Barry and Joni Butzow’s TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) runner-up Zozos breezed with jockey Florent Geroux in the saddle outside of stablemate Fulsome through swift quarter-mile times of :24 and :48.40. The duo galloped out around the clubhouse through seven furlongs in 1:25.20.

“It was another really strong move,” trainer Brad Cox said. “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.”

Twenty minutes following Zozo’s move, Cox also worked Ike and Dawn Thrash’s Rachel Alexandra (GII) winner Turnerloose five furlongs in 1:01.20 inside of Grade I-winner Juju’s Map.

Saturday is expected to be another busy morning at Churchill Downs. Arkansas Derby (GI) winner Cyberknife is slated to work at 5:15 a.m. Other known Derby and Oaks workers include Smile Happy, Tiz the Bomb and Un Ojo.

Friday at 6 p.m., “Inside Churchill Downs” will cover the Friday morning works along with give fans an update on the latest Derby and Oaks news and notes. Fans can listen live on ESPN 680/105.7 in the Louisville area or online at www.espnlouisville.com.

Saturday is the first morning for the exclusive Oaks/Derby training window from 7:30-7:45 a.m. Fans can watch the livestream on the Kentucky Derby’s social media channels.

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CYBERKNIFE, SMILE HAPPY, TIZ THE BOMB, UN OJO WORK

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, April 23, 2022) – Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders kicked it into high gear Saturday morning with several horses around the country logging their most serious workouts prior to the first weekend in May. At Churchill Downs, Derby contenders Cyberknife (six furlongs, 1:12.20), Smile Happy (five furlongs, 1:00.40), Tiz the Bomb (five furlongs 1:00.20) and Un Ojo (:59.40) all breezed for the “Run for the Roses.” At Keeneland, Blue Grass (GI) winner Zandon worked a half-mile in :48.60 before he ships to Churchill Downs on Sunday.

Gold Square’s Arkansas Derby winner Cyberknife breezed at 5:15 a.m. (all times Eastern) with jockey Florent Geroux in the saddle. The son of Gun Runner worked on the outside of stablemate Koolhous. 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.

“It was a really strong move and he’s a really good work horse,” Geroux said. “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.”

During the 7:30-7:45 a.m. training period reserved for Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders, Lucky Seven Stable’s Blue Grass Stakes (GI) runner-up Smile Happy and Magdalena Racing Lessee’s Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) winner Tiz the Bomb breezed in company. Smile Happy and jockey 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.

“We were just looking for an easy move today and we got that,” trainer Kenny McPeek said. “We’ll probably do the same thing again next week.”

Cypress Creek Equine’s Un Ojo arrived at Churchill Downs on Tuesday with trainer Ricky Courville’s son, Clay, in tow. Clay breezed Un Ojo through opening eighth-mile splits of :11.60, :23, :35 and :47.60. Un Ojo galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.20.

“It’s amazing being here at Churchill Downs,” Clay said. “I’ve been here before but nothing like this. (Un Ojo) is getting over the track really well.”

At Keeneland, Jeff Drown’s Zandon completed eighth-mile fractions of :12.80, :25.20 and :37. 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 on Sunday and be stabled in Barn 25.

Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) contenders Hidden Connection (five furlongs, 1:00.60), Nostalgic (four furlongs, :48.80) and Venti Valentine (four furlongs, :47.20) all worked Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.

Sunday morning, likely Kentucky Derby and Oaks favorites Epicenter and Echo Zulu are both scheduled to work for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.

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TOP CONTENDERS EPICENTER, ECHO ZULU TUNE; PIONEER OF MEDINA AS MORELLO BOWS OUT

UAE Derby Winner Crown Pride Works Four Furlongs in :49.20 for ‘Run for the Roses’

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sunday, April 24, 2022) – With less than two weeks remaining until the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) and $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks, top contenders Epicenter (six furlongs, 1:12.20) and Echo Zulu (six furlongs, 1:11.80) had their most serious workouts prior to the first weekend in May.

Along with Derby contender Epicenter, Teruya Yoshida’s UAE Derby (GII) winner Crown Pride (JPN) had another tune-up for the “Run for the Roses” and breezed a half-mile in :49.20.

L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds’ undefeated filly Echo Zulu was the first of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s duo to work. The daughter of Gun Runner breezed with exercise rider Wilson Fabian in the saddle. The duo broke to the inside of regular workmate King Ottoman, who was ridden by former jockey Eddie Martin Jr. Echo Zulu worked through eighth-mile fractions of :12.20, :23.80, :35.60 and :47.40. She galloped out seven furlongs in 1:25.20, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols.

In Asmussen’s next set of horses, Epicenter, with Fabian in the irons, worked to the outside of Gun It and Martin through splits of :13, :24.40, :35.80 and :47.20. Epicenter galloped out seven furlongs in 1:26.20 and was up one-mile in 1:41.

“We’re so happy the weather has cooperated on our scheduled work days. The racetrack is in great shape this morning,” Asmussen said after he arrived in Louisville following an eight-hour overnight drive from Oaklawn Park. “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 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.”

Epicenter and Echo Zulu completed the $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) and $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (GII) double in late March.

Asmussen, who is North America’s all-time leading trainer in wins, has made 23 starts in the Kentucky Derby but has failed to win the 1 ¼-mile event. His trainees have finished second and third, twice each, in the Kentucky Derby. His last starter to hit the board was Lookin At Lee, who finished second in 2017. Asmussen also finished third in 2016 with Gun Runner, second in 2011 with Nehro and third in 2007 with Curlin.

“I literally know what it feels like to win the Derby,” Asmussen said of Nehro. “I didn’t see Animal Kingdom coming down the center of the track that day. With Lookin At Lee, when Corey (Lanerie) cut the corner with him and the acceleration he showed going by tired horses, it just looked like he was going fast enough to win the Derby. Always Dreaming had enough to hold him off. The visuals of those moments were goosebump exciting. I’ve got 23 different feelings on the Derby but very vividly remember Nehro and Lookin At Lee.

“For Curlin’s Derby, I never thought that he’d get beat. The walkover for his Derby felt like it took three strides but the walk back felt like it was the Sahara Desert. He went to the Test Barn after the race with Zanjero (who finished 12th) and Zanejro was blowing hard. Curlin came out of the test barn and was his strong, usual self. He had enough ability but wasn’t meant to be.”

Epicenter and Echo Zulu are likely to head back to the track Tuesday.

At 7:30 a.m., Crown Pride (JPN) worked a half-mile from the three-furlong pole through consistent fractions of :12.40, :24.80 and :37.20. He galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.40. 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.

In other Derby-related news, Asmussen removed Gotham (GIII) winner Morello from Derby consideration because the colt has a foot issue. Also, Jeff Drown’s Blue Grass (GI) winner Zandon arrived at Churchill Downs on Sunday morning. He is stabled with several other stablemates in Barn 25.

Florida Derby (GI) winner White Abarrio is slated to have his final training in Florida through Sunday, May 1 and arrive in Saffie Joseph’s Barn 10 by Monday, May 2. Simplification, who finished third to White Abarrio in the Florida Derby, is scheduled to arrive one day prior for trainer Antonio Sano.

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Kentucky Derby clocker: Cyberknife works strong five furlongs

Mike Welsch | Apr 23, 2022

Churchill Downs
Weather: Clear
Track: Fast
Temp: 65

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The action started early, as it usually does when trainer Brad Cox has a Kentucky Derby or Breeders’ Cup horse scheduled for an important work, on Saturday morning at Churchill Downs with CYBERKNIFE and jockey Florent Geroux ready to get down to business just minutes after the racetrack opened for training at 5:15 a.m.

Cyberknife had stablemate Koolhaus for a partner, breaking off several lengths behind before readily overtaking his target once settling into the stretch. The Arkansas Derby winner had little trouble pulling well clear of his overmatched mate, hitting the wire several lengths in front while still well within himself after negotiating five furlongs in 1:00.09. He increased that advantage while completing six panels into the turn in 1:12.38 before galloping out seven-eighths in a very solid 1:24.39 without need of encouragement on Geroux’s part. Reportedly a horse who rarely disappoints in the morning, Cyberknife gave every indication that he has bounced out of his career-best effort at Oaklawn in top form.

The special Kentucky Derby/Oaks training session at 7:30 was a relatively busy one, with three potential Derby starters and three for the Oaks turning in what is likely to be penultimate drills for their respective races. Adding a little spice to the fire was an appearance by Tampa Bay Derby winner Classic Causeway, sans a Kentucky Derby towel, with regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard for a significant piece of work.

The most notable drill of the 15-minute session was turned in by the Ken McPeek-trained pair of SMILE HAPPY and TIZ THE BOMB, who worked in company from the five-eighths pole. Tiz the Bomb broke outside his mate with Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard, while Smile Happy, who got a bit hot in the coat this morning, was on the rail and piloted by his regular rider Corey Lanerie. The duo breezed an easy five furlongs, finishing virtually on even terms, with Tiz the Bomb getting the faster time, 1:01.18 by virtue of the fact he broke off a length back of his mate, although it was Smile Happy (1:01.38) who appeared to be going a touch easier to the wire and held a slight edge on the gallop out, which appeared average at best.

Derby longshot UN OJO turned in a credible five-furlong breeze going solo over the fast track, showing off his speed to post a 35.09 opening three-furlong split before completing the distance in 59.66 under some nudging pressure to continue. The 75-1 Rebel winner continued three-quarters under some additional prodding in a very respectable 1:12.71.

CLASSIC CAUSEWAY, who is probably more likely to wind up in the Pat Day Mile than the Derby, proved too good for his company, drawing four lengths clear at the wire after five panels in 35.86, 1:00.38. A major disappointment when tiring badly in the Florida Derby, Classic Causeway had good energy continuing out another quarter-mile under Ortiz this morning, easing up after seven furlongs in 1:27.86.

At Keeneland, ZENDON showed absolutely no ill effects from his winning effort in the Blue Grass, working four furlongs in 48.60 before galloping out "powerfully" according to Daily Racing Form clocker Donald Harris, going five-eighths in 1:00.80 and six furlongs in 1:13.80 before easing up seven-eighths in 1:27.60. Zendon may have just stamped himself the Derby favorite off this drill.

FRIDAY

Five likely Derby starters worked on Friday, four over a track that still had some moisture in it at Churchill Downs and a fifth, Simplification, over his home track at Gulfstream Park.

Trainer Todd Pletcher’s pair of Wood runner-up MO DONEGAL and Florida Derby second-place finisher CHARGE IT breezed in separate sets with two entirely different goals in mind. Mo Donegal breezed a very easy maintenance half-mile with fellow 3-year-old My Prankster and the relatively inexperienced Charge It, still playing a little catch-up coming into the Derby, going a strong five furlongs in company with the older, vastly more accomplished graded stakes winner Cezanne, finishing strong and galloping out full of run before easing up a mile in 1:38.60 per track clockers.

Earlier in the morning, Cox’s ZOZOS also turned in a solid drill, going six furlongs from the five-eighths in 1:12.40 per track clockers, ultimately getting the better on the gallop out of the older, three-time Grade 3 winner Fulsome. Zozos did work with his head cocked outward toward the grandstand while traveling along easily in the run down the long, Churchill Downs stretch.

BARBER ROAD had a bit of an oddly orchestrated six-furlong breeze, barely getting out of an open gallop for an opening half-mile in a dawdling 52.14 before being set down to race-mode encouragement from the three-sixteenths pole to and well beyond the wire, responding with a 24.02 final quarter before sustaining excellent momentum going out a mile in 1:42.38.

At Gulfstream Park, SIMPLIFICATION continues to progress nicely since his third-place finish in the Florida Derby, turning in a second straight very noteworthy five-furlong work punctuated by a stellar gallop out. Working over a lively strip with jockey Junior Alvarado up, Simplification completed five-eighths in 59.42 with his rider like a statue before continuing full of run into and around the turn under just a light reminder to gallop out six furlongs in 1:11.95 before easing but not completely pulling up after a mile in an eye-catching 1:37.52.



OAKS

Saturday’s trio of Oaks workers after the first renovation break included HIDDEN CONNECTION, completing a pressured six furlongs from the five-eighths in 1:13.79; NOSTALGIC, doing an easy half in company in 48.80, and VENTI VALENTINE, running four furlongs in a lively 47.20 per track clockers.

Friday morning was dominated by a trio of Pletcher fillies, topped by the undefeated NEST, who went a maintenance-like half in 49.80 under Ortiz before being headed on the gallop out by maiden mate Inventing and the Oaks-bound duo of SHAHAMA and GODDESS OF FIRE, with the former proving much the best on the gallop out after completing five panels in 1:00.74, easing up after seven-eighths in 1:26.07 while holding the edge going easily outside her pressured mate.

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Kentucky Derby clocker: Asmussen goes big with Epicenter, Echo Zulu

Mike Welsch | Apr 24, 2022

Churchill Downs
Weather: Sunny
Track: Fast
Temperature: 66

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It was a “big” work day for trainer Steve Asmussen’s barn Sunday morning at Churchill Downs with Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks King and Queen pins Epicenter and Echo Zulu each working a serious six furlongs in company well before dawn.

It was another unseasonably warm day in Louisville, with the temperature reaching into the low 70s by the time the final work over the new $10 million turf course was in the books later in the morning, well after the two Asmussen 3-year-olds had been cooled out and returned to their stalls. A moderate south wind made everyone work a little harder down the stretch and when galloping out into the turns on both the main and turf tracks.

EPICENTER, who will likely vie for favoritism in the Derby with Blue Grass winner Zandon, went in company with his 6-year-old allowance mate Gun It, the pair easing away from the six-furlong pole in a leisurely 13.09 before picking up the pace. The duo turned into the stretch off a crisp 46.96 half-mile clocking, Epicenter holding a slight edge while going easiest to the wire to complete the distance in 1:12.34. The Louisiana Derby winner was given a little encouragement upon passing the finish line to continue into the clubhouse turn, easing up best after seven furlongs in 1:26.44, nearly a full second slower than Echo Zulu had galloped out the same distance about 30 minutes earlier.

CROWN PRIDE was the only other Derby contender to work locally on Sunday, breezing an official four furlongs from the three-eighths pole in 49.40, the work far more impressive than the final time suggests. Crown Pride got quicker the farther he went, going from the wire into the turn and into the wind in 12.12 before continuing to accelerate around the bend, completing five furlongs in 1:01.43 without any need of encouragement. An easy winner of the UAE Derby despite racing against the grain of the track bias that day at Meydan, Crown Pride could prove one of the sleepers in this year’s Derby field.

Only a handful of horses galloped during the special Derby/Oaks training session this morning, including the Todd Pletcher-trained duo of Wood winner Mo Donegal and Pioneer of Medina, who moved up to the all-important 20th spot on the Kentucky Derby qualifying points list following Sunday’s announcement by Asmussen that Morello had been withdrawn from consideration for the Derby. Pioneer of Medina missed a scheduled work Friday, but could be back on the tab Monday morning.

UAE Derby runner-up Summer is Tomorrow made his first local appearance and appeared a bit uncomfortable galloping down the stretch on his left lead while kept along the inside rail the first time around before looking a bit smoother his second pass down the stretch.

At Gulfstream Park, Florida Derby winner WHITE ABARRIO also had a “big” work of his own, going five furlongs in company in 1:00 before completing six panels into the turn under vigorous handling in 1:12.58, after which he shut down a bit quick, pulling up after a mile in 1:45.32 per track clockers.

ECHO ZULU had the 3-year-old filly King Ottoman for a partner, the pair negotiating six furlongs in 1:11.74 with internal splits of 24.13, 47.60 for the opening quarter and half-mile. Echo Zulu was put to a little light pressure while about a head back of her maiden mate at the wire before holding a narrow edge of her own after saving ground along the rail, galloping out seven furlongs under some continued encouragement in 1:25.52.

HAPPY JACK shipped to Kentucky form Southern California on Saturday. He is scheduled to breeze next Saturday at Keeneland, trainer Doug O'Neill said.

- additional reporting by Jay Privman

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PIONEER OF MEDINA GETS DERBY 148 AUDITION; SECRET OATH DRILLS FIVE FURLONGS FOR OAKS; CLASSIC CAUSEWAY BACK IN DERBY PICTURE

LOUISVILLE, KY (Monday, April 25, 2022) – Sumaya U.S. Stables’ Pioneer of Medina, third-place finisher in the Louisiana Derby (GII) in his most recent start, tuned up for a possible start in Kentucky Derby 148 by working five furlongs in company in :59.80 over a fast track on a cloudy morning at Churchill Downs.

Trained By Todd Pletcher, Pioneer of Medina is 21st on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard for the Run for the Roses that is limited to the top 20 point earners that pass the entry box next Monday, May 2.

Working during the special training session reserved for Kentucky Derby and Oaks hopefuls between 7:30-7:45 and working with maiden winner Macallan, Pioneer of Medina posted eighth of a mile fractions of :12.60, :24.40, :35.60, :47.80 and :59.80 and galloped out in 1:12.60, 1:25.40 and 1:40.20.

Shortly after the track opened at 5:15, Briland Farm’s Secret Oath worked six furlongs on her own in 1:13 with jockey Luis Saez aboard for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

Fractions on the work were :24.20, :36, :48, 1:00, 1:13 and out seven furlongs in 1:28.20.

Owners Kentucky West Racing and Clarke Cooper’s Tampa Bay Derby (GII) winner Classic Causeway is back into Kentucky Derby contention, according to the Churchill Downs Racing Office.


CHARGE IT, MO DONEGAL, PIONEER OF MEDINA – Trainer Todd Pletcher’s three Kentucky Derby hopefuls were on the track at 7:30 with the prime object of attention being Sumaya U.S. Stable’s Pioneer of Medina who worked five furlongs in :59.80, the best of eight at the distance for the morning.

Working during the special training session reserved for Kentucky Derby and Oaks hopefuls with Carlos Perez up and working with maiden winner Macallan, Pioneer of Medina post eighth of a mile fractions of :12.60, :24.40, :35.60, :47.80 and :59.80 and galloped out in 1:12.60, 1:25.40 and 1:40.20.

“You can use all the trainer clichés you want,” Pletcher said. “We saw what we wanted to see. It was very good, well executed with a strong finish and he galloped out well.”

Fourth and third behind possible Kentucky Derby favorite Epicenter at Fair Grounds in his past two starts in the Risen Star (GII) and Louisiana Derby (GII), Pioneer of Medina stands 21st on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.

“I’ll talk it over with Mr. (Oussama) Aboughazale) and we’ll see how he comes out of the work and make a decision,” Pletcher said. “He got a good breeze over the track and he has the opportunity to draw in.”

Donegal Racing’s Mo Donegal, winner of the Wood Memorial (GII) in his most recent start, galloped 1 3/8 miles under Amelia Green and will be ridden in the Derby by Irad Ortiz Jr.

Whisper Hill Farm’s Charge It, runner-up in the Florida Derby (GI) in his most recent start, galloped 1 3/8 miles under Hector Ramos and will be ridden in the Derby by Luis Saez.


CROWN PRIDE (JPN) – Teruya Yoshida’s Crown Pride (JPN) returned to the track a day after working a half-mile in :49.20.

With Masa Matsuda aboard, the UAE Derby (GII) jogged in the mile chute and then schooled in the starting gate before returning to the Quarantine Barn.

Trainer Koichi Shintani is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on Sunday with jockey Christophe Lemaire scheduled to come in the following day.


CYBERKNIFE, TAWNY PORT, ZOZOS – It was a routine morning of training for trainer Brad Cox’s trio of Derby contenders Cyberknife, Tawny Port and Zozos.

Gold Star’s Arkansas Derby (GI) winner Cyberknife, with Katie Tolbert in the saddle, jogged about one mile with the pony at 6:40 a.m.

About an hour later, Peachtree Stable’s Lexington Stakes (GIII) winner Tawny Port galloped with Edvin Vargas in the irons. He was joined on the track by Barry and Joni Butzow’s Zozos and Kelvin Perez. The runner-up in the Louisiana Derby (GII) has been on a Friday work schedule while Cyberknife and Tawny Port could work Saturday.

Cox has not made any rider decisions for Tawny Port and Zozos. Florent Geroux has the call on Cyberknife.


EPICENTER – Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Louisiana Derby (GII) winner Epicenter had a scheduled walk day in Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s Barn 38.

The Not This Time colt worked six furlongs in 1:12.20 Sunday at Churchill Downs.


SMILE HAPPY, TIZ THE BOMB – Lucky Seven Stable’s Smile Happy and Magdalena Racing’s Tiz the Bomb returned to the track for trainer Kenny McPeek for the first time since working five furlongs Saturday morning.

Danny Ramsey was aboard Smile Happy, winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club (GII) here last fall, while Edwardo Ruvalcaba was aboard Tiz the Bomb, winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) in his most recent start.

Corey Lanerie has the mount on Smile Happy in the Derby while Brian Hernandez Jr. will pilot Tiz the Bomb.


SUMMER IS TOMORROW – Michael and Negar Burke’s Summer Is Tomorrow, runner-up in the UAE Derby (GII) in his most recent start, galloped a mile and half under Heinz Runge.

Summer is Tomorrow arrived at Churchill Downs Saturday morning and had his first exercise on the track Sunday.

“This is a big eye opener for him,” said Caroline Seemar, wife of trainer Bhupat Seemar. “We have a private track at home and this is like a festival for him.”

Summer Is Tomorrow is scheduled to work Sunday with gate and paddock schooling on the agenda leading up to the Derby, said Seemar, whose husband is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Wednesday.

Mickael Barzalona has the Derby mount.


UN OJO – Cypress Creek Equine and Whispering Oaks Farm’s Un Ojo jogged twice around under Clay Courville, son of trainer Ricky Courville, in his return to the track following a five-furlong work of :59.40 on Saturday, the second-fastest of 70 at the distance.

Winner of the Rebel (GII), Un Ojo is scheduled for a gate schooling session Thursday and will have his final pre-Derby work on Saturday.

Ricky Courville is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Thursday night. Ramon Vazquez has the Derby mount.


ZANDON – Jeff Drown’s Blue Grass Stakes (GI) winner Zandon made his first appearance at Churchill Downs Monday at 9:40 a.m. Zandon shipped to Louisville Sunday morning from Keeneland.

The Upstart colt worked a half-mile in :48.80 Saturday at Keeneland.

“It looked like he was galloping through the lane,’ trainer Chad Brown said, who was on hand to oversee his string of horses Monday at Churchill Downs. “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.”

Zandon and several other stablemates are in Barn 25.


ALSO ELIGIBLES: Julie Gilbert and Aaron Sones’ Lexington Stakes (GIII) fourth-place finisher Ethereal Road worked five furlongs in 1:02 Monday morning at Churchill Downs. … RED-TR Racing’s Rich Strike, No. 24 on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs tonight, according to trainer Eric Reed. Rich Strike will train Tuesday morning and has a breeze scheduled for Wednesday.


SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY DERBY – Here’s the current Top 20 horses in this year’s Kentucky Derby (with jockey and trainer): Epicenter (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen); Zandon (Flavien Prat, Chad Brown); White Abarrio (Tyler Gaffalione, Saffie Joseph Jr.); Mo Donegal (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher); Tiz the Bomb (Brian Hernandez Jr., Kenny McPeek); Cyberknife (Florent Geroux, Brad Cox); Crown Pride (JPN) (Christophe Lemiere, Koichi Shintani); Taiba (Mike Smith, Tim Yakteen); Simplification (Jose Ortiz, Antonio Sano); Smile Happy (Corey Lanerie, Kenny McPeek); Classic Causeway (TBA, Brian Lynch); Tawny Port (TBA, Brad Cox); Barber Road (Reylu Gutierrez, John Ortiz); Un Ojo (Ramon Vazquez, Ricky Courville); Early Voting (TBA, Chad Brown); Messier (John Velazquez, Tim Yakteen); Zozos (TBA, Brad Cox); Summer Is Tomorrow (Mickael Barzalona, Bhupat Seemar); Charge It (Luis Saez, Todd Pletcher); Happy Jack (Rafael Bejarano, Doug O’Neill).

[Kasept]

LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE


COCKTAIL MOMENTS – Dixiana Farms’ Cocktail Moments, runner-up in the Ashland (GI) in her most recent start, galloped during the special Derby/Oaks training window from 7:30-7:45 for trainer Kenny McPeek.


GODDESS OF FIRE, NEST, SHAHAMA – Trainer Todd Pletcher’s trio of Kentucky Oaks hopefuls all galloped 1 3/8 miles Monday morning.

Red Oak Stable’s Goddess of Fire, runner-up in the Rachel Alexandra (GII) and Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) in her past two starts, was partnered by Humberto Zamora. Pletcher said John Velazquez would have the Oaks mount.

Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House’s Nest, winner of the Ashland (GI) in her most recent start, was partnered by Nora McCormack. Irad Ortiz Jr., who has ridden Nest in all four of her victories, has the Oaks mount.

KHK Racing’s undefeated Shahama had Zamora aboard for her morning exercise. Flavien Prat has the Oaks mount.


HIDDEN CONNECTION – Hidden Brook Farm and Black Type Thoroughbreds’ Hidden Connection had an easy one mile jog Monday around 5:30 a.m.


NOSTALGIC – Godolphin’s Nostalgic had a 1 ½-mile gallop Monday morning with veteran exercise rider Penny Gardiner in the saddle.

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott was in attendance Monday and accompanied his 3-year-old filly on the pony.


SECRET OATH – Briland Farm’s top Longines Kentucky Oaks contender Secret Oath worked a sharp six-furlong move in 1:13 early Monday morning.

Secret Oath, with jockey Luis Saez in the saddle, began her three-quarters of a mile work from the 5 ½-furlong marker and completed the move 1/16 mile past the wire.

“It was a big plus with the five-week break since the Arkansas Derby,” Lukas said. “We took our shot in the Arkansas Derby and it didn’t quite work out but we’re really excited to get to run her in this year’s Oaks.”

Lukas has won the Oaks four times but has not run in the race since Colonial Empress’ 11th-place finish in 2012. His most recent victory in the Oaks was in 1990 with Overbrook Farm’s Seaside Attraction.


TURNERLOOSE – Ike and Dawn Thrash’s Turnerloose had an easy morning of training with a one-mile jog under Edvin Vargas.


SHAPING UP: THE KENTUCKY OAKS – Here’s the Top 14 horses on the leaderboard for the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) (with jockey and trainer):

Kathleen O. (Javier Castellano, Shug McGaughey);
Echo Zulu (Joel Rosario, Steve Asmussen);
Nest (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher);
Yuugiri (Florent Geroux, Rodolphe Brisset);
Desert Dawn (Umberto Rispoli, Phil D’Amato);
Nostalgic (Jose Ortiz, Bill Mott);
Venti Valentine (Tyler Gaffalione, Jorge Abreu);
Secret Oath (Luis Saez, Wayne Lukas);
Goddess of Fire (John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher);
Turnerloose (TBA, Brad Cox);
Hidden Connection (Reylu Gutierrez, Bret Calhoun);
Cocktail Moments (Corey Lanerie, Kenny McPeek);
Candy Raid (Rafael Bejarano, Keith Desormeaux);
Shahama (Flavien Prat, Todd Pletcher).